10 things I wished I'd known before I began upcycling clothing!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 มิ.ย. 2024
- Here are my top ten things that I wish I'd know before I began upcycling clothing. I want everyone to have the best chance at creating garments they love or that sell well so these are some of my top tips. I hope it helps.
If you have any tips you'd like to share, please feel free to share. Thank you so much!
I also noticed some lag at the end of the video. I'll try and sort that out! Thank you so much for all your comments and encouraging words everyone!
My Etsy Store: sherryjonesdesigns.etsy.com
Join the Happy Sewing Club Discord: / discord
My second channel about Jesus: / @mydailybread777
![[FULL EP.13] เซียนหรั่ง พา ไททศมิตร ลงเรือฝึกสกิลหว่านแห | เฮ็ดอย่างเซียนหรั่ง | One Playground](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EWFuf2Av0K0/mqdefault.jpg)
![🎮เกมยิงปืนใหม่ ภาพสวย และ สมจริงที่สุดในโลก [ BODYCAM ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/My3l1owRY9I/mqdefault.jpg)
Many clothes these days are made with cheap and poor quality fabrics, some with spandex or other elastics that bag out, develop holes or just wear out quickly. If you are going to put a lot of time into something, it’s better to choose fabrics and garments that are worth fixing. If not, expect to revisit that garment over and over to fix it repeatedly. Learned this the hard way.
True....and wash the lighter cheaper weights with caution!
Plus, you can see thru the tops. Yikes
I have a hard time getting rid of older garments that are made with quality fabric.
@@jmc-xp6ml yes, but they are the best to use for up cycles. Give me older clothes made when fabrics were manufactured with quality control. And sewn when factories checked garments for mistakes so junk didn't wind up on store racks.
@@jojosewist8921 I know, that is exactly why I am having a hard time getting rid of them.
Look for the colour in the print which is the least prominent. That's the detail that makes that print look most interesting. Use the least prominent colour as your base.
Wow...I'll have to try that! Thank you!
I agree with you...totally.
Make sure that other people can see that color from about a 6 foot distance. Because otherwise you’ll be pointing it out at some time in the future for when someone asks you why you included that particular color. This is a problem for new quilters also. They want to match this little tiny detail that’s actually not visible from 6 feet away. And people don’t look at your clothing or your quilts with their nose right on it or at least you hope they don’t!
I thought only I knew this trick.
For the presser foot thing, a stack of post it notes makes a "customize to any thickness" option.
That's a good idea! Nice and flat and adjustable!
Too cool!
@@SherryJonesDesignsI love this tip!
I inherited my mom’s sewing “collection”. I’ve wondered what that gadget is, I will use it, now that you informed me, Thanks!
Great idea!
A running joke with my sister and I is "not my sewing scissors"! Our Mother was always telling us the sewing scissors are for fabric only. Very very true!
I say that too! Us sewist protect our sewing scissors with great enthusiasm.
Grew up the same...made it a rule in my home too.
My mom painted, “Do not touch, or death” on her new fiskars, in the 70’s.
My sister was mortified…but it worked!
Sewing scissors and manicure scissors - those need to be hidden from the family! So easy to ruin, so difficult to put right
My mother wrote it on the blade.
I have a tip about colour matching. If you have an item of clothing, say olive trousers, and you need a top to go with it, we all know that you can't remember colours exactly so any time you're at a DIY store take a whole bunch of those little shade cards they use for mixing paint colours for you. When you go out with something specific in mind just match the garment to one of the shade cards and carry that around. Nobody wants to haul a pair of trousers everywhere they go and chances are the one time you think you've found a good match or contrast will be when you don't have them with you. You can slip the shade card into a wallet or purse (handbag in the UK) and it won't take up any room at all, in fact you can have several.
That is very clever. I never would have thought of that.
I take a shopping bag with me anyway, so I just bring the item😁
@@lauras4472 Well yes, that's what everyone does but it's so much easier to take a few shade cards with you if you want to match 2 or 3 items, or you're inclined to forget to take them. Don't take up any room and you can have them with you permanently.
I cut a small piece of fabric from a wider or well enforced seam and glue or pin it to a card. I put the card in my wallet.
My father kept factor sewing machines working in factories. There were many sewing machines sitting around the house (and out in his work shop). My sister and I were learning to sew on sewing machines at home, when we were still in Elementary School. We started out making our own doll clothes. Our fabric came from the rag bag; and, our thread and pins came from the floor of the factory. We helped Daddy at the factory on Saturday mornings. Mom didn't want to give us her good scraps (she used them in making her quilts). So, you could say that I have been upcycling almost all my life. However, what you are doing is new to me.
Thank you for commenting and sharing your story. Im glad you had access to sewing machines at a young age. I did too and it was such a blessing and I learn new things about upcycling every day.
