Crushed velvet hoodie dress: a resounding yes to lining the hood! You'll enjoy it so much more. The most recent hoodie dress you've made is absolutely amazing, btw.
I'm only about 6 minutes in, but I already know I would watch this even if it was 2 hours long. The way you talk to the camera, think and talk to yourself when you solve problems is just so well synced with my own brain, even when you get distracted. I love it!!!
I love her videos, she's just on my wavelength. I look at most, even those I'm subscribed to and, perhaps, are more my main interest, but if they're more than 10 minutes or so long then I can't be bothered to sit through them, but with these I don't even look to see how long they are. They're just brilliant.
It's kind of wonderful that she uses filming as a way to body double, and so many of us tune in to use her videos in a similar or the same way. Such a specific wavelength, and it's comforting there are so many others on it 😊
RECYCLE-UPCYCLE - 1. Put in the hood lining and all the pockets, and fix the shoulder seams. You'll be so much happier afterwards. 2. Consider taking tight waistbands off the trousers and the skirts you like, and add knit or elastic waistbands for comfort, or a contrast woven fabric. It['s just a strip of fabric and some straight stitch. The trousers especially have a really flattering fit (assuming the waistband is the only part that's too tight) 3. don't bother with the cheap fabrics and the fabrics you hate. Just let all of those go. Maybe clear out your stash again and wash some samples. Once plastic fabrics get weird or pills you can't do anything to fix them.
I second all this! Also, the sleeves on your recent unfilmed dress are amazing and inspiring me to take the leap to garment sewing, from the quilts and mending I started with in June. Wearable art, yay!
3:33 In IT, we call this "rubber ducking". You have a person or item by your side, and you tell them what you want to make, how you expect it to work, what is going wrong and so on. And even if the little rubber duck on your table can't answer, it's still been helpful to go through the steps verbally.
The latest comfy dress you are wearing just shows how good of a coat pattern that could be. Just cut a centre opening and its got a great coat silhouette
As you were going through everything, my unasked for two cents, you might want to create another subset of the no notes/back in the closet section - "Create/find a bottom/top so I'll wear it." Watching your journey has inspired me to try making a few things. I appreciate that with many of the things you have made, you recognize that finding a place to wear them is the biggest obstacle. Even with those, you honor your work enough to say - I don't care where or when I'll wear it; I made it, I love it, and I'll keep it.
Seeing all these garments all put on in a row, it's just so impressive how many different styles, techniques, experiments, and fabrics you've used. Congrats on all of it!
You are a girl after my heart. 15 years ago I lost my husband, my way of coping was to get in my car and go somewhere, walk around the shopping area, buy a little something on sale and bung it in the wardrobe. It grew!!! I have quite a roomy house and two empty wardrobes in unused bedrooms as well as my own. I got ill, now I have had to give up driving and I am going through my stash of hardly ever worn clothes. It is the greatest fun. I have always sewed so I can bring some garments up to date, alter, lengthen or shorten or send to a charity shop. I have a deadly sin no 8! Old age is quite nice if you can sew your way into being in the best dressed category. PS. I look years younger because my wardrobe is up to date and I am using up my treasured laces and trimmings gathered over the years.
Coming across your content is literally the reason that I'm planning to try sewing for the first time in 36 years. your enthusiasm is infectious. thanks for the inspiration.
I’ve think I’ve seen every one of these garments made. As a 60 year sewist may I share some thoughts? 1) matching fabric to design(pattern) is tough and one of the things I spend the most time on,type of fabric, stretch, weight, practical for purpose, affordability. Knits are fabulous but if you want to increase skills you have to work on stable fabrics. 2)Prewashing fabric is essential, it’s a good step for just getting started on a project when energy might be low. Then press the fabric before cutting. 3)make friends with patterns, especially the markings. People who make them have a particular skill, lean on them. 4) Press, press,press. Never cross a seam with a new seam without pressing. Thank you for all the moments spent over your sewing machine. P.s. buy a serger
I'm so glad I jumped into creating clothes AFTER I'd seen a LOT of Costube / sewing stuff. I learned that the minute a fabric walks through my door, it goes down to the laundry room and does not join my stash until AFTER it is clean. If I can't wash it, I'm not going to wear it. (The ONLY exception to this rule is a gorgeous wool I picked up to make my dream coat, which I am OK sending to a dry cleaner.) It might hang out in the laundry pile for a week or so, but everything in my stash I can grab at a moment's notice!
Is my first video of her that I watched, so I thought all of these 86 garments has been constructed with a serger machine 😮. Agreed with press and press and of course washing and iron before the cut of the fabric. I will subscribe.
This was so fun! Enjoyed the variety and progress🙌🏻💪🏽 Ok, yes, fix the shoulder seams and yes, line the hoodie. It truly won't take as long as you think and you will enjoy those garments all the more! Ask me how I know😉 It is very satisfying and will be a great video for those occasional weeks when you have less time to film. You are delightful to watch! Must be the homeschool vibe...have homeschooled all 4 of my girls 💪🏽 and yes, I'm old enough to be your mother🤪😆
In my opinion, you should take up the shoulder seams on the one dress and add a lining to the hood of the blue hoody dress. I feel like those small things would eat at me, so I would have to do it. Love your style.
I have two comments - one do yourself a favour and line the hood of the blue dress, and do it before the end of the cool weather. You will love yourself for doing that by next winter. Two - pull out the tops that you love but don't have anything to wear it with - consider either doing a special video of just making up matching pieces or remember to compare your fabrics to them when deciding what to use.
One thing that has literally changed my life (that may not actually apply here) was that I hated putting in pockets, but obviously you gotta have pockets. So what I did was make historical tie-on pockets and just made reinforced slits on all of my skirts, and I love it
Needing to say the thing out loud so you can work through it is a big thing in software engineering. We call it Rubber Duck Debugging ... the idea is that explaining the problem to someone else changes your perspective and helps you make the connection you were missing. I cannot tell you how many times I've screwed up enough nerve to ask someone else for help, explained the whole thing, only to say "Uh... never mind. I think I just figured it out." And the fun crossover, here, is you're a fabric engineer. You can call yourself a seamstress or a sewist if you want, but I watch you engineer new patterns and assess techniques. Fabric Engineer sounds so much cooler!
I can't believe you've only been sewing for a bit over 2 years! You inspire me to revisit sewing as a hobby. Love your style and videos, please keep making them!
As threatened, opinions and suggestions: 12:17 - If you're being ruthless, get rid of it. You really don't seem to like it. 😂 14:37 - Maybe just a slit would fix it! 16:30 - Girrrrrrrrl, those cigarette paaaaants! Yes, you should be wearing those! I'd make a case for upcycling where you maybe add a bit to the waistband and elasticize the added bit (but subtly) or add like a contrasting inverted triangle in knit to the back or sides of the waist for a bit of give without affecting the profile, but those are *socute*. 22:03 - Might go with the ciggie pants? Which you... tossed in recycle? But which I am shipping for? Hard to tell from the screen. 28:55 - Also could go with the pants? Hmm. Turns out the bulk of my opinions are about the one pair of pants. Ha! I am invested for no reason. Sorry! This was such a satisfying way to end out the year with your channel, and I would have watched it no matter how long it took.
