| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| LizDarnell |
Posted - Jan 25 2007 : 10:49:01 AM
I was so excited to go buy fabric for my first clothing pattern projects, jumpers for my girls. Well I had to drive 35-40 minutes down into Memphis to get to a fabric store. I did an internet search on fabric stores and Hancock Fabric and Hobby Lobby is about it. So I hit them both, I of course had the girls with me, almost 3 and 4 1/2, since I am a SAHM with absolutely no babysitters at all anytime. It was a trip that caused so much stress and frustration for me I don't know how I did not flip out at Hancocks! The girls grabbed at things, hung out of the cart, were loud and whiny. This was the first time I have looked at fabric for anything other than pillow projects for my Mom to do, so I really needed to feel fabric and look at cost. That was so hard trying to fight with the girls and concentrate on the fabric. I finally got the minumum amount of fabric to complete 3 jumpers, in 3 different styles/patterns. I got my thread and the handful of other things needed. I spent $50 total! I couldn't believe I spent that much, I picked only sale fabric and the cheapest I could find there all solids, it is all good strudy material but I was not planning on spending that much. I figured it would be $35 max. The sales ladies weren't real helpful either, I wandered around Hancocks for an hour, and only picked out 3 different fabrics. They seemed to have a district mgr there that I heard one woman say to another that he was ticked at them for something........maybe they should have been helping customers?
So anyway I am now not so excited about future fabric trips and I am a bit put off by the whole mornings experience. I have decided no more kids in the fabric stores....but that is a huge issue too since DH is usually too busy or chicken to take them on himself on the weekends to keep them, while I am gone for more than an hour or so, and a trip to Hancocks would take my at least 2 1/2. OH the Frustration!!! GRRRRRRRR......
Okay I feel a touch better now, any suggestions on buying fabric-finding sales and deals, etc. Thanks for letting me vent...
~Liz |
| 18 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| owwlady |
Posted - Jan 27 2007 : 12:01:26 AM
After everything you've been through, I hope when the jumpers are done you can post a picture of your girls wearing them. Your story made me relive my days of trying to take kids along to shop...3 girls, two of them 15 months apart! Oh boy, I sure wouldn't have the energy to do that anymore. I take my grandkids now one at a time (the older ones)! The little ones stay home with their Mom. |
| tziporra |
Posted - Jan 26 2007 : 10:00:45 AM
Oh, I was thinking more about buttons as well, since these can get CRAZY expensive (especially the ones you really really want):
1. Cut the buttons off any garment that your local Goodwill is obviously not going to be able to resell. Anything with stains or tears is just going in their trash bin -- save those buttons! And if you are into yard-saling, you can get great buttons (still attached to the not-especially-desirable-clothing) for a bargain.
2. Since our grandmas all knew to keep their buttons, there are button stashes to be found everywhere. I got mine on ebay -- 10 lbs of buttons for $6.00 (not including shipping). It was the work of a day to sort them all out into their various sets, but I'm never short buttons now. And frequently people comment on the unusual buttons on my daughters clothing, to which I can smugly reply "they're vintage".
3. If you are going to buy buttons retail (and I know, they are so yummy -- for me buttons are like jewelry), only buy when they are 50%-60% off. Yes, it does happen, you just have to watch for it. Otherwise don't even go near the button section, just to be safe ;)
4. Often the store will carry a big box of buttons for much less than those little cards. These are primarily for crafts, not sewing, and the quality is usually terrible (also, there aren't really a lot of sets in the box). I'd try other avenues before shelling out for one of these, but my mother managed to buy one that wasn't too bad, and we got a few sets out of it that I've used. Of course, she used the rest for crafts, which made it more worthwhile.