Just love yr growing up story..l.. it's so beautiful...... can't do this today with our children in the factory scene:
You were privileged... ❤
What an interesting experience! My mom had one machine and was quite particular about us kids using it. If we damaged it she was out of luck until it got repaired. She sewed nearly all of our clothes until we were teens. At that time she started working full time out of the home and just couldn’t. By then my sister who was two years older, was a very accomplished seamstress herself. I didn’t come to it easily, I am a born perfectionist and got frustrated easily. But I stuck with it, and I am still going strong all these years later.
I was a janitor in a garment factory for awhile. They did dress shirts and uniform work shirts. And I still have fabric from the garbage bins there.
Huge chunks of fabric from feeding the vacuum table to hold it for cutting. It's incredibly efficient, but there's a couple meters lost off the front of each massive roll. It can have damage, and it gets taken up in the equipment. But as a home sewist able to inspect the piece and lay out accordingly, it's massive.
The biggest costs to me in acquiring it were having my backpack stuffed like I was going camping on the bike ride home, and paying to wash it.
For anyone struggling with matching colours, the long solution is to learn some colour theory. The short solution is taking me at my word that everything within a colour season will match each other. I printed out medium autumn colour swatches on photo card at a print shop. I carry it with me and hold it up to fabrics. If the fabric blends in with card, then I know it will match the colours. If the fabric stands out as different (e.g. duller colour, more vibrant colour, more cool toned, more warm toned), then I know the fabric won’t match my colour scheme. This is also useful for those of us who want a very streamlined wardrobe to cut down the headache of putting together outfits for the day. I want to be able to pull out any random top and bottom during the dark winter mornings and know they will match.
Those are some really great tips! Thank you so much for sharing!
I am a Dark Autumn and as my items were replaced, my entire wardrobe became interchangeable. I spend much less on clothing. Even further, after I dropped 2 clothing sizes, I picked 4 colors for a capsule wardrobe, perfection. Now tackling my closet and upcycling the rest.
I had a Snuggle I never used and made a warm underskirt. Oh my, it is warm and disappears under my skirts. If Snuggles are ever $5 again, I will surely pick up another one. I dislike answering the door in a robe or blanket! I was about to get rid of that silly thing, but the bottom is toasty warm under my skirts. I made it to sit below my waist, so no bulk added around the middle. Now I will turn the top half into an undervest. The sleeve into a hat or two. It is much cozier than long johns.
I groaned to replace my wardrobe, but I only bought 2 new jeans.
Hot, I like to look at “Color Index 1 and 2 by Jim Krause. It’s pretty vast but wonder color matching catalogue.
A lot of times fabric will have the colors separated on the selvage as color spots. That helps in color matching.
These are all great tips for people, not everyone knows this stuff. My mom was great at putting together outfits and I learned from her without realizing it.
I will never forget when I was working in a store as a teen and a grown woman asked me if a pair of pants matched a top. They didn't even come close. You could see a lightbulb moment when I explained that usually you chose a color in the print and matched that. We picked a color and found pants for her. It was a learning experience for me too because I always assumed if I knew it, everyone knew it.
I'm so glad you knew that! I didn't and it made it so hard to upcycle. I did notice that fabric has those dots and was glad that a manufacturer cared enough for their customers to do that.
Thank you so commenting. I really appreciate it!
We’re doing so much better with colors now than when I was a teenager. Navy blue was paramount then. People can get PhDs in color theory, now. The colors available are tremendous now.
You’re teaching color basics in that exchange about the pants.
Tip #8 - This is also a great tip for beginning sewists (seamstresses, or whatever you call yourself). Let it be known, especially to older women, that you are beginning to sew and are looking for fabric. You will most likely get more than you can use! Older women who have stopped sewing love to give their stashes to younger women to use up. I was able to make Halloween and Nativity costumes for years with all that I was given, not to mention curtains, clothing and even quilts.
A sewing friend has a card holder, a 'wallet' with several clear plastic pages for holding credit cards, etc. (Now that so many of these are digital, it's easy to find a card holder at the thrift shops.) She keeps swatches of all her garment WIPs and fabrics in these. I think it's brilliant.
That is a lovely idea!
Small photo albums that you can pick up at the dollar store would work for this too. Then you can put 2-3 strips of fabric for one item, outfit, or quilt in each pocket. I'm a quilter and often grab clothing or sheets... Anything that's straight cotton... From thrift stores to upcycle into quilts.
@@mleonard3163 came down here to say just that! ***
Ohhhh I like this tip!
great tip!
So many good pointers here, thank you!! I upcycled a pair of striped curtains into a pair of "Elephant leg hip hugger" pants [anyone remember those?] 50+ years ago. Because we didn't have the $$ for my teen fashion cravings and I could create better than my mom, lol! It's my favorite way to sew still, as patterns and yardage seem almost boring in its way. Having sewn tailored coats, napped fabrics, mediaeval and wedding gowns, I still enjoy upcycling pieces more! 😃
That is awesome. I'm so glad you sew and upcycle!
I relate to the point about having everything ready so that you don't break your flow. It's tough to continue sometimes and remain motivated.
