I'm 70 and got all caught up in the vids of people making 5 garments in a week. I even stopped making because I felt old and slow. Then I realized it's the PLANNING I enjoy. I take weeks, get all my patterns out, sort through fabric, etc. I like executing well. Not working when I'm tired. I'd rather see a 15 minute video than a 30 min video. I like the maker to analyze the whole project. That's when I learn the most. You go for it.
I relate to this! I love the planning part - sorting through ideas, letting everything swirl around in my head about colors I'm putting together, techniques I want to try. And then getting to slowly make it - step by step. It's so much of the fun for me.
Great explanation ! I too enjoy the planning . I want my sewing to be my hobby NOT a competition, production does NOT validate how good I am nor does make me a better sewist ! Enjoying my hobby , the whole process , deciding how much time to dedicate to it is most important to me .
I'm with you Donna! My favorite part is planning too. So much so that sometimes I don't finish my projects once I've gotten to a point where I know my planning was done correctly! Knowing that I got it right is the end of the project not a finished garment hahaha.
I was on a lengthy stay in hospital following surgery when I discovered sewing on RUclips - 'fast sewing', 5 T-shirts by lunch. Watching these videos stressed my to the point of tears. A little later I found videos on 'slow sew', perhaps more challenging patterns. Oh, how I enjoyed those, I watched them over and over with real enjoyment and calm. Now a pattern has to earn my time, the cost of the fabric and, most important, its place in my wardrobe. Thank you for your thought-provoking videos.🌷
Videos like those make me feel stressed and make me ignore the need I have to create, because I feel like I can't do it like that. But once I get out my needle and thread and start mending or sewing something slowly and by hand, I can forget everything. Slow sewing is an artful form of therapy for me and it is a shame it is being discouraged by these 'quick sewing' trends
After years of sewing for others and doing alterations at a shop, I retired right before the pandemic hit. I have been slowly decluttering my house. When I got to my tiny sewing room 2 months ago, I realized that I have enough fabric for 3 or 4 capsule wardrobes. I've only made one garment and altered 2 more. Finding the right patterns, buttons, thread, or elastic takes time. Ironically, my first garment was made from a pattern I've had since 1975. I'm in fashion again. Lol. I'm really enjoying taking my time and having no deadline.
I couldn't agree more. I love thrift flips but I get frustrated watching this type of content because creators try to pump out 2, 3, 4, 5 items for the one video, sometimes weekly, and the result is usually disappointing because it wasn't done carefully. It looks good enough for the video, maybe for wearing once or twice, but that's it, and that really reminds me of super fast fashion. It's disappointing because the intention is good and it's exciting to see people getting into sewing and so on
Yes yes yes! Not to mention all the fabric hauls, unnecessary tools and storage (to accommodate mindlessly bought items). It all just makes me feel a bit dizzy. Don't get me wrong, I have some fabric and sewing tools on the way myself so maybe I can't say anything haha. I think we all just need this message and to remember to be deliberate.
Oh yes! The lovely fabric hauls! There was one maker that I used to follow and she would buy fabric for each season, make the things and end up wearing one and discarding all the rest and I found it so waist full! I like your point on being deliberate.
I think it depends on the person. For example, I love painting but I cant fathom the thought of painting with mediums that take a long time. It just took away all my motivation. Thats why I chose watercolors. It’s a one sitting art that I can make and finish and feel accomplished. I think that’s what is holding me back from making my own clothes. I am easily disctracted and the thought of making something that will take me a week or a month is extremely overwhelming to me. I have been specifically looking for short-period of time gowns and patterns videos on youtube. I don’t necessarily think “make quick” = “fast fashion”. For beginners it might be the first step for getting out of fast fashion and get an appreciation for garment making. It’s the mid-way point between real fast fashion in the stores to building a sustainable wardrobe and making garments that take more time.
While I think you've got a point, I believe it can be valueable to realize that the reason you're easily distracted may be because you're living fast, often due to social media use and not taking enough time to slow down. When everything around you provides instant gratification it can be extremely difficult to focus on tasks that don't provide immediate reward and require care and intention. While I think a foot in the door is great, I still think it's even more important to do things properly, not because of principle but mostly because it's more meaningful to you. Working on a huge painting should be meditative, not like an overwhelming chore, so if the thought of that intimidates you, you could always try easing into it. Maybe paint something smaller first, or just remove all these sources of instant dopamine in your life, because it really helps. Of course there's nothing wrong with painting with watercolors or making artwork, or clothes, that take less time, but I think it's better to learn to appreciate the process and to slow down than to take shortcuts. :)
I think choosing smaller-scale projects is different than deliberately working quickly through project after project to finish and get that instant gratification. I mention in the video that I find it super helpful to do smaller, "palette cleanser" projects in between big projects. I'm talking more about overconsumption and overproduction than I am about project size and preference.
@@Hugo-mh1pe Well said! When I sewed a pattern as a Mother’s Day gift for my mom this year, there were a couple of steps that offered either a “neat/tidy” technique (that took more time but is assembled with more care/quality) or a “quick” technique that focused on more basic techniques to get the job done in a way that focused more on speed rather than care/quality… I thought it was so sad that the pattern designer felt the need to include a “quick” technique just to appease people who would rather sacrifice quality in order to get to the final result faster… And the crazy thing is, I’m a beginner sewist, and I felt like the “neat/tidy” technique didn’t take long at all! And it was such an interesting, creative technique too- it taught me things I had never done/seen before!
@@Hugo-mh1pe I think it definitely depends on the person. While that is a good point, some people have ADHD, autism, etc. Ever since I was little I've always been turned off by long projects. For me at least, it has nothing to do with a fast paced society.
RUclips recommended this video and am so glad it did. I have a 9 month old and been trying to sew a dress for 3 weeks now and was feeling discouraged because of the stop start. But this has reminded me that it’s the process of making that I fell in love it in the first place and not the speed. So thank you for bringing me back to base xx I can surely enjoy making without feeling the need to finish fast.
I have a one year old. But I started sewing a 1960s style mod dress when she was around 6 months old. I finished the dress in March of this year when she was around 11 months old. 5 months of sewing a mini dress😜
But the thing is, I did bias binding, bust and waist darts on every piece such as of lining and main fabric, invisible zipper , french seams, mock neck. It was definitely a learning process.
Love this. Agree with you. Have often felt there was not enough actual making process in vids on YT. So I'd watch that! I also often do projects slow, and feel like I want them to last forever because i love working on them so much, like a good book i don't want to end.
I like to watch other makers while I make so I actually usually skip haul videos, I'm not interested and you did a FANTASTIC job putting words to why they never clicked for me. I like process videos because it makes me feel like I'm learning while I'm making. Even if I'm not paying 100% attention to what I'm watching little tips and tricks stick in my mind and help me on future projects.
As a man who wants to make as much of his own wardrobe as possible, both for economic and ecological reasons, thank you. The stress of making things quickly overtook the enjoyment of slowly, carefuly crafting a new garment, and resulted in semi-trendy clothes that I shove to the back of the closet. It also results in my mending pile taking over a corner of the room, and the nice woolens and linens I've invested in being dumped in a chair, ignored for when I "get better", which will only happen when I slow down. Thank you
Being a maker, for me, comes into its own when I look at sweaters still in my wardrobe that I made more than 30 years ago that have stood the test of time. I still love them, wear them a few times in a winter, repair them, store them carefully away. I haven't had anything that I have sewn that's lasted as long but I tend to keep and rotate things, making something new to bring out a new facet in an item as it starts to look older - such as a new vibrantly patterned shirt to go with aging trousers. One thing I think is really important is to always make to the highest quality that I can (all my seams are French or bound) even if I'm using relatively cheap or thrifted fabric - over time that makes such a difference. And I'm quite happy with changing pockets or collars if I no longer like what I originally made.
One thing, though I see your point about the feeling of consumerism vs slow makerism, I think it's important not to conflate the term "fast fashion" with making things quickly. There's so much about fast fashion that is important to talk about that's specific to it, like the labor and human rights particularly come to mind. I don't have a full understanding of all the issues involved so I don't feel qualified to speak on them, this is just my observation. (Enjoying your videos, btw.)
Absolutely -- and I do mention this in the video as well! It's not to conflate, but to compare! Thank you for your comment and joining the discussion :)
One problem with this style of sewing is that alot of people will cut costs through using cheaper fabric. Cheaper fabric means the people farming the raw materials likely aren't getting a fair amount of pay. some places near me, UK, can sell a meter of viscose for £4, that's basically nothing. The slower the sewing the more chance your fabric is actually priced fairly.
@@janspence6010 what do you mean? I dont see why fast sewing can only be done with cheap fabric, surely you can also sew fast with expensive fabric? Your comment did remind me though that with fast sewing, people often opt for a larger stitch, because its faster, but a larger stitch is also less secure and more likely to fall apart after a few washes. These kind of short cuts can really reduce the quality of a garment.
@@The.fantasybug I would think that people would be more apt to sew carefully, and thus more slowly, when working with expensive fabric, as just cutting wrong could cost you $30 easily if you're working with prime materials. And, as you pointed out, fast stitching in order to make pieces come together makes for a lack of quality in a garment, and could ruin the positive aspects of working with pricey and high quality fabrics.
This really resonated with me. I am making my first garment, which is a pair of pyjama trousers from an old duvet cover. I thought I would keep it cheap as it is my first attempt at making something to wear. I have taken my time with each step and enjoyed it far more. Plus, so far, I haven't made any mistakes. It is very easy to get caught up in quantity = productivity and forget all about the satisfaction of being engrossed in doing something and enjoying the process itself. I would really enjoy it if you did a video on how you did a certain process in sewing or knitting. As a complete beginner, I would find that very helpful.
Agree 100%. I suppose it's worth remembering that while it's great to see sewing videos and learn, many of the Vlogers are sponsored by fabric retailers pushing us to consume their products- that absolutely is fast fashion just dressed up more creatively.
This is a big encouragement! Thank you for sharing this video. I'm a quick knitter because I'm an impatient person, however finishing a garment takes so much time! I get frustrated quite easily coz I cannot see the achievement in a short time, but that's how knitting taught me to be more patient and tranquil. It changed my life for everything.
Thanks for this. I think it's a really important discussion, often overlooked by makers and crafters. We are still consumers! I love being creative and also care about sustainability so I often make things (toys, bags, simple clothes) instead of buying them. But reading craft blogs or watching videos for ideas I often feel quite sick with the level of consumption and no one questioning the materials involved or the amount of clothes etc you need in your life. I too don't want to shame anyone but it's great to see someone raising awareness about what we are doing and why.
