I like your honesty about sewing and the comparisons you make - brightens my day! I had a friend who knew I had a sewing machine. One day she said 'iam coming to your house so that I can use your sewing machine' I replied'oh no, you are not. That was the end of our friendship. My view was she can buy her own sewing machine and learn to use it. I am not normally a mean person - but I am so pleased I said that to her.
Not sure if it's been commented before me, but I would add that one of the main reasons people are surprised by the cost of sewing, is that we aren't used to paying the REAL cost when it comes to ready-to-wear: fast fashion brands don't pay their workers a living wage nor give them any kind of benefits! So of course you're used to pay 5$ for a t-shirt, but no, it's not sustainable or ethical!
A person working in a garment factory in Asia, may not make more than $15 a month. They are treated badly. They may not be able to go to the bathroom for their whole shift.
I know exactly where you are coming from when it comes to so called friends asking me to sew for them. One of my first traps was a friend needed a couple curtains hemmed and pairs sewn together . She called and ask if I would sew these curtains for her and in my mind I was thinking four curtain panels would not be a problem. When she arrived at my home she had ten panels she wanted sewn together and all shortened by twelve inches. It took me a week of hard work only for her to send her daughter by to pick them up without as much as a thank you. Next was before the holiday season I made my daughter and granddaughter nice shopping Christmas purse totes all decked out with the bells. I buy good fabric so each cost me a pretty penny. I had another family member call and ask if I would make her one after she saw the other I had made. I thought what the heck, it's the holiday season, I had fabric left so I told her I would. A few days after I finished and gave the purse to her she called and ask if I would make her daughter one. I told her I would try and a few days later called and ask if I would make one for her mother also. I told her the fabric alone costs me around thirty-five dollars for each tote so if she wanted more I would make the other two for around seventy-five dollars each. That was a bargain because each one took me around eight hours to sew. She had a fit and said I didn't know you were running a business. I told her I wasn't but it was near the end of the holiday , I had other projects I needed to finish so if I took on anymore I would be up most of the night. She hung up and has never called me again. This is one of my biggest gripes is people that don't sew thinks because it is my hobby I should just drop everything for what they want or need.
That's just horrible. I was lucky enough not having people ask me to make stuff. I think most people around me know that it takes time and effort and money. Probably because I talk about the sewing mistakes I made, how many hours it took to make that coat, what all the stuff cost me... And some tried sewing themselves and gave up because it was too hard or too time consuming. So they know. Some months ago my mother-in-law asked me to make the hem of trousers shorter, because her sewing machine was broke. Instead of hemming, I took the broken sewing machine to a repair shop and had it repaired, with the comment: "Now you can hem the trousers whenever you want, and you don't have to wait for weeks for me to finish it. Isn't that great?" :D
That’s horrible! I will only do things for my very best friends of which there are about three. :-) When people ask me, I respond that I do not even have the time to do all of my own sewing and can therefore not take anything else on. Period. I’m 57, work a very stressful job and my free time is my most precious commodity. When you get old and cranky like me, saying no becomes quite easy!
This is so true .This what fast fashion and using poorest countries tries in slave labour whith mind of masses and thinking that sewing is a poor job ...its amazing craft what I want to learn to make perfect garment for myself I am beetwin sizes and cannot afford have uncomfortable clothes . Oo yess hours of sewing 8.00 am to max 10.00 PM. I living in temporary accomodation and for now I do t have any complaints but I do cut in night ,my landlord add special light over my desk so I have white light in middle of night if I want to ...I am like you night owl ...I watch RUclips make sketches and cutting materials ,then check all on morning and sew ...organise all in small plastic boxes with list of things what I need so when I go shopping I just take list sticked to box or I make on line order and meantime look or cut another project . I would love to have my own studio in my own house with view to garden when I can rest on end of day with my daughter and husband.
I’ve spent many a weekend doing favours for friends even when I had full time work during the week, then it suddenly occurred to me , how many of these friends would spend all weekend doing favours for me, the answer ‘none’. I’m elderly now with arthritis in my hands so I’ve made it known I can’t sew much anymore.
My daughter gets asked frequently where she got her outfit. She knows now to say "it's couture, a small dressmaker who makes it to fit me". Soon after "do you have her card?". Her response is a sweet smile and a "I'm sorry. You can't afford her rates. Hell, I can't afford her rates!". LOL But its flattering to me that people recognize style, fit, and quality. My mother taught me to sew, and she was an excellent, albeit strict, instructor. I can't tell you how many times I had to take out a zipper because it wasn't sewn properly. But, it made me a good dressmaker! I don't sew when there is no natural light, so I've never had a complaint. Fun video Claire.
My mother also taught me to sew. She was an excellent sewist (had sewn professionally for many years). I understand precisely what you talked about ripping out zippers. And piping. And sleeves. But it made me a much better sewist. Thanks, Mom. Miss you.
Ha ha! I can still remember a yellow dress that I put a zipper in ten times when I was about 12. I finally said to my Mom “That’s it! It’s good enough!” But I learned accuracy made a big difference. That persistence to do my best shaped who I am. Missing Mom @ 63 😢 but know some great skills
I’m a cake decorator and people ask me to make intricate cakes for them all the time “as a favor” with no idea of the time, skill and cost of ingredients. After many a time staying up all night to complete the request, I have finally just started sweetly saying that I will happily make them a cake if they come place an order at my place of work. It’s amazing how quickly the requests dried up, lol. I saw a post on Twitter where someone said that you aren’t paying for the time and effort that it takes to complete one task, you are paying for ALL the thousands of hours of work it took for me to be able to have the skill for what I do currently. I literally shouted “Amen” aloud! Thanks for these videos, they are so informative and entertaining 👍🏻❤️
I think a big problem with modern society is how disconnected average people are from how things are made, and why so much is cheap and disposable. We're not used to paying living wages for seamstresses, for ethically sourced or even just quality fabric, or for well constructed clothing. And most of us have no clue how hard sewing is. Heck, I've seen people use the term "hand made" alone (no modifiers) for custom clothes, seeming not to realize all clothes are sewn by someone's hands. I'm still researching, and trying to choose a first machine. I want to make my own clothes, but I don't expect to save money. As a plus sized J to K cup with simple but specific ideas for dream clothes, my long-term hope is clothes that actually fit my chest and waist well for the first time since age 14, ideally made from natural fabrics.
Go for it! I couldn't agree with you more on the first part of your comment. Almost 2 years passed since i got my first machine, and now i'm not THAT happy with it. Don't get me wrong: it works just fine. i just wish it had more decorative stitches. But you'll hear many sewists saying they rarely use the decorative ones. If you're making just clothes, you really won't need more than 3 stitches - straight, zigzag, and buttonhole. And the buttonhole function you'll use rarely. the straight stitch is the one you'll use the most. ;) good luck!
I would suggest you find a sewing machine shop to buy your first machine. You will be able to test many machines and discuss what you would like to sew now and in the near future. Some of the cheaper machines that are on offer online are so clucky and noisey and lots of sewing machine shops refuse to sell them or service them. Best thing shops offer is support and classes.
I did this with my first major spend. Went in the shop chatted, tried machines out and ended with a machine that I outgrew in a year, even though I told them I wanted long term. Bought next 2 machines in a shop too to no additional benefit (when push came to shove they were no more helpful than if id bought online) then the big one you see behind me i bought online at a great price and the shop dealership were so annoyed I didnt buy it from them they pretty much told me they wouldn't work with me again. Their words were "you cut your nose off to spite your face". So now I can't get my machines serviced locally but I wouldnt go to them anyway. In my eyes online is much easier, machine can always go back to the brand or find a local service. You don't have to buy it from a shop for them to service it. But doing your research is important.
@@Penguinandpear I agree not all shops are the same. The good ones allow you to come back many times without pressure. Never buy on your first visit and always do some research .
Not sewing, but knitting. A lady offered me $100 to knit her a pure wool, queen size blanket. I supply the wool. I came back with a quote for $500, with her buying her preferred wool yarn, and even then I was paying myself less than minimum wage. Her classic reply, "I can buy it for much less in the shops". LOLOL Off you go then....but I bet it's not made from wool. :)
Parents owned a small biz, loads of lessons learned in that environment that have helped in big ways professionally & personally. Biggest & deepest: your time is your most precious & valuable asset. If it isn't respected Walk Away. Good on you for holding your ground!
well done... I'd have charged her at least $1200 for it. I'm crocheting a second throw blanket for my living room chair--the first one took me about a year (took a break during the summer because it was too hot to crochet wool). This one has taken me two years because life keeps getting in the way. Aim to finish it this fall.
I had exactly the same with the knitting. I made my niece a mermaid snuggle sack for her birthday. All the extended family and friends jumped on board wanting me to make them for other little girls. I said I had a backlog to cope with. They were all very helpful in letting me know they could give me the money for wool if it could be done quicker. They were all very helpful in telling me they could probably get the wool cheeper. A lot turned their nose up at the cost of the wool and the amount that was needed saying they could get them in the shops cheaper & sooner. With working and a family to manage these blankets could take a couple hours an evening for a week-not one of them offered me money for my time.
I had to laugh when you talked about sewing a straight line; that drove me NUTS when I first started!! But the most frustrating thing that happened was when I sewed my first project, which was an apron. That sounded fairly easy, right?? I went and bought the cutest fabric, just perfect for an apron. It had pictures of women doing different household tasks like vacuuming, ironing, dishes, etc. Super cute. So, I cut out my pattern, no problem, and managed to sew the apron, with only a few emergency calls to my mom, who is an amazing seamstress. So, I get done, I’m feeling damn proud of myself, and try on my new apron. In horror, I realize that the fabric was upside down; my housekeeping ladies were all on their heads! I didn’t know whether to scream in frustration and anger or burst into tears! I called my mom and tearfully told her what I did. Once she stopped laughing hysterically, she calmed me down, and I began to see the humor of the situation, and decided not to throw the whole thing in the garbage! I still have that apron, and it is now affectionately referred to as “The Upside Down Apron”! It turned out really cute except for that slight mishap! But I did learn a valuable lesson; believe me when I say that I DOUBLE and TRIPLE CHECK before I cut out every pattern!!
I've been there! I made a pullover top once out of expensive print fabric that had cats sitting on their haunches with long exaggerated necks. I didn't know what "Without Nap" meant but I cut out the top according to that layout to save fabric. The end result was a top with upside down cats on my front and right side up ones on my back! I wore it anyway! 🐈
@@lindahoskin6617 Good for you!! Lol! I still wear that apron, too.....that fabric was expensive, and after I got over being mad, I decided I was going to wear it anyway!
Claire! I connected with every point! When I was a teenager I cut patterns out on a small shag rug in my bedroom. My brother started dragging the living room phone (1970 LOL) into my room and using it as a phone booth to call his gf. After stepping on, sitting on many pins it kept him out. Sprinkled extra pins 😂🤣
I think the real value of sewing my own cloths is in the quality. If I pick the right fabric and sew it with care and attention to every seam, then that garment will last me a long time compared to the mass produced ready-to-wear garments. I don’t mind spending $75-150 on fabric and notions in addition to time to make a dress that would last me waaaay longer than the $25 H&M dress
I learnt to sew in the 1970's when it was cheaper to make your own clothes. Other than make curtains or do minor repairs/alterations I haven't sewn since. About a year ago my husband asked me to take up the hem on his trousers so out came the old sewing machine and it wouldn't work. Not surprising as it was over 50years old. Anyway I decided to treat myself to a new machine and since then I haven't stopped sewing. Having to learn how to use the new machine has made me want to sew again. I'm having a lot of fun relearning how to sew garments for myself again. I'm a different shape now than I was back then so it is more challenging to make a garment that fits. I have a corner of the bedroom that is my sewing space and it is hard to find room for everything. The most annoying thing, I find, is the clutter that appears on my sewing table. I start out with it relatively clear and by the end of the project the top is cluttered with pins, scissors, reels of thread, clips, spools, bits of fabric etc and as I go on inevitably I will swish the garment over the table and stuff will go flying. I must learn to be tidier as I spend a lot of time scrabbling around on the floor picking it all up again. Thank you for making your videos Claire you are a star. ⭐
Bought our house 6 years ago & guest bedroom with attached bath was always just that, with queen bed, lovely furniture for friends/family who visit. Room was used for that purpose about 4x a year. I've wanted to convert it to a craft room but "where will friends stay?" was always the sticky point for hubs & I both. Enter 2020. Early April we tore down the bed & stored it in that room's closet (hooray massive closet!) & I set up 3 tables for mass production of masks. Since then the room has now taken on the moniker "sewing" instead of "guest" room. Big changes to the space itself including lighting & wall storage and 16 bankers storage boxes FULL of fabric stash! Oh, and a dress form I altered to match my shape. Friends, when they can visit again, can stay in 1 of our many lovely hotels 😄
The one thing I don't understand is this: I am a novice, beginner sewist. I know my limits and although I've made a couple of things, my unfinished 'because terrible' pile is MASSIVE. So when people ask me to make things I always say no: I'm not good enough. And everyone seems to think that this is a cry for help/validation/praise. Its NOT! I'm not good enough to make someone an item of clothing, because it's VERY HARD and I don't have the skills! And I'm currently under the impression that buying things and using things are two separate hobbies when it comes to sewing!
