Good Monday morning! Hopefully you're all having a more successful time at rousing yourself for the week ahead than I am! Frankly I can't stop yawning, and I had to peel myself out of bed this morning. Of course, my new denim pencil skirt helped motivate me a little.
I recently finished the skirt using the same Vogue pattern I tried this past winter, with a few modifications, of course. And just like last time, it worked like a charm.Except for that part where I made one size too small and had to do some creative alterations. But we won't dwell on that...
During this recession, people are always looking for ways to stretch their dollar, and I think that sewing is one of the best. I love that I can buy a pattern (which usually always includes several variations on the style) and use it to make an infinite number of garments in many different sizes, colors, and textures. And if I choose a classic design (like a pencil skirt, for instance), I can reasonably expect to be able to use it throughout my life without it going out of style.
It occurred to me the other day--as I was making a shopping list for Target--that I haven't purchased new clothing at a store in quite some time. In fact, after taking a brief inventory of my closet, I realized that with the exception of two long-sleeve cotton tees, I haven't bought one single new item of clothing since last summer! And yet my wardrobe has evolved with the seasons just like in years passed.The difference? I started sewing. And in the process I have saved quite a bit of money. And it hasn't felt like a "recession-induced-sacrifice" at all.
Of course, the bottom line--really--is that I now have an adorable denim skirt that I can wear all spring and summer. I can dress it up and down, and wear it with sandals or heels. And if I grow out of it or get sick of it, I can just make another one. And then maybe use the denim to make a cute handbag or something...The possibilities are endless in a recession--no sacrifice required.
Can you think of a positive impact that this recession has had on you? Perhaps you've learned a new skill (like sewing!) or rediscovered the pleasure of simple things... Share with us by posting your comment below!
I started sewing too, but lately I've been couponing. There is something so satisfying about seeing a 20-30% savings on my grocery bills. I already loved the grocery store, but its now something even more...
ReplyDeleteCan I hire you to coupon and shop for me?... You could probably have a lucrative little enterprise...
ReplyDeleteYou know, I think the one good thing that has come out of the recession for me, and for a lot of people I know, is just the concept of fiscal responsibility. The idea of saving up for something, the desire to not finance everything, being an adult and learning when to tell yourself NO! Also finding less expensive ways to have fun and enjoy the company of friends. One thing (as I posted before) is that I have tried to take a more proactive stance on spending money. I use a software program to plan out meals and snacks for the week, and create shopping lists so I'm not tempted to grab that random item that catches my eye as I head to the cashier. It's helped a lot, and I've also found that we waste considerably less food, and make meals and money stretch farther this way.
ReplyDeleteI know it's silly, but it's something that makes me feel like I've taken a step towards being an adult, and not just a post-college kid getting by.
Nicky--I love your steps toward wasting less and saving more with food! In fact, I'm toying around with the idea of hosting an annual "Pantry Challenge" where we'd all try to spend a week creatively combining and using up the food we have on hand! I'd bet you'd have some great tips for all of us!
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