@@asiabryant207 same here - I hadn't sewn anything before I made a top, side laced "jerkin", and a cloak for RenFaire. but thankfully it was chilly that day because the cloak I made was from a repurposed faux-fur blanket (my group went as our D&D characters).
My corset is very simple. This is because I am a middle class woman, and if it actually were 1895, my corset would be pretty simple, because I cannot afford a fancy one. Simplicity is sometimes historically accurate.
Anything you do with your hands -- knitting, crocheting, hand sewing, tatting, playing the piano, -- anything you do with your hands you learn by doing it over and over and over and over and over and over. The more you do it, the better you get at it. It's muscle memory. It takes time and repetition. There are no shortcuts. You have to put in the time to get the skill.
Yes, it WAS cheaper to make your own clothes in the ‘80s! I felt self conscious that my Mom made so many of my clothes. Now I WISH I could have more “homemade” clothing!!
I almost remember when store bought fashion and home made fashion switched price base. I feel like it was the mid 90's. Right about the time I actually began wanting to get into fashion design and construction. BOOM quality of store bought dropped and making it yourself became a novelty. My mom taught me to sew, neither of us know how old I was, but I know it was significantly pre divorce, so I couldn't have been much older than 5. ... I forget where I was going with that....
I for one love longer videos. I don't have any friends that do historical costuming and I feel like a friend is chatting to me. I look forward to all of your vlogs.
re: sewing, corsetry, etc being a skill. I've been knitting for 11-12 years now. One thing that I've found is that other people will look at a pattern and think "oh that's too complicated" and i look at the same pattern and i'm like.... there only 1 thing here I don't know how to do it, let's do it! A very pertinent example is right now (Sep 2019) I'm knitting a shawl for my wedding. I've never put beads in a knitted object before. This project has 2800 beads! Did I let that stop me? Hell no! Did I have to figure where tf to get a teeny tiny 0.7mm crochet hook? Yeah, but Amazon is your friend! Now I've got 40 out of 56 repeats on the border beaded and I'm moving along well! Watching you and Bernadette (and I found you thanks to Bernadette) has really made me want to pick up a sewing needle as opposed to a knitting needle. As soon as I'm done my wedding shawl I'm totally diving into my (very) meagre fabric stash and try a few things. :D Edit to add: This shaw I'm making? Started it 7/14/2019 - I had like 2 months to knit it. It's the week before the wedding and I'm still going! Talk about deadline pressure! (Wedding is 9/22/2019, it's 9/16/2019..... I've only got 15 more repeats to go!)
loved the chattiness and the moving around gives a sense of sitting in the corner with a cup of coffee while you potter around doing your thing...really liked it. :-) looking for pt2
Take a page from Scarlet O'Hara and look in the drapery section, especially for outerwear. The brocades and cottons are gorgeous and often go on sale just like garment fabric. And, because it's so wide you often need much less yardage.
For learning how to sew, go to the libraries and borrow books about sewing! There are SO MANY books about all sorts of crafting subjects available, and even if you local library doesn't have that many, they can order in from other libraries - and it's free!
@@woolywonders5546 I suppose it might be different from country to country - in Norway the transport cost for inter-library loans is covered by the library (because of the way our library law defines the principle of free library services). Is the $5 per book, or can you order multiple books for that price?
Third!!!! lol (I love your Kubo mask!) You are a great communicator. You do NOT come off as elitist. Thank you for being so straightforward and sensible. You are to be trusted because you do not hedge the truth of things.
What I love about this group of amazing people which you, Bernadette, Morgan, Marika and Cathy make up (for me anyway), is that you are all so different and compliment eachother so well. You have this cool, easy way of communicating anything and everything that doesn't cause stress with me, and as a newbie your kindness towards other people in the community is so lovely to witness. I follow you on instagram and the way you are so supportive of other people is just like, so rare to see I feel, so thank you....aaaand enough with the rant 😅
I just learned spray starch has sugar in it so definitely wash! Keeping bugs at bay. Also I wanted to say to those learning to sew The Vogue Sewing Book is my go to for years😀
I am learning to make a rectangle skirt with a waist band (no elastic) and a zipper! This is (counting individual pieces) The fifth thing I've sewn this year and you're right that skills are something you learn and improve on.
I bought a cheap dress form and had my husband cut out the bust and raise it about 3 inches. Then I padded it out with foam pads from a kit. I've lost 30 lbs since then so should do it over. Yours look so neat!
Hate to tell you but you have to take your own advice and give your serger a try. I got my serger as a gift and took a weekend course. They had us put different colours in for each then play with the tension to see what it looks like with a needle thread is to tight or loose or a looper thread. After that we did swatches on different types of fabrics. All of these were stapled on to paper with notes of settings and put into a binder. I still on occasion reference it. Once you figure out the how to set the tension for different fabrics it’s really easy. It really is a skill you just need to gather some scraps and play.
It is very interesting to hear about non-historical sewing. I do almost exclusively 1890s (because that is how I dress day-to-day it is difficult for me to convince myself to spend a ton of time and effort on making a costume that I will only wear once or twice), so it is interesting to hear about non-historical stuff.
Adelaide Beeman-White that is awesome. I am working up to making some historical inspired every day clothes. I want to love what I wear! Still working on the not wanting to stand out too much and be stared at thing. I live in NH where you don’t see too much of that!!
I actually like knits. I'm a big girl, and I find knits to be more forgiving of mistakes in sizing. Most woven projects for me come out.... Wonky. I am slowly building that skill and my confidence with wovens. Great vid.
My first corset years ago was the Laughing Moon Silverado (with the bust gores). I spent so much time at LACIS in Berkeley - I was in there every week. The store manager at the time did me a huge favor. I came in with my mock up, we put it on inside out, and she fitted the back for me. I still think happily of that kindness.
Thank you for pouring out that anyone can sew! Keep on mind that it was a skill everyone could do. Because if you couldn't you'd be naked. I love how many mentions you can hear about Bernadette in a week on RUclips. For practicing hand sewing : if you are like me and can't bear to waste materials, make doll clothes. Or Barbie clothes. They are small so you don't have that feeling of taking forever, and they are actually easier hand sewing. I'm about halfway through the truly Victorian Chemise and I'm loving it . Hand sewing is also easier to travel with. I don't commute on a New York subway, but I spent a lot of time sat watching a kid dance/curl/swim/Tae Kwon Do/soccer/whatever. So I sew. Oh! Noelle take your own advice and watch RUclips videos for serging! I got mine at Christmas and have been making vintage tops and pjs and finishing seams. It's awesome if you make clothes at all.
It's not as hard as you think. I'm no expert as I've only had mine for a few months. If you were closer I'd offer to show you but I'm in NS Canada and therefore could hardly be farther away and still on the same continent.
Thank you for answering my corset question, I have found a company here in uk that have the laughing moon patterns along with The truly Victorian patterns. I have a week to finish my skirt for the Victorian museum trip so will really think about a corset when I get back.
Long videos are gifts from the Gods! And for us chubby chicks, corsets too… And the structured garments that goes with them. So many opportunities to cheat! :) Also, went with the period standard of beauty. Love Louis XV fashion, which can be easily explained when you looks at nude paintings from Fragonard: Those lovely ladies are strongly on the plump side, and they wore fashion that flattered this (so did the guys. Those "partially buttoned" vests, anyone?). Plump was good, and for upper classes, and trendy and hip and chic for a long time, guys! Go us! And speaking of upper classes you should not worry about sounding elitist. So, ye got money to throw at stuff. Well, good for you then, dear. I happen to be of modest means with an extremely ticklish banker (and okay, I'm cheap)… And I have to say, when there's a will, there's a way. I thrift, I recycle, upcycle, repair, transform, Frankenstein stuff and generally being creative while toeing my budget (may blog about it one day). And sometimes, having limited funding can really spur the creativity. What I do NOT do is resent is people who have more. First it's a waste of time, second it's not going to improve my own in any way, now will it? When I see some stuff I'd love to have but can't afford, my first instinct is to ask "how can I make something like this?", and go full Bernadette Banner on it's ass, in a somewhat different way that involves a lot of thrift stores, sales, and Aliexpress more often than not. Which is why I actually WANT to see the good stuff, 'cause otherwise what will I have to copy, eh? So, Noelle, if you got some envious idiots on your tail, just send them my way. I'll have a few choice words for them. Enjoy what you do and Godspeed! PS: I rewatched it and, yep, corsets are tedious but not that hard. Now, you know what? Same with sleeves! *runs for cover*
Totally, it’s all about the want. The rest will just come with practice! I’m happy to be diving into dresses AFTER quilting since I know I’ve got my straight seams skills down ;)
"Sewing is a skill not a talent. I didn't come out of the womb knowing how to sew. If you want to sew, just start and you will get better. There are people all around you who like to sew and you will not know it until you start talking another it. It is hard, complicated and intimidating IF you make it hard, complicated and intimidating! You CAN do it! Start with the forgiving garments of undergarments! By 10 yards of a fabic you fall in love with. If u only have money for 3 yards then get it the main thing is just sew!" Ooooooh how my daughter and I appricate these comments you made!!! We are going to print your quotes out and read them daily until we get started!!! We are excited to find a fabic we fall in love with. Something that we like so much we can't wait to learn to sew.
