WHAT ARE GOOD REFASHION PROJECTS FOR BEGINNER SEWERS? Or a more advanced sewer? A few tips to help!
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- Опубликовано: 11 окт 2024
- If you're a sewing beginner, or maybe have some sewing experience but are new to refashioning and upcycling clothes... you know it's hard! Let's break it down into 3 levels so you can know what is a good refashion project for your sewing skill level!
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I hope you enjoyed this one! Leave me a comment and me know what level of refashion you think you're at, or want to be!
Love your vid.💖
You always make it look easy.
It is fairly easy to scope fabric out of some clothes, but making a new garment out of an old one, is harder than it sounds.
I went straight to level 3 without much more than some level 1 experience when I made my wedding dress. It was SO HARD, but I'm still soooo proud of the result. :)
This is such a great idea for a video! I changed the buttons on a shirt and felt like I understood some deep secret of the universe 😄 I'm definitely at the level 1 phase. I've only messed up 2 articles of clothing so far 😋
Ha ha 😂 I do like the way you said this! It is simple changes that can make all the difference, and can be the gateway drug into more!! 😀
I've been in fashion industry for almost 10 years, I usually making dress, gown from scratch, from design, pattern making to sewing. But I find refashion quite difficult for me, so this video give me insight to start refashioning my old clothes by taking this step by step level, thank you evelyn, stay safe and healthy 😊❤️
Thanks for watching! And your right, refashioning requires a different way of thinking than making from scratch. I'm excited for your refashion endeavours! ❤
Now it all makes sense: I'm a beginner at sewing but actually trying the highest level of refashions.. Now I understand why I takes forever finish to sewing and find it hard/terrifying to actually work on my projects. I'm doing things way-way above my skills level. But, you know, I managed so far. I always thought refashioning clothes was more easy, you can say I learned a lot from this video. A lot.
😄 I'm so glad you found it useful!! And now I'm sure you'll have better success at your next refashion!
I’m in exactly the same spot. It takes me four days to take up the waist and legs of a pair of jeans, but as you said, I’ve done it. I admit that figuring it out is my favorite part, but yes, sometimes I want to burn my machine.
I love your videos because instead of the basic “here’s how I made this one thing” you teach us the reasoning and beginner tips so we can create more than that one thing and learn to make whatever we want ❤️
😍 Yes!! This is exactly what I want you to learn, the understanding of it all, so you can create not just copy! Happy sewing!! ❤
how wonderful to hear an adult addressing this topic. i've gone through several teeny-bopper videos and was almost ready to quit. Thank you for such clear direction and insights.
Two level 1 projects I've recently done: 1) shorten spaghetti straps in a tank top (I'm quite short and those are always too long for me) 2) change a neckline in a t-shirt - from a really tight crew to a V (really useful to us nerds with boobs, because all those cool print tees with game & sci-fi shows references usually come in unisex style). I've also tried to alter a dress, but since it was made of knitted fabric the project turned out to be level 9000 :D The dress may be ruined, but I'm planning to use it as an experiment lab for learning how to work with jersey. It's all about challenging oneself a bit with every project!
Just made my first apron (kitchen/utility), out of a painters drop-cloth (canvas). Came out very nice! Your advice likely saved my machine. haha. I had not opened the new drop-cloth, so I gave a few yards a wash and learned to cut my first pattern and evenly place my seams. It was a great re-purposing of the drop-cloth and a great project to get my feet wet in sewing to fit the human form! Thank you for all the great advice and wisdom you have gleaned from your adventures in sewing and dress-making.
Hi Evelyn, First off, I highly recommend your Vintage Sewing School. You're such a great teacher that I feel comfortable trying some of the level 3 refashioning skills even though I'm at a solid beginning level 2! Plus you get so much more than that with your Q & A and the sewing circle community. I'm absolutely loving it! I think these descriptors of the levels are just right. I'd also like to mention to anyone considering it that there are very beginner lessons on even just how to use and clean your machine! Anyway, as always great video!