The BEST description of a seamstress or quilter I have ever heard…”a seamstress is like a fish, it will grow to fit its environment.” i.e. give me more room…ha. Ha. Ha..I am going to make a T-shirt with that saying on it! It is not just right that someone sews so little that they can sew on the kitchen table and then put it away! My heart goes out to them because they need more room! Yes, yes, yes…when I married my first husband his family thought I was going to make clothes for them. Nope! I sew because I enjoy it. If I am required to sew for you and I am spending the time to make sure it fits, I will no longer enjoy it. They thought I was mean when I said that. Well, guess what? I have been happily been sewing for over 60 years! 🙂👍
I am spatially challenged. That means that unless I see someone demonstrate a burito method for pillowcase, underwear gusset or bodice facing I cannot envision in my head. Videos were not available when I was teaching myself to so 30 years ago. Regarding people leveraging your skill for their benefit.. it is a universal thing. My husband is an electrician and it would frequently happen to him. Particularly when hurricane knocked power out. Everyone needed a generator hookup. So take comfort that some people will do this to anyone! When I took up sewing again I thought I would try to make a baby quilt. The beginner friendly pattern was anything but. Never was cutting, piecing, sewing and pressing ACCURATELY and every step more important. There was no internet then. Now we have generous teachers like yourself who demonstrate and perhaps more importantly allows us to commiserate. It is important to voice honestly that the process to proficiency comes with expense and some misery. It is so with anything that we undertake
Have you ever heard the saying, “Asking a quilter to mend your clothes is like asking Picasso to paint your garage.” Just replace quilter with sewist! Your stories are so funny; I am loving this series of videos.
Yup. I used to say I can sew a dress - it is following a recipe basically but I can’t fit to a human being. Fitting......that is a whole different skill.
I enjoy your videos. My annoying things are similar. Fit was one. I had the same issues with fit: RTW and my real size were 2 different things. However, my biggest annoyance is the over abundance of sewing stuff, from fabric to notions etc. and scraps. I started real sewing when I was 12. I grew up in Barbados, and when you are 6 feet tall at 12, you learn to sew or wear what Granny makes. I moved to the US to study further, borrowed a sewing machine from a family friend , and continued sewing. I had 1 pair of scissors, 1 box of pins. I bought fabric, thread and pattern as I needed. I eventually bought my own sewing machine, and still had what I needed. I would go to the fabric store., choose 4 patterns, and spend 30 mins deciding which ONE I was going to buy, because it was full price. Vogue wardrobe was $35 US, and I had to get the most from a pattern. Then I would sew what I bought. This was true up to a few years ago. Then I discovered Pinterest, You tube and Joann Fabrics. I was inspired and educated. I found a Joann about 40 mins away, and decided to go one weekend: it just happened to be a pattern sale day. I went nuts! Simplicity, Butterick and McCall's were $1.99. Vogue was $5.99. No limit! Can you imagine how many patterns you can buy for $150? I got the app and went whenever they had a sale. Do I need another pants pattern? No, but I'll buy it for $1.99. I have hundreds of patterns, some I've used, and most I haven't, and then doubles because I forgot what I had. Then I discovered the Indies. I figured my sewing had "matured" so I could spend a little more on a pattern. Same thing. I buy, I download, and it may stay there. I think I have about 20 pairs of scissors because I find them on sale, so I get the bargain. Thread, needles etc. Don't talk about estate sales. I spent too much time organizing my clutter, buying bins etc. So, after KonMarieing my closet, I did the same for my sewing room. I don't buy patterns anymore as I now know and understand my style. As I went through my patterns, I realised that I was buying different versions of the same style. I was doing the same thing with the Indy patterns. I now have the confidence that I know enough to tweak or hack a pattern to get the look I want. I really culled my patterns to those I really think I'll use: still have plenty, but I know what I'll never use, tried and don't like, or only bought because I could or "what the heck! I'll try it". I didn't get rid of my stash as I bought fabric that I really loved, even though I didn't know what I was going to do with it at the time. I do still buy fabric here and there. The real benefit has been that this attention has forced me to focus on what I really want to make, my lifestyle, and use what I have, instead of getting lost in the abundance of it all. Before muslin was a type of fabric: now I make them. The only sale items I get now are thread, especially serger thread, elastic and rotary cutter blades. I don't think I'll need scissors for a while.
My first attempt at sewing was in Home Ec. Class in High School. You had a Sewing Instruction Book, a pattern, fabric, and basic notions. When you are a teenager you know everything so when I started to sew my pants together I skipped the first instructions and just got to the fun cutting and sewing parts. I figured I could put the pieces together myself. When I had everything except the waistband done I tried them on and they were huge. I hadn't read the "unimportant" instructions like seam allowance size. I had just been sewing with the fabric up against the foot instead of 5/8". After I sewed with the right seam allowance they fit pretty good. I thought the waist coming down low in the back was probably just supposed to be hip hugger pants. (This was in the 70s after all). I didn't realize my bum was probably just too big. I now read all the instructions before I start any kind of pattern. lol
If I had it to do over again I would have taken a garment sewing elective class in High School. I certainly had the interest and rather good sewing skills for my age but not the confidence to work with a pattern and make garments. I was scared when I heard you had to make a garment that you wore to school. What I didn't realize at the time was I would learn the skills how to use and fit patterns in the class (I laughed so hard at your "When you are a teenager you know everything" comment.) That was long before the internet/RUclips and although when I think back I regret that decision I am catching-up now. It is such a good feeling to make something that fits ... better late than never.
Definitely not wrong about people asking for sewing done. I called for a takeaway and happened to say if was having a quick meal because I wanted to get on with my sewing. Before I got out the door I had a dress in my that needed darts in it! Then one of my friends said, I hear you are sewing, can you make me 3or 4 sundresses!! At that point I had a sudden onset of deafness! :)
This is the funniest -- and truest -- video I've seen in ages. You are so adorable -- the "work" of learning from your tutorials is buried in the fun of hanging out with you. I flatter myself to think we have a few things in common: being non-24 for one, and being able to create a reverse high-low hemline using only the magnificence of our bums! Bless you & your many charms 💕.
As I'm sure you know, there's little to be done except to hang on for dear life🎢, take your sleep wherever you can get it😴, and expect every task to take twice as long as it would if you could actually schedule your time🤹. In other words, we should be working on Christmas gifts right now😲! You have wonderful energy -- conserve it (but please keep sharing it, too!). 💜🐧🍐💜~~k.
Claire, I just stumbled on you day before yesterday and I haven’t watched anything else since! I’m a 56 year-old plus sized lady. I started sewing at the age of 10, but I think I’ve learned more from you than all the years I’ve sewn! You are so much to watch and interesting. I can’t believe you have sewn for such a short time. I’ve moved away from garment sewing in the past 10 years to quilt, but you have inspired me to go back. I love knits but struggle to find them near me. I know people order fabric online but it terrifies me. I haven’t worked backward all the way to the beginning of your channel so I hope I’m not asking for something you’ve done, but can you do a program on buying fabrics online? FYI- I live in the states! Thank you so much!!
Talking about sewing taking over the house. In fall of 2019 I was overjoyed to finally have a sewing room which I gave up in 1999 when I had my first baby. My second baby went off to college never planning to return except for vacations. Then March 2020 happened and the dorm was closed. One year later, sewing has taken over my kitchen island and dining room. My young adult kids have taken up cooking and it's hard to get anything done, especially when we plan a holiday meal like birthdays and Easter. She's not planning to return to the college campus until September, 2021. SIGH
You are so right!! My co-workers ask me to sew and fix things quite a lot. I try not to charge too much but it’s wearing me down. I’m going to increase my fees for now on.
People have hobbies that they spend money on and have nothing to show for it....a round of golf is not a cheap endeavour. If you enjoy the time you spend sewing as long as you are still able to pay your bills go for it!
I love the #clairelogic. I have definitely outgrown my sewing space a time... or two. 😊 I used to sew late at night when my kids were young. My daughter would go to sleep beside my sewing machine. She found it comforting... even now when she comes to visit...if I’m sewing she says that sound makes me sleepy! 😂❤️
I have been a quilter for the last 25 years and only really started garment sewing 3 years ago, only my family know that I sew garments so I don't worry about people asking me to make them something. However since they all know that I quilt it is nothing for someone to request a quilt. I did however have a neighbor about 20 years ago who found out that I quilted and he knocked on my door and was standing there with several pairs of trousers asking if I could hem and mend them for him. I was very happy to inform him that I did not sew clothing I only made quilts.
My mom used to make my sisters and I dresses when we were young ❤ I want to start sewing as well just to make her something 💕 Thank you for your videos .. they are very useful🌹🌹🌹🌹
I'm in the US and individual detached houses are very common. We do have town homes and apartments, and I've lived in those for years. Thanks to the layouts of those dwellings I never worried about disturbing anyone, and nowadays since I have a detached home, and I'm rural, I don't worry at all. My closest neighbor is 1/4 mi away. I worry more that my roosters, and dogs will bother them. As for sewing for others, I have only one that I sew for other than my family. It's for my 2 Boy Scout troops. (not individual scouts) I DONATE my time to sewing on patches on TROOP OWNED uniforms, repairing tents, and other needs that require a seamstress's services. As a policy I turn everyone else down, even the paying jobs, because I don't want to do them. I just tell them that because I'm disabled (I really am) that taking these jobs may be more than I can handle. (No, not a lie.) And I understand about pricing yourself out of jobs. I used to do that tactic when I moonlighted as a pet sitter 20 years ago. I didn't want to do overnight stay overs, so I told clients that insisted that I give a quote, I gave them what my hourly rate was. It ended up being $400 per night, EVERY night they wanted me to stay. I also informed them that it was payable in cash, in advance since I knew most of them would try to stiff me. I got told off many times because my prices were outrageous, but that was fine by me.
Hey Claire! I can relate to everything you said! When I was younger and had a family and was working I would start projects then have to pack things away. Then I would get busy and would be able to finish what ever I started! Now, I’m going through my bins of stuff and finding things that I started years ago! I just hemmed some jeans for my husband that was sitting in our closet for 2 years! I have to say I’m starting to feel good about getting these chores out of the way! I have 3 grand daughters and I see more for them than I do for myself. I love seeing their faces when I make them something they love! I love your channel! Have a great week!
I learned how to sew in high school. Eventually, my 16-year-old confidence knew no bounds. I decided to make myself a cape/coat instead of listening to my mother who had a more realistic view of my skills and the warmth factor of fake fur in the shape of a bell with slits for my hands to poke through. (We live in Washington state and have freezing winters.) I think I wore that cape once.
I just love you. I learned to sew in Home Economic class in school. Best thing I ever learned. Now that I am retired I wanted to learn how to quilt. What a debacle that has turned into. When I feel defeated by the whole thing, I watch your videos.
@@Penguinandpear Just watched the video. That was awesome! I was already wondering how people made these intricate patterns. Now I know the magic words: paper piecing! This was an eye opener. Thanks!
I sometimes have to remind myself when things aren’t going perfectly that I enjoy sewing. That I am choosing to do this. I usually then get out my seam ripper. Get it town apart, get up and go for a walk. After walking it off, I get a fresh start. I love it. And it has taught me humility as I have been learning new skills.
I do not mend other people clothing. They can take it to the dry cleaner or do it themselves. Sucks the creative juices right out of me. No task sewing for other people is my rule.
