i know i probably shouldnt ask this question in the comments. but are there any other colour blind sewers that have tips picking and selecting fabrics? i dont always have a friend with me to help with the colours though im getting good at working out what 'should' go with what. i also love my adjustable ironing board and i too use to to sew on when doing my hand sewing as im super short and most tables are too tall for me. much love to everyone.
Thanks for your comment 😊 I'm afraid I have no advice for colour blind sewers but I'm going to pin it in the hope someone will see it who can offer some useful tips 💚
I'm not color blind, but I am a quilter, and there are many quilt fabrics that are designed to go together in collections, usually by the same designer. Generally the fabrics in each collection work well together and sometimes color themes of the collection are described. Of course the limitation here is that quilt fabrics are generally 100% cotton, but it might be an idea for some types of projects.
I'm not colour blind, but I do have ADHD. My advice would be to find a great local shop with great customer service. At times the sheer amount of fabric can be overwhelming to even start finding what I'm looking for. I found going to a great fabric store helpful - I can ask one of employees for help narrowing down my choices. For example I need a blue wool for a blazer. Because experienced employees know fabrics, colours, and their inventory so intimately, they can pick a few great choices in blues that suit my skin tone. It makes the experience so much better. I hope this helps.
I'm functionally colour blind (in that I perceive colours to be very different to how the average person perceives them) and I work as a professional seamstress. What I do is have a colour chart, a little book of samples where I can put the colours I use, along with some samples of complimentary colours. I also include the code number of the matching Güttermann thread for each colour in my book. I worked with a good friend to make this, who was patient and helpful in letting me know what went together and picking out samples of them. I take this book with me to match with things. I'm also well known in my local store for bringing in a sample of the thread, fabric, button, etc that I'm trying to match and the workers don't mind at all. To make it easier on myself, I work with a limited palette of colours for my personal stuff. Firstly this means everything will go with everything else without me needing to seek outside help, and secondly that I look very coordinated. But lately I've been of the mentality that yes, I see colour differently, but why does that make my perception invalid? So some of my newer designs have been made with my eye for colour and some are hits and some are misses but by golly there's nothing else like them and people can see that. After all, colour is only a pigment of your imagination ;)
@@laurahawkins374 im the same. thank you soo much for all the tips it really has helped me to work out how i can get through this little hurdle. (hugs)
I also found out one night when I had no choice but to go with my LTR to the Emergency room at the hospital. He was the one that was sick but becsuse he could walk, he had to carry me into the hospital. I always felt hopeless about my disability. That night I was in the waiting area, so sick I could barely sit up. In the same place we're two women ( they both had terminal cancer) who were also waiting One of the women was being physically sick from chemo and the other lady was in agony unable to stop moving frm.a kneeling position to crawling on the floor, begging God to stop the pain and screaming continously I wondered why these ladies had to wait for help but after a half hour, it was like how lucky I was. Yes, I had a disability, but God was showing me that there are always people in worse shape. I had my crocheting and knitting with me and as I completed my project I thanked God I was healthy enough to make them
My friends used to call me “Martha Stewart” because I did ALL the crafts. Disability struck seven years ago, and now I do virtually nothing. This video is like a parting of the clouds! I never thought to break things up (I’m not too smart, sometimes) and to organize in batches. I used to marathon everything. Thank you so very much for filming this. Now I just have to “do the thing.” You’ve got an instant, loyal subscriber, here. Love, light and blessings to you and yours.
That's so wonderful to here. Change is hard and takes a lot of effort and energy especially when we are used to old habits. Sometimes we need a nudge in the right direction. Glad I could help!
This is literally the first time someone has *not* told me i need to just learn how to use a rotary cutter properly because it shouldn't be exhausting. Makes me a little less frustrated at myself knowing I'm not the only one struggling to make things work around insane variabilities.
You're not alone :( I got myself a rotary cutter not long ago and the first thing I noticed was how physically taxing it is to use. all that pressing down... I prefer my scissors.
Brennin Gestiehr electric siccors work very well! I also cannot use rotary cutters and that really frustrated me when I saw others jyst racing through the fabric with it. Now I go fullspeed with my electric siccors.
@@creativecheersoffashionlau7364 electric?? I havent seen one of those in many years. Are they good now? I remember the pair my grandmother trying not being really sharp and it struggled with sheer fabrics a lot...
My golden tip: Don't blame yourself when you can't do what you had hoped to do. Especially when you have an unpredictable disability. Your disability is not your fault. You are not failing, you can adapt your project at a later moment when you feel better. And it is certainly not because you are not working hard enough or aren't passionate enough. There is a good chance you work way harder than those who are able bodied/able minded because you have to account for and accomodate your disability.
Thank you, i really needed to hear this. I hope you don't mind - I'll be writing that out and putting it on my desk so I can always remember. Thank you 1000 times ❤
Honestly, a huge thing for me was a wrist pincushion. I dissociate really badly, so sometimes sewing could become dangerous, especially when I was dealing with pins and needles, because I wasn't aware enough of my surroundings to pick them up from and put them away in the box that they used to be in. But when I'm using a wrist pincushion it's always right in front of my face, so I put them away there instinctually and have almost entirely stopped stabbing myself without realising.
The tips on splitting up the project into good, better, and best is so helpful. I cosplay (and have general anxiety), and I often get overwhelmed from the very beginning just looking at all the pieces that a cosplay requires. I’m definitely going to try finding what is essential and what is ideal when I start my next project and see if it makes a project more manageable.
While I'm not diabled, I'm chronically mentally ill and all these tips are so useful! I often get very exhausted really fast and some of your suggestions might really help in how much I can get done.
I have never felt so seen and understood as in this video. It takes me days to cut out a pattern. Ironing is my favorite thing but it hurts to stand that long. Sometimes I'll give myself temporary nerve damage hand sewing a large project. Being chronically ill and/or disabled and being a sewist is a challenge, but it makes my heart happy to know I'm not alone! Thank you for the great ideas in this video 💙
If your ironing board is adjustable you can lower it and sit cross-legged on the floor :) I have nerve damage in my leg and standing is my nemesis. and you are very not alone, for some reason there are scads of disabled/chronically ill sewists.
I always work sittibg down because I cannot stand up. So I lower my iron board so that i can just sit down because I want to iron my project after each seam. Maybe you can find more tips on my channel too? I now have electrical scissors because rotary cutters don’t work for me. And just take a chair.
@@MiahGrace This is an awesome idea!!! (How haven't I thought of this... It's been ten years and standing still for prolonged periods causes pain to aggravate for days, sometimes!)
I feel so incredibly seen. Just hearing that there is someone else out there who takes days to cut out a pattern and is exhausted by a rotary cutter made me start crying. Thank you so much for sharing all of this. I'm so glad Cocovid has led me to your channel!
The tip about how to avoid losing your tools could just as easily have come from an astronaut (life in space is a bit of a special interest of mine), because if you let go of something in microgravity and you don't keep an eye on it, it floats away. There have been instances where an object has been lost at one end of the International Space Station and found again _months_ later at the other end.
Retro Claude Gravity is kind of useful, because we can at least rely on things not floating away. The dinner tables on the ISS have strips of fuzzy fabric on them so that the crew can attach things with Velcro, otherwise spices and condiments such as hot sauce would just float away, and it would be a tragedy if the hot sauce was lost. 😆
When you mentioned the multiple projects I laughed. I have ADHD and chronic fatigue. I always have multiple projects and preferably multiple disciplines. (Knjtting, embroidery, hand sewing...) My only real tip.is that if you think you dont like hand sewing to try it. I always I assumed I wouldn't have the patience. But it turns out that it's great for something for your hands to do whole in your comfy play watching tv.
I get to work from home and found that hand stitching buttonholes is an amazing thing to do while waiting for my IT customers to find out their passwords or who set their infrastructure on fire. so productive and I don't get sleepy anymore...
@@icannotbeseen My Mom started a knitting/crochet trend among her call center co-workers. It started with the supervisors 20 years her junior giving her repeated warnings about being "distracted". They got over it when her productivity metrics started kicking butt and they realized wasn't inclined to wandering away from her work station, or complaining incessantly about the callers.
I have MS and am affected heavily by fatigue and heat. I have to remind myself that I can take my time and take breaks. That its ok for me to take my time
I don't have any diagnosed disabilities/neurodiversities, but I manage my husband and children's disabilities and I've found it helps to break up a project if you can bring it with you to appointments and do things like any hand sewing or pinning while you're out. I do a lot of hem pinning or small cutting projects while at play centres with my kids or in clinic waiting rooms. It makes me feel like I'm not wasting time by being away from my machine, and it motivates me to do the parts I find boring. Granted my projects are generally children's clothes, so they don't require large flat spaces to pin and I can do it all in hand, you'd definitely need to take project size into consideration before taking it with you.
I didn’t realize until I watched this video how much I let my physical (and mental! #ADHD) disabilities get in the way of my interests. But now I have hope that I can get some sewing down on MY time at MY limits! Thank you! 💚💚
Thank you. Ive been wanting to do the “more than one project at once” thing, but I just couldn’t justify it. And then I had to wait 3 WEEKS to be able to cut out the fabric for my cape, and I got nothing else done in that time. So I think I will shift to working on more than one project at once. I just need to figure out some storage- because unfortunately, I have very very little. Still, I think it’s worth a try. I’m hoping to fit my cape today, but that’s a big thing. And I’ve been dreaming (literally) about a walking skirt I could make with the leftover wool fabric that I have after cutting out my cape. So if I’m not up to fitting that, I might start on drafting my new skirt. Or maybe drafting a feed waistcoat from this skirt that I thrifted (it’s lovely, and exactly my style, but unfortunately far too small for me, so I’ve decided to make a waistcoat out of the fabric). This has probably been the single most useful sewing video I’ve ever watched. I’m pretty severely physically disabled (with a degenerative spinal condition), and I’m a wheelchair user. I’ve had to do quite a lot of workarounds in order to be able to do any sewing at all. But it’s so worth it! And my daughter’s teacher has asked me to come in to teach the students (a Montessori class of grade 7 to 10) how to make masks. And it’s really lovely that my daughter is excited about it- she’s been telling her friends that I make my own clothes (and some of hers), and I’m really happy that I get to put these skills I have to use. And masks are a great beginner project, and very timely, obviously. I think it’s a great idea to get teenagers into wearing and making their own things, and hopefully the pride they have (and being able to choose fabric and patterns they like), will mean they’ll actually wear them. Fingers crossed. But only a year ago, I was convinced there was no point to even trying to make things- I’m just too disabled (or so I thought). But then I started, and I realised that even on my second to worst days (though my actual worst days are useless, with me stuck in bed unable to move my arms or legs) I could still do some hand sewing in bed. All I need is to be able to move from my elbows to my fingers, and I can do *something*. And so I decided to try, and I’m so glad that I did. I’m slowly (very slowly) making over my wardrobe into something I actually like. Which is mostly Edwardian inspired, and some 1940s thrown in there too. I don’t go out often (even before the Rona), but I like to dress nicely when I do. And I can make things in fibres that I like, instead of the mostly polyester that is sold now. Especially given I live in a hot and humid climate, and there’s nothing worse than being stuck in bed in a polyester nightie, because I swear it’s like the mattress just soaks you all your heat and reflects it back at you, and you sweat in the polyester.... so part of my making is doing up linen shifts that work as nighties, and that are nice to wear, that have a little decoration, so I feel pretty even in my nightie. Sorry, I’m babbling. That was an essay and a half! But anyway, thank you for this video, and I hope many others will realise that disability doesn’t have to stop you from creating, you just might have to get a little creative with how.
My two biggest game changers- a work table that I can wheel myself right up to (thanks mum and dad!). And I’ve been able to place it at a right angle to my desk (where my machine is), so I can easily move myself between my machine and work table. It’s quite a long table, so there aren’t that many projects where the pattern pieces are too big to fit on it, which makes cutting actually possible for me. (Except for my cape. That one had to be done on the floor, with me giving heavy supervision and a lot of help to my daughter who did the pinning and basic cut outs, before it was put up on the table for me to cut more accurately). Actually, three game changers! Having a kid who will help you is most definitely invaluable! She’s really great for things like picking up pins that fall on the floor. Though I’m sure some of that is self serving, as she’s usually the one to find those pins later... in her feet. And obviously, I can’t pick up pins from my wheelchair. So having a kid to help is definitely most useful! The third thing is a flat ironing board that I can place on top of my work table, and still sit to press. I don’t have the room for a separate ironing table, even if I could find one that would be at the right height. I don’t have a sewing room, just a corner of the lounge room in my apartment. So a flat ironing board is just wonderful! I’m also looking for an iron that has an on/off button on the iron itself, because I can’t bend to plug it in and pull it out every time I want to use it. So having something that could be plugged in at the start of my sewing time, then turned on and off as needed, and then only unplugged at the end of my sewing time- it would be a game changer for me. Oh! Another thing that helps me- wearing a corset while sewing. Because my major issues are all related to my spine, having a back brace really helps when I need to do anything even mildly physical- like sit up for more than 30mins. It doubles the amount of time I’m able to sit and do stuff. It also doubles the time I’m able to go out and about. So for me, corsets are the most wonderful things. So I started this comment only thinking of two game changers, but now apparently I have five, but one I’m still looking for.