To everyone who is afraid to start sewing: Don't be. Start simple, like a boxed tee for loungewear (or start with bags when you have no experience at all). Start with homewear and pyjamas. Just make sure you get fabric that you actuall want to wear - i personally have gotten rid of all my synthetic clothing since i started sewing, if i put so much work into it i want it to last and be a joy to wear. Don't opt for cheaper stuff if you don't really like it, there's nothing worse than having put hours into a garnment and then not wearing it cause it gives you rashes. And take your time, especially with your first pieces. Don't be discouraged by failure, they are an important part of improvement.
tight red-pink pants my beloved! It's obviously completely your choice and if you're too uncomfortable in them to bother fixing them of course recycle them, but they look SO good and I love them so much and I was so impressed when you just made functional pants first go because pants are so hard and yours are so impressive!! So maybe you can try fixing the waist or doing a couple little upcycling/alteration things to them to make them more comfortable, because I'd love to see them again! Also definitely yes to lining the hood of the hoodie dress!
Sometimes just practicing on junky things is the best lesson of all! As Yoda said, “Failure, the greatest teacher is.” You’ve come such a long way I two years, especially since you rarely use patterns and just wing it! I’ve been sewing for decades longer than you, and I still learn something from each video. Keep it up in 2024, Charlie!😮
12:17 I think this dress is SO flattering on you, I love how it fits and looks It kinda gives romantic garden vibes, super cute summer evening dress or date dress (imo)
I have almost finished 2 very different skirts with pockets ( one meant for winter and quite heavy and one very light but not transparent). I have also taught my mom how to use her sewing machine and not be scared of it. She had a bunch of pants that she wanted to adjust the length of and I found myself saying "That's easy, let's do it". Then I said it's okay if we mess up, I mess up all the time and am still learning how to make or modify the things I wear. She's no longer afraid of her sewing machine and can use it by herself. I am working on tailoring a pair of jeans to actually fit for the first time. It's an adventure and completely worth doing, mistakes included.
That’s so sweet of you to help your mom. I’m the same as her, I’ve always been afraid to use a sewing machine but I’m gathering up my courage to try and I’m so excited to be able to do tailoring myself and make my own clothes ❤
Congratulations on learning to sew your own clothes. The good ones are lovely and the gowns are beautiful. I enjoy your videos and your willingness to try new ideas.
Time stamp 13:35 for the too big neckline. Try putting one box pleat in the center back and see how you like the way it drapes. Depending on the fabric and the fit of the rest of the bodice have fixed a couple big necks like that. But to be fair they were on shirts. Otherwise you can gather the neckline all the way around but that is a lot of work compared to hand stitching in a box pleat.
About 32:00, your math is fine! Less than 1/4 is ALSO less than 1/2, one is just more precise. Quick estimates are totally fine - they get the idea across! SOURCE: I teach Middle/High School Math! You've Got This 🎉
This channel has been such like, big sister vibes inspiration for me and I always get caught at the 'I don't want to do this/work with this expensive fabric/etc because what if I mess up' and the honesty that thats kinda just the way of it is refreshing. Thank you for sharing ❤❤
PLEASE make a video on the dress you are wearing in the beginning and end! I would live in it! You're amazing! I have so many videos of yours to watch now!
You have been making some great stuff! I love seeing you wearing the garments I watched you make. ❤ I vote for lining the hood on the blue dress. It is an easy fix and I think you will love it even more. Besides that, the extra layer of fabric around your shoulders when the hood is down will feel even cozier. Absolutely love the gray and black dress. Perfect comfort clothes ❤❤❤❤
*adjusts glasses and checks the notes she definitely didn't keep during this video* Okay, so. The white skirt with the pretty pattern that doesn't fit right, recycle the fabric into something else. It's just so pretty! The bee dress, stick it in the closet for now The blue knit dress that's long, maybe look into bodices to put over it - hobbit inspired or like Eowyn's from LotR. The purple dress - up cycle and fix the shoulders! And the blue velvety dress, I vote lining the hood, maybe with a silky/satiny lining. These are just my suggestions and I hope you'll take them with a grain of salt, heh. Also, I super loved your ruler mic, it was fantastic and gave like...wheel of fortune vibes. Thank you for being such an inspiration to my sewing! ❤❤
Ive been sewing off and on for close to 50 years (my mom started teaching me needlework when I was a preschooler). Three years ago I started going to a weekly sewing day at a friend's house, and it's been so great! I rarely get time to do any kind of sewing at home. Your videos are definitely inspiring me to do some more clothes sewing, but right now I'm in sewing for grandbabies mode, baby quilts, burp cloths, all the sweet soft flannel things
Only been watching your videos for a few weeks, but I thoroughly enjoy them! You are so fearless! I would really like to sew more for myself. I was a seamstress first, but now I am a machine quilter.
The blue velour dress I would alter, but I would also change the cuffs so that the stretch goes around the wrist, not up and down, so you can pull them up like you wanted to be able to do. 😊
I watch your videos for body doubling while I sew so that I have someone to talk and listen to. I definitely understand the needing to bounce ideas off of something even if it’s a camera lol and this past Halloween, my boyfriend needed a robe for his costume and couldn’t find one in his size and I MADE him one. I was so proud of the bell sleeves I put in it and I thank you for the confidence you gave me to do that🩵🥹
KEEP THE PINK PANTS!!! Just fix the waistband so that it's comfortable enough for you to grab it. They are incredibly flattering on camera, especially to your rear end. :)
i love the fact that you were homeschooled, it makes so much sense. (this is not an insult at all, i was also homeschooled and even used to have a little homeschool sewing class, i miss it so much!!)
The first skirt you made, as well as pockets you perhaps need to re-level the hem now it’s had time to drop. Circle skirts and skirts cut on the bias stretch unevenly over time and it might just have been the way you were standing but it looked a little longer in one part of the front. However, great job! So glad you’re enjoying your sewing journey 🥰🥰
This was delightful to watch, and I'm so impressed that you're actually wearing so many of your own creations. And your subtitles game continues to please my soul so much. It's those little details, ya know? ...along those lines, yes to the hood lining (and possibly cuff adjusting) and the purple dress shoulders (perhaps just slap a short length of elastic in there). I WARN YOU I HAVE OTHER OPINIONS, but I'll (obnoxiously) make a second comment for them all because I may go on a bit. Everything is so amazing, even the stuff that didn't work perfectly. I'm here for the journey and so chuffed 170k others are, too! Happy happy 2024!!
For the sticky zipper in the black ball gown you can buy zipper lubricant or a trick from my days wearing a school uniform. Run a pencil up and down the zipper. Don’t know why it works but it does.
I watched this while sewing a new hem on one of the best things I’ve ever made-a quilt coat with a circle skirt bottom! The hem was just too long and wasn’t safe on stairs/was getting dirty too fast. So I cut 4” off and am hand sewing on new hem tape. Thank you for this video and I can’t wait to see what you make in 2024!
