Save money by learning to sew

Is it really possible to save money by learning to sew? Yes. If you learn to sew, you open up a whole new world of possibilities for saving money.

I found that often times the fabric costs more than the item purchased at a store new. However you can find fabric on sale if you follow the ads, you can also find fabric on craigslist, and at the second hand. I just went on craigslist and found lots of fabric ranging from less than $2.00 per yard and up, some were even offering a certain amount if you buy the whole lot.

I made may own wedding dress out of white eyelet fabric in tiers with blue ribbon weaved into each tier. It was beautiful (I thought so). I have also made many articles of clothing for my children.

I am reminded of the "Sound of Music" when Maria made play clothes for the children out of the fabric from the old curtains. You too can make easy to make summer play clothes for your children from formerly used fabric as well. The small size of the kids will allow you to reuse larger pieces and cut them down to smaller sizes for the little ones.

If you learn to sew you can get crafty as well. We once had a costume party for the kids and I made all of their costumes from fabric I found at the second hand store. It was so much fun and the costumes came out great. I even made one for myself.

One of my favorite stores in Denver is Denver Fabrics, they have all of the supplies you will need to get started. If you do not have a sewing machine, then get one. You can find them used, at garage sales, or buy a new one for about $100. for a simple no frills machine. Really, for a beginner, you do not need all of the frills. You only need one that will do straight stitch and zig zag. Later as you become proficient you can upgrade.

I taught a friend o mine how to sew and she later went to Emily Griffith Opportunity School and took tailoring. She became a better seamstress than myself and even started her own business. Wow!

Speaking of school, most of the fabric stores offer some classes, of all different types. I once took a class on "Quilt in a day", and found it to be most beneficial. I made all of my children a log cabin quilt using this quilt in a day method. And I make almost all of the gifts for baby showers by making a "quilt in a day" quilt for baby. It is so easy you would be surprised, but it is also fun and satisfying to know that you made it yourself.

Learning to sew is something that will last you a lifetime, so what are you waiting for? Get sewing!

For more info: www.denverfabrics.com/