Hi how are you doing?
I've definitely built up a pile of things to refashion or resize
And I've read so much, and watched so much, and am not a complete beginner
I just need to realize that even though I don't want to make mistakes and "ruin" anything, that's how you learn!! It's better to take the leap than not try at all.
It's just clothing. Not the end of the world.
That has to be my mantra lol
I have made my own clothes from age 12 to when I was about 40. I stopped when I didn’t have as much time as well as I gained weight and my body changed and no longer fit patterns without a lot of alterations. It wasn’t fun any more. I am so glad I found your channel! You have inspired me to give it another go and I really like the idea of using already existing clothes. I do shop resale, consignment and thrift already to keep from buying so many new garments. Can’t wait for things to open again, I’m in Pennsylvania and things are just starting to open. Thanks
I made a knee length halter dress out of a California king pillowcase that I dyed in my washing machine from beige to an orangey coral( I mixed a yellow dye with an orange!). Thank you for all you do for us.
I have made myself a dress from a linen table cloth. I was glad it was already washed so many times and falling nicely. I decorated it around the neck and wrists with a colorful and soft indian cloth. It became onevof my favorite dresses.
I am doing lots of level 1 but feel I can actually sew at level 2, but my physical health is poor and I don’t have enough energy. As we are self isolating, I am aiming to do as much sewing as I can and you’ve encouraged me to stretch myself a bit more. After all, 25 years ago I made my own wedding dress with help from a friend (lots of advice, pattern adjustment and taking over setting in the sleeves before I spontaneously combusted!). I recently slimmed back into it 🥳. I also made a friend’s 3 bridesmaids’ dresses a couple of years later...... I CAN do it, can’t I? 🤨
You absolutely can do it!! 😀 I'm sure it will come back to you! #sewing is a great way to fill the time!
The best thing about sewing is you do it at your pace. Currently, I find I can sew for about one hour a day, so that's what I do. It took me a week to run up a pair of shorts that I normally can sew in a couple of hours. So what. I still enjoyed the process, and I ended up with a new pair of shorts. As my energy levels improve, I will get back to regular sewing, but I no longer put myself under pressure by taking on projects that need to be sewn quickly. Happy sewing.
Must you ask, dahling? Of course you can still do it! I too, made brides maids dresses - 36 years ago. But now, I wouldn’t take on anything that’s too complex. Nothing with a deadline. But pace myself. My health and weight are not good, but I think seeing, cutting, constructing, seeing some progress is therapeutic. So be well. Have fun. Pace yourself.
Yay, something that’s covering all 79 projects I have going on! I’m refashioning a stretch velvet dress(kinda Morticia)with no structure into Edwardian/gilded age kinda a mix between 1 & 2. Adding tule & horsehair to the fishtail, creating a bustle, adding a bustier inside, new neckline & adding more material lol
I've been considering myself a 'beginner' for the past several years, but this video helped me to realize... I've leveled up!
I definitely prefer to do level 1 fixes, but I can accomplish level 3, which is nice when you fall in love with an oversized pair of velvet pants! Upsizing garments always introduce a new level of creativity and difficulty as well.
This video is really informative! I've recently been interested in sewing and refashioning so I'm currently at level 1 but i'd like to reach a level 3! 😊 On another note, everyone, please take care of your health and stay safe alright! 💖
Oh wonderful to hear that and I'm glad the video helped! Practice makes perfect! You'll get there!
I'm a lifelong dressmaker (everything from wedding dresses to tent canopies). . My daughter wasn't a bit interested in sewing BUT my 18 year old granddaughter has suddenly said she wants me to teach her. Yay. This is going to be long distance with the odd visit now a then. I did some repurposing back in the 80's - 90's for my daughter (embellished jeans and jackets - wish she had kept them) and granddaughter has seen pictures of these and likes them. I want to really get into teaching her how to do this well. I stumbled on your site and have a feeling that you are going to be the one I want her (and me) to follow. I've got a lot to learn............... Thank you
Level1 ready to jump to level 2. Love listening to you and your tips and I try and join you in mending Monday
So helpful! I need to take baby steps. Guided projects/tutorials will be good practice for me before I can get to garments that I care more about.