You should absolutely make two follow up videos for this one. Follow up 1: mending/altering Everything you've got a problem with (including the ones you were iffy about, like the hood and taking in the shoulders). Follow up 2: making coordinating pieces for the pieces you love but have nothing to wear with. Would love to watch both of those videos
Charlie, working with you was a very bright spot in a rather rough year, and watching your videos always makes me smile. I hope your 2024 just gets better and better. Abraços to you and Mat!
Hi. Love your projects and how you bring your audience so graciously into your life. Third garment tan skirt with embroidery pockets should totally be remade into overall/bib shorts. Cut the fabric off the bottom to make the bib and straps. Cut into the center and make separate legs for the shorts. That way the stretched out waist is isn’t a problem because it’s being held up by the straps and doesn’t have to be perfectly fit. I think it would be adorable!
I’m a lifelong sewer, (60 years) . I think you’ve been on a long learning journey, I can definitely see so much progress in your work. I like most of it, I love the patchwork dress. Keep sewing ! If I could give one bit of advice, when you’re doing color blocking garments, use a color wheel. I’m 75 and I still make my own clothes, never tire of doing it.
The more your sewing improves, the more any elements of your garments that don't quite work will bother you - at least that's been my experience. So my suggestion is: fix the things that aren't quite right, and even though you won't find it the most exciting sewing you do, in the end you'll be glad you did it 😇
I love seeing you wear the outfits that you've made whilst making more. It shows that you've managed to make something comfortable and practical to be worn frequently. And yeah, many of the items that you put in the "recycling" did belong there. I look forward to seeing 👀 your future projects.
I'd love to see a crazy quilt with scraps from all these clothes you've made as a "memory skirt" to honor them all and your fantastic progress over these 2 years! 😁 So love all your content and am always looking forward to the next video!
It's a shame all of those 'nice on camera' stuff doesn't work. Some really nice stuff got thrown in there. For your viral split side videos, I probably make up half the views on those because I made one using your methods and it turned out SO CUTE! I got lots of compliments from it. But I made it out of Christmas fabric because I thought, if it's bad I'll only take it out once a year but it turned out so nice! Regret! Thank you for those tutorials. I'm going to make another
I love your videos and I’m so glad you enjoy “talking” your issues out with us throughout your project. It’s been a long time since I’ve sewn clothing but I’m seriously looking at using your Side-Split Dress tutorial to make a dress for my choir performances. Thank you for sharing your thought process with us - our brains are very much synced and I look forward to sewing more with you!
That patchwork dress makes you positively GLOW! Glad you're keeping it I love your latest dress and hope you'll do a video of a version of it. Very tempting to make one for myself once I get a clearer idea of how it's made. If you can bear it, line the hood but not if it'll kill your love of the garment. Same goes for all of the proposed modifications
I made a simple blouse at the beginning of my sewing journey and I only used a zig zag stitch on the seams. I use the blouse constanly; the fabric started fraying eventually, so, I ended up serging it few years later, still using it and I'm super happy with the result. I'd say take in the shoulder seams on that dark bordeaux dress :)
absolutely line the hood of the hoodie dress! it looks so fun and warm and I could see your disappointment in the video reveal for it... I think you'd be so much happier with it if the hood is more robust!
I love how you just throw yourself into a project, even if you don't love the results. I have a suggestion for the striped dress at minute 13:35 -- take a couple of triangles of the solid fabric and inset them into the sides of the collar, so the collar overlaps them a little. So you'll have straight edges on your trapezius muscles.
Great video, interesting to revisit past projects and see what worked and what did not. RE: fixing mistakes. I have watched the Great British Sewing Bee, and one of the judges is a Saville Row tailor (ie formally trained professional) and he stated that the best tool a tailor could have was a seam ripper..... I think the most useful thing you could do is review fabrics - some just will not work no matter how cute - the way they are made dictates their use. For instance, blackout backed curtain fabric is too stiff to drape well on bodies. 4 way stretch fabric (is a bugger to sew) is designed for swimsuits and leotards - clings rather than drapes. etc. I really enjoy your videos and am always surprised you have been doing it such a short time and are so adventurous in design and challenges. I have been sewing 60 years and still suffer nerves over some things. And yes, I wear garments I have made, especially a pair of widelegged pants. I also knit and crochet tops. My wardrobe additions this year (bar underwear) are exclusively handmade or Thrifted. Very pleased with the results and get lots of compliments. Keep on Sewing on. Love from Oz. Sally
just wonderful to see all these! I have been holding myself back from sewing bc I also leave the house seldomly and wear comfy clothes only. Seeing you being totally okay with donating your makes encourages me to enjoy the process and not care so much about wearing the results
I missed you too! and I am so in love with that last sweater dress you made 😍 I vote for lining the hood on the first version you made. Especially if it will encourage you to wear it. Such a gorgeous fabric color that is shiny 🤩 P.S. I adore your bloopers at the end. They absolutely make my day 🥰
My one suggestion: I think you should do a little photo shoot with each piece. It would be fun to have a nice photo of each one to look back on later even for the ones you don't keep.
I think as part of your upcycle series you should also add in making garments to match loose tops/bottoms that don't have anything to match with currently. Also, if the zipper on the black/red ballgown bothers you, put it in upcycle! Re: blue "art project dress" - recycle it. Also, yes, please line the hood of the blue velvet hoodie dress.
I love those grey shorts on you! I’m so happy to have been able to follow your sewing journey in real time. This video has motivated me to go back to sewing that project I’ve been putting off. It’s been so nice to see your channel grow and I can’t wait to see it grow some more! Thank you for being you!
I so feel you on the not revisiting finished projects. I almost would rather just make a completely new one than fix small issues with an existing one most of the time.
Thank you for the retrospective! I made my first attempt at more than fixing a hole recently. I put pockets into PJ pants! I used material from a shirt I hate. Pro: pockets! I think they turned out well. Con: the shirt fabric is still icky. But I did a thing 😊
Not all my pocket less garments lend themselves to adding pockets, so I crocheted a "festival belt" to wear with things without pockets. I used crochet thread so it's sturdy. I keep meaning to sew one using my historical tie on pockect, like a half apron for when I craft. This review was fun to watch.
The purple dress with a square neckline , Yes, work on the shoulders, it looks fantastic on you, very chic. And the black ball gown is stunning, you could walk any red carpet in it!
Blue velvet dress - line the hood! And there's a chance your could keep the hiod on, place the lining on top, fold under the edges and gand dew it in. Or mayybe even top stitch. And is there any chance there are thins in your recycling pile that could be made into garments to go with other things you have?
