I was showing off my new skirt to Honey the other day, a cute little jersey number I picked up at Target, and he asked me, “Couldn’t you make that?”
“Well, yeah, but not for $13,” I replied.
The cost savings of sewing one’s clothes has lured many an individual to invest in the hobby. Of course, it doesn’t take long to figure out the budget savior isn’t what it appears to be. Major discount retailers are able to mass produce and distribute clothing so inexpensively that it’s nearly impossible to make something yourself for less. I can and do make T-shirts for my daughter but I can buy them on sale at Old Navy for much, much less. And there’s no way I could make something for my sons that could come close to matching retail prices, simply because it would take me hours and hours to make the jeans and cargo pants they love.
That’s not to say you can’t save money by sewing. I have a rather embarrassing love of boutique children’s clothes. Sewing for my daughter is a huge cost savings, and I have the added bonus of being able to sew things that fit her skinny little self where off-the-rack clothing often is too baggy or too long. And I find that I do save money because I’m much more particular about what I buy since I won’t spend money on something if I can sew a similar garment. (My husband would argue there is no savings, since I buy so much fabric, but it’s my blog and he doesn’t get a say.
26 August, 10:40 pm
My MIL used to sew all my hubby’s clothes when he was little but back then it was cheaper. I would love to sew more of our clothes, but due to cost I often don’t. It is sad and wish it wasn’t so.
26 August, 10:51 pm
It really is amazing how the price can add up. I can buy a tee for $3-$5 — I can’t sew it for that price. So I pick and choose. And sometimes I sew a T-shirt because I want it a certain way, but never because I’m saving money.
27 August, 2:27 am
When I sew I don’t think about the savings aspect. For me the allure of sewing something is that it’s original. No one will have it exactly in the same fabric and same pattern I’m using. And if they did and they were standing next to me…spooky!!
And I’m going to have to try out that email responder. I like the idea. Now I just need to find something that will allow me to limit my main page posts but list my entire monthly posts. I like how Typepad does their monthly navigation. It irks me that when I’m going through my archives I have to push next page.
27 August, 6:25 am
I really like that aspect of it, too. And, yeah, it’d be pretty freaky to end up standing next to someone in the same handmade clothes!
I like the responder but I do wish I could do the “nesting” replies. I can’t always respond right after a comment is made and I’m not crazy about having five of my comments in a row.
27 August, 8:23 am
I really do wish it were more inexpensive to sew–if I could justify the cost of all of the fabrics to my husband my stash would take over my home!
I did recently hit up a Jo-ann’s at their remodel sale and scored some great fabrics from $.50 to $3.00 a yard–and I stocked up! Holiday dresses are one thing that I just can’t pass up–I HAVE to make those for the kids! And you know, the typical first day back to school outfits, etc…
27 August, 8:54 am
Ooooh, I love a good sale! That’s awesome, Heather. Although that’s also how I ended up with about 20 yards of corduroy. LOL!
27 August, 8:54 am
You’re right, it isn’t cost productive all the time. I am going to keep making skirts for the girls (and myself) but I think I’ll buy shirts for the upcoming school year for now. A sale at Old Navy or The Gap is way cheaper than me buying fabric and making them shirts.
I also love the e-mail responder. Wonder if I can find one for blogger…
Beths last blog post..Mailed!
27 August, 8:55 am
All, I have to say is AMEN!
stephanies last blog post..The Princess and the Pea
27 August, 8:55 am
Beth, I bet there is one for Blogger, although I have no idea where to look.
27 August, 8:55 am
Ain’t that the truth, Steph! LOL!
27 August, 9:08 am
The draw for me really is more that sewing means that I have garments that no one else has. But I’ve also gotten into the clothing reconstruction thing over the last few years, and that’s helped me to save a good bit of money since my materials are picked up from my closet or the thrift store!
27 August, 10:22 am
I’m intrigued by clothing reconstruction and keep meaning to try it but never do. And I really don’t have a good reason why not.
27 August, 3:27 pm
Oh, I think my GG would agree with you…she sewed all the clothes for the family because it WAS such a huge savings…but now? I was at Anthropologie trying on a dress ON SALE for $49.00 that was made from Marimeko fabric that would have cost me double that just to get the fabric…totally nuts!!
sadiras last blog post..And The Winner Is…
27 August, 3:49 pm
Wowsa! Did you snap it up? That’s a great deal.