Thank you for all the ideas. Now that we are stuck inside is a perfect time to pull out some old garments and try out a Garment Renovation project. 😊
I think so too! Lots of items in your wardrobe that could use a revamp!! Happy sewing!
@@Evelyn__Wood Indeed! I just pulled out a thrifted linen shirt that I bought with the intention of doing something to it - it's really too large for me. I may take it apart and add pintucks to the front and maybe some heavier cotton lace.
I'm doing the same thing right now! :)
RUclips recommended this video in my notifications and I'm so glad it did! I'm a level 3 for sure, I've been sewing for 25 years. I have reconstructed a skirt suit into a beret and caplet set, and a shirt and pillow cases into a set of bloomers ❤️ I look forward to watching the rest of your videos!
Oh what wonderful refashions you have done!! Thanks for watching 😄
I've just got stuck into the bigger alterations in my mending pile, and instead I accidentally made a pair of shorts from scratch! Much easier than lining the pants I was aiming for. But now I have a better idea of how to add lining to the pants. So win-win
Hi, I wasn't interested in refashioning my clothes until I started to watch your video. And the reason I started to watch your video was because I saw a bit of your hand movement on my home page. You are constantly in motion as you talk and it was a pleasure to see how passionate you were. I took note of some of your hand gesture to hopefully instill some passion in my presentation.
Great advice, as always! I love upcycling because that's how I got into sewing, but it definitely can be tricky at times
After watching a dozen of your videos I have learned to hit the like button before even watch. Most times I binge your videos and have to go back to like them. Thank you from this SUPER beginner.
Another lovely video! I'm level 3, but I've been seeing over 40years. (Shocked - I never thought how long it was till now!) As a self taught sew-er, the thing to remember is that there's always something more to learn. I bet I'm 1 in some areas of sewing.😜
I don't think we ever stop learning more about sewing!! ❤
Depending on the Project, I can see 1-3, I have found that at times it takes longer to figure out what to do or how to do than actually doing. Love this series. Thank you!
Thanks for watching!!
Evelyn, this summary of where we might be, and where we want to go in our sewing ability is excellent. It's a road map to get us through this dang VIRUS!!!!
Honestly, I am terrified of my sewing machine so I started with sewing circles and squares. Even still I feel like I am on a Race Track and I know that I'm going to loose it on the curve, although I've been driving for 40 years! Thank goodness the cloths at thrift shops are cheap because I have ruined everything so far. Sad but laughing. We all have to pay the Toll!
I am "this close" to drafting a bodice that actually has the correct Shoulder Slope! I'll get there thanks to all our wonderful RUclips Teachers. Yourself included!
Level 1 but my first project was level 3 and I messed up and stop sewing, so thankful that I found your channel and now start sewing again...
I'm so glad your going to try again! You'll get it! Happy sewing!
I only started sewing a few months ago. I am watching this while altering a 90's boxy fit dark purple silk blouse. The look is very "oversized men's shirt" with dropped shoulders. I have a large bust, so I'm looking forward to having a blouse that isn't tight across the front! I'm bringing the shoulder up to the proper place by unpicking the yoke across the front, along the top of the sleeve, and across the back for a short distance, and cutting the yoke shorter. Then I'm gathering the front to fit the shorter yoke, and creating a small box pleat on the back.Then resewing everything. It's a little 40's inspired. Then I'll change all the buttons to the largest black buttons that will fit through the buttonholes. Small changes, but I think it will be a big improvement!
I LOVE refashioning! My most challenging project was making a dress out of 5 pairs of jeans for the show Fabric to Fashion on the Made it Myself TV app. It came out really cute!!
