Have you ever tried sewing your own clothes?
By suedarr
@suedarr (2382)
Canada
January 11, 2007 3:26pm CST
I have thought about this lately as an interesting hobby. My Mom used to sew outfits for us as kids and created some really cute dresses when my kids were small. Just curious if others on Mylot do this and if they have any tips for newbies or recommend a good affordable sewing machine? Cheers!
4 responses
@organicclothes (12)
• United States
12 Jan 07
A lot of fabric stores will host sewing classes or even simple open sews, where an employee or the owner will be available to help people out.
My own sewing skill isn't great, but I can still manage to make my kids halloween costumes and an occasional garment. So long as you look at it as an interesting hobby, and don't put pressure on yourself to create what they are desperately needing in their wardrobes : ) I think you'll have fun and get a lot of satisfaction out of it. Myself, I love being able to give my kids things made with organic cotton or hemp. I once made an organic cotton Batman costume : ) It was a lot of fun, my son loved it, and I didn't have to watch him wrap himself up in a polyester cape!
A bit off topic, but I have to comment about the low cost of clothing mentioned in the above posts. A lot of super inexpensive clothing is produced oversees, in China and elsewhere, often by workers who are poorly paid in working conditions that are less than humane. These poorly treated worker include children, hours are long, sanitation is lacking, the list goes on. Before we buy textiles with low pricetags, we need to consider just how high the price may actually be.
www.coopamerica.org/programs/sweatshops
@ScarletAlston (2693)
• United States
11 Jan 07
I don't even know much about sewing machines..the first time I used one, it was a disaster..I tried to make something that was supposed to be like a sundress..but it came out more like a crooked, odd-shaped nightgown..it was awful!!
1 person likes this
@wolflvr (335)
• United States
11 Jan 07
My mother used to sew clothes for me when I was younger. Now it just seems cheaper at least where I live to buy premade clothes. I do sew my son's Halloween costumes. As far as what to buy for a sewing machine if you are just sewing clothes you don't have to go too crazy with the features. There are only so many stitches you can use.
1 person likes this