My mom taught me to sew. She was raised during the Great Depression and was forced to remake clothing out of other clothing. Those experiences brought back the feelings of being poor, so she never wanted to do it again. So we always sewed using patterns and yardage from the fabric store. This was all fine and good until yardage prices made pre-made clothes less expensive than sewing from scratch. I started my re-made journey on window coverings from discount retailers and adjusting to fix my windows using straight stitching. Now, with videos like yours, I am attacking other re-make ventures. I find it very satisfying and rewarding. I know folks don't like to do hand sewing, but I really like to hand-baste my alterations prior to the final try-on. To each his own, but I find it relaxing to sit in front of the TV and hand sew things.
I have also been able to make pet beddings for local shelters out of castoff clothes. Basically I quilt them together, without being fancy or using batting. Just several layers of t-shirts, sweatshirts, old pillow cases, some piecing together. The animals just want something soft to lay on. The shelters want something washable. You just want to help.
Lol. I get everybody’s mending items piled up on my sewing table fo so long that they no longer can be made to fit. When my kids were little I would designate one day each week as mending day. Dinner that day would be a simple meal such as eggs, burgers, pancakes, hot dogs etc. it’s nice to have a routine that let you feel like you accomplished something:)
I like mending I find it relaxing and I am not about wasting something I can fix. I keep all of my husband's old jeans and this is where I get my patches from. I also like to turn them into skirts for me.
Great video! With 2 teenage girls, I do a lot of mending. We thrift a lot, not because we can’t afford to buy retail but because my girls are very conscious of the environment and we try to avoid fast fashion. Anything we can do to keep clothing items from ending up in the landfill is helpful! So thanks again for your great tips!!!
I actually love mending. It’s so satisfying. I am the go to person at work, my church and my family for clothing repair! But the garment isn’t usually a disaster, it’s just a small issue. But because I’ll tackle these things, people think I’m a wizard! 😁Ha! Fooled them! It’s just sewing!
Dear Alisa, cannot decide whether I like mending/repairing or not. I mean, I really enjoy mending itself (mostly) and what I really love is the non-existing pile and giving Things a good use/another season again without spending a lot or having to buy something new. BUT before that the pile ist getting bigger and bigger until I force myself to finally do it. The inrepairable things are cut up into cleaning wipes or kept as painting/"working" clothes that I don't have to care a lot about. 😀 I sometimes mend or repair for friends (they don't bother me or ask frequently - maybe once a year) and get e.g. chocolate or craft/sewing supplies back as a thank you. Xoxo from Germany Stephanie
Great tips for getting the most out of your clothes! Sometimes I like mending/fixing clothes because it does bring satisfaction! Thanks for sharing 🤗💜🇨🇦
Love your video! I have lost weight and so of course have garments that need altering and that's what I have been doing over the last few months. I rather enjoy fixing and reusing what I have as I feel I am learning more skills as I fix what I have already. Have learnt how to take in jeans and make them to fit better and now don't have to wear a belt with them. Thank you for your tutorial!
I just hemmed a T-shirt I received to wear at a the Food Bank where I volunteer. One of the other ladies asked me how I got a shirt that wasn't so long. When I told her I hemmed it, she was so impressed. 😀😀 I just can't imagine not being able to simple sewing tasks like that.
Great repair ideas and tips. It’s important to repair/improve the fit of our clothes to continue to enjoy them and not just replace them. Thank you so much Alicia 😀
Thank you for this video on mending with all these real life examples. It is something I see way too little of. I also do some mending and fixing, sometimes quite creatively *lol* But it feels so good, especially if it is a piece of clothes (or socks) that I love.
All looked excellent after the fixes! I love mending and find it really satisfying to do. I think it’s best to mend something as soon as I see it, then it’s a short job, rather than a major headache 😊 Also, so much better for the planet, if we all learn to mend and re-use clothes rather than chuck out stuff that has a small flaw. Bless you for your advice as always ❤
These are really great mending tips. I also have a big pile of clothing I need to mend/fix/ upcycle... I used to hate having to fix a clothing ai already made and spent so much time making, but then I realised that I have this great power of knowing how to ☺️✨
It's very satisfying whenever I get a few items from mend or alteration pile completed. I loved your patch on the jeans. I've done many of them but not sure why it never occurred to me to bast the patch on 1st. Sure seems to make things easier.
