In SCA stuff, I'm growing very frustrated with sewing trim on. I'm not the best seamstress on the planet, and it's very obvious here. I think I've managed to prick myself four or five times, plus nearly ruin the trim twice. Grarh.
This is one of the many reasons I brew and bake. Barter is wonderful. "I'll give you a bottle of mead if you sew this hem for me." or "I'll make a batch of mead for you if you make me this dress." "Oh, you don't drink. How about a chocolate torte in exchange for you excellant sewing skills?" And it often works with vendors too. Especially at Pennsic.

I can't say it works every time but it works often enough that I have a nifty medieval wardrobe and no sewing skills.