"Then we're not Makers, we're consumers" was an sightful and powerful statement. I admire your straight honesty, self reflection, and self awareness. Aside from the wonderful Makes you create, of course, this is the type of thing that sets your content apart. You take it to the next level. FWIW I personally love seeing the process, including the fudge ups (bc that's where we learn)! I think YTers Bernadette Banner, Cathy Hay and Nicole Rudoph do a great job of making the process itself the content. And so many of us are all for it! I'd love to see your works in progress and watch how the projects develop or get derailed before the reveal. I also think it's fascinating to see other people's creative process - how they spark an idea, how they approach that idea. There's so much opportunity for content there too. I think I've said it before, but your content is a balm during the dumpster fire that is the world right now. Thank you, it's much needed 🙂
I like the process of thinking the pattern, buying the fabric, cutting and preparing, but I recognize once I start sewing I want it now, so I have to learn to enjoy the whole process
Super interesting topic! I wish social media wouldn't influence me as much as it does - I feel bad when I don't read fast enough or as many books as some creators, when I only manage to sew 5 pieces in a year or a simple shirt takes me 20h to make (distributed over several weeks) or when I don't have any energy to create... But taking things slow and only making what I truly need and enjoy is so much better for my mental health :) Thanks for this conversation, Cassie!
I love this conversation! While watching this video I am crocheting a top that I have been working on for 4 weeks. Yes it's taking a while, but if you love the making process it doesn't matter how long it takes to make. It's about the journey with making. Not the destination 🥰
I think it would be very cool if you made a video about your abandonded/unfinished projects, especially if you have advice about how to choose projects that you can/will finish. Or any other thing you've learnt from those projects.
wow I love this topic! as someone who only started sewing last year and as a student on a no-money-for-sewing budget, I've really loved the sort of space I've found on instagram/youtube of makers sharing really unique pieces (color-blocking, sewing techniques, specific dyes or fabrics I hadn't heard of). I also find it really hard sometimes to go through tags of patterns I want to make, because it seems like everyone has so much money for fabric - and that's a type of consumption, too! my absolute favorite makers that I've found so far have been those who have done exactly what you mention - document the process! (your video taking about the bisque trousers is the one that put me on to you!), and especially when people are more transparent about how many hours go into making something, listing the cost of that labor if they paid themselves a fair wage in the city they're living in(this is a whole separate topic that i'm sure people feel for or against), where they picked up fabric or materials (scraps, a bedsheet, a family heirloom, an online order), I feel like I'm back at what initially attracted me to sewing - individual thriftiness/inventiveness/making. the sort of thing that made me realize it was possible for me! loved this, love everything you make and put out! - thank you for starting the conversation :)
OMG YES! I think constantly about that. It gives a bit of anxiety cuz i think about making sewing vids but it is not feasable for me, financially and timely, and also: where do you store all of that clothes??? i have very limited space in my wardrobe, i cannot follow this trend of making 5 clothes in one vid cuz at the end of the month i would not have space anymore so i cant sew anympore clothes (without getting rid of some of it) and i dont know about y'all but i really love wearing my clothes for a long time. It sads me that now every profession became entertaining shows. I like to watch throughout vid that teaches me and explains me process, techniques, vids that i reallt learn and not just entertains me. I fell like everyting is becoming a void.
its nice that people still want information over entertainment....i made a 30 minute video a few months ago on my other channel (not a sewing video) and one of my friends says "it's great....very informative....but can you get it down to 5 minutes?" lol. This is another creative person making this request---a painter! and you know how much painters hate being rushed....so what gives? I'm not rushing a damn thing anymore!!
I just came across your channel and your videos make me feel so calm! I love how you explain your thinking and I totally agree. Your vibe is so calming and slow in a really good way :)) Thank you for reminding me that the process is why we're doing stuff in the first place!
Kudos to you Cassie for having this eye-opening and very honest conversation. I have also thought the same thing; but now I also think people are like, "look what I can do- make 5 somethings in a day." "YAY", but I have never been one to aspire to that. I made my own clothes from the age of 14yrs age in 1972 ( I am 64) out of the fact that it was cheaper and I was being taught the skill, and because I just loved it, and still do. I had a huge hiatus when I didnt sew for years due to fast fashion clothes being cheaper then making them, and I couldnt afford to buy the makings. But of course out of that I have learned to value less is more, make for necessity, make to fill the gaps in my wardrobe and because I can, but mostly my friends and colleagues love what I make and complemented accordingly. I made my clothes at a measured speed due to not wanting to make a mistake and waste money. I have returned to sewing and am patiently documenting through drawing and Pinterest and RUclips videos just like yours of how to plan a wardrobe so I can enjoy sewing into the future, and ALSO here's to Self expression and uniqueness..
Your comments resonate with my current thinking. I am a newbie sewist and I have to remember to slow down, enjoy the process and the learning. It’s easy to get carried away with all the patterns and inspiring makes! I also try to be mindful about my fabric / thrifts purchases, sewing is a hobby that is sometimes hard to reconcile with the more sustainable and minimalist lifestyle I have been aspiring to in the last few years. There are just a finite number of hours in a day/week/year to create and use that material. Some of the hauls videos just gave me anxiety haha. There are a lot of beautiful things in the world and it’s ok to leave it on the shelf for someone else to find. I try to focus on a few projects that bring me joy.
Great video! It takes me a week to make even a simple garment, day one I’ll deal with the pattern, rest day, day 3 I’ll cut out the fabric, rest day(or more depending on how I’m feeling) then I’ll actually start sewing the garment over 2 or 3 days. I like to enjoy the process, actually concentrate on what I’m doing and do it as well as I possibly can. It’s my chill out time, who needs to add the stress of fast sewing? 🤷♀️
fastest ever for me was 2 days, but it was a very basic nightgown based on an existing dress done over a weekend - typically I have to start with drafting a pattern, and I only sew by hand, and I don't really have any experience and prefer fitted garments, so most things take over a month. The way I've slowed myself down is by not buying patterns or a sewing machine, ha. Otherwise I'd be rushing to finish things just to get the dopamine hit from showing them off. This way I have to be really passionate about something to follow through with it.
@@ariadne0w1 WOW! I just wouldn’t have the patience, or skill to hand sew a garment. When I began sewing again I did find that I was rushing to get everything I made finished as quickly as possible. Now I deliberately slow down and actually enjoy the process, and I don’t always have a project on the go.
Yes I agree. I almost want to only sew for myself. I’m in the learning stage and when I make something I take my time. I want it done right. If I’m making it for someone else they put pressure on me to get it done. I’m learning and having fun. I would love to see a video of someone working on their mending projects that just gets put in the back of the closet.
I was thinking exactly the same as I was cleaning out my closet and my re-make and mend pile really started to bulid. Crafting a beautiful garment is such a different process, and I think people forget that.
Teresa on Lost My Thread spent the month of May 2022 altering and fixing clothing in her wardrobe she has made but found she wasn’t wearing anymore. She is very articulate about describing her thought process and making details. She did four or five videos in May. I highly recommend!
I'm so glad I've found you. I love your approach to thinking through things in your making. Since this is the second of your videos that I have watched... I have a feeling that you not only approach your making this way but all facets of your life. I think you are very wise for your years and I am encouraged there are young people living and leading by example such as yourself. You are beautiful inside and out. Thank you for being you!
I definitely think it’s important to focus on intentionality and process when it comes to sewing! 👍🏼👍🏼 If you’re making something just to have social media content, making a pattern just because it’s popular, or some other superficial reason, BUT it isn’t something that truly fits your style/life/climate…then it’s unsustainable and reminiscent of the kind of “consumptive behavior” that’s encouraged by fast fashion. And doing things in a way that is less planned out / intentional can lead to other unthoughtful decisions along the way like choosing convenience and instant gratification over your values by, for example, purchasing unethically made supplies or cheap-quality / unsustainable fabric- when you’d normally stray away from those types of purchases -but you bought them because it was easier/cheaper to get than planning out an intentional purchase and creating a sewing budget. Every time we make something, we are expressing our creativity and being a part of an amazing creative community, but we are also adding an item to our closet/home every time, so we should remind ourselves to always make it a mindful, therapeutic process that is the antithesis of what fast-fashion, capitalism, consumer-culture, and hustle-culture is all about. Amazing points- excellent topic to think about and reset our focus! ❤️
I’ve loved this video. I am quite new in the sewing world so the things that I make need a bit more time. I remember I took a month to make a dress, I did make many errors in the way so I had to go back and forth to correct everything. And honestly I was getting demotivated. But then I managed to make a circle skirt in an afternoon and I felt SO happy! Seeing videos of people making these garments in so little time was really frustrating because I knew I ‘wasn’t good enough’ to do so. But then I stumbled upon videos of people that needed many many days to make a really well structured piece of clothing and it brought me so much joy! Although some things are very easy to make this is not the case for the majority of them, especially dresses. So seeing people filming the actual days-weeks-months taking process is really helpful to not fall in the trap of ‘I need to make this in this amount of time’ but instead actually enjoying the process. I hope I’m understandable, english is not my first language.
I think this all depends on the person you are. If you watch a video and feel compelled to be a certain way then you probably should stay away from social media in general. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting to make a shirt quickly especially if you need it quickly you are still a maker, you are a quick maker and that is a skill in itself. What I appreciate in those quick make videos is they are typically tips and techniques for time efficiency. A simple make should not take forever if you have the skill, it may be that you are not time efficient with the processes of sewing or not excited about what you are making. When you are EXCITED 😊 about what you are making you tend to want to make it quickly to wear it and that is natural. You typically already have a whole outfit in mind. I do agree with your point in making it right, making a muslin for fit And finishing correctly for longevity. But as you already pointed out that’s not all of the makes that’s some of the makes. So overall I think this video is pointing to how social media can make you and others feel (the need to compare instead of taking the good out of the videos and only using that part.) That means work needs to be done with self-validation, And self-esteem really.
Really grateful to hear these reflections and your intentions to look at process and provide perspective of slowing things down. I personally have a small pile of things to mend and upcycle/make them fit and would love to see some mending videos (especially as I’m a novice sewer and would love to see the process!) I think what’s great about the online community is that there is room for a variety of content, and I really enjoy both content that slows things down, and content that shows that you can sew things quickly/easily (and thereby showing that sewing/knitting is accessible)
Yes!!! I have actually recycled some items because I had no idea how to mend or adjust them. I would love a series on mending and making items you don’t wear more suitable. I wish this was talked about more often!
Thank you for this video! New subbie. May you do "shopping your closet" videos where you style and put together items you have made and 'show' how what you've made fits into your style. I think these types of videos are so important for makers to showcase to love part of the labor of love.
I appreciate your perspective so much and I’m glad you shared it. I often feel like it takes me too long to get projects done and wonder how the people I enjoy watching on RUclips get so much done. Probably at least partly because they’ve been at it for longer than me. I’m still a beginner. It is so nice to hear someone relate and point out alternatives. As you said we do enjoy watching those videos because they are fun and the sewists are personable and fun to watch and often talented at what they do. It’s refreshing though to think about ways to slow things down. I love your ideas about how you might approach the “two hour top”. That’s a great idea!
