I met a woman at a thrift store once. She had an arm load of beautiful clothes, all different sizes. I asked her what she planned to do. She told me she was a sewer and made her clothes from clothes. The fabrics were beautiful. I wish I could have seen the finished products. I enjoy your videos. Thank you
Bonjour Judy, merci de partager avec nous ce moyen de recycler et d’économiser du tissu. C’est vraiment une superbe idée. Je vais la mettre en œuvre. Amitiés de France 🥰
I wanted to address those of us who have had a fabric collection problem. I used to say, "My husband, let's me have all the fabric I can hide." But when we moved to a much smaller house 6 years ago, I realized I had been hiding a lot of fabric. I would buy more for each project and then grab some for future projects. I used the large Rubbermaid tubs and found out I had 23 full, pluse extra fabric that didn't fit. Now, I was too overwhelmed to even try to use it. I did two things. I made 3 piles. 1. What I love, or know my grands would really like. 2. Hideous, I can't believe I bought this fabric. 3. Nice fabric that isn't my favorite, but my young sewing friends might like. I then called those who I thought could use some fabric and let them "shop" my fabric stash from piles 2 and 3. Funny when the piles were all messy they took more. Then with what remained after 2 weeks, I found a local 4H group that was working on sewing skills. And I gave them all that was left. The 2nd thing I did. I filled one tub with my absolute favorite fabrics and put the rest away. I sewed from that tub and rarely bought any fabric. As it got low, I would go through other tubs and fill up my working tub again. That way, I always had a selection, and I was reminded of what was in my stash. It has been 6 years, and I am down to 4 tubs of fabric. The stash is not so overwhelming now. Hope this helps someone.
Great advice! I do not sew garments, but quilt. Every bit of this information is applicable, starting with “Why?” My quilting friend and I both realized after some great hauls from estate sales that we are overwhelmed with fabrics and are now downsizing our stashes. I keep trying to tell myself that owning the fabric should not cause me any discomfort because I do a lot of charity quilts - but it does! I think it saps creativity and makes me feel obligated to churn out quilts faster. It is supposed to be a hobby, not a production cycle. I am sure the charity sewing groups in town would love to have free fabric so I am working on culling mine out for donation.
Yes, Knowing how to lay out the pattern in the most optimal way helps with the cost. A lot of times, I can save on fabric just with how I lay it out. Even when cutting on the fold because you do not have to fold the entire fabric in half. Only fold what's needed.
100% sewing what I have in 2024! I have stopped watching fabric and pattern hauls too, hahaha. I almost find it irritating that people keep posting haul after haul, but very few makes? I took the time to inventory my patterns and fabric and like you said, I have enough to sew for a while. Also realizing most patterns fall within a few variations, and for me it's easier to hack a pattern I already know fits well (plus I already know how the style works for me). One thing I must avoid is shopping for fabric online, as half my stash is made up of cuts that were not exactly what I was hoping for. I am ambitiously hoping to make 24 garments in 2024! By then I will have gotten my stash down significantly 😊
I have the same book 😊 and I also bought it second hand. I love to watch fabric hauls, but just for an inspiration or when I'm ordering from a new place and need to see the quality of the fabrics. I'm definitely guilty of "let me buy these zippers on special so i can save money" 😆 and "just in case", guess what, "just in case" usually never come 😆.
Thank you so much for encouraging us to flip our own wardrobe! In the last couple of years, my health has changed so that I am now connected to an I.V. through a port-a-cath in my chest, 24 hours each day. So now I need a skirt and blouse to let the tubing out under the blouse, and a pocket to put the rolled up length of tubing into. I took your advice to restructure my old one piece dresses into a skirt here and a blouse there. So empowering to do that and gain some control over how my life has changed! :) Thank you, again, Alisa❤.
This is so timely for me! My mom is now in memory care plus has gone done 2 sizes in clothing. My sister and I just went through all her clothes, choosing some for ourselves but most were slated for Goodwill until we both realized how many we could use as fabric! We then went through the piles again and now both of us have plans for projects that will have special meaning for us as we repurpose some of her beloved outfits. A little bright spot in a very sad situation.
You are sooo right, Alisa ! Fabric buying becomes an obsession that soon runs out of control. It takes the joy out of sewing for me and I’m actively working on reducing/eliminating my stash. I’ve stopped watching any RUclips videos that have fabric hauls. I want the actual space and head space to create and sew - not just store fabrics. Being honest with myself was the very first step. Thank you so much for this vlog and all the other tips you share. You’re an inspiration 😄
Thank you so much for this content, which is getting more relevant as time goes on. The only thing I can add to it is getting fabric at thrift stores in the form of larger clothes can be helpful. You can find some superior fabric for far less than it would cost at a sewing store, though you still need to be judicious in your decision. Thank you again for sharing your insights and enthusiasm.
I have been making an annual list of what I want to make in a year to use the stash I have. This has greatly reduced my fabric stash, has brought me joy in my makes and gifting them. Surprisingly it took away the feeling I had that there was so much to make and I only had limited time. When I review the list at the end of the year, I feel great and have a more organized sewing area. Of course I get the urge to purchase during the year. However, my plan helps me make an informed choice vs an impulsive purchase. I so enjoy your channel.
Buying less fabric and having a closer look at what i already have has saved me sooooo much money. As a matter of fact i have developed a useful habit of picking 10 different calling my name fabrics from my stash and putting it nicely somewhere i can always see. Usually i would do that at the beginning of every season. And i know that probably not all of it is going to be used, but still i would use most of it, and the rest can go back to the stash at the beginning of the next season and wait for its turn next year. And so on and on.
Absolutely love this! You know how they say "out sight and out of mind", so with your stash you are doing exactly the opposite, bringing it out and using it, which is what fabric is created for. Love it!
Charity shops are my favourite resource. I've purchased sewing patterns, brand new and current, for 50c to $1 as well as new fabrics for as little as $4 to $8 for several metres of fabric. Items of clothing can always be a great purchase to cut up and reuse the fabric. Recently I purchased a gorgeous brand new rayon viscose maxi dress for $5 that I wil seldom wear but I will cut up to make a blouse. Last week I cut up a rayon viscose skirt and made a lovely, flowing, loose summer camisole, total cost $5. Sewing can be as economical or as expensive as we make it. Love your tips.❤
Super advice! Getting realistic about what I actually wear, pattern hacking and staying off social media (fabric hauls, etc) are points that really resonate with me. Thank you! 💜
I have so many crafty friends who share their stashes when they cut them back each year😅 We could have our own 'cookie swap' type party with material & notions 😅
As always fantastic video Alisa. I am guilty as charge in relation to collecting too much fabric (you know how much I love my fabrics). I do sew a lot and i do not buy ready to wear clothes or underwear almost at all so our clothing budget is minimal. my tip would be use stash hub or similar way of tracking your fabric/patterns/notions purchases. Plan seasonal capsule wardrobes and check ahead of time what your wardrobe actually needs to create outfits. Utilise free sewing patterns and tutorials. and I think also very important - have fun and enjoy yourself. Day of sewing can be more relaxing than SPA but not as expensive ;)
I have collected a sizable stash of fabric myself. In some ways that's just as relaxing to me. But I think the biggest problem is forgetting what you have. Unfortunately not all of my fabric fits on my shelves. So what I have done is group them together in 60 quart containers. I have fabric for different seasons or purposes. And I almost never buy clothing at the store.
When I learned how to make rag quilts, my friend who taught me was an upcycler. So that is how I learned to make them. Clothes and jeans and fabric either from the thrift store or from friends who are decluttering. I’ve made so many quilts and shockingly sold them! The whole upcycling thing is what makes them appealing for people who are into that type of living. It would be easier to use brand new fabric, but not nearly as rewarding, or as cheap. 🤫
I love to thrift my fabrics, trims, etc. I've never been one to follow trendy things, I sew what I like. I enjoy the hunting for deals as much as the sewing!
