How to Save Money

Use what you have:

Have a hotel mending kit? You now have a sewing needle and probably a needle threader. Test out some scissors you have on some fabric and see if they are sharp enough. Save your dryer lint and use it as stuffing. Clothes with holes? Check out the fabric and see if it’ll work for this class. You probably have a ruler in your house already.

Your sewing machine may have come with some of the supplies, look though its accessories first.

By the way, it is totally ok to get yourself supplies that are just for sewing. You are learning to sew for you. You are making an investment of your time and money in you. This is a good thing. I am a very thrifty person and sometimes I just need the freedom to just go buy myself the supply I need instead of making due with what I have. So, “I give you permission to spend money on you.”  

Friends:

Ask your social network.  Make a post on Facebook or talk about the class you are starting with friends. Perhaps you have a hidden crafter or sewist in your midst, a friend who’s trying to learn as well, or a friend with a fabric trove. Ask them for help / a loan. They might have fabric or supplies that they no longer need and would love for them to be used.  

Kit:

The Eversewn kit includes more than you need for this class. But they are able to offer it at a lower price in the kit than you could buy otherwise. So sewing kits can be helpful to get your supplies at a lower price. 

Coupons: 

Joann fabric and Michaels have great coupons and sales all the time. I’m not as familiar with the coupon offering at other chains. Remember some chains will honor coupons from other places. So check out the details.

Thrift:

Here in Indianapolis we have a store called ReCraft which would be a perfect way for any beginner to get their supplies. I have only had a little luck at more traditional thrift shops. Fabric can generally be found, but you don’t often find pins, needles, thread, etc. Dollar stores are also a great resource too, although not technically thrifting.