Thank you so much for sharing! So much great advice and I'm so glad you've managed to make sewing work for you! When I worked in theatre the wigs lady had a magnet on a telescopic pole for picking up dropped hair pins. Something like that might help with those pesky stray pins 😊
@@katherinemorelle7115 I use a extension cord with a switch to be able to easily switch my iron on and off. You could plug in the cord and attach the switch at your worktable for easy acces. There are also (at least in europe) Switches you can directly plug into the socket to switch of, an connected device.
I am in your situation, I also live in a very tiny home which is great for limited mobility because I have a handhold always within reach to lurch my way through the house when I have to tend my surly cat.. lol but it’s terrible for large projects that require space. I use our senior community hall for cutting big projects when I can, but have shifted most of my emphasis from large costumes to smaller accessories, bags, hats, and embroidery pieces in between the large projects. I’m also going through my older costumes and remaking them or adding details instead of starting from scratch. So glad to have found people living and sewing as I do, however we can! ❤️
@@katherinemorelle7115 I found a telescoping magnet the size of an ink pen usually used by mechanics to retrieve dropped parts. Mine keeps me from finding dropped pins the hard way with my feet.
Your descriptions of how you sew is the same as I do it, but i use the rotary cutter, because I can't put enough pressure in my fingers to close the scissors. EDIT after the video: We seem quiet similar in the way we sew just that I can't sit for long and need to stand a lot. The thimble has become second nature so sometimes it is on without me knowing. The belt is genius I will try it immediately. I usually use ice water before I want to sew so that my hands work for a longer time. Also I use pillows I quilted to my body shape on a wooden chair. Also I tend to ignore my body a lot so I bought a adapter for the plugin of my sewing machine so that it shuts off after a while and I can't turn it back on for several hours.
@@Nesi-Rose yes I often do. I have a height adjustable ironing board so I place the sewing machine on there, but currently it is broken so I hand sew while walking around.
I really love the good, better, best concept. I'm autistic, have anxiety, and also have chronic pain due to PCOS. I really like to save my hand sewing for days that I'm stuck in bed or on the couch so I can still be making progress without having to be hunched over a machine. Great to find you!
A great alternative to pins is quilters’ clips. I use them sometimes depending on what I’m making and I find that when I have to pin a whole lot (like opposing curves) they are so much faster and easier to use. Otherwise I just pin minimally or not at all if it’s just two straight edges with no gathering. I also sometimes use a hair straightener instead of an iron because it’s so much more portable. If my back is hurting a lot or I plan on spending a lot of time sewing I put on a corset (I am hyper mobile and busty so I constantly have at least a little bit of back pain). Stitch Sisters and Evelyn Wood each put up a couple of videos on useful tools and Coolirpa did one on testing Pinterest sewing hacks.
Yes! The only reason I still have a straightening iron is for fabric! lol If you're also using it for hair you have to make sure you clean it beforehand (learned that one the hard way...). I use it on hems that have gone wonky in the wash as well, and it's particularly useful if you're already dressed when you notice the bad wrinkle or flipped hem!
@@RetroClaude I think I need a corset for sewing but how do I go about finding what's right? This video is great & has helped me not put pressure on myself to finish something. I do have other jobs in the go but they all have to rest for a while when my body flops. Its so nice to know I'm not the only one having these issues, so thank you so much for sharing.
I have anxiety and ADHD and moving a lot helps me so much. So I put ironing board to one room and sewing machine in another room and go between them. Somehow, walking around the house helps me focus more.
They come in different sizes and some have bent tips vs straight. I like the ones that are about 6" total length the best. Curved tip ones are great for holding a nail for hammering. Straight ones are better for sewing. You can clamp down on the needle and then pull the much easier to grab hemostats.
ravenfrogsuperk Yes! They are great, I’ve even used them to pull needles through fabric if things are a bit tight. I got mine from Christie Bears www.christiebears.com/acatalog/Forceps.html
I have a thing called a "Helping Hand." I bought it at a hardware store. It has a weighted base with arms on it that end in alligator clips and one arm has a magnifier. I've seen others that even have a light. It is very useful for when I need help holding something.
@@lorib1696 I've seen antique woodcuts showing a similar device women used to attach to a table leg, and a bird-shaped beak would clip the fabric to help them tension their sewing, so you are exactly in line with ancient forgotten sewing wisdom!
The automotive dept has wonderful long and thin reaching tools (about 2 ft long) with magnets on the end (for screws and nuts and bolts) but are great for dropped needles and pins. Also another one is flexible for grabbing small things in odd places. That tool has spring loaded tiny metal grabbers --- you push a button on one end and the grabbers extend 1" from opposite end. I use it for small scraps, pins, buttons, etc. I noticed it is also sold on Amazon as a hair removal tool for sink drain pipes. Love you video. I have nerve damage in my fingers, so pins are my enemy, I stab myself quite often. I used to love embroidery, but not so much now. I make many costumes for dress up for my 7 year old grandchild. She is coming over to learn to hand sew Barbie clothes. We have fun.
I recomend getting a desk light you can move and aim at your work. It really helps me when it gets late and the normal lighting in my house isn't enough for me to see where I'm sewing.
P.S. My father actually bought a reflector and installed it above the armchair where he darns his socks and does stuff like that. I always usurp that armchair for my handcrafting when I'm visiting, so I've been thinking of getting a reflector as well. :-)
I have a warm-light/orange-light book light that I use, because I can generally tolerate it even when my headaches are really bad, and still see what I'm doing. And it's easy for me to turn off without having to reach or twist or get out of bed if the light gets too much.
Singing my song Lady. I have POTS - Graves Disease - and severe Asthma. Fatigue is my daily traveling companion. But I find sewing so liberating, just have always wished I had more energy. Not been too good on the whole 'recognizing your limits' thing. I really like this advice and the honesty
Recognising your limits takes discipline, which, guess what, also requires energy! Catch 22 or what? Sometimes I have to get sneaky and reward myself with chocolate for stopping before the limit. 😂 I'm glad you enjoyed the video 💚
I'm a huge fan of naps! DaVinci got so much done because he only took naps. His method of wake vs sleep is not practical, but a nap here and there throughout the day are awesome.
I also struggle with stopping before my limits - I think I subconsciously ignore them when I'm doing something I enjoy, bc I don't like where the limits are 😟 Definitely a journey.
I pre thread every needle I have when hand sewing. Like with my quilt, I chose ONE thread that works with every fabric, and I threaded 73 needles in one day. I store them in a box wrapped in cabbage...which keeps me from stabbing myself.
I do the same thing. I sew mostly with linen in natural colors and I mainly use 3 natural shades of linen thread. If I'm going to be working on something big I'll thread every needle I have with the shade I'm using. I'll take one day for threading which is easy to do while watching RUclips. Then rather than jump into the project I'll wait till the next day. That way my eyes aren't tired when I start sewing.
That's serious! I thought I'd gotten smart when I realized I could cut two lengths of embroidery floss and break them down into 2 strands each, threading 6 needles at a time.
I've had a back injury since my teens. I've been sewing almost as long so going on forty years now. I re-injured that old injury two years ago which just worsened the whole mess. In those forty years, I have learned three important things - the frequent breaks to keep the energy levels up; batching your projects; and having more than one thing going on makes the mental frustration of having a bad pain day much, much easier. I've also learned that an adjustable ironing board was the best invention ever seconded by having an adjustable desk chair at your sewing table. Then you can find the sewing table that best suits your work style - for instance, I use a single drawer writing desk for mine - and then can adjust the chair to the best working height. You can find a desk chair with very good lumbar support - for those of us with lower back issues - then use that for sewing making it somewhat easier on the lower back and hips for your working time.
We need to bring back the chatalaine back into fashion!!!! It looks like I am going to reconfigure some of my sewing methods. Thank you for all your tips and tricks.
I have two variable height ironing boards but I don’t use them for ironing. I put them at a height comfortable for sitting or standing then use them as table legs with a board across them. It’s more convenient than a cutting or work desk since they are so flexible. They can easily be taken down and be put away in just less than one minute!
On working in batches, I learned that in fashion industry that is done as well. The instructions you'd get there are all grouped together like this. There it's done to save time. I remember one set of instructions, where they are written in a table format. with the instructions on one side, then the machine needed (sewing machine, iron, etc.) and I believe pattern pieces.
My volunteer work is teaching sewing, the only challenge I've had come up yet is working through language barriers, we got there lol.😊. But it got my gears spinning on how would I do things if someone said I'd like to join but my feet or one of my hands don't cooperate . Here's the stuff that came to mind, set foot pedal up to be used with elbow, guide strip on machine . I don't care who would be interested in joining in , I would say come on we'll learn new things together. I shared this video to f/b , I hope you don't mind . I like spreading positives
as someone with arthritis and a chronic back condition, I was nearly in tears listening to you, knowing exactly what it feels like. I rarely sew these days because I hurt so quickly. I am inspired to give it another go. I attended an online CBT course for people with chronic health conditions and the counselor called doing too much in one go, BOOM and BUST. he recommended doing the same activity 3 times and making a note of how many minutes past before your in pain/tired, then, taking the average and next time you do that task, only doing it for that period of time. Then instead of doing nothing, sit and use the time it takes to rest and feel strong again, do another activity. As for those pesky pins. I use a little ball of blue tack, stuck to my thimble to grab the heads to pick them up, and then I can push them in the fabric with the thimble.
I'm so glad you feel confident enough to give sewing another go. Remember sewing is supposed to be fun! Take it at your own pace. And blue tac on a thimble is genius! Thank you so much for sharing 💚
Thank you so much for this. I've never considered myself as being disabled or having a disability but I struggle with anxiety (which prevents me from starting projects to begin with and, considering I am an extremely beginner sewer, is absolutely detrimental to getting better/improvement) and carpel tunnel (and back issues now that I think about it). Your video has a lot of sensible advice which I greatly appreciate. Thank you
Sewing is a tough old sport and there are lots of people out there who could do with some help to make it a little easier. I'm glad you enjoyed the video 😊
You are SO Magnificent!!!! I am So Very Grateful you made the point to bring up these very important points!!!! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!! I have a slight hand tremor so I have only used a rotary cutter once, and don't intend to do so again. I *LOVE* my spring scissors. The only trick I use that you didnt mention, but changed my life, was lining the exterior of my table with a magnetic strip- so if I knocked a pin or needle down- I would not have to try to bend to get it. I have also learned with using my ironing board as a table is that my cats think it is the *best* place to sleep. Because. Cats.
I'm a retired Occupational Therapist that sews and have helped patients that want to continue sewing. This video is great. Sometimes people with poor grip do better if the handles are enlarged with foam tubing and or wrapped with tape to give a better gripping surface. Also people with difficulty gripping cold metal do better when the handles are wrapped with cloth tape.
I like making kits. Sometimes I just list it out but basically if I'm tired or just feeling ugh but want to be productive I gather up everything I need for one project. Pattern, fabrics, notes, tutorials, music playlist, notions, a cozy sweater to wear. Literally anything I can think of that I might use. Then the next time I'm feeling up to it I can jump right into the energy parts of a project.
When I was a little girl, my mother always suggested I tack all seams before machining and to try on if necessary. Much easier to undo tacking and can be done sitting down. It’s something that I still do.
My L5:S1 disk was crushed. I had a partial disc-ectomy and now have osteoarthritis with spondylosis. Cutting is SO PAINFUL! I'm lucky that I have a friend who helps me cut the more larger or elaborate seams
Absolutely brilliant tips. I battle fatigue and joint pain so being kind to myself as I approach a project is a must. I love your good enough to perfection spectrum. One tip you didnt mention is experimenting with lighting. Having good lighting for YOUR eyes is so important and can really help with fatigue and headaches. I'm very much a Goldilocks when it comes to lighting: too bright, too low, too cool on the spectrum...all can make such a difference to me.
Great tips! As someone who was a musician before disability. Creative projects, crochet, painting, soap making have been a life line. I just decided to get ready to do my first sewing project since school! I've been put off for so long because it all felt too big, all the steps. I chose to stop worrying and when I start just do what I can one day and a little the next etc. These tips have been immensely helpful as I think about pinning patter pieces etc. I will get a notebook and plan my project and I have an apron with pockets for all the bits n bobs. My hubby ( carer ) can help me get it all in one place. Thank you for this video.
A lot of these things can be implemented for those of us with limited time too. I’m currently working on setting up my sewing space, and organizing my tools and notions is what I’m most looking forward to. I like to get the flat cardboard boxes from Aldi or Costco to use as project bins- my pattern, fabric, notions for that project stay together, so its all in one place when I’m ready to work.
Almost all of that I can use, thank you so much I have just been getting so frustrated that I can't do anything in a quick manner like others. Now I know I can do things in a way that I can work with and not be ashamed of my lack of ability to do it the other way. Thank you so much!!!! I look forward to learning how to work with my ability level.
