Practically a Podcast // Answering Your Sewing Questions
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- I could have clipped this down into something short, but then I figured I make super long sewing videos where I ramble the whole while all the time, so this wasn't so very different! Grab some tea or play my mumblings while you tidy up perhaps, I'm here today to answer some of your sewing questions ❤
StevieSaintFabrics : www.etsy.com/s...
Music and Sound Effects from Epidemic Sound.
Where I get my pattern drafting paper: atlaslevy.com/P... (not sponsored)
More from me?
Want to help me continue making more videos? Listen to me ramble on in a monthly podcast? Watch an additional project video each month? Peruse my Patreon here: / theclosethistorian
Blog: theclosethistor...
Instagram: / theclosethistorian
Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/s...
Pinterest: / bmesposito
Tumblr: / theclosethistorian
Beauty Instagram: / thehistoriansvanity
Beauty Channel: / thehistoriansvanity
But wait there's more! A PO BOX finally wahoo!
First, a disclaimer: So many of you have kindly offered to send me things, including vintage items you may have inherited, and I am so honored you would think of me and of course I do adore vintage treasures, however, unfortunately I only have so much storage space currently! So there is a chance that if something just wont work for me, or doesn't fit me etc, that I may not be able to keep all of your lovely things. Please only send things if you are okay with the possibility that I may donate items I just cannot keep. If you would prefer I put things that I can't keep into the TCH Etsy shop to help raise funds for me and the channel, please specify this in a note or letter in your parcel. Thank you so much!
Bianca Esposito
PO Box 632177
Highlands Ranch, CO 80163
Thank you for watching!
![DDG & G Herbo - Nosey [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/I9Ra0Zc2NlQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I saw a meme or reel recently that said “I am convinced that collecting craft supplies and using craft supplies are 2 separate hobbies.” I could not agree more.
Ŕŕřŕ
Ouvh, that one hurt! 😂
Commercial patterns, I agree, but Frankensteining patterns is my jam. Last month, I combined two vintage patterns while sizing them up 5 sizes and I felt like a god.
And it worked? That IS God-like!
I think you may be one 😁 that is certainly legendary!
REALLY looking forward to your dart manipulation 101 video! I've learned a ton from you ❤️
Thank you!
Yes to the dart video! Also, re the last question, could you do a video showing exactly how to do some of those basic things (pressing seams, clipping curves)? It would be so helpful!
You may enjoy the Evelyn Wood channel too, she's got loads of technical vids like that.
How much I was missing a Q&A from you 🥰
Oooh thanks for the tips on Allen’s!!
In Co Springs there is a COOL fabric shop called Mill Outlet Fabrics on Prospect. They sell nice silks & dressy sequin or bridal fabrics through quilting cottons. Worth a visit!!
I agree with you - I wish I hadn't been so intimidated by pattern drafting and had learned it when I was younger. Commercial patterns made me feel stupid (why doesn't my garment fit/look like the pattern?) and I blamed myself when in fact, commercial patterns are at fault. They have to cater to the lowest common denominator which means the pattern is not going to fit most people. I had it in my mind that you had to be this mathematical whiz to do pattern drafting but you don't.
Yeah, no, you are my Vera Wang... Like I'm learning pattern drafting for my costumes and now we are talking about dart changing and I was like "yeah, I have seen theclosethistorian do this, I got it!" 😂
OMG same! I bought Helen Armstrong's book because she suggested it! 😆
Thank you Marta! If I can teach just a handful of people out there how to swing darts around I will feel I have succeeded 😂
Bianca, the best thing I ever did was finally sit down and draft pattern blocks for myself after years of being intimidated by the thought of it, no more commercial patterns with way too much ease and the freedom to make anything I want. Thank you for the silk flower video! I have wanted to make those for years and never knew how.
This makes me so happy to hear!! ❤
I really do need to take the time to sit and watch how to do a block thing for my daughter and me but mostly her as most of wat i plan to make will be for her
Ways I motivate myself to sew as a single mum with two kids and a job and studying. (This is more for people who need outside motivation to help them get going);
1 - I must sew finish a project before I'm allowed to start a new one (As in, I have a box of half-finished projects, when I get excited about a new one, I grab an old one out and get working on it while I plan my new one)
2 - I make sewing my reward. So I have to finish my law assignment before I'm allowed to sew. This seems a bit counter intuitive, but it works for me because instead of being a chore I must do, it's a reward so I'm motivated to finish my assignment and then I get a dopamine rush when I start sewing, which helps me get my sewing done.
