"Sew Me" Project was a success in 2013. So let's do it again!

I did it!

I told you I was going to sew all my clothes in 2013, and not buy anything new.

I did it!

I made two pairs of pants, two skirts, 10 knit tops and eight dresses. I'm sure I saved a lot of money, but I really don't know how much. I used a lot of fabric that I had stashed away.

Let me just say my husband is very happy with me. Full disclosure, he did buy me a purple dress for a conference. He had to take it back because he got me the wrong size. Once he got me the right size I had to bring down the hem. I little too short for my taste.

I did buy under clothing. No way would I attempt attempt to make a bra.  I visited department stores to see the trends and get ideas.  But I stuck to my promise and feel good about what I accomplished.

And it did feel good to tell people "I made this" when they paid me a compliment on my dress or top.

So I have decided that I will continue sewing my own clothes for 2014. This also includes me re- purposing clothes.  I will visit thrift stores and make something out of an outfit getting a second life.

Try it! It's fun and it really pushes you to become creative. I finally had dresses that were  the perfect fit for my body. I'm one size on top and another on the bottom.

I'll  keep you posted.

Join us on our Facebook page: The Best Crafters

Happy Crafting!


Rebecca

Sew, Sew Me! Making My Own Clothes in 2013

This past Christmas, I was invited to several parties. I also kept seeing all my fabric I have piled up in my craft room. Suddenly it hit me, why not make my own clothes, and start with some Christmas outfits.

I pulled out some sewing patterns, and green sequined fabric. I even put myself to a time limit. I made a top in a couple of hours.

No one told me that sewing sequined fabric was difficult with a sewing machine. So I was left to sew the top BY HAND. Yes every stitch by hand, but I got it done in a few hours.

I was channeling my mother who could whip up a dress by just looking at it, and in a couple of hours. She always told me "no one will see the inside." She was right.

Just Sew or Re-Purpose in 2013

I have a room full of boxes of sewing patterns, fabric, and a sewing machine. I've decided and will do my best in 2013, to make ALL my own clothes. This does not include under garments. I don't think bras will be easy to put together. Leave that to the professionals.

I'm either going to make something new to wear or re- purpose clothing I already have or that I find at a thrift stores. I grew up shopping at thrift stores and garage sales, and let me just say---there is a lot to be found at these places.

So I'll keep you posted with my new projects.  I hope to inspire you to sew or at least try it.  I'm also allowing myself to buy fabric when it’s on sale. Here I come Jo-Ann Fabrics, Hancock Fabrics, Hobby Lobby. I am not a professional seamstress. I'm a journalist by profession.

Now what to do with all those gift cards I got for Kohl’s and JC Penny?

There's nothing better than someone saying "I love your top." Sew, sew me!

Texas Woman Honors Our Fallen Heroes with a Needle and Thread

Sometimes it just takes something as simple as a needle, thread and fabric to make a difference.  Here's  a story about a Texas woman who uses her sewing talents to reach out to the families of our fallen heroes.

Diana Lopez Axthelm creates "Forget Me Not" pillows, and sends them to the parents of those who have lost their lives in wars past and present.   Here is the video that I produced as part of a longer news story for pegasusnews.com.

May this story inspire you to take on your own giving project.