Thank you for sharing this video. Coming from a household of all girls and whose parents were raised on the prairies during the Depression, my mother sewed most of our school clothing. And she repurposed clothing (like adult coats) to fit us. Back then fabrics were less expensive and a sewing machine was a fixture in every household. I smiled when you held up the razor - that is how my mother took seams apart. (and also used it to cut our hair). And as you might expect, I sew and try to recycle clothing for myself and appreciate your helpful tips - Much success with your ventures!
That is so awesome and I'm so glad you like my videos! I remember going to the store with my mom and buying cloth by the bolt. There were 12 of us kids and plenty to sew for! We usually made everything but our jeans, coats, socks, and undergarments. Getting store bought clothing was a treat and unusual. Thank you so much for sharing your story and life experiences with me. You are such a blessing!
I watched so many sewing tips videos and NO ONE gave this trick for thick fabric at 7:30. What a game changer! It was a pleasure to listen to you share your experience. Thank you!
I'm so glad you got some good out of my video! Thank you for letting me know.
I have decorated entire houses based on colors in my favorite paintings.
That's a great idea!
Great idea!
I have been sewing since High School class and can hardly believe no other teachers shared the tip of easier sewing of thick jean! Thank you so much for the wonderful tips!! A new subscriber
You are so welcome!
They forget to teach basics..
@@SherryJonesDesigns Agreed. I have that tool that came with my sewing machine and I have never known what its used for.Thanks so much for all your useful tips. Hello from South Africa.
@@cheranrowji2554 some of the pieces that come with a sewing machine are too thick to fit under the presser foot. I sometimes use a square of folded denim to raise the foot and keep it level. Sometimes the back needs raising and sometimes the front of presser foot needs to be lifted up.
Such a great idea, 40 years of sewing, and never thought of this one!! thank you from Toronto
As far as carrying swatches, I purchased a small notebook with plastic sleeves for photos at one point. Each pocket held a swatch of fabric and how much yardage I had. Regarding hint #4 and sewing over thicker denim hems - I cut OFF the hem, attach seam binding and then sew the seam binding down. Instead of folding that heavy fabric, the thin seam binding which gives a smoother, more professional finish - and it makes no difference what color the binding is. I buy bags of ass't bindings at the thrift stores - often 20+ packs for $5 or less. Or I make my own from leftover fabrics - and it doesn't have to bias, but can be cut on the straight grain, the edges turned in and ironed flat. Easy-peasy.
All really good tips. Only, I sew denim differently. It isn't just hems...actually rarely am I shortening a pair of jeans or doing jean hems or anything, instead it will be like sewing a cut off waist band from a pair or jeans onto a shirt or something so it is different and I"m going up and down over thick to thin adding lower pieces.
I have had my Gingher scissors since the early 1970s. My children were threatened with dire consequences (no desserts for a month) if they touched my Ginghers! I also made sure there were regular scissors in every room, so they didn’t have to go into my sewing boxes! The scissors have been sharpened only twice, simply because I never cut anything but tissue paper (patterns) and fabric with them. Love my Ginghers!
Good scissors are priceless! I understand completely.
I am a sewing teacher and I also upcycle; and I do all the things you suggested. Materials that can be used: table cloths, home decor fabric, duck cloth, fabric swatch pieces, thrifted clothing, pillow covers, scarves, sheets, curtains, bridal fabrics….almost anything….just cut it up!
That is awesome!
Years ago, I made a very basic dressing gown out of what seemed to be an exceptionally large, damask 'table cloth' that I had picked up for next to nothing at a jumble sale. It was a beautiful, pale blue, with a deep border design of simple forget-me-not flowers, so I was able to cut the pieces to have the border edging both sides of the front pieces and around the bottom, as well as along the edge of the sleeves. Very basic, using french seams to prevent fraying. I wore it every morning and one day a friend called in, gasped at the sight of the dressing gown and asked about it. It turned out that she wasn't gasping at my workmanship but that she had been the one to donate the original item to the jumble sale. It had actually been her old bedspread!
I think you're giving good advice. Having good tools is essential!
For upcycling, clothing it's a good idea to let your own fashion likes influence the way you choose to re-create a garment. Of course, it won't appeal to everyone! But there are many people that like the same things you do! Stay in your lane! Don't try to create styles that you just don't relate to and genuinely wouldn't buy off the rack. You will struggle and likely, not have a
lot of success if you try to 'interpret' what's 'in fashion' when it's not your style.
Make what you like!
Exactly! Well said!
These are all great tips! My best tip is to hang onto stuff until you figure out what to do with. Sometimes is can take years, but those pieces usually come out the best
You come across so relatable and kind it's a pleasure to watch your videos. Thank you for your top eleven tips. The one about raising the foot of the machine to meet thick fabric was my favourite! God bless you too, Sherry.
Going to use up my collection of fabrics so that I don't have to leave them to anyone. They are the product of many years of Thrifting, getting ready for my retirement. Now it is time to persue all my hobbies.
