Do we want you to make a Jane Austen festival dress video? What a question! 😂😂 (Yesss, please!?!... As if that wasn't the most obvious answer in the history of existence.)
I would try styling it differently before giving up on this piece, it's a super summery looking top so I think it would look great with lighter colours and light weight fabric. Maybe over a cami and a skirt for example :) but I understand wanting a different version that will work with the way that you want to style it, so you can get more wear out of it
I feel like it doesn't quite sit right on the bust? I wonder if some shaping (so make it bigger and add darts) would help, or if that's not the style, at least make it a tad longer in the body. I also wonder if it could have a rufflier ruffle....or be made from a stiffer fabric so that the ruffle ruffles more? Ruffle ruffle ruffle 🐕
I agree. I love the fabric combinations too. I get how you feel because I’ve made one for me and I’m not sure about it on me but that’s me being hung up on ‘flattering’ my figure and working it makes me look bigger than I am and I’m yet to get a pattern to fit me well on the shoulders. I think you’ve got yours fitted really well and the colours are great on you.
The lepord print maxi dress looks awesome!! I am exceptionally slow at sewing, but I am making my first button-up shirt. Good luck with your challenge!
I have been keeping up with it, too. It's been really easy to just say "I don't buy clothes" HOWEVER, I did choose that in my rule set, clothes swaps are okay, and I have done one with my family and one with some friends. I was really picky with what I took home, though. I have sewn about 5 pieces so far this year and am working on knitting a lace blouse. Hoping to finish that before summer is over 😊
My god as someone who has never really been interested in buying clothes (homeware is another thing entirely...) your validation of how boring public places are is so real to me 😂
As a huge fan and a knitter - I love that you've taken to knitting so much! I would advise that the specific type of yarn you have been using is considered unsustainable by the larger knitting / craft community. There is a lot to that, and I would do your own research to decide whether that is something you would like to consider in the future. The large wool yarn often seen in chunky projects ( and chunky yarn in general) degrades much faster than yarn of a more typical size (aran weight, worsted, DK, and smaller) This is because it will felt more easily, is harder to de pill and if you do decide to unravel your sweater you will find it is quite difficult to unravel and repurpose that type of yarn because the quality degrades quickly with friction (like frogging a project). I would encourage you to try a smaller yarn and needle combinations. Since you love making hats, I would recommend starting there and trying to knit to gauge. It can be intimidating, but understanding gauge, yarn weight, and needle combinations is what will make your knitting last for years, even decade, rather than start to degrade with every hand wash and wear. Awesome progress! Know you are completely ready to take that step in your knitting journey!
I posted a similar comment before I saw yours! I agree with all of this and definitely think Leena's skills are ready for experimenting with different yarn weights and fibers.
the "ganni blouse" you made is so up my alley. the fabrics you used make it feel so Indo-Western, which is exactly my style. I've never heard of a ganni blouse but I am now looking up patterns so I can make one of my own!
William Morris is a fascinating guy - it was quite an experience to visit to his house in Walthamstow and move from the room about his anti-waste and overproduction stance into the shop filled with Morris themed tat 😅 and yes I did buy a bauble I am only human
I’ve been to the Walthamstow gallery; it was so great to see humble things like his satchel and work smock alongside his designs and creations! He’s one of my heroes.
In the middle of my no-buy year and I've found I still love going to shops and actually looking through stuff and seeing all the trends is just as enjoyable if not more enjoyable without having to think about if I want to buy an item
Leena! I decided that I wanted to learn to make clothes a few years ago, so I bought a sewing machine and I watched a ton of videos on it, but I always felt like it was too hard. And then I found your channel and you were the first person who made it seem actually doable, so I finally decided to give it a go. Most of my makes so far have been pretty technically easy but literally last night, I sewed my first ever zipper into a pair of trousers and I was so proud of myself 😂 Did I cry over it first? Yes. Do I have full confidence that it will stay attached when I try to zip myself into them? No. But I'm proud nonetheless. So THANK YOU so much for making sewing seem so much less intimidating! I legit would have let my sewing machine collect dust forever without your videos.
I had the Christmas season dress thought too--and then I thought, bomber jacket. Or maybe smoking jacket/long blazer? Honestly anything would be fantastic.
There is a skirt called the colquetta skirt, and it's a great pattern. My dilemma (that the colquetta skirt helps with) is that it's size adjustable. Basically, the biggest concern with modern clothes I have (outside of eco / slave Labor) is that nothing is adjustable as would be helpful for a life-time wardrobe
The Stitchery has a few sewing patterns for split side skirts/dresses (and trousers I think) on her channel if you haven't seen them. Very adjustable pattern with lacing if you fluctuate a lot
@@saraht855 OMG, I love The Stitchery! She did an adjustable trouser video with Ash L G, I believe. Still hoping they figure out how to make skinner trousers and post another video, lol.