Thanks for the link to Lynns page, going there now :-) You know why I didn't started my 1884 outfit yet? (have everything I need in terms of patterns, fabrics and everything else needed to make it...laces, buttons, gores, you name it I have it... except the boning for the corset) That gave me the excuse needed to procrastinate it for 5 years now... think finding Bernadette, you and especially Cathy with her motivational videos are making me realise how stupid that is and that I just need to lose my fear and start it ;-) So Thank You for kicking my ass just now, even without knowing it :-) Hahaha xxx
There is a really cool company called bootstrap fashion where they have a program to put your measurements in and it will make you a custom dress form pattern that puts the belly protrubrance back slump big arms etc. And you make it yourself .......Awesome!!!
Roslyn80 yes, there are several reviews and even a few sew alongside on RUclips and it is very doable one shows how she used an old coat rack for the stand I have mine on the way cant wait to make it.
I'm currently working on my first sewing project since I was 11 (now 24...oops) so hearing the whole "sewing is a skill" thing was very helpful. Thank you
First of all, you would look dope in armor! Second, Apple shapes can look amazing in anything. Especially with your creative eye and sewing skills 👍🏻❤️😊🍎🍏
Your common sense approach to learning how to sew historical dress is wonderful. "Tedious not hard" are words to live by! When I teach someone, I firmly believe the right tools and a good attitude by the student are what I need to succeed. I would take a class you are teaching. Thanks for your videos!
Thank you for your Vlog. I founding very interesting and helpful. I am going to make a shift, per your suggestion, and next the Laughing Moon corset. Thank you and have a great trip.
Best of luck travelling w a morning person! Be sure to schedule time away for your travel companion so you don't kill each other. (Don't ask how I know...) Love your vids, as always. I enjoy the ramble!
So I just started my sewing journey with a Victorian Walking Skirt and what you said at around 35 minutes in is exactly how my thought process went. "Well the skirt wasn't too bad but I'd like it to have that proper Victorian shape. I should make a petticoat. Oh, the petticoat will make it look much nicer but I really need to make a Victorian corset to get the proper silhouette. Hm, well if I have a corset..." and on, and on, and on lol. Thanks for taking the time to do these Q&A's!!
Love RUclips. I've learned so much , there's always more to learn . "Met" some awesome people...there's also so many projects that you can do apart from clothing . Like hats gloves stockings. And accessories, I love making those! Enjoy your trip, take care , have fun
I am backtracking seeing you older videos to really catch up on your work. I have enjoyed every one even the ones you say you've just rambled on. It's like a visit with a friend, talking about stuff we love.
I really did enjoy this chat so thanks for making it. I've been wanting to make my own corset for a couple of years now but had no idea where to get all the materials and items. I'm familiar with medical correction corsets, but never made one. When I was 10 or 11 I was placed into such corsets until I was 20, my first pregnancy. Even so, I wore my medical corset off and on over the next 20 years. Then I wore a back brace. Well, 5 years ago my back broke in the same area that the medical corset protected, the back brace did not. Since then, I have wanted to have my corset. Everything that I have been given here in France doesn't feel correct and some have caused me pain. I could fly back to the states and have one made for me. I really don't want to go through all that medical expense there, all the time it will take, etc.. So I am going to attempt making my own corset and see if that will serve my purposes. Which is how I found Bernadette Banner, Cathy Hay, and you. You all have been wonderful providing resources, idea, and encouragement. BTW, after moving to France I simply didn't find any fabric stores in the countryside but did find sources I could order over the internet. I didn't speak or read french. My goal was to buy a bolt of muslin because who doesn't need muslin. So, I asked my husband to help me: "How does muslin translate to in French?" and he responded "mousseline". That is how I came to own a HUGE bolt of white, non-cotton, fabric that looks and feels like a heavy chiffon. But I kept all that. Then we moved to a smaller village, into a converted centuries old green house. I used that Mousseline to make curtain sheers. They had to be hung from the ceiling, that was about 12 feet and 6 inches tall and 32 feet wide. I was so glad to have all Mousseline. So never worry about buying too much.
You look absolutely stunning in the cat dress! Wow! I learned many things from this video. Thank you for taking time to talk to us all I'm personally very interested in a video where u teach us how to make the uniquely you ... customized.
About that surger in the closet, I had one in the closet for over 20 years so I sold it a couple years ago. It was a Bernina and so had held its value pretty well. I have been sewing for about 30 years and never could truly embrace surged seams. I have made everything from maternity wardrobe to kids clothes, kids costumes for Halloween every year, drapes and some upholstery, dance team costumes for years and currently into machine quilting. But I did stumble across this Costube community a couple months ago while contemplating some Regency dresses/gowns for a Jane Austen event this summer, and have really enjoyed binge watching your channel. Thanks for the pattern reviews on your regency outfit.
I'm an extrovert that lives with an introvert who can't stop talking to me but isn't a sewist, but a programmer so is full of geek talk so I sympathize.
I have the same feeling when I see my favorite costubers cutting things out on the floor, "ah my back and knees!" Also I have created a pretty giant wish list on black snail patterns thanks to you.
(TLDR; Worbla tutorial ref below.) This was an informative video and I liked just listening and getting some tidbits from it. It also helps me understand where my mom is coming from, since she and I differ in what we're willing to do for a final costume. I lean more to the Bernadette-side of making as much of it as possible so I can customize it, but she would rather mod a pattern or buy something to craft over. It has something to do not only with the buying power between us, but also level of skill and patience each of us have with certain parts of the process. I really love the details of projects and don't mind work a bit harder for a sturdier end project that lasts (the pride in knowing that it was made from scratch is a feeling I don't get in many other areas of my life...). Time is of the essence for my mom and little fiddly bits are not her jam, so it's really cost-effective to mod existing things and machine sew everything. Everyone's different! Just a TIP: Svetlana Quindt of @kamuicosplay works a lot with Worbla and she's where I learned some basics on making armor from it. She has a RUclips channel, IG, and specifically a website under the same name that has several tutorial books on the subject. Check out her work, she's a top-tier cosplayer!
@@Costuming_Drama Ha ha, well you're right, she has been doing it for a long time. As much as you go to conventions, it makes sense that you would know even a little bit about her. Even if that weren't the case, you always do figure it out either way. I think I do something similar where I am wanting to do something or haven't figured out how to make the project or experience fit me so I can enjoy it, so I talk about it for maybe more than I'd like to warm myself up to the idea. Either that or activities that I don't enjoy doing but may be necessary I end up complaining as I am about to or in the middle of doing it anyway. The mouth says one thing, but the body is moving past it. Sometimes it just takes my mind time to catch up to the idea that doing it actually isn't that big a deal.
@@Costuming_Drama I know, right? :-D And yet, I am an ooold broad -- for sure old enough to be your mom. But then, you're never too old to have a happy childhood -- or in my case, a second childhood. :-D
Sadly sewing used to be a cheap hobby but it is not anymore. Now I suggest looking at thrift stores for material for mock ups or trials. Especially when you are just starting out. It's much nicer to screw up an old bed sheet that was 2 bucks than a $10 per yard cotton. Bonus if you get lucky and find a cute stripe (i did once and added it to my steampunk costume), or a nerdy print. You don't get as much choice and some are stained but if its more in your budget give it a shot.
I love using second-hand fabric. I've made a couple of pinafores for my daughter out of a hospital gown I found. I use second-hand sheets or cheap skirts sometimes. I mostly sew for my kids, but am starting to do stuff for myself
Skill or not, I still think you're crazy talented, and so is Miss Banner. It's such a pleasure watching your videos. I do have a question. What's your favourite fantasy novel?
I'm really just starting my journey into sewing. I am in the process of trying to make 16th century stays and...wow... fitting is the hardest part. I don't have a second person to work with usually so it's a lot of guessing and making mistakes. I love listening to you talk, and you're right, you just have to step into the middle of it and try.
Have you had any ideas for next years Costume College? I was super pleased to see it is the Women's Sufferage theme. I could see a progression theme...start with late Victorian, then Edwardian and then have your day (classes) gowns as 1920s as they are easy and comfortable.
Hey Noelle, I understand that sewing can expensive, so can knitting, I am knitter, but I want to get back into sewing, I just don't have a lot of room right now. I also make jewelry and write too.
Coming in to comment on a year old video...but I relate so hard to your life attitude about being able to do the thing. I think I approach a lot of things that way. I can learn and then I do it. I get asked how I learned to sew, and really, it's just been by watching videos and just jumping in. And practice. And hi from the Atlanta area and fellow DragonCon lover.
