Beginning seamstresses walk into the fabric store to learn how to sew, and they can save money too.

At Jo-Ann Fabrics in Temecula, Connie Hobbs teaches these women in her beginning sewing class, starting with the basics.

They come away knowing how to use their sewing machines for the first time or to freshen up on older techniques that may be a little rusty.

But all the women will come away being able to mend, hem, alter and repair their own clothes – saving them money in the long run.

First, the women must learn about measurements.

"I take them through their patterns," said Hobbs, a Temecula resident. "The women usually go by their sizes."

Sizes on pre-made clothes are established by a single number like a five or a ten. "Then, it’s too small or too big, and they lose money," Hobbs said. "They must go by measurements."

Body measurements are determined by how many inches the bust, waist, hips and back-neck to waist are.

Hobbs saved money sewing her granddaughter’s prom dress recently.

She pulled out a pattern she used to construct the dress that included a little jacket and purse.

She made the dress and purse but added a shawl instead of the jacket. The pattern cost $14.95, but when it went on sale, Hobbs bought it for 99 cents.

"You have to plan at least three months ahead of time," she explained. "This way you can take advantage of all the sales on patterns, fabric, notions and so forth.

"To make the dress, the shawl and the purse, it only cost $75. Can you even buy a prom dress for $75? You can, but it will be plain Jane."

On Friday, Feb. 20, Hobbs was helping Fallbrook resident Holly Rogers, a student at a Murrieta high school, through designing and sewing her Advertisement

[ Chatton and Associates ] prom dress.

Holly took a few different patterns, combining elements from each to design her own look.

When asked why she was making her dress, she said, "Well, I’m going to the prom, obviously, but I’m also interested in fashion and designing."

Holly will also be saving a little extra cash as well.

"We really talk about fabrics," said Hobbs, "because sometimes the women will use the wrong fabric with the wrong pattern and waste money.

"I teach them how to take care of the fabric, how much fabric to use and how to sew. They learn how to put in a zipper, elastic, how to make pants.

"I hold a sewing party where women can bring in projects they have a hard time finishing. I will work individually with everyone in class and at the party. Sometimes the classes aren’t enough time to do that.

"We have classes for quilting, regular sewing, draperies and bed skirts. There are so many things to do. To save money, you have to wait for things to go on sale."

Jo-Ann offers coupons for customers who sign up for the company’s mailing list.

The customer can receive anywhere from 30 to 40 percent off any regular item.

"I started in December making Easter dresses," laughed Hobbs. "Get on the computer. There are coupons on our Web site. Classes are only $10 for three hours. It’s a pretty good bargain.

"Some women ask me, ‘Do you have any ideas for things I can sell at a church bazaar?’ They can make all kinds of things to sell – toys, stuffed animals, all kinds of things for kids and potholders."

Jo-Ann Fabrics offers a magazine called Fashion Fusion for a low price that also includes 40-percent-off coupons on the back page.

Visit www.joann.com for information on classes and more.