I've just found your channel and LOVE all of your videos. You're a great teacher, and I really appreciate learning from someone with deep skills and understanding of garment construction who can translate it for real beginners. Thank you for including thorough information and truly helpful content that is more than just shallow trends.
I'm in the process of refashioning a pair of Jean's into a skirt. This will be my second one along with a top that's been sitting in my box for the past 4yrs 😀. I'd say I'm a level 2.
Just found your channel and am looking forward to learning from you. It's been a very long time since I've sewn clothing. Thank you ahead of time!
You are a wonderful light in these hard times!
Aww that is so sweet! Thankyou for watching!
Been doing this since the beginning of my sewing initiatives (around 14 yrs old)...some have been literally quick common sense embellishments like embroidery up to making a skirt from pants of a suit. I don’t consider myself advanced skills like you, so I guess medium level? My sister gave me several summer dresses that she thought can’t be worn daily, so I added fancy ruffles and covered up the low cut necklines with laces and now I wear them to work & got compliments. I would love to reconstruct a garment like you describe in your video, sounds exciting!! Happy sewing everyone!!! ✂️🧵✂️
Maybe your next project then Mary!! 😀
I'm not new to sewing but am definitely a beginner at refashioning. I loved this video, helping to understand different levels of expertise and what's involved at each stage. This gives me encouragement to keep going and make use of the imposed isolation.
Thanks Evelyn for your informative and entertaining videos. They are a bright spot in my day; I only wish we could have more of them! When I first found you I binge watched to catch up, and now I'm regretting not pacing my intake! 😉
The points you shared here are amazing, Evelyn. It is rare I refashion or upcycle anything, but it is certainly something I want to add to my sewing repertoire. I assume my level would be advanced, but as you pointed out you just never know. You have one idea in mind for something then it can get tricky even for the most experienced sewer.
Absolutely!! Using only what you've got in the garment, gets, very, tricky!! 😀
I purchased a jumpsuit. I’m trying to turn it into a tunic. I’ve deconstructed it and there it sits. I have zero sewing training but I’m a quilter. Garments are very different. I can make a quilt from a picture. I’ve made many garments without patterns but they are not perfect. Fitting, I have little knowledge of which seams to adjust to get the correct fitting. But I have fun. Love watching your videos!
I first watched your video "How to learn how to sew," and never thought about refashioning clothing before sewing from a pattern. I did have my mom help me understand a pattern, so I would consider myself an advanced beginner. But, I've never refashioned anything. I think I will start at level one, then hopefully progress to level 2...maybe with one of your video tutorials! Love your videos. You are gifted at teaching/explaining.
Hi Jan
I'm a level 1 with the ambition of a level 3. I just purchased my first sewing machine a few days ago and the idea is to use this huge pile of clothes that I can no longer fit and deconstruct to recreate. My first project is underway and I absolutely love the challenge and learning as I dissect and make mistakes. I guess that's a way to say that I'm a glutton for punishment, LOL!
Your videos are wonderful for us newbies all the way up to lifelong sewists. There is always room to learn and grow and I look forward to getting better with each garment and ripped stitch 😀
This makes so much sense. I'm just starting but I am really excited and I chose to do a very complicted project. It's not going so well, but I will try something easier next. THANKS FOR ALL THE SUGGESTIONS 💕💕
level 3. Love going thrifting and looking at garments as fabric.
as a beginner of refashioning. . this video inspires and motivates me. thanks!!
Everything looks so easy!!!! Nothing worth it is easy!
Thank you for the wonderful videos. I guess I'm expert level. I've been seeing for 48 years. But I still learn things and get great ideas from you!
Sewing.
I don't think we ever stop learning either! ❤
I appreciate the dose of reality about the skill level needed! 🤗
I know how to sew, however, I never took it to a challenging level for myself! I watch and have learned from watch5your videos, tailoring a fit, taking a garment in, not to mention the patients it takes to get a really good tailored look when done, I enjoy watching your detail how you go about it!
