These are all great points to think about! One thing that keeps coming up for me is how precious I think the fabric or garment is. Am I holding back from wearing something or sewing up a fabric because it's too nice to wear at home? But why shouldn't I wear nice and pretty things at home? If it's comfortable and can be laundered easily why won't I allow myself to lounge around the house in a pretty dress? Because my mother taught me when I was small that there are outside clothes (fancy) and inside clothes (ratty). I don't want to live that way, I deserve to wear pretty things whenever I feel like it! As long as they are comfortable, of course. 😊
These are questions I really need to ask myself - I have made too many dresses for a person who only wears jeans and joggers! I live in t-shirts and vests and hoodies and I buy patterns and fabrics for lightweight cottons and floaty dresses because "ideal me" who lives in my head totally loves them. Real Life me feels like an idiot in floral.
I attended a sewing course at a local adult education centre about 6 years ago when I started to sew. The lecturer said - “make what you wear” - so if you wear jeans and tops make that. It is simple really but who hasn’t made skirts and dresses......I have lots I’ve made and now need to refashion....
I certainly see ideas that attract me online, but my experience was that I could shop in a store, try on 32 items and find nothing that was really right, (one was allowed 8 items at a time, and after 4 x's I would give up). I am average height and carry about 10 extra pounds. Why did i have to work so long and hard, to find commercial clothing that worked for me. I knew when I got back to sewing, that only a few things would make me really happy, but now I could pick color, texture, and other things to change them up, so I focused on those styles. Now I take small chances here and there. I am not adventurous like you and so many others trying difficult things :) Like many viewers, I appreciate that we get to learn so much from you, and others on you tube :)
Agreed, I think often when we see patterns, we often picture ourselves that size vs. Our true selves. I like your point of being honest with ourselves. And, being the best version of ourselves
So true, our eyes want all the pretty things. Your questions can stop the impulse to make garments we don’t need or won’t wear. I am adding them to my sewing journal. Love your advice
I agree with your first point. I sew when I'm stressed. Making is how I cope and deal with hard things. Ive made a ton of things just to make instead of critically looking at my wardrobe
One of the things l really like about Indy patterns is that they have testers of all different sizes. I look for the sewist that has the closest body shape to my own- that helps me decide if I will like the garment on me. As for trendy items, I go to my local shops to try on similar ready made garments- if I like the look on me, I’ll invest in the pattern and fabric. To keep my stash from getting out of hand, I restrict myself from buying any ready made garments of the same type I have already bought supplies for (this also keeps me from wasting $). This motivates me to get projects done. Finally, I am willing to spend more on making a garment I’ll wear often (like a coat or work slacks) than on a garment I won’t wear much (like a fancy dress- those I buy at second hand shops. The original owner probably only wore it 1-2 times as well!). As for fabrics, if it doesn’t coordinate with items already in my closet, I don’t buy it for 2 reasons- I’ll probably decide it’s not me after all (I have a style) or I won’t reach for it because it does not match my other items. Great topic!
For the longest time i bought garments that i simply liked without thinking about coordinating it to my closet. XDD Considering that i don't wear certain colors (red and brown), and that i wear mostly blues, blacks, grays, beige (recently entered my closet) it usually worked out for me. Now i pay attention to coordination more - is it a style i wear? how much do i like the garment? Do i have anything else similar at home? and other questions come to mind. Red for me looks so aggressive, and brown can look dated so fast :( I want to sew garments or items i either need or want to wear. i did sew some things to take me out of my comfort zone, and that was awesome too :)
@@sapphirecamui6447 yes, exactly. I started as you did...sewing every cute thing. But after my first closet purge, I realized how much I never wore and how much $ was wasted. I did learn a lot by making the items though. Now I plan more carefully. If I must sew it but it’s not my style, I make it for someone who will wear it (not crazy about sewing for others so that helps me put the pattern back!).
I watch for people on Miniver.com and Instagram who are a similar shape to me, and being grey haired I look for others with grey hair to see the colours they wear!!
@@sapphirecamui6447 I am not only restricted like you to colours but they have to be cold colours or they make me look ill. So, you buy fabric online - it looks fine, then it arrives and the shade is warm not cold doh!!!
I have more than once purchased a pattern only to decide after the fact that I really don’t like it very much. I’ve found with lots of experience that even though I’m able to make complicated patterns I really like simple lines and beautiful fabrics. Add to that comfortable, wearable garments that work with other comfortable, wearable garments. ❤️
These videos about the psychology and management of sewing are the most helpful for me. As I watch this I'm feeling encouraged and getting excited! I'm confident these principles will make my most important projects a reality.
Claire! This is the best vlog about sewing! I would say this year, but it's just the 11th. So - this has got to be the best sewing vlog in the last 13 months! Thanks for all your thought in making this.
This is sooo true and has come as a wake up call just at the right time as I’m in the process of planning what to make over the year. My problem, like one of the other contributors, is that my mindset is still in the kind of clothing I was wearing whilst working. So, the pussy bow blouses and lovely dresses are all well and good, but since I retired I spend 90% of my time in jeans, tees and sweatshirts. But hey, here I was, again, planning similar stuff 🥴🥴 for this year., swept up in the whirl of enthusiastic vloggers. .So here’s a huge thank you for the timely reality check saving me from myself 😂😂
Boy oh boy! You really nailed it. You are not alone. I do all those things you talked about and it was great to hear you talk about them. The one thing I've gotten better about is not being so tempted by dresses. I know I don't wear them anymore and if I need one, there are a few in my closet. By the way, you did look gorgeous in your wedding dress! Thanks for making such great points. I needed to hear them.
Thank you for doing this video! All excellent questions to ask yourself before putting in time and money. Who wants to waste resources on something that may just end up taking up space in the closet? I used to have an ideal figure. Food, time, gravity, and pregnancy have changed my body. The last dress I made was a long black shift that I wore with a purchased light weight maroon cardigan, to my son’s and daughter-in-law’s wedding in 2012. I wear blue jeans and tee shirts 98% of the time. I mostly sew tote bags and purses, and fix seams.
Everything you mentioned is so true ! This is me . My expectations far out weigh my needs and does the style suit me . I think after viewing this I need to reevaluate my sewing . Thank you so much for this . A capsule is a very good idea .
I have had to learn to not buy beautiful fabric that is not suitable for wearable clothes for myself. I now know the colors I feel good in, know the size of print designs that look best for the garments I like to wear, know what fibers, weaves, and weight of fabric I find wearable, and how I like to launder and take care of garments. Also, mid-life I designed simple standard patterns for a short dress, a longer dress, pants, and a hat, that suited my body. Everything else in the fabric store is just for looking! Only buy what I actually like for me. Sewing is too much of a PITA to waste the time and effort on the wrong things. P.S-- One of the ONLY good things about Covid is I used up so much of my stash of scraps or fabrics I never used to make a bunch of masks for care workers back in March and April. Our town had a Facebook group with volunteer sewists and pick up and delivery of the masks we made. I made 250 myself to donate, and some more for myself and my partner. The group made and donated over 8000 masks, and they were much appreciated.
I genuinely love your videos and your thoughtful, practical perspectives. You know what time and money are worth. When I first wanted to sew, I remember thinking about all the cool, trendy clothes that I would make for a whole wardrobe. That was... 35 years ago? I was constantly discouraged because of my lack of skill, the cost of materials, and a lack of community to ask basic questions. One of the great things about TH-cam, and sewers like you is that I can look for solutions - like why my thread kept snagging on the bottom side of my stiches (I think I'd only changed a needle once before, when it broke, and I'd never opened the machine to clean it - what a revelation!). Your videos help me to see the value of sewing at my current level, and to keep working on my skills. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you.