I've been trying to teach myself to sew over the last year and a half. I'm getting better bit by bit but I still can get very overwhelmed measuring, cutting patterns and fabric and feeling as though I don't know where to begin or what I'm doing. This video made me laugh as I can relate to a lot of what you talked about and gives me hope I'll get better with time. Thank you for all you do and share with us!💕💕
I get overwhelmed too! I decided early on that it didn't matter how many weeks it took to complete a garment. Once I gave myself that 'out' I felt much better! With every new project I start by searching RUclips with my pattern name. There's usually at least 1 video sew-along. THEN I print/open the pattern & read the instructions. As I read them I highlight every term I don't 100% know (french seams, understiching, seam allowance) and I find videos on those topics regardless of their pattern. That gives me confidence and they are stored in my RUclips History so when I'm in the middle of construction I can go back & find the applicable video quickly at my sewing machine for a refresher. My time learning from RUclips/internet & actually handling fabric is about equal! HUGE love to content creators like Penguin and Pear for keeping us on the right track!
You should become a craftsy member. They have great sewing course where you can learn from all great teachers and all kind of subject. I've been sewing for over 30 years and still learn something new almost every time i look at a new course or technique. You can start from the beginning sewer to very experience.
I do alterations professionally and I can't do all alterations. Not only that, I often reccomend against alterations sometimes because it's not worth it. Admittedly I have a weakness towards family heirlooms (I've spent a lot of time on quilts that have accidentally been thrashed into a washer that other shops turned down) but sometimes you need to accept that the clothes have reached the end of their life. Worst though was a guy who bought multiple pairs of new Carhart coveralls without leg zippers and wanted me to install them and briar patch kneepads because he thought it would be cheaper than ordering the pair that already came that way. Warned him before he should just buy the pnes he wanted but he insisted so I did the zippers for much more than he expected and had to explain the seams weren't meant to come apart so it took a long time, it's heavy material, and I couldn't even get the briar material. Had to look up what briar even was (it's the material that fire hoses are made of). Also get a lot of military asking for alterations that are against regulation and I refuse to do them. Sorry, rant over.
Love your videos, when people try and dump their alterations on me I direct them to the local dry cleaners that do this, smi!e sweetly and say this is where I take mine. Very hard to argue with that! Looking forward to your room tour, I'm a messy sewer as well and never seem to have enough storage space .
Hi Claire. Came across your videos only last night and love them. I used to sew a lot with and without patterns with no real problems. Then I gave up for many years as I could never get my machine to work properly. Hubby bought me a new computerised machine 2-3months ago, and I love it, and thoroughly enjoying making clothes for our two year old granddaughter. No patterns, but through watching RUclips tutorials, and also taking measurements of one of her shop bought dresses. I'm now 76, and far too often, unpicking due to silly errors or after thoughts on a better method. I blame my age 🤦 I've had requests to make a particular dress that I've made, but for a 4 yr old. I've declined. Today, I made myself a quilted sewing machine mat with pockets, as I end up with scissors, pins, unpickers etc here there and everywhere. My first time quilting, but the material is a squared patchwork pattern, so I quilted the squares. A relative said I could make and sell those. My reply was no! it takes me too long. Actually, it only took me five hours, so that was a bonus for me 🙂 It took me a few days to make the last dress for the 2yr old as I wanted to do a full lining of the bodice and skirt. Made a right mess, so unpicked most of it. After a good thinking, I sewed the dress and the lining seperately, then hand sewed the lining in with a good end result. Only thing I did wrong was forgetting to wash the material before using it, so I had navy dye on my hands while sewing 🤦 Thankfully the dye did not run into the white lining on washing the garment 👏 I'm so glad I watched your video yesterday on things you have and don't use and made me realise I don't need to buy many that I had considered. My 'sewing room' is in the bay window of our bedroom, so no room for buying lots of materials, but I do like looking at them on eBay...just in case I see something I really would like to buy. Not made myself anything yet, as I have too many dresses as it is. Looking forward to watching more of your enjoyable videos. Sorry this is so long 🙂 💞
Like you, I don't sleep much. So I'm usually up around 2.30 am and I will and do sew. If I couldn't I'd go crazy. Haven't had any complaints but I live by myself and there is distance from neighbours. My 2 little puppies certainly don't mind lol. Love your videos and just enjoy listening to you. Stay well, cheers Ros
I buy old bed sheets and curtains from charity shops to practice my patterns. Just discovered your channel and I love how real and down to earth your channel is.
Thanks..love the fact that we can really relate to everything you say.....I have experience all you say except complaints for noise at night. Congratulations to your husband for being such a wonderful spouse and giving you the support in the things you need in your life.
When I was a total novice a superior at work asked me to sew together a velvet Christmas stocking with piping. It was super hard, took me hours unpaid. It was near perfect, but she wasn't happy because it wasn't perfect.
Thank you for a great video. As a seamstress of over 40 years a few things resonates with me. I’m guilty of sewing late into the night but very rarely as I’m conscious of disturbing my neighbours. Luckily to date no complaints. And secondly regarding sewing for every Tom Dick and Harry my strategy for friends and family now is that I’m semi retired. I feel so liberated now, as it was sucking the passion out of sewing for me. I would say now to my younger self and anyone else in a similar position, stand your ground and only do what you really enjoy doing. Thank you again I enjoy your videos.
I am at the beginning of my sewing journey and now need more room to organize my things. I actually have a hard time getting anything done when it’s a mess. Have done some serious moaning and groaning to my husband and he’s starting to see my point😉. What I really want to know though is if you have taught yourself to make the pattern adjustments or if you took a class to learn how to do that. Also, how helpful is a mannequin when you are learning to do the adjustments? Honestly thinking about making adjustments is the scariest part of sewing for me! Thanks for your very informative and entertaining videos. You’re the best!
Thank you. I learned online by myself, I also have a friend, Karina who has a channel lifting pins and needles, who has been a mentor to me, so I learned a lot from her 30 years experience. Her channel is worth a watch very educational. I havent ever used a mannequin. I did have one but used it as a clothes horse. Haha
The biggest problem when you sew for someone else is that they think it shouldn't cost anymore than ready to wear even if you have done the alterations to fit them well. However you have put your time and experience in that help you to do a more precise fit to that individual. I now only sew garments for myself but will occasionally make say curtains etc. for others.
I’ve picked “the best time” to decide to lear to sew... right as things were going nuts and shutting down here where I live so getting supplies and things has been a disaster. I don’t have people asking me to fix things but my family kept telling me I should sew and sell masks...I finally said I’m not sewing to make money i want to sew to make garments that will last and that fit. My “stash” has been basically flat sheets, fabric from my mother-in-law that is probably going to be mockup fabrics only and a few things I’ve managed to get from a local repurpose store that I found recently. But I’m still easing into it and figuring out what to do. I do share a desk with my husband for his archery hobbie he fletched arrows every so often and we share that desk so I try to keep things in their corner. We just don’t have the space for me to spread out like I think most people do. But when we move eventually that will likely be a thing on our list to look for.
I started sewing at Christmas so nearly a year. Everything you have said I’m still struggling with my main struggle is that I’m not getting good enough fast enough.
I moved from a big house into a smaller place and this is now a smaller sewing room .I get upset but at least I have a sewing room. I’ve learned to adapt with what I have.
For some years, I actually was cheaper off sewing my own clothes. But after 10 years of sewing on a simple sewing machine and a beginner serger, I bought a new sewing machine and a serger. I am not ever, EVER, going to get that money back out of it. But it's a hobby. And that's fine. But I do chuckle when I hear someone say: "Oh, you sew it yourself? That must be cheap". You can't compete with fast fashion and sweat shops. But like you said: my clothes fit better and the quality is better.
It's cheaper to buy a loaf of bread than make one. But the difference in quality between a $1 loaf from the supermarket and one you make yourself is huge.
I bought a Babylock last spring, and in May at half off, it was still $1500. I debated with myself acknowledging that although I have grandkids, I don’t have kids I need to sew for, and I only sew for myself when I want to. Then I realized that I buy some things just because I want to, and don’t expect them to pay for themselves, like jewelry, a car with extra accessories, etc. so I bought the serger just because I wanted one, and I love it! I don’t ever expect it to pay for itself.
@@kathygann7632 That's exactly what I thought when I bought a new sewing machine last year, and a new serger this year. Both Berninas. Not exactly a cheap brand *cough*, but I love these machines. And the knee lift is just awesome. I also bought a second hand coverstitch Babylock (a BLCS). I wasn't planning on ever buying a coverstitch, but it was so ridiculously cheap (250 Euros) that I just couldn't resist. No idea why it was so cheap. It runs like a charm after having it serviced. With my new machine park, I actually sew more. It gave my hobby a big boost. I started to have a go at quilting and I'm going to attempt to make some lingerie and a winter coat. All things I would never consider trying on my old machines.
I love the fact that I am the only one with the top I am wearing, being plus size the options are limited in fast fashion and I don’t want to walk into work and find I match any one else there.
Thank you this was a really good video to watch as you are a very good orator and funny. Many of your troubles I have experienced and one of my biggest problems has been when making a garment is that I didn't get the size right, after altering the pattern. When you purchase a nice fabric, sometimes very expensive, you get angry, upset and frustrated that it doesn't fit and if you can't fix it, so you have no alternative but to throw away or use the fabric for something else.
Someone said to me “ if I’d known you sewed I wouldn’t have paid £10 to have my skirt taken up!,” this woman wasn’t a friend just the mum of one of my son’s friends! . My answer is always “you couldn’t afford me!” As you have suggested.
You are sooooooooo right! I prefer to adapt my own draft and I keep to a certain shape and length. It's taken me years and too much money to identify colours, prints and silhouettes that suit me - it's so hard to say no! I found the ideas surrounding personal colouring (cool or warm), essences and silhouettes supported better choices in purchasing fabrics. A good trick is to eat well before going into a shop or online!
My first garment make was a wrap over skirt, I thought that would be really easy. It was a summer cotton fabric printed with hot air balloons. It was only when nearly complete I discovered the back panel had the hot air balloons upside down. Later used the same pattern with non directional fabric, that was in the 1970’s. I now quilt rather than make garments, I love patchwork, appliqué and free motion quilting. Like you I don’t do repairs. I make quilts and gift them to friends and family and charities. I’ve put off a couple of people who wanted me to make them a ‘cheap’ quilt by giving them a realistic price.
I always enjoy watching your videos. You are so down-to-earth and realistic about the way it really is and I love it. The most famous words I always got was I need to let you make me this or make me that and I did put a stop to it
I've only watched the intro and I had to pause to comment. The first thing my aunt said when she found out I was starting to sew was: you can start a business hemming pants. No. NO. NO!!! Lol. I wanted to say how much I'm enjoying your videos and I love the editing. The clip of the woman swirling around in her dress was exactly how I thought I'd feel wearing my first self made garment. Sadly, it was hideous and I felt terrible but it was also hilarious and I learned a lot. Also my circadian rhythm is also nonstandard and I do sew in the middle of the night. There are fewer distractions and obligations when the rest of my family is asleep and I sew in the basement so I don't disturb anyone.
Thank you. The editing is hard work ( takes about 8 hours to complete a video) but I think its worth it. Im so glad you agree. Yes we all want to feel like that huh!
I’m busy with a kimono type jacket that I wanted lined. I went ahead and cut the lining as per instructions, and even made darts!!! Lo and behold, after meticulously doing the darn darts 😂 I realized they weren’t facing the same direction!! 🤦♀️. I’m not about to undo delicate lining, so.... I’m going to leave it as is, and possibly put an inner pocket over the boo-boo... Eh... said garment doesn’t quite fit right 🤣😂 so I’ll be at it again today 🙆♀️
I am so glad I found your channel!!! You are rapidly becoming my favorite dow to earth seamstress. I choked a bit on my coffee laughing at “a seamstress is like a fish, growing to fit the environment “. 😂😂😂😂😂 Could not be a more perfect comparison!!!! Lol.
I just ❤ you, and can so relate. My problem when I began was opposite of yours but just frustrating. For years I could sew straight from the pattern and it would be great. Took a few years off because of….life. Now I have the time to make clothes in the colors and styles I like and NOT ONE THING fits fight off the pattern. Grrrrr. Lots to learn when it comes to figuring out what changes correct what problems. Thanks for the laughs and comfort of knowing I’m not alone in this.
When I was very new to sewing, a “friend” asked me to make her a dress. We were both unemployed, but i bought the fabric and made her a dress, because I was flattered that she’d ask me. Of course the dress didn’t work out the way I wanted - it was beyond my limited experience. That was bad enough, but the worst thing was when my friend saw the dress, she and her boyfriend laughed at the dress and at me. It put me off sewing for ages after, and knocked my confidence for six. When people ask me to do this nowadays, I always respond, “I’ll happily teach you!” Only 2 people have taken me up on that, and now they enjoy sewing too.