So, i live on a fixed income and my favorite place to get UpCycling materials is my church yard sale lol my church lets us fill those Kroger bags full of clothes for a dollar per bag and those church ladies donate some funky clothes but the fabrics their made of are FABULOUS lol
This video was really helpful! You mentioned almost all aspects I will remember them when I crave or tempt to buy more fabrics or accessories. The only thing I would like to add in places we really need a fabric but not so expensive is to buy from another country such as Turkey. I myself live in Sweden but in different occassions I traveled for other reasons but also bought some fabrics which were at least 1/3 of the price in Sweden. Happy sewing🥰
Way back in 1975 the Home Ec teacher told me my skirt wouldn’t lay right if I didn’t follow the layouts on the pattern. I may or may not have rolled my eyes and done it to save the most fabric. Turned out fine as has everything I’ve sewn before or since.
Hello there, Kat! Maybe she thought you will go off grain completely? I still follow the grain and the direction of the stretch when I cut flat, it is just more economical to cut flat.
I’m a simple sewist and realize I like the idea of buying less patterns, but tracing, hacking what I have and varying details like sleeves and hems lines. I like making my own bias tape as I get the size and choices I need. I look at my scraps differently incorporating in other garments even my quilting. I make garments with less closures which saves money. Now the challenge is to buy less fabric.😮
I just upcycled an old holiday tablecloth that was a rectangle into placemats for the now oval table I have. Even had enough to make a matching table runner.
You are wise beyond your years. These are excellent ideas, and I love how you address the ‘why’ we create. I try to keep it under control, but it’s easy to let things get out of hand. I used to sew garments, but most of my projects these days are quilts and accessories. (I recently made 80+ zip bags for gifts for my daughter’s dance group. I also make quilts for gifts, for my family, and to explore new ideas as an art outlet.) About every 4-5 years, I decide to have a year with no fabric purchases. It takes a certain mindset, but it can be fun, and it is always satisfying. (That said, the last time I was on a ‘fabric diet,’ I temporarily broke it when I found myself in the garment district of NYC and purchased several yards of fabulous fabric I would not be able to find elsewhere.) Happy New Year! Have a powerful 2024.
I tend to save all my cotton scrap fabric and use it towards small projects or for adding into a quilt. Right now I am making receiving blankets and burp cloths. I will use the extra flannel fabric from the blankets and piece them together with other flannel for the burp cloths or for even the back of a quilt. Or even parts of a stuffed animal.
Joann Fabrics prices have gotten ridiculously expensive. Even with a coupon it’s still more than I want to spend. Califabrics and Vogue fabrics have great prices and good quality fabrics. My Hobby Lobby just had 40% off on their fabrics. I bought 12-1/2 yards of fabric for $62! Some knits and a rayon.
I try not to buy at joann's exactly for that reason, but sometimes I have no other choice. I will give you another place with great prices and selection - fabricmartfabrics.com. I have have been buying from them for a few years.
I’m not in agreement with your comments about Joann’s. I’ve bought lots of great fabrics and great quality at a great price. If you buy at the right time you can get great quality fabric at 1.99 a yard. Stop trashing another company who is trying to stay in business for the rest of the sewing community.
My rule is:declutter and sell. If i make money by this, this would be my budget for fabric, notions, tools ... and everything regarding clothes and shoes i would like to buy. I did this the whole last year and found it helpful to discipline myself, to plan, sew and also buy more intentionally. So, myplan for 2024 is to keep this rule goingg 😊
This is timely. I have enough fabric in my stash to last for the next couple of years. So, 2024 is a no buy fabric year for me. My "why" is creating beautiful things out of little or nothing. An upcycle, spikes my creative joy through the roof. I still use your advise to use a pattern at least 3 times. What I have discovered is that as I gain an understanding of my own personal style, I don't really need a huge variety. I use my favorites much more than 3 times. Happy New Year!
So true! I keep wanting to sew the same things over and over. I hope eventually I can settle on a handful of patterns and get rid of the rest. I am going to go ahead and try to match patterns and fabrics from the stash and go for it instead of over-thinking and wasting time going back and forth. Just go for it and learn in the process. At the end of the year I will have a much smaller stash, some nice wearable garments in my closet (some might be donated if they don't work out), and some improved sewing techniques in my arsenal. From there I can move forward with more confidence and freedom. At least that's the hope 😊
Thrifting for fabric is my secret. Sheets, tablecloths and curtains are great fabric sources. I found linen, cotton and silk (yes, silk) in those sections. I found a set of curtains that were made from silk, and if the color and size worked for my home, I would have used them as curtains. However, I used it as fabric instead. Sometimes the thrift stores have sewing notions grouped in bags for sale, like zippers and buttons. New zippers are expensive, and sometimes, you can get new, high quality zippers in those notions bags.
Thank you so much Alisa for this video! For years I have said sewing is not expensive if you follow tips like you provided. For those not confident to draft your own pattern I have a tip for inexpensive patterns to hack. In the US we can't get Burda Style magazine but we can sign up for their newsletter to get alerted to their pattern sales. At least four times a year Burda Style pdf patterns are seventy-five cents to a dollar each. Follow Alisa's tip on selecting patterns, plus all her other sewing tips, and for under five dollars you can have an entire selection of pattern pieces to mix and match.
I love watching fabric hauls and pattern hauls but I often have no money to spend on either. I do find a lot of fabric on sale for very little money and that is what I tend to buy. I live creating my own patterns and that is where your channel comes in. Thank you.
The other thing I love about using fabric scraps that way is if I’m trying to make a capsule wardrobe where it all mixes and matches with each other what better way than to bring some of the patterns and colors literally from another piece into a new one
Happy New Year Alisa! 🎉 Best sewing wishes for 2024! A friend of mine just cleaned out their closet last week and I got a whole bunch of knitwear to try my hand at upcycling with. The fabrics look like better quality than what I can get at fabric stores, so I'm very excited!
I can totally agree with you on that! :) I recently told my sewing friend that I went to Joann's to get shirring elastic, and that was the only thing on my list and when I was done I only had shirring elastic in my cart and that's it :)
Same here. It’s too easy to just buy fabric simply to just buy it. I also keep a limited amount of space specifically for fabric so I don’t buy too much with nowhere to put it.
Great suggestions. The best change I made to sew my stash was to create an inventory of my patterns and fabric on Trello. All my fabric is noted by colour and yardage, woven and knit. I can now shop my stash (even from the couch) instead of online shopping for more. I did the same with my patterns and it helps me keep track and create inspiration. I have also sewn a "capsule" of 6 fabrics/6 garments that had related colours so I ended up with clothes that I can wear together, all the while using lovely fabrics already in my stash. Happy New Year!
Wow. Thank you for posting this video. I’m not even sure when you posted it but it was surely a sign for me that I watched it today. I’ve been feeling pretty shut down the last week or so from sewing. Feeling down, overwhelmed and honestly anxiety ridden. I spent 75$ today on fabric from a lady in town who was selling luxury fabrics. They were gorgeous fabrics, lots of it. I brought it home to go thru them and I felt even more down than I did before. Where was I going to put this fabric? When would I use it? Would I even wear it? I’m a sahm who started sewing as an outlet to clear my head and a hobby for downtime (a couple hours a day if that). Anyway, it was my own personal savings that I used to purchase this fabric today and I’m honestly just super bummed and disappointed in myself. Impulsive fabric purchase I guess. I have so much fabric, I don’t have places to put it anymore. I wonder sometimes if I’m the only one hoarding this much fabric, I finish about two projects a month. Just embarrassing. Thank you for describing everything I’ve been feeling and helping me realize that while it’s normal to get this way, it’s not healthy (or cheap), and I need to stop buying fabric and use what I have! I’m staying off marketplace, and I’m staying off IG too, you hit the nail on the head for me! I can’t describe enough how much this video spoke to me in ways I needed! 🙏
Don't be discouraged! I've been there. It really helps me if I journal. I have a sewing notebook where I jot down ideas and notes on makes. I will journal there as well, and have list of patterns and fabrics in my stash. If I get tempted, I can read a journal entry to bring me back to reality, I can look at the fabric inventory and see how many cuts I have. I can look at ideas I haven't gotten to yet and decide to work on one of those instead of buying fabric for a new project. And yes, stay off social media, except for a few sensible channels ;)
I like your philosophy about sewing a lot! I am interested in sewing because I have several items that fit, but not perfectly. I think learning how to tailor things allows me to take the most advantage of thrifted clothes and hand-me-downs.