3 - I never put my sewing down at the 'hard part' - so if I need to stop at some point, I make it a point that is pretty easy to get back to. So, I'll sew all my darts, but leave it at the pressing or sewing the side seams. I'll sew in my sleeves and cuffs but leave the buttons to pick up next time. If I leave my sewing at a point that feels intimidating, I'm less likely to pick it back up when I am in the mood to sew because it feels scary to ‘start’ at the hard part.
4 - I tell others about my sewing project. This one will not work for everyone, but for me, if I tell a friend what I’m working on they’ll ask about it and I feel like I need to get moving on the project so next time they ask I can tell them it’s done or I can at least tell them I’m at a new point.
Hope these tips help someone out there! Happy sewing
Golden advice thanks 😃
Great tips!
I always thought the slash across the face was like a swooshy hat brim line. 🤣🤣🤣
Same!!!
I do indeed hear this a lot, I did draw hat brims on some of my older sketches so it is convergent evolution of some kind 😅
Unrelated to sewing (though thank you for all the wonderful advice!), but I really like how you move your face when you speak. You are both very expressive and expressionless at the same time. You change your features so slightly but it really gets the point across. You always look so sophisticated and poised!
Thank you for putting that into words I can understand intellectually. I was sitting her thinking, "you don't really need to WATCH this", and then no, no I do, because I like watching my internet friend explain things.
💚💜💚
Thank you! ❤ Trust me I am not poised when standing or moving...I am raaaather clumsy and am always knocking into things instead, I have no grace lol
I got a 1905 singer treadle machine because the modern machines were just to much for me. Now I enjoy sewing.
1961 Singer Slant-o-matic. Same reason.
Ironically, a decade later I'm looking forward to the arrival of the machine I refused to use when I was learning to quilt. My friend who taught me long ago upgraded machines, and asked if I was interested in the one collecting dust.
I nearly jumped for joy, because enough of those complicated scary features now feel like very practical technological advancements I understand the purpose of, and just how challenging it is to do without.
Also, my 1961 machine has been in desperate need of professional maintenance since about June last year, and we've been limping along.
Tips for making self-sewn clothing look less „homemade“: Pay attention to the thread /„grain line“ it does make a huge difference, if the fabric doesn’t fall right; iron the fabric or let it hang flat and press seams while you sew them. These things made the biggest impact in my sewing. Sometimes good technique can make cheap fabric look nice, too.
"Working for FREE."
Oh good Lord is this true. I was working myself to death trying to support myself during graduate school in Boston (in a non-design field). I always thought everyone else seemed to have it easier than me. I didn't realize until after the fact is that it was easier for them: because they all lived on trust funds and support from their parents.
In my home ec class in 7th grade I commented that it was scary to sew something because I might make a mistake and my home ec teacher, Mrs Mendoza, said “Then take the stitches out and start over.” That was really freeing. Lol.
Such a simple but poignant thing, honestly!
I had to stop the video to say this, I am soooooo excited for you teach us how not to grade the patterns and make our own!!!!! Yaaaaaas
Please do it and thank you so much 🙏
OMG! Thank you for talking about University, it’s worth, it’s cost, the debt..... I have been living this for the last 30 years. I went school for Painting and Drawing, but ended up simultaneously in Theatre and Visual Merchandising and am still a VM. BUT I also has a small clothing line in LA for a few years, and it’s literally all about networking and having/ not having tons of money........
I love your response about whether to go to fashion school or not. As much as I loved going to college and getting my degree, I couldn't get a job in my field because I could not afford the unpaid, live away internships as a young, broke, newlywed. I think we probably stand on the same soap box about how unpaid internships are an "acceptable" form of gatekeeping.
I took to not commenting on your previous week's video on sustainability- but after hearing you having to defend yourself again here today, I think you need to be sent some serious positive energies for your efforts and conscious choice of work you have made in live. Trust me I come from the AEC industry and carry this super heavy bag of guilt - but have addressed it slightly differently than you have , but getting back on track
1. I was greatly impressed that you took the trouble to logically showcase that sustainability is about the lifecycle of the particular material.
