@@ShannonMakes There was a video: Merge Gardens integration, and since you do clothing I thought it was a cosplay type thing. lol, I love merge gardens and merge mansion and have been thinking I should make her outfit.
I really appreciate how thrifty you went with this video. Most TH-cam videos on budget sewing only factor in the cost of fabric and maybe buttons, whereas you went cheap with all materials, the pattern, and even cutting table. Very cool.
Thank you so much! That was absolutely one of the main goals of this challenge, and something that we discussed A LOT when discussing the specific parameters... we wanted it to be an actual reflection of reality, with real-life constraints taken into consideration as much as possible
Haley Marie Vintage does spreadsheets for spending and shares the full cost including notions such as thread and also factors in time (with wages)! While not the same as the 20$ challenge, i love it for making me realize the « value » of clothing, even my own handmade ones
@@meowdee that's such a fun idea, and really quite genius (although I hate the thought of accurately tracking my hours... it feels both tedious and like it'd make me rush 🤣🤣)!!
@@ShannonMakes I was going to mention Haley Marie Vintage too. Her most recent video is an excellent example of this. On the face of it, a cheap make - 2.5 yards of $10/yard fabric, vintage pattern she'd used before... and yet the finished project costed out at $600 including a living wage for her hours. She breaks down the supplies, then gives their total before adding on her time. I found it very reassuring in a way, especially seeing how quickly threads and fastenings and and and... can add up. It rings more true with my experience than a lot of the "cheap makes" videos knocking around.
My best thrift find? A 1953 (two years after my birth) 301 A Singer, in cabinet with copious attachments, for $20.00 !!! I must confess that I volunteer in the store, but the machine was on the floor for three weeks before I bought it. The price was dropped from $40.00 to $20.00 while I was gone on vacation. After watching a dozen youtube videos on how to clean and refurbish this machine, I did just that and it now runs like a dream, will sew just about anything, and is the crown Jewel of my collection!
Wow, that's absolutely amazing!! My childhood machine was a 301 A, and I loved it, but it stayed at my parent's house and I got a lovely vintage PFAFF... UNTIL I FOUND A 301 A for FREE last fall on the side of the road!! I made a short, very excited video about it that you might appreciate as a fellow fan of the 301: th-cam.com/video/0xggbdDt6XE/w-d-xo.html
I get why you might think this is not inspiring for others, but it definitely inspired me! The combination of the fabrics, thinking like a beginner and showing it that way. I really love this combo of fabrics and would have never thought of this by myself!
Oh thank you! There have been a few comments along this line, and I greatly appreciate the re-framing of the whole situation into a more positive light/ just bringing to view the aspects that I hadn't even thought of!
I'm surprised that anyone would tell you that that's not inspiring and if someone did then maybe they need to make their own videos and explain to us all how learning how to make a $10 shirt with basic supplies isn't an important lesson. Discouraging others is not helpful. ❤❤❤
Like so many other comments seem to say, this was the opposite of uninspiring. Because the state of the world, the disillusionment and the scarcity we experience, especially in working and impoverished peoples, being shown that shoe string budgets don't mean you go without nice things. That maybe you have to work a bit harder, but even taking old clothing you thrift, and being able to fix them and alter them to give you a little bit of joy in this bleak hellscape. And, personally, thats why I like your channel so much. Because you seem to go above and beyond with each successive project, showing that nice things don't have to cost you a fortune, that you can enjoy life when reality is bleak and often downright hostile. A blouse isn't inspiring. What you do with it, what you use it to show and teach, that's what's inspiring.
Sorry, it's only taken me a small millenia to get to all these comments!! Thank you for the encouraging words, they're greatly appreciated and heartwarming... 🫶🫶🫶
I love how 'real' you are. You show your mistakes, loose threads and all and you model such great problem solving skills. Perhaps someday I too will be able to alter a pattern without fear! You're so creative!!
Wow, thank you! 🥰💜✂️🧵 The best way to get practice with pattern altering is just to try... I would recommend playing around with half-scale patterns (they're small enough that it's quicker to draft and alter, but not SO small that they're overly finicky) and you can practice various pattern alterations that way, if that tempts you!
Honestly, I understand your worries about the project being inspiring to new sewists, but I think lots of new people don't know that you can get fabric at the thrift store, that you can get patterns for free, or that you can take an existing pattern and make it into what you want. The blouse turned out heckin' cute, and I am inspired by all your thrifty practices...the other day, I went to the thrift store to find a bunch of used containers for my painting supplies, which I normally would have done by going to a craft store and spending way more money! Also, great use of the Wilhelm Scream when you shoved your patterns aside!!
YESSSS I was hoping somebody would comment on the scream 🤣🤣 (it's even in the closed captions)! Yea, that's a good point that not everyone knows about various aspects of how to make sewing affordable, so thank you!! Also, huzzah for thrifting your containers - it depends on one's aesthetic, but I often find that the results from the thrifting can actually be more visually appealing/interesting that having everything that looks the same... AND you save money... AND it's good for the environment!
I wagon a comment on the Wilhelm scream in my other comment, but thought it would be too much 🤣 Love all your editing choices as usual, but that one in particular
I have been buying cotton sheet sets from a semi local thrift store for the last few months and took two sets (each about $7 a set)with me on my last visit to my 92 year old mom’s. While there I took a favorite denim jumper that has a hole in it and used it as my pattern. I cut out one dress from each of the two fitted sheets and stitched them together, now I have a comfortable reversible dress for summer that is heavy enough to not need a slip yet light enough to be worn on hot days. Mom was so inspired by what I made that she asked if I could leave one of the leftover sheets for her to make something for herself. She gave up sewing at least 15 years ago. Now to make a top and skirt from the king size top sheet that I brought back home with me.
This is so cute! Nice job. Back in the day, I could easily leave the house on $20. Skirt made from Walmart $1 a yard fabric, $2 thrifted silk blouse (I don't know who kept sending them, but they kept me in silk for a couple of decades,) and a beautiful pair of shoes bought on discount for $5 or $10. Those were the days.
yea, seriously!! Can verify that it works, and that it honestly is probably a time-saver in the end, because if you don't, you'll almost inevitably end up picking at least some of your stitches! 😭😭 *seam ripper emoji*
I am making a jacket from velvet's slightly better behaved relative, cotton velveteen. My advice: definitely baste the ever loving heck out of it. Also, keep a lint brush or roller handy, because it sheds little fluffy bits like you wouldn't believe, and clean out the underplate area of your sewing machine afterwards (and possibly during).
Best thrift find to date.... probably the sage green leaf-brocade oval tablecloth for $4.95 and was also half-price. It's big enough for a gorgeous garden-y pinafore dress with a full circle skirt. (Making use of an old king-size pillowcase gets me enough fabric for lining the bodice and adding pockets. 😂)
On the topic of being inspiring, one of the things I hear most from non-crafters (the point of all future beginners) is "How did you know that would go together?" I do a lot of double knitting and piecing projects. The best way to train a brain to make those connections, is to see it done successfully. Especially the stretch velvet on a weave. So you are inspiring new crafters not to be afraid of the scrap bin.
This is actually very accessible and relatable. Most new sewists wouldn’t be trying to make anything hugely complicated (at least, not me) so rest easy. It’s still inspiring. I’m using your energy in this video as motivation. I’ve done yard work (to help my step-dad), done housework (to help my mom), but I still had a few things I wanted to do for me that I was beginning to loose energy for (move my ironing board to the other door, and cut out the tissue paper pattern). I’m sufficiently enthused to get back up and do a little bit more work today 🎉. Thank you for sharing!
That's a very good point, thank you for stating what was probably obvious, but not obvious to me! 🙈 Glad that you were able to get so much stuff done, if you can benefit from some enthusiasm, please... by all means... have some of mine, and get that pattern cut out!! 💪
I’ve never seen fabric in a thrift store. I got a really nice Raleigh bike, the correct size frame for me, for twenty bucks. The new version would be $650, I was pretty happy!
I work in a thrift store, and I'm a sewing/crafting fan. We get fabrics donated occasionally. I measure it, and tag the size. Scraps I save until I get enough to fill a grocery size bag and sell that. My best advice for finding fabric in a thrift store is to look in the linens section. Sheets, drapes and tablecloths can be repurposed for so many things!
@@ShannonMakes that's also where our store keeps fabric yardage. Always ask - when we get full bolts of fabric we display it in another area where we have patterns, notions, yarn and other craft supplies
Something "bigger and grander" could have been a bit more intimidating to new sewers (Like myself) - I love the idea of something more simple and straightforward like this - this feels like something I could definitely accomplish. If you'd done a whole outfit I dont know if I'd feel that way!
My husband found a brand new, never used bread machine for $10. We've used it every week or so for the past 12ish years. We make all sorts of bread, plus pizza dough and cinnamon bun dough. I feel like Calgary doesn't seem to get much good stuff at our thrift stores, but we definitely scored with this find!
That is awesome!! There are few things in life better than freshly baked bread, and I think, for my own safety and career, it's best that I don't have one in the house because MAN, I would eat nothing but fresh bread!! 🤣 What a wonderful deal though!