Great video. This spring I gathered up all the shorts I had with stretched out elastic waistbands and sewed drawstrings inside the waistbands. The shorts were otherwise in good shape but I didn't dare wear them outside. It felt so good to know they could go back into the regular rotation. Love your channel!
Hi Alisa I loved your tips some of which I already do. I keep anything good off any garment that’s died and I love to mend or rescue as well. I’ve watched quite a few of your videos just yesterday in my search for tips and enjoyed them immensely. Ps I’m now subscribed 😊
Thank you for making this video! Can you please share a video on how to use an existing garment to copy and make it a bigger size? My daughter is 6 and I want to use some ready made garments to copy and make them in a bigger size that fits her now without having to buy a pattern or draft a new pattern. Thank you, again.
Aww I always love seeing how much you care for your family and I can imagine how thrilled your daughter must have been to have her favorite pieces back wearable again! Btw I adore the outfit you’re wearing in the beginning of the video, totally makes me want to make a floral cardigan as well! Mending can be super satisfying, but I’ve never tried jeans mending like that. Perhaps when my husband wears out his next pair of jeans :D
I made curtains out of that fabric you made your shorts from. After a few months the hem had sagged so badly and unevenly. I finally had to re-hem them.
@@ThoughtfulCreativity I really love your videos - You know so much, and are enthusiastic about sewing, yet you remain winsome and friendly. Have a great day!
I love your videos! Your excitement and passion for sewing is contagious. I appreciate the tips that you give that help make a garment look really well done.
Seems like I’m always mending. Your tips are very helpful. I like the ruffle on the skirt, one could even do that on a top! Thanks. (Could you make something out of a broomstick skirt)
Congratulations on 1 year of RUclips videos!!! I’ve watched and enjoyed every one! I love all of the channels that I follow BUT you are my favorite bc our styles are so similar. I have an idea for a channel but haven’t mustered up the courage to give it a go.
I understand perfectly the "pile problem". I've recently put decent pockets in 2 shorts and 1 pair of jeans. Why they make the pockets soooo small in women's garments? I still have a t-shirt and a skirt to adjust, they're too large now. Since I don't use a sewing machine, all my repairs take a bit longer than yours, but my pile is smaller now!
Love all of your videos and teaching methods. Is it possible for you to do a tutorial on the Milkmaid Dress/Top? While there are several tutorials on YT, I find them difficult to understand. Thank you for all that you do!
Hello Alisa 😊 and Happy Mothers Day !! I hope you have the best day ever 🥰. This video is so inspiring. The patch you made in the jeans was so close to the original denim it was amazing. During the video, I noticed you pin in the same direction that you sew and I wondered if there’s a right way to pin and wrong way. The reason I ask is because I pin the opposite way, horizontal , and the fabric can sometimes move. Which really frustrates me.
Hi really good video, so useful. Please do a detailed video about the denim stitching on domestic machine and also about the thread details size and bobbin tension adjustments ( what all are the troubleshooting while doing denim on domestic machine?) Also how to get finished hem on denim length alterations using domestic machine?
I was making myself a dress and I messed up and made it to short, not know how to fix it I put it on the back burner. A year later I fond scrap fabric from the project and the idea to add a ruffle hit me.
Great idea and very helpful. I love all of your videos and you are such a creative person. Could you also please make a video of how to increase the size of pants? I recently bought a pair which unfortunately is a little tight on my crotch area. Please help me.
Walmart made long shirts!? Me, that's who that is for! I have a long torso and large breasts and all shirts are usually too short because of the lift that is created by my top! I'm so getting that T !thanks
Your comment made me smile (in a good way for sure) :) after that I did think "maybe I am just too short?" and perhaps spoke too soon. But I totally understand what you mean - the bust creates extra volume at the front, therefore lifts up the hem. I guess it is always better to have a little extra than not enough :) That t-shirt was in the little cubbies with all the graphic Tee's.
Yep... I don't mind that much, I just want people to see the idea and adjust it to their needs, instead of seeing what's on the surface and missing the idea/technique that is presented :)
Oh goodness, you will have a blast :) it is kind of magical repairing those holes, because it almost seems impossible, but then when it is done - ta-da!!! It is a repetitive task though, Eva (out cat) fell asleep on my sewing table from the constant sewing machine humming :)
Happy Mother's day!