It's best to leave the carpets and cushion covers repose where they are meant for and use more sustainably produced breathable fabrics that will help us lessen our cooling or heating loads at least depending on where we are on the globe
2. The fact that you left a possible high flying career and are invested in doing what you do now demonstrates to no end to those of us who are detail crazy- you have our appreciation on the positive impact you make to being sustainable
We cheer you, we need you to take pride in what you are doing and keep going
Thank you Jyothi ❤
I'm not a seamstress. I don't own a sewing machine. I've never even touched one. But please, Why Darts? video ❤️
Are you a girl, Rebecca? If so you probably have curves. Your body is not straight up and down. Darts are used to make a flat straight pieces fabric fit your beautiful curvy body. Waist darts and back darts take fullness out of the waist. Breast darts are used to give yourself room in the bodice for your breast. Waist darts going down again take fullness out of the waist but allowing you to have fullness in your hips.
@@shirleydrake1602 While that makes sense, it would be useful to see a trained seamstress demonstrate how these darts can manipulate the shape of the garment 😉
@@NoDecaf7 Hi Rebecca, I am a very busty lady, and trust me when I say darts take a flat piece of fabric and turn it into a 3D garment. Here is some homework for you; go to the mall and check out maybe Banana Republic or Dillards. Once you're in, go to the dressier clothes, not the section with tee shirts
and find a nice top without darts then go find one with bust darts. Hold or hang both tops side by side and you will see the shaping. Also, pick tops with a bit more structure to the fabric, not too soft or flowy.
If you buy a shirt without darts and you have a bust, there will be a fold in the fabric from bust to hip when you wear it.
It's very easy to make a flat clothes pattern without a bust dart that looks good on a tall thin and small busted model or a child. But the whole point of tailoring is to make tailored clothes that make a flat fabric fit around a curved body. Darts can help with that.
@@katherinemalatt1665 Between Bianca's most recent videos demonstrating her pattern process and my new found love for clothing that doesn't FIT my body (too hot for all that this year), I've been playing around with how a dart here or there would modify a fit of a boxy garment :) I've learned a lot on this channel!
spray starch and then iron fabrics that are slippy ( washable fabrics ) makes slippy fabrics and bias cut fabrics easier to sew because it either reduces the stretch or makes the fabric less slippy. You can also use tear away material that you use for embroidery to use along your seams to sew them together (tear away in between) and then you remove the tear away after the seams are sewn. :)
I would love to see a video where you take a vintage pattern image especially the ones with the pieces on the back envelope and create a block that is the same look
You're very generous to share this information when most people are covetous. You're a good hearted and talented woman. I wish you success beyond your wildest dreams.
Thank you Carmen ❤
🎶I would do anything for gloves, but I won't do that🎶
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
@@michellecornum5856 thank you thank you I'm here all week
@@CharredFibers 😁
Lol!🤣
Yes exactly 😂
I was interested in the question about “home-made”. My experience is the very best fabric I can afford, ironing/pressing(dump cloth) as you go and particular care to edges - use hand sewing if possible, keep the style simple, as complicated styling often goes wrong for beginners. Finally I always choose the correct underwear for the style, put on makeup and make sure my shoes are polished. Very old fashioned but WTF It works. I think I just repeated everything Bianca said.🦘🇦🇺
To get used to using a sewing machine when I first started sewing at 9, my mother had me draw lines, curved and straight, and then run the machine over the lines so I could get used to maneuvering Fabric and not being afraid of the needle and getting used to the machine.
Thank you for the video!
One tip for people wanting a more "professional" look: take your time. Some people can make a dress in a day. I am not that person. I'm slow and a beginner and have ADHD. Since I've been taking things more seriously, making mock ups, basting, measuring more carefully - I finish what I start and enjoy what I make. But It may take me 2 weeks or more. I also make paper or fabric scale models to see how a garment will come together. And I make detailed step for step lists like they would have on a pattern. (Cut this, sew this, press this, etc.) This way I don't forget steps and I run in problems beforehand and can work around them. (Or like remembering to put in a welted pocket before I close the last seam, so I have space to work.)
Mockups from a cheap but similarly-behaving fabric are such a great step - good fit makes clothes automatically look way better, and I'd easier to achieve if you can test the pattern first & adjust to your own shape...?
for me the big stride in "homemade" was proper pressing and finishing, and the other hurdle is figuring out fit! you can make a towel look couture if it fits well but that block drafting is still intimidating!
Here I am laughing,because I did not get married until I was 40. I was not really dating and was happy that way. I then met my husband we dated for 5 years then did the deed.
Two other factors that can make things look "home made" or "costume-y" are finishing touches and pressing. A lot of folks don't press as often as ideal because it can be tedious and they don't realize how much of a difference it makes. Things like top stitching where edge stitching would look better, taking your time with embellishments, etc. can make a huge difference.
