Ways to reduce clothing costs, fashion from a Thrift Store, sewing, mending, creative gift giving.

There are many ways to live more simply when it comes to clothing. By buying second-hand, learning to do our own alterations and recycling old clothes, we can each expand our wardrobe while reducing pressure on our budget.

Knowing how to do basic clothing alterations and repairs are skills that every person can use. We can determine which alterations are easy to accomplish, what the limits of tailoring are, and whether or not certain repairs are worthwhile; remembering that it’s important to keep these things in mind while shopping for second-hand clothes. When clothes are beyond repair, we can find ways to recycle the material into household items or creative gifts.

With basic sewing skills, one can have a more affordable, personalized and flexible wardrobe. We will consider how to shift from buying new clothes to used clothes and both the practical and creative sides of sewing and clothes alteration.

Click here for a list of local Thrift and Consignment Stores.

Click here for a list of Clothing Internet Resources.

Learn more about The Working Centre's Second Floor Arts Space and Sewing Classes.