❤🎉
My mom taught me to sew. She was raised during the Great Depression and was forced to remake clothing out of other clothing. Those experiences brought back the feelings of being poor, so she never wanted to do it again. So we always sewed using patterns and yardage from the fabric store. This was all fine and good until yardage prices made pre-made clothes less expensive than sewing from scratch. I started my re-made journey on window coverings from discount retailers and adjusting to fix my windows using straight stitching. Now, with videos like yours, I am attacking other re-make ventures. I find it very satisfying and rewarding. I know folks don't like to do hand sewing, but I really like to hand-baste my alterations prior to the final try-on. To each his own, but I find it relaxing to sit in front of the TV and hand sew things.
I have also been able to make pet beddings for local shelters out of castoff clothes. Basically I quilt them together, without being fancy or using batting. Just several layers of t-shirts, sweatshirts, old pillow cases, some piecing together. The animals just want something soft to lay on. The shelters want something washable. You just want to help.
Mend is a four letter word. But I must admit that the disappearing pile is a real mood lifter.
Lol. I get everybody’s mending items piled up on my sewing table fo so long that they no longer can be made to fit. When my kids were little I would designate one day each week as mending day. Dinner that day would be a simple meal such as eggs, burgers, pancakes, hot dogs etc. it’s nice to have a routine that let you feel like you accomplished something:)
I like mending I find it relaxing and I am not about wasting something I can fix. I keep all of my husband's old jeans and this is where I get my patches from. I also like to turn them into skirts for me.
Wonderful, Vicki! I feel the same way you do - If I can fix it, then I do it, and if I can't - I try to re-use it!
I like mending something that I might have had to discard or donate. It is like getting usable clothes for free! Love your channel!
That moleskin appliqué is the funniest thing ever! 🤣🤣 I love it!
Right? lol :)
Great video! With 2 teenage girls, I do a lot of mending. We thrift a lot, not because we can’t afford to buy retail but because my girls are very conscious of the environment and we try to avoid fast fashion. Anything we can do to keep clothing items from ending up in the landfill is helpful! So thanks again for your great tips!!!
I actually love mending. It’s so satisfying. I am the go to person at work, my church and my family for clothing repair! But the garment isn’t usually a disaster, it’s just a small issue. But because I’ll tackle these things, people think I’m a wizard! 😁Ha! Fooled them! It’s just sewing!
I love this style of video. It's like a rescue mission for clothing!😂
I love mending and upcycling clothes 😊
You are a GENIUS. There is so much good information here and some truly amazing ways to repair and reuse.
Glad it was helpful, Molly! I am all for making the most of what we have :)
Dear Alisa, cannot decide whether I like mending/repairing or not. I mean, I really enjoy mending itself (mostly) and what I really love is the non-existing pile and giving Things a good use/another season again without spending a lot or having to buy something new. BUT before that the pile ist getting bigger and bigger until I force myself to finally do it. The inrepairable things are cut up into cleaning wipes or kept as painting/"working" clothes that I don't have to care a lot about. 😀 I sometimes mend or repair for friends (they don't bother me or ask frequently - maybe once a year) and get e.g. chocolate or craft/sewing supplies back as a thank you. Xoxo from Germany Stephanie
Great tips for getting the most out of your clothes! Sometimes I like mending/fixing clothes because it does bring satisfaction! Thanks for sharing 🤗💜🇨🇦
Thankyou seewtie... Have a great day. TX/PR
Love your video! I have lost weight and so of course have garments that need altering and that's what I have been doing over the last few months. I rather enjoy fixing and reusing what I have as I feel I am learning more skills as I fix what I have already. Have learnt how to take in jeans and make them to fit better and now don't have to wear a belt with them. Thank you for your tutorial!
I just hemmed a T-shirt I received to wear at a the Food Bank where I volunteer. One of the other ladies asked me how I got a shirt that wasn't so long. When I told her I hemmed it, she was so impressed. 😀😀 I just can't imagine not being able to simple sewing tasks like that.
Kids grow so fast. She is going to love them. I need long shirts but wear petite pants. I’m 5’4”.
You make mending look fun! It really isn’t, but I enjoyed watching you! You definitely motivated me! ❤
You are precious and inspiring!
Great repair ideas and tips. It’s important to repair/improve the fit of our clothes to continue to enjoy them and not just replace them. Thank you so much Alicia 😀
Thank you for this video on mending with all these real life examples. It is something I see way too little of. I also do some mending and fixing, sometimes quite creatively *lol* But it feels so good, especially if it is a piece of clothes (or socks) that I love.
Impressive!! You’re very talented and thoughtful. Happy Mother’s Day to you.