As a person on a strict budget, I use curtain/linens from thrift stores. Occasionally there is very good fabric. Also Joanne has 50% off sales. Taffeta can be used instead of silk, it's easy to work with and light. For corset fashion fabric, thrifted silk blouses are great.
It took me two separate tries to get my Uniquely You form close to my own shape. I did use an electric knife for the first try. For my second try, I used a bread knife and scissors to snip and shave the form. I shaved off the bust mounds, put an older fitting bra, filled the bra cups, and then zippered on the cover. This helped me get the mounds in the right position. Be prepared to make a mess in the process but it has really paid off.
I've recently starting looking into the gbacg, I know no one else that is into all of this so I really appreciate that something like that is near me. I went to the costumer bazaar yesterday in Albany and I was so intimidated, I talked to like 3 people. Extrovert me was acting incredibly shy and I'm shocked with myself. LOL. But I hope to get over all that. I've been sewing for about 5 months or so. Working on my first mock-up of an actual dress, finished all my undergarments!
@@Costuming_Drama I will, thank you! I was happy when I realized you lived in California. I think being a stay at home mom for 3 years made my real life social skills a bit rusty!
Hello to you. Being fashionable is overrated. That's why I shop mostly at thrift stores. Unique clothes for awesome prices. I'd love to see the Galadrial dress. The mic worked really well. No shirt noise at all. (Yay, Neil Gaiman!) Gesundheit! I adore some structure to garments. They definitely help show us curvy girls' shapes off properly. Thank you for the pep talk on making a corset. I just need to breathe and take the plunge. As for the talent, if I can teach my 15 year old son to sew, anyone can sew. You have an excellent attitude towards life, "If they can do it, I can learn it". Kamui Cosplay has some good videos on making armor. Thanks for sharing your time with us. Have a good day.
It definitely looks like a serious amount of work. A couple of my friends are heavily into cosplay and what they make is amazing. I don't have the time and patience for armour. My son has, so far, come up with cosplay ideas that I can make out of oversized hoodies and judicious thrift store shopping (with a couple of diy props). I'm sure we'll get more involved as the years go by. Your trip is coming up soon. Have a marvelous time!
Oh my word I about died when you said ren faire was the gateway drug! It's so true! That's how I got into sewing my own costumes back in high school. But I got stuck in the vortex that is ren faire garb and only recently really got into sewing outside of "ren faire" (which isn't terribly interested in HA as a rule). And what I'm working on is my undergarments for a Sally Jupiter cosplay (underbust corset) and a late bustle era dress for Dickens on the Strand. Which I just found out we're attending this week and it's in the beginning of December.
Just a quick addition to the fabric and supplies discussion: Everyone recommends thrift store sheets for mockups, and maybe even thrift store clothing you can repurpose. Lots of people use heavy duty cable ties for corsets and stays. Going with what you can afford can get really cheap if you're able and willing to work with thrifted materials and substitutions. Also, the cost savings tends to be similar to cooking your own food vs. takeout. Like, sure, you can get fast food chicken nuggets and dollar menu items for cheaper than you could make at home. You probably can't make pizza but so much cheaper on your own, and it sure won't taste as good if you don't have access to pizza oven temps. But if you want steak, shrimp, or lobster, home cooked is _much_ cheaper. If all you want is clothes in a cotton/lycra jersey stretch fabric of unknown origin and production made into fast fashion clothing, yeah, it's more expensive to make your own. But if you want 100% organic cotton denim jeans made in exactly the style you want and ethically made (assuming you treat yourself well as you work), then you're talking a comparison easily more than $200, before you even get to tailoring them. Especially if you like very clean lines and classical styles. I've noticed that simpler (but elegant) designs tend to cost more, even if the materials are so-so. If you're making the equivalent of a bespoke designer piece of clothing made of high end materials like pure wool and silk, then your equivalent is easily in the thousands. Even if your goal is just to make clothes that fit your style and your body better, just wanting something less common tends to mean spending more money when someone else makes it. If I bought a corset in my area, a corset maker I've found (who seems quite skilled and reputable) would charge over $1000. AFAIK, that's pretty reasonable for a bespoke piece of clothing that complex.
I would tend to agree with that assessment, except you are not valuing your time into the equation. If I got paid what I get paid at my work, I have many a bustle dress that is easily tens of thousands of dollars in my own time dollars of cost. And while sewing may be fun and is a hobby, it's still work and isn't the same as laying around watching TV so I think there needs to be a value placed on that as well. I actually think things come out pretty even in most cases, but also, let's face it, most of us are not at the level of sewing that bespoke designers and tailors have so the end product isn't going to be that either.
@@Costuming_Drama Oh, definitely. Your time is worth money, too. But if part of what you want is to be good at creating, I'd say the practice you get creating things for yourself compensates for maybe 50% of that time. But that wasn't my main point. My point was not to underestimate the value of clothing made with care, to specific measurements and specifications. Not to compare the cost of clothing you make with attention to detail (and possibly better fabrics) and (hopefully) in comfort to fast fashion clothing made by people working as fast as humanly possible in terrible conditions. Most modern clothes, especially the ones elegantly and classically designed, don't have a very complex design compared to pre-20th century patterns. And when they're made from quality fabrics, and sewn with care, they're often sold for thousands. Also, most modern clothes are deliberately designed to try to accommodate most people within the size, and therefore fit almost everyone badly at key points. Watching a fashion designer try on and critique a clothing line, I was really struck by how much bad fitting we all just put up with. I wouldn't be surprised if I had to pay tens of thousands of dollars to buy a bespoke, made-to-measure bustle dress. Especially since I'd expect to pay somewhere around 10 thou for a bespoke modern wedding dress. If I go to Eileen Fisher and look at an organic cotton sleeveless tunic made from two pieces of fabric, it's about $180. It's way simpler than the product of the simplest shift tutorial I've come across. I have some clothes from there, and I'd say that the construction is good, but not better than most RUclipsrs I've come across so far. You're a highly skilled lot, and I'm very impressed. Given those shift tutorials, I'm guessing someone with skill and experience not only sewing, but sewing to fit themselves (maybe even a block), and a serger as well as a sewing machine could make it within an hour. So even if the fabric cost $90, and their normal wage was $90 an hour, they'd still have extra value from the custom fit. And IMHO, that's a more accurate comparison than, say, a similar item from Target or Old Navy.
This was such a fun, relaxed video - so much great advice to be had! In regards to your advice about buying extra fabric, and especially buying 10ish yard cuts for projects without a solid plan, my current challenge is designing and making a 1870ish bustle dress when I don't have any cuts above 6 yards. I find all my fabric second hand, so I feel like I'm trying to puzzle a dress together with too small of pieces! Foundations have to happen first, though, so fingers crossed the thrifting gods send me a huge cut of taffeta to work with soon!!
Hi, Cosplayer here who worked with worbla before. *waves* You do not need worbla in order to make armour. Trust me. I know, a lot of people do it, but it really isn't great for armour. It changes shape and sometimes bubbles up in hot climates. When you travel with a car you have to be super careful to never ever leave them in there, because the heat from the sun can be enough to destroy the piece. Worbla is heavy. It doesn't seem like it, but it adds up. I had a good experience with armour made from foam (EVA foam or craftfoam) it is much lighter and combined with a few layers of wood glue can be really sturdy. It is also much cheaper. So maybe that would work for you too? Just as an idea, because when I started cosplaying everyone made me feel, like worbla is the only way to do it. And that is simply not the case. (though it is equally tedious. So I completely understand if you are not a fan of crafting armour in general. I try to avoid it as well.) Much love
@@Costuming_Drama Oh well, as long as everyone knows, what they are getting themselves into. :D Guess then there really is no way around it. At least you are in it together. Your friends are amazing. I'm sure it will be worth it.
For marking darts, try pinning the pattern on the right side of your fabric, and pin at the apex as well as both dart legs and mark. Thats how I do it anyway!
It also makes a big difference if you start at the side seam and sew to the point, and then hand tie the threads together at the point instead of back stitching. For me it makes a HUGE difference!!!!
I see your skills aren't limited to sewing. I have the same IKEA desk for sewing, only in blue/black. The cats think I assembled it just for them to have a place to relax and watch birds. Thank you for your encouragement. My introduction to historical costuming, now that I think of it, was the costumes I wore in local theater shows waaaaaaaaaay back. Not detail oriented like the garments you (and Bernadette and Morgan) create - just has to look good from a distance. I, too, sewed my own clothes, and learned from my grandmother to start.
I absolutely love this! I'm actually working on my first corset right now, making a Fall/Winter 1919 Corset, it's not perfect but I'm finally putting on the pipping. Still have so much to work on for the outfit, plus I'll be going back further in time and, likely, intricacy. 1895 I'm coming for you next!
