As someone who mostly sews doll clothes, getting cheap fabric quarters and using remnants is perfect for my projects! I've found some good fabrics that way and I don't need that much fabric to begin with
Another great source for cheap fabric are recycled full skirted dresses from the thrift store. The skirts can yeald 2 to 2.5 yards of usable, good quality fabric for $2 to $5. They can also provide zips, buttons and trims, such as lace as well. I find them especially useful when I am sewing kids costumes.
Another tip for saving money is to look in your thrift store for patterns. Or if your sewing store has patterns for sale, sometimes at the end of seasons or the end of the year, they'll have a rack of discounted discard patterns that didn't sell during the season
One of my favorite things to do is if a item is falling apart/has holes/the fabric is pilly/etc, is to carefully cut it up and boom! You have a pattern of something you loved, and you get up close and person with how it was constructed.
I really like the sewing subscription clubs. If you decide you really enjoy sewing ask for an annual membership as a gift from family or friends. They often have special rates, you get a bunch of patterns, a community of sewists to chat with and share ideas and experiences, many partner with fabric stores to give member discounts, and they have classes and club meetings throuught the year. It's just so fun to share a love of sewing as a way to connect with others. Oh! My other favorite tip is the library. I raised my son on my own for 18+ years and going. The library has been an excellent resource for learning anything new as well as entertaining myself and my son. You can even use your library account to borrow digital books and videos.
Oh shoot, one more! Internet archive is a great way to access rare content that you might not be able to find at your local library or through their exchange program. I have found rare and out of print books on natural dyes and tailoring. Maybe you are looking for inspiration and want to see Vogue magazine from a specific year? No problem.
I thrifted online for my sewing machine in high school. It's a 60s Sears Kenmore in a table, came with a lot of the notions, parts, and tools for it, and I scored it for $20!! The man wanted to get rid of it because he'd been hanging on to it since his mother passed and it was a hassle to move with. Even though it's an old machine, I'm learning more of how to use it and it surprises me with it's versatility, even if limited as an old model!
I am so jealous of places where people can get good quality vintage things. In my country there is no concept of thrifting vintage. Only show pieces clocks etc can be found in very specific shops that too very very expensive.
I borrowed my Dad's sewing machine for several months. I nicknamed her Lola, because no matter what I tried to make her do... she did whatever she wanted! (Probably because Dad didn't know how to take care of her, and neither did I.) The day after my sister gifted me with my current sewing machine (I haven't named her yet-- maybe Ruby?), we saw a like-new sewing machine at a local thrift shop for $10. So don't discount looking at thrift shops for sewing machines, too, but definitely ask to try them first and definitely shop for them early in the day because they disappear quickly.
Bed sheets --- Yes! I recently went through my blanket box and found several double size sheet sets that I no longer use. They are good quality and I plan on making some dresses from them.
So nice to have an aussie! Most sewing channels i follow are American which is fine, but when it comes to materials or products, brands especially for a newbie its hard to find an equivalent. Made my first skirt thanks to your tutorial! Love your videos 💜
Mood Fabrics also has TONS of size inclusive free patterns. Many of the patterns also have tutorials from other people that've made them, as Mood patterns are not always beginner friendly
Bed sheets are awesome! I was making a try for my first pattern (your daisy dress!) with some fabric of the same sheets that I used for a skirt. It came so good that I wore at work and all likes It!
I don’t sew clothes, but I do use bed sheets to make extra pillow cases. Since I did away years ago, using a top sheet on my bed, I have the extra fabric. Of course, if I can just purchase the fitted sheet and pillow cases separately, when available. Great idea to buy from thrift stores.
I have sewn for many, many years. These are the same things I have done, and they are such great tips. I live in Las Vegas NV, US, we have a lot of thrift stores here. Great chance for getting a lot of cheaper fabrics. Thank you for all of your ideas and patterns, and sharing. I appreciate you.
I am not a beginner, i would say, but i love watching your videos just because they are so cute and helpful too. i am 12 and I already made many outfits and thanks to you, i could avoid some bloopers. thank you for your wonderful videos
I bought a brand new Singer sewing machine, in its box for 25€ at my local thrift shop. To this day I am still in chock. The retail price new is 170€. So looking at the thrift store for a sewing machine is a good idea !
Thrifting is such a great thing for sewing. Though in my experience some thriftstores just don't carry that kind of "hobby" stuff. But then there's others in my area that always have great stuff! I have a bunch of bedsheets, but also actual sewing fabric, bias tape, pins, zippers and buttons all from the thriftstore!
I remember seeing you use a bias binding maker in one of your videos and intended to buy one in the sales that are going at the moment. Went to my local op shop and found 2 different sizes packaged together for $4 (Australian dollars). Bargain! I notice a similar new one one is $11-15. 🌸
I live in Mexico at the moment and finding any good fabric is practically impossible. I can't find cottons, 100% linen, nothing. There's one store in the city I'm in, and they have a rather limited selection of cotton that is medium to low quality. Everything is plastic (aka poliester). Thrift stores exist but for clothing only, sometimes for some home decor. Most bed sheets are also poliester and microfiber, which I hate. So I started buying bed linen from H&M, they have a nice, but also limited selection. Rarely have prints so I end up getting solid color and then painting on it.
