For those of you who make your own clothes...

[Harley Lacquer]

My question for you is, in your opinion, is it better than buying already made pin-up clothing and pieces? Do you think its cheaper to make your own clothes?

I don't know how to sew or make any clothing, but I do own a fairly new sewing machine. I am wondering because my budget is so tight, if making my own clothing is financially more wise than buying pin up clothing from online stores and such. Do you think a person with no knowledge of sewing or dressmaking can learn how to make pin up clothing?

[Roxy Tart {PL Team / Comm. Mgr}]

This thread goes right along with this one, so I though I'd link it. Ladies who make stuff, post it up in the Custom Made thread!!

 

http://www.pinuplifestyle.com/forum/topics/custom-made

[Lauren Wilcox]

You can make your own pin-up clothes and keep on watching tutorials like what I do..Everytime I sew something for my own,I check on online tutorials for a guide..YouTube offers a lot of tutorials..As for me,I made my own skirt 2 years ago,it is really easy..Anyways,

I just like to share this cool app for fellow online shoppers that allows you to get instant feedback from your Facebook friends on whether you should buy something or not (either for yourself or as a gift).
Here's the link---> Should I buy it? ......Enjoy and happy shopping!

[Lily Bean]

i just started sewing my own clothes about a year ago. i have made a TON of skirts, i guess that smy comfort zone haha. but it has helped me learn about my machine and the fabric and how thinsg fall on my body. there is something so special that makes you feel extra sexy and gorgeous when wearing something you made with pride. it will take practice and you will have fails but dont get discouraged. i follow many sewing blogs and belong to craftster.org where i can post question for help

 

i got lucky and found a local girl with vintage patterns on craiglist. she sold em to me for $2 each! what a steal! and i have been stocking up on patterns at joanns when they go on sale for 99cents.

my new years resolution this year is to make more of my own wardrobe and always fix myself up

 

i have bought most of my fabric when the red tag fabric go on sale 50% off at joanns. i have also gotten some at walmart 5yds for $3, just always keep an eye out, and even if you dont have a project in mind snag it up when its dirt cheap. i always buy at least 2 yds when i cant resist

 

here is a link to my blog im no professional but it may give you soem inspiration. i had my sewing machine for 7 years before i touched it. i was just way too scared. now i cant get away from it

 

good luck!

[fatal000]

To be honest I think making your own clothes is better then buying them. It is sometimes cheaper which I totally dig and on top of being cheaper half the time it more funnier. And you can take a design you like and make it your own. That and it would be more you with your own style and your own attitude. Plus I think it would Defentlly fit you more better. Yeah you can buy things in your size where it can fit you. But you can alter it the exact way you want to. To make it completely all you and satisfying :-). Plus there's also nothing better then one of a kind dresses/clothes to suit you and your pin up lifestyle. :-)

[Vailya von Nayls]

I think making your own clothes is an awesome idea. If I want anything remotely pinup related I have to buy it online
( not many kustom boutiques in southern Illinois). If its too expensive I'll make it. Just recently I made a skirt like
the one Marilyn wears in Bus Stop, making my own patern. I also make my own hair accessories. It is important to be
unique.

[BDebauchery]

Honestly, I got into making latex clothing because my budget was so tight. It cost more upfront, but I make so many pieces and eventually started selling them.

I also enjoy sewing and will pick up vintage on sale that just needs a little TLC and fix it up before wearing. I'm still working on my machine skills, but with a few good patterns, I would say knock yourself out! Nothing is more satisfying than when someone asks you where you got your outfit and you respond "I made it!!"

Besides, back in the day it was common for women to make their own clothes.

[Stevie Rebel]

a good place to get cheap cotton is at a good will. most women can make a knee length dress out of a queen sized flat sheet. and you can totally teach yourself how to sew. your best friend will probably end up being a seam ripper. you can get patterns cheap also at jo anns for .99 cents once in a while. good luck with learning. it takes time but sewing is a very useful skill to have under your belt.

