I'll freely admit that I am a cheap-o tightwad through and through. I blame being the 3rd oldest of eleven children and my current status as "wife of full-time student". It's an exciting prospect for Aaron to finish school and get a "big-kid" job in January, but I don't think I'll be able to acclimate to money very well. Thrifting is in my blood, spending money on non-essentials sometimes feels like cutting out a pound of flesh, or drilling teeth. Just not enjoyable.
It's one of my goals in life to get over the tightwad spending guilt problems, because I envy people who can spend (with a plan) and simply enjoy the experience. In a lot of ways, and for now especially, it's a great trait to have. Here are some creative solutions from someone who avoids spending.
My sister-in-law and I have been getting our craft on lately. Well, the creative genius and motivation are mainly coming from her, but I did do the sewing. :) We found the shirts at D.I. for $3.00 each and just had to get matching thread.
Button up Babydoll Maternity
Here we have an XXL button up shirt, cut in half, cut down to size, ruffled and put back together. The sleeves were super tricky. We used this tutorial.
It's one of my goals in life to get over the tightwad spending guilt problems, because I envy people who can spend (with a plan) and simply enjoy the experience. In a lot of ways, and for now especially, it's a great trait to have. Here are some creative solutions from someone who avoids spending.
My sister-in-law and I have been getting our craft on lately. Well, the creative genius and motivation are mainly coming from her, but I did do the sewing. :) We found the shirts at D.I. for $3.00 each and just had to get matching thread.
Button up Babydoll Maternity
Here we have an XXL button up shirt, cut in half, cut down to size, ruffled and put back together. The sleeves were super tricky. We used this tutorial.
Obviously not perfect. I'm incapable of being a perfectionist. Though tips for next time: when cutting the top half, we did it a little high because we measured where we wanted it cut based on the front middle. Instead, measure the middle AND the sides under the sleeve, then cut. It won't be a straight cut, but it will look much better. Also, the bigger shirt you use, the more ruffles.
P.S. I really hate constricting sleeves, hence this version. They look better rolled up twice though.
P.S. I really hate constricting sleeves, hence this version. They look better rolled up twice though.
Maternity Top with Side Ruching
This was an XL T-shirt dress, taken in at the bust and sleeves and hemmed shorter. I sewed elastic into the sides for ruching. The neckline was also too wide, so it was Phoebe's idea to fold the neckline over itself and sew across. I like how it turned out! The best part is I can gain another 20+ pounds and still fit into these clothes.
This was an XL T-shirt dress, taken in at the bust and sleeves and hemmed shorter. I sewed elastic into the sides for ruching. The neckline was also too wide, so it was Phoebe's idea to fold the neckline over itself and sew across. I like how it turned out! The best part is I can gain another 20+ pounds and still fit into these clothes.
I also added a button over the neckline to make it look a little more finished. This is still pretty huge, but the goal was to make a shirt that I won't grow out of. Regular maternity clothes are getting a little snug already! Advice for twin moms, buy a size larger in maternity clothes and they may fit the whole time. |
Braided Infant Headbands
With some extra fabric (jersey) I made some braided headbands. They turned out tiny, so they will only fit a 12-13 inch head circumference - little newborn size.
With some extra fabric (jersey) I made some braided headbands. They turned out tiny, so they will only fit a 12-13 inch head circumference - little newborn size.
Pretty simple: use three closely sized strips of fabric (these are actually cut off seams) and braid. I tried to keep the pretty side up, which also kept the braid flat. The connection is a bit of a hack job - I just hand stitched and kind of wove the ends together. I'm sure there is a better solution!
I love finding maternity clothing savings because for some reason department stores manage to price maternity items almost twice as much as normal clothing!
Assorted Money Saving Tips
Love,
Lauresa
Assorted Money Saving Tips
- You don't have to wear actual maternity clothes: I started wearing clothes from my closet I didn't wear before. Shop regular clothing, some styles accommodate a bump nicely.
- Maternity pants are most likely a must, but maxi skirts and any stretchy skirt can fit right under your belly!
- Try Burlington Coat factory for maternity clothes.
- Thrift stores: success comes from going more than once, or regularly.
- Double your wardrobe by swapping clothes with a friend or relative.
- DO find clothes that are flattering and fit well. Sweats are not the answer. Feeling cute is SO important ALL the time, but having a belly sometimes make that a little harder. Even if I don't leave the house all day, I still have to get dressed and pretty.
Love,
Lauresa