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I dont sew, but we do have a friend that has sewn us a few pieces. I have noted that these pieces really dont hold up well. Kids pull at the clothes while playing and the seams seem to pull out easily. Double reinforce as much as you can (like at the top of the shoulders, etc).

I keep thinking along the same lines as you but seeing projects haven't seemed to save me money yet! I think having access to inexpensive garment fabric would really help. Here the only place that sells garment fabric sells designer fabrics (think Dolce and Gabana extras) which is really awesome to look through but not so great for a novice sewer looking to make play clothes! Joanns fabrics are so hit or miss with quality that I hate to spend my time making something that won't wash well. On top of that, I'm drawn to expensive patterns like olive and s or made by rae so when you start with a $15 pattern you need to make a bunch of items from it to come out ahead.

All that being said, I think it's possible you'd just really need to be aware of your costs. Free online patterns and remnants would be a good way to help keep costs down, or even upcycling old clothes. Skirts are simple and you could knock out a bunch pretty quickly if you can get cheap tops. I would probably try to get shirts first and choose fabric to match.

I do sew clothes for H, but it really doesn't save me money. I like expensive patterns (Oliver and S) and it's hard to find quality fabric at JoAnn when you don't have time to dig through it all. So I mostly make special occasion outfits.

@HappyBaker: Oliver and S has a great free shorts pattern that I really like. You could start with that.

I would make sure it's something you REALLY enjoy doing before trying to do it to save money.

I think it *could* be possible if you only buy fabric on sale, but it could easily become a hobby that costs more than shopping.

I really don't think it saves money. I buy second hand to save money.

I think if you are trying to recreate the look of a specific expensive item, it might be worth it. For normal play clothes and PJs though, it's so easy to find cheap or even free kids clothes. My MIL and SIL sew (and knit and crochet) things for my LO and I know it costs them more than to just buy, but they do it because they enjoy it, so it's "worth it".

I'm on a couple local facebook groups (one is called Buy Nothing and is for anyone in the community, and one is for specifically for buying/selling kids stuff), and people are always giving away kids clothes in large lots. Just thought I'd throw that out there if you have exhausted the usual consignment/sales options.

@HappyBaker: What about consignment sales that have seasonal events? Like JBF (Just between friends). I've been to a couple and they save me so much money for my twins. Since they are small, I like to stick to about $3 per clothing. Way cheaper if you shop at consigment sales. Also, JBF usually has a 50% off sale on the last day. I've gotten pieces for $1.50.

I see you are in MA. Check out this site. http://consignmentmommies.com/new-england-ct-nh-ma-me-ri-vt_675/seasonal-sales/

https://jbfsale.com/findAnEvent.jsp

I don't sew but the time it would take to sew would not be worth it for me... espeicially, if I can buy something for under $3.

Oh, what about asking for hand-me downs? I'm sure friends and family have some.

Also, join your local Buy Nothing group on facebook. My local group has a round robin of kids clothes that gets circled around. It's great.

I can't imagine it would save much money, cute fabric is so expensive. I stock up when sites like carters or old navy have their mega sales, or buy things like jeans on super clearance in future sizes from Target. Most stuff I buy second hand at the just between friends sales in the area or in lots from local Facebook buy sell pages.

@HappyBaker: @avivoca: That's why I sew- basics I feel like I can get way cheaper than it would cost me to sew them, but really cute dresses I can save $$ instead of shipping at Hanna Anderssen or Mini Boden or something like that.

Also second @bluestriped bee: check with a local Buy Nothing group on Facebook- I haven't ever gotten clothes from them but people are constantly trying to give away huge bags of children's clothing in my city. Also, we have a big fabric bin circulating through the group where you can add unwanted fabric or take what you need for projects.