I was delighted to read an article on Yahoo.com where the Actress Drew Barrymore wore a stunning $25 dress and paired it with $760 Yves Saint Laurent "Tribute" pumps (you can read the article
HERE). I chuckled when I read the article because I was reminded of something that most of us seamstresses know. This scenario is the "norm" for most of us. How many of us rack up on discount fabric and end up sewing gorgeous dresses, pants, etc for super low prices. One such "inexpensive dress" that immediately come's to my mind is the $14 Prom dress I sewed for a friend, a few years back. We found her fabric on clearance at Hancock fabrics for $1.99/yd. It was a metallic gold satin with velvet embossed flowers. It was so luxurious and gorgeous!!! That fabric was such a steal. All I needed was 6 yards and an invisible zipper. I loved the fabric so much that I kept a swatch. Here's the dress....
And lets not even talk about the designer dresses we can sew for a fraction of the price. I love to do it and I see you Guys do it all the time!!! As seamstresses, we have the freedom to control the price of what we sew. If we want to sew an expensive dress we can but we don't have to. That's one of the things I love about sewing especially since I'm SUPER frugal. So although I probably won't ever spend $760 dollars on a pair of shoes, I take much joy in knowing that I save so much money in sewing my own clothes. In my world, the "inexpensive dress" will always be the norm.
Love that dress. And I so know what you mean. Although I have had a long weekend of sewing that hasn't yielded a successful final product. Did learn lots, though.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I got that book you recommended a couple of weeks ago and it's been very interesting. Tx
I'm in total agreement with you there. I really don't miss going shopping for RTW items only to get frustrated when I can't find anything at all that I like. Sewing does equal freedom.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Faye--either I don't find anything I like because I have no idea what possesses the people to create styles sometimes, OR what I do find that I like doesn't fit right/isn't in my size.
ReplyDeleteI read that article and thought the same thing, my shoes always cost more than my dress :-)
ReplyDeleteToday I am wearing a dress that cost me $4 for the fabric (no zip and thread from stash). I have paired it with a pair of boots which originally were $395 but I bought on sale for $120.
ReplyDeleteI was just talking with my husband about this very thing, about how much it saves to sew when you want quality.
ReplyDeleteTrudy
www.sewingwithtrudy.blogspot.com
I truly agree with you on being able to sew clothes at a fraction of the price. Also, you control the quality of the garment. If only I knew how to make shoes! hehehe!
ReplyDeleteI am super frugal too and I love the better fit with sewing, something that I would have to pay bundles for in RTW.
ReplyDeleteThe gold dress is beautiful! She must have felt so lovely wearing it. It fits perfectly.
I like that not only can I make better quality clothes for less, I'm the only person who has that particular item. Makes you feel special. Puts a little pep in your step. Besides, saving money is my favorite hobby!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree - since I've learnt to sew my own clothes I've been spending a lot less and what I'm wearing actually fits me!
ReplyDeleteThis is a fun thing to think about--I'm trying to think if I have any shoes that were cheaper than the clothes I wear with them. I'm sure there are a few pairs in there, but not many. Of course, most everything I make is under $20!
ReplyDeleteI agree and with styles going in and out every year, we can always keep ourselves stylish at little costs too!
ReplyDeleteIt's crazy how I was just talking about this with my friend the other day. I have an award show to attend in the next couple of months, I want to look FAB but FRUGAL. With my budget I have to choose between the outfit or shoes to splurge on. This is my confirmation that the shoes are it! Thanx!
ReplyDeleteThis is why I love sewing; it challenges my creativity and I save money at the same time. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Hidi sewing ones own clothes is definitely challenging and creative with a huge splash of savings. Majority of the time my shoes & accessories cost more than the garments I've made.
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