All of your choices reflect the challenge so well, I think. So many of us dont have the budget for top line fabrics or personalisedl print options. What youve done is shown us how to imaginatively approach limitations as a postive thing, rather than negative. And the fact that its an 'ordinary' garment makes the principles so applicable to any project we might consider. Thanks Shannon. Live your work so much.😊
Awww, thank you so much! Everyone here in the comments is just being so lovely, and saying things along the same line as you, and it's so nice to be cheered up by everyone. Y'all are helping to reframe what I saw as a negative into a positive, and that's amazing... thank you! 🥹🥹
Shannon, we already know you can do bigger and more elaborate things - we've seen you do so in other videos! The whole point of this is to encourage people who are just starting or who need a little inspiration, and something too big can be daunting. And damn, was this inspiring! The blouse looks great, color piecing is not something I'd ever considered and it's given me ideas for upcycling a few things I already have. It's easy to second guess yourself, but there's nothing wrong with doing something simple.
My best thrift find is probably a pair of black heeled oxford shoes for like 20 sek (around 2€ iirc), not only are they suitable for a wide range of historical time periods/kind of timeless; they also combine a more "masculine" style of shoe (oxfords) with a more "feminine" style (heels) which makes my nonbinary heart happy.
I thrifted sewing patterns when I started to learn how to sew. Those cool and sometimes cheesy illustrations were probably my gateway into this haha. I also cut fabric on the floor to the detriment of my back 😅
Oooh, I've also gotten some very fun sewing patterns at the thrift store - there's one in particular here that I often get lucky at!! Always a fun find!
I think my floor troll days are over 😂. I use a half unfolded card table laid on a spare bed with the two legs hanging off. It just happens to be the exact height. And my cutting mat fits on it perfectly.
My best thrift find to date, at least crafting-related, was a recently serviced and fully functional 1951 century edition electric Singer Featherweight with the box and accessories for half off $30. It has been my main workhorse since I got it four years ago.
Oh, I LOVE that - a good deal, and going to someone who will use it (rather than it just sitting around as house decor), and for an amazing price... a win all around!!
@@ShannonMakes It's a beautiful little machine and a joy to use, but I have to say, I finally understood all the little rules my mom taught me when I learned to sew, that didn't really make sense to me at the time. On the 70s Kenmore I learned on, "never roll the needle backwards" always seemed like more of a guideline. On the Featherweight it will cut your thread EVERY time. It was like finding out folk wisdom was real wisdom after all, and by extension, my sewing got so much more particular. Also, that little darling sewed well over 1000 fabric masks that I as able to give for free throughout my community, just sewing from stash. It ticked right along like a champ for every stitch and topstitch.
@@daxxydog5777 I'm pretty surprised I ever saw it once, to be honest. My heart skipped a beat. My husband asked if I really needed another sewing machine. I pulled up Google and showed him why I needed THAT sewing machine, for sure.
I would love to see the historical vest as your second project and my best thrift find were two loden coats for 3 euros each, which I am reworking as historybounding ones.
From someone who, as a pre-teen made several (aesthetically questionable) leotards from the stuff, yes, you're totally right. Fairly irrelevant in the grand scheme of this specific video, as the properties of it while sewing are quite similar, but fair enough to point out the difference :-)
What a fun project!! I love how the spirit of this challenge really plays into the realities of making do in the 1940s, and that shirt is so cute!! The velvet yoke looks amazing with that print.
true, true... can confirm, it's lots of fun (well, it's giant by Montreal apartment standards at least... I feel like all the YTers in the US have like absolutely massive rooms for sewing)
When I hold it up like “this”🤣🤣🤣🤣 soooo relatable 😂. I love that you showed the hiccups … so important for a video aimed at newbies. Even those of us who have been sewing for 40 years still get those! My favorite moment though was when the coffee magically appeared. I love it when that happens ❤
Best thrift find? Oh there have been so many! Recent ones though … I spent $7 on a whole bunch of fabric, sewing tools and misc notions and in the lot was a sterling silver thimble that actually fits me! No more green finger😂
Also included in the $7 lot was an xtra large ham, a point press, about 10 yards of fabric and a plastic grocery bag jam packed with crocheted lace and collars … my favorite is the thimble though
My best find so far has been 6 hand-made oak chairs with leather seats and carved decorations for ca €160 at an auction. Today I went to a fabric store looking for a colour matching red cotton thread to sew a dress I'm making out of thrifted red cotton satin duvet and black cotton sheet as lining. Found 3m of Italian designer lace in the bargain bin for €20. Will make awesome overlay for swooshy maxi skirt or cocktail dress.
ooooh, oak is so lovely, and with carved decorations and everything... 🤩🤩 Sounds like your thrift store is a pretty good one (or else that you just had a really lucky day)!
My best thrift purchase was a coffee maker for $5. It lasted 8 years when the heating element went. Cost $57 to replace with the same model...and I had an extra carafe and basket from the old one.
This is super adorable! You definitely should not second-guess yourself. There isn't anything you have put out that I haven't found value in. Can't wait to see how the vest turns out!
OMG you didn't tell me you got a sponsorship!!! That's awesome :D and that reminds me I need to put in my seedling order this week to our local greenhouse if I want to be planting our balcony garden by May Long Weekend! And I'm very excited to be part of this collab challenge with you, and hope to have my video up soon!
Yea, I'm currently scanning all the MTL plant exchange FB groups to try to grow my collections (did you know there are seed libraries all around the city where you can get seeds for free?!) cuz my balcony needs some LIFE!! ...although I did literally just score a massive wood table on the curbside that's gonna fit PERFECTLY on my back balcony!
Shannon, thank you for telling us about Ko-fi. I dumped patreon and my stand alone website and moved over to Ko-fi! I am loving it and Discord is helping me grow the community I want without all the facebook drama. 🌹🌹🌼🌼🥰🥰
Glad you're enjoying it! I do both now, KoFi and Patreon... I definitely prefer Ko-Fi, but it's just not very well known, people don't know it or trust it, and are hesitant to use it, so I do both, but yea, I'm loving KoFi, and I'm thrilled its working out for you too
A discarded card table works for a temporary nice large cutting table when you don't have a lot of space. Ask your neighbors, as they may have one in storage they would be willing to let you borrow. They might even give it to you! I have a couple of them, and they are great because they fold up relatively flat.
My favorite part of sewing while first learning in Jr. High School at the tender age of 13 was cutting out the pattern pieces. I think it was a carryover from my childhood love of paper dolls. 😁
A couple of years ago I found 3,4m of lovely wool fabric for like $4. I made a folk costume bodice out of it and still have at least 3m for when I work up the courage to make a suit jacket or something
Your blouse turned out beautifully! I love thrift store shopping to make clothes for my young kids. But one time I found the most beautiful blue suaded rayon that had almost 5 yards in it! I LOVE the dress I was able to make with it, all for about $10 I think.
My two most favorite dresses that I've made came from thrifted bed sheets pulled from pay by the pound bins (and washed and dried twice!), thrifted zippers, and patterns traced from a library book. I used my mom's old 1980's sewing machine and I get compliments every single time I wear them. And, yes, they have pictures and are looking enough! (Almost) All of my sewing fabric is second hand or thrifted for budget, Earth and bravery reasons. I'll learn on old sheets, cutting into $25 a yard fabric paralyzes me.
Oooh, I never even though to go to a library to get patterns... that sounds like a great resource I should learn more about! What kind of books do you go to in order to find patterns? Second hand fabric is great for literally all the reasons!!
@@ShannonMakes My library has books- Like Gertie Sews Vintage Casual. They have full size patterns that you trace off. I use a roll of medical paper, but you could probably use tissue paper.
When my children were small I worked at a thrift store and since then I tend to look there first for either clothing or supplies to make. The 'finds' have been endless but a couple great ones are a vintage Vogue sewing book and another book on all fabrics and how they behave when sewing (can't remember the title) bought at a fraction of the retail price even in the year they were published! I love the finds you end up with and watching you do your hauls and seeing the outcome of both!
Ooh, those sounds like some choice finds! I get so many of my books second-hand too (although contrary to most other things, I don't actually feel bad buying books new, because it's the best way to support the author), although I don't think I've ever found any prize sewing books that way!
Best op shop find: an AUS $10 child's woollen kilt with adjustable waist. I took up the hem to begin with, and have been gradually letting it down as needed. My son has been wearing it for Sundays and special occasions for six winters now.
One of my best thrift store finds was someone's entire fabric stash just put out on the floor, and I had my run of the lot. I got 4yds of both a red brocade and a red velvet!
I never found fabric in second hand stores, but I love the scraps basket of a fabric store. Just yesterday I was looking for fabric for a summer project and found 2 scraps of cotton measuring 150 cm x 120 cm each, for 1,95€ each scrap. Now I have some decisions yo make: A dress? A skirt and a blouse? A long edwardian inspired skirt and another skirt? A long skirt, a short skirt and a vest? Choices, choices.... Whatever I need to buy to finish the project will fit this challenge and leave eneugh budget for another scrap or two.
I think the blouse is really cute! Love the color blocking. Loved the more simple choice for this challenge! Not having access to good thrift stores is a real problem for many. Especially finding fabric! I so appreciate you including the seam ripper bits! Ive been sewing for over 50 years and need mine every project! I’m not sure why all you young sewers ( I say that because I’m old!) try to use so few pins. When I was learning my teachers pounded it in our heads that pinning everything very carefully will get you better results and you’ll make fewer mistakes with the machine stitching. When learning we would have to show the pinned seam before stitching. If it wasn’t pinned properly, you had to go back and re do it!! Once I was sewing on my own I didn’t use as many pins…. And found out she was right! I made so many more mistakes !! Yup, I went back to lots of pins!!