Oh my goodness I’d love if you’d do a podcast! Don’t tease us now :P
agree! I would definitely listen to it!
She has a monthly podcast available to her patrons on Patreon 😊
@@thecanarypin-up didn’t know about that! Thanks for letting me know ❤️
I kinda want to write a fiction serial one someday...like Welcome to Night Vale but a fake 1940's late night radio show or something...one day...
@@TheClosetHistorian that would be so cool!
A fabric video will be a godsend. I run into a lot of the "this outfit is /obviously/ homemade" problem, and I do know it's because I've been buying Joanne's quilting cotton and I need to stop that but I don't feel like I've been able to learn enough about fabric to buy online. I always seem to understand things way better when you explain them so I'm excited!
Costume idea. Princess Leia in 1930s or Victorian
For sewing, do you make dresses and the like for others
Alas I never sew for anyone else, only ever for me. I don't really know how to fit other folks (no tailoring training) and I overschedule myself already so the time is certainly not there!
New skill to learn 😘☺️?
I have a feeling you are going to need more storage space soon. Thank you for everything, you have taught me a lot.
What a great video, my wedding dress was purple velvet, skin tight and bought about 3 years earlier for a Xmas ball. I think it cost me about £7. I even jumped the broom with it on. If I were to marry again I would wear the same thing one. You are looking great as usual xxx
Thank you Heather! Hard to beat purple velvet it's true!
With your recommendation, I bought a cotton sateen from mood! It was a dream to sew with and someone told me the skirt I made looks "expensive".
Most excellent! I'm glad you had a good experience with it!
I have been watching your videos forever. Thank you so much for taking the time to teach us! I started patten drafting because of you a year ago? And I no longer need to deal with commercial patterns since I am always too small in certain places and SOO much larger in others.
This makes me so happy to hear! ❤
Your degree is like so many others, very expensive to get, but not preparing you to earn a high paying salary. I love your degree,,it benefits me every week. I insisted that my children get degrees that would allow them to earn a living wage within a two year degree. I got, one RN, one lab tech, one electronics/ computer expert, one weirder, one cosmetology. I know that’s five. My older daughter took cosmetology, then took wielding. Opened a vape shop where she made really good money, then she died at age 44. Oldest son, got the electronics/ computer degree, opened his own business refurbishing machines for Bell, then got a contractor s license and builds high end houses, middle son got a RN degree, but is now a weirder, but owns a lawn care business, my youngest daughter is the lab tech, but is now training to sell real estate. The thing is, you have to go for the first two years whatever major you decide on, you should graduate with a degree that will allow you to work. Yes even with a two year degree.
Oh thou font of every blessing! I want to thank you for the time and effort that you put in your videos! I've decided to get back into sewing as I can NOT buy anything off the rack because MY rack is rather large and I am short waisted. You give me HOPE!
Thank you Mary!
Well, intentional or not, wearing the nerdy mens' t-shirts has the added effect of starkly contrasting with the beautiful projects you sew; it's like wearing an old smock you don't mind getting paint on while painting the Sistine Chapel! ;)
In other news, I just received a fully proper pattern for an 1880s French *Visite jacket* so I can confirm that while hard to find they do exist and it looks awesome and I'll make it when I'm skilled enough to do so...maybe by 2040 lol!
May your adventures with your French Visite Jacket go Well! 👍🏕
Oof, I feel that 'shouldn't be adding to my stash' mood. I think being penned up inside makes it worse. I guess that's why I have a stash spreadsheet.
Just to say that Vivienne Westwood is entirely self taught. It can be done!
I cannot wait for all the videos that you have planned to drop. I really appreciated your honesty here about dress forms, fashion school, and specialty tools or systems. This channel is so honest. Not to say other channels aren’t. There are so many fabulous sewing channels that I adore, but I’m here for this type of blatant honesty. When all the videos are about these things you start to question whether you can make all the things you want. I’m going to make it my goal this summer to get my bodice and skirt blocks done. Thanks Bianca!