Yes I have a little pile. Thanks for sharing your methods. Happy Mother’s Day
Happy Mother's day! I hope this video helps get done with that PILE :) he he :)
Thank you for this useful video. I learnt soooo much from it. ❤
God bless you
You always to cute and practical solutions. Thanks for the videos
Great ideas & helpful for me!
That's great to hear, Marilyn :) happy sewing/mending
Great video, thank you, I have a Monday mending basket, making sure at least one item is dealt with every Monday,
That is A GREAT way to go about it! I love a repetitive routine, helps me keep on track, so I might borrow this idea from you :) thank you!
I loved all of these tips… very helpful to see these task performed so efficiently with good results
As an adult. I love the donut skirt...if it was adult sized. will try to make one.Still learning.
Amazing tips and tricks. Thank you Alisa
Thank you, Agata! :) I hope they help to tackle the "PILE" :)
Wow I like that jeans mending! Looks so good! I always just sew a patch on the inside and that’s it but this looks so much better! Thanks for the tip!
Your channel is such a good vibe, thanks for all the great content 😊
Hi Alisa hope you had a great and blessed Mother’s Day. I really enjoy watching your videos, thank you for making them.
All looked excellent after the fixes! I love mending and find it really satisfying to do. I think it’s best to mend something as soon as I see it, then it’s a short job, rather than a major headache 😊 Also, so much better for the planet, if we all learn to mend and re-use clothes rather than chuck out stuff that has a small flaw. Bless you for your advice as always ❤
These are really great mending tips. I also have a big pile of clothing I need to mend/fix/ upcycle... I used to hate having to fix a clothing ai already made and spent so much time making, but then I realised that I have this great power of knowing how to ☺️✨
Your video is always helpful. Thank you for sharing.
Great video! Happy Mother's Day!
Your videos have helped me so much with my sewing, thank you!
YES! "the disappearance of the pile"
Did most of my pile yesterday :)
Watching your videos are like visiting with your best friend. I so enjoy them and your upbeat, positive personality. Happy Mother's Day. 🙂
Happy Mother’s Day! ❤💐Thanks to your tutorials my wardrobe (and my family’s😂🤣) have a whole new life.
It's very satisfying whenever I get a few items from mend or alteration pile completed. I loved your patch on the jeans. I've done many of them but not sure why it never occurred to me to bast the patch on 1st. Sure seems to make things easier.
Great video. This spring I gathered up all the shorts I had with stretched out elastic waistbands and sewed drawstrings inside the waistbands. The shorts were otherwise in good shape but I didn't dare wear them outside. It felt so good to know they could go back into the regular rotation. Love your channel!
My mending basket is also growing bigger and bigger and I cant wait to have a day and go through it too
Thank you for this inspirational video!
I actually love mending, it’s typically a project that can reach completion in a short time so has a quick feel good reward 😊
Hi Alisa I loved your tips some of which I already do. I keep anything good off any garment that’s died and I love to mend or rescue as well. I’ve watched quite a few of your videos just yesterday in my search for tips and enjoyed them immensely. Ps I’m now subscribed 😊
Thank you for making this video! Can you please share a video on how to use an existing garment to copy and make it a bigger size? My daughter is 6 and I want to use some ready made garments to copy and make them in a bigger size that fits her now without having to buy a pattern or draft a new pattern. Thank you, again.
Aww I always love seeing how much you care for your family and I can imagine how thrilled your daughter must have been to have her favorite pieces back wearable again! Btw I adore the outfit you’re wearing in the beginning of the video, totally makes me want to make a floral cardigan as well!
Mending can be super satisfying, but I’ve never tried jeans mending like that. Perhaps when my husband wears out his next pair of jeans :D
Alisa, i just love watching your videos. You approach sewing in such a fearless and creative way. So inspiring!
Good morning Alisa and Happy Mothers Day to you ❤ wonderful tutorial ❤ perfect timing 🥰thank you so much ❤❤❤ have a blessed day 🥰
Great tips!!!👍🏻
I made curtains out of that fabric you made your shorts from. After a few months the hem had sagged so badly and unevenly. I finally had to re-hem them.
Right? I thought maybe I was crazy, because I really was not expecting it from this textile, but we live and learn:)
@@ThoughtfulCreativity I really love your videos - You know so much, and are enthusiastic about sewing, yet you remain winsome and friendly. Have a great day!
I love your videos! Your excitement and passion for sewing is contagious. I appreciate the tips that you give that help make a garment look really well done.
Thanks for your encouragement to fix that stuff. You are very clever with your craft but make it look simple.