I dunno, every time I'm pinning gathers, I'm literally using every pin in my collection (actually, maybe that's why I have so few pins - I literally don't own very many 🤣)
This top turned out so beautiful! ❤️ I love the premise behind this project. Keeping it simple instead of something elaborate was a good call as far as accessibility for sewists of varying skill levels. Keep up the great work!
You're thrifting skills are amazing. I imagine you would be the absolute most fun to go adventuring with. My favorite thrift to this day is the entire vintage Stanley Ole bedroom set for my girls at goodwill for $100
Awww, thank you! I don't know how much fun I am to go adventuring with... it probably depends on how recently I've been fed 🤣🤣 #hangry But, umm, can we talk about only dropping $100 on an entire vintage bedroom set?!?! 🥳🥳
@@ShannonMakes I have seriously good luck when it comes to needing something,and finding it used. Also, finding good,yet affordable grub is part of the adventure!!!
I used to prowl the Remnants Bin at Bou-Clair back when they still sold fabric, I don't find Fabricland remant bins to be nearly so exciting. But back in the mid 90s I did make a dress I still have from about $6 of remnants, black and red satin and some black crinkly cotton, I've worn it to a couple of formal events. It's a simple tie-back dress with the skirt and sleeves of the crinkly cotton and the front of the red satin, the back of the black satin and I put it together in an evening. I still have it, though I honestly don't even remember if the seams are finished. I MIGHT have zizzagged them, maybe. But it was pretty good for the first dress I ever made. Most of my sewing isn't "how much dabric do I need to buy to make X" but "okay how can I make something close to X given how much fabric I have?" Stretch velvet was a favourite, a bit annoying to work with but very forgiving when I had no concept of tailoring. I have made a few things from Mood, free stuff is good stuff. Even if I still have to modify it cause I'm a brick-with-boobs body shape rather than the assumption that I have a hip-waist ratio. And I recently drafted a pattern for a Victorian Walking Skirt using a glass tabletop on the rabbit cage plus the cardboard sewing mat I've had for decades to extend the space to the kitchen table! (needed a 6' radius circle!!) Love these shoestring videos, can't wait to see the vest! I was gifted three metres (less a corner) of purple linen and I wanted to make two things out of it... so what I wound up with was one long long-sleeved medieval gores and panels shift that can be worn as a dress (the in seam pocketses ended up being pieced together from something like seven or eight different pieces), and I wanted to make a medieval kirtle but didn't have enough fabric to do it the way it was suggested so I made a knee-length sleeveless version! I consider it a win if I either have enough fabric left to make something else or if I only have a handful of scraps left that are too small to be of use.
I have rarely related more with a phrase than I have with "Most of my sewing isn't 'how much fabric do I need to buy to make X' but 'okay how can I make something close to X given how much fabric I have?'" 🥰🥰 Because yes, that's exactly how I do most of my sewing too (honestly, workign with actual, raw yardage feels like SUCH a treat)!! Thanks for watching 💙💜
@@ShannonMakes OMG, right? I bought a 10m bolt of cheap cotton from Fabricville for use in mockups and I'm still "no, no, don't cut that, you might need it for soemthing else!" (so far I have used half a metre of it as a mockup-become-lining for a lace up linen vest from what was a tablecloth which is making the vest and a tunic tshirt! with puffy sleeves!)
It was literally the only way to get my sleeve to fit on the funky shaped remnants that I was left with!! But it worked well, and honestly I don't even notice or feel the extra seams!
I love your thrift finds - but no matter how I look in the local thrift shops, I have never found more than a few notions. Other than bedding, I have never found any fabric. I would love to have access to fabric sources other than the big fabric store
What a fun and INTERESTING challenge! I love the idea of the self-imposed constraints which means your Creativity really shines. Looking forward to the vest - that fabric looks FUN. :)
Im inspired. I have to mention, i have never been to a thrift store that had any fabric of any kind, and i go to every thrift store i see. The exception to this is turning things like sheets into fabric, and one store in that was just a crafting thrift store. So i liked this.
Thank you!! Yea, I always just head straight for the household linens section, because that's where I find most of my fabric - sometimes there's actual yardage (like once, it was clear that somebody spring cleaned their quilting fabrics 😳) but most often it's just sheet, curtains, towels, that sort of thing... which I absolutely will use without shame!!
I love thrift shops and for years I bought clothes only in them. One of the best purchases was fur coat for my husband, got as a joke for 8 dollars. Also, my family always swapped clothes. We know what size everybody's wearing, so if someone is cleaning their wardrobe then they bring clothes to my mum's house and we all have a browse. Great way to have new stuff for free.
_Best thrift store find_ - Back in the 90's I got a metal machinist cabinet (the kind you'd see in car repair shops in the 1950's), red, printed with "Atlas Oil Seals - for Safety". I use it in my kitchen as a spice rack. Which is also probably why I have a masala collection... My second best is finding a massive amount of wool fabric for a song. On behalf of someone who is still figuring out pattern manipulation and fit - what you're doing and how you're doing it is a godsend. I'm working with found material from the thrift store. Having a project that's an easy win is amazing. Especially when someone is starting out. Mixing in the 40's 'make, sew & mend' is the right approach. Honestly, I learn something every time I watch. You're good at what you do. Besides. Part of the fun is seeing your artistic practice. You should start thinking about a Q&A upload for your frequently asked questions for when you cross the next official YT milestone (congratulations on the sponsorship). Starting with, how did you learn to sew? When and how did you transition from gymnastics to performance? - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
What a fun thrift store find! Well, both, but I was mainly referring to the machinist cabinet, it sounds like a fun, cheerful, and unique addition to a kitchen! Thank you for the suggestion, I had already been thinking about doing a 40K Q&A, I just literally keep forgetting to post anywhere asking for questions (I'm garbage at Instagram), but you're the second person in a couple days to say something about it, so I really should get on that!
I bet it’s the super fancy walking foot (and pins) that made the velvet easy. I think someone with limited resources would have to hand sew the velvet, with lots of pins, to get a nice result like you did. A walking foot doesn’t fall under “cheap, basic” sewing machine. Hand sewing does though.
I will say that I've sewn velvet before - all the trim for my hobbit housecoat, and it was on my great grandmother's Singer with no IDT/walking foot, and that went really well too - I just used a lots of pins. And,for anyone who's curious, it's not actually a walking foot, its part of PFAFF's IDT system, and it came with my machine (which I say only to point out that I didn't actually buy a fancy foot for my machine... I don't actually have ANY add-ons or feet for the machine, not even a zipper foot... I'm still using a $15 iron that I share with my roommates 😭). So for anyone out there reading this, I would reiterate that, honestly, lots of pins go a super long way towards getting velvet to behave!! And, if in doubt, or nervous about how that's going to go, then yes, hand-sewing is another fantastic option. Or. basting before sewing also!
I love thrifting for costumes/cosplay, so it’s hard to pick just one thing… also I’ve gotten furniture, jewelry, and accessories (once an amazingly soft leather belt (that my dog subsequently ate… sigh.) I will say finding some long length pants that fit me was the biggest surprise, since even regular stores don’t carry 34+ inch inseam women’s pants. Bought all 6 pairs I’d found!
Yea, I definitely agree that I've been thrifting so for long (literally my whole life) that I'd be hard pressed to choose ONE thing that was my favorite. Also RIP your belt 💀💀
I want to thank you from the BOTTOM of my heart for featuring this thrift store in your video. I visited it while I was in CPH and came back from that basement (if you know you know 😅) with some beautiful lace, buttons, fabric and yarn. Also found a handmade yarn swift and a 1920s sewing magazine I ended up framing. Thank you thank you thank you! ❤
You are so welcome! It is definitely my favorite store in all of Copenhagen, I would go almost weekly when I was there because we'd also exercise Cannelle in the park across the street, and it was on our way in to work. So perfect, and SO much fun... I do dearly miss that basement 😢
My next project is in fact one of my Mum's old UFOs. Back in the 80s she had cut out a pair of 3/4 length culottes from vintage wool. The fabric is super expensive, but the design of the pants is a complete eyesore. So Mum and I are going to turn them into a midi skirt for me. Its a win win. Mum is clearing out her sewing cupboard and I get a warm winter skirt for zero cost (this century at least).
Thanks for another beautifully produced video and yes, inspiring also. Your "velvet" was relatively easy to work with, because it was stretch velveteen, (although tough to tell on a video) and not true velvet. (MUCH more cranky than velveteen!) As an old lady (whose mother, as a teenager, went through WW2 in Great Britain and learned how to "make do"), I appreciate your bravery in showing us the hiccups along your learning curve. Also, using such different thicknesses/drapes/stretchinesess of fabrics is a bear! It came out great, considering the challenges.
Having worked with real velvet too, I've never found it nearly as bad as people say, but I also don't mind properly pinning and basting, so that might be part of the reason! Glad you enjoyed the video!
Wonderful job, Shannon. You can do anything you set your mind to. You are so creative and so resourceful. Love your work. Thank you for sharing. God bless.
My father in law picked up what he thought was an end table for $10 at the thrift store. Upon further inspection, the end table was in fact a 1940s Singer sewing machine! Since my father in law had no use for a sewing machine, I got it for free. Thankfully his mom had a machine the same age and helped me learn to use it. I love it!!