As a fellow maker and RUclipsr I also found myself falling down the “make it faster make more stuff” rabbit hole. I made a commitment to myself and my viewers last January to slow down and make things more responsibly and thoughtfully. It’s been a challenge in some ways. It mostly it’s been rewarding and provoking in a good way. I do still struggle with the “content” part but I’ve found my viewers tend to watch more consistently when I take the time to really talk through my projects and include info about inspiration about details of the project and fabrics and also when I veer off topic a bit and include other sewing related info like books or designers or Instagram feeds I’ve recently discovered. I think this approach has slowed my acquisition of new subscribers but the ones I have gained really interact with me and I have to remind myself that that is what I’m really going for here. Anyway Cassie thanks for this video I found it really comforting and inspiring to hear another maker and RUclipsr struggling with the same issues.
Ahh. One of my favourite topics and something I totally struggle with. I feel my wardrobe is big enough but I do have a need to be creative and work with my hands. I also know the impact the textile industry has on the environment and we as makers are part of that problem. So, how to balance making with environmental issues, etc. I don’t churn out items (and hate haul, how many items can I sew/knit/make in x hour type videos, etc) and am trying to have the inside of garments look as good as the outside which is one way of slowing down. I really consider how a garment will fit within my wardrobe (need to get at least 3 outfits with things I already own, question how many of the same type of item I need, etc. I mostly thrift fabric and yarn and have found amazing deals (but again just another indication of our over consumption). I’ve started charity knitting and giving away items. The Craft Sessions blog started tackling this topic back in 2016 (stash less series). Anyway, it’s a work in progress
A very good point! I think you would really support slow fashion if you would be able to show how much work it is to make well made clothing and how you can identify it and care for your clothes. I am 57 and knitting was one of my favorite hobbies to relax one hour in the evening while watching my favorite tv-show or just knitting as a kind of meditation. If you do it regularly everything will be finished in the end. But you will have to start with your winter-sweater in autumn. Sawing took a long time because I am a perfectionist, but I enjoyed it, because I liked to make things by hand, to learn and also to save money (no cheap fast fashion at that time). Take your time and enjoy the process helping your viewers understand and appreciate well- and self-made garments!
You r do right ! I have cut down watching many videos as they truly stress me out ! I want sewing to be my hobby not a competition with others ! you have some good ideas , go for it !
RUclips flagged me your video and it was really nice to hear. I also enjoy watching those types of videos as entertainment, but the idea stresses me out. It can also make you feel really slow. Due to energy and time it takes me an average of 3 months to sew items, and I keep seeing other projects I want to try.
Very good points Cassie. One point I would like to make is that everyone is all about the latest patterns, the latest fabrics or yarns. And in a way that kind of negates the whole uniqueness of a garment that most of us makers is looking for and possibly one of the reasons we got in to making in the first place. If everyone is wearing the latest design in the latest fabric then we are sort of back to blindly following the high street trends like sheep 🐑 😀.
I have been feeling this way as well, as I have been seeing all those same videos recommended to me. I also think there is a place for those quick sees, as I am just a beginner with two young children and those allow me to fit my sewing more easily into my free time. But I don’t think there should ever be a need to sew your entire seasons’ wardrobe in 4 days. That very much feels like fast fashion to me too!
I’m 65. I’ve determined that I’m a slow sewer and I’m okay with that. I kept seeing those same video and felt as if I was failing. Then I decided this isn’t my job, it is my joy. Slow I go!
This is really an interesting topic. Yours is one of the very few sewing videos I have watched in recent years. It comes down to entertainment vs. useful productivity. I am the french seam, flat felled, pad stitched sort of sewer and I find very little sewing content that appeals to me. I look for entertainment, but leaning towards the learning end of the spectrum. That said, I once came home from work at 5 and made from scratch a skirt and top to wear to a dinner that evening. Knit, of course, but sans serger. I did wear those items for several years, so not technically fast fashion:)
This is so interesting. I never really though about it like that before but actually makes a lot of sense. I often see people on Instagram showing the large amount of fabrics they have brought, And that they sew up an item the next day. Also I think a lot of patterns often adhere to ‘trend’ items. I personally love the puffy sleeves trend but I acknowledge that in my day to day life this probably isn’t the kind of thing I want to wear. I like to be comfortable but stylish. I often like a minimal look but with clothes that look and feel good quality. Not a bright pink dress with puffy sleeves, because realistically it doesn’t fit with my life.
setting arbitrary time limits on personal projects helps me avoid analysis paralysis. it has also amped my skills enormously. it's just like people who train for marathons wearing backpacks or whatever. by adding that unnecessary difficulty, I perform much better when the self-imposed difficulty is absent.
I would love to see more videos of people altering their wardrobe instead of completely remaking items that they have bought to turn into something new. Personally I much prefer making a ‘quick’ alteration to a well loved item in my wardrobe so it works for me now than totally remaking something. I think it adds to the instant gratification you mentioned as it usually takes less than a day, but also helps combat waste and helps hone the basics
Having just spent a ridiculous amount of time on making a bikini (and I'm not even done...) I am definitely in the corner of "it always takes longer than you think it will" :-) But that's OK with me. I mostly sew simply A-line dresses (1960s style) that theoretically are super easy and fast to make, but you can be sure that I will add a fancy collar or some other detail that makes each dress unique, and often I do it without a pattern but just improvise - which again takes more time. My goal is never to be quick, because rushing only leads to mistakes, and then it takes even longer to fix those.
Just yesterday i finally finished a dress I've started making before Christmas. Make a dress in six months challenge for me... (Yeah and I still need to handsew the inside finish so...)
Totally agree with all of this, but another angle to this that I don't see talked about is that the only reason why ill fitted garments made in a rush and with no care are considered "good" content and good looking is becase the youtubers making them are petite and thin. At the end of the day it doesn't matter if what they sewed was any good or if it was mindful at all, any scrap of fabric on a thin body is considered fashionable and the youtuber got the content they needed to pump out.
EXACTLY omg! I think this all the time! For me making something isn't just picking up a pattern and fabric and sew easy peasy it's super hard to make things fit, the patternmaking and toile process can take weeks on its own and to see that all successful sewing youtubers can wip any pattern up in two seconds because their bodies are thin is crazy to me I feel like i live in another dimension. It makes it impossible for curvy sewists to follow hence why there are barely any on youtube... I wish it was addressed more!
@@LS-vq2or I feel you! and I'm not even going into the lack of availability of plus sizes in commercial patterns, which is also an advantage when making content. But the fact that their bodies on itself are considered fashionable means whatever they make, however poorly sewn and constructed, will be received as "good". I've noticed that a lot, if you pay attention to the final product it always has fitting issues and are generally unfinished.
This is true in so many areas - sewing, embroidery, thrifting, knitting, crocheting, up cycling, etc. let’s see the process! I just started embroidering and I’m thinking on how I can update my existing clothing so I won’t just embroidering stuff I won’t use or wear
This resonated with me biiiig time.. especially because I started a RUclips and I feel guilty if I don't have new things to show. But the pressure completely takes away the joy of enjoying the process. I definitely need to start relishing the slowness of making and remember it's not about quantity. It's about the pleasure of making and wearing it. Thank you ☺️
Sewing has always been my instant gratification hobby, even now that I've been playing around with finishing options with the goal of higher quality garments. Which is why I've now been mostly sewing baby and kids clothes for my nibblings. They outgrow clothes anyway. For me, spinning yarn and knitting will always be my real loves when it comes to slowing down and enjoying the process. And year after year, I wear and find new outfit combos for my lace shawls. Lace shawls have never been *in style* in my lifetime so I have the luxury to never feeling they've gone *out of style* haha
I love to take my time and make it exactly as I want it. Making loads of clothes is not for me. I want it to be enjoyable, great to wear, yet fun to make. I watch the videos but I still go nice and easy.
I am really not interested in those types of videos you mentioned at the beginning because it just seems like “influencer” culture, which is something I’ve wanted to escape with the sewing community. Its so based on capitalism and making things should be so much more than that! I love this idea and I’ve been adopting it as well, trying to really take my time by making toiles and getting into hand sewing finishes. With things like TikTok and reels people want stuff fast and I was trapped in watching TikTok’s before, I just want to get way away from it!
Great topic and reminders. As a new creator and newish sewist I have found myself asking “what’s the motivation here?” Is it the thrill of the make or to push content out or something else? I am looking to go deeper in my journey and not fly through it. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for this! I needed to hear this before I fall into the trap of pumping out garments rapidly like fast fashion! I have a slow fashion handmade/upcycle brand and I release new pieces every other Thursday. If I hadn't have come across this video, I could totally see myself eventually focussing on the wrong things like how many garments can I pump out in a week! Thank you so much for the reminder to take it slow and enjoy the process😊
My rule lately is that if I want that instant gratification I make a pair of socks! They come together so quickly, I can try a new pattern with very little investment since it's just the one skein of yarn, and they're so satisfying to make. And my husband is in perpetual need of socks so they're always practical!
Love your perspective and I couldn't agree more. After becoming familiar and comfortable with the basics of sewing I'm now learning more about fitting/adjustments. This involved becoming #teamtrace (who would have thought!!) and making toiles. My sewing has become slower and I sometimes get fomo when I see other people's consistent makes when I would not find the time to sew. Whilst sewing is my hobby I also find it so relaxing so why stress myself out when scheduling it in. It also connects me to my (great)grandparents and I remind myself that they would be proud of me for slowing down, valuing my clothes, being mindful of ressources and producing fewer but higher quality garments. This is what I'm working on.
imo theres no way a single home seamstress can begin to match the amount of harm fast fashion causes during the creation of a single item, even if she sews really really fast and throws away a lot of what she makes. Of course, there are always ways to create a longer lasting item, but that is a vague goalpost ... things can always be improved to be more efficient...? If we're worried about textile waste, I think its more important to get people into creating their own wardrobes and items than criticizing the ppl who are already doing it. I like your points as they relate to you: its very obvious you have a process and style of work that works for you. I just dont think they make sense as an ecological argument; an "I make 5 dresses in 24 hours" video does not cause harm the same as a SHEIN haul video does. A rough metaphor for what i'm trying to say is, it feels like you're criticizing vegetarians for not being vegans, when there's more change to be had if we focus on getting meat eaters to become vegetarians.
Cass specifically mentioned at one point that fast sewing cant be directly compared bc of the labor and environmental problems that result from fast fashion. I think it's clear she's saying the fast fashion mindset of consuming in large quantities seems to be present in fast sewing.
