No matter which country, state, or city you live in, many may be
experiencing hard economic times. Experts report that things are
expected to get worse before they get better. With many struggling to
put food on the family tables or clothes on their backs, they are
putting more thought into how they can still enjoy their hobbies without
spending their life savings. If sewing or crafting is your hobby and
you find that fabric and notions are quite expensive, here are a few
tips and pointers that will ease the burden on the pocketbook.
1.
Recycle. Before throwing out clothes that are too small, showing signs
of wear, or aren't the latest style, think about how you can repurpose
the item. Zippers, buttons, and elastic can all be used again and may be
just the perfect match for future endeavors.
2. Use up what you
have. Most people who sew have accumulated fabrics over time through bargains,
coupons, or the fabric that you just couldn't live without. Dig through
your stash and revive those fabrics, patterns, and pattern books that
have been accumulating dust and use this opportunity to be creative.
3.
Take advantage of bargains and coupons from sewing centers and websites
to purchase patterns and designs that you have been eyeing for months.
Check the clearance corners for phenomenal deals on fabrics and other
items. Thrift stores, garage sales and exchanging with friends can turn
up fabulous sewing finds. However, thread is something that you will
want to pass on at garage sales or thrift stores, as thread weakens over
time and will not produce quality stitches.
4. Freebies. Free
items are always the best! The internet is a treasure trove of free
patterns and tutorials. You just need to be willing to hunt and search
for them. Pinterest is the latest and greatest site to find ideas,
patterns, tutorials and numerous other visions.
5. Used sewing
machines are a great way to get started. You don't need a machine that
costs more than your car until you see if you enjoy the hobby and are
creative and capable to follow-through and finish projects. You may lose
interest which also means your investment is lost. The more simple the
machine, the less to break or go wrong. And simple machines can last for
many years.
6. Do your own alterations. Simple alterations can
make ready-to-wear clothing fit much better by adding simple darts and
seams to blouses, dresses, and pants. Hemming pants or making simple
dresses can be very beneficial to a budget. Introducing the craft of
sewing at a young age can also be advantageous because there is less
intimidation of a sewing machine and a sense of accomplishment when your
project is complete boosts self-esteem.
7. Be resourceful. Thrift
stores are phenomenal sources for fabric. For instance, menswear has
become a huge trend in home décor items. Items such as a plain or
pinstripe men's shirts can be made into a cute throw pillow or a white
canvas crafted into a couch slipcover. Buttons and zippers can be
removed from old clothing to save on the cost of sewing notions. Bed
sheets can be used for pattern making, and oftentimes garage sales have
bags of fabric and other items for a few dollars.
8. Enroll in
sewing classes, tutorials, or teach yourself. Many sewing centers offer
classes for all levels and often give discounted rates with the purchase
of a sewing machine. It is important, however, to remember that there
are many free online sewing tutorials to view. Once you learn the
basics, you may be able to teach yourself.
9. Buy basic and
embellish. Buy a simple shirt at your discount store and embellish to
fit with the times. Beads, buttons, and ribbons can do wonders in making
something look flashy, classy and up-to-date.
10. Sew your basic
needs. We all need a few basic accessories such as scarves, hats,
towels, blankets, and mittens. If you find discounted fabric, you can
make a blanket in 15 minutes or less and, if the fabric is durable and
of good quality, it will last for many years. Make up some items to give
as gifts or re-engineer some older stained shirts or jeans into a
t-shirt or blue jean quilt and gift it as something they will treasure
and use for many years to come.
So, instead of always stepping out
for retail therapy, try a creative, crafty therapy instead. Create your
own clothes or household items. Buy from thrift stores and make an old
drab shirt come to life again, or snip and stitch for an afternoon and
make up some Christmas gifts for your sister-in-law, mother, husband, or
kids.
It's a tough world out there and a penny saved is a penny
earned. As an alternative to spending your afternoon shopping at the Gap
for the perfect color of a t-shirt, reclaim your fabrics,
fashion-forward and embellish your garments for the latest retro fit and
design. You'll be glad you did and you'll save money while you energize
yourself with some creative juices. Who can argue with that?
FabricFast.com is an online fabric store featuring collections of
quilting fabric, flannel fabric, specialty fabric, notions and batting.
Library book sales are an awesome place to get some great books to read. I found this gem today...Better Off: Flipping the Switch on Technology (P.S.)
When you are off-grid, or camping, or planning on how you will cook after SHTF, you have to have a good book that has camping recipes and how to cook with no power. You have to get 