I LOVE the grey hoodie and was a bit disappointed it wasn't recorded but hopefully it'll be replicated and recorded soon (finger crossed) you've inspired me to sew a lot more and try a few new things, I really want to to try a dress soon. Looking forward to more from you as I always enjoy your sewing vids. Happy new year in advance and looking forward to more frequent videos ❤😁
This was a great video for someone who has not sewn very long. You have to always give yourself grace, and it is good to see that you do. Some of the fails were definitely fabric, so the fails should be divided into fail because the sewing was horrible (which you did not have any )and failed because a crappie fabric was used. Overall, I would agree with you that you are getting better in both selecting fabrics and sewing the garment. I've been sewing a long time and still have fails, just fewer of them. Keep sewing and, more importantly, enjoy the process 😊
Thanks for a fun year of videos. You have inspired me to stick my "toe" back into sewing for myself. Been quilting for the last few years. Wishing you and hubs and puppy a very happy and prosperous 2024!!
how to save a too-wide neckline: bra strap retainers/bra snaps. they're designed to hold your neckline and bra straps together so it doesn't slide around as much! there were at least 3 dresses you could fix/upcycle with that little addition. Also, the dress at 25:35, the light blue wrap dress: did you understitch the neck facing? if not, it would go a long way to keeping the facing in place. you could also try stitch in the ditch at the shoulders to help encourage it to stay inside. a hook and eye at the bust level to keep it overlapping and not gaping might be the solution at the front. Hope this helps!
Love the slim red pants, cut the waist down by a couple of inches and add a yoga waistband! That black 7.5 lb ball gown is just beautiful. And so many great circle skirts. The black dress with square neckline - I'd alter the shoulders to fit. Love your channel 🙂
I so understand the need to just vocalize a problem sometimes. Took online college classes. Kept pic of grandkids in front of computer as inspiration. Struggled to get the correct answer to an algebra problem Finally talked the steps out to the picture of the grandkids and also finally got the correct answer.
That's a real and documented problem solving technique! In programming, it's called rubber duck debugging (programmers keep a rubber duck or other toys on their desk and we explain their broken code line by line to the duck, until they realize what's broken).
I'm super excited to see the upcycling stuff later! I do like when creators I watch go over what did and didn't work on a project, but actually seeing how to go back and update or correct things is gonna be so great! I don't have a sewing machine, but I do want 2024 to be the year I get into hand sewing a full garment, not just mending. Also, I think you should line the hood.
The blue patchwork dress is to be worn wherever you like to just to make yourself happy. Dress it down with a cardigan or a hoodie. Why should other people get to decide what is 'appropriate' clothing for whatever occasion. The cute knit dress with a too big neckline migth be fixed by adding in a thin elastic band in the neckline. My recently aquired pattern making knowledge tells me that deep necklines needs what is called contouring. Aka the closer the neckline is to the bust the more curve we need to add into the garment to get it to stay put because of geometry. If you gather or add elastic to those v-necks they will most likely fit. Migth or migth not look good though. I would line the hood of the blue dress, migth try to do it by hand so I would not have to take it apart and resew it by machine.
I would love to see a video (or multiple!) about the upcycling process and adjusting pieces to make them work better for you. It's one of those things that I need to do in my own wardrobe, and I'm hoping seeing you work on that might inspire me to get working on it.
13:50 so, you could totally take some ribbon and some of tiny snaps and add strap-holding loops to the inside wherever you’re wanting your bra straps to stay… i did this on some of my cardigans that kept falling off my shoulders lol
For any sticky zippers you can try rubbing it with the graphite part of a pencil. I’ve had a lot of luck with this trick on backpack zippers and (where I learned this trick) the sticky joints of flutes and piccolos that cleaning doesn’t help with.
Your sewing journey has really encouraged and inspired me. I haven't been able to put any big projects into practice because we got a puppy in July and she is currently taking up most of my time, but your can do attitude has definitely rubbed off and influenced other areas of my life and now doggo is getting bigger and we are getting into a routine 2024 should see me being able to tackle a circle skirt and a sweatshirt dress. Thank you x
I am 80 years old, and making my garb for my first ever Renaissance Festival. Chemise, undertunic, surcoat, cape, and possibly shoes. All hand sewn. For my 80th birthday trip, I rode the Durango and Silverton narrow gauge railroad in a hand sewn 1883 style dress that took 2 months of daily sewing to make. Turns out, I LOVE to hand sew clothing. Just finished watching your video, and now reaching for my chemise. Onward and upward!
I used to make almost all of my clothes. I went off to college with an almost totally homemade wardrobe and I remember being asked did I iron my clothes every time before I wore them. I explained no I just made them myself and pressed the crease down the front so firmly that it never went away, no daily ironing necessary. (Back when polyester pant suits were popular.) I haven’t made many garments since my girls broke my sewing machine trying to make exhibits for the county fair, and the replacement machine I bought only lasted me about 13 months. I really need to either get it repaired or buy another one in a brand I trust that will last through making quilts for DH and jeans skirts. I really want to make a capsule wardrobe that could be considered history bounding. Several medium-long to long skirts and Victorian blouses and jackets. -Things that don’t scream costume, but could be combined with modern pieces yet still make me feel like I live in a simpler time.
Have you seen Mariah Pattie's videos? She does a lot of history bounding / history inspired wear and commited to making almost 100% of her wardrobe. Her 1 rule 8 steps video is a great place to start, but she's also done some capsule wardrobes. :)
Crushed velvet hoodie dress: a resounding yes to lining the hood! You'll enjoy it so much more. The most recent hoodie dress you've made is absolutely amazing, btw.
a dress hoodie is one of the best sewing ideas i saw in years!!! it's freaking amazing
Yes! Definitely! I think lining in a fleece or Sherpa sorta soft fabric in a beige would be adorable and so comfortable
You are hilarious just love watching listening to your videos my favorite “the Hanukkah tablecloth skirt” the best 😂
Yeah line the hood
I love the garment you are wearing, please do a video on it!
I'm only about 6 minutes in, but I already know I would watch this even if it was 2 hours long. The way you talk to the camera, think and talk to yourself when you solve problems is just so well synced with my own brain, even when you get distracted. I love it!!!
Exactly this. I started it and then settled in for the ride. ❤
I love her videos, she's just on my wavelength. I look at most, even those I'm subscribed to and, perhaps, are more my main interest, but if they're more than 10 minutes or so long then I can't be bothered to sit through them, but with these I don't even look to see how long they are. They're just brilliant.
It's kind of wonderful that she uses filming as a way to body double, and so many of us tune in to use her videos in a similar or the same way. Such a specific wavelength, and it's comforting there are so many others on it 😊
Same!
yeah!! it's the same for me!
RECYCLE-UPCYCLE - 1. Put in the hood lining and all the pockets, and fix the shoulder seams. You'll be so much happier afterwards.
2. Consider taking tight waistbands off the trousers and the skirts you like, and add knit or elastic waistbands for comfort, or a contrast woven fabric. It['s just a strip of fabric and some straight stitch. The trousers especially have a really flattering fit (assuming the waistband is the only part that's too tight)
3. don't bother with the cheap fabrics and the fabrics you hate. Just let all of those go. Maybe clear out your stash again and wash some samples. Once plastic fabrics get weird or pills you can't do anything to fix them.
I second all this! Also, the sleeves on your recent unfilmed dress are amazing and inspiring me to take the leap to garment sewing, from the quilts and mending I started with in June. Wearable art, yay!
Thirded!
I absolutely agree with this assessment!