I love this. I don't make many videos of sewing projects because how many things do I really need? How much fabric do I need to buy? I'd rather make one video a year of something that's well made and loved. That being said, "easy" "fast" projects for me are more about being excited to get something done and also simplifying the process and make it more accessible. One the concept is simplified it's easy to spend more time on it refining and adding details.
I totally agree. Whilst a quick make is not 'fast fashion' per se, it's driven by the same consumption demand of I want it now, now now. I dropped my sewing youtube channel for the reasons you mention. I wanted to make things for me, slowly and with care and not necessarily the latest in vogue pattern, for a monthly 'round up' or a 'look at all the things I made in just a month'.
Thank you. This is a feeling I have been having lately. I sew to have things that I cannot get elsewhere, be it style, color or fit. To have the nice finishing details. Watching someone make 6 garments in 24 hours is hard for my brain.
Since I shifted my focus from creating Instagram content to just making, I've noticed I have prioritized my makes differently. I don't feel obliged to share absolutely everything I make anymore because it was making the sewing process miserable. Now most things I make I wear every day so they never get photographed because they're always in the wash. For my needs and likes, the garments I make most of are loungewear type dresses because of my sensory needs and also the fact I'm at home most of the time. And so it isn't the most exciting thing to share. But packing for a holiday recently I realised almost everything I packed was made by me and the things that weren't were thrifted or second hand and that was a really gratifying feeling 😊 now it's more noticeable to me when I am wearing something not made by myself 😅
I enjoy watching the videos. I only make the things that I need. This summer I am making a few pairs of pants. I also am going to make a long dress for the the summer. I take my time when I sew. I want the garments to last. I make sure my seams are finished properly. I do a lot of pressing. I use a tailor's ham, seam roll and clapper. I enjoy watching videos wear I ca learn a technique. I May 2022 I saw a video on how to install an invisible zipper. I enjoy watching Evelyn Wood's videos because I learn a lot. I also mend clothes that need it. I am going to be making some aprons out of old jeans and also from a dress. I am also am going to go through my scrap fabric to color block some skirts. I am on a fixed income, so I have to watch how I spend my money. Also fabric is not cheap.
Felt this too! I started off trying to make 3 to 4 pieces a month and ended up not really liking any of them. And having to rework or reuse any fabric I could salvage from them. Now i really think about what I'm going to make and If I'd actually get wear out of these pieces.
2 года назад
I agree with you, I used to be like that, to think that I should get rid of my fabrics faster and make a bunch of clothes, but it takes away the beauty and the pleasure of making things. I make 1 or 2 pieces of clothing per month and I'm ok with that. I don't buy clothes every month, only for my birthday and usually things I can't make at home.
Great video! For me the things i want to wear take time and that's just the way it is. I had a long break from sewing this year while i was studying and when i picked it back up i wanted a speedy project to just make something. So i made a dress in a day. But when i put it on, all i thought was 'man this fabric would look great as a button up shirt!' On the plus side, that project did get me sewing again and i made a shirt next, but it took me 2 weeks to finish. Which is fine! I could fill my wardrobe with one-day dresses but they won't get worn and won't make me as happy as that 2 week button up shirt.
Now that I have THREE roscoe blouses I am asking myself, do I need more??? I am happy to see others talking about using the patterns they already have. One said she had 1000 patterns. I am hoping to try to just use the ones I have and the fabric I have. It is challenging as we get a dopamine hit from purchases.
I used to feel self-conscious because I love to sew but it usually takes me a month to make something that the average person might do in an evening. Mostly it's because I am re-drawing and modifying patterns and I get distracted by other projects. Whenever I get the urge to sew I feel like I have to "strike while the iron is hot" because in a week I'll completely lose interest.
I only sew by hand. I know people with sewing machines, I could learn, I just really don't want to. I feel like sewing by hand is the only way to keep my production down to a reasonable amount of clothing. Even with that, since I started sewing in November, I've made an evening gown, a fun/flirty semi-formal dress, a casual summer dress, and a nightgown. (all self-patterned, mostly reused fabrics). I also knit, crochet, embroider, make jewelry, etc. I can't imagine how many pointless things I would make if I was using a machine - this way, I have to feel really passionate about a project to follow through with it.
I haven't even watched the video yet, but thought you might be amused to know that upon reading in the thumbnail, "I tried to knit a sweater in 24 hours," the sound I made was...unpleasant. Okay, now that I've actually watched...instant gratification is an extremely good point I hadn't considered. I think it was Stephanie Pearl McPhee who introduced me to the concept of process vs product makers: process makers make to make, enjoying the process itself, while product makers make to have the thing they made. I've always identified with the latter, with a very short attention span (and very little money), I have never knitted a sweater! My knits are all fingerless gloves and shawlettes and scarves, my bigger fibercrafts are almost always crochet because it's faster. And even then, the longest and most involved project I ever did was a C2C afghan. I make because I want handmade but can't afford handmade labor costs, so I'll "save" money with my own labor costs, lol.
In regards to making each step of the process its own content moment to show how long garments actually take.....I think that is a PHENOMINAL idea!!!! Its a win all the way around in terms of promoting and normalizing "slow fashion" over fast fashion. 1.) The other makers in the audience will certainly enjoy feeling out in the making. 2.) The non makers will get involved and pulled into and connected with the process and will gain an understanding of and appreciation for how long garments actually take and 3.) It will create a more steady and engaged audience of return followers, which helps you as a content maker grow. perfect example......Cathy Hay here on youtube is currently making a replica of a famous embroidered purple velvet coat. She is releasing one video per month and is about 3-4 months in and still hasnt cut the pieces in the final velvet. Example 2 is Bella Mae designs here on youtube and her very in depth series of videos both for Christine's ballgown from Phantom of the opera and Cinderellas ballgown from the live action remake. Love the ideas in this video.
The thing about those videos though, is that every item they say usually I would do X here, but I don't have time do I'm going to do Y. So yeah, they made a lot of stuff, but not up to their normal standard.
I want to start sewing, but I want to take my time with that process because it is unrealistic to pump out whole collections in only one week. I applaud everyone who has work ethics and skills to do so, but it just doesn't fit with the reasons I want to sew in the first place, and that is to lower my consuption of fashion...
I actually hate watching people rush through projects to a deadline, because they have to compromise or accept a poir finish and it's disappointing as a viewer. As someone with ADHD time management is a struggle for me and I will take months to finish something without discipline, so making a work routine and keeping steady progress is best for me. Rushing is never worth it.
There is a beauty in allowing creative juices and choosing the proper pattern for the right fabric I take a bit of time for that then a day for cutting and marking then I take about 3 - 4 days to sew and when project is done I hang on my door and admire it for about 2weeks ... like a great cooking dish taste better when it’s slow cooking ....
Many, if not most people who sew in many parts of the world, including where I live, are not sewing for fun or meditation. Sewing is still a way that people get nicer clothes for work, religious events, important milestones etc. Also many people have to sew all their own clothes because the market doesn't cater to them. They need some blouses for work or some clothes for the kids so those videos give them tips and inspiration. Although I appreciate the fact that it can be art I consider sewing a skill and not an art form. I don't see myself as a "maker" because I know how to clothe myself and others. I see myself as a person who knows how to make beautiful high-necked tops that are still breathable for my mom to cover the port in her neck with dignity, shirts that my dad can still get into as Parkinson's steals his mobility, clothes for every occasion as a fat woman, cheaper special occasion clothes for myself and kids. I cannot be slow or contemplative. I need fast and efficient. These videos give me that. Also these videos can show young people there is another way to get trendy clothing with less exploitation and that fit better. Win-win in my book.
Sometimes the RUclips algorithm hits the nail on the head. 😂 I’ve never watched your channel before but I was just thinking about this subject last week. I’m a professional seamstress and I’ve been sewing my whole life. It’s always kind of been like this, think early Pinterest days with those awful DIY tshirt upcycles and “5 min” sewing tutorials. I think most people don’t understand the process and they think homemade = good clothes when in reality a lot of clothes that we see people making (think Micarah Tewers tutorials, TikTok fashion designers, etc) are no better quality than fast fashion, are made with cheap fabrics, and won’t last more than a few wears. That being said, I have a lot of patience for those people because that’s how you learn! You have to mess up and make a lot of sh*tty clothing before you are going to be able to produce something good. Just because it looks good in a RUclips video doesn’t mean it’s good quality!!! *coughsheincough* Quality takes time and a lot of patience, there are mock-ups involved, tracing, basting, etc but the end product is something that can be worn for a long long time. I hope to see more RUclipsrs moving in the way of really filming the process so that others can learn what techniques actually make a good garment. Thanks for the video!
Thank you for such a thoughtful comment, Rosalie! I'm definitely relatively new to the sewing community so it's wonderful to hear from those who are lifelong sewists and have seen all the trends
Oh my goodness!" there are mock-ups involved, tracing, basting," Finlay, some one mentioning all the steps! I sometimes wonder: if it the fabric was harder to come by or more expensive, If people would plan more before they start a project?
@@theseamstressatthecottage Definitely, when resources are scarce you are more intentional with what you have. But that's the case with everything. If clothes and fabric were more expensive we would care for them better, in theory.
My bottom line is quality vs quantity. Some makes are quick and some makes take time. Overall whatever I’m making it must have quality, which makes me slow down on purchasing since I can only make one item at a time. But don’t get me wrong I will pick up things when there’s a good sale 😂🤣😂 Nevertheless there’s something extra special when a handmade item is a quality made item.
I'm 70 and got all caught up in the vids of people making 5 garments in a week. I even stopped making because I felt old and slow. Then I realized it's the PLANNING I enjoy. I take weeks, get all my patterns out, sort through fabric, etc. I like executing well. Not working when I'm tired. I'd rather see a 15 minute video than a 30 min video. I like the maker to analyze the whole project. That's when I learn the most. You go for it.
I relate to this! I love the planning part - sorting through ideas, letting everything swirl around in my head about colors I'm putting together, techniques I want to try. And then getting to slowly make it - step by step. It's so much of the fun for me.
Love that! Planning is my favourite too
Thanks for sharing this I felt the same because I did not finish a dress in one day!.
Great explanation ! I too enjoy the planning . I want my sewing to be my hobby NOT a competition, production does NOT validate how good I am nor does make me a better sewist ! Enjoying my hobby , the whole process , deciding how much time to dedicate to it is most important to me .
I'm with you Donna! My favorite part is planning too. So much so that sometimes I don't finish my projects once I've gotten to a point where I know my planning was done correctly! Knowing that I got it right is the end of the project not a finished garment hahaha.
I was on a lengthy stay in hospital following surgery when I discovered sewing on RUclips - 'fast sewing', 5 T-shirts by lunch. Watching these videos stressed my to the point of tears. A little later I found videos on 'slow sew', perhaps more challenging patterns. Oh, how I enjoyed those, I watched them over and over with real enjoyment and calm. Now a pattern has to earn my time, the cost of the fabric and, most important, its place in my wardrobe.