Thanks for that input. Especially the part of sewing for real life and not for an imaginary one spoke to me. I often fell for Pinterest posts showing very elegant outfits with nice skirts and fancy blouses etc. I wanted to sew them for myself and dress that way. But I had to learn the hard way that these clothes are nice to look at and maybe could be worn on special occasions but are completely inappropriate for my daily life. Thank you again for giving me a reminder ❤
Cost has very much deterred me. I remember while growing up that sewing was done to save money… with people sometimes embarrassed to have homemade clothes because it signaled that you couldn’t afford clothes shopping. Now, especially since I thrift, day to day clothes are cheaper to just buy. I feel guilty spending more for the material, and for spending time that I could spend cleaning, with family and friends, etc. I love videos like this, and those showing how to merge and upcycle thrifted clothing.
My fabric stash is largely thrifted, whether yardage, upcycle or vintage linens. I have so many projects in mind with all that I’ve collected but I still thrift often. My goal this year is to sew my stash, work thru those before I start looking for more fabric! I’m not much one to follow trends and too thrifty to buy $25-30 patterns. I appreciate them but I’d rather try to draft or modify patterns I already have. I did do subscription patterns for about a year and I have bought patterns on sale ($5) or thrifted. I also thrift my notions and anything I can really. I did start out buying some fabric new but that’s the exception rather than the rule!
I buy second hand fabrics, zippers, buttons and so on. All sizes of fabric - small or big. Just made 4 aprons from a tablecloth and the 3 other from pieces found in our local second hand shop. Also I made a pair of pants into a skirt. Altering old clothes is something I want to more of.
Thank you! I am a knitter and occasionally sew. But I am looking to get more into sewing and I know that I have a small but useful stash of fabric already. I watched a fabric haul video and ended up buying more fabric. Now, I know not to do that! I will only watch those videos if I'm buried under my stash already! I am looking forward to sewing more this year! Thank you so much for the pep talk! Blessings from England
There’s some great fabric shops on Etsy. My biggest challenge is having a fabric I love, but then doubting my ability to make X, Y, or Z for fear I’ll ruin it. 😅😂 I do often turn to your videos for encouragement. Learning to sew is no joke! I’m excited to start using my new serger. Thanks for your support and advice to all of us! ❤
Thank you for all the information. I've been sewing for many years and I am still learning. For me, one of the most important thing is organization. It makes it so much easier to keep track of what you have and what you need. 😊
This is absolutely true!! I’ve been cleaning and decluttering and organizing my Art and Beauty room.(painting,drawing,designing,sewing and makeup room.) And it’s so easy to find things!
It is so true what you said about social media and RUclips. I get hooked when I see all the beautiful fabrics they're selling and I just buy because I feel I'm not going to find it anywhere else eventhough I have no idea what I'm going to make with it. I just have an addiction like so many others. Also, buying kits is another issue and buying patterns just cause they're on sale. Hopefully I can follow some of your suggestions. Love your videos and all your tips!!🩷
Alisa you are such an inspiration with all you do and share. I have been watching you for a long time now and you have taught me many new things...for my many years. I have a goal to use the fabric in my 'stash' for as many projects as possible in 2024. Christmas gifts for 2023 were mainly bowl and plate cozies with napkins to match. I am encouraging my friends to reuse fabric napkins and avoid the disposable paper ones. Looking at my garment fabric...I have patterns created and/or adjusted for blouses and summer dresses with the specific fabric in mind. I also have quilts planned. I have a pattern idea with the coordinating fabrics to complete all hanging in my closet. Now, to finish a couple of UFO's and I am off to the races. Happy New Year, Alisa.
Bonjour Alisa, tout ce que vous dites est tellement vrai (merci Google traduction !) je vais m’en inspirer et suivre vos conseils. Je suis en train d’agrandir joliment l’une ou l’autre robe droite et une liquette. Je le réussi plutôt bien. Merci pour tous vos conseils, vous êtes une couturière experte et j’aime beaucoup toutes vos vidéos. Bonne année 2024 🍀Amitiés de France 🥰
Loved the video! I recently sewed the most beautiful cashmere t-shirt from a pair of pants I had that were ripping. Actually it was a super great creative constraint to only have that specific amount of that fabric. I really find that focusing a lot on what kinds of materials I really love using, and learning about these materials makes me sew more and buy less. Cause then i hunt for quality wool and such secondhand, or I go through all the sewing shops I can find to see if someone has got in new quality deadstock. Then I still get all the fun of discovering new places, and searching for something I’m dreaming of, but end up spending way less because it becomes a game for me to just find that specific, special fabric I had in mind. :)
Excellent video . I don’t watch pattern or fabric hauls either. Too much of everything and unnecessary spending . I always wonder if some RUclips sewers have the chance to wear everything they make or if it’s mostly for social media showing . (Which is fine if that’s their goal ) . It’s very expensive to make garments every week and get the chance to wear them all. At least for me lol 😂. Thank you for your tips and practice information. We love you 🥰
Dawn, hello there, I sure do, just open the description of this video and click on the link that says "3 skirt upcycles". I believe it was the second project in that video :)
I don't make clothing items, I make home items. Zip bags, hand bags, pillows, kitchen items, stuffies. Clothing Intimidates me. My friends and family gave me fabric, most of my fabric stash was given to me.
I also don’t make clothes. I just don’t like to. I make all the things you mentioned and lots of hair bows and scrunchies. Since small pieces are needed I can recycle clothes and get several from one item.
My advice: go to your local upholsterer and ask for scraps. Materials are very thick, but free of charge :) And it whould go to trash anyway, so you are actually rescuing them. I got so many beautifull fabrics this way. Faux leather for bags or skirts, ornate materials for corsets, water proof materials for cosmetics bags.
Deanna, thank you so so much for watching, I am happy to have you here. About the little horse/unicorn- it is an iron-on. Kind of like a iron-on patch, but I guess with vinyl. My sewing friend sent it to me. I do a lot of iron on images with my cricut but you can also get buy them already made. I hope this helps :)
Hmmmm... not sure about home decor, since most of my sewing is in garment construction, but I do sometimes get upholstery or home decor fabrics for garment making and I can't say that they are expensive (in my experience, but I can totally see that some fabrics can cost an arm and a leg), but then again I try to see if there are special offers, clearance or a coupon, so I don't pay the full price.
@@ThoughtfulCreativity I never buy full price for fabric but even then, it's still not cheap. And the only place I have to go to is JoAnn's. I have tried online but that didn't work out. For example, I made 4 pillowcases and the fabric cost me $25, not too bad but I could have easily bought the same 4 pillowcases for $15. Anyway, it's still fun just not cost effective in my opinion.
@@Ana-bu3hh I see now what you mean, yes, can be pricey... if you do happen to live close to some upholstery salons - they might give you remnants and off-cuts for free. Often times they have to pay for the disposal of those, so if you take it off their hands it is a win-win.
@@ThoughtfulCreativitygreat idea! My girlfriend and I reupholstered my kitchen table chairs several years ago. We used to have an upholstery warehouse near us and we spent a girls weekend sewing and gluing and stapling up “new” furniture! They turned out great! I was afraid to take the step but she dove in like a fearless trooper. We had a blast AND amazing memories too😊
My daughters buy clothes and then hardly wear them. If I like the fabric, instead of giving them away, I cut them up and make hair accessories (mostly scrunchies) and then give them away (some for them, some for their friends, some for co-workers etc). Everyone loves that they were made from recycled clothes.