Yes, I concur, THIS!
3:33 In IT, we call this "rubber ducking". You have a person or item by your side, and you tell them what you want to make, how you expect it to work, what is going wrong and so on.
And even if the little rubber duck on your table can't answer, it's still been helpful to go through the steps verbally.
The latest comfy dress you are wearing just shows how good of a coat pattern that could be. Just cut a centre opening and its got a great coat silhouette
*gasp!*
I would do an asymmetrical opening where the hood overlaps.
As you were going through everything, my unasked for two cents, you might want to create another subset of the no notes/back in the closet section - "Create/find a bottom/top so I'll wear it."
Watching your journey has inspired me to try making a few things. I appreciate that with many of the things you have made, you recognize that finding a place to wear them is the biggest obstacle. Even with those, you honor your work enough to say - I don't care where or when I'll wear it; I made it, I love it, and I'll keep it.
I was thinking the same! Wear or bring the things you need bottoms / tops for the next time you go to Remnants and see what sparks joy. :)
Seeing all these garments all put on in a row, it's just so impressive how many different styles, techniques, experiments, and fabrics you've used. Congrats on all of it!
...and not even one is matching to her body type ...
You are a girl after my heart. 15 years ago I lost my husband, my way of coping was to get in my car and go somewhere, walk around the shopping area, buy a little something on sale and bung it in the wardrobe. It grew!!! I have quite a roomy house and two empty wardrobes in unused bedrooms as well as my own. I got ill, now I have had to give up driving and I am going through my stash of hardly ever worn clothes. It is the greatest fun. I have always sewed so I can bring some garments up to date, alter, lengthen or shorten or send to a charity shop. I have a deadly sin no 8! Old age is quite nice if you can sew your way into being in the best dressed category. PS. I look years younger because my wardrobe is up to date and I am using up my treasured laces and trimmings gathered over the years.
Ok, you’ve convinced me! 2024 is the year I learn dressmaking ❤
same here!!
@@noodlefeatherwelcome aboard😅😅😅
Coming across your content is literally the reason that I'm planning to try sewing for the first time in 36 years. your enthusiasm is infectious. thanks for the inspiration.
I'm excited for you to start your sewing journey. Go for it and enjoy!🪡
I’ve think I’ve seen every one of these garments made.
As a 60 year sewist may I share some thoughts?
1) matching fabric to design(pattern) is tough and one of the things I spend the most time on,type of fabric, stretch, weight, practical for purpose, affordability. Knits are fabulous but if you want to increase skills you have to work on stable fabrics.
2)Prewashing fabric is essential, it’s a good step for just getting started on a project when energy might be low. Then press the fabric before cutting.
3)make friends with patterns, especially the markings. People who make them have a particular skill, lean on them.
4) Press, press,press. Never cross a seam with a new seam without pressing.
Thank you for all the moments spent over your sewing machine.
P.s. buy a serger
I'm so glad I jumped into creating clothes AFTER I'd seen a LOT of Costube / sewing stuff. I learned that the minute a fabric walks through my door, it goes down to the laundry room and does not join my stash until AFTER it is clean. If I can't wash it, I'm not going to wear it. (The ONLY exception to this rule is a gorgeous wool I picked up to make my dream coat, which I am OK sending to a dry cleaner.) It might hang out in the laundry pile for a week or so, but everything in my stash I can grab at a moment's notice!
Is there a good cheat sheet for choosing the right fabric for different types of garments? If you thrift fabric, how can you tell what you've got?
Is my first video of her that I watched, so I thought all of these 86 garments has been constructed with a serger machine 😮. Agreed with press and press and of course washing and iron before the cut of the fabric. I will subscribe.
@cheryllwaldrop9732 patterns come with fabric recommendations.
I'm short, but have wide shoulders and I'm busty. Can you recommend a book, page, or channel that will teach me how to alter patterns?
This was so fun! Enjoyed the variety and progress🙌🏻💪🏽
Ok, yes, fix the shoulder seams and yes, line the hoodie. It truly won't take as long as you think and you will enjoy those garments all the more! Ask me how I know😉 It is very satisfying and will be a great video for those occasional weeks when you have less time to film. You are delightful to watch! Must be the homeschool vibe...have homeschooled all 4 of my girls 💪🏽 and yes, I'm old enough to be your mother🤪😆
In my opinion, you should take up the shoulder seams on the one dress and add a lining to the hood of the blue hoody dress. I feel like those small things would eat at me, so I would have to do it. Love your style.
I have two comments - one do yourself a favour and line the hood of the blue dress, and do it before the end of the cool weather. You will love yourself for doing that by next winter.
Two - pull out the tops that you love but don't have anything to wear it with - consider either doing a special video of just making up matching pieces or remember to compare your fabrics to them when deciding what to use.
Ooh that second idea would be a great video
It could even be an excuse to film a trip to Remnants! :D @@wingedambition
Great idea
One thing that has literally changed my life (that may not actually apply here) was that I hated putting in pockets, but obviously you gotta have pockets. So what I did was make historical tie-on pockets and just made reinforced slits on all of my skirts, and I love it
When we put our minds to solving a problem, we can usually come up with a creative solution. I like your idea.
Needing to say the thing out loud so you can work through it is a big thing in software engineering. We call it Rubber Duck Debugging ... the idea is that explaining the problem to someone else changes your perspective and helps you make the connection you were missing. I cannot tell you how many times I've screwed up enough nerve to ask someone else for help, explained the whole thing, only to say "Uh... never mind. I think I just figured it out." And the fun crossover, here, is you're a fabric engineer. You can call yourself a seamstress or a sewist if you want, but I watch you engineer new patterns and assess techniques. Fabric Engineer sounds so much cooler!
Love that term. “I am a Fabric Engineer” has a nice ring to it!
I can't believe you've only been sewing for a bit over 2 years! You inspire me to revisit sewing as a hobby. Love your style and videos, please keep making them!
As threatened, opinions and suggestions:
12:17 - If you're being ruthless, get rid of it. You really don't seem to like it. 😂
14:37 - Maybe just a slit would fix it!
16:30 - Girrrrrrrrl, those cigarette paaaaants! Yes, you should be wearing those! I'd make a case for upcycling where you maybe add a bit to the waistband and elasticize the added bit (but subtly) or add like a contrasting inverted triangle in knit to the back or sides of the waist for a bit of give without affecting the profile, but those are *socute*.
22:03 - Might go with the ciggie pants? Which you... tossed in recycle? But which I am shipping for? Hard to tell from the screen.
28:55 - Also could go with the pants? Hmm. Turns out the bulk of my opinions are about the one pair of pants. Ha! I am invested for no reason. Sorry!
This was such a satisfying way to end out the year with your channel, and I would have watched it no matter how long it took.
To everyone who is afraid to start sewing: Don't be. Start simple, like a boxed tee for loungewear (or start with bags when you have no experience at all). Start with homewear and pyjamas. Just make sure you get fabric that you actuall want to wear - i personally have gotten rid of all my synthetic clothing since i started sewing, if i put so much work into it i want it to last and be a joy to wear. Don't opt for cheaper stuff if you don't really like it, there's nothing worse than having put hours into a garnment and then not wearing it cause it gives you rashes. And take your time, especially with your first pieces. Don't be discouraged by failure, they are an important part of improvement.