Thank you for this video. I found your tips really helpful, especially the ones about planning. I don't have a physical disability, but I do have anxiety and depression, and so much of this regarding energy management rang true for me.
This was a good video. I liked how you had actionable suggestions for how we can approach our workflow and goals. They're specific enough to spark ideas but still be adapted to our own needs. Thank you!
I don’t know how I missed this during cocovid! But I’m glad it came up. It’s nice to hear from someone who’s physical issues are more similar to mine. When people talk about their debilitating problems but still seem to be able to do 100 x more than me, it’s kind of discouraging, I am left thinking I must just be a huge baby and am not trying hard enough. It’s good to know someone with more major problems has found some ways around the creative-killing pain that some of us have. Makes me feel like maybe I can too. Maybe I won’t give up quite yet. 😊
It's so easy to compare ourselves to others, but what we see on the internet is never the full picture. You're not a huge baby for knowing and respecting your limits. I hope you find a way to keep sewing within them 💚
omg same! I see people talking abt how they struggle with sewing while still being able to do so much and it's really disheartening and makes me feel invisible as someone with severe pain and fatigue! so nice to read this comment section
This video and all the comments are genuinely exactly what I have been looking for and needing. Thank you so much. I'm just getting back into sewing for the first time in years, since the onset of my chronic illness.
My main hobby is crochet, and this video has really opened my eyes! I struggle so much with my health. Although I do work part time, I’ve managed to change to work that I can cope with but leaves me exhausted. Crochet can tire me out in other ways but your tip about having a few projects on the go is genius! Not to mention I always felt naughty doing that. Also the good, better, best plans will be in force for myself very soon. And looking for some more comfortable positions to crochet in, possibly using an adjustable table to lean on. A big tip for yarn crafters like me who really struggle going to shop to shop in person looking for yarn, is to get familiar with a favourite shop that takes online orders and keep their shade cards and your own samples. I have now used so many yarns from a certain woollen mill and a certain large craft retailer near me that I can confidently order over the phone or online and get what I’m visualising for most projects without exhausting myself physically. Bonus! Also giving myself permission to even have a hobby as a chronically ill person. Thank so very much for your video. I’m not a sewist of any sort. But watching your content is teaching me about garment construction and I understand so much more when I crochet clothing, and I’m still very new to that. While I’m still most fond of round or raglan yokes, understanding the pattern shapes is helping me a lot with making my own custom projects. Thank you so very much!
I consider myself able bodied. The fact you can prepare fabric and lay patterns using pins is commendable as on occasion it exhausts me and gives me pain.
Thank you for ALL of your wonderful suggestions. I have been doing something similar to the 30/30 approach because I am older, and my stamina has decreased. But, the most important take away for me, is the batching and preplanning. As a person of the ADH variety, planning is not my strong suit, but it is a work around that I CAN adopt in my own weird way. Thank you for your candid remarks. You just made my day!
Thank you so much for your advice in this video. I’m relearning to sew, by hand and without a machine, after sustaining an injury that has limited my ability to grip well; I’ve just ordered a selection of protective grippy thimbles to practice with. I’ve been hesitating from a sense that a special thimble is just another unnecessary notion, but you’ve dispelled the myth for me.
Im disabled with my lower back. I also max out at 30 mintes with a total of 3 hrs a day. Ive tried explaining it to others and they just dont understand
I heard a saying that really made me feel better, and that is: even if you are disabled, the things you are able to do matter! Sometimes there are things I am simply not able to do, and that can feel so discouraging, especially if I compare myself to people with fewer limitations than me. But I keep reminding myself that even if what I make is a reflection of the limitations I have to work around, it is still a valuable and worthwhile addition to the world!
Your good, better and best options have blown my mind. "Reshape the planning process to be less about compromise and more about bonus extras" I'm a perfectionist with chronic illness. I am constantly planning, pacing and compromising every little activity I can do in my life and I often feel like I am failing my own standards. I try not to beat myself up when things don't go to plan and I've tried "lowering" my "high" standards, but I still seem to end up in the same boat. I'm going to try it your way instead because that sounds so much better! I wish I'd thought of it or learnt it 17 years ago!!
I really hope it helps and works for you. For me planning it all out helps me to acknowledge my perfectionist thoughts, which in turns makes it that little bit easier to let go of them 💚
The adjustable height ironing board is a godsend. The other thing I find helpful is a cushioned footstool for those long stretches of hand sewing. Raising my bad ankle helps said ankle and the accompanying knee.
OMG!!! Thank you soooo much for sharing this! I am disabled as well. I often feel alone in this and it is sooo nice to see that there is someone else that understands what I go through. I want to start learning how to garment sew and have just started dipping my toe into bag making but fabric and supplies are so expensive when you live on Social Security Income and still have a child at home. I often can't sew because I am in so much pain. I just started making 😷 because we have to have them. When I sew, even something as small as masks, I get so much enjoyment. But like you I can't work for long periods of time. Again....thank you for putting out this vlog 🙂
I am on a limited income, too. I search through thrift stores for garments that I can take apart and cut patterns from. Sometimes I find a cheap canvas or leather coat to cut up. I have found really uniques buttons and bag hardware that way, too!
My mind is kind of blown by this video. So many good tips!! Using a thimble to deal with pins???? !!!! One thing I have gotten to help with my smaller crafts is a magnifying ring light. The one I got has a desk stand and a clip, so it's super maneuverable so long as the cord reaches a plug, plus it has a nifty slot for your phone or small book in case you're looking at a reference.
I have an issue with hand-eye coordination. If I wear my glasses it gives me headaches. I am fairly new to sewing. I've noticed that I haven't been able to achieve a straight line when sewing by hand. I have ordered a handheld sewing machine but it is not here yet so I don't know how that will work. I am still figuring this out. Usually, I have more questions than answers but I'm learning to do the thing and find out. I am on the pray it will come as I go journey.
An "I can't believe this is the first I'm hearing of this" tip I just learned today - draw out the line first with a ruler, using a washable pen or whatever works for you (chalk's not great if you'll be handling it a lot though). I have never in my life been able to keep a straight line while sewing free-hand, but I'm hoping this will work!
I keep a cheap pair of hair straighteners in my sewing bag, I hook them on a mug and use themn to press small seams and darts so I don't have to get up to press things like a shoulder seam. I also keep an old linen handkerchief as a pressing cloth, you couldn't do a trouser seam but they're great for collars and cuffs. Quilters glue pens are great for temporary basting, you use them like a pen and are great for days when you might not be up to complicated pinning, they're designed for paper piecing and don't leave any marks. Quilters really do have the best tools. LED strips for a sewing machine make life so much easier, they're much brighter than the machines bulb I hold my needle oddly, pulling the needle through not pushing it and I always have and had people try to teach me but I still use a thimble just on my ring finger which supports the needle as it's pulled, so don't worry if you are strange you can still get the right results, I do. You can put a basted seam in an embroidery hoop if you want to work in a different chair, it will hold it taut and doesn't need to be embroidery tight Tape a string to your pencil and wear it around your neck, the one thing you'll lose most often is whatever you're using to mark, Victorian ladies wore chatelaines tying everything to their waist, who are we to question it. You can even make your own.
I have no issues with hand eye coordination and I also fact sew a straight line, either by hand or on the machine. Just practising is making them at least more straight-ish. If I really want a dream to be straight I'll draw the line first (with chalk or even pen or pencil when it won't be visible), and that also helps. Give yourself time to learn and improve. I know, easy to say to others, a lot harder to apply to yourself. I hope you find what works for you and enjoy the ride along the way.
My adjustable ironing board has made the biggest difference for me too! I sit down on my bed and iron and pin and pen sew at that height. Also something I ABSOLUTELY MUST HAVE is to have someone else pick up the sewing machine from the ground and put it on the table. It's just too heavy. I will throw out my back.
I REALLY needed this. I am going to uni for costuming and my chronic pain has been getting worse, and I've been trying to figure out when would be a good time to bring my wheelchair (sadly only a folding one that has padding and is in my rough sizes..it's an intro one pretty much) and I'm terrified of the idea because cutting fabric out in my chair is something I haven't done yet..and people tell me my disability will make it harder for me to be hired. This encouraged me to bring my chair into class tomorrow and figure it out and make them work with me. Thank you.
Thank you for posting this. I have autism and an anxiety disorder and sewing clothing is one of the rare spaces in which I can feel I can breathe. I try to also have multiple projects as there are some days I cannot handle the noise of my sewing machine or do not possess the energy for more technical tasks. That way I can keep working. however your advice about the 30min work and then rest is extremely helpful. I often can work for hours without stopping because I become completely absorbed in the project.
Admittedly, one of the best thing I ever did for my sewing (and now other fiber arts) was to enact a personal policy against deadlines. The only exceptions are small projects that are gifts. And by small, the limit is a few hours. Everything else is completely divorced from time. For me that means that I only do as much as I want to and am comfortable with, and I don't cut corners that will make me less happy with the project. It can be a little annoying if there is an event that I'd like X item to wear to, but that's what safety pins and realistic plans are for. No renaissance kirtle for the Ren faire? 18th century stays and a half finished skirt are fine. Pocket not done? Safety pin it into oblivion and finish it later. It helps that I very rarely have costuming events, but as someone who usually sews for the experience anyway rather than the finished item, it works for me :) I really should try spring loaded scissors! Cutting out is the bane of my existence
I need to be able to give this video more than one "like"! So many people need to watch this - and not just those that have disabilities! This video would hopefully give an insight for the "enabled" to better understand the "disabled" as to how they live day to day. I have back issues and I do so many things just the way you explained here. Whether it is doing housework or crafting - I have to do things with many rest periods. I also sit down as much as possible for as many tasks as I can. It allows me to have more energy and less pain to complete the tasks that I must be on my feet to complete. This video is beautifully done and well spoken. Not a word of judgment to be found - only encouragement! BRAVO!
It would have been so easy to just think "Oh, I don't need this video." But I had the playlist on play all so I just let it go. And OH MY GODS, but I've come away with a million little and not so little tips to apply to the way I work that will really change the way I enjoy my creative time. I especially loved your approach to flipping your expectations of good and good enough on their head to be good and surprise better. That's a really great way to look at it so that only getting the good done is no longer a failure. As for personal tricks, I'm also a huge fan of the adjustable ironing board. I sit in a rolling office chair at my sewing machine. If I'm doing a project that would require a lot of back and forth to the ironing board, I'll set the ironing board up at a right angle to my sewing table, and drop it down the the same height. That way, I can just twist in my chair back and forth from machine to ironing without ever needing to get up. It helps a lot when I work on stuff like patchwork piecing projects. This was an excellent video. Thank you so much for sharing.
Me, watching a ton of your videos: WOW I really love everything this person posts! RUclips algorithm hit the nail on the head recommending her videos. I wonder why I'm loving everything so much? Me, finding this video: AH. I see. The relatability. I'm finding this a whole lot later than when it was posted, of course, but I greatly appreciate you making this video and sharing all of your knowledge with us
good lighting is also very important, and I really like to have a small clip-on lamp that I can put on any chair back or bed headboard, so it works everywhere. and if it allows to adjust warmth of the light, even better, you could choose whatever is more comfortable for your eyes
I'm so happy I found this video. I'm entering the Foundations Revealed contest and am having trouble with getting everything I want to do mostly due to my disability and having more bad days than good. The good, better, best is such good advice.
My health is pretty good these days, but there were about 7 years when it varied between terrible and barely adequate. I lived by most of your general principles. Be kind to yourself is the most important. Still haven’t really learned to lose a thimble tho. 🥳
This is such a supremely helpful video. I only recently started sewing and there have been so many regular hurdles PLUS all the disability hurdles. Thank you so much for making this, and also for showing off your cane and your wheelchair in your videos and talking about disability regularly! It means a lot.
I used a technique similar to the sew-in-30 when I was in college for studying to combat ADHD, I never thought about applying it to my sewing too! I have a very mild issue with my grip and the idea of using a thimble to pin is life changing. I saw Abby do it in a video and it was mind blowing.
Claude, I wanted to let you know that i often watch and re-watch this, as I struggle to get thru everything I have in my head. And ive put in place a few small things in place to remove issues that increase my debility and drain evergy. You dont know how much it means to watch you be so honest and true about yourself, and how much it reassures me that Im not only not alone, but that the little things we do. This makes my feel more normal, AND encouraged me to be creative about managing sewing projects. You inspire us all, so refreshing. These are some survivaltips ive developed this past year as my debility has increased sadly. 1) A petite iron, instead of a big one. And i have 3 of them, in diff spots around the diff sewing spots so im not always getting up and walking just to press one small spot. 2) I thread half doz needles at once - the putting it down, picking up the needle again, cutting a thread...on and on, gets really old after the third time you do it. 3) I tied my small sewing scissors/ clippers to a length of elastic and nailed that to the wooden window sill next to my sewing machine at the table...so its ALWAYS there. 4) I got a small hair dressing trolley to keep diff sewing bits'n'bobs in, because sometimes im at the cutting spot (Kitchen island bench) and sometimes at the sewing machine (in the family room). 5) my sewing chair is an arm chair with a specific height table. So i can sit in a position my spine can tolerate. They ALL make a BIG difference! Keep up the good work and hope your paid work is successful
Lots of great advice in this, thank you! I've discovered that one of the reasons I enjoy hand sewing, is that I can do it sitting in bed. And there isn't the overstimulation noise of the machine.