I think keeping the project small was a good idea. A larger project or whole outfit might be intimidating to a beginner sewing. And I absolutely love finding good fabric at the thrift store! My best find so far was natural colored linen. Yes, REAL, good quality linen!
Thank you for making this video. Most of my supplies are thrifted and sometimes when looking at sewing videos it feels like I'm the only one who can't afford new fabrics. I can only dream of one day using linen fabric that isn't salvaged from old tablecloths. My best thrift find is probably a beautiful red wool coat, floor length and with black closures. It gives off major vampire vibes, wearing it makes me feel powerful, and it only cost me like 25$. My sewing machine was also thrifted FOR ONLY FIVE DOLLARS but it was my mother who found and bought it for me. It's from the late 50's and it still had the (mildewed) instruction manual, carrying case and all the bobbins and sewing feet. 🤩
You're very welcome, I'm so glad you found it enjoyable - I am constantly using scraps of found/thrifted/salvaged fabric, so it felt a bit underwhelming to simply make a blouse, but I've gotten some really heartwarming feedback and encouragement from all of you, so thank you so much!! 🙏🫶🥰 That wool coat sound absolutely delectable, and that sewing machine is fantastic too!! LOVE cheap vintage machines... they're such work horses!!
A stunning blouse absolutely stunning. I love that you went to the thrift store and got the fabric. What a challenge to work around that huge flaw.But you did a super job. I am also always on the hunt for reusable fabric in different objects. Recently I took Apart a partially knit baby sweater for the yarn and reused it, It was so cute. Keep up the good work.I love your channel.
So I keep my projects on the cheap side by trolling Joann's remnant section. If you are patient, you can get a couple yards of the same fabric or you can do like you did and make contrasting pieces. Love this idea!!
Your technique and editing style is so great! I feel like there are so many little things I learn every time I watch a video of yours. So far: rubber band and measuring tape to measure sleeve length and pinning fabric to ironing board 🤯 love your videos!
I love this challenge! Nice adaptation of the cuffs, and I can’t believe you french-seamed the armholes… Well Done!!! My best thrift store find was a wallet containing what looked like someone’s entire rent payment in cash, which I immediately turned in to the store management. I once managed to squeeze a top out of a remnant by 1) Doing 3/4 length sleeves 2) making the sleeves from two pieces joined horizontally like a big cuff 3) cutting the back pattern into three pieces- two from shoulder to waist joined at center back, and one peplum style piece full width from waist to hem and 4) no hems or facings, only serged edges which worked because the fabric was a funky abstract-patterned double-layered bonded stretch mesh. That was a lot of work for a little top, but fabric was so unique it was totally worth it.
I really like the shirt you made! I saw it in the video of November 1, where you said that you furnished your house with junk. I figured that you had made it, because it looked so unique, and I went to your original channel and found this video where you made it! I want to have a shirt like that! I sew, too. The question is, will I actually make one for myself! 😂 It looks like it could be great for winter!!
My best thrift find was a Vintage Singer sewing machine, I don't know the age (I'm guessing between late 60s - early 80s) but what is quite interesting is that it happed to me 3 times! With my sister also being a sewist and my mother a connoisseur of cheap sewing machines that tend to break, I was able to cover my entire family's back with machines to borrow when someone's gave out. And all that for only €25 per machine! It is noteworthy that I did not buy the machines together, but over the span of 1.5 years. In a similar trend I have also scored not one, not two, but 3 dress forms, of which one is adjustable plus sized!
100% relate with this comment (I actually have a very fun, short little video about the last free sewing machine I found, which was an Uber Canadian type of experience, you might find it entertaining: th-cam.com/video/0xggbdDt6XE/w-d-xo.html) because I am constantly finding free machines. When I moved out of Copenhagen, I had 5 sewing machines to give away, not a single cent spent on acquiring any of them... it was incredible! Oh, and one dress form too!!
I bought a small amount of that exact black & white print (at least I think it's exact) to make a book cover, and always wished I'd bought more. Now I have hope that I'll find it again 😊. Love the idea of the $20 challenge as well!
My best thrift find is a very hard to say. I’ve looking for sewing things at thrift stores since the 90’s. All but one of my ironing boards was thrifting as well as my ham! Not to mention the cool books and patterns. I guess my best find recently is the leather there were a few full hides rolled. I grabbed it all and had a coupon! The blouse turned out lovely. You really shouldn’t doubt yourself so. You make wonderful imaginative garments. You follow the what if’s that many of us think but never do. Some of your projects have taken reduce reuse and recycle to a height unseen in everyday life! I thought I was pretty good at repurposing but really I have nothing on you. So yeah no more doubting yourself! Oh also this was a great challenge. Oh and congratulations on your sponsorship!!!
@@ShannonMakes your so welcome! I’m still in awe of your table. It’s truly a wonder. Also I’m with you when you find a good chalk you buy it new! Some things are worth it!
Play Merge Gardens for FREE and build your own garden 🌷🌷🌷: clcr.me/ShannonMakes
What happened to the Merge Gardens dress?
Congratulations on the sponsorship! 🔥
@@meowdee thank you
@@SerenaKaye huh? I don't get it
@@ShannonMakes There was a video: Merge Gardens integration, and since you do clothing I thought it was a cosplay type thing. lol, I love merge gardens and merge mansion and have been thinking I should make her outfit.
I really appreciate how thrifty you went with this video. Most TH-cam videos on budget sewing only factor in the cost of fabric and maybe buttons, whereas you went cheap with all materials, the pattern, and even cutting table. Very cool.
Thank you so much! That was absolutely one of the main goals of this challenge, and something that we discussed A LOT when discussing the specific parameters... we wanted it to be an actual reflection of reality, with real-life constraints taken into consideration as much as possible
Haley Marie Vintage does spreadsheets for spending and shares the full cost including notions such as thread and also factors in time (with wages)!
While not the same as the 20$ challenge, i love it for making me realize the « value » of clothing, even my own handmade ones
@@meowdee that's such a fun idea, and really quite genius (although I hate the thought of accurately tracking my hours... it feels both tedious and like it'd make me rush 🤣🤣)!!
@@ShannonMakes I was going to mention Haley Marie Vintage too. Her most recent video is an excellent example of this. On the face of it, a cheap make - 2.5 yards of $10/yard fabric, vintage pattern she'd used before... and yet the finished project costed out at $600 including a living wage for her hours. She breaks down the supplies, then gives their total before adding on her time. I found it very reassuring in a way, especially seeing how quickly threads and fastenings and and and... can add up. It rings more true with my experience than a lot of the "cheap makes" videos knocking around.
Counting the cost is very important and I’m glad you kept yourself accountable. The final result turned out very good and it’s certainly wearable.
My best thrift find? A 1953 (two years after my birth) 301 A Singer, in cabinet with copious attachments, for $20.00 !!! I must confess that I volunteer in the store, but the machine was on the floor for three weeks before I bought it. The price was dropped from $40.00 to $20.00 while I was gone on vacation. After watching a dozen youtube videos on how to clean and refurbish this machine, I did just that and it now runs like a dream, will sew just about anything, and is the crown Jewel of my collection!
Wow, that's absolutely amazing!! My childhood machine was a 301 A, and I loved it, but it stayed at my parent's house and I got a lovely vintage PFAFF... UNTIL I FOUND A 301 A for FREE last fall on the side of the road!! I made a short, very excited video about it that you might appreciate as a fellow fan of the 301: th-cam.com/video/0xggbdDt6XE/w-d-xo.html
I get why you might think this is not inspiring for others, but it definitely inspired me! The combination of the fabrics, thinking like a beginner and showing it that way. I really love this combo of fabrics and would have never thought of this by myself!
Oh thank you! There have been a few comments along this line, and I greatly appreciate the re-framing of the whole situation into a more positive light/ just bringing to view the aspects that I hadn't even thought of!
I'm surprised that anyone would tell you that that's not inspiring and if someone did then maybe they need to make their own videos and explain to us all how learning how to make a $10 shirt with basic supplies isn't an important lesson.
Discouraging others is not helpful. ❤❤❤
Like so many other comments seem to say, this was the opposite of uninspiring. Because the state of the world, the disillusionment and the scarcity we experience, especially in working and impoverished peoples, being shown that shoe string budgets don't mean you go without nice things. That maybe you have to work a bit harder, but even taking old clothing you thrift, and being able to fix them and alter them to give you a little bit of joy in this bleak hellscape.
And, personally, thats why I like your channel so much. Because you seem to go above and beyond with each successive project, showing that nice things don't have to cost you a fortune, that you can enjoy life when reality is bleak and often downright hostile.
A blouse isn't inspiring. What you do with it, what you use it to show and teach, that's what's inspiring.
Sorry, it's only taken me a small millenia to get to all these comments!! Thank you for the encouraging words, they're greatly appreciated and heartwarming... 🫶🫶🫶
@@ShannonMakes an equally small millennia to respond back 🥴😂 much love, and cant see what you have in store for us next 💙
@@Nebulouslystarlight 1906 corset just released, otherwise... so many things in the works, my mind is exploding trying to juggle them all!! 🤣
@@ShannonMakes I know, I had just watched it 😂 and no exploding! You got this!
Do the stretch velvet historically inspired cirque costume. Let all the pole girlies live vicariously through you 🎉🎉🎉
LOLLLLL 🤣
I love how 'real' you are. You show your mistakes, loose threads and all and you model such great problem solving skills. Perhaps someday I too will be able to alter a pattern without fear! You're so creative!!