Thank you for your thought-provoking videos.🌷
I love the idea of a pattern earning your time, cost of fabric, and place!
Videos like those make me feel stressed and make me ignore the need I have to create, because I feel like I can't do it like that. But once I get out my needle and thread and start mending or sewing something slowly and by hand, I can forget everything. Slow sewing is an artful form of therapy for me and it is a shame it is being discouraged by these 'quick sewing' trends
After years of sewing for others and doing alterations at a shop, I retired right before the pandemic hit. I have been slowly decluttering my house. When I got to my tiny sewing room 2 months ago, I realized that I have enough fabric for 3 or 4 capsule wardrobes. I've only made one garment and altered 2 more. Finding the right patterns, buttons, thread, or elastic takes time. Ironically, my first garment was made from a pattern I've had since 1975. I'm in fashion again. Lol. I'm really enjoying taking my time and having no deadline.
I couldn't agree more.
I love thrift flips but I get frustrated watching this type of content because creators try to pump out 2, 3, 4, 5 items for the one video, sometimes weekly, and the result is usually disappointing because it wasn't done carefully. It looks good enough for the video, maybe for wearing once or twice, but that's it, and that really reminds me of super fast fashion.
It's disappointing because the intention is good and it's exciting to see people getting into sewing and so on
Yes yes yes! Not to mention all the fabric hauls, unnecessary tools and storage (to accommodate mindlessly bought items). It all just makes me feel a bit dizzy. Don't get me wrong, I have some fabric and sewing tools on the way myself so maybe I can't say anything haha. I think we all just need this message and to remember to be deliberate.
Oh yes! The lovely fabric hauls! There was one maker that I used to follow and she would buy fabric for each season, make the things and end up wearing one and discarding all the rest and I found it so waist full! I like your point on being deliberate.
TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU! When I see a 5 min skirt, it looks like a 5 min skirt. Thanks for this video!!!!
I think it depends on the person. For example, I love painting but I cant fathom the thought of painting with mediums that take a long time. It just took away all my motivation. Thats why I chose watercolors. It’s a one sitting art that I can make and finish and feel accomplished. I think that’s what is holding me back from making my own clothes. I am easily disctracted and the thought of making something that will take me a week or a month is extremely overwhelming to me. I have been specifically looking for short-period of time gowns and patterns videos on youtube. I don’t necessarily think “make quick” = “fast fashion”. For beginners it might be the first step for getting out of fast fashion and get an appreciation for garment making. It’s the mid-way point between real fast fashion in the stores to building a sustainable wardrobe and making garments that take more time.
While I think you've got a point, I believe it can be valueable to realize that the reason you're easily distracted may be because you're living fast, often due to social media use and not taking enough time to slow down. When everything around you provides instant gratification it can be extremely difficult to focus on tasks that don't provide immediate reward and require care and intention. While I think a foot in the door is great, I still think it's even more important to do things properly, not because of principle but mostly because it's more meaningful to you. Working on a huge painting should be meditative, not like an overwhelming chore, so if the thought of that intimidates you, you could always try easing into it. Maybe paint something smaller first, or just remove all these sources of instant dopamine in your life, because it really helps. Of course there's nothing wrong with painting with watercolors or making artwork, or clothes, that take less time, but I think it's better to learn to appreciate the process and to slow down than to take shortcuts. :)
I think choosing smaller-scale projects is different than deliberately working quickly through project after project to finish and get that instant gratification. I mention in the video that I find it super helpful to do smaller, "palette cleanser" projects in between big projects. I'm talking more about overconsumption and overproduction than I am about project size and preference.
@@Hugo-mh1pe Well said! When I sewed a pattern as a Mother’s Day gift for my mom this year, there were a couple of steps that offered either a “neat/tidy” technique (that took more time but is assembled with more care/quality) or a “quick” technique that focused on more basic techniques to get the job done in a way that focused more on speed rather than care/quality… I thought it was so sad that the pattern designer felt the need to include a “quick” technique just to appease people who would rather sacrifice quality in order to get to the final result faster… And the crazy thing is, I’m a beginner sewist, and I felt like the “neat/tidy” technique didn’t take long at all! And it was such an interesting, creative technique too- it taught me things I had never done/seen before!
@@Hugo-mh1pe I think it definitely depends on the person. While that is a good point, some people have ADHD, autism, etc. Ever since I was little I've always been turned off by long projects. For me at least, it has nothing to do with a fast paced society.
@Hugo, that is a really ableist response.
RUclips recommended this video and am so glad it did. I have a 9 month old and been trying to sew a dress for 3 weeks now and was feeling discouraged because of the stop start. But this has reminded me that it’s the process of making that I fell in love it in the first place and not the speed. So thank you for bringing me back to base xx I can surely enjoy making without feeling the need to finish fast.
I have a one year old. But I started sewing a 1960s style mod dress when she was around 6 months old. I finished the dress in March of this year when she was around 11 months old. 5 months of sewing a mini dress😜
But the thing is, I did bias binding, bust and waist darts on every piece such as of lining and main fabric, invisible zipper , french seams, mock neck. It was definitely a learning process.
Love this. Agree with you. Have often felt there was not enough actual making process in vids on YT. So I'd watch that!
I also often do projects slow, and feel like I want them to last forever because i love working on them so much, like a good book i don't want to end.
I like to watch other makers while I make so I actually usually skip haul videos, I'm not interested and you did a FANTASTIC job putting words to why they never clicked for me. I like process videos because it makes me feel like I'm learning while I'm making. Even if I'm not paying 100% attention to what I'm watching little tips and tricks stick in my mind and help me on future projects.
As a man who wants to make as much of his own wardrobe as possible, both for economic and ecological reasons, thank you.
The stress of making things quickly overtook the enjoyment of slowly, carefuly crafting a new garment, and resulted in semi-trendy clothes that I shove to the back of the closet. It also results in my mending pile taking over a corner of the room, and the nice woolens and linens I've invested in being dumped in a chair, ignored for when I "get better", which will only happen when I slow down.
Thank you
Yes. I have felt the exact same way regarding seeing so many people pumping out so many new clothes. So counterintuitive to slowing down fashion
Being a maker, for me, comes into its own when I look at sweaters still in my wardrobe that I made more than 30 years ago that have stood the test of time. I still love them, wear them a few times in a winter, repair them, store them carefully away. I haven't had anything that I have sewn that's lasted as long but I tend to keep and rotate things, making something new to bring out a new facet in an item as it starts to look older - such as a new vibrantly patterned shirt to go with aging trousers. One thing I think is really important is to always make to the highest quality that I can (all my seams are French or bound) even if I'm using relatively cheap or thrifted fabric - over time that makes such a difference. And I'm quite happy with changing pockets or collars if I no longer like what I originally made.
I love this perspective Megan, thank you for sharing!
One thing, though I see your point about the feeling of consumerism vs slow makerism, I think it's important not to conflate the term "fast fashion" with making things quickly. There's so much about fast fashion that is important to talk about that's specific to it, like the labor and human rights particularly come to mind. I don't have a full understanding of all the issues involved so I don't feel qualified to speak on them, this is just my observation. (Enjoying your videos, btw.)
Absolutely -- and I do mention this in the video as well! It's not to conflate, but to compare! Thank you for your comment and joining the discussion :)
One problem with this style of sewing is that alot of people will cut costs through using cheaper fabric. Cheaper fabric means the people farming the raw materials likely aren't getting a fair amount of pay. some places near me, UK, can sell a meter of viscose for £4, that's basically nothing. The slower the sewing the more chance your fabric is actually priced fairly.
@@janspence6010 what do you mean? I dont see why fast sewing can only be done with cheap fabric, surely you can also sew fast with expensive fabric? Your comment did remind me though that with fast sewing, people often opt for a larger stitch, because its faster, but a larger stitch is also less secure and more likely to fall apart after a few washes. These kind of short cuts can really reduce the quality of a garment.
@@The.fantasybug I would think that people would be more apt to sew carefully, and thus more slowly, when working with expensive fabric, as just cutting wrong could cost you $30 easily if you're working with prime materials. And, as you pointed out, fast stitching in order to make pieces come together makes for a lack of quality in a garment, and could ruin the positive aspects of working with pricey and high quality fabrics.
@@gwenndolyncampbell1560 you got a point there 😁
This really resonated with me. I am making my first garment, which is a pair of pyjama trousers from an old duvet cover. I thought I would keep it cheap as it is my first attempt at making something to wear. I have taken my time with each step and enjoyed it far more. Plus, so far, I haven't made any mistakes. It is very easy to get caught up in quantity = productivity and forget all about the satisfaction of being engrossed in doing something and enjoying the process itself.
I would really enjoy it if you did a video on how you did a certain process in sewing or knitting. As a complete beginner, I would find that very helpful.
Agree 100%. I suppose it's worth remembering that while it's great to see sewing videos and learn, many of the Vlogers are sponsored by fabric retailers pushing us to consume their products- that absolutely is fast fashion just dressed up more creatively.
Thank you for posting this! So important to slow down, enjoy the process, and understand your why. Exactly what I hope to inspire with my fabric shop.
This is a big encouragement! Thank you for sharing this video. I'm a quick knitter because I'm an impatient person, however finishing a garment takes so much time! I get frustrated quite easily coz I cannot see the achievement in a short time, but that's how knitting taught me to be more patient and tranquil. It changed my life for everything.
Thanks for this. I think it's a really important discussion, often overlooked by makers and crafters. We are still consumers!
I love being creative and also care about sustainability so I often make things (toys, bags, simple clothes) instead of buying them. But reading craft blogs or watching videos for ideas I often feel quite sick with the level of consumption and no one questioning the materials involved or the amount of clothes etc you need in your life. I too don't want to shame anyone but it's great to see someone raising awareness about what we are doing and why.
"Then we're not Makers, we're consumers" was an sightful and powerful statement. I admire your straight honesty, self reflection, and self awareness. Aside from the wonderful Makes you create, of course, this is the type of thing that sets your content apart. You take it to the next level.
FWIW I personally love seeing the process, including the fudge ups (bc that's where we learn)! I think YTers Bernadette Banner, Cathy Hay and Nicole Rudoph do a great job of making the process itself the content. And so many of us are all for it! I'd love to see your works in progress and watch how the projects develop or get derailed before the reveal. I also think it's fascinating to see other people's creative process - how they spark an idea, how they approach that idea. There's so much opportunity for content there too.
