I'm so glad I can sew!!!
By Adelida2233
@Adelida2233 (1005)
United States
October 27, 2009 12:23pm CST
My grandmother and mother both taught me how to sew. While they both had different styles and specialties, learning from both of them has been a great experience. My grandmother is 96 and has macular degeneration and can no longer see, but learning to sew with her as a kid and teen is something I think about often. My grandmother made formal dresses and more structured items like corsets while my mother focused more on ready to wear items like shift dresses, simple skirts, and tops.
After learning to sew and knowing how much material, accessories, and time went into the making of the garment, it really gives you a different perspective(and changes what you are willing to pay for different items). I'm totally amazed at the cost of brand name clothing, and it's not even that well made. Considering I work in fashion and I'm in at least one department store every day, you'd think I wouldn't be surprised but it's quite the opposite. Making my own clothes has definitely changed how much I'm willing to pay for items. I pretty much only buy items on clearance, Goodwill, or consignment stores unless I absolutely love it. So far this year, I've only paid full price for one item(a formal dress that I've been looking for for several years now).
Who knew that what started out as a hobby would eventually save me so much money? Sewing is awesome!
1 person likes this
4 responses
@doryvien (2284)
• United States
28 Oct 09
Hi Adelida,
My mother is a dressmaker, she sews dress professionally. She actually helped my father augment the family income by making dresses, curtains, even wedding dresses. My mother was good at what she did that she became famous in our small hometown, people, rich and poor went to her to have their dresses made. It is therefore but natural that I too became interested in sewing. By time I reached high school I was already making my own house dresses. Unfortunately none of her children followed her vocation, we were all encouraged to pursue other careers, including myself. I still do some sewing at home, minor repairs on my kids torn shirts and shorts, but nothing complicated and definitely not the professional way, not the way my mother did it. Nevertheless, my mother has unintentionally left me a legacy I will always value and cherish.
@natnickeep (2336)
• United States
28 Oct 09
I so wish I would of payed attention to my mom when she tried to teach me and in home economics class. It would surely be useful at times like Halloween. If you want something done right these days you gotta do it yourself. Halloween costumes are so skimpy and poorly put together these days, I wish I could make my kids myself. But like I said I didn't pay attention. Wish I would of now!
@JoyfulOne (6231)
• United States
27 Oct 09
I'm with you there, I am SO glad I learned to sew so many years ago. My Mom used to make everything from suits and dresses, to bigger projects. When she was young she worked for a time at a design house and learned many sewing tricks that I still use today. She mostly loved sewing clothes, and they never looked 'homemade' (if you know what I mean lol) The other family member I spent a lot of time with was my Dad's sister. My aunt could make anything, but her favorite projects were doing curtains, slipcovers, and things like that. From the two of them, plus 4-H sewing (10 years) I learned enough to make me satisfied that I can tackle about anything anymore. I've done my own drapes, slipcovers, shirts, kids clothes, etc. I can't imagine how much I've probably saved over the years! I've taught both my girls how to sew, as well as many of their friends. They all still love sewing their own stuff :)
You mention the brand name clothing. I've purchased 'brand name' items before only to have them fall apart on the first washing, or losing a button the first time wearing it. Very disappointed for the quality you get anymore for the price one has to pay!! When I do buy, I search out other venues and I can't remember the last time I paid full price for any clothing. It will always go on sale at some point down the line.
@moneymakingtoday (4061)
• Philippines
28 Oct 09
I can sew but I feel I need to go to formal sewing lessons. I need formal lessons to cut and sew dresses or pants or other clothes. I am more into sewing curtains, bedsheets, couch covers, table runners or table covers. When my daughter was little, I used to sew her simple skirts and blouses ... it was that time when no complaints was heard, lol. A child wears whatever her mother tells her to. 
. I love sewing curtains. I have saved a lot by doing it myself.
. I love sewing curtains. I have saved a lot by doing it myself.