Fabric is definitely the biggest expense and over the past few months I have really stopped myself from buying fabric unless i need it for a specific purpose. Guess what everyone, I survived! hahaha And I really don't have the desire to go fabric shopping so overall expenses are muuuch lower.
6. Social media. To me it's amazingly amusing how fast it hooked us and is now largely controlling our lives. People can't even imagine anymore that yes people did manage their lives without it, they found inspiration and all kinds of sources elsewhere. Why is it so important to let an "influencer" to tell us what how and why?
You trace the pattern to make a full front pattern piece and a full back pattern piece, when you cut bodice parts. It might seem like an extra step, but since I draft my own it does not seem like an extra burden for me.
Great video with lots of useful tips and ideas. I have a length of silk sari fabric that a friend brought back from India and gave to me as a gift. I have no idea what to do with it. It is a lovely pale green with a silver thread pattern in it, which are not colours I would normally wear/use. There is loads of fabric in it but no ideas in my head of what to do. Or perhaps too many ideas and no idea which one is the right one and so I don't use it as I don't want to ruin it or waste it, a total conundrum for me. Any advice?
I make decor pillows 18" or 22" square, 2 different fabrics- fast, easy, anyone can use and enjoy. And I'll never call them "throw" pillows, that's for cheap mass produced from Ch***. Our community here, we are artisans doing creative handmade especially. with upcycling ☆☆
Can you make a chest pillow for side sleepers I have looked all over RUclips for a tutorial and can't fine one. I want to make one to fight wrinkles lol. Thanks
May I ask please.. I have a stash of lovely fabrics which I will probably not use. However, it's not an option to discard or giveaway because it's expensive. Any suggestions what to do please?
I could see a “garage sale” for sewists also working for other crafters-beaders, knitters, handspinners, etc. Maybe rent a facility (or find one for free (like a church or community center), and have other crafters pay a fee to participate in the sale in order to cover the cost of renting, advertising, etc.
I lost my 2024 Sewing Mojo for the following reason: I have been following more than 3 years.. and this was my drawing: I’ve collected spring/summer and Fall/Winter fabric that it takes more than 10 plastic storage bins..Both my husband and son makes fun of me of how much fabric I have collected . Then, It is the sewing time management, dresses takes longer and even more specially if it has a conplex design, I work from home, and homeschool, also, I do not attend many events other than church 3 times a week.Also, I get frustrated with the time I want to sew (project) and the time quality my family wants to share and I can’t because I want to sew .. I am the type of person that I cannot stop something when I start. Dec 2023 I started to sew a red satin shirt dress and I could not finished because I did not the skills to sew. I have a lot sewing projects half ways and they are still not finished. … Alisa and to this community any advise .. feel so overwhelmed 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
First please don’t let your family to make or belittle you. God has given you a skill that many don’t have. 2nd sew when you have time and one project at a time. There is no one racing you but yourself. Enjoy your hobby.
Set apart a sewing time for each day. When that time is up then it’s family time. Don’t start something you don’t have the skill to finish, yet. That time is down the track. Also, don’t buy more fabric until you have used, sold or given away most of your fabric stash. You can involve your children with your sewing by teaching them how to sew.
Might be time to cull the herd. Consider getting rid of the projects that you don't want to finish or have fallen out of love with. Same with the fabric; your tastes have probably changed since you bought some of those pieces so maybe you could sell them and free up some space and money. What about having a conversation with your family and explain how you would like to have some time to sew each week? Make it an appointment with yourself for some time to do something that you enjoy. Hope these ideas help. 🙂
Hi there! I would like to offer that there are seasons in life. Do what you can in the season you are in. Avoiding social media and window shopping might help you find a little time each day. Set a timer for 15 or 20 minutes and see how it goes.
Unfortunately it looks like JOANN FABRICS may be fling for bankruptcy and may be going out of business. I hope that isn’t true since they are only 4 miles from me. I buy a lot of fabric and notions and I would be heartbroken. While their fabric is not all of the highest quality it serves the purpose for most things. I think they should not have diversified so much and kept more to fabrics and sewing equipment and notions. There is a Michael’s in the same vicinity. Let Michael’s be the go to for crafts and Joann the sewing center. But then I’m only a consumer.
Hi Alisa, I am not able to see members only video. You sent a message i needed to renew membership. I sent a money card on 12/2/23 for 50.00. Please check your records. Maybe the card was tampered with. Sorry please let me know as I want to remain a member of your channel . Thanks , Deb s
Deb, hello there! I am so sorry for your troubles! Unfortunately, I have no access to the payments or payment information - RUclips deals with all of that for security reasons. As of right now I don't see a Membership badge next to your name which tells me that your Membership wasn't renewed.... Hmmm... If you click on your profile picture on RUclips (little circle) you should have an option to view your "purchases and memberships". From there you can see the payments method, of the membership is active and if there are any other issues. I would also double check your money card and see when was the charge and if it went through. Sometimes charges are "pending" for various reasons. I am so sorry I can't be more help, but I truly can't see any of the info, so I am kind of in the dark... :(
How do I contact tube?the. Card. Is valid and. Still. Has a balance. It wont let me use it. Visa checked the number and balance. Thanks sorry. I really. Enjoy. Your channel. They have made a. Mistake somewhere according to. Visa money is on the card
@@debtaylor5156 Deb, this comment that you just made has a membership badge next to it, soI am assuming that your Membership got renewed! Try and see if you can go to the community tab and watch an Early Access video for Members that I posted this past Sunday.
What's your favorite way to spend less and sew more? Let us know below :)
The library for sewing books. You can also check out sewing machines from the library where I live (Salt Lake City and county, Utah).
I go to Thrift store to look for cotton bed sheets & turn them into pillows, PJs and summer shorts. :-)
I met a woman at a thrift store once. She had an arm load of beautiful clothes, all different sizes. I asked her what she planned to do. She told me she was a sewer and made her clothes from clothes. The fabrics were beautiful. I wish I could have seen the finished products.
I enjoy your videos. Thank you
Bonjour Judy, merci de partager avec nous ce moyen de recycler et d’économiser du tissu. C’est vraiment une superbe idée. Je vais la mettre en œuvre. Amitiés de France 🥰
I wanted to address those of us who have had a fabric collection problem. I used to say, "My husband, let's me have all the fabric I can hide." But when we moved to a much smaller house 6 years ago, I realized I had been hiding a lot of fabric. I would buy more for each project and then grab some for future projects. I used the large Rubbermaid tubs and found out I had 23 full, pluse extra fabric that didn't fit. Now, I was too overwhelmed to even try to use it.
I did two things. I made 3 piles. 1. What I love, or know my grands would really like. 2. Hideous, I can't believe I bought this fabric. 3. Nice fabric that isn't my favorite, but my young sewing friends might like. I then called those who I thought could use some fabric and let them "shop" my fabric stash from piles 2 and 3. Funny when the piles were all messy they took more. Then with what remained after 2 weeks, I found a local 4H group that was working on sewing skills. And I gave them all that was left.
The 2nd thing I did. I filled one tub with my absolute favorite fabrics and put the rest away. I sewed from that tub and rarely bought any fabric. As it got low, I would go through other tubs and fill up my working tub again. That way, I always had a selection, and I was reminded of what was in my stash.
It has been 6 years, and I am down to 4 tubs of fabric. The stash is not so overwhelming now. Hope this helps someone.
Jennifer, thank you so so much for sharing this with us - what you described is a great strategy to manage fabric! Thank you!
That’s wonderful!
Great advice! I do not sew garments, but quilt. Every bit of this information is applicable, starting with “Why?” My quilting friend and I both realized after some great hauls from estate sales that we are overwhelmed with fabrics and are now downsizing our stashes. I keep trying to tell myself that owning the fabric should not cause me any discomfort because I do a lot of charity quilts - but it does! I think it saps creativity and makes me feel obligated to churn out quilts faster. It is supposed to be a hobby, not a production cycle. I am sure the charity sewing groups in town would love to have free fabric so I am working on culling mine out for donation.
