I was chatting with my mom about my coat-making progress the other day, and she made the joking remark, "You know you can buy coats in stores, right?" While I'm so thrilled with how my coat is turning out that I wouldn't want a store-bought one anymore, I thought it was an interesting point. I think we'd all love to have an entirely handmade couture wardrobe, but there are some things that are just less hassle to buy ready-to-wear rather than stitch up ourselves.I think we probably all have that one type of garment that's so fun to make that we'd never buy it in a store again (mine is pencil skirts). And then there are the things that you technically could sew for yourself, but it just doesn't seem like an enjoyable use of precious sewing time. So, the question of the day is: What do you like to make for yourself and what do you prefer to buy ready-to-wear?
Knit tops are a big one for me. Sure, I have a serger (thanks to Mom!) but I use it primarily to finish my seam allowances. I suppose I could whip up a bunch of knit tops on it, but I honestly prefer to stock up on them ready-to-wear. I love a nice ruffled knit top (like the adorable "tutu tank" from Anthro above) and they're great in neutrals that I can pair with bright pencil skirts and black tights for work.
Also on my list of garments I buy rather than sew are camisoles and cardigans. And while I love to make my own slips (tutorial here!), I pick up undies at the store. I even took a panty-making workshop last year, and while it was super fun, it isn't something that I've really gotten into on my own.
So how about you: What do you prefer to buy rather than sew? Have you ever sewn things for yourself that most people would consider odd - shoes, sweaters, or bras, for example?
Boy, our minds run along the same track. I think a lot of the decisions about 'make vs. buy' for me rest in terms of 'perceived value' and 'disastrous effect if it doesn't fit correctly'. So, I'm working on a coat also (because I can build in more personal value for the amount of money spent plus with my short arms, I'd end up having the shorten the sleeves on any coat that I would buy). I also tend to spend more of my sewing time on getting things that I want that I can't find where I live - this fall/winter schedule includes a couple of warm long sleeved knit dresses. If I could find a source of nice warm sweater knits, I'd make more because a sweater dress is something I can pop on, throw a jacket and scarf on top of and I'm ready for work in a flash.
ReplyDeleteJeans. I tried to make a pair of jeans once. Not fun and didn't fit very well. I prefer to buy my jeans. Also, I buy my knit tops. When I make something I like to think I'll have it forever. Knit tops come and go in my wardrobe that I can't see investing the time in making them.
ReplyDeleteI really only sew outfits that I can't get anywhere else (for example, anything high waisted when it is not in fashion!) I am never really attracted to the idea of sewing shirts, for example, because they're a basic item that I can stock up on almost anywhere.
ReplyDeleteWhat I enjoy the most is to sew pretty party dresses. What I never would try to sew myself are jeans, undies and cardigans.
ReplyDeleteI've been reading your post for a while now, and, indeed, our minds run the same track!
ReplyDeleteI'm now working on a blouse (to try out the pattern, to use it as a standard), but i do'nt think i will be making lots of blouses hereafther...
And further: PJ's, undie's, shirts, jeans and overcoats aren't and won't be on my wishlist
Ugh, I don't even try to sew knits, even though I also have a serger. Too much hastle. And I don't think I'll ever make pants... I don't know why, it just doesn't seem very fun to me. But I love making skirts and dresses, and the occasional top if I actually find a pattern I like.
ReplyDeleteThere used to be a lot more things on my "won't make" list, but I have found that as I have tried them, I've had a lot of fun making them! I never thought I'd make my own jeans, but recently made a pair, and I'll never buy jeans again - RTW just doesn't fit as well as mine. I don't make my own undies/bras or shoes, but everything else is fair game! Same for my kids.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a terribly advanced sewer so have never tried anything in jersey, but I agree with other commenters in general that I try to devote sewing time to things I couldn't just pick up in the shops, like party dresses in styles I want, or a pinafore dress if I take a notion for one and they're not in fashion.