I love your suggestions! I’m visually impaired and have a really hard time threading needles, whether on the machine or hand sewing. Needle threaders are my best friend, and I’ve discovered that, when threading the machine, I can pull out a length of thread, then use a piece of masking tape to hold the spool still, which gives just enough resistance to help guide me as I thread the various guides on the machine. Also, my machine needle threads front to back, which means I need to insert my threader from the back, so I use the little foil ones so that I can bend the threader to get it through the needle more easily.
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing this part of your life. Sewing brings me such joy, but I've always struggled with how to make it easier for my chronic illness. This video really helps! Also, it's comforting to know I'm not alone in the constant battle of cutting fabric...
adam savage says he has the tools he uses most often set up everywhere he needs them - hammers, screwdrivers, etc. i have like four pairs of thread snips, each with its own home either in my current yarn project, my hand sewing kit that travels around the house, or near my sewing machine. it isnt the most fiscally responsible but ive found that if i have different ones for different places it works better for getting things done, and (especially the one near my sewing machine) they dont tend to go missing as much
this is so helpful for me as someone with CFS who's learning to sew! very much agree with multiple projects at once, I like to have a crochet project on the go at the same time as sewing for the times so I can just crochet when I'm at a difficult stage of my sewing project
BRB, making a few aprons for myself so I can stop losing all my stitch rippers. Don’t know why I hadn’t thought about this before considering that I always have a bum bag with me right now whenever I go outside because I lose everything (adhd and clumsiness) and I I don’t always have both arms/shoulders available to me because dislocations, hooray. . Also, def agree with your point about adjustable ironing boards: I have a small adjustable height dining table and adjustable height stools to sit on. I then got silicon sheet to cover it and have thick pressing mats so I basically have an adjustable height, ironing board too! Makes such a difference!
Now I feel.better that yesterday I only had enough energy to press my quilting fabric and read through the pattern. I also have a knitting project that I am working on slowly and love to read. I have some serious post Covid fatigue. I have been feeling so guilty about it. I need to allow myself time to do little bits here and there...
My wife has trouble with her knees, and can no longer stand at the cutting table for any length of time. She usually gets me to cut out the fabric 😊 but she also uses your approach of cutting out one piece at a time, and resting between each piece. She also uses your batch approach, so she can stay seated for longer. It takes her longer to sew a garment, but at the end if the day, she still ends up with a finished, hand made item. We have had an adjustable ironing board for years. If nothing else, get yourself one. Even if you don't have a disability, , you will not regret it
Wow! I’m so happy I found a video on disability and sewing! There’s actually soooo many! Thank you for this! I can’t stand or bend or curve my back. I also have hand tremors that have gotten so much worse in the last two weeks or so. So I’m just taking a break from sewing all together. I only have a bedroom to my name and I’m also a pc gamer so I use the same desk for sewing and gaming and it’s a small desk! If I decide to sew I’m like “ok a day or two then I’ll switch back to my pc.” I’m new to sewing so everything hurts and I’m so slow right now. When I get my own place again I’ll finally have separate spaces for sewing and gaming. I’ll actually be able to set timers. I can game for a decent amount of time with little problem, but sewing is excruciating! I find that no matter how low or tall the table is I feel like I have to hunch over to make sure my fabric isn’t shifting too much. I don’t sew straight and I’m ok with that. I’ve only done craft projects so far. I want to sew garments eventually, but I think I need to take a class. I’ve tried a pillow behind my back, leaning back in the chair without a pillow, sitting up straight which hurts just thinking about it! I was thinking maybe a pc gaming chair with lumbar support? I don’t know what to do about how bad it hurts to sew! But I do need to take breaks for sure! When I take a break, I always want to play my game and I can’t clean everything up just to take an hr break 😔 thank you for this video! So helpful! I know over time I’ll find what works for me! Oh, since I’ve only done craft projects I use clips because I just can’t hold onto the pins.
Thank you SO MUCH for this video. The "good better best" is an eye opener! Great practical tips too, and just the honestly and acknowledgement feels like a warm bath. Thank you
Wow! I'm so glad to find this channel. I struggle with my own limitations and this is the first time I've heard anybody talk about sewing with disabilities. Lots of good tips in this video❤
This is amazing, thank you! I stopped sewing for a few years because the only space I had to cut and measure fabric was on the floor, and it just caused so much pain. Took up again because I just couldn't not, and now I have a table I use. But I had no idea there was such a thing as an adjustable ironing board! I'm off to buy one right now
What a honest approach! In these "my life is perfect" times, where people post picture-perfect stories ect on facebook, IG ect, I always enjoy an honest behind the scenes approach. No matter whether or not you have a disability, your advise is great! I have to ask about your sweater though - have you knitted it yourself and if so, do you have e resource for the pattern?
Thanks very much! Being honest with myself has taken a lot of practice but I'm much better for it. I did knit the jumper myself from an original vintage 1940s pattern. It's available in my Etsy shop, here's a link! www.etsy.com/uk/listing/744539207/1940s-vintage-knitting-pattern-fair-isle?ref=shop_home_active_1
Thank you for this wonderful video! Interestingly enough, batching tasks is also something that's taught in industrial styles of sewing, because the less people have to get up to iron something, the more time you save (and time is money.) So the way I sew a shirt is I'll sew everything I can in one go before I get up to press it. Darts, collar, yoke, placket and then a trip to the ironing board. BTW I do not have a disability but I have found rotary cutters weirdly hard to use. I keep having to go over the same point for it to cut and I have to press down *so* hard. I don't know if mine is just blunt, but I think I'll stick to scissors too. I think they make sense for quilting, but for cutting fiddly pieces, scissors seem to have more dexterity.
Thanks Retro Claude, that was an awesome run down. I didn't realise I was doing many of those things already but it is reassuring to know that someone else does things that way too, I will admit that the sitting down ironing made me feel a little silly. Plus your list helps to consolidate it in my head so I plan to use these hacks not just end up doing them after it gets too much.
That was wonderful. The Good, Better, Best set of plans sounds like something that I could work with. My unpredictable levels of ability are my biggest issue, and I think that planning a project for "minimal I will feel good about" that could then become "make it even fancier" if I feel well enough will help me continue to feel happy with my work, rather than finding myself disappointed that I couldn't do all of the things.
This was so wonderful! Thank you!!! Along the lines of an adjustable height ironing board, I have a “telescoping” cutting table. It’s meant so you can adjust it to be the perfect height for standing and cutting- which helps if I can stand to cut, to have it at the exact correct height, but I can also lower it so that I can sit in my wheeled sewing chair and also be at the correct height to reach what I have laid out on it - I do this for pining pieces together, and for working on any large items that need to be supported while I hand sew - instead of holding everything off my lap, since my joints are too weak to control a lot of fabric while I’m working on something like binding etc.
@@RetroClaude there's thunderstorms going on where I am currently, and I'm definitely utilizing some of these tips (and sooo many pillows) when I feel well enough to sew.
I know this is an old video, technically speaking, but this is super useful to me... I struggle with learning my limitations (I have chronic back, shoulder, and neck pain. To give you an idea, if I sit on the floor, I will regret it for 3-4 days afterward), because I love crocheting, knitting, drawing, and writing, but I can't just do them for hours on end. That 30 minute blocks and breaks is going to be SO helpful! I'm guessing the breaks in between are however long you need (30-60 mins? is my guess anyway) and then going back? I feel like this will actually help me get more done, instead of flare-ups leaving me unable to do projects for days on end. ♥ I may also try making myself a crafting belt, as I also lose things XD
These are really handy tips. I’m going to have to implement some of these, particularly the good, better best. I’m still trying to figure out how to navigate my varied energy level. Always have to remind myself not to compare my today to my yesterday. Also thanks for putting in perspective the likely reason I have been putting off cutting out fabrics for a good bit at this point. Hope these tips will help me improve in the capabilities that are in my control. I have a toxic relative that really hinders my progress and organization in the hobby so I’m often feeling defeated with just getting started before hitting my limits for the day. Any ideas of how to keep something with a lot of material on your table when you’re trying to run it through your machine? I had such a hard time sewing a cloak last year. Some tips I have… Voice Dream Reader can read PDFs aloud, even old faded sewing manuals from the 1800s so if you have vision issues or print disabilities it helps. Pegboards can be great if like me you’re a out of sight out of mind type. I’ll put tools on it, even fabric samples from ongoing projects so I look and go oh I’m working on this, or I need to do this Trello is a great free app for organizing WIPs, ideas and setting deadlines. I’ve been using it for years and when I have severe migraines it can help me get a idea down fast. Magnets are your best friend with pins especially if you have carpet in your sewing room. When I lose a pin I grab my neodymium magnets or these magnetic bowls from harbor freight used for nuts and bolts. They’re great for pins, needles, that screwdriver for your bobbin case you’re always losing. Magnets can also be good for keeping fabric layers together and patterns in place when cutting out fabric. Careful tho, they can cause blood blisters when they pinch. If you can, having someone come by to remind you to eat throughout your venture can be helpful I have a tendency to fixate on a project and despite it not being good for me and can lead to me being unable to stand up, I forget to eat and alarms aren’t always helpful there. I’ve found curved needles to be easier for me with hand sewing, I can get a better grip on them and better leverage, I don’t drop it as much either. I will usually opt for one where possible. Raised markers have been handy with marking boxes and designating things like scissors or even indicators on patterns that are more vision oriented] Put WIPs in designated spots and if you have someone that moves your stuff around like I do, having a designated plastic box can be imperative with keeping track of projects. I’ve had countless patterns thrown away and my progress pushed back before I started doing that to organize. Have a list of tasks you can do on your back or while going on a trip can be nice. I often designate some hand sewing for those days I want to do something but, I also can’t sit up or for days I’m traveling to appointments and will have some downtime. Something that helped me big time over the last year that I know isn’t always a option but, I’m throwing it up anyways. Planning small monthly or semimonthly sewing sessions with trusted friends can be a good way to have accountability partners or at the least allow you one day you really can say I made some progress but, also you’re helping each other so you can divide up strengths to get things done. Like I’ve been working on a werewolf costume and I haven’t been able to use my left hand most of the year. My buddy worked as my hand model as I shaped the paw with my good hand and in return I helped her with some hand sewing and knowledge.
i know i probably shouldnt ask this question in the comments. but are there any other colour blind sewers that have tips picking and selecting fabrics? i dont always have a friend with me to help with the colours though im getting good at working out what 'should' go with what.
i also love my adjustable ironing board and i too use to to sew on when doing my hand sewing as im super short and most tables are too tall for me.
much love to everyone.
Thanks for your comment 😊 I'm afraid I have no advice for colour blind sewers but I'm going to pin it in the hope someone will see it who can offer some useful tips 💚
I'm not color blind, but I am a quilter, and there are many quilt fabrics that are designed to go together in collections, usually by the same designer. Generally the fabrics in each collection work well together and sometimes color themes of the collection are described. Of course the limitation here is that quilt fabrics are generally 100% cotton, but it might be an idea for some types of projects.
I'm not colour blind, but I do have ADHD. My advice would be to find a great local shop with great customer service. At times the sheer amount of fabric can be overwhelming to even start finding what I'm looking for. I found going to a great fabric store helpful - I can ask one of employees for help narrowing down my choices. For example I need a blue wool for a blazer. Because experienced employees know fabrics, colours, and their inventory so intimately, they can pick a few great choices in blues that suit my skin tone. It makes the experience so much better. I hope this helps.
I'm functionally colour blind (in that I perceive colours to be very different to how the average person perceives them) and I work as a professional seamstress.
What I do is have a colour chart, a little book of samples where I can put the colours I use, along with some samples of complimentary colours.
I also include the code number of the matching Güttermann thread for each colour in my book.
I worked with a good friend to make this, who was patient and helpful in letting me know what went together and picking out samples of them.
I take this book with me to match with things.
I'm also well known in my local store for bringing in a sample of the thread, fabric, button, etc that I'm trying to match and the workers don't mind at all.
To make it easier on myself, I work with a limited palette of colours for my personal stuff. Firstly this means everything will go with everything else without me needing to seek outside help, and secondly that I look very coordinated.
But lately I've been of the mentality that yes, I see colour differently, but why does that make my perception invalid? So some of my newer designs have been made with my eye for colour and some are hits and some are misses but by golly there's nothing else like them and people can see that.