Yes, Knowing how to lay out the pattern in the most optimal way helps with the cost. A lot of times, I can save on fabric just with how I lay it out. Even when cutting on the fold because you do not have to fold the entire fabric in half. Only fold what's needed.
100% sewing what I have in 2024! I have stopped watching fabric and pattern hauls too, hahaha. I almost find it irritating that people keep posting haul after haul, but very few makes?
I took the time to inventory my patterns and fabric and like you said, I have enough to sew for a while. Also realizing most patterns fall within a few variations, and for me it's easier to hack a pattern I already know fits well (plus I already know how the style works for me).
One thing I must avoid is shopping for fabric online, as half my stash is made up of cuts that were not exactly what I was hoping for.
I am ambitiously hoping to make 24 garments in 2024! By then I will have gotten my stash down significantly 😊
These are excellent suggestions. I recently decluttered my sewing space and didn’t have to let go of much. All of my fabric has a pattern planned!
I have the same book 😊 and I also bought it second hand.
I love to watch fabric hauls, but just for an inspiration or when I'm ordering from a new place and need to see the quality of the fabrics.
I'm definitely guilty of "let me buy these zippers on special so i can save money" 😆 and "just in case", guess what, "just in case" usually never come 😆.
Thank you so much for encouraging us to flip our own wardrobe! In the last couple of years, my health has changed so that I am now connected to an I.V. through a port-a-cath in my chest, 24 hours each day. So now I need a skirt and blouse to let the tubing out under the blouse, and a pocket to put the rolled up length of tubing into. I took your advice to restructure my old one piece dresses into a skirt here and a blouse there. So empowering to do that and gain some control over how my life has changed! :)
Thank you, again, Alisa❤.
good for you,! Such positivity and determination
Thank you❤️
I would never have had the courage to try change those dresses but for what I have learned from Alisa!☺️
Good on you for still sewing with your health issues.
Thank you for your encouragement.😁
This is so timely for me! My mom is now in memory care plus has gone done 2 sizes in clothing. My sister and I just went through all her clothes, choosing some for ourselves but most were slated for Goodwill until we both realized how many we could use as fabric! We then went through the piles again and now both of us have plans for projects that will have special meaning for us as we repurpose some of her beloved outfits. A little bright spot in a very sad situation.
You are sooo right, Alisa ! Fabric buying becomes an obsession that soon runs out of control. It takes the joy out of sewing for me and I’m actively working on reducing/eliminating my stash. I’ve stopped watching any RUclips videos that have fabric hauls. I want the actual space and head space to create and sew - not just store fabrics. Being honest with myself was the very first step. Thank you so much for this vlog and all the other tips you share. You’re an inspiration 😄
Thank you so much for this content, which is getting more relevant as time goes on. The only thing I can add to it is getting fabric at thrift stores in the form of larger clothes can be helpful. You can find some superior fabric for far less than it would cost at a sewing store, though you still need to be judicious in your decision.
Thank you again for sharing your insights and enthusiasm.
I have been making an annual list of what I want to make in a year to use the stash I have. This has greatly reduced my fabric stash, has brought me joy in my makes and gifting them. Surprisingly it took away the feeling I had that there was so much to make and I only had limited time. When I review the list at the end of the year, I feel great and have a more organized sewing area. Of course I get the urge to purchase during the year. However, my plan helps me make an informed choice vs an impulsive purchase. I so enjoy your channel.
Buying less fabric and having a closer look at what i already have has saved me sooooo much money. As a matter of fact i have developed a useful habit of picking 10 different calling my name fabrics from my stash and putting it nicely somewhere i can always see. Usually i would do that at the beginning of every season. And i know that probably not all of it is going to be used, but still i would use most of it, and the rest can go back to the stash at the beginning of the next season and wait for its turn next year. And so on and on.
Absolutely love this! You know how they say "out sight and out of mind", so with your stash you are doing exactly the opposite, bringing it out and using it, which is what fabric is created for. Love it!
Charity shops are my favourite resource. I've purchased sewing patterns, brand new and current, for 50c to $1 as well as new fabrics for as little as $4 to $8 for several metres of fabric. Items of clothing can always be a great purchase to cut up and reuse the fabric. Recently I purchased a gorgeous brand new rayon viscose maxi dress for $5 that I wil seldom wear but I will cut up to make a blouse. Last week I cut up a rayon viscose skirt and made a lovely, flowing, loose summer camisole, total cost $5. Sewing can be as economical or as expensive as we make it. Love your tips.❤
Super advice! Getting realistic about what I actually wear, pattern hacking and staying off social media (fabric hauls, etc) are points that really resonate with me. Thank you! 💜
I have so many crafty friends who share their stashes when they cut them back each year😅
We could have our own 'cookie swap' type party with material & notions 😅
Cost of living is crazy at the moment and finding cheaper ways to hobby is always welcome
Swapping fabrics with other sewist is fun! Free fabric and clearing your stash
Oooooh, yes! :)
Fabric Savvy is a great resource book. I have had this book for about20 years!
As always fantastic video Alisa.
I am guilty as charge in relation to collecting too much fabric (you know how much I love my fabrics). I do sew a lot and i do not buy ready to wear clothes or underwear almost at all so our clothing budget is minimal.
my tip would be use stash hub or similar way of tracking your fabric/patterns/notions purchases. Plan seasonal capsule wardrobes and check ahead of time what your wardrobe actually needs to create outfits. Utilise free sewing patterns and tutorials.
and I think also very important - have fun and enjoy yourself. Day of sewing can be more relaxing than SPA but not as expensive ;)
I have collected a sizable stash of fabric myself. In some ways that's just as relaxing to me. But I think the biggest problem is forgetting what you have. Unfortunately not all of my fabric fits on my shelves. So what I have done is group them together in 60 quart containers. I have fabric for different seasons or purposes. And I almost never buy clothing at the store.
Very smart lady!!!
When I learned how to make rag quilts, my friend who taught me was an upcycler. So that is how I learned to make them.
Clothes and jeans and fabric either from the thrift store or from friends who are decluttering. I’ve made so many quilts and shockingly sold them!
The whole upcycling thing is what makes them appealing for people who are into that type of living. It would be easier to use brand new fabric, but not nearly as rewarding, or as cheap. 🤫
I love to thrift my fabrics, trims, etc. I've never been one to follow trendy things, I sew what I like. I enjoy the hunting for deals as much as the sewing!
So, i live on a fixed income and my favorite place to get UpCycling materials is my church yard sale lol my church lets us fill those Kroger bags full of clothes for a dollar per bag and those church ladies donate some funky clothes but the fabrics their made of are FABULOUS lol
Love this tip! Thank you!
I love the blouse you're wearing!
This video was really helpful! You mentioned almost all aspects I will remember them when I crave or tempt to buy more fabrics or accessories. The only thing I would like to add in places we really need a fabric but not so expensive is to buy from another country such as Turkey. I myself live in Sweden but in different occassions I traveled for other reasons but also bought some fabrics which were at least 1/3 of the price in Sweden. Happy sewing🥰
Way back in 1975 the Home Ec teacher told me my skirt wouldn’t lay right if I didn’t follow the layouts on the pattern. I may or may not have rolled my eyes and done it to save the most fabric. Turned out fine as has everything I’ve sewn before or since.
Hello there, Kat! Maybe she thought you will go off grain completely? I still follow the grain and the direction of the stretch when I cut flat, it is just more economical to cut flat.
@@ThoughtfulCreativity that was definitely her concern. I don’t think she realized I’d been sewing things by hand for about three years.
I’m a simple sewist and realize I like the idea of buying less patterns, but tracing, hacking what I have and varying details like sleeves and hems lines. I like making my own bias tape as I get the size and choices I need. I look at my scraps differently incorporating in other garments even my quilting. I make garments with less closures which saves money. Now the challenge is to buy less fabric.😮
I just upcycled an old holiday tablecloth that was a rectangle into placemats for the now oval table I have. Even had enough to make a matching table runner.