Thank you!! ❤️Thank you for your words on beginning corset making. I was totally scaring myself in my head, wanting to find the PERFECT book etc to learn to do it "Right" and basically, just have to dive in and go for it. But you gave great tips. I think I was scared because I saw how Cathy Hay did hers and the sizing up scares me as I am not a proportional type or small like she is. And so, your comments helped majorly. Thank you.
As always I loved the video, you are a great sewing companion. I so agree that sewing well isn't as much a talent as it is a skill, it helps if you have a certain affinity for it. That way you are more motivated to "put in the time and effort' simply because you like/love doing it... duhhh… ; ) While I now have a tailoring business, my education is in electrical/mechanical engineering and programming, factory automation.... before I started out helping my in-laws with their tailoring business, I never even owned a sewing machine. I just jumped off at the deep end, for me this kind of tactic works beautifully. Screwing up is just part of the process. Having resources and instructions and knowledgeable people that you can ask questions or brainstorm with definitely helps. My only ‘beef’ with my job is that I do predominantly custom made men’s wear, I take their measurements and draft my own patterns, and there are not a lot of resources on pattern drafting or construction for men’s suits and costumes. But I can still make do, there is just a lot more trial and error and time involved. That being said, I would love people to brainstorm with and share ideas with.
Love your insight. In knitting we say buy the best you can afford. That’s different for everyone and often changes through our lives. Right now I’m between jobs and working through a stash of yarn and fiber. And yes to spending time on the craft. In hand spinning the idea is to do 15 minutes a day every day - I imagine the same would be true for hand sewing. Buy cotton for kitchen towels and hand stitch and embroider and you’ve got Christmas presents and the practice. I laughed out loud at “going full Bernadette Banner.” I know how to sew some and my method will always look more like yours, but it’s fascinating to watch what she does!
Thank you for posting about your dress form. I have been trying to figure out a great form that is pin-able. I appreciate your vlogs because it shows that there are flaws in making items and that things don’t always work the first time. It encourages me. Thank you for what you do!
Have fun on your trip, looking forward to seeing the footage. Thinking I will make a corset soon, thanks for saying it is not as hard as you think. Making a shift first, found some linen that was discounted to price I could afford. Almost finished my stripey challenge 1940s top.
Always happy to watch long videos! My sewing companion is in China now so I always enjoy having your videos accompanying me on my sewing days. It reminds me of the cosplay days we used to have before she moved. Thank you for doing a Q&A video where we could learn more about you as well as receive encoragement to get out there and sew! (Projects are being paused while my machines have a spa week at the repair shop. They needed some pampering before the fabric furies descend upon them.)
Im so glad to be an adventure voyuer, its lovely to get to see things I can't attend! Once we get home, there's going to be a dress from chicken themed fabric, and getting t shirts printed for our family that is going to the Heirloom Expo in Santa Rosa to buy seeds and learn garden things.I may push it and try for vegetable print, since I have sheep already... I learned finicky hand sewing by making cute and fun pillowcases in interesting fabrics and just finishing them off by hand, trying to get better at straight lines and small stitches. They were fast enough to not be too frustrating, fun gifts and it wasn't vital that they be perfect or invisible.
I find it interesting that you dislike your serger. But I understand why. I started sewing with a serger so I understand how to use it... so I wasn’t as comfortable using my sewing machine. I’ve only been sewing since 2012 or so... but crocheting and knitting since I was 5. I love making quilts and clothing. It’s so much fun. I love watching you and Bernadette!! Thank you for your videos!!!!
Thanks for all the information.Each time I watch you,I enjoy and appreciate you more and more. Your insight seems so logical, wise, and practical. Love the thought, if a boy can sew then I know I can sew. I hope you keep doing You Tube. In 1954 when my brother made a shirt(cause he wanted a jean shirt) from old jeans I increased my desire to sew. I was taking Home Ec. in High School and he only asked how to thread the sewing machine. I usuallystruggle and often give up but know "just do it" makes both talent and skill go forward.
I learned to sew in the 70’s. My dad was a better seamstress then my Mom. It was the joke in our family. Both my bothers learned to sew and still do projects to this day, mostly repairs. Everyone can learn to sew, it takes time and determination.
Corsets, a)dont measure yourself when you have fluid retention! b) Label all your pattern pieces,fabric and paper,and copy any wierd lines and letters even if you dont yet know what they mean. c) Be kind to yourself and get a full metre rather than the half metre of fabric I struggled to cut all my pieces on the grain out of!!
Are You Familiar with Pippi Longstocking? (Swedish childrens books caracter by Astrid Lindgren) She said something that is important to me *S* I've never done that, so I'm sure i'll get it done *S* I'm happy hearing you think 'The Pippi Way' *S*
As much as I want to learn how to sew, I feel like my life is not structured for sewing. I tried to start sewing in grad school, but I didn't have anywhere in my apartment where I could leave my sewing machine set up and I rarely had a large enough chunk of free time that it was worth setting up my machine and sewing. I always did much better with crafts that I could pick up for five minutes before class in the morning. I finished grad school in December, but now my life is pretty much on hold and packed away in boxes in my mom's basement an ocean away until I finish with my postdoc/find a more permanent job. I have a bunch of fabric waiting for me in the US (buying fabric and craft supplies is my preferred form of retail therapy), but I cannot be bothered schlepping it to France and I sure as hell am not going to attempt bringing my sewing machine over. I am also a bit terrified of sewing, because I am the type of person who has delusions of grandeur. I somehow always manage to set my heart on the most difficult thing possible and if that doesn't turn out perfectly, I feel like a failure and don't want to try again.
I joined up with the local costuming guild a few months ago. The one problem with starting with undergarments is you want to go to cool events in costume right away but then you realized it's going to take a while before you can be decent ;p I actually love hand sewing although it does take forever. But for someone like me with pretty much no workspace, it can end up being almost more convenient. And currently I'm learning tatting because apparently slow, impractical, and lacey is my jam. (I'm sure it goes faster once you're hands know what they're doing. Right??)
I have just started binging your channel. I came to you from Bernadette Banner and I was mentally preparing myself to go full on Bernadette Banner for a Victorian Walking Skirt. Like the drafting and such. I’ll still use a machine for sewing. This vid helped me get confidence to just get a pattern from Truly Victorian (a well as the under things) and just start!
Once I finish this bag that has proven to be a skill stretch. I’m scared to start on the zipper section as it doesn’t totally make sense. As well as all the layers. I have an open sew at my indie fabric/sewing store on the 3rd Sunday this month. I can get hand holding and encouragement from them for sure.
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"go full Bernadette Banner on it" this has officially become my favorite quote of the year.
I know, right? I laughed out loud at that one.
LOVED IT!! "Bernadette Banner" is now a verb.
Yes! It's the range now: Do you want "Simplicity pattern" or go full "Bernadette Banner"?
Came hear to say this is my new favorite quote.
I guess Im kinda randomly asking but do anybody know a good website to stream newly released series online?
"ren fair is a gateway drug"
AMEN.
Absolutely the case with me
@@asiabryant207 same here - I hadn't sewn anything before I made a top, side laced "jerkin", and a cloak for RenFaire. but thankfully it was chilly that day because the cloak I made was from a repurposed faux-fur blanket (my group went as our D&D characters).
My corset is very simple. This is because I am a middle class woman, and if it actually were 1895, my corset would be pretty simple, because I cannot afford a fancy one. Simplicity is sometimes historically accurate.
Anything you do with your hands -- knitting, crocheting, hand sewing, tatting, playing the piano, -- anything you do with your hands you learn by doing it over and over and over and over and over and over. The more you do it, the better you get at it. It's muscle memory. It takes time and repetition. There are no shortcuts. You have to put in the time to get the skill.
Yes, it WAS cheaper to make your own clothes in the ‘80s! I felt self conscious that my Mom made so many of my clothes. Now I WISH I could have more “homemade” clothing!!
I almost remember when store bought fashion and home made fashion switched price base. I feel like it was the mid 90's. Right about the time I actually began wanting to get into fashion design and construction. BOOM quality of store bought dropped and making it yourself became a novelty. My mom taught me to sew, neither of us know how old I was, but I know it was significantly pre divorce, so I couldn't have been much older than 5. ... I forget where I was going with that....
It's so funny I was born in 1980, and I always had store bought clothes except for my "fancy" dresses which my grandma made.
I for one love longer videos. I don't have any friends that do historical costuming and I feel like a friend is chatting to me. I look forward to all of your vlogs.
"Going all Bernadette Banner " love that....love watching you and her
re: sewing, corsetry, etc being a skill.
I've been knitting for 11-12 years now. One thing that I've found is that other people will look at a pattern and think "oh that's too complicated" and i look at the same pattern and i'm like.... there only 1 thing here I don't know how to do it, let's do it! A very pertinent example is right now (Sep 2019) I'm knitting a shawl for my wedding. I've never put beads in a knitted object before. This project has 2800 beads! Did I let that stop me? Hell no! Did I have to figure where tf to get a teeny tiny 0.7mm crochet hook? Yeah, but Amazon is your friend! Now I've got 40 out of 56 repeats on the border beaded and I'm moving along well!