One thing I've noticed on a local sewing related fb page is that people are intimidated by their sewing machines and especially sergers, to the point that they dread to change treads because they don't know how to do it properly. I mean, sure you can change a sergers threads by pulling, but I do think it's crazy that some have never even tried to change them 'properly'. And especially if buying a new machine, it would be kinda helpful to read the manual that comes with it or look up a yt video or something. 😅 First thing that I did after buying a serger was to pull the existing threads out and learn how to put them back - and read the manual to learn about tensions etc. so that I know what the heck I'm working with. 🤭
A really great video once again, just love your content! 🙏🏻🌼
I found modifying clothes to be a good starting point! I’ve been fixing my current wardrobe and I feel a lot more confident about construction and fit
Love the advice not to have education debt. I feel the same about my college experience. Everything I wanted to do really didn't need a 4 year degree. Would have been much better off finding underpaid jobs and learn the business. I didn't realize that the whole system is still really set up to benefit the wealthy.
I'm a bit late to your party, but so glad I found you in the end! I am about to remake myself with a fashion design "certificate"...not a degree, but just the nuts and bolts classes needed to get started. I've been sewing for 30 years, without a teacher and without online resources for most of it, and I'm SO looking forward to learning more so that I can follow in your footsteps!
About the intimidating sewing mashine: when I was 9 and learned to use a sewing mashine in elementary school, we started by "sewing" though paper where we followed some lines, whitout having thread in the mashine, to learn to manouver it. After that we learned to thread the mashine and learned to always do a sample after threading the mashine to check that it was threaded right and that the tension was right. So, small steps and a lot of samples was how I befriended the mashine.
Looking forward to the fabrics video! Fabric makes such a huge difference, so I love to learn about even more types of fabrics and their pros and cons.
Nicole Rudolph has an awesome series she's been gradually releasing on common materials like linen, cotton, silk & wool! Covering sources, things to look for, how fabric may behave, longterm care etc. Super useful!
A lot of community colleges have great fashion/sewing/costuming classes and they don't require a loan!
How to not be afraid of your sewing machine?
Attempt to do the "simple thing" if it goes to hell, that's what the manual is for, and if and when that fails you, use the words from the manual to find someone on the internet who makes it make sense. --Learn how to troubleshoot your machine--
//The most likely reasons your machine is being stupid\\
The stitches look bad or horribly wrong, or the thread is breaking are simple, and the same on any machine:
[If you are not already sewing on scrap off cuts of the material you're working with, switch now, because this could take quite a few tries, and you don't want to be ripping out bad stitches.]
1)THREADING THE MACHINE: Take both the bobbin and the top spool off and start again. If that fails, look at the manual, or the arrows on your machine and be very sure you aren't going backwards on something or missing a pin.
2)THE THREAD OR THE THING HOLDING THE THREAD: Change both your top thread and bobbin, and be sure they're the same type and weight of thread. The thread is old and weak, it's too thick or thin for the needle/fabric combination, you're using different threads in your top and bobbin and they're not playing nice, or you bobbin is in some way wound badly or has damage.
3)THE NEEDLE: Your needle is in backwards, or not all the way in, dull, or the wrong type of needle for the material. If you suddenly get really short stitches and it veers off to the side, even though it was working fine for awhile, particularly while going over a cross seam - that's a dull needle.
I find I focus better if I talk it out. If you're getting frustrated, explain to the walls, your pet, or a rubber duck precisely why it's not working, and try to explain every single thing you've done, demonstrating on the machine, pulling out the manual for visual reference to show your very stupid, but patient listener, until you can prove your case that it's absolutely impossible to fix and you tried every possible permutation multiple times. You will rarely get that far. And when you do fix it, the talking out loud may help your memory of what solved it. Also feel free to add sticky notes to your manual that make it make sense to you - particularly if you sew infrequently.
As to how to make it do the rest of the things, they're all much easier to learn and practice with if you can reliably get the machine to sew a strait stitch with even tension, and nothing getting jammed.
After 4 decades of struggling to fit any pattern (including self drafted) I asked for a dress form for Christmas. She is my partner in crime. We hide in the sewing room, together, with my other partner, the sewing machine. She hangs the skirt for me, before I hem it. She holds the project that I have become frustrated with, until she convinces me of the solution to the problem that stalled me.
I sew on a machine that is almost as old as I am. Yes, the are way more durable, but I do have it serviced every so often (3 yrs approx.) by a lovely, honest, gentle man. It about $100.00 (Cdn). Piece of mind for me, tender care for my her.
My wedding had a total of 13 people (a completely unintentional "last supper" number).
Cheers to you and all who follow you. Your channel is more than worth every minute of time. I've been sewing for 55 years and you give me, at the very least, a fresh perspective and inspiration.
