crafty frugal? - Page 2

[opally]

Another pair from the same seller - these look just fabulous, and I don't think they'd be that hard to do. Really, really inspirational !

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...717637364&rd=1

[Persephone]

Eep! I didn't mean to make you feel bad! Honestly, those are a lil *too* done for my tastes. I'd rather have one with one or two appliques on them.

I don't know how to do applique either, but I love the look so much, I've got to learn. I can't imagine it would be too difficult.

[KariM]

We're absolutely crafty in order to be frugal (and also because it's fun to be creative).

I love sewing for DD because I get to select the fabrics and styles and don't have to rely upon what some clothing buyer decided is trendy this year.

I do all of our family's alterations and have saved over $100 last year in what we would have paid a tailor to shorten slacks.

One of my favorite pasttimes is buying used clothing that needs simple repairs or alterations. At garage sales it's often practically given away for nothing when the owner doesn't know how to repair it.

I sew all of our curtains and other window treatments. Am planning duvet covers for DD's bed (she doesn't need them for a while yet).

I do simple upholstery (chair and footstool covers so far).

Basically if it's something that can be learned, we'll give it a go in order to avoid paying someone else to do it or make it.

--Kari


Oh, I also forgot that often the quality of the work is better than we could afford if we bought the item manufactured!

[indiana ima]

thanks for the ebay links. some of those i think i could imitate. maybe i'll give it a try!

[cozymama]

I also sew ALOT of stuff to save money.......

Unfortunately the patchy market on ebay is terrible I've been selling homemade stuff there for years and it just gets worse- beautiful stuff sold cheap b/c no one bids and CRAP, I mean terribly made stuff, from single-stitched walmart fabric, for a hefty price Lately I've noticed people sticking "boutique" in front of a listing to make it sound like it's worth more I've done alot of selling to actual brick-and-mortar stores and do much better there.

Be careful with appliquing- it's VERY addicitive......... :LOL

[Mama2ElijahNRiley]

Originally Posted by jlazx2

I read on another board or book that sewing is no longer frugal becasue of the clothign is so cheap to buy or to find in thrift stores. But, projects using what you have already or finding fabric cheap is very earth friendly IMHO.

it just depends really.. some things like play clothes for my boys are cheaper to buy at the Goodwill or thrift stores, but cute things like applique overalls or outfits that are designed to their measurements and with things like extra hems to let out as they grow.. those are a lot cheaper to make. If you know how to sew, it's easy to build in things that will let you get a lot more use out of clothes you make (especially for kids!)

See if this link works:
http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-cra...96school4.html

[Mama2ElijahNRiley]

There are downloadable lessons on the 'net. It's a lot easier than you think... especially if you start out making basic things and introducing one new skill at a time (like zippers, buttonholes, etc.)

[Mama2ElijahNRiley]

I know this wasn't directed to me, but here's an example of the ones I made for my sons. They are a "clamdigger" capri-type length.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...q&x=0&y=43jrq7

[Mama2ElijahNRiley]

Originally Posted by Persephone

Well, it's not Ebay, but this is what I was imagining when you were talking about the overalls: http://www.laniepaige.com/store/WsDe...at=InfantGirls

I have this website saved as inspiration.

Do you know how to applique? Those would be easy to make. The reason is because the applique shapes are large and with relatively few tight curves. Those shapes are easiest, IMHO, to applique. The letters on the back would be harder. I'm not real good in tight spaces yet. :-)

[Mama2ElijahNRiley]

Originally Posted by Bekka

I also want to make matching pants and t shirts with appliques. I've got lots of ideas, and my house is suffering! :LOL

Oh my goodness I had to clean out my Hope chest in my bedroom just to have a place to put all my fabric! LOL I have about 20 different projects in a list in my head. and yet I keep buying fabric... Hancock's is having a 99c pattern sale this weekend too!

[indiana ima]

Originally Posted by lilhomegrownmama

Unfortunately the patchy market on ebay is terrible
. . .
I've done alot of selling to actual brick-and-mortar stores and do much better there.

it's a pity i wouldn't be able to sell on ebay. how do you go about selling to brick and mortar stores? do you stop by unannounced with several samples of your work? do you send in a resume with photos?

also, do you sell stuff to them and let them deal with it, or do you let them take special orders for you?

maybe i could make a little cash and have fun at the same time!

[CerridwenLorelei]

I am soo not a seamstress but dh taught me

how to do the running stitch and hem stitch ( hand sew) and I have been turning the towels that 'die' as body towels into hand towels and washrags..

Not the prettiest hems on the block but hey they are
1) reuse of the reuse, reduce, recycle
2) Functional
3) saves me from spending money on new ones at the store
4) gives me more practice