Loved this video. So much of what you discussed mirrors my situation exactly. My "stuff" is spread all over the house - I reckon I could open a fabric shop with all the "impulse" buys. I've taken over the lounge, dining-room AND our third bedroom - and STILL not enough space. I'm busy completely re-organizing myself right now as I had both my sewing and my "other" hobby stuff (scrapbooking, mosaics, fabric painting, beading, decoupage etc) in the one room. I've now decided to separate it all and am in the throes of establishing one room for my sewing/knitting area exclusively, and another (a lovely, sunny fully enclosed verandah - similar to the UK conservatories) for my "hobby and other admin" space. Perfectionism is also a problem for me. I see EVERY tiny glitch and it irks me no end. Most of the sewing I've done (this time round - I used to sew many years ago but then gave it up while I did the "corporate walk" and my kids got older etc) is for my granddaughter and daughter - so they don't mind (or don't even notice) the odd wonky seam or mismatched patterning - but stupid me points it out and apologises!!! My daughter thinks I'm nuts (hahaha). She just LOVES having things sewn by me and is SO grateful for all the clothes I make for her and my granddaughter - "glitches & all" - and that's what makes it so worthwhile! And yes, I too have been asked to sew for other people - which I always find so uncomfortable. Firstly, I don't consider myself anywhere near professional enough just yet, and secondly, I know they THINK I'll produce something for cheaper than what they spend at the store on the mass-produced rubbish they usually purchase. So I like your idea of pricing yourself out of the job - I will apply that with the next person who thinks they're going to get me to sew things "on the cheap" for them. People have NO clue what it takes (time and money-wise) to produce a one-off, quality fabric, exclusive outfit which cannot be bought anywhere else. And the last thing - my machine is OLD!!! I bought it 37 years ago at a show - it was on special and at that time & was a "top of the range" Empisal model with a whole whopping 18 stitch patterns!! It took ages for me to pay it off. Now, it's a dinosaur with very limited ability and features (I binge watch RUclips sewing channels and am always so jealous of the gorgeous machines I see the ladies using - including that one sitting behind you in your videos) - so I cannot WAIT to get enough money together to purchase one of the newer electronic machines on the market. But silly me spent all my money on fabric instead (talk about doing things *rse about face hahaha!). With Covid hitting and my hubby's business taking a knock, that could still be a while but I am SO impatient! I was intrigued to hear about "health problems" which I've heard you mention couple of times. I have RA which stopped me from working some years ago - hence taking up so many hobbies and getting back into my sewing again. But sometimes I am really crippled with the pain and what they call "flares" which can last a while - even sewing (bending over the table cutting out patterns and then hunched over my machine for hours) can set off a flare which lays me out for up to weeks at a time - bloody annoying! But that's life, I guess - and I have to roll with the punches. Sorry for the booklet here - just had to share! Loving your videos and so glad I found your channel!
Oh people asking you to sew for them, I was just getting into sewing and doing ok for myself and my family. Suddenly I had someone asking me to make curtains, to tailor clothes etc. 🙄 I kept dodging the questions, one person I told a price to and they stopped asking just like you. My sewing space is in my bedroom and like you I’m a messy sewer, so thankful for my set up but would love my own room for it all. 😍
OMG I am a messy sewer and a messy messy when it comes to hobbies and stuff. I need to get my sewing space together! Thank you for your honesty!! My annoyance is I’ve spread my sewing stuff all over my house 🤕😩😓
I am definitely a messy sewist, and due to my chronic back etc issues, insomnia, I actually sew a lot from bed with my machine on a hospital type bed table, using the stop/start button. So, a lot of the stuff piles up on the other half of my king-size bed, lol! Thankfully, I live on my own, my kids are grown, and I live in a bottom flat, where the new upstairs neighbours are so damned noisy after replacing insulated carpet with laminate flooring, and ignoring my pleas to put insulated flooring under it, I don't have any qualms WHAT SO EVER of sewing at all times day and night!! I do sort it out between projects, but when everything you need for an ongoing project is close to hand, why put it away?!
I love your vlogs...you are refreshingly honest when telling us about your journey. I've been following you for about a year and a half now and you have really grown as a sewist. Thank you!!!
True true there’s lots of details before and after to consider and prepare before sewing and to get to accomplish your goal bcs I had loads of housework in my mind I thought I’m just gone sit at the sewing table and I will produce but after lots of years I have started to understand the sewing challenges
When I first tried learning to sew 15 years ago the inability to sew a straight line is what ultimately made me give up. I asked my friends who knew how to sew for advice and all they would say is I should practice. Okay, practice WHAT? I'm so grateful now that I'm making the attempt again that I can find RUclips videos from people who understand that things like look at the edge of the fabric, not the needle need to be explained. Now all I need to do is work up the courage to try a garment more complicated than a mask :D
Oh Claire! This vlog could have been made by me! I totally related to everything you said! I tried everything to sew straight lines - as you said it’s just practice 😁 I did all the same issues with sizing, took me ages to work out that I had to go on measurements not on rtw sizing. (Ps have you seen the Cashmerette measurement tool? It’s really good, you plug in your measurements and it gives you your size). I always say, sewing is the easy bit, fitting is the difficult bit 😂 I have a stash that will outlive me and more patterns than I will ever sew! I am Lynne and I am a fabric addict lol! I have never regretted re-starting sewing - my bank balance may say otherwise 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I absolutely refuse to sew for anyone other than my immediate family - I just don’t want the pressure! Great vlog! ❤️
Lynne - the garments you've made are simply stunning!!! Never would have thought you had any struggles, just shows we all go through the same thing. I've had my eye on Cashmerette too and want to try the Harrison shirt. Looks like a great opportunity to develop some additional skills. Can't remember ever having a button-down top that I didn't have to pin the front. What a treat it will be!
@@heidefries1825 thank you Heide! My sister has just started sewing and I see her struggles are the same as mine - hopefully I can give her some help, but I think the best learning unfortunately comes from our mistakes🤣🤣. Good luck with the Harrison shirt - I am sure it will be awesome 😁
@@lynneprentice4278 So true, experience is often the best teacher. Your sister is fortunate to have you in her corner! I think much of my learning curve could have been avoided during a live class setting (or someone looking over my shoulder). It's starting to fall into place for me and learning so much online ... sadly, the only sewing classes in my area are for quilting.
I am a night owl and really only sew at night. I've actually never considered the noise to neighbors, but I do know it doesn't bother my hubby/kids at all if I am in a different room, preferably one with a room or space in between. 🤷🏼♀️
The annoying thing that happened to me was my new embroidery sewing machine (I was so excited) came with a preprogrammed types of patterns. Soooo, I saved up and bought the computer program that I can create my own patters. I was overwhelmed at learning how to use the program and I haven’t touched that machine since!
My Landlord sometimes pointedly mentions how sensitive he is to lots of noise (meaning he can hear my sewing machine) but as he lets his grandkids in the garden screaming at the top of their lungs at 6.30am literally 5 metres from my bedroom door I choose to ignore him.
I'm a quilter and people think £20 will make them a king size quilt. I had one girl asking for a discount for a memory quilt and I literally was charging her £15 for backing fabric and that was too much 😡🤬
@@Penguinandpear I know it happens a lot. I ended up shutting my business down because people want supermarket prices and don't understand the work that goes into custom made items. Loveing your channel ❤️
@@Penguinandpear I know it happens a lot. I ended up shutting my business down because people want supermarket prices and don't understand the work that goes into custom made items. Loving your channel ❤️
I think this is my favorite of your videos. Especially how you elaborated on the fact that ppl will be throwing things at you left and right for you to sew for them. You are very genuine and I love that about you.
I’m new to sewing, so I wanted to make a shirt. I found a pattern that was easy and I liked it. I’ve made it 5 times now with very different materials so I got my monies worth out of that pattern.
Double check that your sewing machine sews straight, some machines seem to pull to the left, so it may not be you that is causing the seams to veer offline. Put the fabric under the needle, sew without holding the fabric and see if it veers offline or sews straight, try this on reverse as well. I think it depends on whether the foot is perfectly centred over the feed dogs. If you find that your machine has a bias you can get it serviced, but you may need to learn to compensate by holding the fabric against the bias direction. Most people automatically adjust themselves and may not realise that they are compensating for the machine.
Thank you but I can sew straight. I was talking about when I first started to learn to sew and id look at the needle not the edge. What you saw me doing on screen is demonstrate what I was talking about for entertainment purposes. Your comment may be helpful to others though.
With the perfectionism part, that is so true, I’m such a perfectionist and I have to plan every detail but with sewing you can’t and that’s the hardest thing to get around while sewing. I’m glad I’m not the only one 😂
Hi Claire. I agree with almost all of your points about learning to sew. I learned at an early age, but after havng children, I realized it was a very useful skill. However after 50+ years of sewing, I realize it’s fun, empowering and enlightening because you never finish learning!
I love your sense of humor ....I do same thing ....ppl throwing poor quality clothing and expect you magically make from them haut culture. To sew straight line help move both hands and uuse your full hands flat on material or full hand and finger ..depending what you sewing ...quilting is good to start sewing as its learn precision on small pieces then you get habit of sew and stop and lift and tilt ....not speed sewing ....also domesticsewi ff are not professional line juki what sew fast like a wizz.
Wow, I feel so much better after hearing your honest summary of annoying things.. I share them all. My most annoying thing is not understanding the pattern instructions. I read them thoroughly but my dyslexia confuses me and I often make cutting mistakes.
When I first started sewing people would excitedly ask me to fix things for them, add pockets, make from scratch, tailor their clothes. I would often say no, but not because I didn’t want to, or even because they wanted it for free, but Because I just didn’t know how! Buying a sewing machine does not immediately afford you years of skill and expertise. They often wouldn’t believe me, and insisted that I was just being mean or selfish.
Annoyed w.hen my mother invested prize money I had won ...for me to take A sewing course! 53 years later, it's been a mood saver during covid! Identified with all comments...loved the vlog. Thanks for posting.
I have been sewing for over 50 years and I still make “distracted” errors like sewing the wrong sides, etc. Fortunately, I have a beautiful seam ripper that I bought at a craft show. I love using it. It is hand crafted wood and has a beautiful weight, no plastic. Sometimes I think I do it on purpose. 😂😂😂
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Once you've watched this, check out my SMARTEST PURCHASES in sewing video ruclips.net/video/48kRxvE8YNQ/видео.html thank you for watching!
I like your honesty about sewing and the comparisons you make - brightens my day! I had a friend who knew I had a sewing machine. One day she said 'iam coming to your house so that I can use your sewing machine' I replied'oh no, you are not. That was the end of our friendship. My view was she can buy her own sewing machine and learn to use it. I am not normally a mean person - but I am so pleased I said that to her.
Not sure if it's been commented before me, but I would add that one of the main reasons people are surprised by the cost of sewing, is that we aren't used to paying the REAL cost when it comes to ready-to-wear: fast fashion brands don't pay their workers a living wage nor give them any kind of benefits! So of course you're used to pay 5$ for a t-shirt, but no, it's not sustainable or ethical!
A person working in a garment factory in Asia, may not make more than $15 a month. They are treated badly. They may not be able to go to the bathroom for their whole shift.
Coronacation (shut down) taught me that my fabric hoarding is actually wise! And I have told my husband that sewing is cheaper than therapy.
That is very true!
But about the same as decent wine..ha ha.
I know exactly where you are coming from when it comes to so called friends asking me to sew for them. One of my first traps was a friend needed a couple curtains hemmed and pairs sewn together . She called and ask if I would sew these curtains for her and in my mind I was thinking four curtain panels would not be a problem. When she arrived at my home she had ten panels she wanted sewn together and all shortened by twelve inches. It took me a week of hard work only for her to send her daughter by to pick them up without as much as a thank you. Next was before the holiday season I made my daughter and granddaughter nice shopping Christmas purse totes all decked out with the bells. I buy good fabric so each cost me a pretty penny. I had another family member call and ask if I would make her one after she saw the other I had made. I thought what the heck, it's the holiday season, I had fabric left so I told her I would. A few days after I finished and gave the purse to her she called and ask if I would make her daughter one. I told her I would try and a few days later called and ask if I would make one for her mother also. I told her the fabric alone costs me around thirty-five dollars for each tote so if she wanted more I would make the other two for around seventy-five dollars each. That was a bargain because each one took me around eight hours to sew. She had a fit and said I didn't know you were running a business. I told her I wasn't but it was near the end of the holiday , I had other projects I needed to finish so if I took on anymore I would be up most of the night. She hung up and has never called me again. This is one of my biggest gripes is people that don't sew thinks because it is my hobby I should just drop everything for what they want or need.
Thats horrific. Im glad you put a price on it in the end.