Watching you and Bernadette (and I found you thanks to Bernadette) has really made me want to pick up a sewing needle as opposed to a knitting needle. As soon as I'm done my wedding shawl I'm totally diving into my (very) meagre fabric stash and try a few things. :D
Edit to add: This shaw I'm making? Started it 7/14/2019 - I had like 2 months to knit it. It's the week before the wedding and I'm still going! Talk about deadline pressure! (Wedding is 9/22/2019, it's 9/16/2019..... I've only got 15 more repeats to go!)
@@Costuming_Drama Thank you! I did a huge chunk of it yesterday! I've been posting progress pics on my instagram @serenovacrafts
@@Serenova Did you get your shawl done in time?
@@super_siri I did! Got it done with 2 days to spare!
@@Serenova CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
loved the chattiness and the moving around gives a sense of sitting in the corner with a cup of coffee while you potter around doing your thing...really liked it. :-) looking for pt2
Take a page from Scarlet O'Hara and look in the drapery section, especially for outerwear. The brocades and cottons are gorgeous and often go on sale just like garment fabric. And, because it's so wide you often need much less yardage.
For learning how to sew, go to the libraries and borrow books about sewing! There are SO MANY books about all sorts of crafting subjects available, and even if you local library doesn't have that many, they can order in from other libraries - and it's free!
Hmm no our small town library charges $5 for the inter-library loan- price to ship the book. Bigger cities are better tho
@@woolywonders5546 I suppose it might be different from country to country - in Norway the transport cost for inter-library loans is covered by the library (because of the way our library law defines the principle of free library services). Is the $5 per book, or can you order multiple books for that price?
Bernadette's little illustrations in the corner are giving me life!
Fabric is an addiction. All the women in my family who sewed would have a “stash”!!
Absolutely! I even feel some very real anxiety if my stash get down to minimum.
I need a stash! I use almost every fabric I get as soon as I get it!
I appreciate your honesty about the expense of sewing.
Third!!!! lol (I love your Kubo mask!) You are a great communicator. You do NOT come off as elitist. Thank you for being so straightforward and sensible. You are to be trusted because you do not hedge the truth of things.
What I love about this group of amazing people which you, Bernadette, Morgan, Marika and Cathy make up (for me anyway), is that you are all so different and compliment eachother so well. You have this cool, easy way of communicating anything and everything that doesn't cause stress with me, and as a newbie your kindness towards other people in the community is so lovely to witness. I follow you on instagram and the way you are so supportive of other people is just like, so rare to see I feel, so thank you....aaaand enough with the rant 😅
For Linen. Spray starch while ironing also works. When you are done sewing just wash the garment. 😊
I just learned spray starch has sugar in it so definitely wash! Keeping bugs at bay. Also I wanted to say to those learning to sew The Vogue Sewing Book is my go to for years😀
I am learning to make a rectangle skirt with a waist band (no elastic) and a zipper! This is (counting individual pieces) The fifth thing I've sewn this year and you're right that skills are something you learn and improve on.
Not to brag, but I finally finished that skirt! instagram.com/p/B4glguanEk6/ No need to follow, I just wanted to show it.
lol at "Going Full Bernadette Banner"
I bought a cheap dress form and had my husband cut out the bust and raise it about 3 inches. Then I padded it out with foam pads from a kit. I've lost 30 lbs since then so should do it over. Yours look so neat!
Hate to tell you but you have to take your own advice and give your serger a try. I got my serger as a gift and took a weekend course. They had us put different colours in for each then play with the tension to see what it looks like with a needle thread is to tight or loose or a looper thread. After that we did swatches on different types of fabrics. All of these were stapled on to paper with notes of settings and put into a binder. I still on occasion reference it. Once you figure out the how to set the tension for different fabrics it’s really easy. It really is a skill you just need to gather some scraps and play.
It is very interesting to hear about non-historical sewing. I do almost exclusively 1890s (because that is how I dress day-to-day it is difficult for me to convince myself to spend a ton of time and effort on making a costume that I will only wear once or twice), so it is interesting to hear about non-historical stuff.
Adelaide Beeman-White do you mind if I ask, do you wear that for work or do you just wear it because you love it?
lynn lamy - Just because I love it 🥰
Adelaide Beeman-White that is awesome. I am working up to making some historical inspired every day clothes. I want to love what I wear! Still working on the not wanting to stand out too much and be stared at thing. I live in NH where you don’t see too much of that!!
I think you and I have the same love/hate relationship with hand-sewing. Also... love the mic. Love the Cowboy Bebop shirt. You're the best.
I actually like knits. I'm a big girl, and I find knits to be more forgiving of mistakes in sizing. Most woven projects for me come out.... Wonky. I am slowly building that skill and my confidence with wovens. Great vid.
My first corset years ago was the Laughing Moon Silverado (with the bust gores). I spent so much time at LACIS in Berkeley - I was in there every week. The store manager at the time did me a huge favor. I came in with my mock up, we put it on inside out, and she fitted the back for me. I still think happily of that kindness.
Thank you for pouring out that anyone can sew! Keep on mind that it was a skill everyone could do. Because if you couldn't you'd be naked.
I love how many mentions you can hear about Bernadette in a week on RUclips.
For practicing hand sewing : if you are like me and can't bear to waste materials, make doll clothes. Or Barbie clothes. They are small so you don't have that feeling of taking forever, and they are actually easier hand sewing.
I'm about halfway through the truly Victorian Chemise and I'm loving it .
Hand sewing is also easier to travel with. I don't commute on a New York subway, but I spent a lot of time sat watching a kid dance/curl/swim/Tae Kwon Do/soccer/whatever.
So I sew.
Oh! Noelle take your own advice and watch RUclips videos for serging! I got mine at Christmas and have been making vintage tops and pjs and finishing seams. It's awesome if you make clothes at all.
It's not as hard as you think. I'm no expert as I've only had mine for a few months. If you were closer I'd offer to show you but I'm in NS Canada and therefore could hardly be farther away and still on the same continent.
Thank you for answering my corset question, I have found a company here in uk that have the laughing moon patterns along with The truly Victorian patterns. I have a week to finish my skirt for the Victorian museum trip so will really think about a corset when I get back.
Long videos are gifts from the Gods! And for us chubby chicks, corsets too… And the structured garments that goes with them. So many opportunities to cheat! :)
Also, went with the period standard of beauty. Love Louis XV fashion, which can be easily explained when you looks at nude paintings from Fragonard: Those lovely ladies are strongly on the plump side, and they wore fashion that flattered this (so did the guys. Those "partially buttoned" vests, anyone?). Plump was good, and for upper classes, and trendy and hip and chic for a long time, guys! Go us!
And speaking of upper classes you should not worry about sounding elitist. So, ye got money to throw at stuff. Well, good for you then, dear.
I happen to be of modest means with an extremely ticklish banker (and okay, I'm cheap)… And I have to say, when there's a will, there's a way. I thrift, I recycle, upcycle, repair, transform, Frankenstein stuff and generally being creative while toeing my budget (may blog about it one day). And sometimes, having limited funding can really spur the creativity.
What I do NOT do is resent is people who have more. First it's a waste of time, second it's not going to improve my own in any way, now will it?
When I see some stuff I'd love to have but can't afford, my first instinct is to ask "how can I make something like this?", and go full Bernadette Banner on it's ass, in a somewhat different way that involves a lot of thrift stores, sales, and Aliexpress more often than not. Which is why I actually WANT to see the good stuff, 'cause otherwise what will I have to copy, eh?
So, Noelle, if you got some envious idiots on your tail, just send them my way. I'll have a few choice words for them.
Enjoy what you do and Godspeed!
PS: I rewatched it and, yep, corsets are tedious but not that hard. Now, you know what? Same with sleeves! *runs for cover*
I love how Bernadette Banner has now become a verb. A Ren Faire was my gateway drug too. Man, I fell HARD to that peer pressure!
Girl, I feel like we had this chat in reverse when we chattered about quilting!! It’s not hard, it’s a skill that takes time and the want to do it 😘😘
Totally, it’s all about the want. The rest will just come with practice! I’m happy to be diving into dresses AFTER quilting since I know I’ve got my straight seams skills down ;)
"Sewing is a skill not a talent. I didn't come out of the womb knowing how to sew. If you want to sew, just start and you will get better. There are people all around you who like to sew and you will not know it until you start talking another it. It is hard, complicated and intimidating IF you make it hard, complicated and intimidating! You CAN do it! Start with the forgiving garments of undergarments! By 10 yards of a fabic you fall in love with. If u only have money for 3 yards then get it the main thing is just sew!"
Ooooooh how my daughter and I appricate these comments you made!!!