So candid, creative and, yes, plain talk from the Voice of Experience, but one willing to share - that's so refreshing! I sew denim and upholstery fabric.
Thank you so much for all those kind words! I'm so glad to here you sew things! I can only imagine what it must be if you use mostly denim and upholstery fabric butthat is awesome!
I bought a kenmore sewing machine in 1979. I used it and used it, then tried to make it go faster, and dented the plate, which snagged everything. Bought several used ones, which I hated. Finally, finally, after years of trying to find a replacement plate, I found a whole new machine, the exact same model. I'm getting it delivered on Monday. I'm so, so excited!! I can't believe my good luck in finding it on ebay!! I'm going to be back in business with my sewing!!!!❤
That is so awesome! I'm so happy for you! I hope you make lots of amazing things!
I have an old Kenmore, too! Inherited from my mother. Have never looked further.
I totally feel u! Lol
I’ve had my grandmothers metal Singer -that was top-of-the-line in the 1950s when she worked at the singer factory - and I pay good money every year to have it oiled and the timing maintained because I just would not be able to bear having to replace my 75-year-old perfect machine! Three generations of women have made clothing and beautiful homes on this machine. It makes me feel close to her whenever I use it.🧡
Keep your old machine for the parts.
I bought my kenmore machine about 40 years ago. I love it. Never had any trouble with it. I wouldn’t trade it for any other machine.
And a Good tip my mother taught me is use a new pair of plyers and smash the hem seam down and only hand walk the stitches throughout. And always hand stitch a zipper in first so it doesn't slip out of place.
Awesome! Thank you so much for sharing!
Your colour hint tip is superb. I usually clip the Colour Legend/Story from the selvage when buying coordinating fabrics for a quilt. When I want to buy colours for anything i go to my embroidery cottons. I roll a small tube of card, wrap/wind a short length of the required colour onto the tube. This can be popped into your pocket or purse as a reference. I also take photos on my phone, but often the colours are not so true.
Dress forms are great. I made one out of chicken wire and a big roll of batting. Did me for years until I found one online. She was squishy, but fairly accurate. I covered her in stretchy muslin. Having a sewing friend to help make one is great. I also bought an antique one and added batting all over & pinned it on to my measurements. Worked SO well!
I learned to sew on my Granny’s treadle Standard sewing machine. I LOVED that machine. A workout and creating all at once. My mother gave it away when I was at Uni, 45yrs later I still miss it.
Your tips are fantastic, I’ve subscribed!
Thank you so much for subscribing and for sharing your story. I would like to get a treadle machine. I think it would be so quiet and peaceful to use. We had one as a kid but no one ever used it. I do see them go quite reasonable on the Craigslist sometimes. You are very creative! Making a dress form like you did to you got one. That is awesome!
All of your tips are amazing. Thanks, I've struggled with needles breaking for years. You explained it the best.
A lot of great tips! I actually don’t up cycle clothing, but make clothing out of Thrifted fabrics, including blankets and quilts and curtains. Each one of my items is one of a kind so I make sure that they’re very special. I have found that people will pay more for a one-of-a-kind garment that has finished seams such as French or Japanese instead of serged. In fact, I’m pretty sure my grandmother would aunt bee from the grave yes, I didn’t finish seems the old-fashioned way.
Wonderful tip
It still seems to me that it’s up cycling, unless I misunderstand the term.
Wonderful to see your sewing room! You built-in your sewing machine right into a big solid table.. runner rug beneath your sergers, so they stay stable and don't run away..
Thank-you for sharing your passion for sewing❤
GiGi
In
Vintage
Thank you!
You have opened a new door for me! I love making quilt tops but hate quilting (sandwiching 3 layers together) them. To send them to be quilted is so expensive. After watching your videos it occurred to me I can make quilt tops, cut them up and make garments!!! Thank you so much for taking your time and sharing with us. 🇺🇸
That is an awesome idea! I'm so glad I could help and thank you so much for sharing your idea with everyone too!
I used my Christmas fat quarters to make a patchwork top, used an ikea fleece blanket as the padding and lining in one, quilting the two layers together then cut out a simple boxy jacket pattern which I stitched together. A bit of braid around the neck and down the front and done! I was inspired but the decorated sweatshirts I had seen on TH-cam.
I started sewing just over a year ago and your tips are very useful for someone new. When I started I was all over the place thinking I needed everything everyone had lol.
I'm so glad I helped you. I still learn new stuff everyday so it is a journey and not a destination I guess... the important part is to have as much fun as possible along the way.
@@SherryJonesDesigns Very true
I love your humble, endearing personality! You gave very practical advice, which is the best kind. God bless you as well!
Thank you! 😊
just found your channel and as a farm woman and tomboy myself, I love it!! I am just starting on my upcycling journey and you are so helpful and genuine!! This made my day!!
Welcome! I'm so glad I blessed you and that you are starting your upcycling journey. It sounds like we'll have alot in common. That is awesome!