I think I've said it before, but your content is a balm during the dumpster fire that is the world right now. Thank you, it's much needed 🙂
I like the process of thinking the pattern, buying the fabric, cutting and preparing, but I recognize once I start sewing I want it now, so I have to learn to enjoy the whole process
Super interesting topic! I wish social media wouldn't influence me as much as it does - I feel bad when I don't read fast enough or as many books as some creators, when I only manage to sew 5 pieces in a year or a simple shirt takes me 20h to make (distributed over several weeks) or when I don't have any energy to create... But taking things slow and only making what I truly need and enjoy is so much better for my mental health :) Thanks for this conversation, Cassie!
Social media influences all of us to an extent -- I think it's really about stepping back and understanding when that influence isn't serving us!
I love this conversation! While watching this video I am crocheting a top that I have been working on for 4 weeks. Yes it's taking a while, but if you love the making process it doesn't matter how long it takes to make. It's about the journey with making. Not the destination 🥰
I think it would be very cool if you made a video about your abandonded/unfinished projects, especially if you have advice about how to choose projects that you can/will finish. Or any other thing you've learnt from those projects.
That’s a great idea!
This happens to me frequently with knitting...I often just unravel the entire project.
wow I love this topic! as someone who only started sewing last year and as a student on a no-money-for-sewing budget, I've really loved the sort of space I've found on instagram/youtube of makers sharing really unique pieces (color-blocking, sewing techniques, specific dyes or fabrics I hadn't heard of). I also find it really hard sometimes to go through tags of patterns I want to make, because it seems like everyone has so much money for fabric - and that's a type of consumption, too!
my absolute favorite makers that I've found so far have been those who have done exactly what you mention - document the process! (your video taking about the bisque trousers is the one that put me on to you!), and especially when people are more transparent about how many hours go into making something, listing the cost of that labor if they paid themselves a fair wage in the city they're living in(this is a whole separate topic that i'm sure people feel for or against), where they picked up fabric or materials (scraps, a bedsheet, a family heirloom, an online order), I feel like I'm back at what initially attracted me to sewing - individual thriftiness/inventiveness/making. the sort of thing that made me realize it was possible for me!
loved this, love everything you make and put out! - thank you for starting the conversation :)
OMG YES! I think constantly about that. It gives a bit of anxiety cuz i think about making sewing vids but it is not feasable for me, financially and timely, and also: where do you store all of that clothes??? i have very limited space in my wardrobe, i cannot follow this trend of making 5 clothes in one vid cuz at the end of the month i would not have space anymore so i cant sew anympore clothes (without getting rid of some of it) and i dont know about y'all but i really love wearing my clothes for a long time. It sads me that now every profession became entertaining shows. I like to watch throughout vid that teaches me and explains me process, techniques, vids that i reallt learn and not just entertains me. I fell like everyting is becoming a void.
its nice that people still want information over entertainment....i made a 30 minute video a few months ago on my other channel (not a sewing video) and one of my friends says "it's great....very informative....but can you get it down to 5 minutes?" lol. This is another creative person making this request---a painter! and you know how much painters hate being rushed....so what gives? I'm not rushing a damn thing anymore!!
The algorithm really nailed this one, I needed to be reminded of this. Thank you so much!
I just came across your channel and your videos make me feel so calm! I love how you explain your thinking and I totally agree. Your vibe is so calming and slow in a really good way :)) Thank you for reminding me that the process is why we're doing stuff in the first place!
Aw that's so nice to hear, thank you for your comment!
Kudos to you Cassie for having this eye-opening and very honest conversation. I have also thought the same thing; but now I also think people are like, "look what I can do- make 5 somethings in a day." "YAY", but I have never been one to aspire to that. I made my own clothes from the age of 14yrs age in 1972 ( I am 64) out of the fact that it was cheaper and I was being taught the skill, and because I just loved it, and still do.
I had a huge hiatus when I didnt sew for years due to fast fashion clothes being cheaper then making them, and I couldnt afford to buy the makings. But of course out of that I have learned to value less is more, make for necessity, make to fill the gaps in my wardrobe and because I can, but mostly my friends and colleagues love what I make and complemented accordingly. I made my clothes at a measured speed due to not wanting to make a mistake and waste money. I have returned to sewing and am patiently documenting through drawing and Pinterest and RUclips videos just like yours of how to plan a wardrobe so I can enjoy sewing into the future, and ALSO here's to Self expression and uniqueness..
So glad someone said this! I feel similarly about all the patterns that come out and the hype about the latest indie designs
Your comments resonate with my current thinking. I am a newbie sewist and I have to remember to slow down, enjoy the process and the learning. It’s easy to get carried away with all the patterns and inspiring makes! I also try to be mindful about my fabric / thrifts purchases, sewing is a hobby that is sometimes hard to reconcile with the more sustainable and minimalist lifestyle I have been aspiring to in the last few years. There are just a finite number of hours in a day/week/year to create and use that material. Some of the hauls videos just gave me anxiety haha. There are a lot of beautiful things in the world and it’s ok to leave it on the shelf for someone else to find. I try to focus on a few projects that bring me joy.
That’s a really great way to put it! Thank you for sharing
Great video! It takes me a week to make even a simple garment, day one I’ll deal with the pattern, rest day, day 3 I’ll cut out the fabric, rest day(or more depending on how I’m feeling) then I’ll actually start sewing the garment over 2 or 3 days. I like to enjoy the process, actually concentrate on what I’m doing and do it as well as I possibly can. It’s my chill out time, who needs to add the stress of fast sewing? 🤷♀️
fastest ever for me was 2 days, but it was a very basic nightgown based on an existing dress done over a weekend - typically I have to start with drafting a pattern, and I only sew by hand, and I don't really have any experience and prefer fitted garments, so most things take over a month. The way I've slowed myself down is by not buying patterns or a sewing machine, ha. Otherwise I'd be rushing to finish things just to get the dopamine hit from showing them off. This way I have to be really passionate about something to follow through with it.
@@ariadne0w1 WOW! I just wouldn’t have the patience, or skill to hand sew a garment. When I began sewing again I did find that I was rushing to get everything I made finished as quickly as possible. Now I deliberately slow down and actually enjoy the process, and I don’t always have a project on the go.
Yes I agree. I almost want to only sew for myself. I’m in the learning stage and when I make something I take my time. I want it done right. If I’m making it for someone else they put pressure on me to get it done. I’m learning and having fun. I would love to see a video of someone working on their mending projects that just gets put in the back of the closet.
Same here!
I was thinking exactly the same as I was cleaning out my closet and my re-make and mend pile really started to bulid. Crafting a beautiful garment is such a different process, and I think people forget that.
I will definitely do a mending video!
Leena Norms has some nice "fix these clothes with me" videos.
Teresa on Lost My Thread spent the month of May 2022 altering and fixing clothing in her wardrobe she has made but found she wasn’t wearing anymore. She is very articulate about describing her thought process and making details. She did four or five videos in May. I highly recommend!
I'm so glad I've found you. I love your approach to thinking through things in your making. Since this is the second of your videos that I have watched... I have a feeling that you not only approach your making this way but all facets of your life. I think you are very wise for your years and I am encouraged there are young people living and leading by example such as yourself. You are beautiful inside and out. Thank you for being you!
I definitely think it’s important to focus on intentionality and process when it comes to sewing! 👍🏼👍🏼 If you’re making something just to have social media content, making a pattern just because it’s popular, or some other superficial reason, BUT it isn’t something that truly fits your style/life/climate…then it’s unsustainable and reminiscent of the kind of “consumptive behavior” that’s encouraged by fast fashion. And doing things in a way that is less planned out / intentional can lead to other unthoughtful decisions along the way like choosing convenience and instant gratification over your values by, for example, purchasing unethically made supplies or cheap-quality / unsustainable fabric- when you’d normally stray away from those types of purchases -but you bought them because it was easier/cheaper to get than planning out an intentional purchase and creating a sewing budget. Every time we make something, we are expressing our creativity and being a part of an amazing creative community, but we are also adding an item to our closet/home every time, so we should remind ourselves to always make it a mindful, therapeutic process that is the antithesis of what fast-fashion, capitalism, consumer-culture, and hustle-culture is all about.
Amazing points- excellent topic to think about and reset our focus! ❤️
Thank you for such a thoughtful comment!
💯💯👏👏
I’ve loved this video. I am quite new in the sewing world so the things that I make need a bit more time. I remember I took a month to make a dress, I did make many errors in the way so I had to go back and forth to correct everything. And honestly I was getting demotivated. But then I managed to make a circle skirt in an afternoon and I felt SO happy! Seeing videos of people making these garments in so little time was really frustrating because I knew I ‘wasn’t good enough’ to do so. But then I stumbled upon videos of people that needed many many days to make a really well structured piece of clothing and it brought me so much joy! Although some things are very easy to make this is not the case for the majority of them, especially dresses. So seeing people filming the actual days-weeks-months taking process is really helpful to not fall in the trap of ‘I need to make this in this amount of time’ but instead actually enjoying the process.
I hope I’m understandable, english is not my first language.
You did great!
😊
I think this all depends on the person you are. If you watch a video and feel compelled to be a certain way then you probably should stay away from social media in general. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting to make a shirt quickly especially if you need it quickly you are still a maker, you are a quick maker and that is a skill in itself. What I appreciate in those quick make videos is they are typically tips and techniques for time efficiency. A simple make should not take forever if you have the skill, it may be that you are not time efficient with the processes of sewing or not excited about what you are making. When you are EXCITED 😊 about what you are making you tend to want to make it quickly to wear it and that is natural. You typically already have a whole outfit in mind. I do agree with your point in making it right, making a muslin for fit And finishing correctly for longevity. But as you already pointed out that’s not all of the makes that’s some of the makes.
So overall I think this video is pointing to how social media can make you and others feel (the need to compare instead of taking the good out of the videos and only using that part.) That means work needs to be done with self-validation, And self-esteem really.
Really grateful to hear these reflections and your intentions to look at process and provide perspective of slowing things down. I personally have a small pile of things to mend and upcycle/make them fit and would love to see some mending videos (especially as I’m a novice sewer and would love to see the process!)
I think what’s great about the online community is that there is room for a variety of content, and I really enjoy both content that slows things down, and content that shows that you can sew things quickly/easily (and thereby showing that sewing/knitting is accessible)
I will definitely put a mending video into the pipeline!
Yes!!! I have actually recycled some items because I had no idea how to mend or adjust them. I would love a series on mending and making items you don’t wear more suitable. I wish this was talked about more often!
Thank you for this video! New subbie. May you do "shopping your closet" videos where you style and put together items you have made and 'show' how what you've made fits into your style. I think these types of videos are so important for makers to showcase to love part of the labor of love.
I would love to do a video like this, thank you for the suggestion!
