[STARWISE]

As a devout, incorrigible and confirmed fabriholic, previously in the craft/hobby biz for years, and a sewing/crafts enthusiast, this is so smart, especially today. I'm happy to see a resurgence in sewing and even basic hemming and seam repair. Why pay someone for something so simple? I couldn't live without my machines, which are always set up and ready to go. Creativity and frugality ...it's a blast, and more and more young adults are entering the fray .. making skirts out of pillowcases, old ties and t-shirts. There's a whole new world of outside-the-box sewing and wardrobe remaking going on out there, and the youngsters are really something. I give Project Runway, etc. a lot of credit for inspiring the new interest in this fun activity.

Take a look of what the 21st century "hippies" are doing. A list of their episodes.

Craftster.org,a great gathering spot for crafty DIYers.

While top of the line absolutely amazing machines that embroider, digitize, upload designs from the internet, etc. can go for up to $10K, you can certainly get a decent starter machine for under $200, or less if you luck into one at a thrift store. There are HUGE amounts of sewing tutorials, videos, craft/sewing/quilting and supply sites, helpful tips and blog sites online, sewing/quilting/needlearts shows, crafty street fairs, to encourage and educate.

Invalid credit card bracelet

Sew fun.

[STARWISE]

~~PING!

[Publius6961]

BUMP!

[twigs]

I sewed my own clothes for many years and today, find it more expensive than buying them ready made. I shop at factory outlet type of stores and couldn’t come near buying the cloth to make them for the money I spend. There are reasons for sewing, but finding inexpensive clothing today is not one of them. If you can do fancy needlework and need it, then yes, it would be cheaper.

[ottbmare]

I hate articles like this that tell people how to save money by taking up old-fashioned skills. Long before the recession I was already doing all this stuff, so the articles offer me no ideas for savings!

[shooter223]

“Women of all backgrounds and ages” ......... not just women ....... Dad taught me upholstery starting when I was about 10 ..... started working with leather later ....... comes in handy ....... currently own 3 machines,including Dad’s old heavy duty Singer(at least 65-70 yrs old)

[Political Junkie Too]

These Texas women's "prairie look" was made fun of when their children were seized. I know they were in a polygamy cult, but they made their own clothes.

-PJ

[rbbeachkid]

Some of the video showed they were sewing purses. There is savings there but more importantly there is a lot of satifaction in making things that are nicer than you can buy.

Clothing does often cost more to make than buy but you are making what you want, with the materials you want and it will fit correctly.

Lastly, sewing in a group enviroment gives women (like the work-a-holic) opportunities to spend time talking with other women in a non-competitive venue. Something we have lost and has hurt us.

I hope sewing does have a resurgence.

[668 - Neighbor of the Beast]

I LOVE SEWING!! It’s easy, fun, creative, fulfilling, economical too. You don’t have to take classes or find a teacher (although that’s best). You can find all the lessons on youtube and a few good sites on the web.
Start on an older machine. IMO they’re more reliable and you get a better feel for what you’re doing and how the machine operates.

[Neoliberalnot]

I had a buddy forward this to my wife.

[armymarinemom]

A spot to watch like a hawk for good deals on used machines. Sew Used.

[chris_bdba]

Not a lot art here. I”m glad to see new sewers though!

[Excellence]

I used to make daughter/doll dresses. I took the pattern to a blueprint shop where they shrunk any size 2 pattern by 1/2, fitting a doll perfectly. Stuff like that is fun.

[tillacum]

EEEgads..necktie skirts? They are back? I still have mine..may have to add more neckties to make it fit. lol

[Dr.Zoidberg]

Sewing is a skill everyone should learn at an early age. By 12 I was repairing my own clothes and keeping mom off my back for tearing up “school clothes”.

[LibFreeOrDie]

I’m a lapsed seamstress and dormant doll crafter who’s planning to start sewing again as soon as I decide on a new machine. (That high-end Bernina is to die for!)

The problem here in New England is that the best fabric stores have gone out of business. Yes, there are a lot of craft/quilt fabric shops, but no high-end apparel fabric.

Shopping for fabric from an online store leaves a lot to be desired.

But I continue to buy patterns, just in case I find the perfect fabric!

[Glenn]

"I don't cook. I don't clean. I just work."

Another Drama Queen.