Sewing on a Budget

It was May 2009 and we were in the midst of a recession – a terrible time to be a recent college graduate, and looking for work.  Five months earlier, I’d graduated from the University of Oregon, hopeful that I’d find a full time job. Instead I found myself without said job and with lots of spare time. To fill the excess free time I had, I learned to sew. But, because I did not have a steady income, I had to learn to sew on a budget.

My first sewing project was a collection of mixed-matched pillows that I hoped would add some life to an uninspiring tan sofa. After much consideration, I decided I would make four standard square pillows – this would eliminate the need to buy a pattern. And, to keep the cost of fabric down, I selected fabrics from the discounted aisle. Most fabric stores, including Jo-Ann’s Fabrics have a discounted section, which is a great place to find fun designs at bargain prices. The lower priced fabrics are the way to go, especially if you’re a beginner sewer – if you make any mistakes, you won’t feel nearly as bad if you’ve spent only $2 a yard for your fabric opposed to say $16 a yard.

While I enjoy sewing for the home, my real passion is sewing clothing – particularly skirts and dresses. My second sewing project was an orange vintage-looking dress that dipped low in the back, finished with a brown sash. 

The pattern I chose was Butterick Fashion Express 1 Hour Pattern (B5100) – although it took me more than an hour. The pattern came with six variations of a tunic, dress and belt. And, after I made a dress, I reused the pattern and made a long tunic with an over-sized cowl neck. But back to the dress. 

The pattern for the dress was an easy start, no pockets, no zippers, nothing fancy. Choosing a simple, yet stylish, pattern also helped keep the cost of the dress down, because I didn’t need to purchase any notions (zippers, buttons, etc.). But because the dress was simple, I added a little extra detail of my own. I sewed two brown circles on the lower left front and used the same brown fabric for a sash. Because the dress is so loose, the sash helps accent the figure. After sewing the very last stitches of my hem, I tried on the dress – it fit! 

Three months later I got a job. And although I now have a more steady income, I still like a good deal when I visit the fabric store. I hope you’ll stay tuned for more tips on how to sew on a budget!

Thank you for visiting A Life Inspired.

Natalie

“The most creative spaces are those which hurl us together. It is the human friction that makes us spark” – Anonymous on collaborating with others.