I bought a sewing machine recently just to make a few tote bags and the like. I never thought that after getting into it I would think about getting into modifying or making clothes. Funny how your horizons expand with just a little bit of time and experience.
I’m totally with you on I stick to my colors. If I go shopping I start with look at the racks for my color choices. Then evaluate the size then style and price
I like pulling extra large size clothing apart & using material to make clothes for grandkids or myself.
Using stretch material is interesting, tried 4 way stretch for the first time that was tricky. Gotta check which way it stretches.
Years ago I turned a pair of slacks into a skirt.
When I was in high school 50+ years ago mum & I bought an xxxl pair of men's trousers & recut them to fit my dad. I was learning drafting at school & mum had sewn for years.
I'm feeling all kung fu panda right now, "Is there a level zero? I'm at level zero..". It's hard for me to just keep my old treadler operating properly sometimes when she seems moody (the only machine I have ever owned that I honestly believe has a personality).
I learned to see on a treadle machine and loved it. If possible, I will put it back into service one day.
I’m excited to watch ALL of your videos !
Thank you for another great video. I love how you put this. I personally started at the difficult level and worked my way back to the easy level after many many failures. 😆. Because I “met” you on line that all changed and now I would condenser myself an above beginner sewing diva 😁. I learned it all from you and experimenting with clothing. I have definitely be inspired by you all the way. So much so that now Sewing is such a fulfilling hobby and brings me so much happiness.
PS. Highly recommend vintage sewing school ⭐️
😂😂😂 We have done that!! I'm very glad that I have been able to have a small part in your sewing journey! Your getting so good now and I just love seeing your creations cone to life! ❤
Level 0.5 - 1. Thank you for information. Want to be at level 3.
😂😂😂 Level 0.5! Ha ha Knowing where you want to go is the first step, it's just practice after that! You'll get there! 😄
Nice explaining. I think I am between number 2 and 3. It's been long since i sew something. But when i was young i made alot of my own cloth. Now i have got a new sewing machine and today my mannequin arrive. Looking farward to start. I have made some pillows to learn to Know my machine. It's abit😉 more modern than the last one i had. 😁
Excellent advice. Look forward to tackling a jacket and seeing what I come up with. Happy sewing everyone.
I've had my sewing machine for 3 days now so I'd say I'm a level 0.1 😄 My first projects for when I've had more practice are adjusting a sideseam and adding pockets so I'm glad those are level 1 and will eventually be within my reach
Somewhere between level 1-2. I quilt a bit but never took sewing or home ec so there’s lots of gaps in my knowledge. I have a beautiful 90’s dress shirt that I’d like to refashion to the more tailored fit now. 😊
Love this very helpful video and I always love to see how Evelyn coordinates her accessories with her outfit! But honestly, the thought of totally taking apart a garment and putting it back together scares the ******** out of me!
Thank you Evelyn. I've only done a few changes at level 1 and most complicated was adding in seam side pockets to a dres. I'd like to resize some clothes and achieve complete refashioning. Your video helps me to understand what I need to achieve.
Now the charity shops are open again here in UK I will be looking out for suitable garments to refashion. Sometimes things are no good for that but the fabric could be good for applique or embellishment. I am not a beginner so this sort of sewing wouldn't frighten me but I don't have a lot of money. I get a bit short on the ideas though. I have so many projects queueing up but a lot going on in my life but I will get to them eventually. I love that blouse on the mannequin. I can see what you have done to change it so I may have a go at that one as well. Another project in the queue!!
Your videos are such amazing resources! Thank you for making them. I am definitely at Level 0 right now so I would have loved to see more pictures of the examples you talk about to have a clearer idea.
Thank YOU! You've encouraged me to "Go After" the old (gently used) to make new! Ive not been that good at making clothes but have enjoyed making decor projects and recently quilting. So this will be another way to broaden my imagination which I LOVE doing! You've already inspired me to sew a red buffalo ruffle on a shirt I enjoy that's always been too short. The applique on the chest area has a red robin and red buffalo plaid. I hope to find some to add to this so I can continue to enjoy it for a few more years!