After all, colour is only a pigment of your imagination ;)
@@laurahawkins374 im the same. thank you soo much for all the tips it really has helped me to work out how i can get through this little hurdle. (hugs)
I also found out one night when I had no choice but to go with my LTR to the Emergency room at the hospital. He was the one that was sick but becsuse he could walk, he had to carry me into the hospital. I always felt hopeless about my disability. That night I was in the waiting area, so sick I could barely sit up. In the same place we're two women ( they both had terminal cancer) who were also waiting One of the women was being physically sick from chemo and the other lady was in agony unable to stop moving frm.a kneeling position to crawling on the floor, begging God to stop the pain and screaming continously I wondered why these ladies had to wait for help but after a half hour, it was like how lucky I was. Yes, I had a disability, but God was showing me that there are always people in worse shape. I had my crocheting and knitting with me and as I completed my project I thanked God I was healthy enough to make them
My friends used to call me “Martha Stewart” because I did ALL the crafts. Disability struck seven years ago, and now I do virtually nothing. This video is like a parting of the clouds! I never thought to break things up (I’m not too smart, sometimes) and to organize in batches. I used to marathon everything. Thank you so very much for filming this. Now I just have to “do the thing.” You’ve got an instant, loyal subscriber, here. Love, light and blessings to you and yours.
That's so wonderful to here. Change is hard and takes a lot of effort and energy especially when we are used to old habits. Sometimes we need a nudge in the right direction. Glad I could help!
Yes!! This was me as well!! I needed this message today.
This is literally the first time someone has *not* told me i need to just learn how to use a rotary cutter properly because it shouldn't be exhausting. Makes me a little less frustrated at myself knowing I'm not the only one struggling to make things work around insane variabilities.
You're definitely not the only one struggling 💚
@@RetroClaude thank you for the tip about the spring scissors. I'm running out to get a pair right now.
You're not alone :( I got myself a rotary cutter not long ago and the first thing I noticed was how physically taxing it is to use. all that pressing down... I prefer my scissors.
Brennin Gestiehr electric siccors work very well! I also cannot use rotary cutters and that really frustrated me when I saw others jyst racing through the fabric with it. Now I go fullspeed with my electric siccors.
@@creativecheersoffashionlau7364 electric?? I havent seen one of those in many years. Are they good now? I remember the pair my grandmother trying not being really sharp and it struggled with sheer fabrics a lot...
My golden tip: Don't blame yourself when you can't do what you had hoped to do. Especially when you have an unpredictable disability. Your disability is not your fault. You are not failing, you can adapt your project at a later moment when you feel better. And it is certainly not because you are not working hard enough or aren't passionate enough. There is a good chance you work way harder than those who are able bodied/able minded because you have to account for and accomodate your disability.
Wise words we all need to hear sometimes 😊
I really needed to hear this-- thank you 💜
@@ashleejones1690 You're welcome. Have some rest. You deserve it.
Thank you so much
Thank you, i really needed to hear this. I hope you don't mind - I'll be writing that out and putting it on my desk so I can always remember. Thank you 1000 times ❤
Honestly, a huge thing for me was a wrist pincushion. I dissociate really badly, so sometimes sewing could become dangerous, especially when I was dealing with pins and needles, because I wasn't aware enough of my surroundings to pick them up from and put them away in the box that they used to be in. But when I'm using a wrist pincushion it's always right in front of my face, so I put them away there instinctually and have almost entirely stopped stabbing myself without realising.
Great idea! I know I have one of those somewhere.....
The tips on splitting up the project into good, better, and best is so helpful. I cosplay (and have general anxiety), and I often get overwhelmed from the very beginning just looking at all the pieces that a cosplay requires. I’m definitely going to try finding what is essential and what is ideal when I start my next project and see if it makes a project more manageable.
Another excellent example of find what works for you!
While I'm not diabled, I'm chronically mentally ill and all these tips are so useful! I often get very exhausted really fast and some of your suggestions might really help in how much I can get done.
I just wanted to comment for you or others that might read this to point out that chronic mental illness can absolutely be considered a disability 💚💚💚
You said exactly how i feel with my crafting. Thank you for the insight.
I have never felt so seen and understood as in this video. It takes me days to cut out a pattern. Ironing is my favorite thing but it hurts to stand that long. Sometimes I'll give myself temporary nerve damage hand sewing a large project. Being chronically ill and/or disabled and being a sewist is a challenge, but it makes my heart happy to know I'm not alone! Thank you for the great ideas in this video 💙
If your ironing board is adjustable you can lower it and sit cross-legged on the floor :) I have nerve damage in my leg and standing is my nemesis.
and you are very not alone, for some reason there are scads of disabled/chronically ill sewists.
oop, she covered it in the video lol
I always work sittibg down because I cannot stand up. So I lower my iron board so that i can just sit down because I want to iron my project after each seam. Maybe you can find more tips on my channel too? I now have electrical scissors because rotary cutters don’t work for me. And just take a chair.
@@creativecheersoffashionlau7364 Electrical scissors for the win!
@@MiahGrace This is an awesome idea!!! (How haven't I thought of this... It's been ten years and standing still for prolonged periods causes pain to aggravate for days, sometimes!)
I feel so incredibly seen. Just hearing that there is someone else out there who takes days to cut out a pattern and is exhausted by a rotary cutter made me start crying. Thank you so much for sharing all of this. I'm so glad Cocovid has led me to your channel!
I'm so glad you're here 😘
The tip about how to avoid losing your tools could just as easily have come from an astronaut (life in space is a bit of a special interest of mine), because if you let go of something in microgravity and you don't keep an eye on it, it floats away. There have been instances where an object has been lost at one end of the International Space Station and found again _months_ later at the other end.
Ahhhh but I don't think my issue is microgravity 😂 but I will totally claim my dressers belt as a space age solution !
Retro Claude
Gravity is kind of useful, because we can at least rely on things not floating away. The dinner tables on the ISS have strips of fuzzy fabric on them so that the crew can attach things with Velcro, otherwise spices and condiments such as hot sauce would just float away, and it would be a tragedy if the hot sauce was lost. 😆
So what you're saying is I'm an astronaut. Cool.
When you mentioned the multiple projects I laughed. I have ADHD and chronic fatigue. I always have multiple projects and preferably multiple disciplines. (Knjtting, embroidery, hand sewing...)
My only real tip.is that if you think you dont like hand sewing to try it. I always I assumed I wouldn't have the patience. But it turns out that it's great for something for your hands to do whole in your comfy play watching tv.
I have to have different crafts on the go too. Knitting, sewing, writing etc. Keeps me going!
I get to work from home and found that hand stitching buttonholes is an amazing thing to do while waiting for my IT customers to find out their passwords or who set their infrastructure on fire. so productive and I don't get sleepy anymore...
@@icannotbeseen My Mom started a knitting/crochet trend among her call center co-workers. It started with the supervisors 20 years her junior giving her repeated warnings about being "distracted". They got over it when her productivity metrics started kicking butt and they realized wasn't inclined to wandering away from her work station, or complaining incessantly about the callers.
My ADHD has gotten me into trouble with my chronic fatigue so many times! ADHD all excited, lets do the thing!!! Overdo it, and pay the price. >
I have MS and am affected heavily by fatigue and heat. I have to remind myself that I can take my time and take breaks. That its ok for me to take my time
Absolutely. The reason most of us sew is for the joy, not because we desperately need clothes 😊
I don't have any diagnosed disabilities/neurodiversities, but I manage my husband and children's disabilities and I've found it helps to break up a project if you can bring it with you to appointments and do things like any hand sewing or pinning while you're out. I do a lot of hem pinning or small cutting projects while at play centres with my kids or in clinic waiting rooms. It makes me feel like I'm not wasting time by being away from my machine, and it motivates me to do the parts I find boring. Granted my projects are generally children's clothes, so they don't require large flat spaces to pin and I can do it all in hand, you'd definitely need to take project size into consideration before taking it with you.
This is a great idea! Perfect for hand sewing projects 😊
I didn’t realize until I watched this video how much I let my physical (and mental! #ADHD) disabilities get in the way of my interests. But now I have hope that I can get some sewing down on MY time at MY limits! Thank you! 💚💚
Thank you. Ive been wanting to do the “more than one project at once” thing, but I just couldn’t justify it. And then I had to wait 3 WEEKS to be able to cut out the fabric for my cape, and I got nothing else done in that time.
So I think I will shift to working on more than one project at once. I just need to figure out some storage- because unfortunately, I have very very little. Still, I think it’s worth a try. I’m hoping to fit my cape today, but that’s a big thing. And I’ve been dreaming (literally) about a walking skirt I could make with the leftover wool fabric that I have after cutting out my cape. So if I’m not up to fitting that, I might start on drafting my new skirt. Or maybe drafting a feed waistcoat from this skirt that I thrifted (it’s lovely, and exactly my style, but unfortunately far too small for me, so I’ve decided to make a waistcoat out of the fabric).
This has probably been the single most useful sewing video I’ve ever watched. I’m pretty severely physically disabled (with a degenerative spinal condition), and I’m a wheelchair user. I’ve had to do quite a lot of workarounds in order to be able to do any sewing at all. But it’s so worth it!
And my daughter’s teacher has asked me to come in to teach the students (a Montessori class of grade 7 to 10) how to make masks. And it’s really lovely that my daughter is excited about it- she’s been telling her friends that I make my own clothes (and some of hers), and I’m really happy that I get to put these skills I have to use. And masks are a great beginner project, and very timely, obviously. I think it’s a great idea to get teenagers into wearing and making their own things, and hopefully the pride they have (and being able to choose fabric and patterns they like), will mean they’ll actually wear them. Fingers crossed.
But only a year ago, I was convinced there was no point to even trying to make things- I’m just too disabled (or so I thought). But then I started, and I realised that even on my second to worst days (though my actual worst days are useless, with me stuck in bed unable to move my arms or legs) I could still do some hand sewing in bed. All I need is to be able to move from my elbows to my fingers, and I can do *something*. And so I decided to try, and I’m so glad that I did. I’m slowly (very slowly) making over my wardrobe into something I actually like. Which is mostly Edwardian inspired, and some 1940s thrown in there too. I don’t go out often (even before the Rona), but I like to dress nicely when I do.
And I can make things in fibres that I like, instead of the mostly polyester that is sold now. Especially given I live in a hot and humid climate, and there’s nothing worse than being stuck in bed in a polyester nightie, because I swear it’s like the mattress just soaks you all your heat and reflects it back at you, and you sweat in the polyester.... so part of my making is doing up linen shifts that work as nighties, and that are nice to wear, that have a little decoration, so I feel pretty even in my nightie.
Sorry, I’m babbling. That was an essay and a half! But anyway, thank you for this video, and I hope many others will realise that disability doesn’t have to stop you from creating, you just might have to get a little creative with how.
My two biggest game changers- a work table that I can wheel myself right up to (thanks mum and dad!). And I’ve been able to place it at a right angle to my desk (where my machine is), so I can easily move myself between my machine and work table. It’s quite a long table, so there aren’t that many projects where the pattern pieces are too big to fit on it, which makes cutting actually possible for me. (Except for my cape. That one had to be done on the floor, with me giving heavy supervision and a lot of help to my daughter who did the pinning and basic cut outs, before it was put up on the table for me to cut more accurately).
Actually, three game changers! Having a kid who will help you is most definitely invaluable! She’s really great for things like picking up pins that fall on the floor. Though I’m sure some of that is self serving, as she’s usually the one to find those pins later... in her feet. And obviously, I can’t pick up pins from my wheelchair. So having a kid to help is definitely most useful!
The third thing is a flat ironing board that I can place on top of my work table, and still sit to press. I don’t have the room for a separate ironing table, even if I could find one that would be at the right height. I don’t have a sewing room, just a corner of the lounge room in my apartment. So a flat ironing board is just wonderful!
I’m also looking for an iron that has an on/off button on the iron itself, because I can’t bend to plug it in and pull it out every time I want to use it. So having something that could be plugged in at the start of my sewing time, then turned on and off as needed, and then only unplugged at the end of my sewing time- it would be a game changer for me.
Oh! Another thing that helps me- wearing a corset while sewing. Because my major issues are all related to my spine, having a back brace really helps when I need to do anything even mildly physical- like sit up for more than 30mins. It doubles the amount of time I’m able to sit and do stuff. It also doubles the time I’m able to go out and about. So for me, corsets are the most wonderful things.
So I started this comment only thinking of two game changers, but now apparently I have five, but one I’m still looking for.
Thank you so much for sharing! So much great advice and I'm so glad you've managed to make sewing work for you! When I worked in theatre the wigs lady had a magnet on a telescopic pole for picking up dropped hair pins. Something like that might help with those pesky stray pins 😊
@@katherinemorelle7115 I use a extension cord with a switch to be able to easily switch my iron on and off. You could plug in the cord and attach the switch at your worktable for easy acces. There are also (at least in europe) Switches you can directly plug into the socket to switch of, an connected device.
I am in your situation, I also live in a very tiny home which is great for limited mobility because I have a handhold always within reach to lurch my way through the house when I have to tend my surly cat.. lol but it’s terrible for large projects that require space. I use our senior community hall for cutting big projects when I can, but have shifted most of my emphasis from large costumes to smaller accessories, bags, hats, and embroidery pieces in between the large projects. I’m also going through my older costumes and remaking them or adding details instead of starting from scratch. So glad to have found people living and sewing as I do, however we can! ❤️
@@katherinemorelle7115 I found a telescoping magnet the size of an ink pen usually used by mechanics to retrieve dropped parts. Mine keeps me from finding dropped pins the hard way with my feet.