You are wise beyond your years. These are excellent ideas, and I love how you address the ‘why’ we create. I try to keep it under control, but it’s easy to let things get out of hand. I used to sew garments, but most of my projects these days are quilts and accessories. (I recently made 80+ zip bags for gifts for my daughter’s dance group. I also make quilts for gifts, for my family, and to explore new ideas as an art outlet.) About every 4-5 years, I decide to have a year with no fabric purchases. It takes a certain mindset, but it can be fun, and it is always satisfying. (That said, the last time I was on a ‘fabric diet,’ I temporarily broke it when I found myself in the garment district of NYC and purchased several yards of fabulous fabric I would not be able to find elsewhere.) Happy New Year! Have a powerful 2024.
I tend to save all my cotton scrap fabric and use it towards small projects or for adding into a quilt. Right now I am making receiving blankets and burp cloths. I will use the extra flannel fabric from the blankets and piece them together with other flannel for the burp cloths or for even the back of a quilt. Or even parts of a stuffed animal.
Joann Fabrics prices have gotten ridiculously expensive. Even with a coupon it’s still more than I want to spend. Califabrics and Vogue fabrics have great prices and good quality fabrics. My Hobby Lobby just had 40% off on their fabrics. I bought 12-1/2 yards of fabric for $62! Some knits and a rayon.
I try not to buy at joann's exactly for that reason, but sometimes I have no other choice. I will give you another place with great prices and selection - fabricmartfabrics.com. I have have been buying from them for a few years.
And the quality of fabric at Joann is not good. It’s really hard to sew well with bad fabric, especially when you’re learning.
@@saf3508 another issue-the quality does not justify the prices
I’m not in agreement with your comments about Joann’s. I’ve bought lots of great fabrics and great quality at a great price. If you buy at the right time you can get great quality fabric at 1.99 a yard.
Stop trashing another company who is trying to stay in business for the rest of the sewing community.
I just purchased 8 yards of fabric today for$25 from Joann's. It was cotton gauze.
My rule is:declutter and sell. If i make money by this, this would be my budget for fabric, notions, tools ... and everything regarding clothes and shoes i would like to buy. I did this the whole last year and found it helpful to discipline myself, to plan, sew and also buy more intentionally. So, myplan for 2024 is to keep this rule goingg 😊
This is timely. I have enough fabric in my stash to last for the next couple of years. So, 2024 is a no buy fabric year for me. My "why" is creating beautiful things out of little or nothing. An upcycle, spikes my creative joy through the roof. I still use your advise to use a pattern at least 3 times. What I have discovered is that as I gain an understanding of my own personal style, I don't really need a huge variety. I use my favorites much more than 3 times. Happy New Year!
So true! I keep wanting to sew the same things over and over. I hope eventually I can settle on a handful of patterns and get rid of the rest. I am going to go ahead and try to match patterns and fabrics from the stash and go for it instead of over-thinking and wasting time going back and forth. Just go for it and learn in the process. At the end of the year I will have a much smaller stash, some nice wearable garments in my closet (some might be donated if they don't work out), and some improved sewing techniques in my arsenal. From there I can move forward with more confidence and freedom. At least that's the hope 😊
Thrifting for fabric is my secret. Sheets, tablecloths and curtains are great fabric sources. I found linen, cotton and silk (yes, silk) in those sections. I found a set of curtains that were made from silk, and if the color and size worked for my home, I would have used them as curtains. However, I used it as fabric instead.
Sometimes the thrift stores have sewing notions grouped in bags for sale, like zippers and buttons. New zippers are expensive, and sometimes, you can get new, high quality zippers in those notions bags.
Thank you so much Alisa for this video! For years I have said sewing is not expensive if you follow tips like you provided.
For those not confident to draft your own pattern I have a tip for inexpensive patterns to hack. In the US we can't get Burda Style magazine but we can sign up for their newsletter to get alerted to their pattern sales. At least four times a year Burda Style pdf patterns are seventy-five cents to a dollar each. Follow Alisa's tip on selecting patterns, plus all her other sewing tips, and for under five dollars you can have an entire selection of pattern pieces to mix and match.
I love watching fabric hauls and pattern hauls but I often have no money to spend on either. I do find a lot of fabric on sale for very little money and that is what I tend to buy. I live creating my own patterns and that is where your channel comes in. Thank you.
I like to learn about what fabrics look and feel like so I can make more informed purchases. So, at least the fabric hauls are good for that, right?
I love Sandra Betzina! I met her once at a class, she’s a lovely lady!
Oh really? LUCKY YOU, that's so awesome!
The other thing I love about using fabric scraps that way is if I’m trying to make a capsule wardrobe where it all mixes and matches with each other what better way than to bring some of the patterns and colors literally from another piece into a new one
Exactly! :)
Happy New Year Alisa! 🎉 Best sewing wishes for 2024! A friend of mine just cleaned out their closet last week and I got a whole bunch of knitwear to try my hand at upcycling with. The fabrics look like better quality than what I can get at fabric stores, so I'm very excited!
I don't go to the frabic store much anymore. I love frabics and have plans but never time so only go if I need something. Thanks for the video
I can totally agree with you on that! :) I recently told my sewing friend that I went to Joann's to get shirring elastic, and that was the only thing on my list and when I was done I only had shirring elastic in my cart and that's it :)
Same here. It’s too easy to just buy fabric simply to just buy it. I also keep a limited amount of space specifically for fabric so I don’t buy too much with nowhere to put it.
Great suggestions. The best change I made to sew my stash was to create an inventory of my patterns and fabric on Trello. All my fabric is noted by colour and yardage, woven and knit. I can now shop my stash (even from the couch) instead of online shopping for more. I did the same with my patterns and it helps me keep track and create inspiration. I have also sewn a "capsule" of 6 fabrics/6 garments that had related colours so I ended up with clothes that I can wear together, all the while using lovely fabrics already in my stash. Happy New Year!
Gentle delivery of wisdom and encouragement.
Wow. Thank you for posting this video. I’m not even sure when you posted it but it was surely a sign for me that I watched it today.
I’ve been feeling pretty shut down the last week or so from sewing. Feeling down, overwhelmed and honestly anxiety ridden. I spent 75$ today on fabric from a lady in town who was selling luxury fabrics. They were gorgeous fabrics, lots of it. I brought it home to go thru them and I felt even more down than I did before. Where was I going to put this fabric? When would I use it? Would I even wear it? I’m a sahm who started sewing as an outlet to clear my head and a hobby for downtime (a couple hours a day if that). Anyway, it was my own personal savings that I used to purchase this fabric today and I’m honestly just super bummed and disappointed in myself. Impulsive fabric purchase I guess. I have so much fabric, I don’t have places to put it anymore. I wonder sometimes if I’m the only one hoarding this much fabric, I finish about two projects a month. Just embarrassing.
Thank you for describing everything I’ve been feeling and helping me realize that while it’s normal to get this way, it’s not healthy (or cheap), and I need to stop buying fabric and use what I have! I’m staying off marketplace, and I’m staying off IG too, you hit the nail on the head for me! I can’t describe enough how much this video spoke to me in ways I needed! 🙏
Don't be discouraged! I've been there. It really helps me if I journal. I have a sewing notebook where I jot down ideas and notes on makes. I will journal there as well, and have list of patterns and fabrics in my stash. If I get tempted, I can read a journal entry to bring me back to reality, I can look at the fabric inventory and see how many cuts I have. I can look at ideas I haven't gotten to yet and decide to work on one of those instead of buying fabric for a new project.
And yes, stay off social media, except for a few sensible channels ;)
Love the Walk Boldly pants. I made a pair in a jungle print which I loved wearing on holiday recently.
