Confessions of a Thrifty Woman

OK, I have to admit something.  I am one of those people who has to confess when I found something at a great bargain.  If someone compliments me on a shirt I just bought, I am compelled to say “Thanks! Can you believe it was only $___?’” My husband tells me that all I need to say is “Thanks!” but I just can’t seem to break the habit.  I tell him that he should just be glad I’m a thrifty shopper ). 

Anyway, here is my latest bargain story:  My husband Dusty is a pretty big guy!  To find clothes that fit him comfortably we have to go to the “big and tall” stores. Their stock seems to be pretty limited in the style Dusty likes.  He loves the “Tommy Bahama”, casual, linen, style of shirts that he doesn’t have to tuck in.  So after visiting the above mentioned store in the mall and seeing the $130 price tag, Dusty was sure that I could make him a comparable shirt!  That night I searched for a pattern online and found that McCall’s made a size XXL pattern!  The next day I went to the fabric store (We have a Hancock Fabric near us in Buckhead) and bought the pattern for 99 cents!!  Then I found this awesome cotton material for $1.35 a yard!  Add $3 for buttons… I made a custom-fit shirt comparable to the $130 one in the mall for only $8.04!!!  I have a right to brag, don’t I? 

Now, when Dusty wears his shirt and someone compliments him, he just says “Thank you”!  How DOES he do it?  (Actually, he does brag that I made his shirt and gives me credit ) – he just doesn’t feel the need to brag about how cheap it was!)

Here’s the challenge:  Go make a shirt for your man!  McCall’s Pattern #2149 comes in all sizes.  Just double check that you choose the right size out of the drawer at the fabric store.  It is an easy pattern.  It took me one evening to cut out the pattern and the material and a couple hours the next day to sew it all together.  Not bad! 

I know a lot of people who are intimidated by patterns, which is why one of my upcoming posts is going to be “How to read a Pattern”.  Stay tuned and get sewing!  If you are just getting started, visit the post Your First Sewing Kit and make sure you have everything you need.  Nothing is more irritating than to get in the mood to sew and not have what you need! )

Tagged as: McCalls Pattern # 2149, Men's Shirt