Thank you, Claire. Your questions have made me think quite a bit about my thought process before I begin sewing. I have a lot of fabrics in my stash that are suitable for work, but since I became disabled don't fit my life at all. I have felt that I "should" use them, but I know now I'd never wear them. Time to sort them out and donate them to someone who will be able to use them.
Oh my.. you perfectly described the pre-pandemic me! I had WIPs and collected fabrics coming out my ears. I also had a ton of clothes I never wore. I never paid much attention to all the questions you pointed out we should ask ourselves before beginning a project. I just saw a garment on someone, or saw a pattern and found a fabric I loved & went in search of a fabric to go along with it. But I never asked myself all those other critical questions. Then the pandemic hit & I couldn't visit all my wonderful fabric shops. Initially I pulled out all my WIPs and figured out if I still even wanted to make that garment. It's amazing how many went into the no pile. I finished up those I did but I was left with an even bigger dilemma. I had stacked of WIPS I'd changed my mind about, my collection of fabrics & patterns, and clothes I never wore. I also moved garments I loved but had nothing to wear them with to one side of my wardrobe. I was totally gobsmacked by the sheer amount of clothes I loved but had nothing to pair them with & even more gobsmacked by the size of the pile of the clothes from my wardrobe I knew I would never truly wear. That group even included 3 of the WIPs I'd just finished! I realized I needed to completely change how I approached the decisions I made for sewing & my wardrobe. My 1st step was to pull out the clothes I love wearing & wear all the time. Some so well loved they were threadbare & made patterns from them. I made a list for each of what I loved about it. Fit, fabric and so on. When I laid out just those I finally had a visual of my clothing style to use as a guide. I realized even though I have oodles of full length leggings I've made.. I very seldom ever wear them. I prefer jeans, trousers, looser fit pants or heavy tights. I wear often my capri length leggings though so many of those I set aside to shorten. I went through the rest of my wardrobe and put on each piece & gave it a honest review. Why didn't I wear it very often. The answer was very often.. I just don't like how it looks on me. Anyway, by the time I was done I had a very clear picture of where I needed to go with my wardrobe.. going forward. But through all this what I saw was a growing collection of fabrics I loved and could still incorporate into making new clothes that I would actually wear. In the case of fabrics I decided I just didn't like those all went into a bin for use in crafty type projects & to be used as stuffing. I set down some rules for myself .. I could not buy any new fabric other than stabilizers, trims & lining fabric. I could only buy notions. I had to go by the patterns I had and the ones I'd made from my much loved clothing. No new patterns. Initially I felt a little overwhelmed by my new approach to sewing but after a couple months I found I was loving it! At the end of nearly 2 years my wardrobe is one I actually wear! I didn't pay to much attention to what season the clothes I was making were for because I knew I'd wear them anyway. I also made a rule for myself that every garment I made I had to be able to pair with 3 other garments. Dresses were the exception. All the leftover bits I've found a new hobby to make use of them. I love making scrap fabric to use for adding interest to my clothes. Sewing & gardening were how I survived the pandemic without going stark raving mad. My home shows the effect of this also with beautiful pillow covers, new quilts & so on. I even made coordinating storage elements. Gosh this got long. A mini novella. But it's easy to get wordy when you're talking about a new found passion.
Not buying the pattern until I'm ready to make the garment is such a brilliant idea and I'm going to try that. I buy patterns when they go on sale but then never make them - the "savings" from the sale wasted!
That’s so true for me! I see a fabric or pattern and fall in love. Then I think what was I thinking?? I have a closet full of unsuitable tops, mostly dolman or raglan style that don’t look great on my body. Thanks for this video. 💕
These great questions to ask myself. I never had. I find a pattern love the material and away i go. Then life gets in the way and i now have pretty fabric, a pattern i love and no desire to finish. Lots of works in progress. Thanks for all your thoughts, stay safe
OMG, this has really made me think hard about my sewing. I wear vintage and vintage style clothes, I am nearly 6ft tall so sewing my own clothes has been a necessity for me.I've sewn, since I was 16, but taken short cuts and have many bad habits, most of my clothes would do for me, I have this picture in my head of how I think I should look and your right, in practice its not quite the same. My best sewing is on my alterations to vintage garments always by hand because I believe that it preserves the integrity of it, respecting its age and quality. I need to apply this ideal to my machine sewing. I have really learnt so much from your vlog and glad I've found you. Everything you said i can so relate too. I love your straight talking, looking forward to watching some of your previous vlogs.
Beautiful top that you are wearing! It looks fantastic on you. The fit is perfect! I do agree we should strive to wear what looks good on our bodies, and if we will wear the garment. Though florals are trending right now I personally don't like busy floral fabrics on my tall body frame. Overall, I don't buy into patterns or fabric trends. I work from home and need nice tops for online office meetings. My goal this year is to sew versatile tops for meetings but also tops that will work with most things in my closet. Great tips!
Great video Claire, thank you. Trying to curb my 'magpie' impulses! Certainly making me think more about things. Have now made a list of items/projects that I have partially started/have supplies for and have in mind. Trying to be more focused. Thank you once again. X
Thanks for asking the difficult questions. I have lots of patterns which I will probably never get the time to make. Luckily most are free or very cheap patterns. I do dream about all the beautiful dresses and impractical coats, but do tend to sew easy, comfortable, plain clothes. I wear lots of separates and love a printed skirt. I always did ask myself when I made a top if it will go with at least three bottoms and vice versa. I still see all the pretty fabrics, but with online shopping and limited resources, I am much more careful with my purchases. I appreciate you making me think about my choices before I start.
I think a lot of your points are spot on. I don't go too crazy with fabric because we live full time in our RV (large caravan), so space is always a consideration. I am guilty of buying too many patterns, though! I doubt if I will ever sew them all up, LOL. I don't always think something has to be useful. This is my art, if you will, and sometimes what I make is purely for the creativity and beauty. My husband and I have often discussed this, and we realize we were raised believing everything had to be purposeful, or useful, and that has been something we have worked to unlearn. Sometimes, just the pure joy of doing something is purpose enough! Thanks for sharing your wisdom, and I am looking forward to your capsule wardrobe videos!!
Thank you for this vlog! These are important questions, I TRY to ask myself in-between projects. But, this really solidified the need to assess what I really need, what would make me happy, and what item to concentrate on. Thank you!
I have been struggling with this exact thing lately. I don't spend a lot on patterns because I'm new to sewing clothing but I have collected lots of free and $1 Ellie & Mac patterns. I'm having a hard time figuring out what I will actually wear. I'm curious to see what you pick for your capsule wardrobe. I think that will help me to decide what to make. I love that you give food for thought!
Great video. I’ve bought fabric because it’s so pretty but it just sits in the stash because it isn’t practical for anything I do or anywhere I go. I made a dress once that didn’t suit my body type or lifestyle. It got me to really think about what looks right on my body. That where trying on clothes at shops helped me determine that.
I am coming back to sewing garments for myself because I am finally happy to make something simple. I made myself a very cute sundress several summers ago and wore it twice. I tried it on this summer and it was too tight to even get into. I now want to make knit tops with gentle lines that will not make me feel frumpy. I adore your top and I will keep watching. Thanks for being here for us women with real bodies!
You are so insightful. I have lots of fabric I loved loved and now I like. I also have stopped making clothes for myself because I am sure if I had thought about would it look good on my body type I never would have made so many pieces I never wore.
Aaah the whole image of self is the whole reason why I keep putting off making something for myself. I’m quite realistic about the kinds of garments I wear and would wear if I had them BUT because I’m not ‘the best version of myself’ ☺️ I tend to make things for others because I know they will look good as opposed to what I perceive as a waste of nice fabric on me.