Best,
Robin
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| LizDarnell |
Posted - Jan 26 2007 : 06:14:58 AM
Thank you all so much! I did only buy fabric on sale at Hancocks One was a clearance, a gorgeous blue that my girls will look great in, I just happened to notice it near the cutting table and grabbed it up. The most expensive I bought was 2.99/yd. with 10% off. I only bought what I needed for finishing 2 dresses for each of my girls, 2 matching in the same pattern, and then a different fabric for 2 different paterns. My youngest picked out a turquoise cotton at Hobby Lobby that was only 1.87, she was adament about getting that and nothing else so I did not argue. But that was regular price and it is a fairly soft material so should be comfy, I will probably hit that section again for an assortment of colors when I finish the 3-4 jumpers I have planned. Dh bought me a pattern at Walmart for 1,77 that I will be using first and the fabulous AuntGeorge sent me an assortment of patterns in my girls' size that I chose 2 for for the next projects, her generosity will carry me through a ways and get me to the point I feel confident in sewing and give me a challenge definitely! As for 2 person shopping it is a bit sad to say I do not have anyone around here that I could take. I kinda stick to myself, we are only here for another 6-10 months so I don't want to get close with anyone and then pick up and go. I have a few ladies I talk to alot at the YMCA, but not that I hang out with outside of there. I have girlfriends in Iowa, where I grew up that I see about every 6-8 weeks when I go up but they aren't sewers at all. But I will be going to Joann's next time I go to Iowa, I know my Mom will go with me, we don't have a Joanns anywhere near me so I will have to keep a list of supplies/measurements in my wallet for going while we are 'up home'. We will be going back out to California in January/February next year and I know there is a Joanns about 20 minutes from the base we will live on, I am pretty excited about that.....and the base thrift store always has a ton of stuff I could take apart and reuse. And I will also be watching/listening for another spouse to be a sewer and I WILL make friends.....well at least make an effort ;) Thanks again ladies!!
~Liz
ps Robin- I am going to check that link for fashion fabric as soon as I hit submit! And I also know exactly how you feel about dh/kids it is about where I am on that, I just need a break sometimes. |
| Beemoosie |
Posted - Jan 26 2007 : 03:04:22 AM
Oh Jan! That was a good one!
Liz, I really can't add to what these great ladies have already told you. I just want to encourage you not to give up! Since I have started sewing I have met some wonderful people who are excited to share their craft. Fabric shopping is something I do on my own, when I can concentrate solely on the task at hand. I do shop on-line too.
http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7704&SearchTerms=fabric
That is the link to sites that the farmgirls have reccomended.
I really hope this works out for you.
XO
Bonnie
My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Luke 1:46,47
www.beequilting.blogspot.com
http://beemoosie-picture-diary.blogspot.com/ |
| owwlady |
Posted - Jan 26 2007 : 12:00:58 AM
If it's not "work" to take care of kids, then he should have no trouble doing it. |
| Aunt George |
Posted - Jan 25 2007 : 9:01:35 PM
good advice Robin. I find it difficult to shop for fabric with my girls too. I also find it cost prohibitive to sew for my girls out of regularly priced fabric....so....I do repurpose alot of items. Shop thrift stores for fabrics and usable fabrics in clothing when they are cut up. Also I really do hit the remnant bins...little girls dresses and jumpers take so little fabric, unless it is gathered and ruffled. I also really squeeze my pattern pieces onto the fabrics to save yardage...that takes some practice though.
I really did love Wal-Marts $1 fabric tables...fortunately mine is not closing its fabric department....yet....but I wonder what their fabric will look like when they stop buying it in bulk.
I rarely pay over $3.00 per yard of fabric...I realllllly shop those fabric sales and usually buy ahead or after the season and save it until the next season. For example Hancock's has a wall of 50%-80% off fabrics right now. Also be sure to check your Jo-Ann's markdown section...they really run some deals!!
Buttons will run the cost of clothing up and with the little ones, I use alot of white thread for the construction...on any color light fabric, rather than match every fabric with its own color thread. I use white, tan or black in my serger on most everything too.
Then every once in a while you happen on someone giving away free fabric....and man oh man....jump on it like a hog on an ear of corn!!! LOL
Talk to you later....Keep sewing, say, if you need any help figuring any of it out! Just email me.
G
http://auntgeorgeshouse.blogspot.com/index.html
Thanks for checking out my apron and sewing musings! |
| tziporra |
Posted - Jan 25 2007 : 7:07:44 PM
Re: "Babysitting"
My husband works full time and attends graduate school at nights, so I can sympathize with the constantly-attached-child syndrome. But I look at it a little differently than most ladies here: My twenty-four-hour a day job only lasts a few years while the kids are little. His will last until retirement. So I'm always deeply grateful when he makes time to do childcare, and that seems to make things easier (I know, not at all the liberated view, but it works for me).
I always buy my kids treats to occupy them in the store. In my Jo-ann's they have racks of $1 bin junk, like STICKERS, which can keep little fingers occupied. I also make a practice, whenever possible, of shopping with another adult when I've no choice but to drag the kids. Then we "relay" -- one person occupies all the children while the other one shops and then you switch! Older kids will enjoy choosing their own projects (although this can get expensive -- there is always DMC floss for friendship bracelets, often on sale 5/$1 and there are so many colors to choose from!) or looking at pattern books.
