How do you choose what to buy vs. what to make? If you don’t already know, getting dressed makes me happy. Even if only my little people see me, I want to look put together. Don’t get me wrong, yoga pants have their place, but in my book they are an evening/sunday after church luxury. But lately, the age old ‘make it/buy it’ conundrum keeps circling through my brain. The cost of making can often make me head to the nearest store to grab a t-shirt, but wearing something you’ve made (or seeing something you made on your baby) gives you a feeling no money can buy.
For me, plain t-shirts fall into the make-it camp. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Sewing clothes again feels good. In middle and high school, about 70% of my wardrobe was handmade, often designed by my mom or myself. I even designed (And still own!) my prom dress. As I got into my junior & senior year, my own job brought store-bought items into my wardrobe.
Now, it feels like a new stage of life has arrived. Making things that really fit, with high quality materials and not wondering if I’ll see it on someone else walking through the grocery store brings me a smile. And leaves me more money for nice shoes.
Art Gallery Knits made the decision to make my own shirts easy. I use the Lane Raglan pattern. Now my knit shirts fit, they cover my bum when I bend over, and I can make the sleeves long enough.
So, do you sew clothes? How do you choose what to buy & what to make? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
If you’re curious about sources, I’ve started sharing the details here. When you click the links, I make a few cents which helps me keep up my blog. Thank you for reading and always being so supportive!
My shirt – Art Gallery Knit in Sahara Sun & This Pattern (Made by me & neckline fixed by my mom)
My jeans (Seven for All Mankind – really really old. Similar on sale here, cleaner wash here.)
My {favorite} fall booties – On sale here. (Similar here for half the price)
My bracelets are Alex & Ani. (I collect one from each place I travel. I’m currently hoping for a London Bridge one since I couldn’t find one over there! And I want this one for Christmas!)
A’s dress – Birch Fabrics Double Gauze (made by my mom)
A’s Leggings – Art Gallery Knit in Navy (made by my mom)
I don’t make my own clothes. I daydream about it. However, I don’t feel confident in actually doing it. Things I’ve made in the past haven’t fit right and tailoring it to my body seems beyond my skill set. I end up spending a lot of time and money on something I won’t wear. Maybe some day…
I’m new to sewing with knits for clothing but I’m loving it! What pattern did your mom use for A’s dress? I’m wanting try make my girls a simple knit dress and that is exactly what I’m looking for!
Thanks for the shout out. I enjoyed making A’s clothes and helping make yours fit. Maybe next summer we can fit me so I can start making my own clothes again. I’m really getting dissatisfied with the selection in my size. It’s either ugly, it siesnt fit right, or the quality of the fabric just stinks. So, next summer, you’ve got your work cut out for you.
I don’t make my clothes. I’m totally intimated. Right now, we get free at the attic and you can’t beat that. When that goes away, I might fly your mom out to teach me! Or we will come to you. Lol
I’ve always made my own clothes…until I started working for a Bridal wear designer, then the last thing I wanted to do was sew when I got home! Now that I’ve changed careers I’m back sewing clothes & really enjoying it.
I an a newby to your blog and looking forward to great content.