Great topic. I love the long statement sleeve fashion only in my head. The weather in the UK means that you will wear it once or twice on that perfect weather day, far too cold most of the time and need a jacket or cardigan which would turn your sleeves into a crumpled mess. In reality make it sleeveless more versitile.
Very well thought out. I especially liked your first point about choosing a pattern to look like the model. Took me a long time to understand and even now I have to remind myself to look at the line drawings and think twice. Insightful questions overall, lots to think about. Oh, and I love that pineapple top on you too.
This vlog was right on point for so many of us home sewers i feel. Thank you for being so honest about this topic. its so true, even though I've been sewing for years its so easy to be swayed by the indie pattern models who always look the bomb in said creation without asking ourselves - is it me? This year, I have promised myself I will look at what I wear the most and to make practical garments that fit my lifestyle. I have a dog so I'm often in jeans and a top - nothing to say the top can't be a little more dressy though eh?
This is SUCH a WISE comment on our sewing behaviours and I totally agree with your questions and know if I were to be more honest with myself there would be less waste in every way (fabric, money, time....). I think as I am evolving as a sewist I am starting to naturally consider some of this more, I certainly sewed all the pretty dresses when I started out but in fact separates are generally more practical for me. I am really trying to visualise the item on my body now rather than being enamoured by the product photo. I am also asking myself the question about how versatile is the item I want to sew i.e. will it take me from walking the dog, doing a school drop off, driving a car, going into a shop, having a coffee somewhere, doing some household chores, sitting at my sewing machine - for example of a non-work day. Following from this is the question of how comfortable will I be in this garment? However, there are still times when I just want the buzz and thrill and adrenaline of the “not sensible sewing” and I do allow myself this too from time to time because it gives me joy and I figure this is ok too - as long as I am being more measured the rest of the time. Thank-you so much for your vlogs, you provide a really wise and thoughtful voice in the sewing world.
You have made some very valid points here, personally I look in my wardrobe (like all I have a skinny-med-fat🤣😂😂 one) I look at what really suites my body shape at present and try make garments according to what looks good now. I also think we need to move away from the thought pattern of what looks great on person A, will suite us and be realistic and if we have a big bust a full ruffled blouse isn’t out friend etc, unfortunately that’s reality. I buy fabric and in the back of my mind I have an idea and as soon as I see that one dress or pattern I know why I have bought it, I try not buy it for the sake of it but with a plan in mind, so far so good. great video, I can see you really put thought into this one.
This is so true!! Gosh I have so many patterns I purchased before really thinking of how items will look on my body. Plus bought a bunch of dress patterns but how often do I wear fancy dresses?! Hahah Great video thank you x
I cleared my wardrobe and really liked at what I wore regularly. The shapes that suited me. I also started following Daffodiledger, as she is a similar age and shape. Unfortunately she doesn't vlog anymore. I like to wear dresses but I ride a bike, so it wasn't practical, until I saw Marcia Riddington wear hers over jeans, light bulb moment. I am now trying tobe more environmentally aware. Using my scraps, I've got into patchwork and toy making. Which itches my sewing bug with out filling my wardrobe with stuff I don't need. So it's one out one in this year. Thank you for making me think xx
Wearing dresses in windy city of Geraldton Western Australia is fraught with oh ohhh moments so many girls will wear shirts under dresses and tunics. I wear sarongs shorts and singlets 3 months of the year and save dresses for when I have to go somewhere special, but they do help me feel more feminine as I get older.
This video is really makes you think my problem is I am a size 20 (shop size) I see all these TH-cam videos done by slim ladies and think things will look the same on me they don't and I get disheartened so I need to ask myself will it suit my size and shape before I start a garment. Really enjoyed watching this video.
Several of these issues are why I lost interest in sewing many years ago. I've only recently been thinking about trying again. Thank you for all the effort you put into making these videos, I enjoy the images and video clips you insert to demonstrate your subject. Love your wedding dress!
Really enjoyed this discussion. My fabric stash only has the colours that I know suit my complexion and hair colour and make me feel good. Everytime a vlogger shows me their latest 'gift' from one of the online fabric stores I acknowledge and feel happy that THEY like it, but it's not my taste. I don't buy 'on trend' patterns or 'on trend' fabric I wait and think carefully. This has been a hard lesson to learn. I definitely don't purchase loose and boxy shape designs or smock styles that would swamp my body. I must admit I get bored with everyone vlogging about the same 'latest pattern' but I always learn something. Please keep producing these thought provoking vlogs Claire, you really shine!
Great points. I really want to start on something now that my machine is out and I made my granddaughter a little blanket for Christmas. What should I do next. I'll have to think about it since there are so many things I really want to get going on.
Back in the late 1970's, I think, I bought a DVF Vogue pattern for her wrap dress, and beautiful knit fabric to make it. The dress made me look like I was wearing a ton of fabric. Needless to say, I did not wear it. Decades later there was a DVF exhibit at LACMA, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, with many of her wrap dresses. When I went to the exhibit, I felt the fabric, which I shouldn't have done, and I finally realized why my dress felt like it weighed a ton and her dresses looked light and breezy. Her knit fabric was super thin compared to the knit fabric I used. Back in the day, I would never use thin knit fabric because I thought it looked cheap. Live and learn.
Whilst totally thrilled to have discovered the sewing community on TH-cam, I have at times felt overwhelmed at sewists' plans and expectations of themselves - eg how many garments sewn within a given time. I also fell into the trap of buying new indie patterns, many unsuitable for my older body and lifestyle. I also bought a few wonderful patterns that just got left unused for no particular reason. Eg in the past week I made my first Morris blazer, having btought the pattern the month it was released - there will be more!. After making my standard alterations to the pattern, it practically made itself. Wonderful! Thank you, Claire, for this vlog of sewing wisdom. I can't wait see your take on the capsule wardrobe!
Great video. Once I decide what I want to make and purchase the pattern, I make a point to sit down and read thru the pattern carefully highlighting anything that I don't understand. In the past, I've started making garments but then had to put them aside because I would encounter steps that I didn't understand or weren't familiar with.
Great, really thoughtful video and I need to go and think carefully about what you said, so much of it hit home. I follow several TH-cam sewers and enjoy watching what what they do but realised long ago that with the majority much younger & most making things in size 8-10-12 that many of the patterns are not suitable for my age group or size. Thank you Claire, really insightful, keep them coming.
I recently found your videos and really enjoy them! This is a subject I have grappled with all of my life. I started sewing my school clothes when I was 11! Now at sixty I run an alterations shop and don’t always have time for large projects that I may not like or that might look atrocious on my very pear body. My favorite makes over the years have been copies of ready to wear pieces that I love, usually simple knit pieces. If I have a favorite I copy off a pattern and make more! They are usually quick to make and I know they will fit.
You are absolutely right Claire in much of what you say! I love dress patterns, but since I retired I never wear dresses! I had my colours done just before lockdown, so I know what suits me colour wise, but it has taken me a while to understand my clothes style! This year (as in 2020) I have tried to concentrate on making trousers (a challenge in itself) and tops which are far more practical but I still have a yearning to make lovely maxi dresses for the summer. I promise myself that I WILL wear them but I probably won’t! 😍❤️
I love your honesty Claire. I agree we often don't think about these things. I have beautiful wool fabric in my stash that I bought in Soho about 30 years ago just before I move to Western Australia, I still love the fabric but much too hot to use here so I look at it every time I go through my stash but that is about it!
This is a great video. I love watching TH-camrs but I always wonder what they are doing with all of these clothes they are making! I also wonder a lot about these "on trend" patterns that everyone is making as I don't think that they will suit me so puts me off. I think we are led to believe as sewers that we can adjust anything to make it fit us but sometimes it still just looks horrible even if it does fit!! I hope to follow your good principles!!
I take a workshop from Clotilde one and she talked about sewing clothes that had that “Loving hands at home” look which we don’t want because everyone can tell they’re homemade.