I like your philosophy about sewing a lot! I am interested in sewing because I have several items that fit, but not perfectly. I think learning how to tailor things allows me to take the most advantage of thrifted clothes and hand-me-downs.
Your blouse is adorable.
Thanks for that input. Especially the part of sewing for real life and not for an imaginary one spoke to me. I often fell for Pinterest posts showing very elegant outfits with nice skirts and fancy blouses etc. I wanted to sew them for myself and dress that way. But I had to learn the hard way that these clothes are nice to look at and maybe could be worn on special occasions but are completely inappropriate for my daily life. Thank you again for giving me a reminder ❤
Cost has very much deterred me. I remember while growing up that sewing was done to save money… with people sometimes embarrassed to have homemade clothes because it signaled that you couldn’t afford clothes shopping.
Now, especially since I thrift, day to day clothes are cheaper to just buy. I feel guilty spending more for the material, and for spending time that I could spend cleaning, with family and friends, etc.
I love videos like this, and those showing how to merge and upcycle thrifted clothing.
My fabric stash is largely thrifted, whether yardage, upcycle or vintage linens. I have so many projects in mind with all that I’ve collected but I still thrift often. My goal
this year is to sew my stash, work thru those before I start looking for more fabric! I’m not much one to follow trends and too thrifty to buy $25-30 patterns. I appreciate them but I’d rather try to draft or modify patterns I already have. I did do subscription patterns for about a year and I have bought patterns on sale ($5) or thrifted. I also thrift my notions and anything I can really. I did start out buying some fabric new but that’s the exception rather than the rule!
I buy second hand fabrics, zippers, buttons and so on. All sizes of fabric - small or big. Just made 4 aprons from a tablecloth and the 3 other from pieces found in our local second hand shop. Also I made a pair of pants into a skirt. Altering old clothes is something I want to more of.
Thank you! I am a knitter and occasionally sew. But I am looking to get more into sewing and I know that I have a small but useful stash of fabric already. I watched a fabric haul video and ended up buying more fabric. Now, I know not to do that! I will only watch those videos if I'm buried under my stash already! I am looking forward to sewing more this year! Thank you so much for the pep talk! Blessings from England
There’s some great fabric shops on Etsy. My biggest challenge is having a fabric I love, but then doubting my ability to make X, Y, or Z for fear I’ll ruin it. 😅😂 I do often turn to your videos for encouragement. Learning to sew is no joke! I’m excited to start using my new serger. Thanks for your support and advice to all of us! ❤
Thank you for all the information. I've been sewing for many years and I am still learning. For me, one of the most important thing is organization. It makes it so much easier to keep track of what you have and what you need. 😊
This is absolutely true!! I’ve been cleaning and decluttering and organizing my Art and Beauty room.(painting,drawing,designing,sewing and makeup room.) And it’s so easy to find things!
You always have great ideas. I enjoy your honest approach.
It is so true what you said about social media and RUclips. I get hooked when I see all the beautiful fabrics they're selling and I just buy because I feel I'm not going to find it anywhere else eventhough I have no idea what I'm going to make with it. I just have an addiction like so many others. Also, buying kits is another issue and buying patterns just cause they're on sale. Hopefully I can follow some of your suggestions. Love your videos and all your tips!!🩷
Alisa you are such an inspiration with all you do and share. I have been watching you for a long time now and you have taught me many new things...for my many years.
I have a goal to use the fabric in my 'stash' for as many projects as possible in 2024.
Christmas gifts for 2023 were mainly bowl and plate cozies with napkins to match. I am encouraging my friends to reuse fabric napkins and avoid the disposable paper ones.
Looking at my garment fabric...I have patterns created and/or adjusted for blouses and summer dresses with the specific fabric in mind.
I also have quilts planned. I have a pattern idea with the coordinating fabrics to complete all hanging in my closet.
Now, to finish a couple of UFO's and I am off to the races.
Happy New Year, Alisa.
Bonjour Alisa, tout ce que vous dites est tellement vrai (merci Google traduction !) je vais m’en inspirer et suivre vos conseils. Je suis en train d’agrandir joliment l’une ou l’autre robe droite et une liquette. Je le réussi plutôt bien. Merci pour tous vos conseils, vous êtes une couturière experte et j’aime beaucoup toutes vos vidéos. Bonne année 2024 🍀Amitiés de France 🥰
Loved the video! I recently sewed the most beautiful cashmere t-shirt from a pair of pants I had that were ripping. Actually it was a super great creative constraint to only have that specific amount of that fabric. I really find that focusing a lot on what kinds of materials I really love using, and learning about these materials makes me sew more and buy less. Cause then i hunt for quality wool and such secondhand, or I go through all the sewing shops I can find to see if someone has got in new quality deadstock. Then I still get all the fun of discovering new places, and searching for something I’m dreaming of, but end up spending way less because it becomes a game for me to just find that specific, special fabric I had in mind. :)
Excellent video . I don’t watch pattern or fabric hauls either. Too much of everything and unnecessary spending .
I always wonder if some RUclips sewers have the chance to wear everything they make or if it’s mostly for social media showing . (Which is fine if that’s their goal ) . It’s very expensive to make garments every week and get the chance to wear them all. At least for me lol 😂. Thank you for your tips and practice information. We love you 🥰
You are a star. Happy 2024🎉🎉🎉
I love your top!!! Do you have a video on it?? Thanks for all your informative videos!!!!
Dawn, hello there, I sure do, just open the description of this video and click on the link that says "3 skirt upcycles". I believe it was the second project in that video :)
Great video! I l🫶🏾ve the Sewing vs collecting fabric
You make such beautiful things! You inspire me to try something new.
Happy New Years! Look forward to sewing with your wisdom this year
Great tips! Thank you
Beautiful fabric 👀👀
Thank you so much for all of the great ideas
Thanks for watching and happy sewing! :)
A glorious creative New Year of fun activity with fabrics❤
I don't make clothing items, I make home items. Zip bags, hand bags, pillows, kitchen items, stuffies. Clothing Intimidates me. My friends and family gave me fabric, most of my fabric stash was given to me.
I also don’t make clothes. I just don’t like to. I make all the things you mentioned and lots of hair bows and scrunchies. Since small pieces are needed I can recycle clothes and get several from one item.
Happy new year to you and your family, great tips as always ❤
Happy New Year, dear! And happy sewing :)
My advice: go to your local upholsterer and ask for scraps. Materials are very thick, but free of charge :) And it whould go to trash anyway, so you are actually rescuing them. I got so many beautifull fabrics this way. Faux leather for bags or skirts, ornate materials for corsets, water proof materials for cosmetics bags.
Hear! Hear! Great video!
Acompanho seu canal há algum tempo e concordo com suas dicas. Emprego e são muito úteis.
Happy new year sis🎉, love & blessings to you & family in 2024 🧵
Thank you, Arlene! Happy New year to your family as well, wishing you all the best!
I always enjoy your videos. Question? How did you put the little horse on you daughter’s short? It is so cute. God bless you!
Deanna, thank you so so much for watching, I am happy to have you here. About the little horse/unicorn- it is an iron-on. Kind of like a iron-on patch, but I guess with vinyl. My sewing friend sent it to me. I do a lot of iron on images with my cricut but you can also get buy them already made. I hope this helps :)
I sew for home decor and I agree that it is an expensive hobby because a lot of stuff is more expensive to make it than buy it.
Hmmmm... not sure about home decor, since most of my sewing is in garment construction, but I do sometimes get upholstery or home decor fabrics for garment making and I can't say that they are expensive (in my experience, but I can totally see that some fabrics can cost an arm and a leg), but then again I try to see if there are special offers, clearance or a coupon, so I don't pay the full price.
@@ThoughtfulCreativity I never buy full price for fabric but even then, it's still not cheap. And the only place I have to go to is JoAnn's. I have tried online but that didn't work out. For example, I made 4 pillowcases and the fabric cost me $25, not too bad but I could have easily bought the same 4 pillowcases for $15. Anyway, it's still fun just not cost effective in my opinion.