ReplyDeleteI have a little pet annoyance relevant to this topic, which is when people are so obsessed with their hobby/craft that they try to make everything out of it, even things that never should be (you could so easily have a 'Most awesomely inappropriate use of a craft' competition). For example, I knit and I see people on the internet knitting or crocheting skirts. That seems crazy to me - surely that's what dressmaking and woven or machine-knit fabric are for! On the other hand, if I wanted to make a cardigan or jumper (sweater), I'd probably turn to knitting first rather than dressmaking, since when we use jersey for those garments, all we're saying is that knit fabrics are best for them, in which case you might as well knit your own. I completely understand that people enjoy doing one thing and not others, but still, knitted G-strings?
I love to sew knit tops! Actually, I would prefer to sew my entire wardrobe, but I do have a few RTW items in there still. My problem is I don't quite sew enough to keep up with the clothes I really could use. Pants are a bit of a stumbling point for me - I haven't yet made a pair of casual pants in a flattering style that fits me really well, but I have high hopes for overcoming that in the near future!
ReplyDeleteOne thing I don't foresee myself sewing is bras. I've found a line of RTW bras that fit me well, and I prefer the seamless cups that can't really be duplicated in home sewing. I have made my own panties, though. :)
I have a different situation because I have 6 kids. What I buy depends on the child -
ReplyDelete17yo ds - I make occasional things like ties and vests for church. He has also discovered that I make wonderful knit shirts, similar to the $40 that he likes from the expensive stores.
14yo dd - I made her winter coat. She likes me to make her skirts, tops, and dresses for church.
12yo dd - She likes me to make anything for her - pants, shirts, skirts, dresses.
9 & 7 yo boys - I make button down shirts, church trousers (with buttonhole elastic for better fit), and knit shirts for playing.
4yo dd - I make about 90% of what she wears. It often takes little material for shirts and pants. And dresses that she likes - frilly, heirloom, smocked - are much less expensive by making them.
I sew anything I want for me. I also make almost all our pj's.
I sew because I can and I enjly doing it. Not because it saves money at times (except for my 4yo dd).
I normally buy underthings, jeans, socks, and other things.
Jeans and anything in chiffon! I hate sewing in chiffon!!!
ReplyDeleteI am completely unexperienced with knits, mostly due to lack of a serger. So, I buy all knits, pijamas (I prefer knit pijamas), swimsuits and underwear. But, I would really love to start sewing them all.
ReplyDeleteI buy garments that I find pretty, affordable and well fitting. The more experienced I get as a seamstress, the more challenging sewing projects appeal to me. So, as I evolve, I pick projects that inspire me and motivate me to work on them.
I have just one rule - I've gotta have fun while sewing!
My rule is: I don't make things I can buy. That means, if I can afford it, I can buy it (I very often can't afford the things I really want, like a custom-tailored red cashmere coat, for example). I can, however, afford underwear :-) Also, it means I make things that I can't buy because they don't make them to fit me -- all my trousers and jeans are made by me, and I bless the day I learned to sew. Also skirts and (should I ever happen to wear any) dresses are on my list for making. I can buy nice tops that fit, so I'm less likely to make them, but I do make them sometimes because I want a particular detail. And I hate shopping, so sometimes I make things for that reason. I buy shoes and socks.
ReplyDeleteAfter 30 years of sewing I've made almost one of everything! I love a challenge! I have "settled" into making garments that are different from anything you can find in the stores or are too expensive. My favorite "look" is a tunic/dress with leggings and boots. It has been for years, and now that the fashion world has caught up with me, I can actually find leggings much cheaper than I can make them.
ReplyDeleteSo what I will buy actually changes with what's in the stores that season.
I won't waste what little sewing time I have on basics that you can get in ready to wear, usually on sale and still well made!
And I have to admit, sewing basic t-shirts over and over bore me to death! ;) If anyone besides me actually saw my bras I might make those! Not.
I make all my own bras and panties. I have a big cup size and a smaller ribcage so it's impossible to find my size locally and I'm always afraid to order them online. I do buy jeans since I don't have the patience to sew them. Also, if I find a really good sale I may pick up knit and/or woven tops.
ReplyDeleteHaha! That's funny - I bought the dress (just like the top pictured in your post) from Anthro - and although it was expensive - it was just easier than piecing all those knit strips (I have a picture on a blog post where I was undecided about the top/dress). I'm toying with embarking on a "I'm only sewing things and not buying anything" for 2010 but am wimping out a bit on committing to that as I'm such a beginner. I love RTW designer jeans - I know I could make jeans but there are so many great manufacturers out there right now. I would definitely make dress pants and skirts from now on! My goal is a wonderful fitted suit to wear in the future.