Your descriptions of how you sew is the same as I do it, but i use the rotary cutter, because I can't put enough pressure in my fingers to close the scissors.
EDIT after the video:
We seem quiet similar in the way we sew just that I can't sit for long and need to stand a lot. The thimble has become second nature so sometimes it is on without me knowing. The belt is genius I will try it immediately. I usually use ice water before I want to sew so that my hands work for a longer time. Also I use pillows I quilted to my body shape on a wooden chair. Also I tend to ignore my body a lot so I bought a adapter for the plugin of my sewing machine so that it shuts off after a while and I can't turn it back on for several hours.
Oh wow so many great tips here thank you! Yes my issue is standing but it may be a better option for some 😊
@@Nesi-Rose yes I often do. I have a height adjustable ironing board so I place the sewing machine on there, but currently it is broken so I hand sew while walking around.
I really love the good, better, best concept. I'm autistic, have anxiety, and also have chronic pain due to PCOS. I really like to save my hand sewing for days that I'm stuck in bed or on the couch so I can still be making progress without having to be hunched over a machine. Great to find you!
A great alternative to pins is quilters’ clips. I use them sometimes depending on what I’m making and I find that when I have to pin a whole lot (like opposing curves) they are so much faster and easier to use. Otherwise I just pin minimally or not at all if it’s just two straight edges with no gathering. I also sometimes use a hair straightener instead of an iron because it’s so much more portable. If my back is hurting a lot or I plan on spending a lot of time sewing I put on a corset (I am hyper mobile and busty so I constantly have at least a little bit of back pain). Stitch Sisters and Evelyn Wood each put up a couple of videos on useful tools and Coolirpa did one on testing Pinterest sewing hacks.
I also wear a my corset for sewing too! Thanks for the recommendations
I never thought to use straightening irons. Genius!
Yes! The only reason I still have a straightening iron is for fabric! lol If you're also using it for hair you have to make sure you clean it beforehand (learned that one the hard way...). I use it on hems that have gone wonky in the wash as well, and it's particularly useful if you're already dressed when you notice the bad wrinkle or flipped hem!
I feel better when wearing a corset sewing
@@RetroClaude I think I need a corset for sewing but how do I go about finding what's right? This video is great & has helped me not put pressure on myself to finish something. I do have other jobs in the go but they all have to rest for a while when my body flops. Its so nice to know I'm not the only one having these issues, so thank you so much for sharing.
I have anxiety and ADHD and moving a lot helps me so much. So I put ironing board to one room and sewing machine in another room and go between them. Somehow, walking around the house helps me focus more.
A good pair of hemostats/surgical clamps, can be helpful when trying to pull needles thru fabric when you lack finger strength.
Ooh I like the sound of those!
They come in different sizes and some have bent tips vs straight. I like the ones that are about 6" total length the best. Curved tip ones are great for holding a nail for hammering. Straight ones are better for sewing. You can clamp down on the needle and then pull the much easier to grab hemostats.
ravenfrogsuperk Yes! They are great, I’ve even used them to pull needles through fabric if things are a bit tight. I got mine from Christie Bears
www.christiebears.com/acatalog/Forceps.html
I have a thing called a "Helping Hand." I bought it at a hardware store. It has a weighted base with arms on it that end in alligator clips and one arm has a magnifier. I've seen others that even have a light. It is very useful for when I need help holding something.
@@lorib1696 I've seen antique woodcuts showing a similar device women used to attach to a table leg, and a bird-shaped beak would clip the fabric to help them tension their sewing, so you are exactly in line with ancient forgotten sewing wisdom!
The automotive dept has wonderful long and thin reaching tools (about 2 ft long) with magnets on the end (for screws and nuts and bolts) but are great for dropped needles and pins. Also another one is flexible for grabbing small things in odd places. That tool has spring loaded tiny metal grabbers --- you push a button on one end and the grabbers extend 1" from opposite end. I use it for small scraps, pins, buttons, etc. I noticed it is also sold on Amazon as a hair removal tool for sink drain pipes. Love you video. I have nerve damage in my fingers, so pins are my enemy, I stab myself quite often. I used to love embroidery, but not so much now. I make many costumes for dress up for my 7 year old grandchild. She is coming over to learn to hand sew Barbie clothes. We have fun.
I recomend getting a desk light you can move and aim at your work. It really helps me when it gets late and the normal lighting in my house isn't enough for me to see where I'm sewing.
Great idea! We had a running joke at the theatre I worked at with the electricians because we always needed more lights. 😅
I have two of those and feel like I need even more. :D
P.S. My father actually bought a reflector and installed it above the armchair where he darns his socks and does stuff like that. I always usurp that armchair for my handcrafting when I'm visiting, so I've been thinking of getting a reflector as well. :-)
I have a warm-light/orange-light book light that I use, because I can generally tolerate it even when my headaches are really bad, and still see what I'm doing. And it's easy for me to turn off without having to reach or twist or get out of bed if the light gets too much.
Singing my song Lady. I have POTS - Graves Disease - and severe Asthma. Fatigue is my daily traveling companion. But I find sewing so liberating, just have always wished I had more energy. Not been too good on the whole 'recognizing your limits' thing. I really like this advice and the honesty
Recognising your limits takes discipline, which, guess what, also requires energy! Catch 22 or what? Sometimes I have to get sneaky and reward myself with chocolate for stopping before the limit. 😂 I'm glad you enjoyed the video 💚
I'm a huge fan of naps! DaVinci got so much done because he only took naps. His method of wake vs sleep is not practical, but a nap here and there throughout the day are awesome.
I also struggle with stopping before my limits - I think I subconsciously ignore them when I'm doing something I enjoy, bc I don't like where the limits are 😟 Definitely a journey.
I pre thread every needle I have when hand sewing. Like with my quilt, I chose ONE thread that works with every fabric, and I threaded 73 needles in one day. I store them in a box wrapped in cabbage...which keeps me from stabbing myself.
I do the same thing. I sew mostly with linen in natural colors and I mainly use 3 natural shades of linen thread. If I'm going to be working on something big I'll thread every needle I have with the shade I'm using. I'll take one day for threading which is easy to do while watching RUclips. Then rather than jump into the project I'll wait till the next day. That way my eyes aren't tired when I start sewing.
That's serious! I thought I'd gotten smart when I realized I could cut two lengths of embroidery floss and break them down into 2 strands each, threading 6 needles at a time.
I've had a back injury since my teens. I've been sewing almost as long so going on forty years now. I re-injured that old injury two years ago which just worsened the whole mess. In those forty years, I have learned three important things - the frequent breaks to keep the energy levels up; batching your projects; and having more than one thing going on makes the mental frustration of having a bad pain day much, much easier. I've also learned that an adjustable ironing board was the best invention ever seconded by having an adjustable desk chair at your sewing table. Then you can find the sewing table that best suits your work style - for instance, I use a single drawer writing desk for mine - and then can adjust the chair to the best working height. You can find a desk chair with very good lumbar support - for those of us with lower back issues - then use that for sewing making it somewhat easier on the lower back and hips for your working time.
I love your Good, Better, Best system! It’s easy to become disappointed when I reach for the sky with each project.
Thanks! You can still reach for the sky, but having the Good and Better options means you don't have so far to fall if things don't go to plan.
One thing that helps with my hands when I have to rip out a seam are tweezers. They grab those little threads and removes them so easily.
We need to bring back the chatalaine back into fashion!!!!
It looks like I am going to reconfigure some of my sewing methods. Thank you for all your tips and tricks.
Yes!!! A chatelaine would be great!!
Juul Thijesen (I think that's how it's spelled) made a beautiful one. Check out her channel!
Bryce Adams also has a nice video. I found both videos AFTER I made one. :)
@@asheelterestini5454 Good for you! :) Thanks for the recommendation.
I have two variable height ironing boards but I don’t use them for ironing. I put them at a height comfortable for sitting or standing then use them as table legs with a board across them. It’s more convenient than a cutting or work desk since they are so flexible. They can easily be taken down and be put away in just less than one minute!
This is genius! I love this idea thanks for sharing 🥰
On working in batches, I learned that in fashion industry that is done as well. The instructions you'd get there are all grouped together like this. There it's done to save time. I remember one set of instructions, where they are written in a table format. with the instructions on one side, then the machine needed (sewing machine, iron, etc.) and I believe pattern pieces.
I love a table! Maybe I'll make myself one
My volunteer work is teaching sewing, the only challenge I've had come up yet is working through language barriers, we got there lol.😊. But it got my gears spinning on how would I do things if someone said I'd like to join but my feet or one of my hands don't cooperate . Here's the stuff that came to mind, set foot pedal up to be used with elbow, guide strip on machine . I don't care who would be interested in joining in , I would say come on we'll learn new things together. I shared this video to f/b , I hope you don't mind . I like spreading positives
I don't mind at all! I'm hoping to help others and also learn new things myself 💚
as someone with arthritis and a chronic back condition, I was nearly in tears listening to you, knowing exactly what it feels like. I rarely sew these days because I hurt so quickly. I am inspired to give it another go.
I attended an online CBT course for people with chronic health conditions and the counselor called doing too much in one go, BOOM and BUST. he recommended doing the same activity 3 times and making a note of how many minutes past before your in pain/tired, then, taking the average and next time you do that task, only doing it for that period of time. Then instead of doing nothing, sit and use the time it takes to rest and feel strong again, do another activity. As for those pesky pins. I use a little ball of blue tack, stuck to my thimble to grab the heads to pick them up, and then I can push them in the fabric with the thimble.
I'm so glad you feel confident enough to give sewing another go. Remember sewing is supposed to be fun! Take it at your own pace. And blue tac on a thimble is genius! Thank you so much for sharing 💚
Thank you so much for this. I've never considered myself as being disabled or having a disability but I struggle with anxiety (which prevents me from starting projects to begin with and, considering I am an extremely beginner sewer, is absolutely detrimental to getting better/improvement) and carpel tunnel (and back issues now that I think about it). Your video has a lot of sensible advice which I greatly appreciate. Thank you
Sewing is a tough old sport and there are lots of people out there who could do with some help to make it a little easier. I'm glad you enjoyed the video 😊
You are SO Magnificent!!!! I am So Very Grateful you made the point to bring up these very important points!!!! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!!
I have a slight hand tremor so I have only used a rotary cutter once, and don't intend to do so again. I *LOVE* my spring scissors.
The only trick I use that you didnt mention, but changed my life, was lining the exterior of my table with a magnetic strip- so if I knocked a pin or needle down- I would not have to try to bend to get it. I have also learned with using my ironing board as a table is that my cats think it is the *best* place to sleep. Because. Cats.
Amazing!!! Thanks for your kind words and the tip about the magnetic strip!
I'm a retired Occupational Therapist that sews and have helped patients that want to continue sewing. This video is great. Sometimes people with poor grip do better if the handles are enlarged with foam tubing and or wrapped with tape to give a better gripping surface. Also people with difficulty gripping cold metal do better when the handles are wrapped with cloth tape.
I like making kits. Sometimes I just list it out but basically if I'm tired or just feeling ugh but want to be productive I gather up everything I need for one project. Pattern, fabrics, notes, tutorials, music playlist, notions, a cozy sweater to wear. Literally anything I can think of that I might use. Then the next time I'm feeling up to it I can jump right into the energy parts of a project.
This is a brilliant idea! It also saves energy later when you're not having to search for that zip/ thread/button. Thanks for sharing 😊
When I was a little girl, my mother always suggested I tack all seams before machining and to try on if necessary. Much easier to undo tacking and can be done sitting down. It’s something that I still do.
My L5:S1 disk was crushed. I had a partial disc-ectomy and now have osteoarthritis with spondylosis.
Cutting is SO PAINFUL!
I'm lucky that I have a friend who helps me cut the more larger or elaborate seams
Sewing friends are the best friends!
I'm learning a lot for sewing on any level of ability! Thank you!
Absolutely brilliant tips. I battle fatigue and joint pain so being kind to myself as I approach a project is a must. I love your good enough to perfection spectrum.
One tip you didnt mention is experimenting with lighting. Having good lighting for YOUR eyes is so important and can really help with fatigue and headaches. I'm very much a Goldilocks when it comes to lighting: too bright, too low, too cool on the spectrum...all can make such a difference to me.
Ooh yes I forgot about that one! Thanks for sharing!
Great tips! As someone who was a musician before disability. Creative projects, crochet, painting, soap making have been a life line. I just decided to get ready to do my first sewing project since school! I've been put off for so long because it all felt too big, all the steps. I chose to stop worrying and when I start just do what I can one day and a little the next etc. These tips have been immensely helpful as I think about pinning patter pieces etc. I will get a notebook and plan my project and I have an apron with pockets for all the bits n bobs. My hubby ( carer ) can help me get it all in one place. Thank you for this video.
