Sewing – A Recession Proof Hobby In Uncertain Times

I love being able to make things out of things I am ready to discard. I really think that is where sewing can make a difference in the budget. Or, making gifts out of already existing scraps and remnants, can really save money. But, fabric has gotten so expensive that I have not made anything in a long time that was cheaper than I could buy on sale from a store.

I think you are right. I do worry that the costs of fabrics, and all the other supplies are going up, but if all we ever do is repairs we still will be saving money, and if we teach others, as in children, grands, 4-H groups, scouts and others to sew, we are passing on an important skill that can be important to self-suffiency now and in the future.

I’m not certain that anything is completely recession-proof, but if there is, sewing WILL be near or at the top of the list. As you said, there is mending, refashioning, making some new, making accessories, even soft shoes! I’ve taken apart old lightweight leather garments and fashioned slippers, dog collars, wallets and such. My parents and grandparents lived through the Great Depression and taught us some of the ways they survived. Then they lived through the shortages during WWII, again, they were experts at making do. I wish I still knew all they taught me, but I don’t remember everything from 50-60 years ago. (sigh!)
I also began learning to restore/refurbish vintage sewing machines a few years ago. If the production of new machines slows down or discontinues, this might prove to be a useful money-making skill. But there are many vintage machine lovers doing it, so it would depend on that unpredictable condition known as “demand”.
At this point, all is hypothetical but it could happen. So it doesn’t hurt to be aware and prepare.
When it comes to making something with one’s own hands, I’m in complete agreement with you. There is a certain healthy satisfaction in knowing you’ve made a garment wearable again, provide someone with a coat or blanket to keep them warm, perhaps a pair of shoes so a child won’t have to go barefoot. It is a privilege to do for others and part of God’s plan.
I sincerely hope we do not go into a severe recession, Still, I agree with you in that we’ll see supply chain disruptions. This could be bad, or good if it spurs re-development of manufacturing here in the US. But that’s more of a political discussion and not appropriate for this venue.

This was a very interesting blog; rather different than you usually do, and it made me stir up these old brain cells of mine; I enjoyed it! And I love many of the patterns that you share so generously. Many thanks.

I have lived through a recession before — I was fortunate to be in a “recession proof” job at that time. However, with the impending recession I am in a very different “space” — I am now retired. As a young person during the previous recession, I had the health and ability to take on a part time job that helped with the increased economic demands of having a young son. Friends worked together to help each other with childcare as needed, clothing was “passed along” and the kids of that period learned that their expectations had to be adjusted as did those of the adults. We came through it — some more robustly then others — however it took the strength of the community to get through. People who tried to “go it alone” struggled more then was necessary. I don’t know anyone who came out of the recession unscathed, however I did see many people — young and old — develop additional skills and show great creativity in developing strategies to keep going and coming out the other side as stronger people.

Great article! It is so very true that it can bring in extra money or a decent amount of regular money, depending on what you put into it and how much you want in return. I learned to sew many years ago on a treadle sewing machine and am glad I did. It can be very relaxing and even fun. My daughter just made her first quilt, so it looks like this hobby/skill/profession will carry on a little longer.

It will very likely be a recession. Having lived through over 6 decades and worked in finance, I have a feeling it will be hard this time around. I learned to sew at age 11 and was making all my own clothes by 13. I was very lucky to have a grandmother that was an expert seamstress and was happy to show me things. I always had a sewing machine-from a treadle to a longarm. I still sew quite a few of my own clothes as well as clothing for my kids and grandkids, and now run a longarm quilting business. Over the years I learned to upcycle old clothing to save money, get great fabric from thrift stores and garage sales. At one time I ran a clothing repairs and alterations business from home, so I could stay home with my kids for a few years. Sewing is a useful skill…learn as much as you can. I love all the videos and blogs and I am always trying to add to my skills repertoire.
Barb