Sewing for Savings

by Andrea Hermitt | More from this Blogger

12 Jun 2009 03:33 PM

Creative Commons image by by zizzybaloobah/flickr

There was a time when a woman wishing to save money could use her skills to make her own clothes instead of paying designer prices. Somewhere along the way, sewing became a mere hobby as clothing got cheaper, and fabric and patterns became more expensive. Therefore, technically it is cheaper to purchase clothing from stores, especially on sale, than to try your hand at sewing.

Personally, the last time I sewed an outfit was when I was pregnant with my daughter. Maternity clothes cost a fortune, so I got some dollar fabric, and one pattern, and made the same dress in a few different colors. While this is a very effective way to save money, this is not the kind of sewing I am talking about. The best way, in my estimation to save money on fashionable clothes is to alter and repurpose what you own.

To do this you need basic sewing skills. You must be able to use a sewing machine. You must also know how to take in items and to hem. You don't need to know how to put in a zipper or make button holes, or any of the other advanced sewing skills.

To refresh your wardrobe through sewing, you only need to go into your closet and try on all of your clothes. If an item does not fit, or if it is one of your least favorite pieces, it could use some alterations. Here are some suggestions.

• Shorten a skirt that is too long
• Turn a pair of pants that is too short into Capris or shorts
• Turn a long sleeve shirt into short sleeves
• Turn a t-shirt into a summer dress by adding coordinating fabric to the bottom
• Add fabric to the bottom of a denim or khaki to make it longer
• Sew fun patches on kids clothes that have stains or rips.
• Turn formal clothing such as bridesmaid dresses into cocktail dresses
• You can cut old clothing that you no longer want into squares to make quilts.

Read: How to Save Money On Your Maternity Wardrobe (and still look great!)

Finding Inexpensive Clothes for Slightly Older Kids

Where to Find Inexpensive Clothes for Slightly Older Kids

Tips for organizing your closet

If you liked this you should also read my blogs at the home blog, the parents blog, and the frugal blog. You can read my recent posts here.

Learn more about Andrea Hermitt

Andrea Hermitt is a native New Yorker currently residing in GA. She has been married for over 16 years and has two teenage children.

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