Obsessed with the blouse mockup, i _love_ the pattern made by the scrap fabric so much that I looked up the inspo and was disappointed it didn't look like that haha
I am 3 months post-partum, and it's been impossible for me not to buy some things second hand 😭 ive found it impossible to adjust to being a mom and my make-do year 😭 so I've been much less creative than I'd hoped
Is it your first baby? I found the initial adjustment really, really, really hard as well, but I promise you it does get better ❤ my firstborn is five and I'm back to all my creative hobbies and can even go to the loo on my own again (hooray!). That super dependent first six months feels reeeeally long when you're in it, but honestly there does come a time when you start to feel like yourself again. (In my case it turns out I had PND and didn't realise, obviously I know nothing about your situation and don't want to jump to conclusions, but I mention it just in case. PND is super sneaky and convinces you you're just an awful parent, have ruined everything and will never be happy again, if this sounds familiar can I very gently suggest flagging it up with your health visitor)
I gave up on no buy after getting pregnant, but I've still been really good about keeping purchases to a minimum. Thank heavens a good chunk of my wardrobe is already big dresses 😅
I found dressing for pregnancy so uninspiring first time round because it was during a pandemic and I just kept it minimal, second hand and pretty basic and comfy that I've given myself a certain amount of grace this time and bought a few nice maternity dresses on Vinted that I'm rotating through and it was so worth it. Because I've been fairly mindful about what I'm buying I'm reasonably comfortable that these garments will continue to have a life beyond the short time I'll need them. I'm more confident about post-partum style this time as I've already spent a couple of years getting creative with breastfeeding friendly combos and stuff that makes me feel put together while in 'mum-mode' so I might make more of a commitment to no-buy in that next phase.
I’m so inspired by this video. Like you just make a bingo card of what you want to accomplish this year? You have multiple events you’re planning to make clothes for? You’re having a book come out? You might be the most self actualizing person I watch actually. It gets me wanting to do more than just make a calendar of this month’s plans but more specifically creative goals, challenges, and changes.
'You can laugh, but I'll be having fun' = strong 'laugh as much as you choose, but you will not laugh me out of my opinion' vibes 😄 I went to the Jane Austen festival a couple of years ago and it was so much fun. A video about Austen AND sewing? Yes please!
That fabric gives me Betsy Johnson vibes and I think a skirt and a chunky headband combo would look absolutely adorable with a black turtleneck shirt 🩷
The time thing is so real, I collect SO MANY patterns (and fabric whoops) and then just never have the time or energy to start a sewing project😢😅 making deadlines for myself is the only way to get some projects done, but I love setting up photoshoots for my clothes (usually cosplays) to celebrate (and force myself) finishing the garment!
Sometimes I jump into stores and fast fashion stores as well and try the new trendy stuff - like the blouse for example and if I like it on myself, I will try to find it second hand. Maybe try that before sewing so you don't waste time? Also, the leopard dress is absolute dream!
Yeah, I do this too! Fast fashion stores are a great way to try different trends and see what looks good on your body before you try to make something or buy in a more sustainable way.
I came here to see if anyone else thought this was a good idea. Trying on items for style and fit before comitting to making it seems a good idea to me - saves on both time and materials (esp those that cant be reused like thread)
Hello!!! RUclips just recommended this video to me today. I've been waiting patiently for an update on your no buy year. I'm doing a low buy so it's encouraging to see someone else doing better than me. So far I've only bought 10 items new to me. 4 secondhand tops, a pair of new pants, a bathing suit, a belt to replace one that wore out, a hat because my old one has disappeared, sandals for summer and I replaced my watch band (just the band, not the watch.) It feels like a lot of stuff after I've typed it all out, but it's much less than I usually buy and also I made a dress from an old bedsheet. Progress on the creation front.
Your first published nonfiction book! 🎉 🎊✨️ that's fantastic! Congrats! Okay, on the hats, I have an unsolicited request ... add blues, purples, and greens into the rotation!
i am really looking forward to you making knickers because that is my biggest sticking point buying new. The only thing i really regularly buy new are pants and socks.
Of course we want a Jane Austen festival outfit video!!! 🤩 As far as the make do of the challenge... I've "sinned" three times of which two were buying socks and knickers. I had a bunch of health issues and had no time and energy left to make knickers myself. Still working on learning to knit socks but it's a pain in the arse 😂But I also bought a secondhand skirt which was definitely not necessary. But my boyfriend said "if you slightly change it in length or fit it counts as your own project" and I convinced myself to believe that 😅
I find all your makes so inspiring! I'm dyspraxic so struggle with fine motor coordination but your videos have made me actually give sewing a go, thank you Leena!
So wild to see someone going through the same process of giving up buying clothes and having some of the same things happen (e.g. scarcity mindset, fear of making trousers) and then some other completely different things (e.g. being super ok with frogging/changing items made). I'm 3 years into not buying clothes and it's been a really fun and easy journey for me tbh. My latest issue is that I have got too quick at making clothes and have ended up with a wardrobe bursting at the seams! (Though let's be honest, it's 3 wardrobes at this point)
Hi, Leena! I've really enjoyed following this journey, and you've helped make the idea of learning to sew way less intimidating for me. As an experienced knitter (~20 years), I would like to offer some advice re: maintaining sustainability in your work. It looks like you are primarily using roving, which is basically unspun yarn. (That's what the WATG Crazy Sexy Wool/WAK The Wool is.) Unfortunately, because it is unspun, roving does not last a very long time - it pills and disintegrates much quicker than other wool. I thought you might like to know this because your clothes having a long life is so important to you, and because you put a lot of time into your beautiful knits and it sucks when stuff you've made starts to fall apart. I sadly learned this lesson about roving the hard way. One of my joys as a knitter is learning more about fiber types and figuring out which yarns will be best for which projects. I also LOVE the look of chunky knits, but I avoid roving for them because it just doesn't hold up well. Your knitting is beautiful, by the way - you've really nailed a lovely even tension and I love your bold colour choices.
You have inspired me to start sewing my own clothes. It is something I've wanted to do for a long time, but never had the gumption to try. Your Eras tour dress was amazing. I got my hands on a borrowed machine and I just need to find my way down to thrift store to get myself an old sheet or table cloth to start! Thank you for being an inspiration.