@@Ana-bu3hh I see now what you mean, yes, can be pricey... if you do happen to live close to some upholstery salons - they might give you remnants and off-cuts for free. Often times they have to pay for the disposal of those, so if you take it off their hands it is a win-win.
@@ThoughtfulCreativitygreat idea! My girlfriend and I reupholstered my kitchen table chairs several years ago. We used to have an upholstery warehouse near us and we spent a girls weekend sewing and gluing and stapling up “new” furniture! They turned out great! I was afraid to take the step but she dove in like a fearless trooper. We had a blast AND amazing memories too😊
great advice/suggestions! thank you Alisa!
Great episode!
My daughters buy clothes and then hardly wear them. If I like the fabric, instead of giving them away, I cut them up and make hair accessories (mostly scrunchies) and then give them away (some for them, some for their friends, some for co-workers etc). Everyone loves that they were made from recycled clothes.
Thank you, U. R. D. Best!🎉😂
40 yrrs ago I made my toddler some pants cut from bell bottoms that were out of style. Been making do ever since.
Fabric is definitely the biggest expense and over the past few months I have really stopped myself from buying fabric unless i need it for a specific purpose. Guess what everyone, I survived! hahaha And I really don't have the desire to go fabric shopping so overall expenses are muuuch lower.
I have the habit of fabric shopping, but then I don’t sew anything. Just don’t always have the time with work and everything else in life.
Great video, my Mom isn’t doing well😭🙏🏽 we’re trusting God through it all
Oh no... I am so sorry to hear that!
I've been sitting in the hospital with my Dad since Tuesday. It's almost the end and I don't want him to be alone. Prayers for you & your mom
Thinking of both of you, Debbie and Arlene!
@@debbiefarner1688 oh I feel your pain sis, I’m also at my Moms bedside, she’s not well either, praying for you & family during this time
@@ThoughtfulCreativity Thxs so much sis
You are a smart cookie:)
6. Social media. To me it's amazingly amusing how fast it hooked us and is now largely controlling our lives. People can't even imagine anymore that yes people did manage their lives without it, they found inspiration and all kinds of sources elsewhere. Why is it so important to let an "influencer" to tell us what how and why?
I would love to cut flat, but how do you avoid a seam in the front {or back} of the project with this method?
You trace the pattern to make a full front pattern piece and a full back pattern piece, when you cut bodice parts. It might seem like an extra step, but since I draft my own it does not seem like an extra burden for me.
Great video with lots of useful tips and ideas. I have a length of silk sari fabric that a friend brought back from India and gave to me as a gift. I have no idea what to do with it. It is a lovely pale green with a silver thread pattern in it, which are not colours I would normally wear/use. There is loads of fabric in it but no ideas in my head of what to do. Or perhaps too many ideas and no idea which one is the right one and so I don't use it as I don't want to ruin it or waste it, a total conundrum for me. Any advice?
You could dye it? Test a small scrap first. I think silk would take the dye well.
I make decor pillows 18" or 22" square, 2 different fabrics- fast, easy, anyone can use and enjoy. And I'll never call them "throw" pillows, that's for cheap mass produced from Ch***. Our community here, we are artisans doing creative handmade especially. with upcycling ☆☆
I don't consider sewing as a hobby. It has always been a necessity.
Can you make a chest pillow for side sleepers I have looked all over RUclips for a tutorial and can't fine one. I want to make one to fight wrinkles lol. Thanks
May I ask please..
I have a stash of lovely fabrics which I will probably not use. However, it's not an option to discard or giveaway because it's expensive.
Any suggestions what to do please?
Get together with other sewists and do a swap, exchange, or “garage sale”?
I could see a “garage sale” for sewists also working for other crafters-beaders, knitters, handspinners, etc. Maybe rent a facility (or find one for free (like a church or community center), and have other crafters pay a fee to participate in the sale in order to cover the cost of renting, advertising, etc.
I lost my 2024 Sewing Mojo for the following reason: I have been following more than 3 years.. and this was my drawing: I’ve collected spring/summer and Fall/Winter fabric that it takes more than 10 plastic storage bins..Both my husband and son makes fun of me of how much fabric I have collected . Then, It is the sewing time management, dresses takes longer and even more specially if it has a conplex design, I work from home, and homeschool, also, I do not attend many events other than church 3 times a week.Also, I get frustrated with the time I want to sew (project) and the time quality my family wants to share and I can’t because I want to sew .. I am the type of person that I cannot stop something when I start. Dec 2023 I started to sew a red satin shirt dress and I could not finished because I did not the skills to sew. I have a lot sewing projects half ways and they are still not finished. … Alisa and to this community any advise .. feel so overwhelmed 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
First please don’t let your family to make or belittle you. God has given you a skill that many don’t have.
2nd sew when you have time and one project at a time. There is no one racing you but yourself. Enjoy your hobby.
Set apart a sewing time for each day. When that time is up then it’s family time. Don’t start something you don’t have the skill to finish, yet. That time is down the track. Also, don’t buy more fabric until you have used, sold or given away most of your fabric stash. You can involve your children with your sewing by teaching them how to sew.
That is a great idea .. Thank you
Might be time to cull the herd. Consider getting rid of the projects that you don't want to finish or have fallen out of love with. Same with the fabric; your tastes have probably changed since you bought some of those pieces so maybe you could sell them and free up some space and money.
What about having a conversation with your family and explain how you would like to have some time to sew each week? Make it an appointment with yourself for some time to do something that you enjoy. Hope these ideas help. 🙂
Hi there! I would like to offer that there are seasons in life. Do what you can in the season you are in. Avoiding social media and window shopping might help you find a little time each day. Set a timer for 15 or 20 minutes and see how it goes.
Did you made the clothes your wearing in this video cause I love it
Yes, it is is an upcycle from a skirt :) the link is in the description of the video if you want to see how it went :)
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I don't watch fabric halls any more.
The problem I have is that I'm not a fast sewer and that's why I have too much fabric.
Unfortunately it looks like JOANN FABRICS may be fling for bankruptcy and may be going out of business. I hope that isn’t true since they are only 4 miles from me. I buy a lot of fabric and notions and I would be heartbroken. While their fabric is not all of the highest quality it serves the purpose for most things. I think they should not have diversified so much and kept more to fabrics and sewing equipment and notions. There is a Michael’s in the same vicinity. Let Michael’s be the go to for crafts and Joann the sewing center. But then I’m only a consumer.
Hi Alisa,
I am not able to see members only video. You sent a message i needed to renew membership. I sent a money card on 12/2/23 for 50.00. Please check your records. Maybe the card was tampered with. Sorry please let me know as I want to remain a member of your channel .
Thanks ,
Deb
s
Deb, hello there! I am so sorry for your troubles! Unfortunately, I have no access to the payments or payment information - RUclips deals with all of that for security reasons. As of right now I don't see a Membership badge next to your name which tells me that your Membership wasn't renewed.... Hmmm... If you click on your profile picture on RUclips (little circle) you should have an option to view your "purchases and memberships". From there you can see the payments method, of the membership is active and if there are any other issues. I would also double check your money card and see when was the charge and if it went through. Sometimes charges are "pending" for various reasons. I am so sorry I can't be more help, but I truly can't see any of the info, so I am kind of in the dark... :(
How do I contact tube?the. Card. Is valid and. Still. Has a balance. It wont let me use it. Visa checked the number and balance. Thanks sorry. I really. Enjoy. Your channel. They have made a. Mistake somewhere according to. Visa money is on the card
@@debtaylor5156 Deb, this comment that you just made has a membership badge next to it, soI am assuming that your Membership got renewed! Try and see if you can go to the community tab and watch an Early Access video for Members that I posted this past Sunday.
Thanks. I can see them now. I dont know whats going on. I love your channel and your sweet presentation. You are the best.
Deb, I am so glad that it worked out, although I could not be of much help! Thank you for reaching out and thank you for being here :)