Its like you are reading my mind and telling me what direction I know I need to go in! I want to love my makes and really wear them from now on. I don't regret starting off with charity shop fabrics but I'm ready to spend a little more and take more time to really love what I make. Thanks for your wise words :)
"I don't think I even looked at the estimated time on the pattern." Me: Wait, there's an estimated time on patterns? I really should read those better.
Your content and presentation are well done. Thank you for your hard work! And I agree with Natalie Stanchevski's comment below, "Why shouldn't I wear nice and pretty things at home?". As Jennifer Scott, youtuber @ The Daily Connoisseur, says, we want to "be presentable always." Our husbands and children enjoy seeing us in pretty things as well.
I am just returning to sewing after 30 years. I have thrifted lots of fabrics. I am cutting out some. It is a slow process, but it is a labor of love. My aim is a total new wardrobe A to Z., On an extreme budget.So the patterns are all new to me and the fabrics are NOT what I would normally choose. So Good Luck To ME!
Great video! I am right there with you on this topic and this video was right on time! This is my goal for 2021… To sew only what I really want or need! I have sewn too many pieces that have ended up donated because I just didn’t wear them! That’s a waste of beautiful fabric in some cases, time and money! I want to sew a beautiful wardrobe of pieces I will want to wear every day! (And the occasional beautiful piece for special occasions!). Thank you so much for sharing! 🤗
This is soooo helpful-I am in the process of planning a small capsule wardrobe right now, and you gave me a lot to think about. I get bewildered trying to decide on fabric, etc., and this will really help me be a little more choosy. Thank you so much!
I’m a new sewist. What inspired me to start sewing was my dislike for clothes shopping. Nothing fit, and I hated the fabrics! The colors of fabrics of clothes that fit never looked good on me. First thing I asked myself, what is a good color palette for me? I watched several TH-cams to figure this out. Next question: What’s my body type? What styles look good on my body type. I’m an inverted V. More TH-cams … Next question: What are my favorite clothes that I wear most often? Do they look good on my body type? Surprisingly the answer, yes, I do tend to wear pieces that are meant for my researched body type. Who knew?!? Looking at my favorite clothes I discovered the patterns were pretty easy level patterns. What type of sewing machine do I need? With more youtubes I discovered I needed a simple quality machine with 30 stitches. I love my sewing machine (Janome). After a few projects I discovered I hate the awkward process of fitting the pattern pieces on my own body infront of a mirror. I decided a dress form would be helpful. I found a used dress form for $30! Yes, I needed to pad it to meet my body measurements, yes there’s a youtube for that! Questions are so important. Be honest with yourself. Sewing can be challenging, I love a challenge. Small challenges can bring big rewards. ❤❤❤ Love your videos!!!!
These are all good points. The one question I ask myself is will it go with three or more items already in my wardrobe. I learned to ask myself this, when I bought ready to wear, from a stylist and I’ve carried it over into my sewing.
Many things you said really resonated with me. It was a real “game changer” for me when I started sewing in a seasonal module format, with a more cohesive plan and color palate. The items get worn more and it reduces (not eliminates😉) wasteful fabric purchases! I also try to balance easy projects with more advanced or time consuming ones. I am also not sewing face masks! Another question to ask- Would I buy this if I saw it in a store? BTW. You looked stunning in the Lisa Comfort dress
Yes, we really enjoy fabric. Problem is: labeling fabric of content upon returning home and laundering it. Not knowing what was actually purchased and what it really should be used for. Problem is: someone mentions what a wonderful pattern designer an individual is. Patterns are purchased and it turns out the pattern maker/designer is terrible right down to absolutely terrible instructions. 4 muslins later and not close to a even a mediocre fit. Problem is: not knowing fabric well enough to associate what will work with a given pattern. I feel defeated yet have a strong desire to sew garments not another quilt! You were stunning in your wedding dress just as you you are now. You wear your pineapple top beautifully. Thank you for all the time, energy, and passion you put forth to inspire and share with this world we live in. Your a precious lady.
I so agree. I had to adjust my projects also. I like a challenge so I would try something really complicated. However, they weren’t comfortable or weren’t me at all ( like making dresses when I never wear them)!
Hi Claire, this was the most interesting video so far, cause I've learned during sewing last year or to last summer, I really looked closely what I thought i liked and did suit me, so did an experiment, I sew up 6 diffrent styles of dresses (cheap bed linen) they all had a waist seam so I got diffrent styles of upper bodice and diffrent skirts and all done with patterns I thought I loved they look beautiful on they envelopes and not one of those dresses did my body any good I looked like an idiot , I have recently recovered from an illness that have changed my body so much that I had to learn what I can actually wear, luckily all the lockdowns made me to do this experiment and I'm glad I did cause I can ditch half of my dress patterns ,I need to shape my dresses alll the way without any waist seams those patterns I loved so nowadays if I'm looking and if I see something I love I first look closely to line drawings,many of big four patterns is out, and I've been moore careful overall what to sew, although I'm still very emotional sewist but I've managed to get really nice garments out of my new experience ❤take care and stay safe and keep sewing ❤
My least needed/worn garments are blazers. I do not like them on me. No desire to make one. Every capsule wardrobe starts with a blazer. Makes me tune out. Thanks for the reality check.
Omg, of it was about needing the garment I wouldn't sew ever again! And as a tailor with a masters degree my learning span is pretty slim. So... Yeah, I sew for enjoyment. But you're right, I've actually thought about why should I make this, there's nowhere to go these days anyway. But then, what else is there to do in lockdown... 😁
It’s not just about needing to sew. You missed the point of my message. It’s about making it work in your wardrobe and ensuring you wear what you make. My message comes from a place of having made lots of garments that then don’t get worn. In this video I am addressing this problem. Sewing for fun or because you’ll enjoy it is one of the points I made, it’s just not top priority.
These are all great points to think about! One thing that keeps coming up for me is how precious I think the fabric or garment is. Am I holding back from wearing something or sewing up a fabric because it's too nice to wear at home? But why shouldn't I wear nice and pretty things at home? If it's comfortable and can be laundered easily why won't I allow myself to lounge around the house in a pretty dress? Because my mother taught me when I was small that there are outside clothes (fancy) and inside clothes (ratty). I don't want to live that way, I deserve to wear pretty things whenever I feel like it! As long as they are comfortable, of course. 😊
Lo
L
Amen!
These are questions I really need to ask myself - I have made too many dresses for a person who only wears jeans and joggers! I live in t-shirts and vests and hoodies and I buy patterns and fabrics for lightweight cottons and floaty dresses because "ideal me" who lives in my head totally loves them. Real Life me feels like an idiot in floral.
I attended a sewing course at a local adult education centre about 6 years ago when I started to sew. The lecturer said - “make what you wear” - so if you wear jeans and tops make that. It is simple really but who hasn’t made skirts and dresses......I have lots I’ve made and now need to refashion....
I certainly see ideas that attract me online, but my experience was that I could shop in a store, try on 32 items and find nothing that was really right, (one was allowed 8 items at a time, and after 4 x's I would give up). I am average height and carry about 10 extra pounds. Why did i have to work so long and hard, to find commercial clothing that worked for me. I knew when I got back to sewing, that only a few things would make me really happy, but now I could pick color, texture, and other things to change them up, so I focused on those styles. Now I take small chances here and there. I am not adventurous like you and so many others trying difficult things :) Like many viewers, I appreciate that we get to learn so much from you, and others on you tube :)
Agreed, I think often when we see patterns, we often picture ourselves that size vs. Our true selves.