Some years ago I watched a TH-cam video about making your own dress form with paper packing tape - the kind you get wet for it to stick.
My daughter helped me and we made one in my size, one in hers. Great for knitting projects.
I think I watched that video too! Only I didn't make one so that is awesome you two did!
Wow I would LOVE to see that! Judy’s are so expensive , especially the adjustable ones…it would be SO much easier to make dresses on an actual dress form.
I realized that I have to use good quality thread. The garments last longer and my sewing machine is not as dirty and needs less service. I found 1000m spools professional quality so worth it.
That is interesting. I should try a different brand of thread and see if I notice any difference.
I’ve been up cycling clothes for 7 years and didn’t know your fabulous trick for stitching thick denim hem. Thank you ! You just made my life easier 🤗💕
You are so welcome!
Genius trick building up the back of the foot to sew over thick fabric!!!!
You Are Such A Jewel. Your Passion For What You Do Is Contagious. I loved This Video And Although I Sew I Learned A Lot. Thank You!
Thank you so much and I'm super glad to have blessed you! Thank you for letting me know.
I really love the tip about how to coordinate colors. I definitely spend too much time thinking about that
And here I was thinking it would be cool to use the 'below the knees' part of jeans-turned-shorts and make a shopping bag. My mom used to love these fabric bags that so perfectly fit six cartons of milk (and were slightly deeper). The bag had an intentional, box-like shape and bottom and good handles. And so they fit just as if they were in a fabrix box 😊 She said it was the perfect sise and weight to carry. ❤
That would be cool. It sounds like a very useful bag/box. I love using jeans in alot of my upcycles and I've seen the cutest bags made from them on TH-cam. Thank you so much for sharing your story and for watching my videos. You are such a blessing!
I took my first sewing class when I was in 6th grade. I continued all through high school. Then my mother thought it be a good idea to help my sister in law in her gown and wedding gown shop. There I learn even more. My sister in law had gone to school for fashion design etc. She was a pro at sewing and design. Only sewing and design was not what I wanted to do for a living. But I got very good at making men suits, gowns, dresses etc.
Wow! Thank you for sharing your story! You are a much better sewist than I am! I've used patterns before and made only one bridesmaid dress, various clothing items, and lots of the smaller craft items when they were a thing...you know like the vacuum covers and such but it was tedious for me and I just didn't enjoy it all that much. Upcycling was a whole different thing and I just love it. At least you can sew if you need to which is a blessing in and of itself!
save your selvages for "color stories"; I love that you have 2 sergers set up - one light thread, one dark thread! must save on so much aggrevation
Raising the foot has been so helpful as I make a lot of bags .
A suggestion: remember those photo books? You could put like a dozen photos in the little sleeves? And the older day planner notebooks? They work great to put slips of fabric and photos of your plan to carry to the store. The small samples would always get lost before I did that.
Great tip!
Here's an addendum to #2 where you were talking about colour in fabric. If you look at your selvage edge, there will be little dots of colour, or maybe some other motif. Those are the colours in that particular run of that print. A clue from the manufacturer and because they aren't next to each other, you can isolate the exact shade of orange or blue. Great video. Will watch for your next one.
Awesome tip! Thank you so much and thank you for watching my videos!
I love your tip on color matching using a pattern you like!!! I have such a hard time with this and normally just match patterns or colors with black. Because black never lets me down
I completely understand and often use a solid or dark color as my top shirt to make life easier.
🤩🙏 Thanks for all your efforts - just found your channel & am enjoying it very much - love your content, & laid back, generous take on things - please don’t listen to the Negative Nellies - talk as much as you want about anything you want. Your fast-growing tribe is here for it 🥰
Thank you so much. I was thinking about it today as I mowed my yard and I've had more (most) comments say they liked to hear me talk so I really appreciate you letting me know it is okay to just be myself.
@@SherryJonesDesignsSee NRM on YT, a good video.
I'm so glad i couldn't sleep -- YT brought your video to my attention and it was so much fun to watch. I don't sew much any more but have the usual background of sewing doll clothes and little quilts as a child, then sewing lots of my children's clothes when they were young. Remember the days when you could get good-sized remnants for like 49 cents? 😊 Anyway, your tips and your creativity are inspiring. I have subscribed and am looking forward to seeing more of your stuff. Thanks for sharing your hard work. I know it's not easy to put yourself out in the public eye. Your voice is very friendly and easy to listen to. ❤
Thank you so much for all those encouraging and kind words. Thank you for sharing your story and for subscribing and yes it is a bit scary doing TH-cam but so far 99 percent of people have been really kind and nice. I'm so blessed! Thank you so much!
Love your friendly, sweet personality.
Hi Sherry! I just found your channel, and I absolutely love it! You're answering Upcycle questions I've had for probably 5 years and couldn't seem to find when I searched online. I so appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge :-) Thank you!
You are so welcome!
The presser foot helper is GENIUS! Thank you so much for sharing all these ideas.
Love from Sweden!
You are so welcome!