Hi Lori
This was really a helpful way to think about/categorize refashioning projects and a person's skill level. Thanks.
Excelent!! I'm really glad you liked the way I mapped it out! This sort of mental map always helps me!
In a thrift store I found a beautiful pink and beaded embroidery shirt. I thought it would be a nice wall decoration as it didnt button over my belly. My girlfriend measured the darts on the bottom,took them out and viola!It fits!
I'd say I'm a one to two. I still do all my sewing by hand, very rarely by machine, as I don't have one and really feel more comfortable doing things by hand. But I hope that over time I will advance to coture sewing, as I am very much into period clothing/costuming!😇
Raea Foley another hand sewer here 🙂 Have a look at Bernadette Banner too.
Wow! Hi I’m Chris and signing up today!! 👏🏻 📚🤗I love your videos. I want to know more about sewing and educate myself.I get frustrated with my projects and ideas. I’ve been self-teaching myself for a couple years now but I get lost. After just recently discovering your channel and seeing this video, Everything made sense! ☺️ SoThank you!! 👏🏻☺️ I’m ready to go from a 1 to even a 10! Hahaha lol. I got some basics down but I’m ready to embellish my knowledge. 😊 🧵 ✂️✏️
I'm inspired! I believe I am a confident Level 1, dabbling in level 2, but want to build my confidence.
I'm a fairly experienced sewer and have refashioned clothing. What I'm wanting to do now is find a really interesting blanket / throw and make it into a wrap or poncho.
I would say I am a level 2 with level 20 ideas that I jump into 🤣 made me a "self-drafted" ducktape mannequin and since then sky is the limit. I have been watching people drafting their own things, and borrowed bunch of library books on sewing and I just go for my own crazy design... Still need to get practice on actual patterns and altering those to fit me. I usually go for a thrift garment I like (that's usually too small for me) and make it longer and bigger to fit me. I envy all of you at home on quarantine with a lot of time to sew... I have hills of alterations waiting for me... and I practically live at work..
Think I'm lvl 2/almost 3, I've learned a lot but still I'm not a pro. You are my inspiration in the way of looking at materials, thanks and stay healthy 😁 lots od live from Poland
Level1 and hoping to grow. I actually took a summer dress and replaced the straps to give me a more fitted look and did a rolled hem and I was so proud of the way it came out for my first try
A couple a days ago I would have said level 3. But today, not so sure. I am making a lovely 30's day dress with 30's fabric, pattern , and vintage notions. I am having a heck of a time figuring out how to get the collar to sit right and make the bias trim around the edge look good. I need a sorbet for my mind. Going for a beach walk then will look at it with fresh eyes.
You always have such beautiful hair scarfs. Do you have a tutorial on how to make them as well as how to wear them? I'm loving all your videos and spent all day today watching several and taking notes. I especially love the ones on thrift hauls and redesigning. Thanks so much. Love and light, to you.
I’m at level one. The most complicated thing I have done is to dismantle, stitch by stitch, a pair of size 50 men’s Dockers that belonged to my 6 ft tall son and make myself a pair of warm winter pants. I never realized the complex level of construction on men’s work pants till I took those apart. Using measurements from a pair of my own pants (I’m 4ft 10 inches tall) I eliminated the pockets and the fly and made a pair of simple elastic waist pants that I can wear to rake leaves, etc. Purely utilitarian, but I learned that commercially made work pants construction is complex. And I learned that my Heavy Duty Singer really can sew it’s way through heavy seams. Re-designing a man’s shirt into a lady’s top is fairly easy since I only wanted a simple round collared shirt with 3/4 length sleeves.
I’m going to see what in my closet could use some refashioning to keep me occupied with school being canceled because of the virus.
Great idea!! I was thinking we need to start something on this very subject! How to refadhion your wardrobe while were all at home right now!