I like your point of being honest with ourselves. And, being the best version of ourselves
So true, our eyes want all the pretty things. Your questions can stop the impulse to make garments we don’t need or won’t wear. I am adding them to my sewing journal. Love your advice
I agree with your first point. I sew when I'm stressed. Making is how I cope and deal with hard things. Ive made a ton of things just to make instead of critically looking at my wardrobe
Me too
One of the things l really like about Indy patterns is that they have testers of all different sizes. I look for the sewist that has the closest body shape to my own- that helps me decide if I will like the garment on me. As for trendy items, I go to my local shops to try on similar ready made garments- if I like the look on me, I’ll invest in the pattern and fabric. To keep my stash from getting out of hand, I restrict myself from buying any ready made garments of the same type I have already bought supplies for (this also keeps me from wasting $). This motivates me to get projects done.
Finally, I am willing to spend more on making a garment I’ll wear often (like a coat or work slacks) than on a garment I won’t wear much (like a fancy dress- those I buy at second hand shops. The original owner probably only wore it 1-2 times as well!). As for fabrics, if it doesn’t coordinate with items already in my closet, I don’t buy it for 2 reasons- I’ll probably decide it’s not me after all (I have a style) or I won’t reach for it because it does not match my other items. Great topic!
For the longest time i bought garments that i simply liked without thinking about coordinating it to my closet. XDD
Considering that i don't wear certain colors (red and brown), and that i wear mostly blues, blacks, grays, beige (recently entered my closet) it usually worked out for me. Now i pay attention to coordination more - is it a style i wear? how much do i like the garment? Do i have anything else similar at home? and other questions come to mind.
Red for me looks so aggressive, and brown can look dated so fast :(
I want to sew garments or items i either need or want to wear. i did sew some things to take me out of my comfort zone, and that was awesome too :)
@@sapphirecamui6447 yes, exactly. I started as you did...sewing every cute thing. But after my first closet purge, I realized how much I never wore and how much $ was wasted. I did learn a lot by making the items though. Now I plan more carefully. If I must sew it but it’s not my style, I make it for someone who will wear it (not crazy about sewing for others so that helps me put the pattern back!).
I watch for people on Miniver.com and Instagram who are a similar shape to me, and being grey haired I look for others with grey hair to see the colours they wear!!
@@sapphirecamui6447 I am not only restricted like you to colours but they have to be cold colours or they make me look ill. So, you buy fabric online - it looks fine, then it arrives and the shade is warm not cold doh!!!
I have more than once purchased a pattern only to decide after the fact that I really don’t like it very much. I’ve found with lots of experience that even though I’m able to make complicated patterns I really like simple lines and beautiful fabrics. Add to that comfortable, wearable garments that work with other comfortable, wearable garments. ❤️
‘I would die for that fabric’ It’s like you read my mind 🤣
These videos about the psychology and management of sewing are the most helpful for me. As I watch this I'm feeling encouraged and getting excited! I'm confident these principles will make my most important projects a reality.
Great to hear!
We love you for the honest, clear and practical way you speak. You're a star 🌟😘
Thank you Gloria!
Claire! This is the best vlog about sewing! I would say this year, but it's just the 11th. So - this has got to be the best sewing vlog in the last 13 months! Thanks for all your thought in making this.
Wow thank you!
So true! I love patterns that don’t necessarily look good on me. Then disappointed in myself.
You looked fabulous in your wedding dress. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you
Your analogy about chasing the fabric and all the dreams that go with it (boy chasing girl) is a good one. I'm getting better control of that one.
This is sooo true and has come as a wake up call just at the right time as I’m in the process of planning what to make over the year. My problem, like one of the other contributors, is that my mindset is still in the kind of clothing I was wearing whilst working. So, the pussy bow blouses and lovely dresses are all well and good, but since I retired I spend 90% of my time in jeans, tees and sweatshirts. But hey, here I was, again, planning similar stuff 🥴🥴 for this year., swept up in the whirl of enthusiastic vloggers. .So here’s a huge thank you for the timely reality check saving me from myself 😂😂
Boy oh boy! You really nailed it. You are not alone. I do all those things you talked about and it was great to hear you talk about them. The one thing I've gotten better about is not being so tempted by dresses. I know I don't wear them anymore and if I need one, there are a few in my closet. By the way, you did look gorgeous in your wedding dress! Thanks for making such great points. I needed to hear them.
Thank you. Yeah when I spoke about my wedding dress I was talking about planning for it. 😁
Thank you for doing this video! All excellent questions to ask yourself before putting in time and money. Who wants to waste resources on something that may just end up taking up space in the closet?
I used to have an ideal figure. Food, time, gravity, and pregnancy have changed my body. The last dress I made was a long black shift that I wore with a purchased light weight maroon cardigan, to my son’s and daughter-in-law’s wedding in 2012.
I wear blue jeans and tee shirts 98% of the time. I mostly sew tote bags and purses, and fix seams.
Everything you mentioned is so true ! This is me . My expectations far out weigh my needs and does the style suit me . I think after viewing this I need to reevaluate my sewing . Thank you so much for this . A capsule is a very good idea .
I have had to learn to not buy beautiful fabric that is not suitable for wearable clothes for myself. I now know the colors I feel good in, know the size of print designs that look best for the garments I like to wear, know what fibers, weaves, and weight of fabric I find wearable, and how I like to launder and take care of garments. Also, mid-life I designed simple standard patterns for a short dress, a longer dress, pants, and a hat, that suited my body. Everything else in the fabric store is just for looking! Only buy what I actually like for me. Sewing is too much of a PITA to waste the time and effort on the wrong things. P.S-- One of the ONLY good things about Covid is I used up so much of my stash of scraps or fabrics I never used to make a bunch of masks for care workers back in March and April. Our town had a Facebook group with volunteer sewists and pick up and delivery of the masks we made. I made 250 myself to donate, and some more for myself and my partner. The group made and donated over 8000 masks, and they were much appreciated.
I genuinely love your videos and your thoughtful, practical perspectives. You know what time and money are worth. When I first wanted to sew, I remember thinking about all the cool, trendy clothes that I would make for a whole wardrobe. That was... 35 years ago? I was constantly discouraged because of my lack of skill, the cost of materials, and a lack of community to ask basic questions. One of the great things about TH-cam, and sewers like you is that I can look for solutions - like why my thread kept snagging on the bottom side of my stiches (I think I'd only changed a needle once before, when it broke, and I'd never opened the machine to clean it - what a revelation!). Your videos help me to see the value of sewing at my current level, and to keep working on my skills. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you.
Glad to help (I feel the same about TH-cam).
Everything you said rang true. I'm quite a bit more discerning now. I don't jump at every new pattern now because sometimes they're just not me.🤗🇨🇦
Oh my goodness, your video gave me a light switch moment! Reassessing my makes goals right now!
Wow, that’s amazing! So happy for you 😄
Thank you, Claire. Your questions have made me think quite a bit about my thought process before I begin sewing. I have a lot of fabrics in my stash that are suitable for work, but since I became disabled don't fit my life at all. I have felt that I "should" use them, but I know now I'd never wear them. Time to sort them out and donate them to someone who will be able to use them.
I have a complete wardrobe in many sizes, waiting for the day I "right-size".
@@stephanieray6587 You, too? Sounds like me.
I very much needed this video. I think I have a problem. Love your insight Claire.