We are going to print your quotes out and read them daily until we get started!!!
We are excited to find a fabic we fall in love with. Something that we like so much we can't wait to learn to sew.
Thanks for the link to Lynns page, going there now :-) You know why I didn't started my 1884 outfit yet? (have everything I need in terms of patterns, fabrics and everything else needed to make it...laces, buttons, gores, you name it I have it... except the boning for the corset) That gave me the excuse needed to procrastinate it for 5 years now... think finding Bernadette, you and especially Cathy with her motivational videos are making me realise how stupid that is and that I just need to lose my fear and start it ;-) So Thank You for kicking my ass just now, even without knowing it :-) Hahaha xxx
There is a really cool company called bootstrap fashion where they have a program to put your measurements in and it will make you a custom dress form pattern that puts the belly protrubrance back slump big arms etc. And you make it yourself .......Awesome!!!
This sounds really cool - has anyone tried it?
Roslyn80 yes, there are several reviews and even a few sew alongside on RUclips and it is very doable one shows how she used an old coat rack for the stand I have mine on the way cant wait to make it.
I'm currently working on my first sewing project since I was 11 (now 24...oops) so hearing the whole "sewing is a skill" thing was very helpful. Thank you
First of all, you would look dope in armor! Second, Apple shapes can look amazing in anything. Especially with your creative eye and sewing skills 👍🏻❤️😊🍎🍏
Your common sense approach to learning how to sew historical dress is wonderful. "Tedious not hard" are words to live by! When I teach someone, I firmly believe the right tools and a good attitude by the student are what I need to succeed. I would take a class you are teaching. Thanks for your videos!
Thank you for your Vlog. I founding very interesting and helpful. I am going to make a shift, per your suggestion, and next the Laughing Moon corset. Thank you and have a great trip.
Best of luck travelling w a morning person! Be sure to schedule time away for your travel companion so you don't kill each other. (Don't ask how I know...) Love your vids, as always. I enjoy the ramble!
So I just started my sewing journey with a Victorian Walking Skirt and what you said at around 35 minutes in is exactly how my thought process went. "Well the skirt wasn't too bad but I'd like it to have that proper Victorian shape. I should make a petticoat. Oh, the petticoat will make it look much nicer but I really need to make a Victorian corset to get the proper silhouette. Hm, well if I have a corset..." and on, and on, and on lol. Thanks for taking the time to do these Q&A's!!
Thank you for all your Vlogs, well said and Enjoy your trip away!
Love RUclips. I've learned so much , there's always more to learn . "Met" some awesome people...there's also so many projects that you can do apart from clothing . Like hats gloves stockings. And accessories, I love making those! Enjoy your trip, take care , have fun
I am backtracking seeing you older videos to really catch up on your work. I have enjoyed every one even the ones you say you've just rambled on. It's like a visit with a friend, talking about stuff we love.
I’m do happy that you feel that way!
I really did enjoy this chat so thanks for making it. I've been wanting to make my own corset for a couple of years now but had no idea where to get all the materials and items. I'm familiar with medical correction corsets, but never made one. When I was 10 or 11 I was placed into such corsets until I was 20, my first pregnancy. Even so, I wore my medical corset off and on over the next 20 years. Then I wore a back brace. Well, 5 years ago my back broke in the same area that the medical corset protected, the back brace did not. Since then, I have wanted to have my corset. Everything that I have been given here in France doesn't feel correct and some have caused me pain. I could fly back to the states and have one made for me. I really don't want to go through all that medical expense there, all the time it will take, etc.. So I am going to attempt making my own corset and see if that will serve my purposes. Which is how I found Bernadette Banner, Cathy Hay, and you. You all have been wonderful providing resources, idea, and encouragement.
BTW, after moving to France I simply didn't find any fabric stores in the countryside but did find sources I could order over the internet. I didn't speak or read french. My goal was to buy a bolt of muslin because who doesn't need muslin. So, I asked my husband to help me: "How does muslin translate to in French?" and he responded "mousseline". That is how I came to own a HUGE bolt of white, non-cotton, fabric that looks and feels like a heavy chiffon. But I kept all that. Then we moved to a smaller village, into a converted centuries old green house. I used that Mousseline to make curtain sheers. They had to be hung from the ceiling, that was about 12 feet and 6 inches tall and 32 feet wide. I was so glad to have all Mousseline. So never worry about buying too much.
You look absolutely stunning in the cat dress! Wow!
I learned many things from this video.
Thank you for taking time to talk to us all
I'm personally very interested in a video where u teach us how to make the uniquely you ... customized.
About that surger in the closet, I had one in the closet for over 20 years so I sold it a couple years ago. It was a Bernina and so had held its value pretty well. I have been sewing for about 30 years and never could truly embrace surged seams. I have made everything from maternity wardrobe to kids clothes, kids costumes for Halloween every year, drapes and some upholstery, dance team costumes for years and currently into machine quilting. But I did stumble across this Costube community a couple months ago while contemplating some Regency dresses/gowns for a Jane Austen event this summer, and have really enjoyed binge watching your channel. Thanks for the pattern reviews on your regency outfit.
I appreciate your showing us your process. Currently, I am working slowly on a Mandalorian costume in between my knitting.
Love the long video! Chit chatty videos are wonderful for this extrovert that lives alone!
I'm an extrovert that lives with an introvert who can't stop talking to me but isn't a sewist, but a programmer so is full of geek talk so I sympathize.
I have the same feeling when I see my favorite costubers cutting things out on the floor, "ah my back and knees!" Also I have created a pretty giant wish list on black snail patterns thanks to you.
I love the super long blogs. I shredded my entire cabbage patch for a desk chair cushion while watching this post. ❤️
(TLDR; Worbla tutorial ref below.) This was an informative video and I liked just listening and getting some tidbits from it. It also helps me understand where my mom is coming from, since she and I differ in what we're willing to do for a final costume. I lean more to the Bernadette-side of making as much of it as possible so I can customize it, but she would rather mod a pattern or buy something to craft over. It has something to do not only with the buying power between us, but also level of skill and patience each of us have with certain parts of the process. I really love the details of projects and don't mind work a bit harder for a sturdier end project that lasts (the pride in knowing that it was made from scratch is a feeling I don't get in many other areas of my life...). Time is of the essence for my mom and little fiddly bits are not her jam, so it's really cost-effective to mod existing things and machine sew everything. Everyone's different!
Just a TIP: Svetlana Quindt of @kamuicosplay works a lot with Worbla and she's where I learned some basics on making armor from it. She has a RUclips channel, IG, and specifically a website under the same name that has several tutorial books on the subject. Check out her work, she's a top-tier cosplayer!
@@Costuming_Drama Ha ha, well you're right, she has been doing it for a long time. As much as you go to conventions, it makes sense that you would know even a little bit about her. Even if that weren't the case, you always do figure it out either way.
I think I do something similar where I am wanting to do something or haven't figured out how to make the project or experience fit me so I can enjoy it, so I talk about it for maybe more than I'd like to warm myself up to the idea. Either that or activities that I don't enjoy doing but may be necessary I end up complaining as I am about to or in the middle of doing it anyway. The mouth says one thing, but the body is moving past it. Sometimes it just takes my mind time to catch up to the idea that doing it actually isn't that big a deal.
Fabric.com you can get some cottons for 3.22 a yard and if you can get 15 yards it is only 2.77 works great for a practice Robe a la Francaise
Hi Microphone is working Great. Thanks for sharing your story.😍
I love hand sewing; for me, it is very relaxing. I agree with you sewing is a skill. I can't wait to see what you video on your next trip!
I don't do Facebook either!
I totally cut out a medieval garment on the floor while watching! :)
Thanks for another great vid and for answering so many questions! BTW, loooove the Bebop tee (one of the best anime series EVER)!
@@Costuming_Drama I know, right? :-D And yet, I am an ooold broad -- for sure old enough to be your mom. But then, you're never too old to have a happy childhood -- or in my case, a second childhood. :-D
Sadly sewing used to be a cheap hobby but it is not anymore. Now I suggest looking at thrift stores for material for mock ups or trials. Especially when you are just starting out. It's much nicer to screw up an old bed sheet that was 2 bucks than a $10 per yard cotton. Bonus if you get lucky and find a cute stripe (i did once and added it to my steampunk costume), or a nerdy print. You don't get as much choice and some are stained but if its more in your budget give it a shot.
I love using second-hand fabric. I've made a couple of pinafores for my daughter out of a hospital gown I found. I use second-hand sheets or cheap skirts sometimes. I mostly sew for my kids, but am starting to do stuff for myself
Skill or not, I still think you're crazy talented, and so is Miss Banner.
It's such a pleasure watching your videos.
I do have a question. What's your favourite fantasy novel?
You are amazing! I don’t know how you do it, but your confidence is so contagious. “Just do it!” Thanks, Noelle.