Thank you! ❤
tight red-pink pants my beloved! It's obviously completely your choice and if you're too uncomfortable in them to bother fixing them of course recycle them, but they look SO good and I love them so much and I was so impressed when you just made functional pants first go because pants are so hard and yours are so impressive!! So maybe you can try fixing the waist or doing a couple little upcycling/alteration things to them to make them more comfortable, because I'd love to see them again!
Also definitely yes to lining the hood of the hoodie dress!
Sometimes just practicing on junky things is the best lesson of all! As Yoda said, “Failure, the greatest teacher is.” You’ve come such a long way I two years, especially since you rarely use patterns and just wing it! I’ve been sewing for decades longer than you, and I still learn something from each video. Keep it up in 2024, Charlie!😮
12:17 I think this dress is SO flattering on you, I love how it fits and looks
It kinda gives romantic garden vibes, super cute summer evening dress or date dress (imo)
I have almost finished 2 very different skirts with pockets ( one meant for winter and quite heavy and one very light but not transparent). I have also taught my mom how to use her sewing machine and not be scared of it. She had a bunch of pants that she wanted to adjust the length of and I found myself saying "That's easy, let's do it". Then I said it's okay if we mess up, I mess up all the time and am still learning how to make or modify the things I wear. She's no longer afraid of her sewing machine and can use it by herself. I am working on tailoring a pair of jeans to actually fit for the first time. It's an adventure and completely worth doing, mistakes included.
I have a pair of men's jeans that I bought so they'd actually BE long enough! Now I just need to gather the courage to alter them.
You can do it. :)@@Alephzayin
That’s so sweet of you to help your mom. I’m the same as her, I’ve always been afraid to use a sewing machine but I’m gathering up my courage to try and I’m so excited to be able to do tailoring myself and make my own clothes ❤
Congratulations on learning to sew your own clothes. The good ones are lovely and the gowns are beautiful. I enjoy your videos and your willingness to try new ideas.
Time stamp 13:35 for the too big neckline. Try putting one box pleat in the center back and see how you like the way it drapes. Depending on the fabric and the fit of the rest of the bodice have fixed a couple big necks like that. But to be fair they were on shirts. Otherwise you can gather the neckline all the way around but that is a lot of work compared to hand stitching in a box pleat.
About 32:00, your math is fine! Less than 1/4 is ALSO less than 1/2, one is just more precise. Quick estimates are totally fine - they get the idea across! SOURCE: I teach Middle/High School Math! You've Got This 🎉
This channel has been such like, big sister vibes inspiration for me and I always get caught at the 'I don't want to do this/work with this expensive fabric/etc because what if I mess up' and the honesty that thats kinda just the way of it is refreshing. Thank you for sharing ❤❤
PLEASE make a video on the dress you are wearing in the beginning and end! I would live in it! You're amazing! I have so many videos of yours to watch now!
I totally agree
You have been making some great stuff! I love seeing you wearing the garments I watched you make. ❤
I vote for lining the hood on the blue dress. It is an easy fix and I think you will love it even more. Besides that, the extra layer of fabric around your shoulders when the hood is down will feel even cozier. Absolutely love the gray and black dress. Perfect comfort clothes ❤❤❤❤
*adjusts glasses and checks the notes she definitely didn't keep during this video*
Okay, so. The white skirt with the pretty pattern that doesn't fit right, recycle the fabric into something else. It's just so pretty!
The bee dress, stick it in the closet for now
The blue knit dress that's long, maybe look into bodices to put over it - hobbit inspired or like Eowyn's from LotR.
The purple dress - up cycle and fix the shoulders!
And the blue velvety dress, I vote lining the hood, maybe with a silky/satiny lining.
These are just my suggestions and I hope you'll take them with a grain of salt, heh.
Also, I super loved your ruler mic, it was fantastic and gave like...wheel of fortune vibes.
Thank you for being such an inspiration to my sewing! ❤❤
Ive been sewing off and on for close to 50 years (my mom started teaching me needlework when I was a preschooler). Three years ago I started going to a weekly sewing day at a friend's house, and it's been so great! I rarely get time to do any kind of sewing at home. Your videos are definitely inspiring me to do some more clothes sewing, but right now I'm in sewing for grandbabies mode, baby quilts, burp cloths, all the sweet soft flannel things
I LOVE the long full blue and white skirt !!!!
Only been watching your videos for a few weeks, but I thoroughly enjoy them! You are so fearless! I would really like to sew more for myself. I was a seamstress first, but now I am a machine quilter.
Watching this video has encouraged me to make more in 2024. I started sewing in 2020, but I have not sewn consistently. Now, I am ready to commit.😀
Highly recommend finding a New Year's Eve event to wear your black/red ballgown to!
The blue velour dress I would alter, but I would also change the cuffs so that the stretch goes around the wrist, not up and down, so you can pull them up like you wanted to be able to do. 😊
I watch your videos for body doubling while I sew so that I have someone to talk and listen to. I definitely understand the needing to bounce ideas off of something even if it’s a camera lol and this past Halloween, my boyfriend needed a robe for his costume and couldn’t find one in his size and I MADE him one. I was so proud of the bell sleeves I put in it and I thank you for the confidence you gave me to do that🩵🥹
KEEP THE PINK PANTS!!! Just fix the waistband so that it's comfortable enough for you to grab it. They are incredibly flattering on camera, especially to your rear end. :)
i love the fact that you were homeschooled, it makes so much sense. (this is not an insult at all, i was also homeschooled and even used to have a little homeschool sewing class, i miss it so much!!)
The first skirt you made, as well as pockets you perhaps need to re-level the hem now it’s had time to drop. Circle skirts and skirts cut on the bias stretch unevenly over time and it might just have been the way you were standing but it looked a little longer in one part of the front. However, great job! So glad you’re enjoying your sewing journey 🥰🥰
Hearing you say you like listening to yourself out loud, I just did that again this morning whilst shopping. Awesomeness
This was delightful to watch, and I'm so impressed that you're actually wearing so many of your own creations. And your subtitles game continues to please my soul so much. It's those little details, ya know?
...along those lines, yes to the hood lining (and possibly cuff adjusting) and the purple dress shoulders (perhaps just slap a short length of elastic in there). I WARN YOU I HAVE OTHER OPINIONS, but I'll (obnoxiously) make a second comment for them all because I may go on a bit. Everything is so amazing, even the stuff that didn't work perfectly. I'm here for the journey and so chuffed 170k others are, too! Happy happy 2024!!
For the sticky zipper in the black ball gown you can buy zipper lubricant or a trick from my days wearing a school uniform. Run a pencil up and down the zipper. Don’t know why it works but it does.
Yes, line the hood. You love that pattern. Every time you wear it, the hood will bother you. You'll be so glad you did.