I appreciate your perspective so much and I’m glad you shared it. I often feel like it takes me too long to get projects done and wonder how the people I enjoy watching on RUclips get so much done. Probably at least partly because they’ve been at it for longer than me. I’m still a beginner. It is so nice to hear someone relate and point out alternatives. As you said we do enjoy watching those videos because they are fun and the sewists are personable and fun to watch and often talented at what they do. It’s refreshing though to think about ways to slow things down. I love your ideas about how you might approach the “two hour top”. That’s a great idea!
As a fellow maker and RUclipsr I also found myself falling down the “make it faster make more stuff” rabbit hole. I made a commitment to myself and my viewers last January to slow down and make things more responsibly and thoughtfully. It’s been a challenge in some ways. It mostly it’s been rewarding and provoking in a good way. I do still struggle with the “content” part but I’ve found my viewers tend to watch more consistently when I take the time to really talk through my projects and include info about inspiration about details of the project and fabrics and also when I veer off topic a bit and include other sewing related info like books or designers or Instagram feeds I’ve recently discovered. I think this approach has slowed my acquisition of new subscribers but the ones I have gained really interact with me and I have to remind myself that that is what I’m really going for here. Anyway Cassie thanks for this video I found it really comforting and inspiring to hear another maker and RUclipsr struggling with the same issues.
Ahh. One of my favourite topics and something I totally struggle with. I feel my wardrobe is big enough but I do have a need to be creative and work with my hands. I also know the impact the textile industry has on the environment and we as makers are part of that problem. So, how to balance making with environmental issues, etc. I don’t churn out items (and hate haul, how many items can I sew/knit/make in x hour type videos, etc) and am trying to have the inside of garments look as good as the outside which is one way of slowing down. I really consider how a garment will fit within my wardrobe (need to get at least 3 outfits with things I already own, question how many of the same type of item I need, etc. I mostly thrift fabric and yarn and have found amazing deals (but again just another indication of our over consumption). I’ve started charity knitting and giving away items. The Craft Sessions blog started tackling this topic back in 2016 (stash less series). Anyway, it’s a work in progress
A very good point!
I think you would really support slow fashion if you would be able to show how much work it is to make well made clothing and how you can identify it and care for your clothes.
I am 57 and knitting was one of my favorite hobbies to relax one hour in the evening while watching my favorite tv-show or just knitting as a kind of meditation. If you do it regularly everything will be finished in the end. But you will have to start with your winter-sweater in autumn.
Sawing took a long time because I am a perfectionist, but I enjoyed it, because I liked to make things by hand, to learn and also to save money (no cheap fast fashion at that time).
Take your time and enjoy the process helping your viewers understand and appreciate well- and self-made garments!
Good food for thought, Cassie! Thank you 🙏 🌸🌸🌸
You r do right ! I have cut down watching many videos as they truly stress me out ! I want sewing to be my hobby not a competition with others ! you have some good ideas , go for it !
RUclips flagged me your video and it was really nice to hear. I also enjoy watching those types of videos as entertainment, but the idea stresses me out. It can also make you feel really slow. Due to energy and time it takes me an average of 3 months to sew items, and I keep seeing other projects I want to try.
Very good points Cassie. One point I would like to make is that everyone is all about the latest patterns, the latest fabrics or yarns. And in a way that kind of negates the whole uniqueness of a garment that most of us makers is looking for and possibly one of the reasons we got in to making in the first place. If everyone is wearing the latest design in the latest fabric then we are sort of back to blindly following the high street trends like sheep 🐑 😀.
You hit the nail on the head. Love this!
I have been feeling this way as well, as I have been seeing all those same videos recommended to me. I also think there is a place for those quick sees, as I am just a beginner with two young children and those allow me to fit my sewing more easily into my free time. But I don’t think there should ever be a need to sew your entire seasons’ wardrobe in 4 days. That very much feels like fast fashion to me too!
I’m 65. I’ve determined that I’m a slow sewer and I’m okay with that. I kept seeing those same video and felt as if I was failing. Then I decided this isn’t my job, it is my joy. Slow I go!
This is really an interesting topic. Yours is one of the very few sewing videos I have watched in recent years. It comes down to entertainment vs. useful productivity. I am the french seam, flat felled, pad stitched sort of sewer and I find very little sewing content that appeals to me. I look for entertainment, but leaning towards the learning end of the spectrum. That said, I once came home from work at 5 and made from scratch a skirt and top to wear to a dinner that evening. Knit, of course, but sans serger. I did wear those items for several years, so not technically fast fashion:)
This is so interesting. I never really though about it like that before but actually makes a lot of sense. I often see people on Instagram showing the large amount of fabrics they have brought, And that they sew up an item the next day. Also I think a lot of patterns often adhere to ‘trend’ items. I personally love the puffy sleeves trend but I acknowledge that in my day to day life this probably isn’t the kind of thing I want to wear. I like to be comfortable but stylish. I often like a minimal look but with clothes that look and feel good quality. Not a bright pink dress with puffy sleeves, because realistically it doesn’t fit with my life.
setting arbitrary time limits on personal projects helps me avoid analysis paralysis. it has also amped my skills enormously. it's just like people who train for marathons wearing backpacks or whatever. by adding that unnecessary difficulty, I perform much better when the self-imposed difficulty is absent.
I would love to see more videos of people altering their wardrobe instead of completely remaking items that they have bought to turn into something new. Personally I much prefer making a ‘quick’ alteration to a well loved item in my wardrobe so it works for me now than totally remaking something. I think it adds to the instant gratification you mentioned as it usually takes less than a day, but also helps combat waste and helps hone the basics
I definitely have a video idea planned for something like this
Having just spent a ridiculous amount of time on making a bikini (and I'm not even done...) I am definitely in the corner of "it always takes longer than you think it will" :-)
But that's OK with me. I mostly sew simply A-line dresses (1960s style) that theoretically are super easy and fast to make, but you can be sure that I will add a fancy collar or some other detail that makes each dress unique, and often I do it without a pattern but just improvise - which again takes more time. My goal is never to be quick, because rushing only leads to mistakes, and then it takes even longer to fix those.
Just yesterday i finally finished a dress I've started making before Christmas. Make a dress in six months challenge for me... (Yeah and I still need to handsew the inside finish so...)
and u can be damn proud of yourself!!
Totally agree with all of this, but another angle to this that I don't see talked about is that the only reason why ill fitted garments made in a rush and with no care are considered "good" content and good looking is becase the youtubers making them are petite and thin. At the end of the day it doesn't matter if what they sewed was any good or if it was mindful at all, any scrap of fabric on a thin body is considered fashionable and the youtuber got the content they needed to pump out.
EXACTLY omg! I think this all the time! For me making something isn't just picking up a pattern and fabric and sew easy peasy it's super hard to make things fit, the patternmaking and toile process can take weeks on its own and to see that all successful sewing youtubers can wip any pattern up in two seconds because their bodies are thin is crazy to me I feel like i live in another dimension. It makes it impossible for curvy sewists to follow hence why there are barely any on youtube... I wish it was addressed more!
This is a really important part of the conversation! Thank you for adding this
@@LS-vq2or I feel you! and I'm not even going into the lack of availability of plus sizes in commercial patterns, which is also an advantage when making content. But the fact that their bodies on itself are considered fashionable means whatever they make, however poorly sewn and constructed, will be received as "good". I've noticed that a lot, if you pay attention to the final product it always has fitting issues and are generally unfinished.
This is true in so many areas - sewing, embroidery, thrifting, knitting, crocheting, up cycling, etc. let’s see the process! I just started embroidering and I’m thinking on how I can update my existing clothing so I won’t just embroidering stuff I won’t use or wear
This resonated with me biiiig time.. especially because I started a RUclips and I feel guilty if I don't have new things to show. But the pressure completely takes away the joy of enjoying the process. I definitely need to start relishing the slowness of making and remember it's not about quantity. It's about the pleasure of making and wearing it. Thank you ☺️
Sewing has always been my instant gratification hobby, even now that I've been playing around with finishing options with the goal of higher quality garments. Which is why I've now been mostly sewing baby and kids clothes for my nibblings. They outgrow clothes anyway. For me, spinning yarn and knitting will always be my real loves when it comes to slowing down and enjoying the process. And year after year, I wear and find new outfit combos for my lace shawls. Lace shawls have never been *in style* in my lifetime so I have the luxury to never feeling they've gone *out of style* haha
I love to take my time and make it exactly as I want it. Making loads of clothes is not for me. I want it to be enjoyable, great to wear, yet fun to make. I watch the videos but I still go nice and easy.
I am really not interested in those types of videos you mentioned at the beginning because it just seems like “influencer” culture, which is something I’ve wanted to escape with the sewing community. Its so based on capitalism and making things should be so much more than that! I love this idea and I’ve been adopting it as well, trying to really take my time by making toiles and getting into hand sewing finishes. With things like TikTok and reels people want stuff fast and I was trapped in watching TikTok’s before, I just want to get way away from it!
Great topic and reminders. As a new creator and newish sewist I have found myself asking “what’s the motivation here?” Is it the thrill of the make or to push content out or something else? I am looking to go deeper in my journey and not fly through it. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for this! I needed to hear this before I fall into the trap of pumping out garments rapidly like fast fashion! I have a slow fashion handmade/upcycle brand and I release new pieces every other Thursday. If I hadn't have come across this video, I could totally see myself eventually focussing on the wrong things like how many garments can I pump out in a week! Thank you so much for the reminder to take it slow and enjoy the process😊
My rule lately is that if I want that instant gratification I make a pair of socks! They come together so quickly, I can try a new pattern with very little investment since it's just the one skein of yarn, and they're so satisfying to make. And my husband is in perpetual need of socks so they're always practical!
Love your perspective and I couldn't agree more. After becoming familiar and comfortable with the basics of sewing I'm now learning more about fitting/adjustments. This involved becoming #teamtrace (who would have thought!!) and making toiles. My sewing has become slower and I sometimes get fomo when I see other people's consistent makes when I would not find the time to sew. Whilst sewing is my hobby I also find it so relaxing so why stress myself out when scheduling it in. It also connects me to my (great)grandparents and I remind myself that they would be proud of me for slowing down, valuing my clothes, being mindful of ressources and producing fewer but higher quality garments. This is what I'm working on.
Thank you for saying this!
Such a good video with tons of healthy advice, thank you so much.
imo theres no way a single home seamstress can begin to match the amount of harm fast fashion causes during the creation of a single item, even if she sews really really fast and throws away a lot of what she makes. Of course, there are always ways to create a longer lasting item, but that is a vague goalpost ... things can always be improved to be more efficient...?
If we're worried about textile waste, I think its more important to get people into creating their own wardrobes and items than criticizing the ppl who are already doing it. I like your points as they relate to you: its very obvious you have a process and style of work that works for you. I just dont think they make sense as an ecological argument; an "I make 5 dresses in 24 hours" video does not cause harm the same as a SHEIN haul video does.