ReplyDeleteJeans and pants in general I'm not brave enough to sew. I think the prospect of learning how to fit pants is a bit daunting. I'll get there someday.
ReplyDeleteI will always buy my bras. I don't think I could ever engineer enough support otherwise. I've never felt like camisoles were worth the time to make, though I do like sewing knit tops...sometimes they're a nice break from wovens.
I think sleeveless woven tops are my favorite thing to sew. Mostly I just love being able to sew in fabrics that I love and know that if I bought it, I'd have to pay through the nose for it's general lack of syntheticness. I rarely pick something off the rack and think--wow, that's an awesome color or, that print is fantastic.
interesting topic and comments so far! I mainly sew dresses and tops for myself and have just finished a wool jacket. Am considering sewing my own swimwear after a recent strap breakage mid-stroke. I would never sew jeans or do anything with lots of beads / embroidery. I buy more now than I used to but I go through a 'how much did this cost to make?' inquisition in my head first. I tried to make a bra once but it was a bit of a blunder and never got worn. I also buy the kind of jersey tops I could make cheaply and quickly on the overlocker but I really don't like cutting out stretch knits, something bad always happens!
ReplyDeleteInteresting question. I think for me it is a question of fit. I still buy some knit tops because it is pretty easy to find RTW ones that fit. ALthough I also like making them. I don't think I'll ever buy a pair of pants again. So much frustrating time I don't have to spend!
ReplyDeleteI definitely make my own dresses, skirts, and blouses. Since I am shortwaisted, it is far less hassle to make them than find something in the store just to take it to be tailored.
ReplyDeleteI would never sew knits of any kind-- I find, they are usually inexpensive and they fit off the rack, so why bother? And...I probably would never sew jeans and it is a maybe on the pants.
Last year I made two winter coats and three jackets. I love, love what I made and would do it again. Yet, I just fell in love with a jacket at Anthro. which I am thinking of...
If only there were time I would love to try to sew all my clothes, but time is a luxury item. So I buy all the basics, such as undies, bra, knits, jeans etc.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I rarely even look at in stores are skirts, they are so easy to make, and make to fit.
As I started my sewing in a medieval society (SCA) I've done some projects that are a bit... strange. Like sewing my own shoes, and sewing a tent/medieval pavillion. =)
Even though I've seen incredible non-professional jeans on the blogs, that's one thing I just can't imagine making. Not even back when I made the majority of my clothes.
ReplyDeleteSo, for me, jeans, button-down shirts (with button plackets, collar stands, and cuffs), underwire bras, and anything in chiffon-like materials are things that I'm willing to buy in stores.
I generally just sew skirts and pajamas. Store bought pajama pants never seem to be long enough so I've been making my own for years. And skirts are so easy to make that it almost doesn't make sense to buy them.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of things that I don't normally sew, and things I haven't sewed before, but the only thing I don't see myself ever sewing is jeans.
I sew things I can't find in a store. My Obama dress for example. I mean, really, where do you find a suitably dramatic 4th of July dress?
ReplyDeleteMy boyfriend loves turtles & monkeys. So I've made him turtle pj pants & a quilt. You know how hard it is to find cute turtle themed stuff for a 14 year old trapped in the body of a 48 year old?
I buy everything else. I'm not a good enough seamstress to get the fit right on stuff that I can wear to work. So for now my sewing is for fun. Hopefully once I survive the holidays I can start sewing again for myself, and actually wear the stuff I make on a regular basis.
Hmm... If it's something that I need before I know I'll get around to sewing it, and it's relatively inexpensive, I'll buy it. If it's a really lovely item in an unusual fabric that I don't think I could find, or in a style that I don't think I could replicate with my current skills, I'll buy it. I will pretty much always let myself buy sweaters. I have some sweater knits and can't wait to work with them, but it's so hard to find good ones, and there are a lot of cool styles I could never sew because the sweater is knitted, not sewn. I will not let myself buy any skirts, though - they're the one thing I know I can make easily!
