Making Your Own Clothes

Knitting and Crochet are definitely 'in'. You can combine a hobby and clothes purchasing in one delightful spend!
Sometimes making your own clothes and accessories can be more expensive than buying ready made if you chose yarns from the luxury end of the market - but there are still bargains to be had and beautiful, unique, lasting garments to be made!
I cannot recommend too highly the following yarn supplier, who I have found to be brilliant for quality, price, choice and service

Texere Yarns

I buy fabric online too, although I can understand the preference for seeing and feeling 'live'. I am lucky to have, in nearby Shrewsbury, the most wonderful shop full of modern, chic fabrics and staff who can advise you on pattern and fabric combinations. Again, it's easy to make expensive garments albeit that they are totally individual and will last forever, but it is equally possible to knock up a trendy bargain. Gone are the days when I would buy fabric on my way home from work to make something to wear that night (!!), but I still make a couple of linen dresses every summer, which always get compliments and are classic wardrobe staples at £10 a throw!!

I think it is 100% worth going on a course! Check out your local evening classes, there is usually one on either dressmaking or soft furnishings.
Lots of really simple pattterns are available, and the instructions are very clear these days, so it's worth having a go even if you can't find a class. Mention your ideas to a few people and you will I am sure find someone who can help too! I have a stream of teenagers through the house, especially at Prom time and I love sharing my knowledge with them and helping them with their often wild ideas!!
There is a barrel of stuff on the web too and I can thoroughly recommend the Readers Digest Complete Guide to Sewing as comprehensive yet understandable book on the subject.