I'm really just starting my journey into sewing. I am in the process of trying to make 16th century stays and...wow... fitting is the hardest part. I don't have a second person to work with usually so it's a lot of guessing and making mistakes. I love listening to you talk, and you're right, you just have to step into the middle of it and try.
Have you had any ideas for next years Costume College? I was super pleased to see it is the Women's Sufferage theme. I could see a progression theme...start with late Victorian, then Edwardian and then have your day (classes) gowns as 1920s as they are easy and comfortable.
Hey Noelle, I understand that sewing can expensive, so can knitting, I am knitter, but I want to get back into sewing, I just don't have a lot of room right now. I also make jewelry and write too.
I love getting to hear you insight on things you have sewn. It makes everything a bit more relatable and it offers up another experience.
Coming in to comment on a year old video...but I relate so hard to your life attitude about being able to do the thing. I think I approach a lot of things that way. I can learn and then I do it. I get asked how I learned to sew, and really, it's just been by watching videos and just jumping in. And practice. And hi from the Atlanta area and fellow DragonCon lover.
As a person on a strict budget, I use curtain/linens from thrift stores. Occasionally there is very good fabric. Also Joanne has 50% off sales. Taffeta can be used instead of silk, it's easy to work with and light. For corset fashion fabric, thrifted silk blouses are great.
It took me two separate tries to get my Uniquely You form close to my own shape. I did use an electric knife for the first try. For my second try, I used a bread knife and scissors to snip and shave the form. I shaved off the bust mounds, put an older fitting bra, filled the bra cups, and then zippered on the cover. This helped me get the mounds in the right position. Be prepared to make a mess in the process but it has really paid off.
"go all Bernadette Banner on it" 😂😂😂
I've recently starting looking into the gbacg, I know no one else that is into all of this so I really appreciate that something like that is near me. I went to the costumer bazaar yesterday in Albany and I was so intimidated, I talked to like 3 people. Extrovert me was acting incredibly shy and I'm shocked with myself. LOL. But I hope to get over all that. I've been sewing for about 5 months or so. Working on my first mock-up of an actual dress, finished all my undergarments!
@@Costuming_Drama I will, thank you! I was happy when I realized you lived in California. I think being a stay at home mom for 3 years made my real life social skills a bit rusty!
@@Costuming_Drama also, THANK YOU for your iron wax paper to patterns trick, lifesaver!
Hello to you. Being fashionable is overrated. That's why I shop mostly at thrift stores. Unique clothes for awesome prices. I'd love to see the Galadrial dress. The mic worked really well. No shirt noise at all. (Yay, Neil Gaiman!) Gesundheit! I adore some structure to garments. They definitely help show us curvy girls' shapes off properly. Thank you for the pep talk on making a corset. I just need to breathe and take the plunge. As for the talent, if I can teach my 15 year old son to sew, anyone can sew. You have an excellent attitude towards life, "If they can do it, I can learn it". Kamui Cosplay has some good videos on making armor. Thanks for sharing your time with us. Have a good day.
It definitely looks like a serious amount of work. A couple of my friends are heavily into cosplay and what they make is amazing. I don't have the time and patience for armour. My son has, so far, come up with cosplay ideas that I can make out of oversized hoodies and judicious thrift store shopping (with a couple of diy props). I'm sure we'll get more involved as the years go by. Your trip is coming up soon. Have a marvelous time!
Oh my word I about died when you said ren faire was the gateway drug! It's so true! That's how I got into sewing my own costumes back in high school. But I got stuck in the vortex that is ren faire garb and only recently really got into sewing outside of "ren faire" (which isn't terribly interested in HA as a rule). And what I'm working on is my undergarments for a Sally Jupiter cosplay (underbust corset) and a late bustle era dress for Dickens on the Strand. Which I just found out we're attending this week and it's in the beginning of December.
Just a quick addition to the fabric and supplies discussion: Everyone recommends thrift store sheets for mockups, and maybe even thrift store clothing you can repurpose. Lots of people use heavy duty cable ties for corsets and stays. Going with what you can afford can get really cheap if you're able and willing to work with thrifted materials and substitutions.
Also, the cost savings tends to be similar to cooking your own food vs. takeout. Like, sure, you can get fast food chicken nuggets and dollar menu items for cheaper than you could make at home. You probably can't make pizza but so much cheaper on your own, and it sure won't taste as good if you don't have access to pizza oven temps. But if you want steak, shrimp, or lobster, home cooked is _much_ cheaper. If all you want is clothes in a cotton/lycra jersey stretch fabric of unknown origin and production made into fast fashion clothing, yeah, it's more expensive to make your own. But if you want 100% organic cotton denim jeans made in exactly the style you want and ethically made (assuming you treat yourself well as you work), then you're talking a comparison easily more than $200, before you even get to tailoring them. Especially if you like very clean lines and classical styles. I've noticed that simpler (but elegant) designs tend to cost more, even if the materials are so-so.
If you're making the equivalent of a bespoke designer piece of clothing made of high end materials like pure wool and silk, then your equivalent is easily in the thousands. Even if your goal is just to make clothes that fit your style and your body better, just wanting something less common tends to mean spending more money when someone else makes it. If I bought a corset in my area, a corset maker I've found (who seems quite skilled and reputable) would charge over $1000. AFAIK, that's pretty reasonable for a bespoke piece of clothing that complex.
I would tend to agree with that assessment, except you are not valuing your time into the equation. If I got paid what I get paid at my work, I have many a bustle dress that is easily tens of thousands of dollars in my own time dollars of cost. And while sewing may be fun and is a hobby, it's still work and isn't the same as laying around watching TV so I think there needs to be a value placed on that as well. I actually think things come out pretty even in most cases, but also, let's face it, most of us are not at the level of sewing that bespoke designers and tailors have so the end product isn't going to be that either.
@@Costuming_Drama Oh, definitely. Your time is worth money, too. But if part of what you want is to be good at creating, I'd say the practice you get creating things for yourself compensates for maybe 50% of that time.
But that wasn't my main point. My point was not to underestimate the value of clothing made with care, to specific measurements and specifications. Not to compare the cost of clothing you make with attention to detail (and possibly better fabrics) and (hopefully) in comfort to fast fashion clothing made by people working as fast as humanly possible in terrible conditions.
Most modern clothes, especially the ones elegantly and classically designed, don't have a very complex design compared to pre-20th century patterns. And when they're made from quality fabrics, and sewn with care, they're often sold for thousands. Also, most modern clothes are deliberately designed to try to accommodate most people within the size, and therefore fit almost everyone badly at key points. Watching a fashion designer try on and critique a clothing line, I was really struck by how much bad fitting we all just put up with.
I wouldn't be surprised if I had to pay tens of thousands of dollars to buy a bespoke, made-to-measure bustle dress. Especially since I'd expect to pay somewhere around 10 thou for a bespoke modern wedding dress.
If I go to Eileen Fisher and look at an organic cotton sleeveless tunic made from two pieces of fabric, it's about $180. It's way simpler than the product of the simplest shift tutorial I've come across. I have some clothes from there, and I'd say that the construction is good, but not better than most RUclipsrs I've come across so far. You're a highly skilled lot, and I'm very impressed. Given those shift tutorials, I'm guessing someone with skill and experience not only sewing, but sewing to fit themselves (maybe even a block), and a serger as well as a sewing machine could make it within an hour. So even if the fabric cost $90, and their normal wage was $90 an hour, they'd still have extra value from the custom fit. And IMHO, that's a more accurate comparison than, say, a similar item from Target or Old Navy.
This was such a fun, relaxed video - so much great advice to be had! In regards to your advice about buying extra fabric, and especially buying 10ish yard cuts for projects without a solid plan, my current challenge is designing and making a 1870ish bustle dress when I don't have any cuts above 6 yards. I find all my fabric second hand, so I feel like I'm trying to puzzle a dress together with too small of pieces! Foundations have to happen first, though, so fingers crossed the thrifting gods send me a huge cut of taffeta to work with soon!!
Hi, Cosplayer here who worked with worbla before. *waves*
You do not need worbla in order to make armour. Trust me. I know, a lot of people do it, but it really isn't great for armour.
It changes shape and sometimes bubbles up in hot climates. When you travel with a car you have to be super careful to never ever leave them in there, because the heat from the sun can be enough to destroy the piece. Worbla is heavy. It doesn't seem like it, but it adds up.
I had a good experience with armour made from foam (EVA foam or craftfoam) it is much lighter and combined with a few layers of wood glue can be really sturdy. It is also much cheaper. So maybe that would work for you too? Just as an idea, because when I started cosplaying everyone made me feel, like worbla is the only way to do it. And that is simply not the case. (though it is equally tedious. So I completely understand if you are not a fan of crafting armour in general. I try to avoid it as well.)
Much love
@@Costuming_Drama Oh well, as long as everyone knows, what they are getting themselves into. :D
Guess then there really is no way around it. At least you are in it together. Your friends are amazing. I'm sure it will be worth it.