Looking to use a few of your patterns and tutorials to make myself a modest wardrobe for the fall/winter. What kinds of fabrics would you suggest for the dresses to be warm? Thank you so much. Love your content. You make sewing feel very accessible.
Hi Janelle! I was just noticing your dresses seem to run in a soft autumn colour scheme and was wondering if you ever spent time looking into your colour season before making clothes, or if you just found the colours that look best on you over time. Similarly, did you ever look into your Kibbe body type ect. or simply found sewing patterns that suite your body type with experience. Thanks! Love your content so much! Xx
Hi Denni! No I haven’t done any colour analysis or anything like that, it just so happens that I kind of suit the colours I’m drawn too. I do love the colour pink but never wear it as it just doesn’t suit me, so I add pink to my spaces instead. As for finding clothes that suit my shape, I’ve just always gone with styles that are comfortable and I guess have worked out what suits me with experience. I tend to only wear dresses and skirts because I have shorter legs and always find jeans and pants don’t fit me very well/are really uncomfortable to me 😅 xx
Would love a trouble shooting video for an Overlocker! I’ve got everything set up but can’t seem to work out what I’m doing wrong. I’ve got all the steering correct according to my manual but having issues with the loops either being pulled over the top or underneath on the same line of stitching - would be very grateful for any advice!
I feel like the uk seems to have far less material like bed sheets in the charity shops, anyone found a good alternative? I did get a nice remnant jyn john lewis recently though so can recommend that!
My money-saving tip is to stay away from Tomato. Tomato is a menace. I bought a bunch of fabric while I was there. I bought some cotton with cats doing the laundry on it. Cats doing the laundry print! Tomato is madness.
As someone who mostly sews doll clothes, getting cheap fabric quarters and using remnants is perfect for my projects! I've found some good fabrics that way and I don't need that much fabric to begin with
Another great source for cheap fabric are recycled full skirted dresses from the thrift store. The skirts can yeald 2 to 2.5 yards of usable, good quality fabric for $2 to $5. They can also provide zips, buttons and trims, such as lace as well. I find them especially useful when I am sewing kids costumes.
Another tip for saving money is to look in your thrift store for patterns. Or if your sewing store has patterns for sale, sometimes at the end of seasons or the end of the year, they'll have a rack of discounted discard patterns that didn't sell during the season
One of my favorite things to do is if a item is falling apart/has holes/the fabric is pilly/etc, is to carefully cut it up and boom! You have a pattern of something you loved, and you get up close and person with how it was constructed.
I really like the sewing subscription clubs. If you decide you really enjoy sewing ask for an annual membership as a gift from family or friends. They often have special rates, you get a bunch of patterns, a community of sewists to chat with and share ideas and experiences, many partner with fabric stores to give member discounts, and they have classes and club meetings throuught the year. It's just so fun to share a love of sewing as a way to connect with others.
Oh! My other favorite tip is the library. I raised my son on my own for 18+ years and going. The library has been an excellent resource for learning anything new as well as entertaining myself and my son. You can even use your library account to borrow digital books and videos.
That sounds like an amazing idea! I had no idea that was even a thing. Great tip about the library too! Thanks for sharing 😊
Oh shoot, one more! Internet archive is a great way to access rare content that you might not be able to find at your local library or through their exchange program. I have found rare and out of print books on natural dyes and tailoring. Maybe you are looking for inspiration and want to see Vogue magazine from a specific year? No problem.
I thrifted online for my sewing machine in high school. It's a 60s Sears Kenmore in a table, came with a lot of the notions, parts, and tools for it, and I scored it for $20!! The man wanted to get rid of it because he'd been hanging on to it since his mother passed and it was a hassle to move with. Even though it's an old machine, I'm learning more of how to use it and it surprises me with it's versatility, even if limited as an old model!
Sometimes the older models can be way better/better quality then newer models! Sounds like an amazing purchase 😄
I am so jealous of places where people can get good quality vintage things. In my country there is no concept of thrifting vintage. Only show pieces clocks etc can be found in very specific shops that too very very expensive.
I borrowed my Dad's sewing machine for several months. I nicknamed her Lola, because no matter what I tried to make her do... she did whatever she wanted! (Probably because Dad didn't know how to take care of her, and neither did I.) The day after my sister gifted me with my current sewing machine (I haven't named her yet-- maybe Ruby?), we saw a like-new sewing machine at a local thrift shop for $10. So don't discount looking at thrift shops for sewing machines, too, but definitely ask to try them first and definitely shop for them early in the day because they disappear quickly.
Bed sheets --- Yes! I recently went through my blanket box and found several double size sheet sets that I no longer use. They are good quality and I plan on making some dresses from them.
Not sure about other States but most libraries in Victoria have workrooms that you can book and include access to sewing machines.
So nice to have an aussie! Most sewing channels i follow are American which is fine, but when it comes to materials or products, brands especially for a newbie its hard to find an equivalent.