That's just horrible. I was lucky enough not having people ask me to make stuff. I think most people around me know that it takes time and effort and money. Probably because I talk about the sewing mistakes I made, how many hours it took to make that coat, what all the stuff cost me... And some tried sewing themselves and gave up because it was too hard or too time consuming. So they know.
Some months ago my mother-in-law asked me to make the hem of trousers shorter, because her sewing machine was broke. Instead of hemming, I took the broken sewing machine to a repair shop and had it repaired, with the comment: "Now you can hem the trousers whenever you want, and you don't have to wait for weeks for me to finish it. Isn't that great?" :D
That’s horrible! I will only do things for my very best friends of which there are about three. :-) When people ask me, I respond that I do not even have the time to do all of my own sewing and can therefore not take anything else on. Period. I’m 57, work a very stressful job and my free time is my most precious commodity. When you get old and cranky like me, saying no becomes quite easy!
This is so true .This what fast fashion and using poorest countries tries in slave labour whith mind of masses and thinking that sewing is a poor job ...its amazing craft what I want to learn to make perfect garment for myself I am beetwin sizes and cannot afford have uncomfortable clothes .
Oo yess hours of sewing 8.00 am to max 10.00 PM. I living in temporary accomodation and for now I do t have any complaints but I do cut in night ,my landlord add special light over my desk so I have white light in middle of night if I want to ...I am like you night owl ...I watch RUclips make sketches and cutting materials ,then check all on morning and sew ...organise all in small plastic boxes with list of things what I need so when I go shopping I just take list sticked to box or I make on line order and meantime look or cut another project . I would love to have my own studio in my own house with view to garden when I can rest on end of day with my daughter and husband.
I’ve spent many a weekend doing favours for friends even when I had full time work during the week, then it suddenly occurred to me , how many of these friends would spend all weekend doing favours for me, the answer ‘none’. I’m elderly now with arthritis in my hands so I’ve made it known I can’t sew much anymore.
My daughter gets asked frequently where she got her outfit. She knows now to say "it's couture, a small dressmaker who makes it to fit me". Soon after "do you have her card?". Her response is a sweet smile and a "I'm sorry. You can't afford her rates. Hell, I can't afford her rates!". LOL But its flattering to me that people recognize style, fit, and quality. My mother taught me to sew, and she was an excellent, albeit strict, instructor. I can't tell you how many times I had to take out a zipper because it wasn't sewn properly. But, it made me a good dressmaker! I don't sew when there is no natural light, so I've never had a complaint. Fun video Claire.
Thanks Nancy, it was nice hearing your insight thank you for sharing!
My mother also taught me to sew. She was an excellent sewist (had sewn professionally for many years). I understand precisely what you talked about ripping out zippers. And piping. And sleeves. But it made me a much better sewist. Thanks, Mom. Miss you.
Ha ha! I can still remember a yellow dress that I put a zipper in ten times when I was about 12. I finally said to my Mom “That’s it! It’s good enough!” But I learned accuracy made a big difference. That persistence to do my best shaped who I am. Missing Mom @ 63 😢 but know some great skills
My daughter's answer was, "My mother made it and she doesn't sew for you."
Haha
I’m a cake decorator and people ask me to make intricate cakes for them all the time “as a favor” with no idea of the time, skill and cost of ingredients. After many a time staying up all night to complete the request, I have finally just started sweetly saying that I will happily make them a cake if they come place an order at my place of work. It’s amazing how quickly the requests dried up, lol. I saw a post on Twitter where someone said that you aren’t paying for the time and effort that it takes to complete one task, you are paying for ALL the thousands of hours of work it took for me to be able to have the skill for what I do currently. I literally shouted “Amen” aloud! Thanks for these videos, they are so informative and entertaining 👍🏻❤️
I think a big problem with modern society is how disconnected average people are from how things are made, and why so much is cheap and disposable. We're not used to paying living wages for seamstresses, for ethically sourced or even just quality fabric, or for well constructed clothing. And most of us have no clue how hard sewing is. Heck, I've seen people use the term "hand made" alone (no modifiers) for custom clothes, seeming not to realize all clothes are sewn by someone's hands.
I'm still researching, and trying to choose a first machine. I want to make my own clothes, but I don't expect to save money. As a plus sized J to K cup with simple but specific ideas for dream clothes, my long-term hope is clothes that actually fit my chest and waist well for the first time since age 14, ideally made from natural fabrics.
Go for it! I couldn't agree with you more on the first part of your comment. Almost 2 years passed since i got my first machine, and now i'm not THAT happy with it. Don't get me wrong: it works just fine. i just wish it had more decorative stitches. But you'll hear many sewists saying they rarely use the decorative ones. If you're making just clothes, you really won't need more than 3 stitches - straight, zigzag, and buttonhole. And the buttonhole function you'll use rarely. the straight stitch is the one you'll use the most. ;) good luck!
Great advice from Sapphire, there. You can totally learn to get a good fit. It will be a journey but its entirely possible. Good luck!
I would suggest you find a sewing machine shop to buy your first machine. You will be able to test many machines and discuss what you would like to sew now and in the near future. Some of the cheaper machines that are on offer online are so clucky and noisey and lots of sewing machine shops refuse to sell them or service them. Best thing shops offer is support and classes.
I did this with my first major spend. Went in the shop chatted, tried machines out and ended with a machine that I outgrew in a year, even though I told them I wanted long term. Bought next 2 machines in a shop too to no additional benefit (when push came to shove they were no more helpful than if id bought online) then the big one you see behind me i bought online at a great price and the shop dealership were so annoyed I didnt buy it from them they pretty much told me they wouldn't work with me again. Their words were "you cut your nose off to spite your face". So now I can't get my machines serviced locally but I wouldnt go to them anyway. In my eyes online is much easier, machine can always go back to the brand or find a local service. You don't have to buy it from a shop for them to service it. But doing your research is important.
@@Penguinandpear I agree not all shops are the same. The good ones allow you to come back many times without pressure. Never buy on your first visit and always do some research .
Not sewing, but knitting.
A lady offered me $100 to knit her a pure wool, queen size blanket.
I supply the wool.
I came back with a quote for $500, with her buying her preferred wool yarn, and even then I was paying myself less than minimum wage.
Her classic reply, "I can buy it for much less in the shops". LOLOL Off you go then....but I bet it's not made from wool. :)
Parents owned a small biz, loads of lessons learned in that environment that have helped in big ways professionally & personally. Biggest & deepest: your time is your most precious & valuable asset. If it isn't respected Walk Away. Good on you for holding your ground!
well done... I'd have charged her at least $1200 for it. I'm crocheting a second throw blanket for my living room chair--the first one took me about a year (took a break during the summer because it was too hot to crochet wool). This one has taken me two years because life keeps getting in the way. Aim to finish it this fall.
I had exactly the same with the knitting. I made my niece a mermaid snuggle sack for her birthday. All the extended family and friends jumped on board wanting me to make them for other little girls. I said I had a backlog to cope with. They were all very helpful in letting me know they could give me the money for wool if it could be done quicker. They were all very helpful in telling me they could probably get the wool cheeper. A lot turned their nose up at the cost of the wool and the amount that was needed saying they could get them in the shops cheaper & sooner. With working and a family to manage these blankets could take a couple hours an evening for a week-not one of them offered me money for my time.
I had to laugh when you talked about sewing a straight line; that drove me NUTS when I first started!! But the most frustrating thing that happened was when I sewed my first project, which was an apron. That sounded fairly easy, right?? I went and bought the cutest fabric, just perfect for an apron. It had pictures of women doing different household tasks like vacuuming, ironing, dishes, etc. Super cute. So, I cut out my pattern, no problem, and managed to sew the apron, with only a few emergency calls to my mom, who is an amazing seamstress. So, I get done, I’m feeling damn proud of myself, and try on my new apron. In horror, I realize that the fabric was upside down; my housekeeping ladies were all on their heads! I didn’t know whether to scream in frustration and anger or burst into tears! I called my mom and tearfully told her what I did. Once she stopped laughing hysterically, she calmed me down, and I began to see the humor of the situation, and decided not to throw the whole thing in the garbage! I still have that apron, and it is now affectionately referred to as “The Upside Down Apron”! It turned out really cute except for that slight mishap! But I did learn a valuable lesson; believe me when I say that I DOUBLE and TRIPLE CHECK before I cut out every pattern!!
Thanks for sharing that, it gave me a laugh! We've all been there!!!
Thanks for sharing that, it gave me a good honest out loud laugh! I've been there too & now I ALWAYS check print direction every step of the way. 😀
I've been there! I made a pullover top once out of expensive print fabric that had cats sitting on their haunches with long exaggerated necks. I didn't know what "Without Nap" meant but I cut out the top according to that layout to save fabric. The end result was a top with upside down cats on my front and right side up ones on my back! I wore it anyway! 🐈
@@lindahoskin6617 Good for you!! Lol! I still wear that apron, too.....that fabric was expensive, and after I got over being mad, I decided I was going to wear it anyway!
Look at it this way, when you wear it and look down, it looks good to you.
Claire! I connected with every point! When I was a teenager I cut patterns out on a small shag rug in my bedroom. My brother started dragging the living room phone (1970 LOL) into my room and using it as a phone booth to call his gf. After stepping on, sitting on many pins it kept him out. Sprinkled extra pins 😂🤣
Haha good thinking!
I think the real value of sewing my own cloths is in the quality. If I pick the right fabric and sew it with care and attention to every seam, then that garment will last me a long time compared to the mass produced ready-to-wear garments. I don’t mind spending $75-150 on fabric and notions in addition to time to make a dress that would last me waaaay longer than the $25 H&M dress
I learnt to sew in the 1970's when it was cheaper to make your own clothes. Other than make curtains or do minor repairs/alterations I haven't sewn since. About a year ago my husband asked me to take up the hem on his trousers so out came the old sewing machine and it wouldn't work. Not surprising as it was over 50years old. Anyway I decided to treat myself to a new machine and since then I haven't stopped sewing. Having to learn how to use the new machine has made me want to sew again. I'm having a lot of fun relearning how to sew garments for myself again. I'm a different shape now than I was back then so it is more challenging to make a garment that fits. I have a corner of the bedroom that is my sewing space and it is hard to find room for everything. The most annoying thing, I find, is the clutter that appears on my sewing table. I start out with it relatively clear and by the end of the project the top is cluttered with pins, scissors, reels of thread, clips, spools, bits of fabric etc and as I go on inevitably I will swish the garment over the table and stuff will go flying. I must learn to be tidier as I spend a lot of time scrabbling around on the floor picking it all up again. Thank you for making your videos Claire you are a star. ⭐
Bought our house 6 years ago & guest bedroom with attached bath was always just that, with queen bed, lovely furniture for friends/family who visit. Room was used for that purpose about 4x a year. I've wanted to convert it to a craft room but "where will friends stay?" was always the sticky point for hubs & I both. Enter 2020. Early April we tore down the bed & stored it in that room's closet (hooray massive closet!) & I set up 3 tables for mass production of masks. Since then the room has now taken on the moniker "sewing" instead of "guest" room. Big changes to the space itself including lighting & wall storage and 16 bankers storage boxes FULL of fabric stash! Oh, and a dress form I altered to match my shape. Friends, when they can visit again, can stay in 1 of our many lovely hotels 😄
Haha Yessssss!
The one thing I don't understand is this: I am a novice, beginner sewist. I know my limits and although I've made a couple of things, my unfinished 'because terrible' pile is MASSIVE. So when people ask me to make things I always say no: I'm not good enough. And everyone seems to think that this is a cry for help/validation/praise. Its NOT! I'm not good enough to make someone an item of clothing, because it's VERY HARD and I don't have the skills! And I'm currently under the impression that buying things and using things are two separate hobbies when it comes to sewing!
The BEST description of a seamstress or quilter I have ever heard…”a seamstress is like a fish, it will grow to fit its environment.” i.e. give me more room…ha. Ha. Ha..I am going to make a T-shirt with that saying on it!
It is not just right that someone sews so little that they can sew on the kitchen table and then put it away! My heart goes out to them because they need more room!
