Surely I’m not the only one who on many occasions gets carried away shopping online? You click happy on all these items of clothing. Before you know it you’ve spent more than what you realise. Or, you go on a shopping trip and use contactless so you don’t see the money changing hands. I am guilty of this, so this is how you too can create a new wardrobe on a budget.

Bagging a bargain

One way of creating a new wardrobe on a budget is the charity shops, been my go to for years. Back twenty odd years ago my friend and I would love spending time going through the charity shops. Going on a regular basis just in case we missed anything. The main bonus for us was when going out we didn’t see anyone else wearing the same thing. Back then we only had a few high street shops Dorothy Perkins and New Look.

Now charity shops are becoming more popular you gotta be quick to get a good bargain. Even though there are many high street and online shops you still have to keep an eye out. Not only that the younger generation have cottoned on to this too (see what I did there?) As well as educating us with recycling everything well and being conscious of our environment. Which is another good reason to buy second hand clothing.

Personalising clothes

The sewing machine has been dusted off and has been in use after two years! I started off in taking clothing with it being more cost effective. I love buying and selling stuff on Vinted too!

A year or so ago I bought a second hand Monsoon dress, it was a bit too formal for me. But I loved the fabric. I ended up making the dress into separates. I sold the skirt on Vinted and kept the top. I was quite proud of the fact that I made a profit on this.

The following week I managed to pick up a Next Jacket. It was a formal cream jacket, which I loved but it was a bit tight for me. Previous to that a few years ago I inherited some lace which has been sat in my sewing cupboard waiting to be used and this is what I used it for, I cut the back and stitched the lace in. It was for a wedding, but then sold it because I knew I wouldn’t wear it again. I ended up making a little profit for myself again.

Obviously these are things you need to be confident with doing, but I have not had any formal sewing lessons. My mum was a seamstress for many years when I was at school, but the most I ever did was make scrunchies (huge in the nineties and now back in fashion) to match outfits which she sold to make extra pocket money for myself at the time.

The other thing I’ve been doing to save money (particularly on my five year olds clothes), I have shortened his winter trousers and jersey tops as well as his winter pyjamas. This is because I realised that I would be buying new for him and to be honest his winter stuff isn’t at the standard of which you can sell or pass on to a charity shop.

Starting from scratch

I looked into buying fabric for clothes, but the price of fabric has gone up quite a bit since I’ve been away from it. However I’ve noticed recently that some charity shops sell fabric, or you can sometimes pick up second hand from websites such as eBay and Marketplace on Facebook. You can also pick up second hand patterns, which is also a good way to create a new wardrobe on a budget.

However, I’ve in the past picked an item of clothing that I already wear and use that as a pattern. There are many videos on YouTube or Instagram that will show you how. Personally, I would lay the item of clothing over the fabric and (obviously make an inch of allowance for the seam) cut around and sew together. However if you’re going to do that, I would suggest having scrap fabric to hand to practice the stitching on. I found a gorgeous orange blossom fabric when visiting Bath years ago, so I bought extra and made a smaller (doll size) version before making my own.

If you really enjoy sewing, you have or get the bug I really would recommend making clothes if you don’t already, I have been doing this for years and stopped after I had William. It is both an effective way of how to create a new wardrobe on a budget plus anything that includes creativity helps with mental health. I loved it, and I really missed it. Unfortunately my sewing room has since became my husbands office, so for me to do sewing is a bit of an upheaval (it literally takes over the lounge and dining room). I also have to contend with a five year old wanting to ‘have a go’ which for me is quite stressful with all those pins and needles about.

Since lockdown I have discovered Sew Hayley Jane, and when I do get time again I am hoping to subscribe to her boxes. Check out her website, if you have the bug for sewing and making your own clothes it’s definitely something to sign up for.