So my pirate costume making is about to begin. I ordered two patterns yesterday online and spent $8 on both of them. Not a bad deal I think since they retail for $15 each. We went to JoAnn's Fabrics today to get an idea of what kind of fabrics would make good pirate costumes and we found quite a few. All I have to do now is wait for the patterns to arrive, buy some fabric and learn how to use that thar sewing machine my grandma left me. Wherever she is now I'm certain she's cheering me on like she always did. I'm actually excited about this, if I can pick it up relatively quickly I may be on to something. I know when I was younger I found using a sewing machine really easy i was just more into fighter jets and race cars back then. I haven't used a sewing machine in many, many years so relearning it all over again is going to be interesting. Its going to bring back some memories too. Good memories. 
I'm hoping that my attempts to make costumes will work out well.
I'm hoping that my attempts to make costumes will work out well. 
Once you sign up they will send you coupons for 50% off on fabric on a regular basis. Also you can get some great deals on heavy cotton twill at Walmart of all places. i've picked up good quality cotton twill for just $2/yard.
Also, check out Hancock Fabrics. Sign up for their email flyers a www. hancockfabrics.com and they always have patterns on sale on the weekends. Last weekend it was Simplicity - this weekend it's Butterick and Mcalls for $2 each - and you don't need a coupon. Also they will honor any Joanns coupons as well as their own. You can download their coupons from their national sales flyers. Sign up as a preferred customer and they give you a 40% off coupon right away.
I check the flyers and buy my fabric when the "red tag" fabric is an additional 50% off - that usually happens about once per month. And Hancock has a sale section in the back that's deep discounted. I also wait until they mark it down an additional 50%.
And don't forget to sign up for Beverlys Fabrics as well. http://www.beverlys.com/san-jose-store they will send you coupons by email.
Notions, trims, and buttons can easily be purchased for 50% off if you watch the flyers.
And when Home Fabrics has their $1/yard sale - i drive up to Pittsburg and Pleasant Hill and go crazy.
It doesn't have to be expensive. Just time your purchases and you can really save a bundle.
BTW - Check out Joann's classes. Or take a cheep class at a JC.
Good luck to you....