Wow, thank you! 🥰💜✂️🧵 The best way to get practice with pattern altering is just to try... I would recommend playing around with half-scale patterns (they're small enough that it's quicker to draft and alter, but not SO small that they're overly finicky) and you can practice various pattern alterations that way, if that tempts you!
Honestly, I understand your worries about the project being inspiring to new sewists, but I think lots of new people don't know that you can get fabric at the thrift store, that you can get patterns for free, or that you can take an existing pattern and make it into what you want. The blouse turned out heckin' cute, and I am inspired by all your thrifty practices...the other day, I went to the thrift store to find a bunch of used containers for my painting supplies, which I normally would have done by going to a craft store and spending way more money!
Also, great use of the Wilhelm Scream when you shoved your patterns aside!!
YESSSS I was hoping somebody would comment on the scream 🤣🤣 (it's even in the closed captions)!
Yea, that's a good point that not everyone knows about various aspects of how to make sewing affordable, so thank you!! Also, huzzah for thrifting your containers - it depends on one's aesthetic, but I often find that the results from the thrifting can actually be more visually appealing/interesting that having everything that looks the same... AND you save money... AND it's good for the environment!
I wagon a comment on the Wilhelm scream in my other comment, but thought it would be too much 🤣 Love all your editing choices as usual, but that one in particular
"Vintage"...ah yes, what I used to wear when I was much younger 🤣. Great shirt, by the way.
hahaha I mean, honestly, kids today are wearing MY childhood fashions and calling it "vintage" so I know how you feel 🤣🤣 and thank you!!
I have been buying cotton sheet sets from a semi local thrift store for the last few months and took two sets (each about $7 a set)with me on my last visit to my 92 year old mom’s. While there I took a favorite denim jumper that has a hole in it and used it as my pattern. I cut out one dress from each of the two fitted sheets and stitched them together, now I have a comfortable reversible dress for summer that is heavy enough to not need a slip yet light enough to be worn on hot days. Mom was so inspired by what I made that she asked if I could leave one of the leftover sheets for her to make something for herself. She gave up sewing at least 15 years ago. Now to make a top and skirt from the king size top sheet that I brought back home with me.
Love that!! 💜💙♥️🪡
This is so cute! Nice job.
Back in the day, I could easily leave the house on $20. Skirt made from Walmart $1 a yard fabric, $2 thrifted silk blouse (I don't know who kept sending them, but they kept me in silk for a couple of decades,) and a beautiful pair of shoes bought on discount for $5 or $10. Those were the days.
Wow, silk blouses?!?! Amazing! That's pretty fantastic 😍😍
I once skimmed thru a Victorian sewing manual, their advice for velvet was basically, baste the ever loving heck out of it! lol
yea, seriously!! Can verify that it works, and that it honestly is probably a time-saver in the end, because if you don't, you'll almost inevitably end up picking at least some of your stitches! 😭😭 *seam ripper emoji*
I am making a jacket from velvet's slightly better behaved relative, cotton velveteen. My advice: definitely baste the ever loving heck out of it.
Also, keep a lint brush or roller handy, because it sheds little fluffy bits like you wouldn't believe, and clean out the underplate area of your sewing machine afterwards (and possibly during).
Best thrift find to date.... probably the sage green leaf-brocade oval tablecloth for $4.95 and was also half-price. It's big enough for a gorgeous garden-y pinafore dress with a full circle skirt. (Making use of an old king-size pillowcase gets me enough fabric for lining the bodice and adding pockets. 😂)
Ooooh, that sounds just amazing!! Plus huzzah for the pillowcase pockets!! 💪🥰
My best thrift find to date was a $50 rice cooker for $5 :) It had the steamer basket, measuring cup , and rice paddle still with it.
omg, rice cookers are THE BEST!! and such a good deal, wow 🤩🤩
Piecing is remnants for pockets is very make do and mend! This blouse is gorgeous 😍 can't wait to see the vest!
Thank you!! ☺️☺️
On the topic of being inspiring, one of the things I hear most from non-crafters (the point of all future beginners) is "How did you know that would go together?" I do a lot of double knitting and piecing projects. The best way to train a brain to make those connections, is to see it done successfully. Especially the stretch velvet on a weave. So you are inspiring new crafters not to be afraid of the scrap bin.
That is a very solid point, thank you for pointing that out! Very practical indeed!
🤣 "Aggressive on the eyes" is my new favorite phrase! 😂
Lol nice!!
This is actually very accessible and relatable. Most new sewists wouldn’t be trying to make anything hugely complicated (at least, not me) so rest easy. It’s still inspiring.
I’m using your energy in this video as motivation. I’ve done yard work (to help my step-dad), done housework (to help my mom), but I still had a few things I wanted to do for me that I was beginning to loose energy for (move my ironing board to the other door, and cut out the tissue paper pattern). I’m sufficiently enthused to get back up and do a little bit more work today 🎉. Thank you for sharing!
That's a very good point, thank you for stating what was probably obvious, but not obvious to me! 🙈 Glad that you were able to get so much stuff done, if you can benefit from some enthusiasm, please... by all means... have some of mine, and get that pattern cut out!! 💪
I’ve never seen fabric in a thrift store.
I got a really nice Raleigh bike, the correct size frame for me, for twenty bucks. The new version would be $650, I was pretty happy!
oooh, a $20 Raleigh is fantastic, I'd snap that up in a second too!! 🚲🥰
I work in a thrift store, and I'm a sewing/crafting fan. We get fabrics donated occasionally. I measure it, and tag the size. Scraps I save until I get enough to fill a grocery size bag and sell that. My best advice for finding fabric in a thrift store is to look in the linens section. Sheets, drapes and tablecloths can be repurposed for so many things!
@@ellenkucera6205 exactly! I always head right to the linens section!!
@@ShannonMakes that's also where our store keeps fabric yardage. Always ask - when we get full bolts of fabric we display it in another area where we have patterns, notions, yarn and other craft supplies
Something "bigger and grander" could have been a bit more intimidating to new sewers (Like myself) - I love the idea of something more simple and straightforward like this - this feels like something I could definitely accomplish. If you'd done a whole outfit I dont know if I'd feel that way!
That's a very fair point, thank you for re-framing the situation in such a good light! 🥰💕🪡
@@ShannonMakes You're most welcome. Cant wait for the vest cause thats been something I've wanted to give a go!
My husband found a brand new, never used bread machine for $10. We've used it every week or so for the past 12ish years. We make all sorts of bread, plus pizza dough and cinnamon bun dough. I feel like Calgary doesn't seem to get much good stuff at our thrift stores, but we definitely scored with this find!
That is awesome!! There are few things in life better than freshly baked bread, and I think, for my own safety and career, it's best that I don't have one in the house because MAN, I would eat nothing but fresh bread!! 🤣 What a wonderful deal though!
All of your choices reflect the challenge so well, I think. So many of us dont have the budget for top line fabrics or personalisedl print options. What youve done is shown us how to imaginatively approach limitations as a postive thing, rather than negative. And the fact that its an 'ordinary' garment makes the principles so applicable to any project we might consider. Thanks Shannon. Live your work so much.😊
Awww, thank you so much! Everyone here in the comments is just being so lovely, and saying things along the same line as you, and it's so nice to be cheered up by everyone. Y'all are helping to reframe what I saw as a negative into a positive, and that's amazing... thank you! 🥹🥹
Shannon, we already know you can do bigger and more elaborate things - we've seen you do so in other videos! The whole point of this is to encourage people who are just starting or who need a little inspiration, and something too big can be daunting. And damn, was this inspiring! The blouse looks great, color piecing is not something I'd ever considered and it's given me ideas for upcycling a few things I already have.
It's easy to second guess yourself, but there's nothing wrong with doing something simple.
Yea, I guess those are all solid points! Thank you for helping me reframe the project in a more positive light!
My best thrift find is probably a pair of black heeled oxford shoes for like 20 sek (around 2€ iirc), not only are they suitable for a wide range of historical time periods/kind of timeless; they also combine a more "masculine" style of shoe (oxfords) with a more "feminine" style (heels) which makes my nonbinary heart happy.
Or when I found a good bit (a couple-several) meters of a wool fabric I used for a t-tunic dress and still have some of.
That's brilliant, I love that!! Oxfords are so classy and stylish, I just adore them, and am always keeping an eye for some in the thrift stores!!
I thrifted sewing patterns when I started to learn how to sew. Those cool and sometimes cheesy illustrations were probably my gateway into this haha. I also cut fabric on the floor to the detriment of my back 😅
Oooh, I've also gotten some very fun sewing patterns at the thrift store - there's one in particular here that I often get lucky at!! Always a fun find!
I think my floor troll days are over 😂. I use a half unfolded card table laid on a spare bed with the two legs hanging off. It just happens to be the exact height. And my cutting mat fits on it perfectly.
My best thrift find to date, at least crafting-related, was a recently serviced and fully functional 1951 century edition electric Singer Featherweight with the box and accessories for half off $30. It has been my main workhorse since I got it four years ago.
Oh, I LOVE that - a good deal, and going to someone who will use it (rather than it just sitting around as house decor), and for an amazing price... a win all around!!