ReplyDeleteThe problem with me is that when I go to the stores and see some clothes, I think "Mmm, I guess I can sew it"..........BUT of course NOT! First, I'm new sweing, second, there are too many things that I find too difficult to sew, third, I can't find the correct fabric to do it.
ReplyDeleteBUT, I'm just gonna start with a coat....of course , a simple one, with no lining, just the fabric....a cheap fabric so I can make mistakes and don't feel TOO sad hahahahahaha
I agree, I've tried and failed too many times at making jeans and knit tops. Instead I'll go to a thrift store and buy interesting ones, and alter them to make them fit like I want. Then I can fool myself into thinking I made it!
ReplyDeleteI sewed a bra for fun, thinking I really preferred to buy them. I thought I preferred those one-piece molded cups. But now that I have a nicely fitting pattern, I find I like the sewn cups better. They are just prettier. Also, I adjusted the pattern to be a little more comfortable than RTW.
ReplyDeleteJeans, however, I prefer to buy. I'd rather try on 20 pairs of jeans to find a good fit than sew them. You don't know the fit until they are 99% finished.
I'm one of the odd folks in the world in that I've gotten to the point that I try to make as many of my clothes as possible (Wardrobe Refashion Lifer) mainly for fit and, well, I hate shopping for clothes. The only things that I buy retail are underthings (one day I'll get to these), hosiery and shoes. I used to be a shopping demon until retail forgot about women in my age group -- it is very hard to find clothing for a business casual office in the stores -- it seems the clothes are either too young or too old for my taste. But that's how things are in my little piece of Florida - they assume everyone is either 20 or retired -- no inbetween, no women with jobs in professional offices. Maybe if I lived somewhere else, I'd shop more. Until then, I sew therefore I am clothed in age appropriate, office appropriate attire.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a hard and fast rule for what i sew and what i buy. I don't buy new, full priced clothing ever. We have a great name brand discount place in town, and if you're like me and love to dig there's a ton of amazing deals on higher end stuff and plenty of basics for $1 if you shop at the right time from good stores/brands. I can't sew something for less than that - so even if it needs altering, I tend to go this route when I just need a non-specific wardrobe boost. Other than that, I only shop thrift stores/vintage places.
ReplyDeleteBasically, I tend to sew the things that I want specifically, like copying vintage dresses, or high-end modern things. My problem is there really aren't any decent places to buy fabric, so I have just as much of a hunt to find nice fabric as I would looking for the finished item.
I have yet to tackle undies/bras, but if I ever find the right fabric for me, I'll never go back to store bought. I have yet to find anything ready made that really fits properly.
As for shoes, they're on the top of my 'to-make' list. I made a custom last ages ago - just need to find the proper soling before I can have anything wearable.
I don't have a desire to make something as momentous as a coat - unless of course I find just the right shade of emerald green wool before I find my perfect coat, but the chances of that happening are very slim indeed.
One thing I doubt I will ever sew again - basic button up shirts. Too much time for something I could buy at a thrift store for $1, when I could be spending my sewing time making dresses...
Like many of the others here, I don't sew knit tops (why reinvent the wheel? I can buy decent ones in the store, and I find them boring to sew) - however, I do like working with knits. I also don't sew jeans, as they are a bit of a pain in the behind and those are the one type of pant I can usually find inseam lengths on in the stores. I make pretty much all of my other pants, as I am 5'11", and finding dress pants and other pants is usually a nightmare.
ReplyDeleteKnitters hear that all the time about socks. But knitting socks can be fun and some knitters enjoy the process. Certainly, a finished hand knit pair of socks is more unique and beautiful than anything I've seen in a store. For me, I enjoy sewing (and knitting!) and would prefer to sew all my clothes simply because I really enjoy it and feel that's the only way I can express myself through clothing. I sometimes see garments in stores that I really like and feel express who i am, but not very often anymore. I can't think of anything I prefer buying rather than sewing. Unfortunately, I don't have much time to sew nowadays since I have 3 small kids, so I'm glad your mother is right that clothing is available in stores. ;) About the only thing I won't bother (for the most part) to sew is a basic t=shirt.
ReplyDeleteI love the camisole in the photo, btw!