I watched this while sewing a new hem on one of the best things I’ve ever made-a quilt coat with a circle skirt bottom! The hem was just too long and wasn’t safe on stairs/was getting dirty too fast. So I cut 4” off and am hand sewing on new hem tape. Thank you for this video and I can’t wait to see what you make in 2024!
That sounds amazing and showcases the beauty of making our own clothes... if they need adjusting, we can just DO IT.
The color block hoodie dress is my spirit animal. It's the literal best garment I've ever seen.
Your new dress looks so comfortable and gorgeous! ❤
Seriously, wear the yellow skirt and the black dresses whenever-they are epic! Swan around the grocery store! Pay the bills in them
You should absolutely make two follow up videos for this one. Follow up 1: mending/altering Everything you've got a problem with (including the ones you were iffy about, like the hood and taking in the shoulders). Follow up 2: making coordinating pieces for the pieces you love but have nothing to wear with. Would love to watch both of those videos
The only tan brown skirt, the first thing you put pockets in, could be up cycled into a tote bag using the lovely crewel pockets.
Yes! Great idea!
The comfy grey dress is kinda giving me Master Jocasta vibes, being a Jedi librarian sounds like an absolute dream
Charlie, working with you was a very bright spot in a rather rough year, and watching your videos always makes me smile. I hope your 2024 just gets better and better. Abraços to you and Mat!
Hi. Love your projects and how you bring your audience so graciously into your life. Third garment tan skirt with embroidery pockets should totally be remade into overall/bib shorts. Cut the fabric off the bottom to make the bib and straps. Cut into the center and make separate legs for the shorts. That way the stretched out waist is isn’t a problem because it’s being held up by the straps and doesn’t have to be perfectly fit. I think it would be adorable!
I’m a lifelong sewer, (60 years) . I think you’ve been on a long learning journey, I can definitely see so much progress in your work. I like most of it, I love the patchwork dress. Keep sewing ! If I could give one bit of advice, when you’re doing color blocking garments, use a color wheel. I’m 75 and I still make my own clothes, never tire of doing it.
The more your sewing improves, the more any elements of your garments that don't quite work will bother you - at least that's been my experience. So my suggestion is: fix the things that aren't quite right, and even though you won't find it the most exciting sewing you do, in the end you'll be glad you did it 😇
I love seeing you wear the outfits that you've made whilst making more. It shows that you've managed to make something comfortable and practical to be worn frequently. And yeah, many of the items that you put in the "recycling" did belong there. I look forward to seeing 👀 your future projects.
What a great look-back. I'm definitely diving more into garmet sewing in 2024, and your channel has, for sure, hyped me up and encouraged me to do so.
I'd love to see a crazy quilt with scraps from all these clothes you've made as a "memory skirt" to honor them all and your fantastic progress over these 2 years! 😁
So love all your content and am always looking forward to the next video!
It's a shame all of those 'nice on camera' stuff doesn't work. Some really nice stuff got thrown in there. For your viral split side videos, I probably make up half the views on those because I made one using your methods and it turned out SO CUTE! I got lots of compliments from it. But I made it out of Christmas fabric because I thought, if it's bad I'll only take it out once a year but it turned out so nice! Regret! Thank you for those tutorials. I'm going to make another
I love your videos and I’m so glad you enjoy “talking” your issues out with us throughout your project. It’s been a long time since I’ve sewn clothing but I’m seriously looking at using your Side-Split Dress tutorial to make a dress for my choir performances. Thank you for sharing your thought process with us - our brains are very much synced and I look forward to sewing more with you!
Blue velvet hooded dress- I vote for lining the hood. I don’t think you’d regret putting it in; it’ll make the dress that much better
I always enjoy watching your videos and have greatly enjoyed your sewing journey. Can't wait to see what you make next!
I LOVE the grey dress you're wearing in the intro, it suits you so well and it's so flattering.
That patchwork dress makes you positively GLOW! Glad you're keeping it
I love your latest dress and hope you'll do a video of a version of it. Very tempting to make one for myself once I get a clearer idea of how it's made.
If you can bear it, line the hood but not if it'll kill your love of the garment. Same goes for all of the proposed modifications
Ballgown! Yes! Yes! Everything with it is just YES!
I made a simple blouse at the beginning of my sewing journey and I only used a zig zag stitch on the seams. I use the blouse constanly; the fabric started fraying eventually, so, I ended up serging it few years later, still using it and I'm super happy with the result.
I'd say take in the shoulder seams on that dark bordeaux dress :)
absolutely line the hood of the hoodie dress! it looks so fun and warm and I could see your disappointment in the video reveal for it... I think you'd be so much happier with it if the hood is more robust!
I love how you just throw yourself into a project, even if you don't love the results.
I have a suggestion for the striped dress at minute 13:35 -- take a couple of triangles of the solid fabric and inset them into the sides of the collar, so the collar overlaps them a little. So you'll have straight edges on your trapezius muscles.
Great video, interesting to revisit past projects and see what worked and what did not.
RE: fixing mistakes. I have watched the Great British Sewing Bee, and one of the judges is a Saville Row tailor (ie formally trained professional) and he stated that the best tool a tailor could have was a seam ripper.....
I think the most useful thing you could do is review fabrics - some just will not work no matter how cute - the way they are made dictates their use. For instance, blackout backed curtain fabric is too stiff to drape well on bodies. 4 way stretch fabric (is a bugger to sew) is designed for swimsuits and leotards - clings rather than drapes. etc.
I really enjoy your videos and am always surprised you have been doing it such a short time and are so adventurous in design and challenges. I have been sewing 60 years and still suffer nerves over some things.
And yes, I wear garments I have made, especially a pair of widelegged pants. I also knit and crochet tops. My wardrobe additions this year (bar underwear) are exclusively handmade or Thrifted. Very pleased with the results and get lots of compliments.
Keep on Sewing on.
Love from Oz. Sally
just wonderful to see all these! I have been holding myself back from sewing bc I also leave the house seldomly and wear comfy clothes only. Seeing you being totally okay with donating your makes encourages me to enjoy the process and not care so much about wearing the results
I missed you too! and I am so in love with that last sweater dress you made 😍
I vote for lining the hood on the first version you made. Especially if it will encourage you to wear it. Such a gorgeous fabric color that is shiny 🤩
P.S. I adore your bloopers at the end. They absolutely make my day 🥰
Y' know, a "pocket blitz" video where you add pockets to all the extant items which are great except needing pockets would be really cool 😊
My one suggestion: I think you should do a little photo shoot with each piece. It would be fun to have a nice photo of each one to look back on later even for the ones you don't keep.
I think as part of your upcycle series you should also add in making garments to match loose tops/bottoms that don't have anything to match with currently. Also, if the zipper on the black/red ballgown bothers you, put it in upcycle!
Re: blue "art project dress" - recycle it. Also, yes, please line the hood of the blue velvet hoodie dress.
I love those grey shorts on you! I’m so happy to have been able to follow your sewing journey in real time. This video has motivated me to go back to sewing that project I’ve been putting off. It’s been so nice to see your channel grow and I can’t wait to see it grow some more! Thank you for being you!