@@ShannonMakes It's a beautiful little machine and a joy to use, but I have to say, I finally understood all the little rules my mom taught me when I learned to sew, that didn't really make sense to me at the time. On the 70s Kenmore I learned on, "never roll the needle backwards" always seemed like more of a guideline. On the Featherweight it will cut your thread EVERY time. It was like finding out folk wisdom was real wisdom after all, and by extension, my sewing got so much more particular.
Also, that little darling sewed well over 1000 fabric masks that I as able to give for free throughout my community, just sewing from stash. It ticked right along like a champ for every stitch and topstitch.
That was a bargain you’ll never see again, I’m afraid!
@@daxxydog5777 I'm pretty surprised I ever saw it once, to be honest. My heart skipped a beat. My husband asked if I really needed another sewing machine. I pulled up Google and showed him why I needed THAT sewing machine, for sure.
All hail whomever brought the nectar of the gods!
☕️☕️☕️
I would love to see the historical vest as your second project and my best thrift find were two loden coats for 3 euros each, which I am reworking as historybounding ones.
wow, €3 each!! that's amazing! 🤩
The "velvet" is actually stretch velour--a very different fabric!
From someone who, as a pre-teen made several (aesthetically questionable) leotards from the stuff, yes, you're totally right. Fairly irrelevant in the grand scheme of this specific video, as the properties of it while sewing are quite similar, but fair enough to point out the difference :-)
What a fun project!! I love how the spirit of this challenge really plays into the realities of making do in the 1940s, and that shirt is so cute!! The velvet yoke looks amazing with that print.
Thank you!! So glad you enjoyed it, and thank you for the lovely words 💙💜
A giant sewing room isn't necessary, but daum it sure would be nice!
true, true... can confirm, it's lots of fun (well, it's giant by Montreal apartment standards at least... I feel like all the YTers in the US have like absolutely massive rooms for sewing)
I love both the frugality and fashions of the 1940s.
Take a deep breath! You’re amazing. Exhale. Relax. I’m just enjoying watching you. You’re incredible
Thank you! 🥰
When I hold it up like “this”🤣🤣🤣🤣 soooo relatable 😂.
I love that you showed the hiccups … so important for a video aimed at newbies. Even those of us who have been sewing for 40 years still get those!
My favorite moment though was when the coffee magically appeared. I love it when that happens ❤
Best thrift find? Oh there have been so many! Recent ones though … I spent $7 on a whole bunch of fabric, sewing tools and misc notions and in the lot was a sterling silver thimble that actually fits me! No more green finger😂
Also included in the $7 lot was an xtra large ham, a point press, about 10 yards of fabric and a plastic grocery bag jam packed with crocheted lace and collars … my favorite is the thimble though
Sounds like a killer thrift store haul, congratulations! 🥳 Glad you're enjoying the videos, thank you for watching and leaving such lovely comments!
My best find so far has been 6 hand-made oak chairs with leather seats and carved decorations for ca €160 at an auction. Today I went to a fabric store looking for a colour matching red cotton thread to sew a dress I'm making out of thrifted red cotton satin duvet and black cotton sheet as lining. Found 3m of Italian designer lace in the bargain bin for €20. Will make awesome overlay for swooshy maxi skirt or cocktail dress.
ooooh, oak is so lovely, and with carved decorations and everything... 🤩🤩 Sounds like your thrift store is a pretty good one (or else that you just had a really lucky day)!
Loved this! Please do more of these!
❤❤❤
Best second hand shop purchase: a real fur coat, cropped length, black, glove sleeve length. $10!
Thank you!! Well you know you'll have a second video at the very least, since it's already mostly filmed 🤪😃 That fur coat sounds delectable too, btw!
My best thrift purchase was a coffee maker for $5. It lasted 8 years when the heating element went. Cost $57 to replace with the same model...and I had an extra carafe and basket from the old one.
$57?!?! Wow... makes $5 seem like pennies! Also, good call on recycling the old carafe and basket ☕️
This is super adorable! You definitely should not second-guess yourself. There isn't anything you have put out that I haven't found value in.
Can't wait to see how the vest turns out!
Oh thank you, those are some genuine words of praise, and I value them so much! Thank you for watching
I scored tiny velvet pants and torn black jeans and funky weird size tshirts at the bins. I stayed under $20. Patchwork pants are new to me
OMG you didn't tell me you got a sponsorship!!! That's awesome :D and that reminds me I need to put in my seedling order this week to our local greenhouse if I want to be planting our balcony garden by May Long Weekend!
And I'm very excited to be part of this collab challenge with you, and hope to have my video up soon!
Yea, I'm currently scanning all the MTL plant exchange FB groups to try to grow my collections (did you know there are seed libraries all around the city where you can get seeds for free?!) cuz my balcony needs some LIFE!! ...although I did literally just score a massive wood table on the curbside that's gonna fit PERFECTLY on my back balcony!
Shannon, thank you for telling us about Ko-fi. I dumped patreon and my stand alone website and moved over to Ko-fi! I am loving it and Discord is helping me grow the community I want without all the facebook drama. 🌹🌹🌼🌼🥰🥰
Glad you're enjoying it! I do both now, KoFi and Patreon... I definitely prefer Ko-Fi, but it's just not very well known, people don't know it or trust it, and are hesitant to use it, so I do both, but yea, I'm loving KoFi, and I'm thrilled its working out for you too
You are keeping me company while I make patchwork pants for my bff.
oooh, a pair of those has been on my list too for some while!!
A discarded card table works for a temporary nice large cutting table when you don't have a lot of space.
Ask your neighbors, as they may have one in storage they would be willing to let you borrow. They might even give it to you!
I have a couple of them, and they are great because they fold up relatively flat.
Yes!! Great tip, and I know at least a couple of my other viewers use one for their primary sewing table!
@@ShannonMakes I usually throw it up on the bed, without unfolding the legs because of lack of floor space.
My favorite part of sewing while first learning in Jr. High School at the tender age of 13 was cutting out the pattern pieces. I think it was a carryover from my childhood love of paper dolls. 😁
NO, THIS IS GREAT! Don't let the doubt in yourself win!
awww, thank you!! 🥹🥹 Everyone in the comments section is just being so lovely and uplifting, I'm incredibly grateful
A couple of years ago I found 3,4m of lovely wool fabric for like $4. I made a folk costume bodice out of it and still have at least 3m for when I work up the courage to make a suit jacket or something
Wow, that's such a huge chunk of fabric... so amazing!! And love that you were able to get at least 2 garments out of it!
I think this shirt is plenty ambitious and inspiring to people for whom a nice shirt is a big project!
Thank you 😊😊
Thanks so much. Bright moment in my day
You are so welcome!! I'm very glad you enjoyed it, happy to brighten up your day! ☀️🧡
Your blouse turned out beautifully!
I love thrift store shopping to make clothes for my young kids. But one time I found the most beautiful blue suaded rayon that had almost 5 yards in it! I LOVE the dress I was able to make with it, all for about $10 I think.
wow, 5 yards of ANYTHING is amazing, let alone something as gorgeous as what you just described... that's fantastic!! 💙💙
My two most favorite dresses that I've made came from thrifted bed sheets pulled from pay by the pound bins (and washed and dried twice!), thrifted zippers, and patterns traced from a library book. I used my mom's old 1980's sewing machine and I get compliments every single time I wear them. And, yes, they have pictures and are looking enough! (Almost) All of my sewing fabric is second hand or thrifted for budget, Earth and bravery reasons. I'll learn on old sheets, cutting into $25 a yard fabric paralyzes me.
Oooh, I never even though to go to a library to get patterns... that sounds like a great resource I should learn more about! What kind of books do you go to in order to find patterns? Second hand fabric is great for literally all the reasons!!
@@ShannonMakes My library has books- Like Gertie Sews Vintage Casual. They have full size patterns that you trace off. I use a roll of medical paper, but you could probably use tissue paper.
@@MWPNW thank you!!
This is SO creative! Working with a limited yardage and making a blouse with velvet details, how inspiring!! Thank you!
You're very welcome, glad you enjoyed it!
20:06 we all need to cut ourselves a break sometimes because reality is not perfect and we have to save money wherever we can. 😊
So true!
When my children were small I worked at a thrift store and since then I tend to look there first for either clothing or supplies to make. The 'finds' have been endless but a couple great ones are a vintage Vogue sewing book and another book on all fabrics and how they behave when sewing (can't remember the title) bought at a fraction of the retail price even in the year they were published! I love the finds you end up with and watching you do your hauls and seeing the outcome of both!
Ooh, those sounds like some choice finds! I get so many of my books second-hand too (although contrary to most other things, I don't actually feel bad buying books new, because it's the best way to support the author), although I don't think I've ever found any prize sewing books that way!
ok, maybe that's not true, if you count buying books online but through a second-hand service... then I have a good Singer Tailoring book that I got!
I find your videos very inspiring. The finicky bits and the 2nd guessing. I appreciate your honesty of intentions.
I appreciate that! So glad you liked it, and found the finicky bits enjoyable and potentially relatable/sympathizable!!
Best op shop find: an AUS $10 child's woollen kilt with adjustable waist. I took up the hem to begin with, and have been gradually letting it down as needed. My son has been wearing it for Sundays and special occasions for six winters now.
omg, that's so practical, especially since kids grow SO DANG FAST... 🤣🤣 Also, it sounds absolutely ADORABLE to boot!
One of my best thrift store finds was someone's entire fabric stash just put out on the floor, and I had my run of the lot. I got 4yds of both a red brocade and a red velvet!
