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.

Blazer, skirt, and top made by me

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

T-shirts all made by me

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

Button organization

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.

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What I Learned From Making Ottobre Magazine Pants

I want to share what I learned from making The Ottobre Magazine (Fall issue) pants. I really love the pants and the pattern isn’t terribly difficult, especially if you’ve made pants before. But there were some aspects of this I found more challenging than they needed to be.

Ottobre pants 5/2021 #17

These pants are described as wide-leg and high-waisted. They are very comfortable and really feel good when wearing. Not to mention that I simply love the style!

What I Learned

One thing that really came to mind when I got to the fly is that I need very clear instructions. The instructions are rather basic. There aren’t many detailed how-tos when constructing these. The website does have additional information. I need details. Using patterns from the “big4”, we get plenty of instruction.

I also need detailed pattern markings. When construction the fly front, I should have done my own markings. The pattern only had a few marks for this part. While I was able to put these together, it would have been better constructed had I added my own details.

What I Did

In order to compensate for the lack of instruction, I did copy some pattern instructions from a Simplicity pants pattern I had made previously.

Ottobre magazine 5/2021 #17 front
Ottobre mag 5/2021 #17 pants back

The Results

Ottobre 5/2021 pants front w/shades

What I learned from making Ottobre Magazine pants is that I may need to spend additional time to find resources that will help me in the construction. Getting a good fit for the final garment is always a goal. I am happy with the fit and how these turned out. When using magazine patterns, additional resources might be necessary. If you aren’t sure or don’t do particular techniques often, I highly recommend reading through the instructions and figuring out what else you may need for success.

This was my first time making something from this magazine, although I have a few other Ottobre magazine issues. Let me know if you’ve ever used one of these (or similar) magazine patterns.