Get your clothing fixed for $0 - pull out the needle and thread

Forget the tailor's - you can do most mending and sewing yourself, and all you need is a needle and thread.

A week ago, my favorite red dress ripped. It's a beautiful knit jersey dress that I wear in the winter. A huge gash of a line from the shoulder down to the sleeve.

So what did I do?

I took out my sewing needle, thimble, and red thread, and fixed it.
For free.

If I were to take that to a tailor, it would have cost me at least $20.

You can get needles/thread everywhere - many hotels have them readily available. I got a great set the last time I went to Las Vegas, right beside the packaged soap and shampoo sets.

Got a couple of loose buttons? Fix them yourself for free - or get them fixed for $6 each at the mall ($6 x 5+ buttons = $30+). I always reinforce my buttons when I buy a new jacket, because the jacket manufacturers almost never do a good job themselves.

Got a rip in your favorite jeans? Cut a piece of fabric, loosely sew it inside and then take it to a sewing machine for free - or spend $25-$35 at the mall. This has saved my favorite pair of Club Monaco jeans from sure destruction. For a great how-to, go to www.ehow.com.

The slip of your dress is 2 inches too long? Pop it on the sewing machine and in 2 minutes you've got a nicely tailored slip that won't ever peek out from under your dress.

Bringing a needle and thread set with you on your travels is always useful for those on-the-road mishaps. I find this incredibly useful.

For another how-to, check out how to make yourself fashionable high-waisted shorts for $0.

Total money saved: about $50/year.

You're welcome!