I'd rather buy knit t-shirt type tops. I buy workout clothes. Even though I can knit, I'd rather buy sweaters and cardigans. And I definitely buy undergarments. I can't recreate the technology of a perfectly seamless Le Mystere bra.
ReplyDeleteI love when you bring up things that are so relevant. I was just rambling on about this topic to my husband last night. For me, it comes down to cost and the time I put into things. I have to admit that much of my RTW comes from Costco. I can get Calvin Klein jeans for $20 and cute knit tops and sweaters for $10-$20. I couldn't buy the supplies I'd need for that price. let alone the time that would be invested. With 2 kids under 2 I have to prioritize. I make fancy dresses and home decor stuff mostly. For my little ones I make most things because it is more cost effective. The one adventure I would encourage is making your own sexy panties and camis from stretch lace. It comes down to cost again and it is fun. I thought it was crazy at first but now I'm hooked. I have also been wondering does anyone have a good source online for lace fabrics?
ReplyDeleteI tend to sew things that I have a hard time fitting such as dresses, coats, fitted shirts and skirts.
ReplyDeleteI buy things like undergarments, socks, cardigans and t shirts since those fit well. I normally don't make jeans because I can buy them; however I did make a pair for the fun of it and I loved them until the fabric shrank (even after 2 washings).
My one violation of the don't make what I can buy rule is I made several swimsuits this summer. I can buy them off of the rack but not in a vintage style with the cute skulls, leopard or hawaiian print fabric.
I guess I would make a tshirt if I found an amazing piece of fabric.
I love to make knit tops! they are so easy and so variable you can just go crazy with them. I like to make skirts and blouses. I really only buy jeans and shoes... and purses. things I really don't have the means to make. I've started making a lot of dresses as well because I can never seem to find ready to wear ones I like. I also buy underwear type things, tights, bras, panties... things that I wouldn't have patience to make :)
ReplyDeleteMy sewing teacher alsways said she made the good stuff at home and bought the rest. So she'd make herslef a pair of pants that would have cost over $200 retail but happily shell out for a pair of jeans.
ReplyDeleteThat said since I'm slowly building my sewing skills I'll still knock up a pair of PJ bottoms. I'm working on the Betsy Ross Apartment pants (they have pockets!) right now and I love em. Sadly I'm giving them to my Mum for xmas but I'll be making myself a pair in the near future. Next on my list is a pencil skirt also from betsy Ross.
I doubt I'll ever buy a skirt again, and am eager to learn to sew knits even though I'll continue to stock up on retail T-shirt basics. I've never in my life had a pair of RTW jeans that truly fit, so I'm in the process of learning to tailor a basic jeans pattern for my shape. (3 muslins in, and still tweaking, but I'll get there eventually, although at this rate it may be 2011 before I have something wearable finished.) I don't even wear pants more than a few times a year, but I couldn't resist the challenge! Things I'll never sew: undies of all kinds, for sure. And menswear-type shirts (plackets, buttoned cuffs, collars, all those button-holes, eesh!), well, maybe I shouldn't say "never" but they will be the last thing I attempt. Oh, and leather. I seriously doubt I will ever sew anything from leather.
ReplyDeleteIt used to be bathing suits, then I discovered that they're actually not hard to make. ;)
ReplyDeleteAnything from chiffon, though, I buy. Not that I wear it much, but I have a dress and 3 tops, and I've never once felt the need to fight with the material and sew my own versions.
Ok did I just see the words "...knitted G-string"?! LOL!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm a girly girl and like to wear dresses and skirts daily even though I'm a SAHM. I hit up the fabric clearance sales and can easily bust out a bunch of skirts for much cheaper than I can purchase RTW so that's what I mainly sew.
I'll always buy RTW undies & bras. With a chest as small as mine, I need bras that are so padded that I'm practically bullet proof.
Hmmmm.... I definitely make most of my skirts and dresses, and have just started making my own blouses. I haven't tried making any knit tops yet, because I'd rather lick a wall than sew knits, so I buy them! I would like to make jackets because it's very hard to find styles and fits I like--I'm narrow-shouldered with a narrow ribcage and large cup size, and high-waisted too. I buy jeans and pants, but I would love to make myself nice pants....someday :-)
ReplyDeleteI prefer to buy something when I either can't make it myself, or can't do so in an affordable manner (whether it is money or time I am spending) - it is so much easier (and cheaper) for me to make a blouse than trying to find the right vintage one in the right color for the right price, I have more options when I make my own pair of slacks, etc.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you that I'd rather buy knit things and cardigans/sweaters, and all underthings.