A rough metaphor for what i'm trying to say is, it feels like you're criticizing vegetarians for not being vegans, when there's more change to be had if we focus on getting meat eaters to become vegetarians.
Couldn't agree more!
Cass specifically mentioned at one point that fast sewing cant be directly compared bc of the labor and environmental problems that result from fast fashion. I think it's clear she's saying the fast fashion mindset of consuming in large quantities seems to be present in fast sewing.
I love this. I don't make many videos of sewing projects because how many things do I really need? How much fabric do I need to buy? I'd rather make one video a year of something that's well made and loved. That being said, "easy" "fast" projects for me are more about being excited to get something done and also simplifying the process and make it more accessible. One the concept is simplified it's easy to spend more time on it refining and adding details.
Such an important video! I hope it will reach many others
I totally agree. Whilst a quick make is not 'fast fashion' per se, it's driven by the same consumption demand of I want it now, now now. I dropped my sewing youtube channel for the reasons you mention. I wanted to make things for me, slowly and with care and not necessarily the latest in vogue pattern, for a monthly 'round up' or a 'look at all the things I made in just a month'.
If you're feeling uninspired walk away and do something else. You don't HAVE to be making. It's perfectly OK NOT to be making for a while :)
Thank you. This is a feeling I have been having lately. I sew to have things that I cannot get elsewhere, be it style, color or fit. To have the nice finishing details. Watching someone make 6 garments in 24 hours is hard for my brain.
But…they also don’t include the planning in that time.
Great reflection. Thanks.
Since I shifted my focus from creating Instagram content to just making, I've noticed I have prioritized my makes differently. I don't feel obliged to share absolutely everything I make anymore because it was making the sewing process miserable. Now most things I make I wear every day so they never get photographed because they're always in the wash. For my needs and likes, the garments I make most of are loungewear type dresses because of my sensory needs and also the fact I'm at home most of the time. And so it isn't the most exciting thing to share. But packing for a holiday recently I realised almost everything I packed was made by me and the things that weren't were thrifted or second hand and that was a really gratifying feeling 😊 now it's more noticeable to me when I am wearing something not made by myself 😅
I enjoy watching the videos. I only make the things that I need. This summer I am making a few pairs of pants. I also am going to make a long dress for the the summer. I take my time when I sew. I want the garments to last. I make sure my seams are finished properly. I do a lot of pressing. I use a tailor's ham, seam roll and clapper. I enjoy watching videos wear I ca learn a technique. I May 2022 I saw a video on how to install an invisible zipper. I enjoy watching Evelyn Wood's videos because I learn a lot.
I also mend clothes that need it. I am going to be making some aprons out of old jeans and also from a dress. I am also am going to go through my scrap fabric to color block some skirts. I am on a fixed income, so I have to watch how I spend my money. Also fabric is not cheap.
Felt this too! I started off trying to make 3 to 4 pieces a month and ended up not really liking any of them. And having to rework or reuse any fabric I could salvage from them. Now i really think about what I'm going to make and If I'd actually get wear out of these pieces.
I agree with you, I used to be like that, to think that I should get rid of my fabrics faster and make a bunch of clothes, but it takes away the beauty and the pleasure of making things. I make 1 or 2 pieces of clothing per month and I'm ok with that. I don't buy clothes every month, only for my birthday and usually things I can't make at home.
Great video! For me the things i want to wear take time and that's just the way it is. I had a long break from sewing this year while i was studying and when i picked it back up i wanted a speedy project to just make something. So i made a dress in a day. But when i put it on, all i thought was 'man this fabric would look great as a button up shirt!' On the plus side, that project did get me sewing again and i made a shirt next, but it took me 2 weeks to finish. Which is fine! I could fill my wardrobe with one-day dresses but they won't get worn and won't make me as happy as that 2 week button up shirt.
Uhhhh chica!
Now that I have THREE roscoe blouses I am asking myself, do I need more??? I am happy to see others talking about using the patterns they already have. One said she had 1000 patterns. I am hoping to try to just use the ones I have and the fabric I have. It is challenging as we get a dopamine hit from purchases.
I used to feel self-conscious because I love to sew but it usually takes me a month to make something that the average person might do in an evening. Mostly it's because I am re-drawing and modifying patterns and I get distracted by other projects. Whenever I get the urge to sew I feel like I have to "strike while the iron is hot" because in a week I'll completely lose interest.
I only sew by hand. I know people with sewing machines, I could learn, I just really don't want to. I feel like sewing by hand is the only way to keep my production down to a reasonable amount of clothing. Even with that, since I started sewing in November, I've made an evening gown, a fun/flirty semi-formal dress, a casual summer dress, and a nightgown. (all self-patterned, mostly reused fabrics). I also knit, crochet, embroider, make jewelry, etc. I can't imagine how many pointless things I would make if I was using a machine - this way, I have to feel really passionate about a project to follow through with it.
I've been feeling this but never articulated it
I haven't even watched the video yet, but thought you might be amused to know that upon reading in the thumbnail, "I tried to knit a sweater in 24 hours," the sound I made was...unpleasant.
Okay, now that I've actually watched...instant gratification is an extremely good point I hadn't considered. I think it was Stephanie Pearl McPhee who introduced me to the concept of process vs product makers: process makers make to make, enjoying the process itself, while product makers make to have the thing they made. I've always identified with the latter, with a very short attention span (and very little money), I have never knitted a sweater! My knits are all fingerless gloves and shawlettes and scarves, my bigger fibercrafts are almost always crochet because it's faster. And even then, the longest and most involved project I ever did was a C2C afghan. I make because I want handmade but can't afford handmade labor costs, so I'll "save" money with my own labor costs, lol.
In regards to making each step of the process its own content moment to show how long garments actually take.....I think that is a PHENOMINAL idea!!!! Its a win all the way around in terms of promoting and normalizing "slow fashion" over fast fashion. 1.) The other makers in the audience will certainly enjoy feeling out in the making. 2.) The non makers will get involved and pulled into and connected with the process and will gain an understanding of and appreciation for how long garments actually take and 3.) It will create a more steady and engaged audience of return followers, which helps you as a content maker grow. perfect example......Cathy Hay here on youtube is currently making a replica of a famous embroidered purple velvet coat. She is releasing one video per month and is about 3-4 months in and still hasnt cut the pieces in the final velvet. Example 2 is Bella Mae designs here on youtube and her very in depth series of videos both for Christine's ballgown from Phantom of the opera and Cinderellas ballgown from the live action remake. Love the ideas in this video.
Thanks for sharing! This is great insight :)
The thing about those videos though, is that every item they say usually I would do X here, but I don't have time do I'm going to do Y.
So yeah, they made a lot of stuff, but not up to their normal standard.
I want to start sewing, but I want to take my time with that process because it is unrealistic to pump out whole collections in only one week. I applaud everyone who has work ethics and skills to do so, but it just doesn't fit with the reasons I want to sew in the first place, and that is to lower my consuption of fashion...
I actually hate watching people rush through projects to a deadline, because they have to compromise or accept a poir finish and it's disappointing as a viewer. As someone with ADHD time management is a struggle for me and I will take months to finish something without discipline, so making a work routine and keeping steady progress is best for me. Rushing is never worth it.
love this!
Totally agree - would rather mindfully create and enjoy it than rush :) for myself at least
I think it depends. Some people sew and mend for the whole family/ relatives while working a full time job and the rest of life.
There is a beauty in allowing creative juices and choosing the proper pattern for the right fabric I take a bit of time for that then a day for cutting and marking then I take about 3 - 4 days to sew and when project is done I hang on my door and admire it for about 2weeks ... like a great cooking dish taste better when it’s slow cooking ....
Great thoughts. I wonder about these sewists that make several garments a month. What do they do with all these clothes?
Now that I get the idea of a capsule wardrobe, most of my clothes go together. I need less and that's the idea, right?
Many, if not most people who sew in many parts of the world, including where I live, are not sewing for fun or meditation. Sewing is still a way that people get nicer clothes for work, religious events, important milestones etc. Also many people have to sew all their own clothes because the market doesn't cater to them. They need some blouses for work or some clothes for the kids so those videos give them tips and inspiration.
Although I appreciate the fact that it can be art I consider sewing a skill and not an art form. I don't see myself as a "maker" because I know how to clothe myself and others. I see myself as a person who knows how to make beautiful high-necked tops that are still breathable for my mom to cover the port in her neck with dignity, shirts that my dad can still get into as Parkinson's steals his mobility, clothes for every occasion as a fat woman, cheaper special occasion clothes for myself and kids. I cannot be slow or contemplative. I need fast and efficient. These videos give me that. Also these videos can show young people there is another way to get trendy clothing with less exploitation and that fit better. Win-win in my book.
What is the difference between telling people to go fast versus telling people to go slow?
I’m not telling anyone to do anything, rather, starting a conversation on how we can be mindful in our making practice!
Sometimes the RUclips algorithm hits the nail on the head. 😂 I’ve never watched your channel before but I was just thinking about this subject last week. I’m a professional seamstress and I’ve been sewing my whole life. It’s always kind of been like this, think early Pinterest days with those awful DIY tshirt upcycles and “5 min” sewing tutorials. I think most people don’t understand the process and they think homemade = good clothes when in reality a lot of clothes that we see people making (think Micarah Tewers tutorials, TikTok fashion designers, etc) are no better quality than fast fashion, are made with cheap fabrics, and won’t last more than a few wears. That being said, I have a lot of patience for those people because that’s how you learn! You have to mess up and make a lot of sh*tty clothing before you are going to be able to produce something good. Just because it looks good in a RUclips video doesn’t mean it’s good quality!!! *coughsheincough* Quality takes time and a lot of patience, there are mock-ups involved, tracing, basting, etc but the end product is something that can be worn for a long long time. I hope to see more RUclipsrs moving in the way of really filming the process so that others can learn what techniques actually make a good garment. Thanks for the video!
Thank you for such a thoughtful comment, Rosalie! I'm definitely relatively new to the sewing community so it's wonderful to hear from those who are lifelong sewists and have seen all the trends
Oh my goodness!" there are mock-ups involved, tracing, basting," Finlay, some one mentioning all the steps! I sometimes wonder: if it the fabric was harder to come by or more expensive, If people would plan more before they start a project?
@@theseamstressatthecottage Definitely, when resources are scarce you are more intentional with what you have. But that's the case with everything. If clothes and fabric were more expensive we would care for them better, in theory.
My bottom line is quality vs quantity. Some makes are quick and some makes take time. Overall whatever I’m making it must have quality, which makes me slow down on purchasing since I can only make one item at a time. But don’t get me wrong I will pick up things when there’s a good sale 😂🤣😂 Nevertheless there’s something extra special when a handmade item is a quality made item.