Thank you Ruth! My own machine is older than my dad which I do find amusing 😂
My grandma taught me sewing and she made her patterns out of newspaper. The first time she ever used a premade pattern was my barbie cloths. I have her Singer from 1950. I love this machine.
I absolutely love this Q and A. I am dying "i don't need Adkins; I just need to be healthy. I don't need your special rulers, I wanna use my regular rulers and just draft patterns!"
I think sewing books can be useful for learning terms. For example, if I as a beginner want a specific type of pocket, but I don't know how it's called correctly, I'll have to google types of pockets first and then search for the one I wanted. So I think learning some basics from a book can be helpful, but I won't view a sewing book as an "investment"
I think that's a problem for most hobbies. The internet is a wonderful resource with all the information you need, but you do need to know the terms to find that information.
B you are always full of such common sense advice. I love that. You don't have to do that...you don't need to buy this.......good common sense. And...press, press....press. So often I watch these youtubers doing projects where they don't press when they should. I'll never forget the gal that used a curling iron to do some pressing whilst working on sewing projects. I would always run out of the door screaming inside my head and asking why, why, WHY. I think she finally invested in an iron. Thanks as always for these great vids. I look forward to all that you share about your passion and your life.
Thank you Sharon!
Cool vid!! Interesting that you didn't learn grading, we learned it in the costuming course for some reason. I totally agree on making your own patterns! Keen for a commercial pattern rant. Keen for all the future videos you've mentioned really
Thanks Claudia!
"The machine should be afraid of me." Hahahahaha....
As far as avoiding things looking 'homemade' I think the pressing tip and fabric choice tip are both great, and I'm sure there are other ways as well, but I would also encourage everyone to go easy on themselves. I have pants from a big brand with legs that are two different lengths by at least 2 inches. I've had lace disintegrate on the 2nd wash or torn a seam while putting on a fairly new garment. Often I won't notice a manufacturing defect when buying something, and that item will be damaged before its first wear. Commercial clothing is often not very well made anyway, so if your sewing isn't perfect, don't beat yourself up.
me re the pattern drafting using cad software: hmm maybe i can use my student version of civil engineering cad software to draw some patterns :o
Now there is a grand adventure! Have fun!
And, no, I am NOT being sarcastic! Blessings!
Yes!
„Makes me a bit sassy, y‘know?“
YES, I do know! Please keep the sass, since it is always well informed, to the point and well articulated!!
Also maybe it is more the passion about a topic and less sass...
I agree with you on all the things! Especially the pattern drafting and the ‚systems, that promise sweet sweet time saving secrets but only blow up in your face ( I should now I tried three)
Also new sewing machines aren’t just crappier because of the plastic. The sturdy parts that do the heavy mechanical work are made from metal. But cheap metal. So cheap😿. Breaking even the metal parts is easy...
Anyhoo, looking forward to the darts and fabric choice videos!!
Thank you! It's so true about even the metal parts now being crappier metal, the old one's have properly machined metal parts and are works of art in themselves really
I love your instructional pattern drafting videos. This video is almost deeply philosophical. Adorable.
Thank you!
The advice you had at the beginning about motivation, that fits so well into everyday life!! Ty! I needed that as I have been feeling quite unmotivated about a few things. 🥰🥰
Gloves are so tricky. I've tried twice and gave up.
My mum learned to make leather gloves in the Women's Institute here in the UK. They were hand-stitched though. She used the same skills (& leather) to make me some very soft leather shoes when I was a baby because back then you couldn't just go out and buy stuff for preemies. I still have the shoes, her stitches are tiny, I'm not sure I've got the skills or patience.
I have a glove book, a ton of ignorance and some good intentions. Quite happy to see where the road I pave leads 🤪
If you need to clip a French seam you’ve left too much seam allowance.
Yes there is a glove sewing machin! They look like post bed machines but essentially finger sized XD and honestly I'm never happy with gloves I've made myself -.-
On the topic of clipping french seams: In theory you aren't supposed to use french seams on your curves because you can't clip them. For softer shallow curves you can get away with it because the process of trimming the seam is good enough, but for really sharp curves you should really pick a different seam finish!
When you described your "ideal wedding" I was laughing . . . I eloped in a belle-yellow knee-length bubble hem dress, my husband in his only suit (navy!), at the courthouse, and we invited our closest friends to go to red robin with us afterwards. Highly recommend!!! :) great plan. :)
As someone who's made gloves several times, I can confirm. Fiddly nonsense, probably not particularly suited to filming.
That is actually good to know.