That is a really good question. I think it is a mater of personal preference. For me, if I can make it, then I will choose that option over purchase unless pucasing is cheaper.
ReplyDeleteI would actually like to sew undies, as for me it´s very hard to find some that I like :).I wanted to make pants, but to me, that seems complicated, so I guess I will only buy them.
ReplyDeleteJana
It's not as if I were a very experienced seamstress, but though I don't think I'll ever buy another skirt, I don't think I'll ever stop buying jeans either... I don't have a serger and I'm not daring enough to try the overlock stitch of my singer, so I also buy knit tops.
ReplyDeleteBut what I really wish I were able not to buy is my lingerie, because I'm with Heather M on the big bust/small ribcage front... sadly, there are no bra patterns in France!
I think there are certain things that just turn me off when i think about sewing them. For example, shoes! (bit of an odd one.. as there is much more of a process to them!). However, i get one of the biggest thrills from sewing my own nightwear. I love that no body else has the same nighties as me! x
ReplyDeleteI buy wardrobe basics, but things like corsets, items on the runway I may never be able to afford, and items that I know will never be available in my size are sewn by me.
ReplyDeleteBecause I live in CA I do not have anyone around me who sews, so all my friends think I am not only brillant, but nuts too. I would perfer to sew everything, but with an 8 and 6 y/o I sew what I can. My one item I will NOT buy is pants. They fit so much better when I make them, that store bought pants completely annoy me. I haven't tried a trench coat yet, because it scares me a little, but eventually I will. I have patterns from Jalie for undies, but haven't felt the urge to do that just yet. I also LOVE to make bags and purses, will never buy one again. Happy sewing everyone!
ReplyDeleteI don't sew any "flopping around the house" clothes because it's depressing to make something - only to spill on it as I'm cooking or cleaning. And while I love sewing my own lingerie, I mostly buy it. Because (with my lousy love life) no one will see it but me and I prefer to make things I can get a little bit of recognition for.
ReplyDeleteInteresting responses.The more I sew, the more I want to sew. The only RTW I have bought for myself in the last two years are bras, very thin socks, pantihose and shoes. I am planning to work out how to sew bras next. I also sew nearly everything for my children. I like sewing much more than shopping. This is why I sew everyday!
ReplyDeleteI, too, sometimes employ the "I don't make things I can buy" but the things I can buy are usually only cheap/thrifted. Mainly, I won't make any undergarment (socks, stockings, bra, etc.) or very basic items like camisoles and T's. I also wouldn't consider making jeans, except trouser jeans, but I don't tend to like making pants for some reason (hemming? There's two hems to do! Hilariously, I have to hem most of the pants I buy anyway, though) I enjoy making dresses and skirts and some tops. I have learned to knit and have knit one cardigan. I have a stash of yarn waiting for other sweaters and cardigans to be knit up. I think I would enjoy making my whole wardrobe given the time, with the only exception of underwear. I would even like to learn cobbling if I had the chance, but probably would not often employ the knowledge.
ReplyDeleteI'm just generally a hard fit. I'm big across the front chest, AND I'm busty, however my upper back measurement is tiny. Then I've got booty, and really muscled legs to make things even more difficult.
ReplyDeleteI buy pants, even though they're hard to find, because I can usually get expensive brand, washable, wide leg dress pants for under $40. I buy bras because I can't be bothered to make them, and I buy tshirts because it's too much of a hassle to set in the neck band without a serger.
I make skirts (most of my wardrobe is skirts!), underwear, costumes, dresses, and I recently got a tights pattern I'm planning on testing out this afternoon. I also hike, and since "fat" women apparently don't exercise, I have been modifying mens clothing, but for next season, I'll be making my own. Thankfully there's a store that supplies the fancy wicking and quick-dry fabrics in town. :)
I've even sewn my own socks. They were for costume purposes, but I'm going to translate the pattern into "knit fabric" instead of "bias cut wool" and make some more, just because I can.
