Why should I sew a pair of flannel pajama pants rather than purchase at a discount store?
The answer to sewing anything over buying it ready-made is that the quality is superior to that purchased at a discount store. The fabric is better quality and the sewing is better quality. You can prepare your fabric by prewashing it to prevent shrinkage after the item is completed. Sizing of a garment can be more accurate. You can be more creative and customize your project.
Quality is an issue when we need to watch every dollar we spend. Better quality fabric may cost a little more (check www.flannels4baby.com for cotton fabrics as low as $3.99 yd. flannel fabric at $4.99 yard) but you will be more pleased with the finished project if you use fabric that is not like cheesecloth or so heavily starched you have a rag when it is laundered. There are always some fabric bargains out there to save some on your project. When you sew something yourself you can sew a seam securely or in areas of stress stitch it again. Everyone has had purchased items that rip out a seam or hem. Once it starts it just keeps going. And we all hate to spend our sewing time on mending.
Prewashing your fabrics is a sure way to prevent shrinkage after you have the project completed. This will take the extra finishes out of the cloth that some companies put in. If you have a fabric that has a problem with the dye running you will find that out before putting it into a garment or adding it with other fabrics in a quilt. How disappointing that would be. No surprises later.
Are you sewing for someone with long arms or legs? You can add all of the extra you need. If you have prewashed your fabric you won’t need to allow for extra shrinkage, that will be taken care of already. It is possible to get garments, curtains, or whatever you are making to fit what you are sewing for. It is such a waste of our precious sewing time to be taking out seams or hems and resewing to fit. Do it right the first time.
Do you like wearing or decorating your home like everyone else? If you sew you don’t have that problem, usually. A funny story. When I was in high school way back when, I sewed all of my clothes. I had this great fabric and made a dress. Low and behold someone else in my small high school showed up in a dress of the same fabric, but they had purchased it ready-made. At least they weren’t the exact same style. Sewing will allow you to express your creativity. What we see as interesting may not be what is available in the shops.
There is such a deep satisfaction in sewing for yourself or for others. It can give you the time away from your job or the other pressures of your life. Put on some music, put in a DVD, put on your Donovan Slippers and enjoy creating some very special gifts for the holidays or anytime during the year.
Visit www.flannels4baby.com for some new tutorials on easy sewing projects and www.donovanslippers.com for a new 2 color style in Purple/Red. Are you a Red Hat Lady or do you know one? This may be the perfect gift for you.