Currently frankensteining two old ripped pairs of Lucy and yak trousers together as I watch this! Extending the rise, adding a new elastic waistband and lengthening the trousers with a contrast fabric! When I first saw your video about not buying any clothes, just making or going without, I thought there was no way I could do that. I thought I was a beginner sewer who had been altering clothes for years but could never make anything. Since then I've made two waistcoats, a kimono sleeve top and a pair of trousers 🥰 recently a few of my trousers have ripped at the seam and were unmendable. I realised instead of buying more second hand trousers that will wear out quickly and not fit me well, I can just make my own. I have all the skills, I don't need to use a pattern as I can trace old trousers and adjust as needed I'm so excited to make more clothes now, it's changed my relationship with charity shops too - I look at bric a brac and fabric, but don't even bother looking at the racks
That rose fabric!!! But a jacket in that would be so yummy! It would get a lot of jealous eyes too, which is always a score! Pair it with those flower earrings and some bright red, and that's such an outfit, imo!
I'm doing my best to only replacing the clothing and gear items stolen from me last december. So I did pick up a new lightly boned bodice at ORF in Canby OR in june... And I have been picking up used clothes that I can remodel into the now missing pieces of faire garb I need before spetember. I buy fabric scraps for $3 a lb at SCRAP PDX... a 25 cent purchase last week got me the red fabric scraps I needed to finish the trim on my blue gown and enough dark sand colored satin to line 2 pairs of sleeves. It is always a make do year for me.
I'd love to know about some independent fabric designers because that is the bit I find most challenging! I also would LOVE a Jane Austen festival dress video!!! ♥️
You've inspired me to not buy any more clothes from now until 2025. This is the push I needed! 😮I'm also going to the JAFestival this year, it's my 2nd time going. You'll absolutely love it, it's a dream! Going into book shops in costume is such a fun thing to do and they have some great ones ❤
I recently found your channel and am LOVING both the subject of your videos and your communication style. I'm glad I have so many videos to catch up on!
If anyone is looking for a really adjustable Regency dress, have a look at bib- or drop- front gowns. They just tie up, and then the front is pinned or buttoned on. They’re like the overall dress of the 1820s
The leopard maxi dress is actually my favourite one! And the problem with being off platforms like facebook for me is that I would miss ads for things I DO want to see, like when local bands are playing or when events are happening in the community. I am in a local band myself and I like to support other artists in small venues, one-day 'festivals' and the like. But without social media like facebook and instagram where people can join groups or see ads, it's almost impossible for us to get our music out to new people and build a bigger community--as well as discover more music I want to go out and see myself!
The first thought came to mind with the velvet fabric was a dress like Peppermint Magazine's button-up dress. But then I saw someone said a jacket and I think that would be fantastic too.
I started fixing my clothes many years ago because I was broke, but learning how to sew has given me a whole new perspective on the fashion industry, the hours of work and resources it takes to produce something, and a new appreciation for the people who make clothes. Now I rarely buy although I can afford it, so I totally support your approach of making over buying! I'm still a beginner but I'm in for the ride and enjoying the process. 😊
If you happened to have the time I would love love to see your wardrobe in an app like indyx or open wardrobe for example. I'm not explicitly doing a year of make do but I challenged myself to digitise all my clothes before buying anything be new to me. Worked great so far leveraging my laziness. Congrats on writing your book and making time for it 🎉
I’m not much of a sewist but I’ve been following in the no new clothes track so all my clothes have been second hand! Even for the wedding I’m going to this weekend! I have been tempted to buy new but I have not weakened! I haven’t even spent my Xmas bonus gift voucher!
I feel like that red floral fabric would look great as a dress or top with a white ~10 cm (I normally work in inches, sorry, I’m American) at the bottom, collar/neckline and sleeves (I would keep the sleeves short but maybe you’ll find a perfect long sleeve pattern for it), and if you see a pattern with a few buttons in the front, (I’d say halfway down the bust) you could also accent the buttoned area with the white. The white can make the color stand out more, and if there’s enough fabric for a dress, a dark belt could look great to break up the bottom and top half. Glad to hear this project is going well, my various projects seem recently be getting off the rails since I’ve been getting sick or injured every month since April. I’ve yet to hit my unlucky moment this month but I’m still not fully better from the last two! So for now I’m just working with a job coach and keeping at my part time job, with most other projects getting pushed back. Hope the writing is going well.
so excited to hear about the Jane Austen festival and the making of the dress! I can't remember who off the top of my head but several youtubers in the historical costuming space attend every year and seem to have a lot of fun so I hope you will to!
I'm really excited to watch this video! I recently came to the realization that I kept buying/keeping clothes in the hopes that I would lose weight or gain the confidence to wear things. After a recent purge, I have a closet full of 1) Things I actually wear and 2) Things that actually fit for the first time in years. I am planning to go on a "no non-essentials" shopping journey, so it's nice to see someone I admire doing something similar 😊
I'm having a year of finishing things. You inspired me to try something but I knew I wasn't ready for a no buy year. Finishing projects has filled my wardrobe and it is a dopamine boost so I am shopping less just naturally Thank you ❤
I'm just envisioning you in the movie Austenland now and the only way the jane austen festival could be any better would be if you bumped into Jennifer Coolidge! Please make videos on this, including making the dress, v excited
So, there are many variations of Regency-esque dresses, some more historical than others, but Micarah Tewers made a video where she makes several dresses that are very simple. She uses elastic for the waist so they are very size adjustable. It's a Micarah Tewers video, that means no clear instructions, and chaos sewing, but if you understand a little about how a garment is constructed you can absolutely follow along with what she's doing and make your own version. And best of all, she doesn't use a pattern, she just drafts the dress herself on the fabric as she goes.