I am trying to be fully dedicated to sewing a complete wardrobe. Sewing underwear seems really exciting to me. But I am a nerd and a geek and just plain weird. The only thing i haven't been tempted to sew is jeans. And i think i would still mostly buy basics like tees and tanks and i recently bought a pair of sweatpants. It is extremely time consuming and seemingly never ending to sew everything though. And sales are very tempting...
ReplyDeleteI sew dresses, shirts and anything that needs to fit well. I'm a Plus size with a short waist and big bust so finding off-the-rack wovens that fit is a nightmare.
ReplyDeleteI buy stretch tops as these are cheap and fit isn't as much of an issue. I make my own gym pants tho' 'cos + size gym clothes in Oz are shockingly bad.
I don't plan on making undies at this stage, but may attempt them once, just for the fun of it.
Often the piece I make is influenced by the fabric. I buy vintage from ebay and it usually tells me what I'll be making.
Because I sew for fun and have been working on building my skills, I continue to try a number of things that I may not have ever bought in a store. I am not much of a skirt person, but I have made a bunch of them learning to sew! I decided I would learn to sew knits no matter what, and after I set my mind to it and had a few disasters, I finally got the hang of it, and ended up with some really cute knit tops for all occasions. This is great because I wear a knit top nearly every day to work with a suit or cardigan. So, it is quite fun to be able to say, "oh this old thing? I made it" and be so secretly pleased!
ReplyDeleteIn general I do not sew many knits (hemming them continues to elude me). Also, I do not sew workout clothes (which make up about 60% of my wardrobe because of my job/graduate research/hobbies).
ReplyDeleteI prefer to sew things that I have difficulty finding in stores in my size. Nothing off the rack fits me when it comes to pants, suits, etc. I will never buy pants again because I have a perfectly fit pattern (low rise, tab front closure, optional pockets). I have never been able to find a blazer/suit jacket to fit, so that is on my list of Things to Sew. I sew dresses in different patterns and fabrics that are not easy to find due to current fashion trends (hence my tendency to only sew vintage patterns).
I am fortunate enough to own two pairs of perfect fitting jeans I bought in South Africa (sadly I had to travel 9,000 miles to find a pair that fit), so there are no jeans in my foreseeable future. However, once they wear out I may have to try my own.
I buy tops and some dresses. However, unless dresses and skirts are really long off the rack, I'd rather make them. "Tall" sizes are for women that are 5'9 or 5'10--- Not for a 6'0 woman. Dresses that should hit me at mid calf are barely below my knee, and forget knee length. It just doesn't happen.
ReplyDeleteI make my own pants and shorts as a matter of course, because I have a disease that makes it a necessity. See, I have lymphedema in both legs. What happens is that your lymph nodes, which are the garbage collectors of the body, break and the lymph fluid can't make it out of the affected limb(s). That makes it so that my legs are about 4X the size they should be, so buying pants is out. Instead, I make them. I widened the legs to the point where they can fit over layers and layers of compression bandaging comfortably without binding. They're almost as wide as bellbottoms, but I've made them as straight-leg trousers, just out of denim.
Oh! One thing I forgot.... I'm going to try making my own shoes one of these days. Why? I figure I can make them a heck of a lot cheaper than I can buy them. It's not just my legs that are swollen, it's my feet, too. I can't get any kind of dress shoes off the rack. Nope, mine have to be custom made. And that carries a $600-$800 price tag. I've found a book, and I swear I'm going to try it one of these days.
ReplyDeleteI'm tired of wearing my Frankenstein shoes to church.
I make skirts, dresses and pants. I have a few blouse patterns I'm waiting to try but haven't got around to. Knit tops are something I don't think I'll ever attempt. I always thought that pajamas were in this same basket for me, but I recently picked up a few vintage patterns for 50s nightgowns, made them in sheer silk/cotton blends (not the traditional nylon chiffon) and now I will never go back to RTW nightwear.
ReplyDeleteI just recently got back into sewing after a long hiatus, but I do know, like many, that I won't make jeans. Heck, I don't even hem jeans 'cause it messes up the fading around the hem and makes them look weird!