Re: Bargains
Fabric stores can be a real money drain. And don't let them fool you with "on-sale" either. For the most part that's just a ploy because the goods are marked up so high to begin with. I never pay more than $2.50 per yard for fabric for kid's clothing. And I'm usually closer to $1.50 per yard. This makes shopping harder, but otherwise sewing for kid's just doesn't make sense financially. Where can you get these kinds of bargains?
1. Fabric stores periodically have 50% off their /clearance/ fabric. These are marked between $2-$5 per yard. Keep an eye on the mailers and only shop during those times. Don't even go into the store if they aren't having one of these sales.
2. Going out of business sales are generally good -- so check on the Walmart thing that was mentioned earlier. I bought a ton of fabric at a local Jo-anns for between $.60 and $.80 per yard, plus lace for $.10 per yard when it went out of business, but you had to buy whole bolts. This means kids get adorable MATCHING dresses.
3. Re-use and recycle. Always check things you think are unwearable for good yardage. I cut up my prom dress and an ugly bridesmaid dress with a full skirt for remodeling into adorable little-girl things. More ideas for reusing fabric can be found in any of the "Vintage" fabric books (check your library). "Sew Vintage" is my favorite.
4. Don't limit yourself to "Fashion Fabric". I use quilting calico for summer dresses (although I'll be the first to admit it's a pain to iron teensy dresses all the time) and home-dec fabric for jackets and heavier "jean" style skirts. These areas of the store are generally a much better value for your money.
5. Look online. I use the following site almost exclusively for fashion fabric:
www.fashionfabricsclub.com
They have a terrific clearance section, but you have to check often. Things come and go with alarming frequency. I got a beautiful printed tencel there and I wish I'd had the sense to buy them out! Now it's gone forever.
6. Patterns. You didn't mention if your cost included price of patterns, so I'm assuming it didn't, but just in case. Never pay more than $1 a piece for patterns. If you don't have a Jo-ann's nearby, find a friendly farmgirl to buy them for you on $1 pattern day and ship them. Paying $6 for a pattern is only acceptable if you are supporting a small business and the pattern is a must-have.
Re: The Fabric Store Staff
If you aren't getting the help you need, don't be shy. Corner the lady at the cutting counter and drill her. You need specifics though -- "this pattern lists /these/ fabrics as suitable, where can I find them?" "Do you have any real bargains I'm missing?" "Where are your remnants and how are they priced?" (this is a biggie because there are often good deals in the remnants section, but it's often impossible to decipher the pricing structure).
Hope some of this helps.
Robin
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| Carolinagirl |
Posted - Jan 25 2007 : 4:50:51 PM
I read yesterday that WalMart is closing their fabric departments in many stores, replacing it with some sort of party department. *sigh* I have to drive at least 30 minutes to a fabric store too. At least with WalMart here I could count on some standard cottons and general fabrics.
Kim in NC |
| faithymom |
Posted - Jan 25 2007 : 2:14:22 PM
I've decidedthat the next time I go shopping out of town-we have to drive 45 mins. to get to anything other than WallyWorld- my husband is staying HOME...with the kids...
Last time it was his idea to go and his notion of shopping and mine are completely different...I hardly got to browse at all.
One time, I had something to do and he asked me "Do I need to babysit?"
My response was "No, you're not babysitting, you're PARENTING..."
He hasn't asked that question since...lol
My friend used the same approach with her hubby, too...it works! ; }
The kids come to me even when Dad's home, too... even when I'm in the middle of doing something and he's sittin' on his keister. When I am busy, I just tell them to go find/ask their other parent.
PS Liz, did you sign up to receive Hancock's flyers in the mail? They regularly send out % off coupons, as does Joann's.
"All television is educational television. The only question is, what is it teaching?"-Fmr. FCC Commissioner Nicholas Johnson |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Jan 25 2007 : 1:56:24 PM
You DO work girl!!!!!