I NEED that Jane Austen video! Big hype. My year of make do resulted in buying some secondhand staples and black tops i wear almost every day, but the damage was minimal compared to other years! :) the second of the year im trying to go no buy! :) im knitting and sewing a lot more, and i even got a secondhand knitting machine with all imaginable attachments of facebook marketplace for like 25 bucks :) looking forward to learning to use that one :p
I'm unintentionally almost keeping up with the not buying of clothes - the only thing I did buy so far this year is a pair of pants suitable for yoga as I started a new job and needed them (can't do yoga in a skirt in front of an audience, and I'm not confident in making my own trousers). For me it's not only about buying less but also wanting less, so the pressure to make a lot pf stuff isn't too high for me. I've made a hat so far learning nålbinding, so that was cool, and I'm in the many months long process of making a top with a zip and maybe sleeves. I sew by hand so it's extra slow. But I've also learned to fix a few bits, amended some jeans with holes and adjusted the waistband, so that's really cool 😁
I didn't intentionally commit to the year of make-do, but I've kind of been doing it anyways. Except that I bought two bras last month, because I've been trying to sew one since January, and it's just not working! V. frustrating. But other than that, I've made a shirts and two blouses for work, a comfy jumpsuit, and half a sweater (so far.) I also just got some fabric to use to make a skirt! I want to copy & size up one that I used to love that is too small now.
This video was really cool! I had grand plans to sew some more clothes and things like pillow covers this year...and then we had a very expensive move and our new house flooded, so I think I'll just be sitting on the couch and breathing deeply for a bit before I start any new projects XD
This is great! For the Sweing Masin Daphne dress i highly recommend doing a test of the bodice as i found i needed to make it slightly smaller to have the strngth to stay up. I also used wider elastic in the shoulders (and made the elastic channel bigger in turn) so that it felt like they could support the dress as the thinner elastic felt sooooo flimsy
You have inspired me to do a version of your year of make-do. My goal was to only buy second hand clothes and only buy new replacements of things I use on a daily. So for example if my doc martens would need to be replaced or my practical winter coat rips, then I could replace those. Also I went through my closet, sold everything I don't wear (and am not going to wear), and mended/adjusted the items of clothes that I didn't wear because of tears, broken zippers or size issues. And I have been repurposing my bf's old shirts into tanks tops, bags or baby-t's! It has been pretty awesome and I am kind off proud! Even my wedding dress (getting married in november) is second hand, it's my grandmothers old dress and my mom has made some wonderful adjustments to it.
Do we want you to make a Jane Austen festival dress video? What a question! 😂😂 (Yesss, please!?!... As if that wasn't the most obvious answer in the history of existence.)
hahah OKAY THEN U TWISTED MY ARM!
Yes!! I was going to reply something similar, bring on the Jane Austen sewing content.
I third this! We need all the Jane Austen sewing content ❤
It's a truth universally acknowledged etc etc.....Jane Austen x Leena x sewing content....?! Yes please!
@@leenanormsif you want tips and a free pattern, hmu! (dress historian here) 😂
I'm shocked that you don't like the Ganni-esque top on you - I think it looks absolutely stunning!! jealous
Same! It's Gorgeous
Sewing in a public toilet is badass crafty energy 🔥
Omg Jane Austen festival dress AND a Chapelle Roan outfit?! You're treating us 😵 i think that bold floral could be great for the concert
The ‘ganni’ blouse is very cute on you!!
thank you! Maybe I'll try again with some adjustments
Which pattern did you use for it please?
I would try styling it differently before giving up on this piece, it's a super summery looking top so I think it would look great with lighter colours and light weight fabric. Maybe over a cami and a skirt for example :) but I understand wanting a different version that will work with the way that you want to style it, so you can get more wear out of it
I feel like it doesn't quite sit right on the bust? I wonder if some shaping (so make it bigger and add darts) would help, or if that's not the style, at least make it a tad longer in the body. I also wonder if it could have a rufflier ruffle....or be made from a stiffer fabric so that the ruffle ruffles more? Ruffle ruffle ruffle 🐕
I agree. I love the fabric combinations too. I get how you feel because I’ve made one for me and I’m not sure about it on me but that’s me being hung up on ‘flattering’ my figure and working it makes me look bigger than I am and I’m yet to get a pattern to fit me well on the shoulders. I think you’ve got yours fitted really well and the colours are great on you.
The lepord print maxi dress looks awesome!! I am exceptionally slow at sewing, but I am making my first button-up shirt. Good luck with your challenge!
Last year I made my first button- up shirt, also! And found it easier than I thought, and that my fears were unfounded! So good luck with yours 😊
I have been keeping up with it, too. It's been really easy to just say "I don't buy clothes"
HOWEVER, I did choose that in my rule set, clothes swaps are okay, and I have done one with my family and one with some friends. I was really picky with what I took home, though.
I have sewn about 5 pieces so far this year and am working on knitting a lace blouse. Hoping to finish that before summer is over 😊
My god as someone who has never really been interested in buying clothes (homeware is another thing entirely...) your validation of how boring public places are is so real to me 😂
As a huge fan and a knitter - I love that you've taken to knitting so much! I would advise that the specific type of yarn you have been using is considered unsustainable by the larger knitting / craft community. There is a lot to that, and I would do your own research to decide whether that is something you would like to consider in the future. The large wool yarn often seen in chunky projects ( and chunky yarn in general) degrades much faster than yarn of a more typical size (aran weight, worsted, DK, and smaller) This is because it will felt more easily, is harder to de pill and if you do decide to unravel your sweater you will find it is quite difficult to unravel and repurpose that type of yarn because the quality degrades quickly with friction (like frogging a project). I would encourage you to try a smaller yarn and needle combinations. Since you love making hats, I would recommend starting there and trying to knit to gauge. It can be intimidating, but understanding gauge, yarn weight, and needle combinations is what will make your knitting last for years, even decade, rather than start to degrade with every hand wash and wear. Awesome progress! Know you are completely ready to take that step in your knitting journey!
