It's hard to have any craft or hobby and do it on a budget. That means no credit cards too. I don't use credit cards, so any new hobby I have I have to pay for in cash, when I have a little extra.
So, my tips for sewing on a budget:
This is my key to sewing on a budget. I buy sheets, as long as they don't have holes or smell for cheap muslin fabric (and for garments when approriate) and shop the "tag of the day" when possible. I have a rule that I usually stick to and that is, if the fabric is under $2.50 I'll buy it without a tag (for something over one yard) and if it's over I will wait for that tag to go on sale. Ask the sales people when the tags are. Don't just limit yourself to fabric either, check out the bagged items (Goodwill and Savers have bagged items on the walls). Thread and other notions can be found there. From my experience, bagged items are usually under $4-5.
Technically I don't yard sale, but if you do and don't have good thrift stores near you, yard sales are a good way to go. If possible call them the day of and ask if they have linens and/or sewing things. A lot of people will post their phone number along with an address if they aren't just off the main street so you can call for directions. When I've done yard sales I haven't minded at all if someone called me and asked if I had large furniture or whatever. It saves on gas and a wasted trip.
You don't need those brand new pinking shears right this instant. There are other ways to finish your work; it just takes longer. Wait for the really good sales! Make do until you can upgrade cheaply, but not by sacrificing quality. Use coupons! A lot of craft and fabric stores will take competitors coupons.
If you aren't aware of Freecycle yet, get your butt off to
Freecycle.org and find your local group. I got my first sewing machine,
a Babylock, off of someone from Freecycle in my area. I always see people asking for and giving away bags of scraps (perhaps you quilt?), and I'm collecting a little stash of scraps myself that I will give away on Freecycle too. Be willing to drive and use the gas to go pick up a sewing machine, or something that you really want. What is gas money when in the end you could be saving hundreds? Also, ask nicely. My mother always said that you could attract more flies with honey than you could with vinegar (um, ew), but that is pretty true when asking for something. Please's and thank you's make a world of difference. Post a "want" and not "need" and be polite. I know I shouldn't even have to say that, but I can't tell you how many rude posts asking for things I see on my local group.
Yes, I said it. I'm no fan of Walmart as a whole, but when you are on a budget, Walmart is a nessesary evil. I buy all my bobbins there, and dig through the clearance fabric. I know that a lot of Walmarts have taken away the fabric section, but if you do have one, take advantage before they take away yours too! I haven't yet had a problem with the tracing paper, bobbins, fabric, and inexpensive scissors (though I will upgrade those eventually) that I've gotten from Walmart.
Things like using a pin pinned to an ironing board to make bias tape instead of buying a fancy bias tape maker, or using a sponge (which can be found at the dollar store) as a pin cushion. There are tons of tips and sewing advice to be had if you read blogs, websites and use your friendly pal Google.
Pin cushion image courtesy of erellsworth.com
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