Thrifty Struggles
I thought I would let you know some of my struggles in the thrifty life so that you, too, can know that you can live truly thrifty with company.
FACT: I am 5′1″ tall and basically have to hem all of my pants. My MIL and best friend usually help me with my sewing needs as I do not have a sewing machine.
FACT: I received 3 pairs of pants for Christmas since I only have 1 pair of jeans that fit and 1 pair of jogging pants that, ironically, are too short. they have to be hemmed.
FACT: My usual routes of hemming pants were occupied for the time frame that I needed so I took them to the dry cleaners to be hemmed. Want to guess how much they charged me?
$7.75 per pair of pants. I can BUY a sewing machine and learn for less than than $100. That will more than take care of not only my hemming needs but my kids accidents and projects in school and my husband’s pants as well. I will be investing in a sewing machine soon. I just can’t afford to pay that for ever! I can think of so many things I would use my sewing machine for so I guess I will be learning how to sew soon.
Tags: sewing, thrifty_living_tipsRelated Stories
POSTED IN: budget, frugal living
11 opinions for Thrifty Struggles
L
Jan 7, 2008 at 11:05 am
My recommendation is to try estate sales, yard sales, thrift shops, and flea markets to find a really sturdy (and slightly antique) cabinet machine. They last way longer than a standard (mostly plastic) new machine, because most of the parts are metal, plus they are much easier to use. Two years ago I found a Sears Kenmore cabinet in pristine condition with ALL of the extras (including one double drawer filled to the brim with vintage buttons) for around forty dollars. I nearly cried.
Amy
Jan 7, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I got a sewing machine recently (I need to start using it!) and found one on Hancock Fabrics. They had refurbished sewing machines at really good prices. I was also able to sign up for their newsletter to get a discount too! Good luck!
Heather
Jan 7, 2008 at 2:49 pm
I got a machine last summer off of freecycle for free. It’s an older singer but it still works really well and I just finished my first sewing project(sheets for my three year old) and I’m working on another. As you know you can’t get any better than free! You might want to check out craigslist or freecycle in your area.
Karen
Jan 7, 2008 at 5:14 pm
As you know, I am short too. :) I run into the same problem. I went by the cleaners today and they said they wanted $9 a pair!!!!! I passed. A lady at my mom’s church does them for $5. So this week when I see my mom I’m going to give her my pants. Then next week when I see her again, I’ll get my pants back. All 4 pants will be hemmed for $20.
Karen
Jan 7, 2008 at 5:14 pm
P.S. I have a sewing machine but hardly ever use it. I did not inherit my mom’s knack for sewing. It takes me forever just to figure out how to thread the machine. lol
Kate
Jan 8, 2008 at 12:42 pm
I second checking out Good Will, the Salvation Army and St.Vincent De Paul shops for sweing machines. You can find some that have never been used for great prices.
Melody from ~Pennies In My Pocket~
Jan 9, 2008 at 1:36 am
I can relate … I have the opposite, but just as frustrating, problem being 6′ tall. Uggghhhh!
~melody~
Oh and by the way, I just completely adore your blog!
isabel
Jan 9, 2008 at 3:33 am
You will find it easy to learn and a joy to master. Find a grandmother with a machine and some patience. It’s lovely to share knowledge and pass on tips. You’ll brighten someone’s life by asking.
Laurie
Jan 9, 2008 at 12:56 pm
I have the same problem I am only 4′10″ and have never found pants that fit, everything has to be hemmed. You might want to try asking friends and family memebers if they have a sewing machine. When I began looking for one I happened to mention to my mil that I was looking for a sewing machine. She had one sitting in her attic that she never used because she did not like it. She went and bought a new one. It was brand new with all the accessories. She was so glad to get rid of it she refused to take any money for it. You may find someone who has one that they just don’t use and is taking up space.
Laurie
Nicole
Jan 11, 2008 at 5:10 pm
I saw a post on slickdeals about sewing machines on clearance at Target and thought of this very post! The slickdeals post included a link for checking stock inventory in your area (to save you the drive). Hope someone that needs a sewing machine can get one on clearance!
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?p=9697745#post9697745
kellys
Jan 11, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Thanks everybody. I just love reading all of your ideas. Karen, feel free to pass on teh sewing machine for a while if you don’t use it :) HAHA!
Laurie, I will be quietly looking for a sewing machine that has dust on it so I don’t have to pay a lot for it. Great idea. I tried that with my mom but it didn’t work.
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