I posted a similar comment before I saw yours! I agree with all of this and definitely think Leena's skills are ready for experimenting with different yarn weights and fibers.
the "ganni blouse" you made is so up my alley. the fabrics you used make it feel so Indo-Western, which is exactly my style. I've never heard of a ganni blouse but I am now looking up patterns so I can make one of my own!
I just have to finally mention how much I enjoy the title “my year of make do” 😂 it’s so good
The twin hat’s friendship matchmaking is the cutest thing, please do that!
William Morris is a fascinating guy - it was quite an experience to visit to his house in Walthamstow and move from the room about his anti-waste and overproduction stance into the shop filled with Morris themed tat 😅 and yes I did buy a bauble I am only human
I’ve been to the Walthamstow gallery; it was so great to see humble things like his satchel and work smock alongside his designs and creations! He’s one of my heroes.
In the middle of my no-buy year and I've found I still love going to shops and actually looking through stuff and seeing all the trends is just as enjoyable if not more enjoyable without having to think about if I want to buy an item
I've been doing more online "shopping" lately to find styles and trends I want to make.
Very proud of you for the toilet mend-- so heroic!
Leena! I decided that I wanted to learn to make clothes a few years ago, so I bought a sewing machine and I watched a ton of videos on it, but I always felt like it was too hard. And then I found your channel and you were the first person who made it seem actually doable, so I finally decided to give it a go. Most of my makes so far have been pretty technically easy but literally last night, I sewed my first ever zipper into a pair of trousers and I was so proud of myself 😂 Did I cry over it first? Yes. Do I have full confidence that it will stay attached when I try to zip myself into them? No. But I'm proud nonetheless. So THANK YOU so much for making sewing seem so much less intimidating! I legit would have let my sewing machine collect dust forever without your videos.
That velvet rose fabric would make a fabulous jacket!
My first reaction to the velvet rose fabric was that it would make a wonderful christmas season dress.
I had the Christmas season dress thought too--and then I thought, bomber jacket. Or maybe smoking jacket/long blazer? Honestly anything would be fantastic.
There is a skirt called the colquetta skirt, and it's a great pattern. My dilemma (that the colquetta skirt helps with) is that it's size adjustable. Basically, the biggest concern with modern clothes I have (outside of eco / slave Labor) is that nothing is adjustable as would be helpful for a life-time wardrobe
I just bought the pattern from wildflower designs for that skirt. I've got my fabric and pattern cut out I just need to do all the rest of the making.
The Stitchery has a few sewing patterns for split side skirts/dresses (and trousers I think) on her channel if you haven't seen them. Very adjustable pattern with lacing if you fluctuate a lot
@@saraht855 OMG, I love The Stitchery! She did an adjustable trouser video with Ash L G, I believe. Still hoping they figure out how to make skinner trousers and post another video, lol.
I think you mean the Coquelicot Skirt by Wildflower Designs 😊
@saraht855 that's where I found out about that skirt pattern!!
Obsessed with the blouse mockup, i _love_ the pattern made by the scrap fabric so much that I looked up the inspo and was disappointed it didn't look like that haha
Honestly you’re living my best life, I’d love to be going to all those events, aaaaaand sew! I’m just a bit of a hobby jumper so I haven’t tried yet.
I'm pregnant, grouchy, and really struggling with my no-buy challenge, so this is exactly what I need right now ❤
I am 3 months post-partum, and it's been impossible for me not to buy some things second hand 😭 ive found it impossible to adjust to being a mom and my make-do year 😭 so I've been much less creative than I'd hoped
Is it your first baby? I found the initial adjustment really, really, really hard as well, but I promise you it does get better ❤ my firstborn is five and I'm back to all my creative hobbies and can even go to the loo on my own again (hooray!). That super dependent first six months feels reeeeally long when you're in it, but honestly there does come a time when you start to feel like yourself again.
(In my case it turns out I had PND and didn't realise, obviously I know nothing about your situation and don't want to jump to conclusions, but I mention it just in case. PND is super sneaky and convinces you you're just an awful parent, have ruined everything and will never be happy again, if this sounds familiar can I very gently suggest flagging it up with your health visitor)
I gave up on no buy after getting pregnant, but I've still been really good about keeping purchases to a minimum. Thank heavens a good chunk of my wardrobe is already big dresses 😅
Me too 🥲💐 🫡
I found dressing for pregnancy so uninspiring first time round because it was during a pandemic and I just kept it minimal, second hand and pretty basic and comfy that I've given myself a certain amount of grace this time and bought a few nice maternity dresses on Vinted that I'm rotating through and it was so worth it. Because I've been fairly mindful about what I'm buying I'm reasonably comfortable that these garments will continue to have a life beyond the short time I'll need them.
I'm more confident about post-partum style this time as I've already spent a couple of years getting creative with breastfeeding friendly combos and stuff that makes me feel put together while in 'mum-mode' so I might make more of a commitment to no-buy in that next phase.
RUclips premium is amazing and I can never go back. Just not having to deal with ads is *chefs kiss*
👍🏻💛 me too
That fabric is lusssh! I think it would look amazing as a pair of trousers!
ooo that would be very cosy, maybe some swish wide leg ones !