ReplyDeleteI have an odd shape as well, so blouses are a definite make for me - I have yet to find a button down that fits right. If it's OK in the shoulders, it pulls at the bust. If it's big enough to not pull at the bust, it looks like I'm swimming in it.
Dresses are an issues for me to - I have a looooong waist, so store bought never, ever ever looks right.
Skirts - lord, why would I buy? a yard of stretch wool at Mood is only $15. Compared to what, $80 and up for the same thing in a store? That everyone else has and that doesn't quite fit me right?
I also can't see myself sewing knits or underwear. Though I'm intrigued....Mostly though, it's all whim and fancy. One day I might buy it, the next day I might so it. I'm capricious like that :)
I actually just came back from visiting my parents in mississippi and had a freaking FIELD DAY at Hancock Fabrics. Simplicity patterns at 5 for $5 and $3.99 for Vogue. Plus fabric for three blouses, a robe, a pair of pants (my first!), a full skirted dress, a blazer (another first!) and flannel for robes and pajama bottoms. The ladies thought I was insane.
I don't know who was more excited - me, for all the bargains, or my poor madre, who finally had someone who WANTED to be at the fabric store with her.
Funny, many of you don't like making knit tops, I make some and buy some. Knit pants, no way, I can buy them for less and easier than making. I have no real desire to make jeans, I rarely wear them,except Wranglers with boots. Underwear, cheaper to buy, bras, still cheaper to buy. I focus on dresses, knit tops, pajamas for kids.
ReplyDeleteI come from the school of re-fashion. While I by no means make all of my clothing, I alter almost everything. I have access to many cheap, amazing thrift/vintage store and only (1) mediocre fabric store. Because of this, it ends up being easier to buy vintage/thrift for fabric/general cut&style and alter to my preferences. It feels very late 40's WWII conservationist. I intend, soon, to make a woman's suit from a man's.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I sew completely from scratch is blouses. I have the hardest time finding blouses that fit due to being very short-waisted and small-busted. I also make/radically alter dresses for the same reason.
I don't buy a lot of clothing. I only buy underwear and pantyhose new and tend to wear camisoles/slips as is too. However, after reading the comments, I am super inspired to make my own slips!
I was just talking about this very topic with my mom recently too! :) I tend to sew a lot of things that are "hard to fit": skirts and dresses being my favorites, with the odd blouse here and there. It's just easier to tailor these things to my body shape than go through the frustration of trying to find off the rack versions that work! I also refashion a lot of my own cardigans, since I like mine fitted and cropped to the waist/upper hip (very 40s sweater girl-ish!), so in a way, I guess that is "making" them. lol. They're actually really easy to do (I'm posting a tutorial next week), which is probably why I keep doing it. lol. Some things I haven't really tackled yet, and still stick to the shops for: jeans, exercise/athletic wear, and coats (mostly because I've found such a good source in thrift shops for vintage ones ;).
ReplyDeleteOne thing I really can't wait to try is sewing with knits! I've done a bit of knit sewing (two or three tops, a dress, and of course my cardigan refashions) on my regular machine, but I'm hoping to get a serger after the holidays. I just bought Wendy Mullen's "Sew U: Home Stretch" and am intrigued by the idea of creating my own knits wardrobe. That's another area I have a hard time fitting into many brand's fit model. :p
Great topic for discussion, thanks! Something I think is in many sewers thoughts, it certainly is in mine. Personally, I have signed up to the Wardrobe Refashion pledge, and have committed to following it for life, which throws up allsorts of issues about what to make. Recently I got stuck in to jersey fabric with the help of Sew U Home Stretch, and LOVE how quick making a T-shirt can be. I extended this to cut and sew knits to make my first jumper, though one day I plan to learn to knit to cover this need, and hopefully also socks. I can't imagine making my own shoes, tights or bras, but everything else I plan to dominate, or get second hand or try and make my existing ones last until that time! It's such an exciting feeling when you have some successes in a new type of garment, the possibilities really open up to you.
ReplyDeleteThis is really thought provoking. I think I like to try anything just once. But I don't think making bras or panties are in the future for me. I evaluate some buy by asking myself, "Could I make it for this price?"
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