Also, if u like the perfectly aged and faded hem on an older pair of jeans and don’t want to lose that in a new hem, you can sew just ABOVE the bottom and hem on the inside…that new seam fits into crease right at the top of the (storebought ) hem and isn’t noticeable if u do it right next to the thick part.
Put the riser trick Sherrie shows on the back right of the foot, the thick hem under the left of the foot , fold the amount u want to shorten (inside out, w jeans to the left-hem fold on right) and sew “in the ditch” on the right of thick hem from the inside, right next to it….the foot is half on the thick hem and 1/2 on the folded (inside) fabric.
When u turn it back to right side out u can tack down the extra folded fabric towards the bottom to keep it flat and press, and that way you can’t tell the jeans have been hemmed.
Tip #4…WOW…WOW…WOW!
I’m so impressed. This woman is sitting in front of 3 sewing machines!
I have 10! Gave one away. All vintage gong back 100 years. Use at least 4 all the time and taught myself to fix them in retirement! I want a serger though because I work with knits a lot because mostly the way its easy to join them to make "fabric" but I learned old school how to sew with knits.
They are like potato chips or cats. You can’t have just one
And two overlockers, that is impressive, as I do t have one😂😂😂❤
@@susankaye5500 oh, how I would love a serger!!
Great video. My favorite upcuclying comes when I meld two pieces together and it looks like they have always been together. Then I know it is a winner. ♥ 👍
I like that too.
Sherry, thank you so much! Very good tips! Very useful for any dressmaker, not only upcyclers
You’re so sweet!
I have 3 Sergers….black. white, and grey. I need to get another one for beige 😂
Thank you so much and I'm so glad you have that many sergers. Its not a bad idea at all to add more for more colors. Beige would be a nice addition.
Great tips, thank you! Color coordinating is my challenge and I agree to let the experts work it out and base my choices on theirs.
You are so welcome!
I was today’s year old when I learned about tip #4! I’ve been sewing since I was a kid for over fifty years managed to never think of this on my own😹😹😹😹. I subbed because you are so relatable & down to earth. The best to you.
Thank you so much! I guess we are never to old to learn something new. I learn new things every day. Thank you so much for subbing! You are such a blessing!
Thanks, I like your common sense approach!
That thing about letting people know. Once this town of 2,000 found out I sewed...there are some quilters but thats all they do..I got tons given to me. I had to stop them except for some specifics like jeans, vintage sheets, tableclothes etc. I was getting bags of shoes and dirty baby clothes. I dont want to take the time to resort either. I volunteered at our local thrift to get to know the town when first here. They have a college fund for local high school and the trash people donated was crazy! We threw a lot away because of being filthy! But other things you have to think about what you donate. Shoes without laces? If the shoes are $2 at thrift no one is going to spend $4 for laces. We put those in a free pile at back. But even at that some of our free items didnt get taken so I suggest go buy the laces if you really want to help the thrift stores out.
That is very interesting about the shoe laces. I did not know that. One thrift store I went to said their trash bill for that month...they had to get a small dumpster every month, was $3000.00. No wonder it is hard to find a place to take things. It sounds like people just dump unusable items and run.
It's amazing how so many sewists DON'T know about "shimming" your foot when sewing something thick. I hear so many stories of them taking a running start at it, thinking that that is the solution. Then they wonder why they break needles and wonder why their machine needs servicing frequently. You don't necessarily need an industrial machine to sew denim. You just need to know some of these tricks.
Great ideas, Sherry! I hate running out of bobbin thread. Love that you have two sergers with different colors. How convenient is that? Wish I had the space. Keep your videos coming! ❤
So glad you liked the video! I ended up with two sergers because I was in the middle of an order for 6 garments and my serger broke so I ordered a second and then figured out how to fix the first one! So it all turned out to be a huge blessing. Thank you for watching my videos!
I haven’t watched all of this video yet, but one thing I’ve seen some people who upcycle clothes do, is to not make the grain of the fabric run vertically! - I’ve seen some shockers, with added doilies to fabric, that were all sagging, or hanging every which way!
PS…. The exception of this is if the bias is used. The bias is 45 degrees to the fabric grain, and it fits and swings beautifully.
I can’t believe I’ve never thought of doing more than one bobbin at a time! Brilliant!
Whenever I buy generic color thread, I get two identical spools and use one to fill bobbins. They usually come out even when using that color.
@@paulinelarson465 Even better! Thank you!
What a great idea of a channel to encourage sewers to upcycle. Just a couple of thoughts. When choosing second hand garments my interest wouldn't be in the colour or pattern necessarily but definitely in the quality of the fabric usually a natural fabric. Also, your number 9 I think where your preference in finishes is that more is more. Mine is definitely less is more as I often feel that a garment that I generally love is spoiled by too much tizz,
That is the fun of upcycling cause you get to be the master of your own design and even the amount you wish to do.
Raising the foot like that is genius! Thank you!
Sherry, you are a delight. Look forward to seeing your cute ideas.