Something flared and 70s-esque. Pants wise or even a retro dungaree/jumpsuit
@@andiianderson4260 YES!!!!!
I’m so inspired by this video. Like you just make a bingo card of what you want to accomplish this year? You have multiple events you’re planning to make clothes for? You’re having a book come out? You might be the most self actualizing person I watch actually. It gets me wanting to do more than just make a calendar of this month’s plans but more specifically creative goals, challenges, and changes.
'You can laugh, but I'll be having fun' = strong 'laugh as much as you choose, but you will not laugh me out of my opinion' vibes 😄
I went to the Jane Austen festival a couple of years ago and it was so much fun. A video about Austen AND sewing? Yes please!
That fabric gives me Betsy Johnson vibes and I think a skirt and a chunky headband combo would look absolutely adorable with a black turtleneck shirt 🩷
Oh headboard or duvet cover mmmmmmm! Yassssss!
@@latristessdurera8763 ooo! That also sounds super freaking cute 😍
The time thing is so real, I collect SO MANY patterns (and fabric whoops) and then just never have the time or energy to start a sewing project😢😅 making deadlines for myself is the only way to get some projects done, but I love setting up photoshoots for my clothes (usually cosplays) to celebrate (and force myself) finishing the garment!
It's like they say: sewing and collecting fabric are two seperate hobbies 😄
@@the_Pons dont look into my soul like this😂
Sometimes I jump into stores and fast fashion stores as well and try the new trendy stuff - like the blouse for example and if I like it on myself, I will try to find it second hand. Maybe try that before sewing so you don't waste time? Also, the leopard dress is absolute dream!
Yeah, I do this too! Fast fashion stores are a great way to try different trends and see what looks good on your body before you try to make something or buy in a more sustainable way.
I came here to see if anyone else thought this was a good idea. Trying on items for style and fit before comitting to making it seems a good idea to me - saves on both time and materials (esp those that cant be reused like thread)
Hello!!!
RUclips just recommended this video to me today. I've been waiting patiently for an update on your no buy year. I'm doing a low buy so it's encouraging to see someone else doing better than me. So far I've only bought 10 items new to me. 4 secondhand tops, a pair of new pants, a bathing suit, a belt to replace one that wore out, a hat because my old one has disappeared, sandals for summer and I replaced my watch band (just the band, not the watch.) It feels like a lot of stuff after I've typed it all out, but it's much less than I usually buy and also I made a dress from an old bedsheet. Progress on the creation front.
Your first published nonfiction book! 🎉 🎊✨️ that's fantastic! Congrats!
Okay, on the hats, I have an unsolicited request ... add blues, purples, and greens into the rotation!
I am in love with that Gianni blouse you made, it’s so funky in the best way
i am really looking forward to you making knickers because that is my biggest sticking point buying new. The only thing i really regularly buy new are pants and socks.
I've been following along and learning to sew this year and now i can't stop inspecting every piece of clothing to understand how it's out together 😅
Crafting and buying crafting stuff are two different hobbies (yes, my big problem).
Good luck!
Of course we want a Jane Austen festival outfit video!!! 🤩
As far as the make do of the challenge... I've "sinned" three times of which two were buying socks and knickers. I had a bunch of health issues and had no time and energy left to make knickers myself. Still working on learning to knit socks but it's a pain in the arse 😂But I also bought a secondhand skirt which was definitely not necessary. But my boyfriend said "if you slightly change it in length or fit it counts as your own project" and I convinced myself to believe that 😅
I find all your makes so inspiring! I'm dyspraxic so struggle with fine motor coordination but your videos have made me actually give sewing a go, thank you Leena!
So wild to see someone going through the same process of giving up buying clothes and having some of the same things happen (e.g. scarcity mindset, fear of making trousers) and then some other completely different things (e.g. being super ok with frogging/changing items made). I'm 3 years into not buying clothes and it's been a really fun and easy journey for me tbh. My latest issue is that I have got too quick at making clothes and have ended up with a wardrobe bursting at the seams! (Though let's be honest, it's 3 wardrobes at this point)
MAKE THE VIDEO ABOUT THE REGENCY DRESS PLEEEEEASE
Hi, Leena! I've really enjoyed following this journey, and you've helped make the idea of learning to sew way less intimidating for me. As an experienced knitter (~20 years), I would like to offer some advice re: maintaining sustainability in your work. It looks like you are primarily using roving, which is basically unspun yarn. (That's what the WATG Crazy Sexy Wool/WAK The Wool is.) Unfortunately, because it is unspun, roving does not last a very long time - it pills and disintegrates much quicker than other wool. I thought you might like to know this because your clothes having a long life is so important to you, and because you put a lot of time into your beautiful knits and it sucks when stuff you've made starts to fall apart. I sadly learned this lesson about roving the hard way. One of my joys as a knitter is learning more about fiber types and figuring out which yarns will be best for which projects. I also LOVE the look of chunky knits, but I avoid roving for them because it just doesn't hold up well. Your knitting is beautiful, by the way - you've really nailed a lovely even tension and I love your bold colour choices.
You have inspired me to start sewing my own clothes. It is something I've wanted to do for a long time, but never had the gumption to try. Your Eras tour dress was amazing. I got my hands on a borrowed machine and I just need to find my way down to thrift store to get myself an old sheet or table cloth to start! Thank you for being an inspiration.
Currently frankensteining two old ripped pairs of Lucy and yak trousers together as I watch this! Extending the rise, adding a new elastic waistband and lengthening the trousers with a contrast fabric!
When I first saw your video about not buying any clothes, just making or going without, I thought there was no way I could do that.