Oh my.. you perfectly described the pre-pandemic me! I had WIPs and collected fabrics coming out my ears. I also had a ton of clothes I never wore. I never paid much attention to all the questions you pointed out we should ask ourselves before beginning a project. I just saw a garment on someone, or saw a pattern and found a fabric I loved & went in search of a fabric to go along with it. But I never asked myself all those other critical questions. Then the pandemic hit & I couldn't visit all my wonderful fabric shops. Initially I pulled out all my WIPs and figured out if I still even wanted to make that garment. It's amazing how many went into the no pile. I finished up those I did but I was left with an even bigger dilemma. I had stacked of WIPS I'd changed my mind about, my collection of fabrics & patterns, and clothes I never wore. I also moved garments I loved but had nothing to wear them with to one side of my wardrobe. I was totally gobsmacked by the sheer amount of clothes I loved but had nothing to pair them with & even more gobsmacked by the size of the pile of the clothes from my wardrobe I knew I would never truly wear. That group even included 3 of the WIPs I'd just finished! I realized I needed to completely change how I approached the decisions I made for sewing & my wardrobe. My 1st step was to pull out the clothes I love wearing & wear all the time. Some so well loved they were threadbare & made patterns from them. I made a list for each of what I loved about it. Fit, fabric and so on. When I laid out just those I finally had a visual of my clothing style to use as a guide. I realized even though I have oodles of full length leggings I've made.. I very seldom ever wear them. I prefer jeans, trousers, looser fit pants or heavy tights. I wear often my capri length leggings though so many of those I set aside to shorten. I went through the rest of my wardrobe and put on each piece & gave it a honest review. Why didn't I wear it very often. The answer was very often.. I just don't like how it looks on me. Anyway, by the time I was done I had a very clear picture of where I needed to go with my wardrobe.. going forward. But through all this what I saw was a growing collection of fabrics I loved and could still incorporate into making new clothes that I would actually wear. In the case of fabrics I decided I just didn't like those all went into a bin for use in crafty type projects & to be used as stuffing. I set down some rules for myself .. I could not buy any new fabric other than stabilizers, trims & lining fabric. I could only buy notions. I had to go by the patterns I had and the ones I'd made from my much loved clothing. No new patterns. Initially I felt a little overwhelmed by my new approach to sewing but after a couple months I found I was loving it! At the end of nearly 2 years my wardrobe is one I actually wear! I didn't pay to much attention to what season the clothes I was making were for because I knew I'd wear them anyway. I also made a rule for myself that every garment I made I had to be able to pair with 3 other garments. Dresses were the exception. All the leftover bits I've found a new hobby to make use of them. I love making scrap fabric to use for adding interest to my clothes. Sewing & gardening were how I survived the pandemic without going stark raving mad. My home shows the effect of this also with beautiful pillow covers, new quilts & so on. I even made coordinating storage elements. Gosh this got long. A mini novella. But it's easy to get wordy when you're talking about a new found passion.
Yes! I have been having this exact same conversation with myself! Thanks
There, you've said it: Quite a few hometruths! I need to consider all your questions before I start another garment.
Not buying the pattern until I'm ready to make the garment is such a brilliant idea and I'm going to try that. I buy patterns when they go on sale but then never make them - the "savings" from the sale wasted!
That’s so true for me! I see a fabric or pattern and fall in love. Then I think what was I thinking?? I have a closet full of unsuitable tops, mostly dolman or raglan style that don’t look great on my body. Thanks for this video. 💕
Thanks for watching Gwen. ❤️
The pineapple top you are wearing is fab and really suits you. Your vlog has given me food for thought, thank you 😊
Thank you!
These great questions to ask myself. I never had. I find a pattern love the material and away i go. Then life gets in the way and i now have pretty fabric, a pattern i love and no desire to finish. Lots of works in progress. Thanks for all your thoughts, stay safe
OMG, this has really made me think hard about my sewing. I wear vintage and vintage style clothes, I am nearly 6ft tall so sewing my own clothes has been a necessity for me.I've sewn, since I was 16, but taken short cuts and have many bad habits, most of my clothes would do for me, I have this picture in my head of how I think I should look and your right, in practice its not quite the same. My best sewing is on my alterations to vintage garments always by hand because I believe that it preserves the integrity of it, respecting its age and quality. I need to apply this ideal to my machine sewing. I have really learnt so much from your vlog and glad I've found you. Everything you said i can so relate too. I love your straight talking, looking forward to watching some of your previous vlogs.
Thank you and welcome!
Beautiful top that you are wearing! It looks fantastic on you. The fit is perfect! I do agree we should strive to wear what looks good on our bodies, and if we will wear the garment. Though florals are trending right now I personally don't like busy floral fabrics on my tall body frame. Overall, I don't buy into patterns or fabric trends. I work from home and need nice tops for online office meetings. My goal this year is to sew versatile tops for meetings but also tops that will work with most things in my closet. Great tips!
Great video Claire, thank you. Trying to curb my 'magpie' impulses! Certainly making me think more about things. Have now made a list of items/projects that I have partially started/have supplies for and have in mind. Trying to be more focused. Thank you once again. X
Thanks for asking the difficult questions. I have lots of patterns which I will probably never get the time to make. Luckily most are free or very cheap patterns. I do dream about all the beautiful dresses and impractical coats, but do tend to sew easy, comfortable, plain clothes. I wear lots of separates and love a printed skirt. I always did ask myself when I made a top if it will go with at least three bottoms and vice versa. I still see all the pretty fabrics, but with online shopping and limited resources, I am much more careful with my purchases. I appreciate you making me think about my choices before I start.
I think a lot of your points are spot on. I don't go too crazy with fabric because we live full time in our RV (large caravan), so space is always a consideration. I am guilty of buying too many patterns, though! I doubt if I will ever sew them all up, LOL. I don't always think something has to be useful. This is my art, if you will, and sometimes what I make is purely for the creativity and beauty. My husband and I have often discussed this, and we realize we were raised believing everything had to be purposeful, or useful, and that has been something we have worked to unlearn. Sometimes, just the pure joy of doing something is purpose enough! Thanks for sharing your wisdom, and I am looking forward to your capsule wardrobe videos!!
Love your videos. Your honesty is great.
Glenda
Thank you Glenda
Thank you for this vlog! These are important questions, I TRY to ask myself in-between projects. But, this really solidified the need to assess what I really need, what would make me happy, and what item to concentrate on. Thank you!
I have been struggling with this exact thing lately. I don't spend a lot on patterns because I'm new to sewing clothing but I have collected lots of free and $1 Ellie & Mac patterns. I'm having a hard time figuring out what I will actually wear. I'm curious to see what you pick for your capsule wardrobe. I think that will help me to decide what to make. I love that you give food for thought!
Great video. I’ve bought fabric because it’s so pretty but it just sits in the stash because it isn’t practical for anything I do or anywhere I go. I made a dress once that didn’t suit my body type or lifestyle. It got me to really think about what looks right on my body. That where trying on clothes at shops helped me determine that.
I am coming back to sewing garments for myself because I am finally happy to make something simple. I made myself a very cute sundress several summers ago and wore it twice. I tried it on this summer and it was too tight to even get into. I now want to make knit tops with gentle lines that will not make me feel frumpy. I adore your top and I will keep watching. Thanks for being here for us women with real bodies!
Your videos are getting better & better... I think more realistic and insightful. Thank you very much.
You are so insightful. I have lots of fabric I loved loved and now I like. I also have stopped making clothes for myself because I am sure if I had thought about would it look good on my body type I never would have made so many pieces I never wore.
Aaah the whole image of self is the whole reason why I keep putting off making something for myself.
I’m quite realistic about the kinds of garments I wear and would wear if I had them BUT because I’m not ‘the best version of myself’ ☺️ I tend to make things for others because I know they will look good as opposed to what I perceive as a waste of nice fabric on me.
Great topic. I love the long statement sleeve fashion only in my head. The weather in the UK means that you will wear it once or twice on that perfect weather day, far too cold most of the time and need a jacket or cardigan which would turn your sleeves into a crumpled mess. In reality make it sleeveless more versitile.
Very well thought out. I especially liked your first point about choosing a pattern to look like the model. Took me a long time to understand and even now I have to remind myself to look at the line drawings and think twice. Insightful questions overall, lots to think about. Oh, and I love that pineapple top on you too.
