@Penelope sounds like you’re set! I would really like to improve my tailoring skills–the better they are, the more I can do.

@Carol & Christine Yep, 100% me. Cut Micah out of it because he’s much more recognizable than my sun-washed-out profile.

@SBBS It looks like you’ve found a good tailor at least! I was impressed with the way your clothes fit. I once talked to a store tailor and he said that if you look hard enough, you can find tailoring lessons.

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This was our first time sewing something so big and we didn’t yet have a sewing machine. It took all week and I was up till 3AM the night before just hemming the it, but it turned out so good and we’d had so much fun that we soon got a sewing machine and started making all sorts of stuff for ourselves – bags, book covers, tops, skirts, dresses, pillows, curtains, etc. (A few years later, we started a pet and horse costuming business because my sister had gotten really good at drafting patterns and sewing.)

Sewing really is a valuable and frugal hobby that can save you a lot of money. You can make a top or skirt for as little as $1 if you know where to get fabric, and you can also mend and patch things like bed linens and curtains instead of having to replace them when they get a torn or worn.

We wrote a post last year where we posted pictures of a few items of clothing we designed and made for just $1 – $2 a piece. I hope you don’t mind my sharing: Sewing: A Frugal and Fulfilling Hobby

@SavingDiva It isn’t very hard to learn to sew and you can easily find a good sewing machine for around $100 these days. You don’t need one with 117 stitch functions to be able to sew your own clothes. Just a good machine with a few basic stitches and functions will do.

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@Small Steps As others have recommended, I’d look at stores that sell sewing machines if they have classes on using the machines, or beginner’s classes. Kids’ classes can also work, if you’re not intimidated by the company. Sometimes libraries also have handy books in the 646 section (Dewey Decimal #).

@Frugal Urbanite I bought a used serger from my SIL’s mom and it was a great purchase! As you say, it’s not just for alterations–it can really extend the life of clothes.

@Dog Ate My Finances amen and amen! When Micah bought his suits, they had an in-store tailor who measured him up and worked a couple wonders. I don’t have any real suits right now, but when I acquire them I plan to visit a tailor because I do not have an off-the-rack body and I’m a bit intimidated by sewing expensive clothes.

@Dawn It’s quite possible one of your coworkers will be willing to teach you too. I’ve helped a few people get started–it’s fun to share the creativity.

@Amanda That’s a great gift! Baby clothes can be hard to tackle because they’re so small, but you might be able to make a few cotton sundresses when Haleigh is a toddler. Sleeveless stuff is normally easier (at least when it’s small).

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