Thank you so much Evelyn, that’s so helpful and useful. As you know I have a skirt that I’m alternating the top of it to fit. And I really really love 💕 watching you work and you give us so many tips and tricks. xx Mags
I feel/think I'm a beginner.... I don't sew much, but have definetly jumped into the deep with projects I've done. I have sewed cloth diapers, complicated curved face masks, taken in the sides of a sari top (while pinning it to myself), taken in my toddler's pants around the waist by sewing a triangle in the back (just something I remembered seeing my grandmother do), taken in (I guess tailored) protruding shoulder pads on a business suit coat for my husband, then simplier things like pillow cases and pocket reading pillows. Most of the projects I had no clue what I was doing, had a lot of hair pulling but eventually figured it out. Probably why I hesitate with sewing these days, and have a hard time seeing it as fun. I understand starting small and building to avoid headaches, but for me they were kinda thrown on me and just had to do them. Evelyn Wood, is there a way to turn this around, and make it more light hearted or fun? Based on my experience, what level would you recommend I look into? Thanks.
I just found you tonigh! I learned so much! I would love to take classes from you OMG.
Thank you. I am definitely a level 1. I will look at the large bag I have for donations to see what I can change.
I'm sure you will find something in there!!
My first refashion was adding a patch pocket. the second one was removing the sleeves from a jacket, remaking them from contrasting fabric and adding lining to the back piece of said jacket and sleeves. i'm SO pleased with the result (let's just not talk about the lining, shall we? let's just say it was needed); my 3rd refashion was turning 2 pairs of jeans into a jeans vest (can i call it that? something pretty fitted on the body, no sleeves, with patch pockets, a zipper, and long to the hips). i forgot to mention the ugly and quite old men shirts nobody was going to ever wear that i turned into pillow cases.
Jeans into a vest was rather the most complicated, but i really like the result, and i may add to it some details. i was scared of the "making the sleeves" for that jacket, and the "sewing them in". even though i didn't use the right sleeve pattern (oops, i later saw what a sleeve pattern should look like) the sleeves work just fine, have the right length, shape and diameter which matter more. i managed to sew them in just fine and to make them look the same (if you ignore that one sleeve has fuzzy lines and the other one has sharp lines. the fabric is a tartan, and i must have not paid attention to the front/back of the fabric as much as i would like to think i did, hahaha.
So, what level am i at? ;p
This was so interesting and helped me to understand what to work towards with my sewing, I’m definitely a beginner but I’ve ordered some fabric etc to get making and learning while unable to go out. I’m also going to start looking at the clothes I don’t wear as much and think about why maybe I’ll start trying to make my clothes fit better and have a try thank you xx
Hi Beverly
You are always beautifully dressed. My compliments to you. You match your clothes so well.👍👌
I always said that making clothing from scratch is much easier then refashioning. Now I understand why I feel that way.
Anyways I have just bought the membership to your VSS, so see you in there 😊
I’m a 2.9 lol I make patterns, alter patterns. Deconstruct and reconstruct, add or embellish with new looks to fit by body, and for aesthetics.
Thank you Evelyn your video was so sensible, some I’ve watched are not really realistic. I hope your health is going aok,thinking of you, hello from central Qld😊
I guess I'd be a level 1 with some level 2 capabilities? I never really sewed much. I made little things when I was a pre-teen like pillows - simple things - and in my adult life easily repaired ready-made things. Your videos have helped me take things to the next level though! From maybe level 0 to level 1b lol I just finished hemming my pj pants with a twin needle (on an older sewing machine ~1995-2005-ish) and taking the crotch up several inches. They came out GREAT! So I think that might qualify as a level 2, right? My next project is a fun one! Refashioning a shirt. Thanks so much for your great videos!! I need to learn patterns still, very overwhelming!!
I really appreciate this video. I struggle because I want to be refashioning most of my wardrobe, but being on the larger end of plus size almost everything I would be altering right now is some kind of knit or other stretch fabric. And I am *not* there yet.