A lot of these things can be implemented for those of us with limited time too. I’m currently working on setting up my sewing space, and organizing my tools and notions is what I’m most looking forward to. I like to get the flat cardboard boxes from Aldi or Costco to use as project bins- my pattern, fabric, notions for that project stay together, so its all in one place when I’m ready to work.
Almost all of that I can use, thank you so much I have just been getting so frustrated that I can't do anything in a quick manner like others.
Now I know I can do things in a way that I can work with and not be ashamed of my lack of ability to do it the other way. Thank you so much!!!! I look forward to learning how to work with my ability level.
I thought you filmed my hands while doing the rotary cutting. I feel so understood with that little snippet. Thank You
Thank you for this video. I found your tips really helpful, especially the ones about planning. I don't have a physical disability, but I do have anxiety and depression, and so much of this regarding energy management rang true for me.
This was a good video. I liked how you had actionable suggestions for how we can approach our workflow and goals. They're specific enough to spark ideas but still be adapted to our own needs. Thank you!
I don’t know how I missed this during cocovid! But I’m glad it came up. It’s nice to hear from someone who’s physical issues are more similar to mine. When people talk about their debilitating problems but still seem to be able to do 100 x more than me, it’s kind of discouraging, I am left thinking I must just be a huge baby and am not trying hard enough. It’s good to know someone with more major problems has found some ways around the creative-killing pain that some of us have. Makes me feel like maybe I can too. Maybe I won’t give up quite yet. 😊
It's so easy to compare ourselves to others, but what we see on the internet is never the full picture. You're not a huge baby for knowing and respecting your limits. I hope you find a way to keep sewing within them 💚
omg same! I see people talking abt how they struggle with sewing while still being able to do so much and it's really disheartening and makes me feel invisible as someone with severe pain and fatigue! so nice to read this comment section
This video and all the comments are genuinely exactly what I have been looking for and needing. Thank you so much. I'm just getting back into sewing for the first time in years, since the onset of my chronic illness.
This was a really excellent lecture; thank you for sharing your experiences and expertise! (And yes, thimbles really are as game-changing as you say!)
My main hobby is crochet, and this video has really opened my eyes! I struggle so much with my health. Although I do work part time, I’ve managed to change to work that I can cope with but leaves me exhausted. Crochet can tire me out in other ways but your tip about having a few projects on the go is genius! Not to mention I always felt naughty doing that.
Also the good, better, best plans will be in force for myself very soon. And looking for some more comfortable positions to crochet in, possibly using an adjustable table to lean on.
A big tip for yarn crafters like me who really struggle going to shop to shop in person looking for yarn, is to get familiar with a favourite shop that takes online orders and keep their shade cards and your own samples. I have now used so many yarns from a certain woollen mill and a certain large craft retailer near me that I can confidently order over the phone or online and get what I’m visualising for most projects without exhausting myself physically. Bonus!
Also giving myself permission to even have a hobby as a chronically ill person.
Thank so very much for your video.
I’m not a sewist of any sort. But watching your content is teaching me about garment construction and I understand so much more when I crochet clothing, and I’m still very new to that. While I’m still most fond of round or raglan yokes, understanding the pattern shapes is helping me a lot with making my own custom projects. Thank you so very much!
I consider myself able bodied. The fact you can prepare fabric and lay patterns using pins is commendable as on occasion it exhausts me and gives me pain.
Thank you for ALL of your wonderful suggestions. I have been doing something similar to the 30/30 approach because I am older, and my stamina has decreased. But, the most important take away for me, is the batching and preplanning. As a person of the ADH variety, planning is not my strong suit, but it is a work around that I CAN adopt in my own weird way. Thank you for your candid remarks. You just made my day!
Thank you so much for your advice in this video. I’m relearning to sew, by hand and without a machine, after sustaining an injury that has limited my ability to grip well; I’ve just ordered a selection of protective grippy thimbles to practice with. I’ve been hesitating from a sense that a special thimble is just another unnecessary notion, but you’ve dispelled the myth for me.
Im disabled with my lower back.
I also max out at 30 mintes with a total of 3 hrs a day.
Ive tried explaining it to others and they just dont understand
They so often don't. That's why I wanted to make this video so we can find those who do 😊
Thank you for the boost that even if you are disabled there are still ways of doing sewing that is not hard.
I heard a saying that really made me feel better, and that is: even if you are disabled, the things you are able to do matter!
Sometimes there are things I am simply not able to do, and that can feel so discouraging, especially if I compare myself to people with fewer limitations than me. But I keep reminding myself that even if what I make is a reflection of the limitations I have to work around, it is still a valuable and worthwhile addition to the world!
Im disabled also…and have many adapative strategies. Im happy to have came across this! Like the too, belt idea!
Your good, better and best options have blown my mind. "Reshape the planning process to be less about compromise and more about bonus extras" I'm a perfectionist with chronic illness. I am constantly planning, pacing and compromising every little activity I can do in my life and I often feel like I am failing my own standards.
I try not to beat myself up when things don't go to plan and I've tried "lowering" my "high" standards, but I still seem to end up in the same boat.
I'm going to try it your way instead because that sounds so much better! I wish I'd thought of it or learnt it 17 years ago!!
I really hope it helps and works for you. For me planning it all out helps me to acknowledge my perfectionist thoughts, which in turns makes it that little bit easier to let go of them 💚
The adjustable height ironing board is a godsend. The other thing I find helpful is a cushioned footstool for those long stretches of hand sewing. Raising my bad ankle helps said ankle and the accompanying knee.
OMG!!! Thank you soooo much for sharing this! I am disabled as well. I often feel alone in this and it is sooo nice to see that there is someone else that understands what I go through. I want to start learning how to garment sew and have just started dipping my toe into bag making but fabric and supplies are so expensive when you live on Social Security Income and still have a child at home. I often can't sew because I am in so much pain. I just started making 😷 because we have to have them. When I sew, even something as small as masks, I get so much enjoyment. But like you I can't work for long periods of time. Again....thank you for putting out this vlog 🙂
I am on a limited income, too. I search through thrift stores for garments that I can take apart and cut patterns from. Sometimes I find a cheap canvas or leather coat to cut up. I have found really uniques buttons and bag hardware that way, too!
My mind is kind of blown by this video. So many good tips!! Using a thimble to deal with pins???? !!!!
One thing I have gotten to help with my smaller crafts is a magnifying ring light. The one I got has a desk stand and a clip, so it's super maneuverable so long as the cord reaches a plug, plus it has a nifty slot for your phone or small book in case you're looking at a reference.
I have an issue with hand-eye coordination. If I wear my glasses it gives me headaches. I am fairly new to sewing. I've noticed that I haven't been able to achieve a straight line when sewing by hand. I have ordered a handheld sewing machine but it is not here yet so I don't know how that will work. I am still figuring this out. Usually, I have more questions than answers but I'm learning to do the thing and find out. I am on the pray it will come as I go journey.
Sometimes the only way to learn is to try. I hope the handheld sewing machine works out for you. Don't lose heart 💚
An "I can't believe this is the first I'm hearing of this" tip I just learned today - draw out the line first with a ruler, using a washable pen or whatever works for you (chalk's not great if you'll be handling it a lot though). I have never in my life been able to keep a straight line while sewing free-hand, but I'm hoping this will work!
I keep a cheap pair of hair straighteners in my sewing bag, I hook them on a mug and use themn to press small seams and darts so I don't have to get up to press things like a shoulder seam. I also keep an old linen handkerchief as a pressing cloth, you couldn't do a trouser seam but they're great for collars and cuffs.
Quilters glue pens are great for temporary basting, you use them like a pen and are great for days when you might not be up to complicated pinning, they're designed for paper piecing and don't leave any marks. Quilters really do have the best tools.
LED strips for a sewing machine make life so much easier, they're much brighter than the machines bulb
I hold my needle oddly, pulling the needle through not pushing it and I always have and had people try to teach me but I still use a thimble just on my ring finger which supports the needle as it's pulled, so don't worry if you are strange you can still get the right results, I do.
You can put a basted seam in an embroidery hoop if you want to work in a different chair, it will hold it taut and doesn't need to be embroidery tight
Tape a string to your pencil and wear it around your neck, the one thing you'll lose most often is whatever you're using to mark, Victorian ladies wore chatelaines tying everything to their waist, who are we to question it. You can even make your own.
I have no issues with hand eye coordination and I also fact sew a straight line, either by hand or on the machine. Just practising is making them at least more straight-ish. If I really want a dream to be straight I'll draw the line first (with chalk or even pen or pencil when it won't be visible), and that also helps. Give yourself time to learn and improve. I know, easy to say to others, a lot harder to apply to yourself. I hope you find what works for you and enjoy the ride along the way.
My adjustable ironing board has made the biggest difference for me too! I sit down on my bed and iron and pin and pen sew at that height. Also something I ABSOLUTELY MUST HAVE is to have someone else pick up the sewing machine from the ground and put it on the table. It's just too heavy. I will throw out my back.
I REALLY needed this. I am going to uni for costuming and my chronic pain has been getting worse, and I've been trying to figure out when would be a good time to bring my wheelchair (sadly only a folding one that has padding and is in my rough sizes..it's an intro one pretty much) and I'm terrified of the idea because cutting fabric out in my chair is something I haven't done yet..and people tell me my disability will make it harder for me to be hired. This encouraged me to bring my chair into class tomorrow and figure it out and make them work with me. Thank you.
Thank you for posting this. I have autism and an anxiety disorder and sewing clothing is one of the rare spaces in which I can feel I can breathe. I try to also have multiple projects as there are some days I cannot handle the noise of my sewing machine or do not possess the energy for more technical tasks. That way I can keep working. however your advice about the 30min work and then rest is extremely helpful. I often can work for hours without stopping because I become completely absorbed in the project.
Admittedly, one of the best thing I ever did for my sewing (and now other fiber arts) was to enact a personal policy against deadlines. The only exceptions are small projects that are gifts. And by small, the limit is a few hours. Everything else is completely divorced from time. For me that means that I only do as much as I want to and am comfortable with, and I don't cut corners that will make me less happy with the project. It can be a little annoying if there is an event that I'd like X item to wear to, but that's what safety pins and realistic plans are for. No renaissance kirtle for the Ren faire? 18th century stays and a half finished skirt are fine. Pocket not done? Safety pin it into oblivion and finish it later. It helps that I very rarely have costuming events, but as someone who usually sews for the experience anyway rather than the finished item, it works for me :)
I really should try spring loaded scissors! Cutting out is the bane of my existence
I need to be able to give this video more than one "like"! So many people need to watch this - and not just those that have disabilities! This video would hopefully give an insight for the "enabled" to better understand the "disabled" as to how they live day to day. I have back issues and I do so many things just the way you explained here. Whether it is doing housework or crafting - I have to do things with many rest periods. I also sit down as much as possible for as many tasks as I can. It allows me to have more energy and less pain to complete the tasks that I must be on my feet to complete.
This video is beautifully done and well spoken. Not a word of judgment to be found - only encouragement! BRAVO!
It would have been so easy to just think "Oh, I don't need this video." But I had the playlist on play all so I just let it go. And OH MY GODS, but I've come away with a million little and not so little tips to apply to the way I work that will really change the way I enjoy my creative time. I especially loved your approach to flipping your expectations of good and good enough on their head to be good and surprise better. That's a really great way to look at it so that only getting the good done is no longer a failure.
As for personal tricks, I'm also a huge fan of the adjustable ironing board. I sit in a rolling office chair at my sewing machine. If I'm doing a project that would require a lot of back and forth to the ironing board, I'll set the ironing board up at a right angle to my sewing table, and drop it down the the same height. That way, I can just twist in my chair back and forth from machine to ironing without ever needing to get up. It helps a lot when I work on stuff like patchwork piecing projects.
This was an excellent video. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you! Rolling office chairs seem to be a common theme so I'm definitely going to try that one 😊
Me, watching a ton of your videos: WOW I really love everything this person posts! RUclips algorithm hit the nail on the head recommending her videos. I wonder why I'm loving everything so much?
Me, finding this video: AH. I see. The relatability.
I'm finding this a whole lot later than when it was posted, of course, but I greatly appreciate you making this video and sharing all of your knowledge with us
good lighting is also very important, and I really like to have a small clip-on lamp that I can put on any chair back or bed headboard, so it works everywhere. and if it allows to adjust warmth of the light, even better, you could choose whatever is more comfortable for your eyes
Adjustable warmth sounds amazing. A lot of the quilters lamps give me a headache thanks for the tips!
I'm so happy I found this video. I'm entering the Foundations Revealed contest and am having trouble with getting everything I want to do mostly due to my disability and having more bad days than good. The good, better, best is such good advice.
I REALLY enjoyed this video, the reframe of upgrade vs downgrade is SPECTACULAR. ❤️ Thanks.
I'm excited to be a new subscriber via CoCoVid!
My health is pretty good these days, but there were about 7 years when it varied between terrible and barely adequate. I lived by most of your general principles. Be kind to yourself is the most important. Still haven’t really learned to lose a thimble tho. 🥳
This is such a supremely helpful video. I only recently started sewing and there have been so many regular hurdles PLUS all the disability hurdles. Thank you so much for making this, and also for showing off your cane and your wheelchair in your videos and talking about disability regularly! It means a lot.