Thank you!
Im so glad i found you! I started machine sewing when i was 9, and started "changing" clothes not long after. You are just so sweet to listen to, and for sharing your tips. Thank you for bringing some sunshine to my day!!
Thank you so much! I didn't start upcycling till much later on in life when I saw people doing it on Etsy. I sewed pretty much all my life but always from new fabrics cause that was what my mom did.
@@SherryJonesDesigns I was famous in junior high school, for making long sleeve blouses for the fall and winter, then cutting off the sleeves, removing the collar, and having them button up the back. I had forgotten about doing that, and my brother reminded me a little while back.
You were definitely more creative and resourceful than I was!
I’m not a master seamstress by any means. Lol. I’ve always regretted not paying attention in home economics. I’ve always wanted to learn how to sew. When Covid hit, my daughter and I got out our machines and watched TH-cam. We made a ton of masks, which I don’t believe worked, but was wonderful mom/daughter time,plus I learned how to use my machine. I made both kids tee shirt quilts out of their old hs shirts of all of the activities they were in. They have mistakes but not noticeable ones unless you’re looking for them. They turned out beautifully & they loved them. Since then I’ve done easy projects. When my daughter worked at Walmart she got me clearance Pioneer Woman dishes and matching table cloths. I’ve used the extra table cloths to make curtains and chair cushions. I love the fact that they all match! I still can’t use patterns but have learned some great tips from you. Thank you!
I'm so glad you are sewing and making things! You should be able to do upcycles just fine then and it sounds like you already are having made a quilt out of shirts, etc. Thank you so much for sharing your story!
I stumbled on this, and it is SO HELPFUL. I am a longtime sewist (and generally an adventurous maker) but I find clothing so intimidating.
You will love upcycling then. Its easy and fun! I'm so glad you sew!
Thank you for saying,”sewist” instead of the alternative!
Good information glad I found your channel
Ive just began upcycling. Love it. I have learned a lot from your video and liked many of the comments. Learned from them as well.
Now I have to go look up french and japanese seams to understand the difference.
Bravo.
I subscribed
Thank you!
Just found you and now I need to binge watch your videos. I love that your called your machine your buddy. I named my machines after Terry Pratchett Wyrd Sisters and always say “Hello ladies” when I walk in my sewing room. I have my fussy Quantum Stylist ‘Greebo’ because I swear that machine is evil, my serger is Gytha, my ancient workhorse Singer is Esme, and my newest Bernina is Magrat. They each have a purpose and their names are cross stitched on their dust covers. How does your runner work under your sergers? I have a rubber mat under mine but it still jumps around sometimes if I’m overzealous. It’s very nice to meet you and you have such lovely subscribers. God bless you and yours.
Hi and I'm so glad you like my channel! I absolutely love how you interact with your machines! I'll have to name the rest of my machines now. That is just so fun. The runner works really good. I did do a built in 2 x 6 desk underneath it to give it a sturdy base but the runner rug really helps. It doesn't walk off the table like it use to want to do. Thank you so much for sharing with me and I to chat again soon.
Very good, informative video! Thank you!
Love tip #2! Looking forward to up coming videos. Great content and you are so genuine!❤
I'm glad it helped you and thank you so much!
This is so helpful thank you for sharing 😁
Thank you for the tips! I had a neighbor give me a bunch of clothes and insisted they were my size and would fit me. I graciously excepted. Well low and behold none fit me. I had to get clever, I took the Capri pants, cut all the legs off, with the different colors, they actually complimented each other , I took the legs removed all seams then sewed the the leg panels together with alternating colors and created a skirt. Waaa la!
Awesome! I'm so glad you did that! Thank you for sharing your story with me!
Oh my goodness! Thank you for the tips! Especially the one about the sewing through thicknesses without breaking the needle! I don't break needles, but now I can sew denim! The very last tip is great too, it will help me slow down and make interesting pieces instead of trying to mass produce things. Great video, thanks again!
I'm so glad it helped and thank you so much for commenting!
Just found you & immediately subscribed! I just moved across country to care for elderly parents and need to work from home, exclusively for my income. I do know how to sew, thankfully. I really love your approach to making. It resonates with me. Thank you for making this channel! ❤
I'm so glad I helped and encouraged you and that you like my channel. Thank you so much for subscribing and I hope your elderly parents realize how blessed they are to have such a caring child!
your video randomly popped up on my recommended and my tv started to auto play the first few seconds and immediately i knew i had to watch the whole video and also subscribe !! i could feel how genuine and peaceful your energy is right away and that’s not something i notice very often, it’s definitely not something you see very much on youtube or anywhere else on the internet anymore. also haha i dont even upcycle but i will be supporting your channel anyways! we need more people like you posting videos and making money from it!!!
i do try to do a little sewing here and there usually to alter things that don’t fit but i’m really hoping to get better so i can make my own clothes without worrying about them falling apart haha, so i’m hoping to still learn from your channel and who knows maybe i will get into upcycling now!!
anyways, just wanted to let you know that an overwhelming amount of positivity radiated through my extremely old tv from your video and it was refreshing to say the least :) have a great rest of your day!!