Yes, yes, yes…when I married my first husband his family thought I was going to make clothes for them. Nope! I sew because I enjoy it. If I am required to sew for you and I am spending the time to make sure it fits, I will no longer enjoy it. They thought I was mean when I said that. Well, guess what? I have been happily been sewing for over 60 years! 🙂👍
I am spatially challenged. That means that unless I see someone demonstrate a burito method for pillowcase, underwear gusset or bodice facing I cannot envision in my head. Videos were not available when I was teaching myself to so 30 years ago. Regarding people leveraging your skill for their benefit.. it is a universal thing. My husband is an electrician and it would frequently happen to him. Particularly when hurricane knocked power out. Everyone needed a generator hookup. So take comfort that some people will do this to anyone! When I took up sewing again I thought I would try to make a baby quilt. The beginner friendly pattern was anything but. Never was cutting, piecing, sewing and pressing ACCURATELY and every step more important. There was no internet then. Now we have generous teachers like yourself who demonstrate and perhaps more importantly allows us to commiserate. It is important to voice honestly that the process to proficiency comes with expense and some misery. It is so with anything that we undertake
Have you ever heard the saying, “Asking a quilter to mend your clothes is like asking Picasso to paint your garage.” Just replace quilter with sewist! Your stories are so funny; I am loving this series of videos.
I’ve heard many quilters say that they quilt; they don’t sew.
Yup. I used to say I can sew a dress - it is following a recipe basically but I can’t fit to a human being. Fitting......that is a whole different skill.
Totally agree!
So true!
I enjoy your videos. My annoying things are similar. Fit was one. I had the same issues with fit: RTW and my real size were 2 different things.
However, my biggest annoyance is the over abundance of sewing stuff, from fabric to notions etc. and scraps. I started real sewing when I was 12. I grew up in Barbados, and when you are 6 feet tall at 12, you learn to sew or wear what Granny makes. I moved to the US to study further, borrowed a sewing machine from a family friend , and continued sewing. I had 1 pair of scissors, 1 box of pins. I bought fabric, thread and pattern as I needed. I eventually bought my own sewing machine, and still had what I needed. I would go to the fabric store., choose 4 patterns, and spend 30 mins deciding which ONE I was going to buy, because it was full price. Vogue wardrobe was $35 US, and I had to get the most from a pattern. Then I would sew what I bought. This was true up to a few years ago. Then I discovered Pinterest, You tube and Joann Fabrics. I was inspired and educated. I found a Joann about 40 mins away, and decided to go one weekend: it just happened to be a pattern sale day. I went nuts! Simplicity, Butterick and McCall's were $1.99. Vogue was $5.99. No limit! Can you imagine how many patterns you can buy for $150? I got the app and went whenever they had a sale. Do I need another pants pattern? No, but I'll buy it for $1.99. I have hundreds of patterns, some I've used, and most I haven't, and then doubles because I forgot what I had. Then I discovered the Indies. I figured my sewing had "matured" so I could spend a little more on a pattern. Same thing. I buy, I download, and it may stay there. I think I have about 20 pairs of scissors because I find them on sale, so I get the bargain. Thread, needles etc. Don't talk about estate sales. I spent too much time organizing my clutter, buying bins etc. So, after KonMarieing my closet, I did the same for my sewing room. I don't buy patterns anymore as I now know and understand my style. As I went through my patterns, I realised that I was buying different versions of the same style. I was doing the same thing with the Indy patterns. I now have the confidence that I know enough to tweak or hack a pattern to get the look I want. I really culled my patterns to those I really think I'll use: still have plenty, but I know what I'll never use, tried and don't like, or only bought because I could or "what the heck! I'll try it". I didn't get rid of my stash as I bought fabric that I really loved, even though I didn't know what I was going to do with it at the time. I do still buy fabric here and there. The real benefit has been that this attention has forced me to focus on what I really want to make, my lifestyle, and use what I have, instead of getting lost in the abundance of it all. Before muslin was a type of fabric: now I make them. The only sale items I get now are thread, especially serger thread, elastic and rotary cutter blades. I don't think I'll need scissors for a while.
I totally agree with you!!! The true joy I find in sewing is to learn, expand my skills and to be inspired ... I don't want my hobby to become work.
Totally agree with you! Even though mine is my work lol 😆
My first attempt at sewing was in Home Ec. Class in High School. You had a Sewing Instruction Book, a pattern, fabric, and basic notions. When you are a teenager you know everything so when I started to sew my pants together I skipped the first instructions and just got to the fun cutting and sewing parts. I figured I could put the pieces together myself. When I had everything except the waistband done I tried them on and they were huge. I hadn't read the "unimportant" instructions like seam allowance size. I had just been sewing with the fabric up against the foot instead of 5/8". After I sewed with the right seam allowance they fit pretty good. I thought the waist coming down low in the back was probably just supposed to be hip hugger pants. (This was in the 70s after all). I didn't realize my bum was probably just too big. I now read all the instructions before I start any kind of pattern. lol
I so relate to your pants story! The first time I made slacks I was so pleased with the good fit until I realized the pockets were upside down! 🙃
If I had it to do over again I would have taken a garment sewing elective class in High School. I certainly had the interest and rather good sewing skills for my age but not the confidence to work with a pattern and make garments. I was scared when I heard you had to make a garment that you wore to school. What I didn't realize at the time was I would learn the skills how to use and fit patterns in the class (I laughed so hard at your "When you are a teenager you know everything" comment.) That was long before the internet/RUclips and although when I think back I regret that decision I am catching-up now. It is such a good feeling to make something that fits ... better late than never.
Definitely not wrong about people asking for sewing done. I called for a takeaway and happened to say if was having a quick meal because I wanted to get on with my sewing. Before I got out the door I had a dress in my that needed darts in it! Then one of my friends said, I hear you are sewing, can you make me 3or 4 sundresses!! At that point I had a sudden onset of deafness! :)
This is the funniest -- and truest -- video I've seen in ages. You are so adorable -- the "work" of learning from your tutorials is buried in the fun of hanging out with you. I flatter myself to think we have a few things in common: being non-24 for one, and being able to create a reverse high-low hemline using only the magnificence of our bums! Bless you & your many charms 💕.
Thank you! How do you cope with the non 24? My sleep cycle is forever shifting I wish itd stay in one place for 5 mins!
As I'm sure you know, there's little to be done except to hang on for dear life🎢, take your sleep wherever you can get it😴, and expect every task to take twice as long as it would if you could actually schedule your time🤹. In other words, we should be working on Christmas gifts right now😲! You have wonderful energy -- conserve it (but please keep sharing it, too!). 💜🐧🍐💜~~k.
There are worse things to be addicted to. :)
Claire, I just stumbled on you day before yesterday and I haven’t watched anything else since! I’m a 56 year-old plus sized lady. I started sewing at the age of 10, but I think I’ve learned more from you than all the years I’ve sewn! You are so much to watch and interesting. I can’t believe you have sewn for such a short time. I’ve moved away from garment sewing in the past 10 years to quilt, but you have inspired me to go back. I love knits but struggle to find them near me. I know people order fabric online but it terrifies me. I haven’t worked backward all the way to the beginning of your channel so I hope I’m not asking for something you’ve done, but can you do a program on buying fabrics online? FYI- I live in the states! Thank you so much!!
Thank you, your comment made my day! I will put it on the list of possibilities but I cant promise. We will see 👀
Talking about sewing taking over the house. In fall of 2019 I was overjoyed to finally have a sewing room which I gave up in 1999 when I had my first baby. My second baby went off to college never planning to return except for vacations. Then March 2020 happened and the dorm was closed. One year later, sewing has taken over my kitchen island and dining room. My young adult kids have taken up cooking and it's hard to get anything done, especially when we plan a holiday meal like birthdays and Easter. She's not planning to return to the college campus until September, 2021. SIGH
You are so right!! My co-workers ask me to sew and fix things quite a lot. I try not to charge too much but it’s wearing me down. I’m going to increase my fees for now on.
Good on you!
People have hobbies that they spend money on and have nothing to show for it....a round of golf is not a cheap endeavour. If you enjoy the time you spend sewing as long as you are still able to pay your bills go for it!
Exactly Anne!
I love the #clairelogic. I have definitely outgrown my sewing space a time... or two. 😊 I used to sew late at night when my kids were young. My daughter would go to sleep beside my sewing machine. She found it comforting... even now when she comes to visit...if I’m sewing she says that sound makes me sleepy! 😂❤️
Interesting!
My favorite saying is “I’m going broke saving money sewing” 🤣🤣🤣 But, it’s still my favorite hobby in the world. ❤️
I have been a quilter for the last 25 years and only really started garment sewing 3 years ago, only my family know that I sew garments so I don't worry about people asking me to make them something. However since they all know that I quilt it is nothing for someone to request a quilt. I did however have a neighbor about 20 years ago who found out that I quilted and he knocked on my door and was standing there with several pairs of trousers asking if I could hem and mend them for him. I was very happy to inform him that I did not sew clothing I only made quilts.
My mom used to make my sisters and I dresses when we were young ❤
I want to start sewing as well just to make her something 💕
Thank you for your videos .. they are very useful🌹🌹🌹🌹
I'm in the US and individual detached houses are very common. We do have town homes and apartments, and I've lived in those for years. Thanks to the layouts of those dwellings I never worried about disturbing anyone, and nowadays since I have a detached home, and I'm rural, I don't worry at all. My closest neighbor is 1/4 mi away. I worry more that my roosters, and dogs will bother them.
As for sewing for others, I have only one that I sew for other than my family. It's for my 2 Boy Scout troops. (not individual scouts) I DONATE my time to sewing on patches on TROOP OWNED uniforms, repairing tents, and other needs that require a seamstress's services. As a policy I turn everyone else down, even the paying jobs, because I don't want to do them. I just tell them that because I'm disabled (I really am) that taking these jobs may be more than I can handle. (No, not a lie.)
And I understand about pricing yourself out of jobs. I used to do that tactic when I moonlighted as a pet sitter 20 years ago. I didn't want to do overnight stay overs, so I told clients that insisted that I give a quote, I gave them what my hourly rate was. It ended up being $400 per night, EVERY night they wanted me to stay. I also informed them that it was payable in cash, in advance since I knew most of them would try to stiff me. I got told off many times because my prices were outrageous, but that was fine by me.
Hey Claire! I can relate to everything you said! When I was younger and had a family and was working I would start projects then have to pack things away. Then I would get busy and would be able to finish what ever I started! Now, I’m going through my bins of stuff and finding things that I started years ago! I just hemmed some jeans for my husband that was sitting in our closet for 2 years! I have to say I’m starting to feel good about getting these chores out of the way! I have 3 grand daughters and I see more for them than I do for myself. I love seeing their faces when I make them something they love! I love your channel! Have a great week!
Thank you! I would sew more for them if I had grandkids!!!
I learned how to sew in high school. Eventually, my 16-year-old confidence knew no bounds. I decided to make myself a cape/coat instead of listening to my mother who had a more realistic view of my skills and the warmth factor of fake fur in the shape of a bell with slits for my hands to poke through. (We live in Washington state and have freezing winters.) I think I wore that cape once.
I just love you. I learned to sew in Home Economic class in school. Best thing I ever learned. Now that I am retired I wanted to learn how to quilt. What a debacle that has turned into. When I feel defeated by the whole thing, I watch your videos.
My friend Megan is about to post a video on paper piecing. Not sure if that helps but her channel is Megan handmade
I started quilting last week. Just keep at it. Start with a simple pattern, and start with something small. Like a placemat or something.
@@Penguinandpear Just watched the video. That was awesome! I was already wondering how people made these intricate patterns. Now I know the magic words: paper piecing! This was an eye opener. Thanks!
I sometimes have to remind myself when things aren’t going perfectly that I enjoy sewing. That I am choosing to do this. I usually then get out my seam ripper. Get it town apart, get up and go for a walk. After walking it off, I get a fresh start. I love it. And it has taught me humility as I have been learning new skills.
I do not mend other people clothing. They can take it to the dry cleaner or do it themselves. Sucks the creative juices right out of me. No task sewing for other people is my rule.
I've been trying to teach myself to sew over the last year and a half. I'm getting better bit by bit but I still can get very overwhelmed measuring, cutting patterns and fabric and feeling as though I don't know where to begin or what I'm doing. This video made me laugh as I can relate to a lot of what you talked about and gives me hope I'll get better with time. Thank you for all you do and share with us!💕💕
So pleased to hear this! You can do it!
I get overwhelmed too! I decided early on that it didn't matter how many weeks it took to complete a garment. Once I gave myself that 'out' I felt much better! With every new project I start by searching RUclips with my pattern name. There's usually at least 1 video sew-along. THEN I print/open the pattern & read the instructions. As I read them I highlight every term I don't 100% know (french seams, understiching, seam allowance) and I find videos on those topics regardless of their pattern. That gives me confidence and they are stored in my RUclips History so when I'm in the middle of construction I can go back & find the applicable video quickly at my sewing machine for a refresher. My time learning from RUclips/internet & actually handling fabric is about equal! HUGE love to content creators like Penguin and Pear for keeping us on the right track!