Holy whack-a-moley, that's amazing!!! Very jealous of that find, stellar timing! 👌
This was a fun challenge and I like your shirt 👍☺️
Thank you! 🙏🥰
That blouse is totally your style. And beautifully made too. Well done.
Thank you so much!
I can hit LIKE before even watching because I know in advance that I will totally enjoy the content of each and every video Shannon Makes!👍👍👍👍
I never found fabric in second hand stores, but I love the scraps basket of a fabric store. Just yesterday I was looking for fabric for a summer project and found 2 scraps of cotton measuring 150 cm x 120 cm each, for 1,95€ each scrap.
Now I have some decisions yo make:
A dress?
A skirt and a blouse?
A long edwardian inspired skirt and another skirt?
A long skirt, a short skirt and a vest?
Choices, choices.... Whatever I need to buy to finish the project will fit this challenge and leave eneugh budget for another scrap or two.
Oh yes, you should absolutely join us in the challenge!! The more, the merrier, and it sounds like you are well on your way to getting started! 💪
You can always use curtains, bedlinens, tablecloths, etc.
I think the blouse is really cute! Love the color blocking. Loved the more simple choice for this challenge! Not having access to good thrift stores is a real problem for many. Especially finding fabric! I so appreciate you including the seam ripper bits! Ive been sewing for over 50 years and need mine every project! I’m not sure why all you young sewers ( I say that because I’m old!) try to use so few pins. When I was learning my teachers pounded it in our heads that pinning everything very carefully will get you better results and you’ll make fewer mistakes with the machine stitching. When learning we would have to show the pinned seam before stitching. If it wasn’t pinned properly, you had to go back and re do it!! Once I was sewing on my own I didn’t use as many pins…. And found out she was right! I made so many more mistakes !! Yup, I went back to lots of pins!!
I dunno, every time I'm pinning gathers, I'm literally using every pin in my collection (actually, maybe that's why I have so few pins - I literally don't own very many 🤣)
This top turned out so beautiful! ❤️
I love the premise behind this project. Keeping it simple instead of something elaborate was a good call as far as accessibility for sewists of varying skill levels. Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much! 😊
You're thrifting skills are amazing. I imagine you would be the absolute most fun to go adventuring with. My favorite thrift to this day is the entire vintage Stanley Ole bedroom set for my girls at goodwill for $100
Awww, thank you! I don't know how much fun I am to go adventuring with... it probably depends on how recently I've been fed 🤣🤣 #hangry But, umm, can we talk about only dropping $100 on an entire vintage bedroom set?!?! 🥳🥳
@@ShannonMakes I have seriously good luck when it comes to needing something,and finding it used. Also, finding good,yet affordable grub is part of the adventure!!!
I used to prowl the Remnants Bin at Bou-Clair back when they still sold fabric, I don't find Fabricland remant bins to be nearly so exciting. But back in the mid 90s I did make a dress I still have from about $6 of remnants, black and red satin and some black crinkly cotton, I've worn it to a couple of formal events. It's a simple tie-back dress with the skirt and sleeves of the crinkly cotton and the front of the red satin, the back of the black satin and I put it together in an evening. I still have it, though I honestly don't even remember if the seams are finished. I MIGHT have zizzagged them, maybe. But it was pretty good for the first dress I ever made. Most of my sewing isn't "how much dabric do I need to buy to make X" but "okay how can I make something close to X given how much fabric I have?" Stretch velvet was a favourite, a bit annoying to work with but very forgiving when I had no concept of tailoring.
I have made a few things from Mood, free stuff is good stuff. Even if I still have to modify it cause I'm a brick-with-boobs body shape rather than the assumption that I have a hip-waist ratio.
And I recently drafted a pattern for a Victorian Walking Skirt using a glass tabletop on the rabbit cage plus the cardboard sewing mat I've had for decades to extend the space to the kitchen table! (needed a 6' radius circle!!)
Love these shoestring videos, can't wait to see the vest!
I was gifted three metres (less a corner) of purple linen and I wanted to make two things out of it... so what I wound up with was one long long-sleeved medieval gores and panels shift that can be worn as a dress (the in seam pocketses ended up being pieced together from something like seven or eight different pieces), and I wanted to make a medieval kirtle but didn't have enough fabric to do it the way it was suggested so I made a knee-length sleeveless version! I consider it a win if I either have enough fabric left to make something else or if I only have a handful of scraps left that are too small to be of use.
I have rarely related more with a phrase than I have with "Most of my sewing isn't 'how much fabric do I need to buy to make X' but 'okay how can I make something close to X given how much fabric I have?'" 🥰🥰 Because yes, that's exactly how I do most of my sewing too (honestly, workign with actual, raw yardage feels like SUCH a treat)!! Thanks for watching 💙💜
@@ShannonMakes OMG, right? I bought a 10m bolt of cheap cotton from Fabricville for use in mockups and I'm still "no, no, don't cut that, you might need it for soemthing else!" (so far I have used half a metre of it as a mockup-become-lining for a lace up linen vest from what was a tablecloth which is making the vest and a tunic tshirt! with puffy sleeves!)
your turning a one-piece sleeve into a two-piece sleeve is fascinating to me! that's pretty cool that you were able to make that modification!
It was literally the only way to get my sleeve to fit on the funky shaped remnants that I was left with!! But it worked well, and honestly I don't even notice or feel the extra seams!
I love your thrift finds - but no matter how I look in the local thrift shops, I have never found more than a few notions. Other than bedding, I have never found any fabric. I would love to have access to fabric sources other than the big fabric store
Yea, I always head straight to the linens section, as that's where I find the majority of my fabrics too!
What a fun and INTERESTING challenge! I love the idea of the self-imposed constraints which means your Creativity really shines. Looking forward to the vest - that fabric looks FUN. :)
Thank you!!
Im inspired. I have to mention, i have never been to a thrift store that had any fabric of any kind, and i go to every thrift store i see. The exception to this is turning things like sheets into fabric, and one store in that was just a crafting thrift store. So i liked this.
Thank you!! Yea, I always just head straight for the household linens section, because that's where I find most of my fabric - sometimes there's actual yardage (like once, it was clear that somebody spring cleaned their quilting fabrics 😳) but most often it's just sheet, curtains, towels, that sort of thing... which I absolutely will use without shame!!
Very cute! Great idea. I've never seen fabric in thrift stores.
Thank you! 😊 I always go right to the household linens section, and can often find a sheet or bedspread to use, if nothing else!
I love thrift shops and for years I bought clothes only in them. One of the best purchases was fur coat for my husband, got as a joke for 8 dollars. Also, my family always swapped clothes. We know what size everybody's wearing, so if someone is cleaning their wardrobe then they bring clothes to my mum's house and we all have a browse. Great way to have new stuff for free.
_Best thrift store find_ - Back in the 90's I got a metal machinist cabinet (the kind you'd see in car repair shops in the 1950's), red, printed with "Atlas Oil Seals - for Safety". I use it in my kitchen as a spice rack. Which is also probably why I have a masala collection... My second best is finding a massive amount of wool fabric for a song.
On behalf of someone who is still figuring out pattern manipulation and fit - what you're doing and how you're doing it is a godsend. I'm working with found material from the thrift store. Having a project that's an easy win is amazing. Especially when someone is starting out. Mixing in the 40's 'make, sew & mend' is the right approach. Honestly, I learn something every time I watch. You're good at what you do.
Besides. Part of the fun is seeing your artistic practice. You should start thinking about a Q&A upload for your frequently asked questions for when you cross the next official YT milestone (congratulations on the sponsorship). Starting with, how did you learn to sew? When and how did you transition from gymnastics to performance?
- Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
What a fun thrift store find! Well, both, but I was mainly referring to the machinist cabinet, it sounds like a fun, cheerful, and unique addition to a kitchen!
Thank you for the suggestion, I had already been thinking about doing a 40K Q&A, I just literally keep forgetting to post anywhere asking for questions (I'm garbage at Instagram), but you're the second person in a couple days to say something about it, so I really should get on that!
I bet it’s the super fancy walking foot (and pins) that made the velvet easy. I think someone with limited resources would have to hand sew the velvet, with lots of pins, to get a nice result like you did. A walking foot doesn’t fall under “cheap, basic” sewing machine. Hand sewing does though.
I will say that I've sewn velvet before - all the trim for my hobbit housecoat, and it was on my great grandmother's Singer with no IDT/walking foot, and that went really well too - I just used a lots of pins.
And,for anyone who's curious, it's not actually a walking foot, its part of PFAFF's IDT system, and it came with my machine (which I say only to point out that I didn't actually buy a fancy foot for my machine... I don't actually have ANY add-ons or feet for the machine, not even a zipper foot... I'm still using a $15 iron that I share with my roommates 😭).
So for anyone out there reading this, I would reiterate that, honestly, lots of pins go a super long way towards getting velvet to behave!! And, if in doubt, or nervous about how that's going to go, then yes, hand-sewing is another fantastic option. Or. basting before sewing also!
That pin to ironing board trick....omg! Thank you, loved all of this.
You are so welcome... I use this ALL. THE. TIME. It's just so practical!
I love thrifting for costumes/cosplay, so it’s hard to pick just one thing… also I’ve gotten furniture, jewelry, and accessories (once an amazingly soft leather belt (that my dog subsequently ate… sigh.) I will say finding some long length pants that fit me was the biggest surprise, since even regular stores don’t carry 34+ inch inseam women’s pants. Bought all 6 pairs I’d found!