Thank you!
This vlog was right on point for so many of us home sewers i feel. Thank you for being so honest about this topic. its so true, even though I've been sewing for years its so easy to be swayed by the indie pattern models who always look the bomb in said creation without asking ourselves - is it me? This year, I have promised myself I will look at what I wear the most and to make practical garments that fit my lifestyle. I have a dog so I'm often in jeans and a top - nothing to say the top can't be a little more dressy though eh?
This is SUCH a WISE comment on our sewing behaviours and I totally agree with your questions and know if I were to be more honest with myself there would be less waste in every way (fabric, money, time....). I think as I am evolving as a sewist I am starting to naturally consider some of this more, I certainly sewed all the pretty dresses when I started out but in fact separates are generally more practical for me. I am really trying to visualise the item on my body now rather than being enamoured by the product photo. I am also asking myself the question about how versatile is the item I want to sew i.e. will it take me from walking the dog, doing a school drop off, driving a car, going into a shop, having a coffee somewhere, doing some household chores, sitting at my sewing machine - for example of a non-work day. Following from this is the question of how comfortable will I be in this garment? However, there are still times when I just want the buzz and thrill and adrenaline of the “not sensible sewing” and I do allow myself this too from time to time because it gives me joy and I figure this is ok too - as long as I am being more measured the rest of the time. Thank-you so much for your vlogs, you provide a really wise and thoughtful voice in the sewing world.
You have made some very valid points here, personally I look in my wardrobe (like all I have a skinny-med-fat🤣😂😂 one) I look at what really suites my body shape at present and try make garments according to what looks good now.
I also think we need to move away from the thought pattern of what looks great on person A, will suite us and be realistic and if we have a big bust a full ruffled blouse isn’t out friend etc, unfortunately that’s reality.
I buy fabric and in the back of my mind I have an idea and as soon as I see that one dress or pattern I know why I have bought it, I try not buy it for the sake of it but with a plan in mind, so far so good.
great video, I can see you really put thought into this one.
This is so true!! Gosh I have so many patterns I purchased before really thinking of how items will look on my body. Plus bought a bunch of dress patterns but how often do I wear fancy dresses?! Hahah
Great video thank you x
I cleared my wardrobe and really liked at what I wore regularly. The shapes that suited me. I also started following Daffodiledger, as she is a similar age and shape. Unfortunately she doesn't vlog anymore. I like to wear dresses but I ride a bike, so it wasn't practical, until I saw Marcia Riddington wear hers over jeans, light bulb moment. I am now trying tobe more environmentally aware. Using my scraps, I've got into patchwork and toy making. Which itches my sewing bug with out filling my wardrobe with stuff I don't need. So it's one out one in this year. Thank you for making me think xx
Wearing dresses in windy city of Geraldton Western Australia is fraught with oh ohhh moments so many girls will wear shirts under dresses and tunics. I wear sarongs shorts and singlets 3 months of the year and save dresses for when I have to go somewhere special, but they do help me feel more feminine as I get older.
Shorts not shirts
@@AnitaSouthall that's a great idea, will look into that
This video is really makes you think my problem is I am a size 20 (shop size) I see all these TH-cam videos done by slim ladies and think things will look the same on me they don't and I get disheartened so I need to ask myself will it suit my size and shape before I start a garment. Really enjoyed watching this video.
Several of these issues are why I lost interest in sewing many years ago. I've only recently been thinking about trying again.
Thank you for all the effort you put into making these videos, I enjoy the images and video clips you insert to demonstrate your subject. Love your wedding dress!
Thank you!
Really enjoyed this discussion. My fabric stash only has the colours that I know suit my complexion and hair colour and make me feel good. Everytime a vlogger shows me their latest 'gift' from one of the online fabric stores I acknowledge and feel happy that THEY like it, but it's not my taste. I don't buy 'on trend' patterns or 'on trend' fabric I wait and think carefully. This has been a hard lesson to learn. I definitely don't purchase loose and boxy shape designs or smock styles that would swamp my body. I must admit I get bored with everyone vlogging about the same 'latest pattern' but I always learn something. Please keep producing these thought provoking vlogs Claire, you really shine!
Thank you Molly
Great points. I really want to start on something now that my machine is out and I made my granddaughter a little blanket for Christmas. What should I do next. I'll have to think about it since there are so many things I really want to get going on.
I just came to a similar realization today. I need to give up trying to make fitted patterns for myself. That's not what I'm comfortable wearing.
Yes!! Wear what makes you happy 🥳
Thank you, these questions are what I need to ask myself, as I sew things that I ever wear.
Back in the late 1970's, I think, I bought a DVF Vogue pattern for her wrap dress, and beautiful knit fabric to make it. The dress made me look like I was wearing a ton of fabric. Needless to say, I did not wear it. Decades later there was a DVF exhibit at LACMA, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, with many of her wrap dresses. When I went to the exhibit, I felt the fabric, which I shouldn't have done, and I finally realized why my dress felt like it weighed a ton and her dresses looked light and breezy. Her knit fabric was super thin compared to the knit fabric I used. Back in the day, I would never use thin knit fabric because I thought it looked cheap. Live and learn.
Whilst totally thrilled to have discovered the sewing community on TH-cam, I have at times felt overwhelmed at sewists' plans and expectations of themselves - eg how many garments sewn within a given time. I also fell into the trap of buying new indie patterns, many unsuitable for my older body and lifestyle. I also bought a few wonderful patterns that just got left unused for no particular reason. Eg in the past week I made my first Morris blazer, having btought the pattern the month it was released - there will be more!. After making my standard alterations to the pattern, it practically made itself. Wonderful! Thank you, Claire, for this vlog of sewing wisdom. I can't wait see your take on the capsule wardrobe!
I bought that pattern when it came out but haven’t made it yet! Hoping they’ll grade it up.
It'll be worth waiting for. Take care!
Great video. Once I decide what I want to make and purchase the pattern, I make a point to sit down and read thru the pattern carefully highlighting anything that I don't understand. In the past, I've started making garments but then had to put them aside because I would encounter steps that I didn't understand or weren't familiar with.
Great, really thoughtful video and I need to go and think carefully about what you said, so much of it hit home. I follow several TH-cam sewers and enjoy watching what what they do but realised long ago that with the majority much younger & most making things in size 8-10-12 that many of the patterns are not suitable for my age group or size. Thank you Claire, really insightful, keep them coming.
I recently found your videos and really enjoy them! This is a subject I have grappled with all of my life. I started sewing my school clothes when I was 11! Now at sixty I run an alterations shop and don’t always have time for large projects that I may not like or that might look atrocious on my very pear body. My favorite makes over the years have been copies of ready to wear pieces that I love, usually simple knit pieces. If I have a favorite I copy off a pattern and make more! They are usually quick to make and I know they will fit.
Copying off pieces is a good idea, I’ve just don’t that myself!
You are absolutely right Claire in much of what you say! I love dress patterns, but since I retired I never wear dresses! I had my colours done just before lockdown, so I know what suits me colour wise, but it has taken me a while to understand my clothes style! This year (as in 2020) I have tried to concentrate on making trousers (a challenge in itself) and tops which are far more practical but I still have a yearning to make lovely maxi dresses for the summer. I promise myself that I WILL wear them but I probably won’t! 😍❤️
I could have written this myself Lynne x
I love your honesty Claire. I agree we often don't think about these things. I have beautiful wool fabric in my stash that I bought in Soho about 30 years ago just before I move to Western Australia, I still love the fabric but much too hot to use here so I look at it every time I go through my stash but that is about it!