I thought I was a beginner sewer who had been altering clothes for years but could never make anything.
Since then I've made two waistcoats, a kimono sleeve top and a pair of trousers 🥰 recently a few of my trousers have ripped at the seam and were unmendable. I realised instead of buying more second hand trousers that will wear out quickly and not fit me well, I can just make my own. I have all the skills, I don't need to use a pattern as I can trace old trousers and adjust as needed
I'm so excited to make more clothes now, it's changed my relationship with charity shops too - I look at bric a brac and fabric, but don't even bother looking at the racks
You are a gem please don’t stop doing what you do!!!
The hoods! The mustard jumper! ❤
I definitely want to see a video about you making a dress for the Jane Austen Festival!!! I'd also like a vlog about the festival in general.
SO jealous about jane austen festival AND chappel roan! the jane austen festival is very much on my bucket list
I will also be in Bath during the festival!!!!!!!! How exciting!
That rose fabric!!! But a jacket in that would be so yummy! It would get a lot of jealous eyes too, which is always a score! Pair it with those flower earrings and some bright red, and that's such an outfit, imo!
The ganni blouse is stunning! I made one from a large men's work shirt. I found the pre-existing structure helped with the construction
Ooo that’s a great idea!!!
For the printed velvet fabric - a duster coat, or a sleeveless duster coat!
I'm doing my best to only replacing the clothing and gear items stolen from me last december. So I did pick up a new lightly boned bodice at ORF in Canby OR in june... And I have been picking up used clothes that I can remodel into the now missing pieces of faire garb I need before spetember. I buy fabric scraps for $3 a lb at SCRAP PDX... a 25 cent purchase last week got me the red fabric scraps I needed to finish the trim on my blue gown and enough dark sand colored satin to line 2 pairs of sleeves. It is always a make do year for me.
I'd love to know about some independent fabric designers because that is the bit I find most challenging! I also would LOVE a Jane Austen festival dress video!!! ♥️
I find most of mine on The Fold Line, they collate a lot of them 💜
You've inspired me to not buy any more clothes from now until 2025. This is the push I needed!
😮I'm also going to the JAFestival this year, it's my 2nd time going. You'll absolutely love it, it's a dream! Going into book shops in costume is such a fun thing to do and they have some great ones ❤
I recently found your channel and am LOVING both the subject of your videos and your communication style. I'm glad I have so many videos to catch up on!
If anyone is looking for a really adjustable Regency dress, have a look at bib- or drop- front gowns. They just tie up, and then the front is pinned or buttoned on. They’re like the overall dress of the 1820s
ohmy! A Jane Austen festival!! Please vlog it.. I want to live vicariously through you :)
Oh my, id love a hat in the forbidden color 😃
I already preordered and submitted my receipt so 🤞
OMG That Ganni blouse is amazing and it looks gorgeous on you! I love the leopard print maxi dress too 😍👏🏻♥️
That flowered fabric would make an amazing car coat. Have you got 'make a lining' on your bingo card?
16:22 so beautiful! Maybe a long skirt with a slit? And if you have leftovers you could maybe make a matching scrunchie or something like that
The leopard maxi dress is actually my favourite one! And the problem with being off platforms like facebook for me is that I would miss ads for things I DO want to see, like when local bands are playing or when events are happening in the community. I am in a local band myself and I like to support other artists in small venues, one-day 'festivals' and the like. But without social media like facebook and instagram where people can join groups or see ads, it's almost impossible for us to get our music out to new people and build a bigger community--as well as discover more music I want to go out and see myself!
The ganni blouse is such a gorgeous pattern and colour, looks great on you! I would 100% wear that
That rose printed velvet would make a beautiful larger purse and clutch!!!
The first thought came to mind with the velvet fabric was a dress like Peppermint Magazine's button-up dress. But then I saw someone said a jacket and I think that would be fantastic too.
I started fixing my clothes many years ago because I was broke, but learning how to sew has given me a whole new perspective on the fashion industry, the hours of work and resources it takes to produce something, and a new appreciation for the people who make clothes. Now I rarely buy although I can afford it, so I totally support your approach of making over buying! I'm still a beginner but I'm in for the ride and enjoying the process. 😊
Imagine a Leena and Bernadette Banner collaboration for the Jane Austen video 😍
Yes to more sewing vids please. Loved the blouse you made and thought it looked really on you 😊
But the ganni blouse is sooo cute and you look absolutely charming in it!
i’m in scotland right now and i feel you about britain excusing itself from having summer this year 😅
If you happened to have the time I would love love to see your wardrobe in an app like indyx or open wardrobe for example. I'm not explicitly doing a year of make do but I challenged myself to digitise all my clothes before buying anything be new to me. Worked great so far leveraging my laziness. Congrats on writing your book and making time for it 🎉
If you’re on Open Wardrobe, would you like to be wardrobe friends?
I love that long leopard dress on you!! It's so perfect on you 😊
I LOVEEEEEEE THE GANNY BLOUSE IN THESE COLOURS AND THE WAY YOU MADE IT, IF YOU WANT TO GET RID OF IT I WOULD LOVE LOVE LOVE TO HAVE IT!1!!
Lovely makes!! proper jealous of all your upcoming events!!
Jane Austin festival!!!! yessssss! my home!! i'll be keeping an eye out for you!!!
The Gianni dupe looks great on you!
I’m not much of a sewist but I’ve been following in the no new clothes track so all my clothes have been second hand! Even for the wedding I’m going to this weekend! I have been tempted to buy new but I have not weakened! I haven’t even spent my Xmas bonus gift voucher!