You should become a craftsy member. They have great sewing course where you can learn from all great teachers and all kind of subject. I've been sewing for over 30 years and still learn something new almost every time i look at a new course or technique. You can start from the beginning sewer to very experience.
Alterations! People assume that you can do every type of alteration.
And that you want to!
Alterations are a whole other skill. I usually just say I’m too busy at the moment....and repeat as necessary.
I do alterations professionally and I can't do all alterations. Not only that, I often reccomend against alterations sometimes because it's not worth it. Admittedly I have a weakness towards family heirlooms (I've spent a lot of time on quilts that have accidentally been thrashed into a washer that other shops turned down) but sometimes you need to accept that the clothes have reached the end of their life. Worst though was a guy who bought multiple pairs of new Carhart coveralls without leg zippers and wanted me to install them and briar patch kneepads because he thought it would be cheaper than ordering the pair that already came that way. Warned him before he should just buy the pnes he wanted but he insisted so I did the zippers for much more than he expected and had to explain the seams weren't meant to come apart so it took a long time, it's heavy material, and I couldn't even get the briar material. Had to look up what briar even was (it's the material that fire hoses are made of).
Also get a lot of military asking for alterations that are against regulation and I refuse to do them.
Sorry, rant over.
Acts of care taking are apparently my love language. I love fixing my friends clothing.
Love your videos, when people try and dump their alterations on me I direct them to the local dry cleaners that do this, smi!e sweetly and say this is where I take mine. Very hard to argue with that! Looking forward to your room tour, I'm a messy sewer as well and never seem to have enough storage space .
Hi Claire. Came across your videos only last night and love them. I used to sew a lot with and without patterns with no real problems. Then I gave up for many years as I could never get my machine to work properly. Hubby bought me a new computerised machine 2-3months ago, and I love it, and thoroughly enjoying making clothes for our two year old granddaughter. No patterns, but through watching RUclips tutorials, and also taking measurements of one of her shop bought dresses. I'm now 76, and far too often, unpicking due to silly errors or after thoughts on a better method. I blame my age 🤦
I've had requests to make a particular dress that I've made, but for a 4 yr old. I've declined. Today, I made myself a quilted sewing machine mat with pockets, as I end up with scissors, pins, unpickers etc here there and everywhere. My first time quilting, but the material is a squared patchwork pattern, so I quilted the squares. A relative said I could make and sell those. My reply was no! it takes me too long. Actually, it only took me five hours, so that was a bonus for me 🙂 It took me a few days to make the last dress for the 2yr old as I wanted to do a full lining of the bodice and skirt. Made a right mess, so unpicked most of it. After a good thinking, I sewed the dress and the lining seperately, then hand sewed the lining in with a good end result. Only thing I did wrong was forgetting to wash the material before using it, so I had navy dye on my hands while sewing 🤦 Thankfully the dye did not run into the white lining on washing the garment 👏
I'm so glad I watched your video yesterday on things you have and don't use and made me realise I don't need to buy many that I had considered. My 'sewing room' is in the bay window of our bedroom, so no room for buying lots of materials, but I do like looking at them on eBay...just in case I see something I really would like to buy. Not made myself anything yet, as I have too many dresses as it is. Looking forward to watching more of your enjoyable videos. Sorry this is so long 🙂 💞
Love your long message!
@@Penguinandpear Thank you 💞
Like you, I don't sleep much. So I'm usually up around 2.30 am and I will and do sew. If I couldn't I'd go crazy. Haven't had any complaints but I live by myself and there is distance from neighbours. My 2 little puppies certainly don't mind lol. Love your videos and just enjoy listening to you. Stay well, cheers Ros
I buy old bed sheets and curtains from charity shops to practice my patterns. Just discovered your channel and I love how real and down to earth your channel is.
Thank you!
Thanks..love the fact that we can really relate to everything you say.....I have experience all you say except complaints for noise at night. Congratulations to your husband for being such a wonderful spouse and giving you the support in the things you need in your life.
When I was a total novice a superior at work asked me to sew together a velvet Christmas stocking with piping. It was super hard, took me hours unpaid. It was near perfect, but she wasn't happy because it wasn't perfect.
Wow! I’d have told her to do it herself next time!
There are givers and there are takers. Seamstresses usually are givers. Love your videos.
Thank you for a great video. As a seamstress of over 40 years a few things resonates with me. I’m guilty of sewing late into the night but very rarely as I’m conscious of disturbing my neighbours. Luckily to date no complaints. And secondly regarding sewing for every Tom Dick and Harry my strategy for friends and family now is that I’m semi retired. I feel so liberated now, as it was sucking the passion out of sewing for me. I would say now to my younger self and anyone else in a similar position, stand your ground and only do what you really enjoy doing. Thank you again I enjoy your videos.
Learning to say no to stuff we don’t want to do (in life not just sewing) is so liberating
I am at the beginning of my sewing journey and now need more room to organize my things. I actually have a hard time getting anything done when it’s a mess. Have done some serious moaning and groaning to my husband and he’s starting to see my point😉.
What I really want to know though is if you have taught yourself to make the pattern adjustments or if you took a class to learn how to do that. Also, how helpful is a mannequin when you are learning to do the adjustments? Honestly thinking about making adjustments is the scariest part of sewing for me!
Thanks for your very informative and entertaining videos. You’re the best!
Thank you. I learned online by myself, I also have a friend, Karina who has a channel lifting pins and needles, who has been a mentor to me, so I learned a lot from her 30 years experience. Her channel is worth a watch very educational. I havent ever used a mannequin. I did have one but used it as a clothes horse. Haha
The biggest problem when you sew for someone else is that they think it shouldn't cost anymore than ready to wear even if you have done the alterations to fit them well. However you have put your time and experience in that help you to do a more precise fit to that individual. I now only sew garments for myself but will occasionally make say curtains etc. for others.
I’ve picked “the best time” to decide to lear to sew... right as things were going nuts and shutting down here where I live so getting supplies and things has been a disaster. I don’t have people asking me to fix things but my family kept telling me I should sew and sell masks...I finally said I’m not sewing to make money i want to sew to make garments that will last and that fit. My “stash” has been basically flat sheets, fabric from my mother-in-law that is probably going to be mockup fabrics only and a few things I’ve managed to get from a local repurpose store that I found recently. But I’m still easing into it and figuring out what to do. I do share a desk with my husband for his archery hobbie he fletched arrows every so often and we share that desk so I try to keep things in their corner. We just don’t have the space for me to spread out like I think most people do. But when we move eventually that will likely be a thing on our list to look for.
Just sewing in my sewing room and come across you chanel.... Now can't stop watching you! Love you! So funny and wise... 💕
I started sewing at Christmas so nearly a year. Everything you have said I’m still struggling with my main struggle is that I’m not getting good enough fast enough.
It does take time and practice so keep at it, you'll get there
I moved from a big house into a smaller place and this is now a smaller sewing room .I get upset but at least I have a sewing room. I’ve learned to adapt with what I have.
For some years, I actually was cheaper off sewing my own clothes. But after 10 years of sewing on a simple sewing machine and a beginner serger, I bought a new sewing machine and a serger. I am not ever, EVER, going to get that money back out of it. But it's a hobby. And that's fine. But I do chuckle when I hear someone say: "Oh, you sew it yourself? That must be cheap". You can't compete with fast fashion and sweat shops. But like you said: my clothes fit better and the quality is better.
It's cheaper to buy a loaf of bread than make one. But the difference in quality between a $1 loaf from the supermarket and one you make yourself is huge.
Also, it must be a million to one that you will ever walk into a room where someone else is wearing the same thing as you.
I bought a Babylock last spring, and in May at half off, it was still $1500. I debated with myself acknowledging that although I have grandkids, I don’t have kids I need to sew for, and I only sew for myself when I want to. Then I realized that I buy some things just because I want to, and don’t expect them to pay for themselves, like jewelry, a car with extra accessories, etc. so I bought the serger just because I wanted one, and I love it! I don’t ever expect it to pay for itself.
@@kathygann7632 That's exactly what I thought when I bought a new sewing machine last year, and a new serger this year. Both Berninas. Not exactly a cheap brand *cough*, but I love these machines. And the knee lift is just awesome. I also bought a second hand coverstitch Babylock (a BLCS). I wasn't planning on ever buying a coverstitch, but it was so ridiculously cheap (250 Euros) that I just couldn't resist. No idea why it was so cheap. It runs like a charm after having it serviced.
With my new machine park, I actually sew more. It gave my hobby a big boost. I started to have a go at quilting and I'm going to attempt to make some lingerie and a winter coat. All things I would never consider trying on my old machines.
I love the fact that I am the only one with the top I am wearing, being plus size the options are limited in fast fashion and I don’t want to walk into work and find I match any one else there.
Thank you this was a really good video to watch as you are a very good orator and funny. Many of your troubles I have experienced and one of my biggest problems has been when making a garment is that I didn't get the size right, after altering the pattern. When you purchase a nice fabric, sometimes very expensive, you get angry, upset and frustrated that it doesn't fit and if you can't fix it, so
you have no alternative but to throw away or use the fabric for something else.
I agree, very frustrating!
Someone said to me “ if I’d known you sewed I wouldn’t have paid £10 to have my skirt taken up!,” this woman wasn’t a friend just the mum of one of my son’s friends! . My answer is always “you couldn’t afford me!” As you have suggested.
I once had a neighbor ask me if I'd sew for her daughter. I told her no but I'll teach you to sew. I did and she loved it and sewed all the time.
So many spot on and hilarious observations and comments! Delightful video, Claire!
You are sooooooooo right! I prefer to adapt my own draft and I keep to a certain shape and length. It's taken me years and too much money to identify colours, prints and silhouettes that suit me - it's so hard to say no! I found the ideas surrounding personal colouring (cool or warm), essences and silhouettes supported better choices in purchasing fabrics. A good trick is to eat well before going into a shop or online!
Great video, as ever Claire, and very entertaining. I must agree that however much sewing space one has, within months it is not enough.
Isn't that the truth!
My first garment make was a wrap over skirt, I thought that would be really easy. It was a summer cotton fabric printed with hot air balloons. It was only when nearly complete I discovered the back panel had the hot air balloons upside down. Later used the same pattern with non directional fabric, that was in the 1970’s. I now quilt rather than make garments, I love patchwork, appliqué and free motion quilting. Like you I don’t do repairs. I make quilts and gift them to friends and family and charities. I’ve put off a couple of people who wanted me to make them a ‘cheap’ quilt by giving them a realistic price.
I always enjoy watching your videos. You are so down-to-earth and realistic about the way it really is and I love it. The most famous words I always got was I need to let you make me this or make me that and I did put a stop to it
I've only watched the intro and I had to pause to comment. The first thing my aunt said when she found out I was starting to sew was: you can start a business hemming pants. No. NO. NO!!! Lol.
I wanted to say how much I'm enjoying your videos and I love the editing. The clip of the woman swirling around in her dress was exactly how I thought I'd feel wearing my first self made garment. Sadly, it was hideous and I felt terrible but it was also hilarious and I learned a lot. Also my circadian rhythm is also nonstandard and I do sew in the middle of the night. There are fewer distractions and obligations when the rest of my family is asleep and I sew in the basement so I don't disturb anyone.
Thank you. The editing is hard work ( takes about 8 hours to complete a video) but I think its worth it. Im so glad you agree. Yes we all want to feel like that huh!
You are so down to earth and comical! Thank you for sharing the real struggles!
I’m busy with a kimono type jacket that I wanted lined. I went ahead and cut the lining as per instructions, and even made darts!!!
Lo and behold, after meticulously doing the darn darts 😂 I realized they weren’t facing the same direction!! 🤦♀️.
I’m not about to undo delicate lining, so.... I’m going to leave it as is, and possibly put an inner pocket over the boo-boo...
Eh... said garment doesn’t quite fit right 🤣😂 so I’ll be at it again today 🙆♀️
Good luck!
I am so glad I found your channel!!! You are rapidly becoming my favorite dow to earth seamstress. I choked a bit on my coffee laughing at “a seamstress is like a fish, growing to fit the environment “. 😂😂😂😂😂 Could not be a more perfect comparison!!!! Lol.
Lol thank you!
I just ❤ you, and can so relate. My problem when I began was opposite of yours but just frustrating. For years I could sew straight from the pattern and it would be great. Took a few years off because of….life. Now I have the time to make clothes in the colors and styles I like and NOT ONE THING fits fight off the pattern. Grrrrr. Lots to learn when it comes to figuring out what changes correct what problems. Thanks for the laughs and comfort of knowing I’m not alone in this.