[Gathalia]

Well, I live in Colombia, I don't earn much and it's impossible for me to buy things online, I dont have a credit card and the shipping will cost a lot more than a dress itself...so I got a sewing machine, buy my fabrics, take a look at lots of youtube tutorials and books and stuff and make my own clothes, they fit better, are cheap, but in my country I cant get crazy fabrics like with a skulls or some pattern like that, so it has it advantages and disadvantages...in my case, but it's also because I love the 50's lifestyle that I make my clothes, and nothing will make you happier than wearing something you have made.

[AnjelicaVon]

Depends how intricate you want your dresses made. Personally, I find fabric (sheets or curtains work also!) at thrift stores and make huge swing skirts and halters dresses out of that. Large pieces of fabric go for about five bucks and will make an entire dress. Also, thrift stores usually have amazing original vintage dress patterns. Fabric from a fabric store varies in price but is usually anywhere from $5-30 a yard which could definitely add up to be more costly than online premade dresses. All depends on what youre looking for. Pin up clothing online is definitely triple what you would pay in contrast to thrifting fabric. Also, If you get plain fabric from a thrift store, try making it more you with cheap stencils or stamps and pattern the entirety of it so you have a custom printed fabric for dress making!:]

[itsnotairconditioned63]

I just wanna let you know...These sites are ALL awesome, I've been returning to this feed daily so I can go through this list lol.

Inga said:

For a bargain on fabric check out clearance racks at the fabric stores.

If you are in the states if you register at Hobby Lobby & Joann Fabrics they will send you coupons via mail & email. There for saving you more money. But like Mrs. Amy said definetly start with cheaper fabric. There is awesome some great websites that offer cute clothes with a vintage esque feel.

Here is a post from my notes on Facebook about shopping on a low budget.

We all love clothes, shoes, purses, etc. but in todays society why would anyone in their right mind spend more than 70 bux on shoes. Or over 80 bux on a dress. There is no way I would ever do that. I think that everyone could look great spending less money. So here are some websites for everyone men, women, children, Plus Size, etc. to look wonderful. :) Happy Shopping!!

www.debshops.com

www.casual-plus.com

www.alight.com

www.onestopplus.com

www.figuresque.com

www.sizeappeal.com

www.ashleystewart.com

www.curvygirlclothing.com

www.maximumwoman.com

http://www.plussizefix.com

www.6pm.com

www.evogues.com

http://store.buyhotcouture.com/

http://www.curvaliciousclothes.com

http://www.2dollarjewelry.com

http://magickidsusa.com/

http://www.wholesale-dress.net/union-1037

http://charlenesstyle.com/

http://www.cutesygirl.com/

www.junkfoodclothing.com

www.hotmiamistyles.com

www.greatglam.com

http://www.brigettesboutique.com

www.eyeslipsface.com

www.bodyc.com

http://www.amiclubwear.com

http://www.gojane.com/

http://1015store.com/

http://10dollarmall.com/

http://15dollarstore.com/s/home/5088075881010190

This one has mixed reviews so if you ladies and gents have a opinion on this one I would love to know before I order from them. http://www.starletsandharlets.com/

This one I am SOOOOOO excited that I found. I mean where else can you find a cute dress for 5.99. Seriously. eeeeek!!! I have read reviews about this company and the shipping is good to. :) YEAH!!

http://www.599fashion.com/

I can't believe that I forgot another awesome website  for gifts, house decor, etc.

www.bargainbunch.com

Enjoy shopping!!

 

[Ruby duVin]

I'm new here - but bumping this thread.  I've been reworking my sewing skills, and I have to say I adore Gertie at Blog for Better Sewing.  She has a Bombshell dress class on Craftsy as well as a new pattern line coming.  And her techniques are top notch.  

[SugarDoll]

What I love to do is find a great starter piece like a dress or shirt then put your own touch on it. I'm fortunate that where I live in Louisville we have a few stores that sell some really cute vintage stuff. So sometimes I'll look up some pics to get an idea of what I want, buy a shirt then sew on designs or bows to give it a Pin Up look. It's a lot easier than starting from scratch and if you use pins to put the bows on you can remove them and have two different looks with one top!