When I first started this blog, I was an unemployed costumer attempting to create period gowns and costumes with very limited means. Although now employed, I still try to be as thrifty as possible. I am still "The Broke Costumer"!

In addition to posts about the outfits I make on a budget, this blog includes short research articles on fashion, history, accessories, styles, or whatever interests me at the moment.


I hope you enjoy my journey into the land of inexpensive costuming and short articles.




Monday, November 28, 2011

The Loose Change Project

While I am finishing up my Victorian bodice, here is a quick post of what is in my future plans.  I have had my eye on this dress for many months now.   I will be using my Truly Victorian pattern again, the Trained Skirt Ensemble.  However, this time I will make view B.  For the bodice, I may use my 1870 Day Bodice pattern.





Again, funding is the problem.  I think Val is my fabric fairy Godmother.  I showed her this picture, and not long after, she gave me a sample of some pink faux silk taffeta she had in her stash.   It looks like this:  I think its pretty darn close!

Val said  I could buy it from her, and  the cost is $7 per yard.  There are 9 1/3rd yards on the bolt.  She was kind enough to say she would hold it while I make payments on it.  The first payment will be this week.   I have been saving all my loose change in a jar, and when it gets a few inches deep, I take it to the Coin Star machine and cash it in.  That is how I was able to make the first payment!  I have probably two more months to go til its paid for, then its officially mine!    I will be digging in old purses, between the couch cushions, etc.  I cannot believe how much loose change adds up.  I might even sneak a look in Jerry's pants pockets when I do the laundry.

14 comments:

  1. Hah! I found a dime when I pulled out our seat cushion yesterday. It just piles up sometimes. :)
    Val

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  2. Coin Star takes a % or a fee, wrap your own and save! I hate to give them money just for counting it!

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  3. LOL, ok, will do one on the "candy cane"!

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  4. Hi Cindy! Great blog! Love what you are doing..one of these days I may get a blog going if I can ever figure it all out!

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  5. @ Debbie - I originally went to CoinStar to get an Amazon gift card, but the machine was having technical difficulties. They gave me cash instead with no percentage taken out! Next time I am going to the bank if I want cash back.

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  6. Thanks Tonya, I hope you enjoy!

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  7. Lauren I can't wait to start it! A few more coin cash-in trips, and then I can begin.

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  8. Love this dress! Amazing what you can do with very little money! I've picked up some real steals from Value Village. I also cannibalize second hand dresses for anything I can use!

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  9. Janica, those are some great ideas! Thank you.

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  10. Love your dresses! Very ingenious. I actually go to Goodwill/Salvation Army and buy tablecloths and other linens. Have fun!

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  11. Hi Buddy! Glad I am not the only one wearing bed and table linens!

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