Yea, I definitely agree that I've been thrifting so for long (literally my whole life) that I'd be hard pressed to choose ONE thing that was my favorite. Also RIP your belt 💀💀
I want to thank you from the BOTTOM of my heart for featuring this thrift store in your video. I visited it while I was in CPH and came back from that basement (if you know you know 😅) with some beautiful lace, buttons, fabric and yarn. Also found a handmade yarn swift and a 1920s sewing magazine I ended up framing. Thank you thank you thank you! ❤
Oh, also 1950s knitting needles and embroidery patterns. That thrift store was like a Danish granny I never had.
You are so welcome! It is definitely my favorite store in all of Copenhagen, I would go almost weekly when I was there because we'd also exercise Cannelle in the park across the street, and it was on our way in to work. So perfect, and SO much fun... I do dearly miss that basement 😢
Yesterday I got a pair of suede Rockport sandals, NWT for $10. Originally $119!
omg, absolute SCORE!! amazing!
That was brilliant. Sewing on a budget with basic tools shows just what2 can be done 👍👍👍
Absolutely! Glad you liked it, thank you!!!
My next project is in fact one of my Mum's old UFOs. Back in the 80s she had cut out a pair of 3/4 length culottes from vintage wool. The fabric is super expensive, but the design of the pants is a complete eyesore. So Mum and I are going to turn them into a midi skirt for me. Its a win win. Mum is clearing out her sewing cupboard and I get a warm winter skirt for zero cost (this century at least).
That is awesome!
Thanks for another beautifully produced video and yes, inspiring also. Your "velvet" was relatively easy to work with, because it was stretch velveteen, (although tough to tell on a video) and not true velvet. (MUCH more cranky than velveteen!) As an old lady (whose mother, as a teenager, went through WW2 in Great Britain and learned how to "make do"), I appreciate your bravery in showing us the hiccups along your learning curve. Also, using such different thicknesses/drapes/stretchinesess of fabrics is a bear! It came out great, considering the challenges.
Having worked with real velvet too, I've never found it nearly as bad as people say, but I also don't mind properly pinning and basting, so that might be part of the reason! Glad you enjoyed the video!
My best thrift find... I've had some good ones but I think my 1919 Singer red eye treadle machine that I got for only $40 is the winner.
Oooh, that definitely sounds like a winner! Great find!
Wonderful job, Shannon. You can do anything you set your mind to. You are so creative and so resourceful. Love your work. Thank you for sharing. God bless.
Thank you
My father in law picked up what he thought was an end table for $10 at the thrift store. Upon further inspection, the end table was in fact a 1940s Singer sewing machine! Since my father in law had no use for a sewing machine, I got it for free. Thankfully his mom had a machine the same age and helped me learn to use it. I love it!!
Oh my, that's fantastic! Love when things like that happen!!
I think keeping the project small was a good idea. A larger project or whole outfit might be intimidating to a beginner sewing. And I absolutely love finding good fabric at the thrift store! My best find so far was natural colored linen. Yes, REAL, good quality linen!
That's a very valid point! And wow, what a lucky score... linen is so hard to find in thrift stores!
Thank you for making this video. Most of my supplies are thrifted and sometimes when looking at sewing videos it feels like I'm the only one who can't afford new fabrics. I can only dream of one day using linen fabric that isn't salvaged from old tablecloths.
My best thrift find is probably a beautiful red wool coat, floor length and with black closures. It gives off major vampire vibes, wearing it makes me feel powerful, and it only cost me like 25$.
My sewing machine was also thrifted FOR ONLY FIVE DOLLARS but it was my mother who found and bought it for me. It's from the late 50's and it still had the (mildewed) instruction manual, carrying case and all the bobbins and sewing feet. 🤩
You're very welcome, I'm so glad you found it enjoyable - I am constantly using scraps of found/thrifted/salvaged fabric, so it felt a bit underwhelming to simply make a blouse, but I've gotten some really heartwarming feedback and encouragement from all of you, so thank you so much!! 🙏🫶🥰
That wool coat sound absolutely delectable, and that sewing machine is fantastic too!! LOVE cheap vintage machines... they're such work horses!!
I loved this. I found it a very realistic example of a sewing project on a budget.
Thank you
A stunning blouse absolutely stunning. I love that you went to the thrift store and got the fabric. What a challenge to work around that huge flaw.But you did a super job. I am also always on the hunt for reusable fabric in different objects. Recently I took Apart a partially knit baby sweater for the yarn and reused it, It was so cute. Keep up the good work.I love your channel.
So I keep my projects on the cheap side by trolling Joann's remnant section. If you are patient, you can get a couple yards of the same fabric or you can do like you did and make contrasting pieces. Love this idea!!
Thank you!! I don't have a JoAnns in Montreal (at least not one that I know of🤔), but that's a great tip for others reading!!
Your technique and editing style is so great! I feel like there are so many little things I learn every time I watch a video of yours. So far: rubber band and measuring tape to measure sleeve length and pinning fabric to ironing board 🤯
love your videos!
Thank you! So glad you're enjoying the videos and the little tips and tricks - I honestly use that ironing board trick ALL THE TIME!
By the way: you have a really pretty handwriting ❤
oh, wow, thank you 🥰
With velvet, I have found the more pins the better!!!
YES!! 100%
I love this challenge! Nice adaptation of the cuffs, and I can’t believe you french-seamed the armholes… Well Done!!! My best thrift store find was a wallet containing what looked like someone’s entire rent payment in cash, which I immediately turned in to the store management.
I once managed to squeeze a top out of a remnant by 1) Doing 3/4 length sleeves 2) making the sleeves from two pieces joined horizontally like a big cuff 3) cutting the back pattern into three pieces- two from shoulder to waist joined at center back, and one peplum style piece full width from waist to hem and 4) no hems or facings, only serged edges which worked because the fabric was a funky abstract-patterned double-layered bonded stretch mesh. That was a lot of work for a little top, but fabric was so unique it was totally worth it.
Thank you! Although my remnant top sounds like it was nowhere NEAR as creative as yours, wow!! Those are some serious goals!
Brilliant idea using the velvet. Your blouse is beautiful! Thank you for sharing. God bless ❤❤
You're very welcome, glad you enjoyed it!
I really like the shirt you made! I saw it in the video of November 1, where you said that you furnished your house with junk. I figured that you had made it, because it looked so unique, and I went to your original channel and found this video where you made it! I want to have a shirt like that! I sew, too. The question is, will I actually make one for myself! 😂 It looks like it could be great for winter!!
Ifound a wool blazer at a consignment store for $10! Its dark grey so it will go with everything.
omg, that sounds so perfect!! And the price is right for sure!
My best thrift find was a Vintage Singer sewing machine, I don't know the age (I'm guessing between late 60s - early 80s) but what is quite interesting is that it happed to me 3 times! With my sister also being a sewist and my mother a connoisseur of cheap sewing machines that tend to break, I was able to cover my entire family's back with machines to borrow when someone's gave out. And all that for only €25 per machine! It is noteworthy that I did not buy the machines together, but over the span of 1.5 years. In a similar trend I have also scored not one, not two, but 3 dress forms, of which one is adjustable plus sized!
100% relate with this comment (I actually have a very fun, short little video about the last free sewing machine I found, which was an Uber Canadian type of experience, you might find it entertaining: th-cam.com/video/0xggbdDt6XE/w-d-xo.html) because I am constantly finding free machines. When I moved out of Copenhagen, I had 5 sewing machines to give away, not a single cent spent on acquiring any of them... it was incredible! Oh, and one dress form too!!
That is such an amazing thrift store! I wish we had thrift shops here that had sewing notions and things 😍
It really is! The absolute best (and agreed that it's pretty rare in my experience)!
I too love French Seams. I usually do them on most items, to include bags. Your blouse is great looking. Good job.
Thank you!
I bought a small amount of that exact black & white print (at least I think it's exact) to make a book cover, and always wished I'd bought more. Now I have hope that I'll find it again 😊.
Love the idea of the $20 challenge as well!
Funnn!! Mine is blue and white, but it makes sense that they'd have it in multiple colorways!
It looks like a print i crush on from my favorite online retailer, but their is dark green
My best thrift find is a very hard to say. I’ve looking for sewing things at thrift stores since the 90’s. All but one of my ironing boards was thrifting as well as my ham! Not to mention the cool books and patterns. I guess my best find recently is the leather there were a few full hides rolled. I grabbed it all and had a coupon!
The blouse turned out lovely. You really shouldn’t doubt yourself so. You make wonderful imaginative garments. You follow the what if’s that many of us think but never do. Some of your projects have taken reduce reuse and recycle to a height unseen in everyday life! I thought I was pretty good at repurposing but really I have nothing on you. So yeah no more doubting yourself!
Oh also this was a great challenge. Oh and congratulations on your sponsorship!!!
"your projects have taken reduce reuse and recycle to a height unseen in everyday life!" 🥹🥹🥹 wow, thank you!!
@@ShannonMakes your so welcome! I’m still in awe of your table. It’s truly a wonder.
Also I’m with you when you find a good chalk you buy it new! Some things are worth it!
Oh! Heck no. You did so well. I love you. And yes give you a big break. This is so great thank you for this video.
Thank you! 🫶🥰 Very glad you enjoyed the video!! Thanks for watching 😊