Am I Frugal, Or Just Cheap?

I had a bit of "sticker shock" the other day. I've decided that I'm in the mood to sew myself some clothes. Inspired by amazing blogger Summerset Banks and Project Runway...I've made it a goal to get back to my "sewing roots." I used to sew for my girls when they were little. I used to sew as a teenager too. (I grew up with 4 teenage girls in our house! And I grew up in the days when they taught us to sew in HomeEc in high school!...do they even have HomeEc anymore?!!) But I swear the last time I bought a sewing pattern, it was only $1.99! Well, I guess those were the "olden days."

Did you know a Butterick pattern costs $14.95 these days? A Vogue designer pattern is $30!!! So, of course I waited for the President's Day sale at Joann's today. I got 5 Simplicity patterns for $5.00. And I'm using fabric I have on hand. Many years ago I began purchasing nice fabrics when I would see it on sale--hoping I would someday find the time to sew. So now I'm going to get started. I suppose that sewing clothing is much like sewing quilts. Perhaps it's not a way to save money, but it's the process of sewing that is the fun part. Sure you can go to Ross or TJMaxx and buy dresses for way less than sewing them yourself. And you can go to Target or Bed,Bath,and Beyond and buy quilts for way less than making them yourself. Sewing and quilting yourself, though, can ensure that you get better quality. And it's more fun to create! So, I guess being the frugal sewer, I'll wait for the sales!

Of course, I had to get a pattern to make The Purse Dog something!

In longarm quilting, I try to be frugal too. I have very few gadgets. Let me show you what I use for some of my designs. Many years ago I saw Kaye Wood doing a demo at Road to CA. She was selling her "View & Do" Shapes. I bought the circles set. This is what I use to make circles and curves on quilts. I just trace them with cheap, inexpensive chalk. (the cheaper the better! Check out your school supplies aisle at your neighborhood Walmart!) I learned this inexpensive way for marking designs on quilts from my idol, the 'feather queen' Kimmy Brunner. She taught me how to make feathers. She suggested using a chalk holder too. I use this chalk all the time! Below you can see how I marked the areas I want to quilt. It's also how I "try out" or "audition" designs. If I don't like it, I just erase it with a microfiber dust cloth. (you can get them at the automotive supplies aisle at your neighborhood Walmart.) Takes the chalk right out.
Now let's finish this lovely Mariner's Compass quilt.

I filled the white area with small swirls.

Didn't it turn out nice?

I'll share more frugal quilting ideas as I think of them.

And when I finish sewing some new clothes, I'll post pictures too!

Now get back to work, Vivian!