"The Machine should be afraid of ME!!"...yes!! and ooo would love to see a Black and White Stripe Victorian Halloween ensemble... and Your Cicada Ensemble is the perfect Wedding dress , I know I would adore wearing that for mine !!!
TYSM for answering my questions! You help make the world of DIY fashion so accessible to me! 😊
Thank you! ❤
Really looking forward to all the upcoming videos you mentioned ❤️ especially seeing a hat made with the new hat block! Not something I will ever do but I find it really interesting all the same.
Also, vintage sewing machines are so wonderful and I love seeing you using one. They are so well made that with just a little bit of care, they will still be sewing perfectly for generations to come.
Thank you Cynthia!
I love that you took the time and effort to do this! And I am now very excited for these upcoming videos!
Thank you Katie!
Thank you , l would love to see your fabric stash.
i'd loooove to see you take on an origami bodice in that dart manipulation video
Have you found Stitchless Tv ? Tree is on RUclips, I.G and F.B, she does lots of modern stuff from the UK.
"French seams?? Do everything twice? I don't have time for that, I want to get a dress finished in a day!" You crack me up, lol. After this video is over I'm going to search for the dart manipulation one. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge with us:)
RE the grading HERE'S A FUN STORY
I did a course of grading when I was studying fashion at trade school! it was great! taught me a lot!
The problem is...all my work was in a folder and when I went to pick up my work after assessment, I picked up all the OTHER folders and missed the grading folder. And by the time I realised I hadn't picked it up, it had been several months after I'd completed the course. My trade school threw away student work if it wasn't picked up within a couple of months, so my grading folder was GONE. So all I have is a couple of photos of some of the exercises, not all of them, and a very vague memory of what some of the standard grades are. Which is not exactly useless, but not very helpful. Oh, I could kick myself!
I truly agree with you on that way of learning how to sew. eventhough i took sewing in High School (graduated in 78. i am 63 years old!) i got more information on sewing by looking at RUclips videos and also HANDS ON sewing. so i learned more about this than i did in high school
Agree about using a block and learning how to change patterns to suit you. Important skill. But if anyone did want to learn how to grade a pattern, Diane Deziel's channel has a lot of good videos that teach methods to do it.
I like your simple life perspectives…I make dance, ballroom and skate wear….wedding dresses etc. I love to see how others do things and it adds to my knowledge. Your videos are so great, and I am enjoying them so much. I work with stretch fabrics and love learning new things from others. I am self taught and you validate many of my thoughts. Great sound advice 😊
Dear Bianca! Try searching for Viscose crepe instead of Rayon. Its the same thing, just the European term - and I use it all the time, easy to source in Denmark at least :)
Yes I look at any and all forms/types of rayon I promise! I find the viscose crepes tend to be lighter weight than what I am truly after, but I'll take what I can get out there!
I completely agree with your view on fashion school! A lot of big fashion designers went to school; made connections then quit! It's about being in the right place and meeting the right people!
Thanks for sharing with all of us. I never completed fashion studies and often I feel like it shows. Back in college it was part of the Home Ec at a community college department and killed the next year.
As Denver is a big city, would it be feasible to take tailoring classes?
I learned most of my skills from a book and surviving tons of screw up. But then I live in rural hell, so options are quite limited. I did start with less structured projects such as an Armani blazer and slowly worked towards more complexity with each project. I can do but rarely do pad stitching in tailoring because I want to finish quickly. I do use fusible hymo canvas or woven cotton interfacing.
I had to laugh at the comment about the durability of vintage/antique sewing machines. I set up a 1904 Singer 66 that had been electrified for my daughters to "play" with since I knew they couldn't break it. I gave them a bunch of scraps, showed them a bit about how to make pancake dolls and simple clothes and let them have at it. When they were older I taught them more about sewing and now as adults they both sew - using vintage machines.
Is there any chance you can do a step by step on bag lining the bodice of a dress? There are many tutorials but most skip the minutiae that makes it work, or how you get it to line up right, or how making the lining smaller works etc. And you do the best job actually explaining processes!
Shakespeare's father was a glovemaker (random facts, just for you)
One other thing that helps when learning how to sew is to watch other people, like yourself. They don't call you Queen of Darts for nothing, your videos covering your sewing techniques meant that for the first time in all the many years I've been sewing I got reliable, smooth, beautiful darts consistently that even wanted to press properly and stayed great after laundering. Sewing is, by its very nature, hands-on, so any opportunity to see someone creating in real time be it by video or in person is always going to make it easier than diagrams in a book.