For marking darts, try pinning the pattern on the right side of your fabric, and pin at the apex as well as both dart legs and mark. Thats how I do it anyway!
It also makes a big difference if you start at the side seam and sew to the point, and then hand tie the threads together at the point instead of back stitching. For me it makes a HUGE difference!!!!
I see your skills aren't limited to sewing. I have the same IKEA desk for sewing, only in blue/black. The cats think I assembled it just for them to have a place to relax and watch birds.
Thank you for your encouragement. My introduction to historical costuming, now that I think of it, was the costumes I wore in local theater shows waaaaaaaaaay back. Not detail oriented like the garments you (and Bernadette and Morgan) create - just has to look good from a distance. I, too, sewed my own clothes, and learned from my grandmother to start.
I absolutely love this! I'm actually working on my first corset right now, making a Fall/Winter 1919 Corset, it's not perfect but I'm finally putting on the pipping. Still have so much to work on for the outfit, plus I'll be going back further in time and, likely, intricacy. 1895 I'm coming for you next!
Thank you!! ❤️Thank you for your words on beginning corset making. I was totally scaring myself in my head, wanting to find the PERFECT book etc to learn to do it "Right" and basically, just have to dive in and go for it. But you gave great tips. I think I was scared because I saw how Cathy Hay did hers and the sizing up scares me as I am not a proportional type or small like she is. And so, your comments helped majorly. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
@@Costuming_Drama ❤️❤️❤️
As always I loved the video, you are a great sewing companion.
I so agree that sewing well isn't as much a talent as it is a skill, it helps if you have a certain affinity for it. That way you are more motivated to "put in the time and effort' simply because you like/love doing it... duhhh… ; )
While I now have a tailoring business, my education is in electrical/mechanical engineering and programming, factory automation.... before I started out helping my in-laws with their tailoring business, I never even owned a sewing machine.
I just jumped off at the deep end, for me this kind of tactic works beautifully. Screwing up is just part of the process.
Having resources and instructions and knowledgeable people that you can ask questions or brainstorm with definitely helps.
My only ‘beef’ with my job is that I do predominantly custom made men’s wear, I take their measurements and draft my own patterns, and there are not a lot of resources on pattern drafting or construction for men’s suits and costumes.
But I can still make do, there is just a lot more trial and error and time involved.
That being said, I would love people to brainstorm with and share ideas with.
I want to “ go full Bernadette Banner” on every project!!🎉
Love your insight. In knitting we say buy the best you can afford. That’s different for everyone and often changes through our lives. Right now I’m between jobs and working through a stash of yarn and fiber. And yes to spending time on the craft. In hand spinning the idea is to do 15 minutes a day every day - I imagine the same would be true for hand sewing. Buy cotton for kitchen towels and hand stitch and embroider and you’ve got Christmas presents and the practice.
I laughed out loud at “going full Bernadette Banner.” I know how to sew some and my method will always look more like yours, but it’s fascinating to watch what she does!
I have one of those pin things and it absolutely changed my sewing life.
Thank you for posting about your dress form. I have been trying to figure out a great form that is pin-able. I appreciate your vlogs because it shows that there are flaws in making items and that things don’t always work the first time. It encourages me. Thank you for what you do!
Have fun on your trip, looking forward to seeing the footage. Thinking I will make a corset soon, thanks for saying it is not as hard as you think. Making a shift first, found some linen that was discounted to price I could afford. Almost finished my stripey challenge 1940s top.
Always happy to watch long videos! My sewing companion is in China now so I always enjoy having your videos accompanying me on my sewing days. It reminds me of the cosplay days we used to have before she moved. Thank you for doing a Q&A video where we could learn more about you as well as receive encoragement to get out there and sew! (Projects are being paused while my machines have a spa week at the repair shop. They needed some pampering before the fabric furies descend upon them.)
"Poo-pooed by the corset people... but historically accurate!" You go, girl! Someone has to give us mere mortals an idea of where to begin...
Im so glad to be an adventure voyuer, its lovely to get to see things I can't attend!
Once we get home, there's going to be a dress from chicken themed fabric, and getting t shirts printed for our family that is going to the Heirloom Expo in Santa Rosa to buy seeds and learn garden things.I may push it and try for vegetable print, since I have sheep already...
I learned finicky hand sewing by making cute and fun pillowcases in interesting fabrics and just finishing them off by hand, trying to get better at straight lines and small stitches. They were fast enough to not be too frustrating, fun gifts and it wasn't vital that they be perfect or invisible.
I find it interesting that you dislike your serger. But I understand why. I started sewing with a serger so I understand how to use it... so I wasn’t as comfortable using my sewing machine. I’ve only been sewing since 2012 or so... but crocheting and knitting since I was 5. I love making quilts and clothing. It’s so much fun. I love watching you and Bernadette!! Thank you for your videos!!!!
Thank you so much for the corset pep talk
Thanks for all the information.Each time I watch you,I enjoy and appreciate you more and more. Your insight seems so logical, wise, and practical. Love the thought, if a boy can sew then I know I can sew. I hope you keep doing You Tube. In 1954 when my brother made a shirt(cause he wanted a jean shirt) from old jeans I increased my desire to sew. I was taking Home Ec. in High School and he only asked how to thread the sewing machine. I usuallystruggle and often give up but know "just do it" makes both talent and skill go forward.
I learned to sew in the 70’s. My dad was a better seamstress then my Mom. It was the joke in our family. Both my bothers learned to sew and still do projects to this day, mostly repairs. Everyone can learn to sew, it takes time and determination.
Corsets, a)dont measure yourself when you have fluid retention!
b) Label all your pattern pieces,fabric and paper,and copy any wierd lines and letters even if you dont yet know what they mean.
c) Be kind to yourself and get a full metre rather than the half metre of fabric I struggled to cut all my pieces on the grain out of!!
Are You Familiar with Pippi Longstocking? (Swedish childrens books caracter by Astrid Lindgren) She said something that is important to me *S* I've never done that, so I'm sure i'll get it done *S* I'm happy hearing you think 'The Pippi Way' *S*
I love your words on starting to sew and costuming. This video has given me so much inspiration and motivation to start sewing again.
Costuming Drama I’m planning to make an 18th century outfit with undergarments. But with a pregnant belly the stays will have to wait a while. 😅☺️
I know this is an older video but.....OMG I LOVE YOUR SHIRT! One of my favorite anime and its just amazing!!!!!!
*Looks down at shirt I am wearing right now... same shirt :-) *
That’s awesome!
Thanks for all the great information. Now I am not quite so scared of trying a corset. And I will start sewing more. By hand and machine. Great vlog.
Wonderful blog, thank you! Yes, please, show how you adjusted your dress form.
As much as I want to learn how to sew, I feel like my life is not structured for sewing. I tried to start sewing in grad school, but I didn't have anywhere in my apartment where I could leave my sewing machine set up and I rarely had a large enough chunk of free time that it was worth setting up my machine and sewing. I always did much better with crafts that I could pick up for five minutes before class in the morning. I finished grad school in December, but now my life is pretty much on hold and packed away in boxes in my mom's basement an ocean away until I finish with my postdoc/find a more permanent job. I have a bunch of fabric waiting for me in the US (buying fabric and craft supplies is my preferred form of retail therapy), but I cannot be bothered schlepping it to France and I sure as hell am not going to attempt bringing my sewing machine over.
I am also a bit terrified of sewing, because I am the type of person who has delusions of grandeur. I somehow always manage to set my heart on the most difficult thing possible and if that doesn't turn out perfectly, I feel like a failure and don't want to try again.
I joined up with the local costuming guild a few months ago. The one problem with starting with undergarments is you want to go to cool events in costume right away but then you realized it's going to take a while before you can be decent ;p I actually love hand sewing although it does take forever. But for someone like me with pretty much no workspace, it can end up being almost more convenient. And currently I'm learning tatting because apparently slow, impractical, and lacey is my jam. (I'm sure it goes faster once you're hands know what they're doing. Right??)
Yes it does, cheer up! (the downside is that once you stop practicing regularly, the skill fades)
I have just started binging your channel. I came to you from Bernadette Banner and I was mentally preparing myself to go full on Bernadette Banner for a Victorian Walking Skirt. Like the drafting and such. I’ll still use a machine for sewing. This vid helped me get confidence to just get a pattern from Truly Victorian (a well as the under things) and just start!
Yay!! Just start!!
Once I finish this bag that has proven to be a skill stretch. I’m scared to start on the zipper section as it doesn’t totally make sense. As well as all the layers. I have an open sew at my indie fabric/sewing store on the 3rd Sunday this month. I can get hand holding and encouragement from them for sure.
I’m listening to this while organising my sewing corner, perfect idea. Helps keep me off my phone and doing actual work haha!
Bonus vid! So fun! What a treat!