Made my first skirt thanks to your tutorial! Love your videos 💜
Mood Fabrics also has TONS of size inclusive free patterns. Many of the patterns also have tutorials from other people that've made them, as Mood patterns are not always beginner friendly
Ooh good to know! Thanks for sharing 😄
Bed sheets are awesome! I was making a try for my first pattern (your daisy dress!) with some fabric of the same sheets that I used for a skirt. It came so good that I wore at work and all likes It!
Ahh that’s amazing! Love hearing that 😄
I don’t sew clothes, but I do use bed sheets to make extra pillow cases. Since I did away years ago, using a top sheet on my bed, I have the extra fabric. Of course, if I can just purchase the fitted sheet and pillow cases separately, when available. Great idea to buy from thrift stores.
I have sewn for many, many years. These are the same things I have done, and they are such great tips. I live in Las Vegas NV, US, we have a lot of thrift stores here. Great chance for getting a lot of cheaper fabrics. Thank you for all of your ideas and patterns, and sharing. I appreciate you.
Thank you 🧡
Thanks for sharing these great tips.
Love the dress you are wearing.
I learned to sew on my mom's Singer.
I am not a beginner, i would say, but i love watching your videos just because they are so cute and helpful too. i am 12 and I already made many outfits and thanks to you, i could avoid some bloopers. thank you for your wonderful videos
The idea and the way to do it are great, saving and recycling is very useful.💯
My very first project back in the high school days were pyjama shorts! It was a light blue fabric with daisies and I wore it to death!
I bought a brand new Singer sewing machine, in its box for 25€ at my local thrift shop. To this day I am still in chock. The retail price new is 170€. So looking at the thrift store for a sewing machine is a good idea !
Wonderful video, Janelle. You always give fabulous tips. 😀
Useful tips thank you for sharing Janelle! !
Thrifting is such a great thing for sewing. Though in my experience some thriftstores just don't carry that kind of "hobby" stuff. But then there's others in my area that always have great stuff! I have a bunch of bedsheets, but also actual sewing fabric, bias tape, pins, zippers and buttons all from the thriftstore!
I remember seeing you use a bias binding maker in one of your videos and intended to buy one in the sales that are going at the moment. Went to my local op shop and found 2 different sizes packaged together for $4 (Australian dollars). Bargain! I notice a similar new one one is $11-15. 🌸
Awesome bargain hunting!
Amazing! Nothing better then finding exactly what you’re looking for in a thrift shop for a fraction of the price 😍
My opshops sell matched buttons they take off stained donated clothes, which is excellent
I live in Mexico at the moment and finding any good fabric is practically impossible. I can't find cottons, 100% linen, nothing. There's one store in the city I'm in, and they have a rather limited selection of cotton that is medium to low quality. Everything is plastic (aka poliester). Thrift stores exist but for clothing only, sometimes for some home decor. Most bed sheets are also poliester and microfiber, which I hate. So I started buying bed linen from H&M, they have a nice, but also limited selection. Rarely have prints so I end up getting solid color and then painting on it.
Looking to use a few of your patterns and tutorials to make myself a modest wardrobe for the fall/winter. What kinds of fabrics would you suggest for the dresses to be warm? Thank you so much. Love your content. You make sewing feel very accessible.
I love making corduroy dresses for the colder months and if you can get your hands on some brushed cotton that would make a really cosy dress too 😊
@@RoseryApparel thank you so much!
Hi Janelle! I was just noticing your dresses seem to run in a soft autumn colour scheme and was wondering if you ever spent time looking into your colour season before making clothes, or if you just found the colours that look best on you over time. Similarly, did you ever look into your Kibbe body type ect. or simply found sewing patterns that suite your body type with experience. Thanks! Love your content so much! Xx
Hi Denni! No I haven’t done any colour analysis or anything like that, it just so happens that I kind of suit the colours I’m drawn too. I do love the colour pink but never wear it as it just doesn’t suit me, so I add pink to my spaces instead. As for finding clothes that suit my shape, I’ve just always gone with styles that are comfortable and I guess have worked out what suits me with experience. I tend to only wear dresses and skirts because I have shorter legs and always find jeans and pants don’t fit me very well/are really uncomfortable to me 😅 xx
Would love a trouble shooting video for an Overlocker! I’ve got everything set up but can’t seem to work out what I’m doing wrong. I’ve got all the steering correct according to my manual but having issues with the loops either being pulled over the top or underneath on the same line of stitching - would be very grateful for any advice!
Here’s a video all about overlockers that I shared a few weeks ago: ruclips.net/video/nH1zLhZT_B8/видео.html&feature=share8
I feel like the uk seems to have far less material like bed sheets in the charity shops, anyone found a good alternative? I did get a nice remnant jyn john lewis recently though so can recommend that!
My money-saving tip is to stay away from Tomato. Tomato is a menace. I bought a bunch of fabric while I was there. I bought some cotton with cats doing the laundry on it. Cats doing the laundry print! Tomato is madness.
Hi Mis how are you I am from sri lanka now I am working in dubai I like to learn smoking patterns now I am 57 years old woman
I would like an Arabic translation, please
👩🌾👩🌾👩🌾