You are so kind! Thank you so much! I'm glad I blessed you and you have blessed me. I think once you realize how easy and fun it is to make your own upcycled clothing you will be hooked! I am also going to make some beginner type tutorials for sewing and using sewing machines just in case people need it. Thank you so much for commenting and for all your kind words!
I just found your channel and I love it! Tip number 4 is amazing, thank you!
Welcome aboard! Thank you!
Thankyou for these tips! You are definitely not alone. I also do the things you say you do.
Brilliant tips❤
Very practical tips! Love your attitude, so relatable and encouraging. Loving it!
Thanks so much for all those kind words! You are really encouraging me to keep going!
I also upcycle and I agree with all of these great tips!
Thank you for sharing. It is always good to get a second opinion from a fellow upcyclist!
I stumbled upon your channel and just loved it. You are interesting to listen to with good content. I am looking forward to more of your videos. I have been collecting flannels and would like to make them longer, more like a jacket. The tip you gave on triangles, I think, will really help. Thank you.
I'm glad it gave you some ideas and I'm glad you are enjoying the channel. Hope the flannel shirts you are making turn out awesome! Thank you so much for watching and commenting! It is such a blessing to me!
very helpful, esp tip no 4. thank you
I’m totally blessed more than I know because I didn’t learn anything from your tips. I knew them already.
Awesome!
Sherry you should look into surgical seam rippers. They’re my favorite for denim. Ripping moves very quickly with them
I will! Thank you so much!
Great tips, thanks!
Sherry, how lovely to listen to you!!!!
I find good second hand clothing/napkins/tablecloths/curtains, with prints and colours which are not in 'style' now, but they are my taste! Even my young son, he wanted a blue checkered hoodie. I couldn't find the fabric new, but i found a mens blouse in the perfect colours and fabric, to upcycle into his size.
That is awesome! It is so helpful and handy to be able to upcycle. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for your good list of things to know before getting into upcycling. I would add to your list to have an idea where you will sell or give the new item and take photos for yourself to help remember how you made it. Also i wash all the clothing and fabrics i bring home from thrift stores right away. FYI serger thread is not the same weight or strength as the spools of garment thread and you risk having important seams rip apart when you sew with the serger thread. ( I know that from experience)
To help myself price things i put safety pins on the original label to indicate what i paid for the base garments and add one pin for washing and one more for drying. ( small pin $1 large pin $5. Washing costs $1)
And lastly i got labels made which i can sew next to the original label. That helped make it clear that my dyed silk blouses had been turned into artwear and were not just something i found at a thrift store and resold.
Lots of good ideas and info! Thank you so much for sharing. I would only add that serger thread comes in different thicknesses and I have had no trouble with it. I wash and wear my clothes alot and haven't had any issues so maybe you had a thin thread. Thank you so much for sharing all that info though. Others will come along and read the comment section so I appreciate you blessing us all.
#2, choosing complimentary/contrasting is colors is simple with a Color Wheel. Not expensive, and easy to carry with you and of course, you're right to suggest taking some samples with you when you're shopping.
Great idea! Thanks for sharing!
This is GREAT especially the presser foot tip! What an eye opener! I use a sewing form but what I love is my fashion mannequin. It was free from a friend. She has arms, Legs, a head, a wig... now I can take terrific pics of what I make to post on Insta! I had to give away a serger, it was too hard to learn. YES to the thread snips and razor blade. I have the word out about my upcycling hobby and often find a bag of clothing on my front porch. Get the word out! My label is Lavoie Boho. Im in NC USA. Happy sewing!
So glad you are upcycling! A fashion mannequin would be perfect for photo shoots. I do see people on Etsy using them. Thank you so much for sharing!
Great tips! The color coordination is exactly what I do too. Sometimes too, when I am picking out fabrics for a quilt - I use an inspiration fabric!
That is awesome!
I break a lot of needles! what a brilliant tip, thank you! 🙌
Thank you for sharing your experience. I learned to sew during the pandemic and have enjoyed repairing and making things useful again. It's therapy. :)
Sewing can be so calming. I'm glad you sew! It is therapy! Thank you for sharing your story!
Im so glad I have the color thing down since I dabbled in oil paintings for a bit! Took basic sewing lessons and I feel its like riding a bike. I think the hardest thing is planning the first piece. So many choices! Also,In the hardware section of Dollar Tree they sell little mini 2” straight blade scrapers with a full size blade just like you showed us. The nice thing is you get 4-6 in a pack for $1.25 and each blade has its with its own holder which can easily pop the snap secured blade off or can be turned around so the blade is facing the inside of the individual unit’s plastic holder (a 2” handle) for safety while not in use. Its also easy to work with.
That sounds like a really useful and handy set up and also, I'm so glad you paint and are learning to sew. That is awesome!