I got the idea and information for reconstructed men's suits from a Woman's Day Magazine article back in the late 1970's or early 80's. Yet one more inflation-beating idea to come out of the Carter years in the White House.

I came from a household where fasteners (zippers, buttons, hooks, etc.) were removed from clothing destined for the rag bag, and kept for reuse.

-Grainlady

I feel fortunate that I was able to watch my mother sew enough that I was able to figure out how to stitch a small tear and replace a button. And really lucked out when they brought out the "Buttoneer" to refasten buttons! But it's really sad that they don't have some of the classes to teach kids now some of what I consider the basics of living. Being able to fend for yourself a little. Balance a checkbook. Yes, even sew on a button! I look at kids handling money and they can't make change unless the register tells them how much. Makes me quite sad. It's not that difficult.

Back closer to the topic. Let in and let out are terms unknown to so many. There's very few tailor shops around these days. I remember I took in a suit to be altered after I had lost, well let's just a a bunch of weight and it was essentially temporarily! :) But I was able to have it altered for I think it was $40. And there was a lot of work and a lot of material removed. But still far cheaper than buying a new suit for the occasion.

I think I should go to sleep now!

i've never lived in a home w/ normal-size windows, so being able to sew curtains myself saved me tons and tons of $.

Fixing clothes, ditto.

Sewing from scratch isn't always the cheapest way to get clothes anymore; ready-made clothes can be pretty cheap, and fabric can be pretty pricey.

But it's still a great option.

If you flip a man's shirt 180 degrees, you'll be likely to cut a little girl's blouse out of it, and the buttons and buttonholes will already be there, on the correct sides!

Sewing hasn't beat the price of ready-made for thirty years or so.

As someone who currently works in the tailoring field, many folks loathe paying a living wage to those who can do the work when they can buy a new (fill in the blank) for less.

To do repairs and alterations for yourself almost always works in your favor. Man's leather coat too big across the shoulders becomes one that fits in an afternoon, at Goodwill prices.