Seems like I’m always mending. Your tips are very helpful. I like the ruffle on the skirt, one could even do that on a top! Thanks. (Could you make something out of a broomstick skirt)
Congratulations on 1 year of RUclips videos!!! I’ve watched and enjoyed every one! I love all of the channels that I follow BUT you are my favorite bc our styles are so similar. I have an idea for a channel but haven’t mustered up the courage to give it a go.
Happy mothersday. Thanx there is a few on my pile that i can fix the same way❤
Happy Mother's day! yay! I hope it helps you get done with the PILE :)
@@ThoughtfulCreativity i have already fixed two items👌
I understand perfectly the "pile problem". I've recently put decent pockets in 2 shorts and 1 pair of jeans. Why they make the pockets soooo small in women's garments? I still have a t-shirt and a skirt to adjust, they're too large now. Since I don't use a sewing machine, all my repairs take a bit longer than yours, but my pile is smaller now!
Love all of your videos and teaching methods. Is it possible for you to do a tutorial on the Milkmaid Dress/Top? While there are several tutorials on YT, I find them difficult to understand. Thank you for all that you do!
I support the disappearance of the pile! 😂🙌🏻
You and me 😁 it is such a small thing, but it makes my day :)
Great. 😎
Hello Alisa 😊 and Happy Mothers Day !! I hope you have the best day ever 🥰. This video is so inspiring. The patch you made in the jeans was so close to the original denim it was amazing. During the video, I noticed you pin in the same direction that you sew and I wondered if there’s a right way to pin and wrong way. The reason I ask is because I pin the opposite way, horizontal , and the fabric can sometimes move. Which really frustrates me.
My walmart shirt is really long too. But I prefer my shirts on the longer side, so it all works out.
Hi really good video, so useful.
Please do a detailed video about the denim stitching on domestic machine and also about the thread details size and bobbin tension adjustments ( what all are the troubleshooting while doing denim on domestic machine?)
Also how to get finished hem on denim length alterations using domestic machine?
Hi would you please make a video about making cloth pads using sizeble scraps thank you☺️
Happy Mothers' Day!
👍👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️very goooooooood
Alisa, please can you do a basic course on learning to sew. Im a total beginner. Thanks so much
I have a everything on the channel, just have to go and look :) everything is sorted into playlists :)
Your husband cracks me up on his crotch fix, that's better than my oldest who fixed his with that silver duct tape.
Goodness, he he :) you cracked me up! :) Men.... :)
I was making myself a dress and I messed up and made it to short, not know how to fix it I put it on the back burner. A year later I fond scrap fabric from the project and the idea to add a ruffle hit me.
Oh yes? How did it turn out? :) I am sure it looks fun and beautiful!
@@ThoughtfulCreativity it turned out good. The ruffle took it just below my knee where I like my skirts/dresses.
Did you make the open floral cardigan you're wearing in the beginning video? If so, where can I find the pattern?
Sure did, full tutorial on is on my channel :)
@@ThoughtfulCreativity Fantastic thanks! Have a wonderful mother's day!!
Great idea and very helpful. I love all of your videos and you are such a creative person. Could you also please make a video of how to increase the size of pants? I recently bought a pair which unfortunately is a little tight on my crotch area. Please help me.
Great videos. What model of Singer Machine is that.
The model name and number is the description of this video :)
I don’t hate it, but I tend to procrastinate when it comes to mending
Walmart made long shirts!? Me, that's who that is for! I have a long torso and large breasts and all shirts are usually too short because of the lift that is created by my top! I'm so getting that T !thanks
Your comment made me smile (in a good way for sure) :) after that I did think "maybe I am just too short?" and perhaps spoke too soon. But I totally understand what you mean - the bust creates extra volume at the front, therefore lifts up the hem. I guess it is always better to have a little extra than not enough :) That t-shirt was in the little cubbies with all the graphic Tee's.
PS : without zipper
🥰
People actually comment on your choice of fabrics or color? 😳
Yep... I don't mind that much, I just want people to see the idea and adjust it to their needs, instead of seeing what's on the surface and missing the idea/technique that is presented :)
I just have 5 pair of jeans from my boyfriend ready to fix that crotch area.😅
Oh goodness, you will have a blast :) it is kind of magical repairing those holes, because it almost seems impossible, but then when it is done - ta-da!!! It is a repetitive task though, Eva (out cat) fell asleep on my sewing table from the constant sewing machine humming :)