I hope your next fabric shopping trip is more fun and easy. I love fabric shopping too, and even though my youngest is 9 now I still enjoy going alone when I can. And I sew late at night more often than not. Be sure to post pictures of the jumpers when they are done!!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| LizDarnell |
Posted - Jan 25 2007 : 12:58:38 PM
Thanks for the replies, I really appreceiate it. My DH is great with the kids but doesn't understand the need of my having a break. It is a 'you don't work, I work 5 days aweek' thing with him. Because I am just learning to use the sewing machine and patterns I need a lot of time to work on my projects, uninterupted. Which he did watch the girls on Sunday, he kept them out of our bedroom so I could work on a tote bag (didn't turn out perfect but a good first try). But after 2 1/2 hours he stopped catching them sneeking in to the room. He has so many projects in the garage that I have a hard time catching him before he gets involved with something. I can't start a project, not even cutting and pinning unless the girls are asleep at night or gone, because they come to me for everything even if Daddy is here. Even after bedtime it is a good possibility that I will get interupted, my almost 3 yr old gets out of bed because she can't get to sleep for up to hours after I put them down. So Sorry this is turning into more of a rant than I intended, I plan on talking to DH tonight about a 'Mommy's Day Off" next week, take the girls to preschool on Base in the morning and DH can pick them up after work. That way I have an entire day to run errands and work on my sewing machine, it also gives the girls a much needed break from me and each other. Anyway thanks for the tips so far, I really appreciate the help.
~Liz |
| pinkroses |
Posted - Jan 25 2007 : 12:55:55 PM
I am sorry too that your trip to the fabric store was stressfull.
I love the fabric stores and the craft stores.
I think you need to get out by yourself without the kids.
I would tell hubby if he didn't want to keep the girls that you were going to hire a babysitter.
When my son was litte it was a thing that my hubby had to do was to take care of our son while I went to get grociers or shopping .
You cannot shop with kids. They drive you battie ;you forget what you went for in the first place. Lol
I am grateful my hubby accepted that it was his responablity too; to help with our son when he was little. Hug to you.
I hope the next shopping trip is more pleasurable and successfull. Pinkroses |
| Bridge |
Posted - Jan 25 2007 : 12:28:09 PM
I suggest shopping online, You can also find some good organic fabrics online. There used to also be some fabric co-ops on yahoo. Those might be good, the others probably know about the types of fabric and would be helpful.
~~Bridge's Boutique~~
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| SarahJ |
Posted - Jan 25 2007 : 12:26:20 PM
Momof3 put it best I think. "Babysitting" implies a favor. I hate to use the word "tell" but you may just need to tell him you have errands to run on --day, and the kids are his responsibility during that time. |
| Mumof3 |
Posted - Jan 25 2007 : 12:09:20 PM
Liz- Unhappy children can make something that should be fun such a chore. I totally sympathize with you. And, the farmgirls are right- your DH needs to just get over it and help. When my kids were small, I never asked my husband to "babysit." It implied him doing me a favor. Instead, he had to "parent" the kids. It cemented the idea that we were in this parenting thing together and there was never an arguement about him caring for the children. You're a team, after all. He needs to pinch hit for you once in a while. :)
Karin |
| blueroses |
Posted - Jan 25 2007 : 11:53:10 AM
Sorry Liz,
I agree with the ladies. Your DH is just gonna have to learn to cope. It may be hard at first but they're his kids too. You need to have some fun time to go to the fabric store alone or with another lady to help you.
Debbie
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
| bramble |
Posted - Jan 25 2007 : 11:44:50 AM
Liz- I'm sorry you didn't have any fun! The fabric store is one of my favorite escapes (minus kids though...) If all else fails, you can always buy fabric online. Ask us if you are unsure of the value there are alot of fabric mavens here.
As for that husband of yours...are they not his children too? I rest my case! (And if that doesnt' work, check at your church, with neighbors and see if there isn't a teenage girl (or boy) around that wouldn't mind spending a few hours babysitting. You need a break too!
PS...do NOT attempt to cut out, let alone pin anything until those two kidlets are in bed! I have a 13 month old who is fascinated with the foot pedal and a 13 year old who cut through my sewing machine cord when he was 2 years old . DO NOT LEAVE YOUR MACHINE PLUGGED IN! Also drop the needle so curious fingers don't get pricked! And with that I will say... relax and have fun ! Sewing can be once you get past that stuff!
with a happy heart |
| SarahJ |
Posted - Jan 25 2007 : 11:20:10 AM
Well, your DH may just need to step up, because this is really something you need to do without the distraction. Actually, without distractions, the trip would probably only taken half the time. If he can't watch both, maybe he can just watch one, and you can take the child most likely to behave. My kids have had several meltdowns while I was shopping for various projects, and I would end up getting the wrong things or forgetting something essential. |
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