I am a messy sewer to and am glad I have a sewing room. I love to sew and learn new techniques. 😊
I look forward to having a sewing room again! One day! Sewing is great fun!
When I was very new to sewing, a “friend” asked me to make her a dress. We were both unemployed, but i bought the fabric and made her a dress, because I was flattered that she’d ask me. Of course the dress didn’t work out the way I wanted - it was beyond my limited experience. That was bad enough, but the worst thing was when my friend saw the dress, she and her boyfriend laughed at the dress and at me. It put me off sewing for ages after, and knocked my confidence for six. When people ask me to do this nowadays, I always respond, “I’ll happily teach you!” Only 2 people have taken me up on that, and now they enjoy sewing too.
I’m sorry you had that experience but at least you gave the gift of enjoyment to a couple of people. Thanks for sharing
Loved this video. So much of what you discussed mirrors my situation exactly. My "stuff" is spread all over the house - I reckon I could open a fabric shop with all the "impulse" buys. I've taken over the lounge, dining-room AND our third bedroom - and STILL not enough space. I'm busy completely re-organizing myself right now as I had both my sewing and my "other" hobby stuff (scrapbooking, mosaics, fabric painting, beading, decoupage etc) in the one room. I've now decided to separate it all and am in the throes of establishing one room for my sewing/knitting area exclusively, and another (a lovely, sunny fully enclosed verandah - similar to the UK conservatories) for my "hobby and other admin" space.
Perfectionism is also a problem for me. I see EVERY tiny glitch and it irks me no end. Most of the sewing I've done (this time round - I used to sew many years ago but then gave it up while I did the "corporate walk" and my kids got older etc) is for my granddaughter and daughter - so they don't mind (or don't even notice) the odd wonky seam or mismatched patterning - but stupid me points it out and apologises!!! My daughter thinks I'm nuts (hahaha). She just LOVES having things sewn by me and is SO grateful for all the clothes I make for her and my granddaughter - "glitches & all" - and that's what makes it so worthwhile!
And yes, I too have been asked to sew for other people - which I always find so uncomfortable. Firstly, I don't consider myself anywhere near professional enough just yet, and secondly, I know they THINK I'll produce something for cheaper than what they spend at the store on the mass-produced rubbish they usually purchase. So I like your idea of pricing yourself out of the job - I will apply that with the next person who thinks they're going to get me to sew things "on the cheap" for them. People have NO clue what it takes (time and money-wise) to produce a one-off, quality fabric, exclusive outfit which cannot be bought anywhere else.
And the last thing - my machine is OLD!!! I bought it 37 years ago at a show - it was on special and at that time & was a "top of the range" Empisal model with a whole whopping 18 stitch patterns!! It took ages for me to pay it off. Now, it's a dinosaur with very limited ability and features (I binge watch RUclips sewing channels and am always so jealous of the gorgeous machines I see the ladies using - including that one sitting behind you in your videos) - so I cannot WAIT to get enough money together to purchase one of the newer electronic machines on the market. But silly me spent all my money on fabric instead (talk about doing things *rse about face hahaha!). With Covid hitting and my hubby's business taking a knock, that could still be a while but I am SO impatient!
I was intrigued to hear about "health problems" which I've heard you mention couple of times. I have RA which stopped me from working some years ago - hence taking up so many hobbies and getting back into my sewing again. But sometimes I am really crippled with the pain and what they call "flares" which can last a while - even sewing (bending over the table cutting out patterns and then hunched over my machine for hours) can set off a flare which lays me out for up to weeks at a time - bloody annoying! But that's life, I guess - and I have to roll with the punches.
Sorry for the booklet here - just had to share! Loving your videos and so glad I found your channel!
Thank you for sharing. Have you seen my video on chronic health?
@@Penguinandpear - I haven't! I'm heading to the search function right now. Thanks. :)
Oh people asking you to sew for them, I was just getting into sewing and doing ok for myself and my family. Suddenly I had someone asking me to make curtains, to tailor clothes etc. 🙄 I kept dodging the questions, one person I told a price to and they stopped asking just like you. My sewing space is in my bedroom and like you I’m a messy sewer, so thankful for my set up but would love my own room for it all. 😍
OMG I am a messy sewer and a messy messy when it comes to hobbies and stuff. I need to get my sewing space together! Thank you for your honesty!! My annoyance is I’ve spread my sewing stuff all over my house 🤕😩😓
I feel your pain lol. I’m slowly getting there I’ll have a sewing space tour once I’m done.
I am definitely a messy sewist, and due to my chronic back etc issues, insomnia, I actually sew a lot from bed with my machine on a hospital type bed table, using the stop/start button. So, a lot of the stuff piles up on the other half of my king-size bed, lol! Thankfully, I live on my own, my kids are grown, and I live in a bottom flat, where the new upstairs neighbours are so damned noisy after replacing insulated carpet with laminate flooring, and ignoring my pleas to put insulated flooring under it, I don't have any qualms WHAT SO EVER of sewing at all times day and night!! I do sort it out between projects, but when everything you need for an ongoing project is close to hand, why put it away?!
I love your way of thinking! I’d love one of those hospital tables for the bed!
I love your vlogs...you are refreshingly honest when telling us about your journey. I've been following you for about a year and a half now and you have really grown as a sewist. Thank you!!!
Thank you Linda! Its been quite the journey, thank you for following so long!
True true there’s lots of details before and after to consider and prepare before sewing and to get to accomplish your goal bcs I had loads of housework in my mind I thought I’m just gone sit at the sewing table and I will produce but after lots of years I have started to understand the sewing challenges
I love these sewing talks videos ❤️😊 i can relate so much!
Thank you. If you have suggestions of themes for future talks videos please let me know
When I first tried learning to sew 15 years ago the inability to sew a straight line is what ultimately made me give up. I asked my friends who knew how to sew for advice and all they would say is I should practice. Okay, practice WHAT? I'm so grateful now that I'm making the attempt again that I can find RUclips videos from people who understand that things like look at the edge of the fabric, not the needle need to be explained.
Now all I need to do is work up the courage to try a garment more complicated than a mask :D
You can do it!!!
Go for it! Mask sewing is actually good skill building ... never under estimate how a small item can help you learn.
Oh Claire! This vlog could have been made by me! I totally related to everything you said! I tried everything to sew straight lines - as you said it’s just practice 😁 I did all the same issues with sizing, took me ages to work out that I had to go on measurements not on rtw sizing. (Ps have you seen the Cashmerette measurement tool? It’s really good, you plug in your measurements and it gives you your size). I always say, sewing is the easy bit, fitting is the difficult bit 😂 I have a stash that will outlive me and more patterns than I will ever sew! I am Lynne and I am a fabric addict lol! I have never regretted re-starting sewing - my bank balance may say otherwise 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I absolutely refuse to sew for anyone other than my immediate family - I just don’t want the pressure! Great vlog! ❤️
Thanks Lynne. The main thing is we enjoy it!
Lynne - the garments you've made are simply stunning!!! Never would have thought you had any struggles, just shows we all go through the same thing. I've had my eye on Cashmerette too and want to try the Harrison shirt. Looks like a great opportunity to develop some additional skills. Can't remember ever having a button-down top that I didn't have to pin the front. What a treat it will be!
@@heidefries1825 thank you Heide! My sister has just started sewing and I see her struggles are the same as mine - hopefully I can give her some help, but I think the best learning unfortunately comes from our mistakes🤣🤣. Good luck with the Harrison shirt - I am sure it will be awesome 😁
@@lynneprentice4278 So true, experience is often the best teacher. Your sister is fortunate to have you in her corner! I think much of my learning curve could have been avoided during a live class setting (or someone looking over my shoulder). It's starting to fall into place for me and learning so much online ... sadly, the only sewing classes in my area are for quilting.
So many truths! Especially the "I just like a stash" one. Brutal to hear, but so, so true. There were tears and denial, but I accept it now. :-)
I am a night owl and really only sew at night. I've actually never considered the noise to neighbors, but I do know it doesn't bother my hubby/kids at all if I am in a different room, preferably one with a room or space in between. 🤷🏼♀️
Lol. I love your anecdote with the price list.
The annoying thing that happened to me was my new embroidery sewing machine (I was so excited) came with a preprogrammed types of patterns. Soooo, I saved up and bought the computer program that I can create my own patters. I was overwhelmed at learning how to use the program and I haven’t touched that machine since!
My Landlord sometimes pointedly mentions how sensitive he is to lots of noise (meaning he can hear my sewing machine) but as he lets his grandkids in the garden screaming at the top of their lungs at 6.30am literally 5 metres from my bedroom door I choose to ignore him.
Landlords!
I'm a quilter and people think £20 will make them a king size quilt. I had one girl asking for a discount for a memory quilt and I literally was charging her £15 for backing fabric and that was too much 😡🤬
Thats shocking! But ive heard many similar stories in groups on fb!
@@Penguinandpear I know it happens a lot. I ended up shutting my business down because people want supermarket prices and don't understand the work that goes into custom made items. Loveing your channel ❤️
@@Penguinandpear I know it happens a lot. I ended up shutting my business down because people want supermarket prices and don't understand the work that goes into custom made items. Loving your channel ❤️
Thats so sad. Thank you x
I think this is my favorite of your videos. Especially how you elaborated on the fact that ppl will be throwing things at you left and right for you to sew for them. You are very genuine and I love that about you.
I’m new to sewing, so I wanted to make a shirt. I found a pattern that was easy and I liked it. I’ve made it 5 times now with very different materials so I got my monies worth out of that pattern.
Double check that your sewing machine sews straight, some machines seem to pull to the left, so it may not be you that is causing the seams to veer offline. Put the fabric under the needle, sew without holding the fabric and see if it veers offline or sews straight, try this on reverse as well. I think it depends on whether the foot is perfectly centred over the feed dogs. If you find that your machine has a bias you can get it serviced, but you may need to learn to compensate by holding the fabric against the bias direction. Most people automatically adjust themselves and may not realise that they are compensating for the machine.
Thank you but I can sew straight. I was talking about when I first started to learn to sew and id look at the needle not the edge. What you saw me doing on screen is demonstrate what I was talking about for entertainment purposes. Your comment may be helpful to others though.
Talking about taking up more and more space, my husband says I'm like an oil leak... I keep spreading..lol!
With the perfectionism part, that is so true, I’m such a perfectionist and I have to plan every detail but with sewing you can’t and that’s the hardest thing to get around while sewing. I’m glad I’m not the only one 😂
I love your videos! Very informative and a good laugh. Thanks for what you do. Cheers Barbara
Hi Claire. I agree with almost all of your points about learning to sew. I learned at an early age, but after havng children, I realized it was a very useful skill. However after 50+ years of sewing, I realize it’s fun, empowering and enlightening because you never finish learning!
Yes all of a sudden sewing room is too tiny lol thank you for this video
I love your sense of humor ....I do same thing ....ppl throwing poor quality clothing and expect you magically make from them haut culture.
To sew straight line help move both hands and uuse your full hands flat on material or full hand and finger ..depending what you sewing ...quilting is good to start sewing as its learn precision on small pieces then you get habit of sew and stop and lift and tilt ....not speed sewing ....also domesticsewi ff are not professional line juki what sew fast like a wizz.
Wow, I feel so much better after hearing your honest summary of annoying things.. I share them all.
My most annoying thing is not understanding the pattern instructions.
I read them thoroughly but my dyslexia confuses me and I often make cutting mistakes.
When I first started sewing people would excitedly ask me to fix things for them, add pockets, make from scratch, tailor their clothes. I would often say no, but not because I didn’t want to, or even because they wanted it for free, but Because I just didn’t know how! Buying a sewing machine does not immediately afford you years of skill and expertise. They often wouldn’t believe me, and insisted that I was just being mean or selfish.
Yep been there and have the tshirt.
Another great video, I could relate to so much of it. I have been sewing for 60 plus years and still learning! Thanks for doing these videos.
Annoyed w.hen my mother invested prize money I had won ...for me to take
A sewing course! 53 years later, it's been a mood saver during covid! Identified with all comments...loved the vlog. Thanks for posting.
I have been sewing for over 50 years and I still make “distracted” errors like sewing the wrong sides, etc. Fortunately, I have a beautiful seam ripper that I bought at a craft show. I love using it. It is hand crafted wood and has a beautiful weight, no plastic. Sometimes I think I do it on purpose. 😂😂😂