Hi Evelyn, and everyone! I'm 57 years old. I've been sewing since the summer before 7th grade. Safe to say I'm an experienced ?sewist? So as far as that goes I'm at level 3, if I have to pick. I've had one fear from day one: that first cut into that pristine beautiful new piece of fabric. Not a fear as much a hesitation, what if I make a mistake and I don't have enough fabric to correct it kind of feeling. In the last year, I've gotten, lol sucked into the clothes remodel/refashion. Boy, that feeling is really kicking in at a high level. I'm starting to get past it. I think it mostly due to spending the last month using denim jeans (which there are rows upon rows upon rows of at the thrift store for a $1 a piece) upholstering a big tire chair I'm making. I've taken a break from that and starting a simplistic (lol my family says I never do anything simply) denim jacket. I've caught myself think, oh, don't worry about it. If you make a mistake, you can either embroidery over it, etc, or it can go in the scrape pile. For me, this a BIG step. But, I'm not sure if I'm out of category 1 yet. Is it stopping me from doing category 3. Nope! My first beading project was a necklace that I worked on 8 hours a day for a month. The lady at the bead store said later, most advanced people would never do it. That's me... Thank you for all the tips, information, and especially encouragement!
I do a lot of alterations for folks. Cutting into a garment always intimidates me! What if I cut too much off for a hemming job!!?!? There is no going back! I measure and measure and re-measure. It can be very nerve wracking!
@@vintagehomemaker9338 I totally agree about the measuring. I have to learn to trust myself and my abilities.
I realize that i can do level 1 pretty good without really sewing. I can change buttons, can do simple embroidery, can put decorative stones, can even do the "sewing" with heating tape (not sure if they call it that, but it's the thing you put inbetween fabric and iron it to make the fabric stick together). I can even make pocket with that kind of tape, too.
Saving for a sewing machine tho, cuz i really want to turn that annoying floor length sleeveless dress to a trendy short flowy dress with puff sleeves
I guess I’m a level 2. I’ve been sewing all my life but I have no clue how patterns fit together unless I have direction in front of me. Never mind creating my own pattern. That sounds so daunting.
I supose the only real way is to start a refashion and find out!! 😄 It is quite different than just following a pattern, but it can be so fun!
Hi Evelyn!! Excellent vlog.. Great ideas & being ‘shut-in’ would be a great time to start working on this....
💜💜🧵🧵
Yay!! We should all do a special refashion perhaps!!
This was amazing. You are so clever! My husband even thinks so, which is saying a lot. Not many husbands will sit through two videos in amazement of something in which they typically have no interest. I love the peasant blouse. The third sample is not something that would look attractive on my body type. You have a beautiful figure. I am well over 50 years and three children and three c-sections later, I have a bit of stomach...probably about 10 pounds over ideal, but my lower abdomen is something that I am severely self-conscious over. Have you or would you ever consider a video or class on how to style or reconstruct with those problem areas? Thank you in advance.
I'm using a military style camouflage top to make a mini skirt (or two, it's a large top) My plan is to reuse at least one set of the pockets (probably on the skirt front) and the button waist tabs to dress up the side seam of the skirt. I may use a metal zipper from an old pair of mens jeans instead of buying a new zipper. If there is enough fabric left over I plan to make another mini skirt, this one with a ruffle on the lower half made from some black drapey fabric from my stash.
Sometimes it takes as long, or even longer, to refashion a garment instead of just sewing it new. However, by refashioning, you are keeping a garment from going into landfill. Most of my refashioning would be level 3, were I take an adult dress, and take it apart to use the fabric to make a child costume. I recently took apart 3 satin, full skirted dresses, op shopped for $2 each, and made 3 harem outfits for 3 eight year old girls for a play they were doing. Good fun.
Great stuff!! I am so happy I found your channel last year. Your videos really inspire me
Thanks for watching!! 😀