I’ve come to the conclusion that sewing is no longer an affordable hobby. Should I believe the rumors that the chain stores raised their prices once it was announced that WalMart was getting out of the fabric business? I don’t know. I’ve never really been an anti-Walmart person and because the closest one is a 45 minute drive, on a good day, I certainly am not a loyal customer, either. However, I have noticed a general increase of prices at the chain stores lately. Gone are the days of the $1 per yard tables and the $0.99 pattern sales. I used to see sewing as a great way to have nice, trendy clothes at a great price, as well as an enjoyable hobby. Now, it’s not even an enjoyable hobby. With the increase in prices, comes an increase in anxiety. If I’ve spent so much money of fabric and notions, it BETTER turn out perfect! All you sewers out there know that when you increase the pressure, mistake WILL happen. Unfortunately, this means an end to the hobby that I’ve loved for so long and a hobby that is quickly becoming the only one I can do without pain. As my hands get worse, knitting and cross stitch are becoming a rare treat. Even reading is becoming difficult. I can’t hold a book for longer than 20-30 minutes without pain. Sewing has always been a pleasure because it doesn’t take fine motor skills the way knitting or cross stitch does. I guess, at least for know, I’ll stick to refashioning old garments and using up the stash. We’ll see what the future holds.
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I agree! Sewing used to be fun and inexpensive. I remember the days of making all the kids clothes. I would find remnants and it was very ‘cheap.’ Now that one of my ‘babies’ is 6′2″ tall—I sure can’t use remnants any more!
Expensive patterns and expensive material have caused me to put away my sewing machine, except for the occasional fixing of the ripped backside seam in a pair of jeans or Hapkido pants!
You are also right in saying that the pressure is definitely ON when you have spent 20.00 on material and another 10.00 for notions! Ouch! I don’t sew well under pressure!
I was in Hancock Fabrics up here in G’burg getting Dorothy’s b-day present and Butterick patterns were .99 .
I would love some help with a sewing project – lets talk.
Does this mean your internet is working again?
Yes, my internet is back up.
I’d love to help with your sweing project.
I managed to hit the Hancock sale here, myself. I needed buttons for a blouse and found a bunch of fabrics for 50% off! I guess I’ll have to just start watching out for the sales, instead of going when the inspiration strikes.