8 Ways To Inflation Proof Your Sewing

I decided to write this because it’s been something that’s been on my mind for quite some time. I’m always looking for ways to save some money. But I also want to be able to continue to do what I love. So in this article, I’m going to give you 8 ways to inflation proof your sewing. In this article I’m expanding on my video in which I give you 5 ways to inflation proof your sewing (the video will be uploaded over the weekend).

Tip #1

Sew your wardrobe essentials.

In this way, you can see what you already have and fill in those wardrobe gaps you might have. Whatever those essentials are is up to you. After all, it’s your wardrobe.

Tip #2

Use what you’ve got.

By using what you already have, nothing should go to waste.

plan projects based on the fabric you have
use those notions you have, which we sometimes forget about (zippers, buttons, elastic, etc)

Tip #3

What can you make with the patterns you have?

I have bought a few patterns lately, but not many. I have been more determined to use the vast collection of sewing patterns I currently own. And as we all know, many older patterns aren’t out of style. In fact, so many patterns have been repackaged and renumbered lately!

Tip #4

Sew wardrobe-builder pieces

It’s possible to focus your sewing on those pieces that you can get the most use out of. That can be things like:

T shirts/tops
Jeans/dress pants
Dresses/skirts
Jackets/blazers

I don’t think you can have too many basics because those are the pieces that can go from day to night or casual to dressy.

Tip #5

Think outside the box

Think of what you want to wear and create a unique wardrobe for yourself. Since you are already creative, use that to cultivate your own style. Remember, you don’t have to be like anyone else. Just be you!

Tip #6

Thrift stores

While a lot of people think of thrift stores for sewing patterns, I have shopped them a little differently. These are great places to get large sheets that can be used as fabric for making a muslin or mock-up. I have also bought men’s shirts for a few dollars that I used strictly for the buttons.

Tip #7

Organize

One of the ways many of us waste money is that we are buying things we already have because we can’t find something. If you can organize your supplies, that can save you from repurchasing those notions, etc that you need for a project.

Hanging jewelry organizer

And the last tip in my list of 8 ways to inflation proof your sewing is…

Tip #8

Make a list

Personally, I use a whiteboard on the wall of my sewing room to jot down things like thread colors (by manufacturer and color number) I’m running out of. Or if you don’t have that, a simple piece of paper will do just as well. It’s also a good idea to keep that list on your phone as well. If you find ourself at the store and want to get those list items, having it on your phone is a great idea.

Small white board

So those are my ways to save some money while still doing the thing I love to do. Many of these tips will also work for other types of crafting, or just life in general. Let me know in the comments if you have other ways of saving.

*This post contains affiliate links

McCall’s 6796 Made With Minerva

This is an out-of-print pattern, but it is such a classic style. This is the second time I’ve made this sweater and I just enjoy it so much. For this version, I made McCall’s 6796 with Minerva fabric that I was gifted.

This is a slub sweater knit in burnt orange. Here’s a link the fabric if you’re interested. The fact that this material is lightweight and orange, reminded me of the cover photo on the pattern envelope. With that in mind, I figured that these two would be a good match.

I did not add buttons to this sweater because I wanted this to have a more casual look. This fabric is soft and comfortable.

Because the fabric is light and somewhat sheer, I would line it if I were to use it for a dress or skirt.

This color is definitely the bright spot I needed in my life! While many people are afraid to sew with knits, I LOVE having a knit memade wardrobe. The comfort and ease of care is almost unmatched. And, you can find a knit for almost any occasion. I have found that most knit fabrics are very easy to sew.

The exception to that might be some of the more “slippery” knit fabrics.

This is the previous sweater and blog post I made using this pattern…

Woman wearing orange sweater made with M6796

I hope you will give this pattern a try if you have it. It’s a lovely classic style and quite versatile.

How To Improve Productivity When Sewing

This is about how to improve your productivity when sewing. Some of you may have seen a post I wrote that was featured on the SewOver50 Instagram site (here). But in this post I wanted give a few more details about how I use the “10-20-30 Minutes to Sew” method and “The Busy Woman’s Sewing Guide” method popularized by Nancy Zieman.

I started this process several years ago when I worked full-time and my husband and I were parents to two young kids. That was back in the late 80’s, early 90’s. Now my kids are grown and my husband and I are empty-nesters, but I still use the same process.

My most important quick tips:

I start with the premise that every step forward is progress. If you only have time to change the machine thread so it matches your next project, you’ve made progress.
But before that, I organize. I keep my pattern, any notions and fabric in large Ziploc bags. It helps to keep things in clear containers or bags so I know what’s inside and I don’t have to guess.
Stock up on essentials. In the book, Nancy talks about interfacing and thread. I have also stocked up on fabric and zippers. With the Covid-19 pandemic in full effect and not having the ability or desire to go to the store, I have realized I have more than enough to get me through a pandemic! And, I probably have enough to get through another one if need be.
You can read through the instructions (at least halfway) in order to determine good stopping points. I don’t do this as often as I used to. Since I now have my own sewing space, I don’t have to clean up for us to use the table for dinner. But there are some things I like to do when I’m fresh (ex. putting in zippers or making buttonholes).
Change the order of your sewing in order to save time. I do this often depending, of course, on what I’m making.

Sometimes getting something done boils down to getting started. That sounds simple but it’s not always easy. There may not be the “perfect” fabric or the “perfect” pattern for a project. But there are always some really good options. Make the decision and stop second guessing. I tell myself this all the time.

Just get started!

Spend your time on the things that really matter. In sewing, that would be making a tailored jacket, for example. That’s something that I know going in is going to take more time, so I have to be willing to spend that time to do a good job. I actually go into those types of projects with the idea that it’s going to be a “slow sewing” process, so I’ll enjoy it. So, if you have limited sewing time, know where you need to allocate the most time in order to not just get a garment completed, but completed well.

Sew multiple projects with the same colors when possible.

Other things that help me to save a bit of time are sewing in the same color family. If you can make to dark blue garments one after the other, then you shouldn’t need to rethread your machine. Many people cut out multiples of the same pattern. I might do that but not at the same time. I’ll make one, then I’ll make another of whatever color. I’ll do this before I put the pattern away. It’s easy to make another while the pattern’s already out.

And finally, just as the books say, I always advocate for buying the best you can afford. That means having the best quality fabric and thread, etc. that you can. It doesn’t matter if I’m just making a T-shirt, I still care about the quality and construction of the garment. I have clothes that I’ve made that have survived years of wear and washes.

So, be encouraged and just keep going… or keep sewing.