I so feel you on the not revisiting finished projects. I almost would rather just make a completely new one than fix small issues with an existing one most of the time.
Thank you for the retrospective! I made my first attempt at more than fixing a hole recently. I put pockets into PJ pants! I used material from a shirt I hate. Pro: pockets! I think they turned out well. Con: the shirt fabric is still icky. But I did a thing 😊
I vote to line the blue dress hood with a scarf type of fabric. You probably can do it without taking off the blue hood.
Not all my pocket less garments lend themselves to adding pockets, so I crocheted a "festival belt" to wear with things without pockets. I used crochet thread so it's sturdy. I keep meaning to sew one using my historical tie on pockect, like a half apron for when I craft.
This review was fun to watch.
The purple dress with a square neckline , Yes, work on the shoulders, it looks fantastic on you, very chic. And the black ball gown is stunning, you could walk any red carpet in it!
Blue velvet dress - line the hood! And there's a chance your could keep the hiod on, place the lining on top, fold under the edges and gand dew it in. Or mayybe even top stitch.
And is there any chance there are thins in your recycling pile that could be made into garments to go with other things you have?
I LOVE the grey hoodie and was a bit disappointed it wasn't recorded but hopefully it'll be replicated and recorded soon (finger crossed) you've inspired me to sew a lot more and try a few new things, I really want to to try a dress soon. Looking forward to more from you as I always enjoy your sewing vids. Happy new year in advance and looking forward to more frequent videos ❤😁
I want that dress myself! Definitely hope she makes a version of this for a future video
This was a great video for someone who has not sewn very long. You have to always give yourself grace, and it is good to see that you do. Some of the fails were definitely fabric, so the fails should be divided into fail because the sewing was horrible (which you did not have any )and failed because a crappie fabric was used. Overall, I would agree with you that you are getting better in both selecting fabrics and sewing the garment. I've been sewing a long time and still have fails, just fewer of them. Keep sewing and, more importantly, enjoy the process 😊
Thanks for a fun year of videos. You have inspired me to stick my "toe" back into sewing for myself. Been quilting for the last few years. Wishing you and hubs and puppy a very happy and prosperous 2024!!
how to save a too-wide neckline: bra strap retainers/bra snaps. they're designed to hold your neckline and bra straps together so it doesn't slide around as much! there were at least 3 dresses you could fix/upcycle with that little addition. Also, the dress at 25:35, the light blue wrap dress: did you understitch the neck facing? if not, it would go a long way to keeping the facing in place. you could also try stitch in the ditch at the shoulders to help encourage it to stay inside. a hook and eye at the bust level to keep it overlapping and not gaping might be the solution at the front. Hope this helps!
Love the slim red pants, cut the waist down by a couple of inches and add a yoga waistband! That black 7.5 lb ball gown is just beautiful. And so many great circle skirts. The black dress with square neckline - I'd alter the shoulders to fit. Love your channel 🙂
I so understand the need to just vocalize a problem sometimes.
Took online college classes.
Kept pic of grandkids in front of computer as inspiration.
Struggled to get the correct answer to an algebra problem
Finally talked the steps out to the picture of the grandkids and also finally got the correct answer.
That's a real and documented problem solving technique! In programming, it's called rubber duck debugging (programmers keep a rubber duck or other toys on their desk and we explain their broken code line by line to the duck, until they realize what's broken).
holy shit that blue dress that you said you never wear is so absolutely gorgeous, it literally might be the cutest dress ive ever seen.
I'm super excited to see the upcycling stuff later! I do like when creators I watch go over what did and didn't work on a project, but actually seeing how to go back and update or correct things is gonna be so great! I don't have a sewing machine, but I do want 2024 to be the year I get into hand sewing a full garment, not just mending. Also, I think you should line the hood.
You're always a joy, Charlie! I could watch for hours (binged the whole channel last summer!)❤
The blue patchwork dress is to be worn wherever you like to just to make yourself happy. Dress it down with a cardigan or a hoodie. Why should other people get to decide what is 'appropriate' clothing for whatever occasion.
The cute knit dress with a too big neckline migth be fixed by adding in a thin elastic band in the neckline.
My recently aquired pattern making knowledge tells me that deep necklines needs what is called contouring. Aka the closer the neckline is to the bust the more curve we need to add into the garment to get it to stay put because of geometry. If you gather or add elastic to those v-necks they will most likely fit. Migth or migth not look good though.
I would line the hood of the blue dress, migth try to do it by hand so I would not have to take it apart and resew it by machine.
I would love to see a video (or multiple!) about the upcycling process and adjusting pieces to make them work better for you. It's one of those things that I need to do in my own wardrobe, and I'm hoping seeing you work on that might inspire me to get working on it.
13:50 so, you could totally take some ribbon and some of tiny snaps and add strap-holding loops to the inside wherever you’re wanting your bra straps to stay… i did this on some of my cardigans that kept falling off my shoulders lol
For any sticky zippers you can try rubbing it with the graphite part of a pencil. I’ve had a lot of luck with this trick on backpack zippers and (where I learned this trick) the sticky joints of flutes and piccolos that cleaning doesn’t help with.
Your sewing journey has really encouraged and inspired me. I haven't been able to put any big projects into practice because we got a puppy in July and she is currently taking up most of my time, but your can do attitude has definitely rubbed off and influenced other areas of my life and now doggo is getting bigger and we are getting into a routine 2024 should see me being able to tackle a circle skirt and a sweatshirt dress. Thank you x
I am 80 years old, and making my garb for my first ever Renaissance Festival. Chemise, undertunic, surcoat, cape, and possibly shoes. All hand sewn. For my 80th birthday trip, I rode the Durango and Silverton narrow gauge railroad in a hand sewn 1883 style dress that took 2 months of daily sewing to make. Turns out, I LOVE to hand sew clothing. Just finished watching your video, and now reaching for my chemise. Onward and upward!
I enjoy your sewing journey and have been learning to sew myself! Your speed of learning and improvement is a big inspiration ❤
Ooh the blue medieval dress with the white apron dress over it!
The long gray hooded dress needs a lightsaber as an accessory.
Also, line the hood on the blue dress. Everyone loves it.
I used to make almost all of my clothes. I went off to college with an almost totally homemade wardrobe and I remember being asked did I iron my clothes every time before I wore them. I explained no I just made them myself and pressed the crease down the front so firmly that it never went away, no daily ironing necessary. (Back when polyester pant suits were popular.)
I haven’t made many garments since my girls broke my sewing machine trying to make exhibits for the county fair, and the replacement machine I bought only lasted me about 13 months. I really need to either get it repaired or buy another one in a brand I trust that will last through making quilts for DH and jeans skirts.
I really want to make a capsule wardrobe that could be considered history bounding. Several medium-long to long skirts and Victorian blouses and jackets. -Things that don’t scream costume, but could be combined with modern pieces yet still make me feel like I live in a simpler time.
Have you seen Mariah Pattie's videos? She does a lot of history bounding / history inspired wear and commited to making almost 100% of her wardrobe. Her 1 rule 8 steps video is a great place to start, but she's also done some capsule wardrobes. :)