I feel like that red floral fabric would look great as a dress or top with a white ~10 cm (I normally work in inches, sorry, I’m American) at the bottom, collar/neckline and sleeves (I would keep the sleeves short but maybe you’ll find a perfect long sleeve pattern for it), and if you see a pattern with a few buttons in the front, (I’d say halfway down the bust) you could also accent the buttoned area with the white. The white can make the color stand out more, and if there’s enough fabric for a dress, a dark belt could look great to break up the bottom and top half.
Glad to hear this project is going well, my various projects seem recently be getting off the rails since I’ve been getting sick or injured every month since April. I’ve yet to hit my unlucky moment this month but I’m still not fully better from the last two! So for now I’m just working with a job coach and keeping at my part time job, with most other projects getting pushed back. Hope the writing is going well.
so excited to hear about the Jane Austen festival and the making of the dress! I can't remember who off the top of my head but several youtubers in the historical costuming space attend every year and seem to have a lot of fun so I hope you will to!
I really love this video. Those jumpers at the start are wonderful...
I'm really excited to watch this video! I recently came to the realization that I kept buying/keeping clothes in the hopes that I would lose weight or gain the confidence to wear things. After a recent purge, I have a closet full of 1) Things I actually wear and 2) Things that actually fit for the first time in years. I am planning to go on a "no non-essentials" shopping journey, so it's nice to see someone I admire doing something similar 😊
The leopard dress looks soooo great on you ! I love it !
WILLIAM MORRIS MENTIONED 🥂🍾
I have never been more ready for your deep-dive into the Arts and Crafts movement, Leena
I vote a blazer or pants for that gorgeous floral fabric! Also I am SO here for the Jane Austen dress 😍😍😍
I am so jealous that you are going to the Jane Austen festival. That is definitely on my bucket list!
Ive recently taken up crochet! It's so rewarding making a thing you get to flance around
Hi Leena, I am so excited about the Jane Austen dress! Yes, please, make a video!! :)
I'm having a year of finishing things. You inspired me to try something but I knew I wasn't ready for a no buy year. Finishing projects has filled my wardrobe and it is a dopamine boost so I am shopping less just naturally
Thank you ❤
That colour block cardigan!!!
very impressed with the lucy and yak jumpsuit mend!
I'm just envisioning you in the movie Austenland now and the only way the jane austen festival could be any better would be if you bumped into Jennifer Coolidge! Please make videos on this, including making the dress, v excited
So, there are many variations of Regency-esque dresses, some more historical than others, but Micarah Tewers made a video where she makes several dresses that are very simple. She uses elastic for the waist so they are very size adjustable. It's a Micarah Tewers video, that means no clear instructions, and chaos sewing, but if you understand a little about how a garment is constructed you can absolutely follow along with what she's doing and make your own version. And best of all, she doesn't use a pattern, she just drafts the dress herself on the fabric as she goes.
I would make a swingy skirted jacket with the luscious velvet!
I NEED that Jane Austen video! Big hype. My year of make do resulted in buying some secondhand staples and black tops i wear almost every day, but the damage was minimal compared to other years! :) the second of the year im trying to go no buy! :) im knitting and sewing a lot more, and i even got a secondhand knitting machine with all imaginable attachments of facebook marketplace for like 25 bucks :) looking forward to learning to use that one :p
The fabric gives me bedroom vibe thinking headboard or duvet cover 🌹🌹🌹🌹
I'm unintentionally almost keeping up with the not buying of clothes - the only thing I did buy so far this year is a pair of pants suitable for yoga as I started a new job and needed them (can't do yoga in a skirt in front of an audience, and I'm not confident in making my own trousers). For me it's not only about buying less but also wanting less, so the pressure to make a lot pf stuff isn't too high for me. I've made a hat so far learning nålbinding, so that was cool, and I'm in the many months long process of making a top with a zip and maybe sleeves. I sew by hand so it's extra slow. But I've also learned to fix a few bits, amended some jeans with holes and adjusted the waistband, so that's really cool 😁
I didn't intentionally commit to the year of make-do, but I've kind of been doing it anyways. Except that I bought two bras last month, because I've been trying to sew one since January, and it's just not working! V. frustrating.
But other than that, I've made a shirts and two blouses for work, a comfy jumpsuit, and half a sweater (so far.) I also just got some fabric to use to make a skirt! I want to copy & size up one that I used to love that is too small now.
This video was really cool! I had grand plans to sew some more clothes and things like pillow covers this year...and then we had a very expensive move and our new house flooded, so I think I'll just be sitting on the couch and breathing deeply for a bit before I start any new projects XD
I live for Year of Make Do content. It's both inspirational and relatable.
I'd love to see what patterns you've been buying. I make my own clothes and am loving your year of make do.
This is great! For the Sweing Masin Daphne dress i highly recommend doing a test of the bodice as i found i needed to make it slightly smaller to have the strngth to stay up. I also used wider elastic in the shoulders (and made the elastic channel bigger in turn) so that it felt like they could support the dress as the thinner elastic felt sooooo flimsy
You have inspired me to do a version of your year of make-do. My goal was to only buy second hand clothes and only buy new replacements of things I use on a daily. So for example if my doc martens would need to be replaced or my practical winter coat rips, then I could replace those.
Also I went through my closet, sold everything I don't wear (and am not going to wear), and mended/adjusted the items of clothes that I didn't wear because of tears, broken zippers or size issues. And I have been repurposing my bf's old shirts into tanks tops, bags or baby-t's!
It has been pretty awesome and I am kind off proud! Even my wedding dress (getting married in november) is second hand, it's my grandmothers old dress and my mom has made some wonderful adjustments to it.