This is a great video. I love watching TH-camrs but I always wonder what they are doing with all of these clothes they are making! I also wonder a lot about these "on trend" patterns that everyone is making as I don't think that they will suit me so puts me off. I think we are led to believe as sewers that we can adjust anything to make it fit us but sometimes it still just looks horrible even if it does fit!! I hope to follow your good principles!!
Yes!! This!! Totally agree!! Not everything is right for us!
I take a workshop from Clotilde one and she talked about sewing clothes that had that “Loving hands at home” look which we don’t want because everyone can tell they’re homemade.
Its like you are reading my mind and telling me what direction I know I need to go in! I want to love my makes and really wear them from now on. I don't regret starting off with charity shop fabrics but I'm ready to spend a little more and take more time to really love what I make. Thanks for your wise words :)
I’m so looking forward to seeing your new direction and what you produce x
"I don't think I even looked at the estimated time on the pattern."
Me: Wait, there's an estimated time on patterns? I really should read those better.
Some don’t but many do.
Your content and presentation are well done. Thank you for your hard work! And I agree with Natalie Stanchevski's comment below, "Why shouldn't I wear nice and pretty things at home?". As Jennifer Scott, youtuber @ The Daily Connoisseur, says, we want to "be presentable always." Our husbands and children enjoy seeing us in pretty things as well.
Such great points. I make so many things that get little wear for many of these reasons. Thank you!
Great video, Claire! Food for thought indeed.
Wise words thank you 🧚♀️
This is me! I am retired and I made dresses that I won't wear!
I think we’ve all been there!
I am just returning to sewing after 30 years. I have thrifted lots of fabrics. I am cutting out some. It is a slow process, but it is a labor of love. My aim is a total new wardrobe A to Z., On an extreme budget.So the patterns are all new to me and the fabrics are NOT what I would normally choose. So Good Luck To ME!
Spot on, excellent advice! Thank you 🙂
I agree with everything you said. I always think m of myself how I would like to be and not as i am and up disappointed in the result. Well said 🤗
Thank you for your insight about the emotional part of our decisions when making puchases.
Great video! I am right there with you on this topic and this video was right on time! This is my goal for 2021… To sew only what I really want or need! I have sewn too many pieces that have ended up donated because I just didn’t wear them! That’s a waste of beautiful fabric in some cases, time and money! I want to sew a beautiful wardrobe of pieces I will want to wear every day! (And the occasional beautiful piece for special occasions!). Thank you so much for sharing! 🤗
Thank you Myra!
This is soooo helpful-I am in the process of planning a small capsule wardrobe right now, and you gave me a lot to think about. I get bewildered trying to decide on fabric, etc., and this will really help me be a little more choosy. Thank you so much!
Glad to help. Keep watching because I’m about to embark on a capsule wardrobe. I have one video up and the next will be up on Sunday.
Your dress looks stunning.
Thank you 🙏
Yes you are spot on I’ve done a skirts that I just wanted to get done and it was horrible thank you for going through this x
This is such a great video. Thanks for all your wisdom. I'm very much a beginner and these videos are very helpful. Much appreciated!🙏
I’m a new sewist. What inspired me to start sewing was my dislike for clothes shopping. Nothing fit, and I hated the fabrics! The colors of fabrics of clothes that fit never looked good on me. First thing I asked myself, what is a good color palette for me? I watched several TH-cams to figure this out. Next question: What’s my body type? What styles look good on my body type. I’m an inverted V. More TH-cams … Next question: What are my favorite clothes that I wear most often? Do they look good on my body type? Surprisingly the answer, yes, I do tend to wear pieces that are meant for my researched body type. Who knew?!? Looking at my favorite clothes I discovered the patterns were pretty easy level patterns. What type of sewing machine do I need? With more youtubes I discovered I needed a simple quality machine with 30 stitches. I love my sewing machine (Janome). After a few projects I discovered I hate the awkward process of fitting the pattern pieces on my own body infront of a mirror. I decided a dress form would be helpful. I found a used dress form for $30! Yes, I needed to pad it to meet my body measurements, yes there’s a youtube for that!
Questions are so important. Be honest with yourself. Sewing can be challenging, I love a challenge. Small challenges can bring big rewards. ❤❤❤ Love your videos!!!!
These are all good points. The one question I ask myself is will it go with three or more items already in my wardrobe. I learned to ask myself this, when I bought ready to wear, from a stylist and I’ve carried it over into my sewing.
Many things you said really resonated with me. It was a real “game changer” for me when I started sewing in a seasonal module format, with a more cohesive plan and color palate. The items get worn more and it reduces (not eliminates😉) wasteful fabric purchases! I also try to balance easy projects with more advanced or time consuming ones.
I am also not sewing face masks!
Another question to ask- Would I buy this if I saw it in a store?
BTW. You looked stunning in the Lisa Comfort dress
Thank you and. A great question to ask!
Yes, we really enjoy fabric. Problem is: labeling fabric of content upon returning home and laundering it. Not knowing what was actually purchased and what it really should be used for. Problem is: someone mentions what a wonderful pattern designer an individual is. Patterns are purchased and it turns out the pattern maker/designer is terrible right down to absolutely terrible instructions. 4 muslins later and not close to a even a mediocre fit. Problem is: not knowing fabric well enough to associate what will work with a given pattern. I feel defeated yet have a strong desire to sew garments not another quilt!
You were stunning in your wedding dress just as you you are now. You wear your pineapple top beautifully. Thank you for all the time, energy, and passion you put forth to inspire and share with this world we live in. Your a precious lady.
I used to make Gunnysack dresses for my daughter and just hope she wore it as long as it took me to make it. They were cute!
Great conversation! Thanks
Thank you,very useful video,
Absolutely agree with you, great video.
I so agree. I had to adjust my projects also. I like a challenge so I would try something really complicated. However, they weren’t comfortable or weren’t me at all ( like making dresses when I never wear them)!
Hi Claire, this was the most interesting video so far, cause I've learned during sewing last year or to last summer, I really looked closely what I thought i liked and did suit me, so did an experiment, I sew up 6 diffrent styles of dresses (cheap bed linen) they all had a waist seam so I got diffrent styles of upper bodice and diffrent skirts and all done with patterns I thought I loved they look beautiful on they envelopes and not one of those dresses did my body any good I looked like an idiot , I have recently recovered from an illness that have changed my body so much that I had to learn what I can actually wear, luckily all the lockdowns made me to do this experiment and I'm glad I did cause I can ditch half of my dress patterns ,I need to shape my dresses alll the way without any waist seams those patterns I loved so nowadays if I'm looking and if I see something I love I first look closely to line drawings,many of big
four patterns is out, and I've been moore careful overall what to sew, although I'm still very emotional sewist but I've managed to get really nice garments out of my new experience ❤take care and stay safe and keep sewing ❤
I’m so glad you found what works for you.
Hi I recently found Christie ressel capsule wardrobe video excellent helped me a ton
Great video. I need to ask myself these questions. I thought you looked beautiful in your wedding dress.
Thank you
Thanks , all very good nfo. Cheers Mary
My least needed/worn garments are blazers. I do not like them on me. No desire to make one. Every capsule wardrobe starts with a blazer. Makes me tune out. Thanks for the reality check.
The capsule I’m about to do does not have a blazer in it 😀
This.....is very helpful. Thank you
Great video!
Omg, of it was about needing the garment I wouldn't sew ever again! And as a tailor with a masters degree my learning span is pretty slim. So... Yeah, I sew for enjoyment. But you're right, I've actually thought about why should I make this, there's nowhere to go these days anyway. But then, what else is there to do in lockdown... 😁
It’s not just about needing to sew. You missed the point of my message. It’s about making it work in your wardrobe and ensuring you wear what you make. My message comes from a place of having made lots of garments that then don’t get worn. In this video I am addressing this problem. Sewing for fun or because you’ll enjoy it is one of the points I made, it’s just not top priority.