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Post by dtucker on Apr 14, 2013 17:31:53 GMT -7
I have some clothes (mostly kids) that I have been thinking about holding on to for bartering if needed.
Usually I give my childs clothes and shoes away when she outgrows them. The ones that she has worn holes in or really stained get tossed into the rag pile or made into other items I can use around the house.
I was thinking about holding onto some of them (clothes and shoes) that could be worn by either sex for barter if needed. Does anyone else do this?
If so, how do you store them?
I'm thinking infants items would be great for barter.
Any thoughts?
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Post by Cwi555 on Apr 14, 2013 17:36:15 GMT -7
Sizes are such a problem that we elected to store bolts of cloth rather than clothing along with patterns.
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Post by dtucker on Apr 14, 2013 17:39:50 GMT -7
Sizes are such a problem that we elected to store bolts of cloth rather than clothing along with patterns. That's a great idea. I am not great at sewing so I never considered that. Thanks  |
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Post by solargeek1 on Apr 14, 2013 17:41:27 GMT -7
Ok because my weight has fluctuated (going back down now) I am a one woman barter zone for many sizes clothing haha
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Post by Cwi555 on Apr 14, 2013 17:41:59 GMT -7
Sizes are such a problem that we elected to store bolts of cloth rather than clothing along with patterns. That's a great idea. I am not great at sewing so I never considered that. Thanks I am not the best at it, but if I can do it, anyone can. Especially when you can use a pattern for a crutch. |
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Post by angelhelp on Apr 14, 2013 18:20:29 GMT -7
Decades ago I won free sewing lessons from Stretch-n-Sew. One thing they taught that was new to me at the time was to make your own custom pattern from their paper ones. That meant that you could still keep the many-sized paper pattern but sew your own clothes over and over, without worrying about destroying the paper pattern from overuse.
Adding conveniences to already-existing patterns was something I learned too, e.g. pockets, velcro flaps, belt loops or additional belt loops (women's clothes seem limited to a maximum of 5), straps (for tops) that can be relocated so they don't fall off the shoulders, and collars (for warmth).
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Post by Cwi555 on Apr 14, 2013 18:23:59 GMT -7
Decades ago I won free sewing lessons from Stretch-n-Sew. One thing they taught that was new to me at the time was to make your own custom pattern from their paper ones. That meant that you could still keep the many-sized paper pattern but sew your own clothes over and over, without worrying about destroying the paper pattern from overuse. Adding conveniences to already-existing patterns was something I learned too, e.g. pockets, velcro flaps, belt loops or additional belt loops (women's clothes seem limited to a maximum of 5), straps (for tops) that can be relocated so they don't fall off the shoulders, and collars (for warmth). All good points +1 |
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Post by dtucker on Apr 14, 2013 18:59:36 GMT -7
Decades ago I won free sewing lessons from Stretch-n-Sew. One thing they taught that was new to me at the time was to make your own custom pattern from their paper ones. That meant that you could still keep the many-sized paper pattern but sew your own clothes over and over, without worrying about destroying the paper pattern from overuse. Adding conveniences to already-existing patterns was something I learned too, e.g. pockets, velcro flaps, belt loops or additional belt loops (women's clothes seem limited to a maximum of 5), straps (for tops) that can be relocated so they don't fall off the shoulders, and collars (for warmth). I have been trying to learn more about sewing. My mom was great at it---she made all of our clothes when we were little and even made my prom dress. I had to take home economics in middle school (we had to take 1/2 year of Shop, 1/2 year Home Econ.) I aced Shop and barely passed Home Econ. We made an apron but that was it as far as sewing. I learned alot from my mom but really all I have done over the years is basics like sewing on a button or sewing a tear. I bought a sewing machine in Dec. for some projects but ended up sewing them by hand because I couldn't figure the darn thing out.  |
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Post by angelhelp on Apr 15, 2013 3:07:16 GMT -7
Take yourself to your local fabric store -- JoAnn Fabrics or another -- all should offer lessons. A teacher with a sense of humor and some inexpensive fabric to get you started should be enough for you to learn the basics. My aunt taught me, but my dad's example of patience and humor in both sewing (he made my sister's prom dress) and in reupholstering the chairs in the house showed me that stuff can go wrong, but there's usually a workaround. I chose to avoid sleeves for my first project, hence it was a jumper rather than a blouse. I was then given a couple of weeks to fool around with some spare fabric and my birth father's wife's machine, all under her supervision. I made curtains and other easy, patternless items.
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Post by cajunlady87 on Apr 15, 2013 7:29:20 GMT -7
I also had Home Ec. in school and though not a pro I can hold my own when and if needed to sew clothes and I do have materials, patterns, threads, snaps, buttons, zippers and hooks in my preps.
As for storing clothes, coats and cloth diapers are the main things I tend to hold on to.
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Post by cowgirlup on Apr 15, 2013 9:50:17 GMT -7
I keep keep a variety of clothing items on hand. I just add them to the box in the attic as I come across them. Most come from the free section at the recycling center so there is no expense involved. I'm not storing mass quantities but I figure some kind of supply will be useful. I also save fabric when I find it there. I'm not much for sewing things other than curtains. You'd probably rather run around nekkid than wear something I made! But for someone who is skilled and it would be useful. I also save yarn when it shows up there.
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Post by angelhelp on Apr 15, 2013 13:30:41 GMT -7
+1 on the yarn! I can both knit and crochet, but I much prefer crochet for the speed. Knitting is fine for more dense projects, but it sure seems s-l-o-w.
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Post by dtucker on Apr 15, 2013 15:51:12 GMT -7
I have the basic supplies. Some I'm not even sure what they are but I have them (they were given to me.
I took an old tackle box and it is now my sewing box. I have snaps, elastic, velcro, a ton of buttons, some patches (sew on and iron on) needles, thread, shears and a few needle threaders. I also have tool that punches holes in belts and such and puts snaps on.
I will be learning more about this though. It is on my list this year.
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Post by onidah on Apr 16, 2013 21:40:29 GMT -7
Decades ago I won free sewing lessons from Stretch-n-Sew. One thing they taught that was new to me at the time was to make your own custom pattern from their paper ones. That meant that you could still keep the many-sized paper pattern but sew your own clothes over and over, without worrying about destroying the paper pattern from overuse. We use medium/heavyweight Pellon non-woven interfacing (either light blue or white) for this. It folds up and stacks nice and lasts forever. It is also easy to store the interfacing patterns in manilla envelopes. We start by creating the largest sizes first then the smaller ones as we trim the original paper pattern down. Write the size of the pattern and any other crucial information on the interfacing version with a Sharpie marker. As we use the various sizes, we write the date on them and which kid it was for so that we can go up a size or two when they outgrow their current size. Onidah |
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Post by ColcordMama on Apr 16, 2013 23:38:37 GMT -7
I was taught sewing in Home Ec back in high school, and it really sunk in with me. Over the years I've made lots and lots of clothes and other stuff, and I'm so grateful I learned it early. I strongly agree that it's not too late to take lessons, and JoAnn (ask at Michael's too) is a good place to start.
I also crochet and knit but prefer crochet, and I collect yarn every chance I get. About cloth diapers: if TSHTF, disposable diapers won't be around forever, so cloth ones will be prime bartering goods. Don't forget diaper pins too. I found the old fashioned unfolded ones at a dollar store. Grabbed the last 2 they had in stock. I know how to fold them the best way, the ice cream cone, so they fit right up until potty training.
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