When on a vacation or a trip, visit a fabric store and purchase some nice yardage instead of the usual dust catching souvenir.  Then, whenever you wear the garment you make from it, you'll have a reminder of a pleasurable time.

Buttons, closures, trims, lace and other notions are also very memorable "souvenirs".   When traveling, a visit to a fabric store can be a welcome relief from the usual tourist attraction as well as provide real insight to the culture of the region you are visiting.

Needlework shops included in above.

When altering patterns, you can use medical paper tape purchased at a drugstore instead of using cellophane tape.  The paper tape doesn't melt and shrink up when ironed, as the cellophane tape does.

Recycling tip - use a spent dryer sheet as a soft tear-away or a stabilizer.  It really works.