Thank you Angyl!
I have a 1940's ex-treadle machine converted to electric by my grandma in the 60's. She taught me to use it when I was around 10, and honestly I would not change it for any modern one. If it ever falls from the table it would be the floor that will break, not the machine 😆. I only had to change the engine and pedal in 2020, after 60 years of use. The perfect combo of sturdy and low maintenance.
Oh, and on the antique machines... There were literally what are now antique machines pulled out of the rubble bombed buildings here in the UK during WW2. A good clean and oil, and they worked perfectly.
Yay! Bianca said my name! Thank you for addressing my question and all the other questions. I've never sewn gloves but I have knit several pairs out of fingering weight yarn. It was fiddly and took forever but so worth it. I think I might try to hand sew some but first I have to do a lot of research and learn how. Looking forward to the dart video!
Thank you for your question Natalie! I tried to knit a sweater out of fingering weight yarn once and gave up quickly since the progress was so slow 😅 I am not a good knitter!
@@TheClosetHistorian Lol, in my 25 years of knitting I've never knit a sweater out of fingering, only worsted yarn. A pair of socks takes me close to 20 hours, I can't imagine how long a whole sweater would take in such a fine gauge. It would be unbearably boring.
I think some of us find pattern drafting intuitive because we see things in a different way spatially. I also find draping very intuitive.
Hat lovers should check out Green Bunny Hats 😺. They are pricey, but they're all hand made. Everytime I hear you talk about your hats this is what I think of and she's recently started putting out videos on hat making.
I have 7 vintage Singers, all bargains and cost me less combined than some fancy schmancy modern plastic! and they will keep going longer than i'm alive..... Anybody thinking about buying one, do it! you won't regret it 💖
My grandma threw me in the deep and made me use an industrial machine at 13 XD
Have u checked out B and J Fabrics in NYC. Have some gorgeous stuff. Medium to hi priced.
I learned everything I know about sewing from here on RUclips. I had never touched a sewing machine before, I got my grandma's old sewing machine when I moved, and I just spent several days searching on RUclips, looking up the particular model of machine (it no longer has the manual with it 😳) .
RUclips is 100% my secret weapon for learning so many things, either improving or learning from 'scratch'. Sewing, knitting, crocheting, cooking, makeup, hair, acrylic nails, ect...
Surprising amount of knowledge here on RUclips!
RUclips really is the best resource!!
I have never been more excited and CANNOT WAIT the design the pattern to fit your block video and a a darts video! I still need to figure out how to make a pattern block that fits but I know I need to make one and now I have the motivation to climb that mountain. I adore you. You’re a saint.
Thank you Natalie!
I love your pattern drafting segments because you just break it down to the simplest form and make adjustments to make it more interesting. Understanding the stretch and slash and spread and add that you do. I have a collection of commercial patterns, but I modify them so much that I probably would have had an easier time doing it your way. I really enjoyed your talk and you take on sewing. Also I never went to "fad-shion" school and learned everything from other seamstresses, trial and error, RUclips, skill share and so many things you can do online these days. I'm with you, education doesn't have to be costly just relevant....like you.
Thank you Denise! ❤
you probably look at this video and think its a rambly mess but It is SO HELPFUL! I am here for your Podcast and your soap box rants ( I will come to your ted talk and be happy about it!)
I am stoked for the future videos on darts and fabric and all the things! I mentioned your block drafting videos in the SewSewLive Live stream as a way to at least make a basic block. we are starting that project next week and I am really hoping to join in on that even more now that you mentioned that the fitting process is kind of a pain but super worth it. Im over all just excited to have some time to sew.
Also thank you for being on the no dress form soap box... that is one of the hardest things as someone who is starting out and has very limited space so seeing you sew things from just your blocks and having them fit wonderfully is a huge push to make my own block ( also cause i'm plus sized and commercial patterns still think that they don't need to expand past the 14 in a lot of cases - _- )
any ways now that ive had my rant as well thank you for the wonderful content and hope you and your family are well
Thank you Mrs. K! ❤
I decided I wanted a personalized bodice block, largely because of what I saw on this channel. I do not have the skill to make one. But, I was able to hire a lovely fashion school grad to to "help" me make a block (i.e., I was there and asking questions, but let's be honest, she made it). It was not cheap, but it was totally worth it. I'm sitting here in a top that I made with the block... and it fits. Really well.
This sounds like an excellent investment to me!