I used a technique similar to the sew-in-30 when I was in college for studying to combat ADHD, I never thought about applying it to my sewing too! I have a very mild issue with my grip and the idea of using a thimble to pin is life changing. I saw Abby do it in a video and it was mind blowing.
Woohooo!! Another pinning thimble convert 💚
Claude, I wanted to let you know that i often watch and re-watch this, as I struggle to get thru everything I have in my head. And ive put in place a few small things in place to remove issues that increase my debility and drain evergy. You dont know how much it means to watch you be so honest and true about yourself, and how much it reassures me that Im not only not alone, but that the little things we do. This makes my feel more normal, AND encouraged me to be creative about managing sewing projects. You inspire us all, so refreshing. These are some survivaltips ive developed this past year as my debility has increased sadly.
1) A petite iron, instead of a big one. And i have 3 of them, in diff spots around the diff sewing spots so im not always getting up and walking just to press one small spot. 2) I thread half doz needles at once - the putting it down, picking up the needle again, cutting a thread...on and on, gets really old after the third time you do it. 3) I tied my small sewing scissors/ clippers to a length of elastic and nailed that to the wooden window sill next to my sewing machine at the table...so its ALWAYS there. 4) I got a small hair dressing trolley to keep diff sewing bits'n'bobs in, because sometimes im at the cutting spot (Kitchen island bench) and sometimes at the sewing machine (in the family room). 5) my sewing chair is an arm chair with a specific height table. So i can sit in a position my spine can tolerate. They ALL make a BIG difference! Keep up the good work and hope your paid work is successful
Thank you! Comments like this mean so much to me 💚
@@RetroClaude its so lovely youre still reading comments on old videos. You really are one of a kind.
I have the inattentive form of ADHD, and my way of sewing is actually just work on it until I need to do something else that keeps my attention
Lots of great advice in this, thank you!
I've discovered that one of the reasons I enjoy hand sewing, is that I can do it sitting in bed. And there isn't the overstimulation noise of the machine.
I love your suggestions! I’m visually impaired and have a really hard time threading needles, whether on the machine or hand sewing. Needle threaders are my best friend, and I’ve discovered that, when threading the machine, I can pull out a length of thread, then use a piece of masking tape to hold the spool still, which gives just enough resistance to help guide me as I thread the various guides on the machine. Also, my machine needle threads front to back, which means I need to insert my threader from the back, so I use the little foil ones so that I can bend the threader to get it through the needle more easily.
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing this part of your life. Sewing brings me such joy, but I've always struggled with how to make it easier for my chronic illness. This video really helps! Also, it's comforting to know I'm not alone in the constant battle of cutting fabric...
Why cutting fabric has to be at the very beginning of a project I don't know 🙈
@@RetroClaude Exactly! It's like the project is TRYING to kill your motivation. 🙄
adam savage says he has the tools he uses most often set up everywhere he needs them - hammers, screwdrivers, etc. i have like four pairs of thread snips, each with its own home either in my current yarn project, my hand sewing kit that travels around the house, or near my sewing machine. it isnt the most fiscally responsible but ive found that if i have different ones for different places it works better for getting things done, and (especially the one near my sewing machine) they dont tend to go missing as much
Brilliant advice thank you!
this is so helpful for me as someone with CFS who's learning to sew! very much agree with multiple projects at once, I like to have a crochet project on the go at the same time as sewing for the times so I can just crochet when I'm at a difficult stage of my sewing project
That's exactly why I love knitting! 💚
BRB, making a few aprons for myself so I can stop losing all my stitch rippers. Don’t know why I hadn’t thought about this before considering that I always have a bum bag with me right now whenever I go outside because I lose everything (adhd and clumsiness) and I I don’t always have both arms/shoulders available to me because dislocations, hooray.
. Also, def agree with your point about adjustable ironing boards:
I have a small adjustable height dining table and adjustable height stools to sit on. I then got silicon sheet to cover it and have thick pressing mats so I basically have an adjustable height, ironing board too! Makes such a difference!
Now I feel.better that yesterday I only had enough energy to press my quilting fabric and read through the pattern. I also have a knitting project that I am working on slowly and love to read. I have some serious post Covid fatigue. I have been feeling so guilty about it. I need to allow myself time to do little bits here and there...
I'm amazed at how many of these I already do, though could never really articulate why. And the other tips are awesome. Thank you.
My wife has trouble with her knees, and can no longer stand at the cutting table for any length of time. She usually gets me to cut out the fabric 😊 but she also uses your approach of cutting out one piece at a time, and resting between each piece. She also uses your batch approach, so she can stay seated for longer. It takes her longer to sew a garment, but at the end if the day, she still ends up with a finished, hand made item.
We have had an adjustable ironing board for years. If nothing else, get yourself one. Even if you don't have a disability, , you will not regret it
Good suggestions and tips for all sewers!
Wow! I’m so happy I found a video on disability and sewing! There’s actually soooo many! Thank you for this! I can’t stand or bend or curve my back. I also have hand tremors that have gotten so much worse in the last two weeks or so. So I’m just taking a break from sewing all together. I only have a bedroom to my name and I’m also a pc gamer so I use the same desk for sewing and gaming and it’s a small desk! If I decide to sew I’m like “ok a day or two then I’ll switch back to my pc.” I’m new to sewing so everything hurts and I’m so slow right now. When I get my own place again I’ll finally have separate spaces for sewing and gaming. I’ll actually be able to set timers. I can game for a decent amount of time with little problem, but sewing is excruciating! I find that no matter how low or tall the table is I feel like I have to hunch over to make sure my fabric isn’t shifting too much. I don’t sew straight and I’m ok with that. I’ve only done craft projects so far. I want to sew garments eventually, but I think I need to take a class. I’ve tried a pillow behind my back, leaning back in the chair without a pillow, sitting up straight which hurts just thinking about it! I was thinking maybe a pc gaming chair with lumbar support? I don’t know what to do about how bad it hurts to sew! But I do need to take breaks for sure! When I take a break, I always want to play my game and I can’t clean everything up just to take an hr break 😔 thank you for this video! So helpful! I know over time I’ll find what works for me! Oh, since I’ve only done craft projects I use clips because I just can’t hold onto the pins.
Thank you SO MUCH for this video. The "good better best" is an eye opener! Great practical tips too, and just the honestly and acknowledgement feels like a warm bath. Thank you
Thank you so much! You have given me a new drive to see again. I’m not alone! Thank you!!!
Wonderful! I'm so glad I could help 💚
Wow! I'm so glad to find this channel. I struggle with my own limitations and this is the first time I've heard anybody talk about sewing with disabilities. Lots of good tips in this video❤
This is amazing, thank you! I stopped sewing for a few years because the only space I had to cut and measure fabric was on the floor, and it just caused so much pain. Took up again because I just couldn't not, and now I have a table I use. But I had no idea there was such a thing as an adjustable ironing board! I'm off to buy one right now
What a honest approach! In these "my life is perfect" times, where people post picture-perfect stories ect on facebook, IG ect, I always enjoy an honest behind the scenes approach. No matter whether or not you have a disability, your advise is great!
I have to ask about your sweater though - have you knitted it yourself and if so, do you have e resource for the pattern?
Thanks very much! Being honest with myself has taken a lot of practice but I'm much better for it. I did knit the jumper myself from an original vintage 1940s pattern. It's available in my Etsy shop, here's a link! www.etsy.com/uk/listing/744539207/1940s-vintage-knitting-pattern-fair-isle?ref=shop_home_active_1
Thank you for this wonderful video! Interestingly enough, batching tasks is also something that's taught in industrial styles of sewing, because the less people have to get up to iron something, the more time you save (and time is money.) So the way I sew a shirt is I'll sew everything I can in one go before I get up to press it. Darts, collar, yoke, placket and then a trip to the ironing board.
BTW I do not have a disability but I have found rotary cutters weirdly hard to use. I keep having to go over the same point for it to cut and I have to press down *so* hard. I don't know if mine is just blunt, but I think I'll stick to scissors too. I think they make sense for quilting, but for cutting fiddly pieces, scissors seem to have more dexterity.
Thanks Retro Claude, that was an awesome run down. I didn't realise I was doing many of those things already but it is reassuring to know that someone else does things that way too, I will admit that the sitting down ironing made me feel a little silly. Plus your list helps to consolidate it in my head so I plan to use these hacks not just end up doing them after it gets too much.
That was wonderful. The Good, Better, Best set of plans sounds like something that I could work with. My unpredictable levels of ability are my biggest issue, and I think that planning a project for "minimal I will feel good about" that could then become "make it even fancier" if I feel well enough will help me continue to feel happy with my work, rather than finding myself disappointed that I couldn't do all of the things.
Thankfully historical costumes are great for coming back to and making fancier!
This was so wonderful! Thank you!!! Along the lines of an adjustable height ironing board, I have a “telescoping” cutting table. It’s meant so you can adjust it to be the perfect height for standing and cutting- which helps if I can stand to cut, to have it at the exact correct height, but I can also lower it so that I can sit in my wheeled sewing chair and also be at the correct height to reach what I have laid out on it - I do this for pining pieces together, and for working on any large items that need to be supported while I hand sew - instead of holding everything off my lap, since my joints are too weak to control a lot of fabric while I’m working on something like binding etc.
I SCREAMED at the thunderstorms reference 😂😂😂 they get me every time
So glad I'm not alone there!
@@RetroClaude there's thunderstorms going on where I am currently, and I'm definitely utilizing some of these tips (and sooo many pillows) when I feel well enough to sew.
I know this is an old video, technically speaking, but this is super useful to me... I struggle with learning my limitations (I have chronic back, shoulder, and neck pain. To give you an idea, if I sit on the floor, I will regret it for 3-4 days afterward), because I love crocheting, knitting, drawing, and writing, but I can't just do them for hours on end. That 30 minute blocks and breaks is going to be SO helpful! I'm guessing the breaks in between are however long you need (30-60 mins? is my guess anyway) and then going back? I feel like this will actually help me get more done, instead of flare-ups leaving me unable to do projects for days on end. ♥ I may also try making myself a crafting belt, as I also lose things XD
These are really handy tips. I’m going to have to implement some of these, particularly the good, better best. I’m still trying to figure out how to navigate my varied energy level. Always have to remind myself not to compare my today to my yesterday. Also thanks for putting in perspective the likely reason I have been putting off cutting out fabrics for a good bit at this point. Hope these tips will help me improve in the capabilities that are in my control. I have a toxic relative that really hinders my progress and organization in the hobby so I’m often feeling defeated with just getting started before hitting my limits for the day.
Any ideas of how to keep something with a lot of material on your table when you’re trying to run it through your machine?
I had such a hard time sewing a cloak last year.
Some tips I have… Voice Dream Reader can read PDFs aloud, even old faded sewing manuals from the 1800s so if you have vision issues or print disabilities it helps.
Pegboards can be great if like me you’re a out of sight out of mind type. I’ll put tools on it, even fabric samples from ongoing projects so I look and go oh I’m working on this, or I need to do this
Trello is a great free app for organizing WIPs, ideas and setting deadlines. I’ve been using it for years and when I have severe migraines it can help me get a idea down fast.
Magnets are your best friend with pins especially if you have carpet in your sewing room. When I lose a pin I grab my neodymium magnets or these magnetic bowls from harbor freight used for nuts and bolts. They’re great for pins, needles, that screwdriver for your bobbin case you’re always losing.
Magnets can also be good for keeping fabric layers together and patterns in place when cutting out fabric. Careful tho, they can cause blood blisters when they pinch.
If you can, having someone come by to remind you to eat throughout your venture can be helpful I have a tendency to fixate on a project and despite it not being good for me and can lead to me being unable to stand up, I forget to eat and alarms aren’t always helpful there.
I’ve found curved needles to be easier for me with hand sewing, I can get a better grip on them and better leverage, I don’t drop it as much either. I will usually opt for one where possible.
Raised markers have been handy with marking boxes and designating things like scissors or even indicators on patterns that are more vision oriented]
Put WIPs in designated spots and if you have someone that moves your stuff around like I do, having a designated plastic box can be imperative with keeping track of projects. I’ve had countless patterns thrown away and my progress pushed back before I started doing that to organize.
Have a list of tasks you can do on your back or while going on a trip can be nice. I often designate some hand sewing for those days I want to do something but, I also can’t sit up or for days I’m traveling to appointments and will have some downtime.
Something that helped me big time over the last year that I know isn’t always a option but, I’m throwing it up anyways. Planning small monthly or semimonthly sewing sessions with trusted friends can be a good way to have accountability partners or at the least allow you one day you really can say I made some progress but, also you’re helping each other so you can divide up strengths to get things done. Like I’ve been working on a werewolf costume and I haven’t been able to use my left hand most of the year. My buddy worked as my hand model as I shaped the paw with my good hand and in return I helped her with some hand sewing and knowledge.