I worked for a haute couture dressmaker years ago, who worked out of her home and took clients by referral only. She told me that fitting on a human was superior to fitting on a dressmaker form. However, when she made garments for herself, she had a dressmaker form she sized and padded to her measurements. It was a lengthy process that she said took time and patience. She started by putting a bra on the form, and filling the cups to her body shape, draping the form with thin soft foam, shaping the hips, waist and midriff; and covering it all with stretchy fabric until she achieved what looked exactly like her own body. She then sewed it all in place so that it was permanent. It blew me away when she showed me all the steps she took to make it (she photographed each step). From that, she could make clothes for herself, drape them, size them, and also put ready-made garments on it and alter them to her liking. But she said she would never rely on one when sewing for a client. So, therefore, I took her advice and never bought one. Since then, I've thought of her though, because as I've aged, and my body shape has changed and things shifted (LOL) - I wonder if she ever had to re-shape her dressmaker form to match her body as life may have altered her body shape as well. I haven't seen her in a long time.
Yes, I think the sewing form is a guide to fitting only, you also need to try it on to get exact fitting. I find mine is handy for measuring hems on skirts and dresses too.
I once worked for a lady who had an artist paint a fabulous design on a dress makers form. It looked amazing and was definitely a talking point at her parties.
I recently saw a hack to make a dress form and I’m going to try it! You put on a plain old t-shirt and then have someone duct tape your entire upper body pretty snuggly. Then cut through the tape and shirt from the back side. Tape it up.. stuff it with poly fill.. and then close the bottom with cardboard and tape it closed! There were also photos that showed how to insert a hanger attached to a pvc pipe or a wooden pole as well to put through the inside of the dress form. But it was truly an EXACT replica of her body in the end!.. and so cheap and easy to make!
I decided a couple of years ago to work with the fabrics I already own. It is amazing how that self-imposed limit pushes me to be more creative. When I determine that I just won't use a particular fabric, I give it to a woman who makes purses for African girls to keep items connected with their menstrual cycle in. (There is a charity that fills the purses and distributes them.) It eases my guilt a bit. :)
When my son was 2, he chose some green shoes similar to your green. A friend was appalled and said they wouldn’t go with anything. I told her they were an accent color that would go with everything, and they did. And he loved them! The green color should look amazing with your skin and hair. Make a coat or blazer.
We did similar with some red shoes. They stood out sometimes, but we didn't care. They were cool shoes. Now he's stuck with boring black school shoes and trainers. So at least we got the bright colours when we could!
To be fair a 2 year old can wear anything even if it does mismatch. When I was at primary school I had a pair of yellow and blue suede shoes. My favourite shoes ever. I wore them to school - with a green school uniform. I didn't care!
That rule about not buying fabric applies to art supplies, crafting supplies, thrifted items and just buying in general. If you're not certain about what to do with it AND plan to use it within a couple of months, you should pass it by.
Sorry, but this is not true. I buy fabric because I love it and often I dont know what I will do with it. Years later I find the perfect pattern and I am happy I bought the fabric.
DIY hobby utensil hoarding is a crawling, slow developing addiction. Instead of making things, you buy things. Hard to break the instant gratification habit.
I work with leather. It's very easy to spend $200 to $400 on material. And there have been times when I bring a side home and then have second thoughts about what it's good for. And if I don't have a plan going into a project then I'm going to waste and scrap a lot of it. So there's the dead stock of leather that I shouldn't have bought and it becomes the test pieces for new prototype projects or templates.
One thing I have learnt in Africa is to use a small, hotel-like soap bar instead of classic chalk, just needs some practice to create a thin edge but it glides so well around the pattern, disappears with steam, and leaves a subtle clean perfume, other than being extremely affordable. Stole all soap bars in hotels since then 😂
Hi For marking you can use left over soap bars . Hand soap bars that have been left in the sun to dry out make very good marking lines on fabric. They can be sharpened easily too.
Also sidewalk chalk, the type kids use, works pretty well, too. Way cheaper, you don't have to push hard at all. Definitely not perfect quality but better than most cheap sewing chalk
The green wool fabric will look stunning with your hair and eyes! I hope you find something to make with it. Thanks for sharing your opinions here, it was fun to hear. I agree with several of them. Keep well!
Love, love, love the quality of the green fabric. Absolutely suits your colouring and is begging to be tailored. Think jacket, or skirt, or simple dress. You could easily wear it with black or dark brown, but if that sounds too conservative, I'd be putting other colours alongside it to see what else may work.
Oh dear. I LOVE my fabric stash. The number of times I’ve “gone shopping” in my stash and found the perfect piece for something can’t be counted. And the number of times a sister or friend comes over and finds the right zip or button for their project, saving a long round trip to the nearest craft store, is gratifying. I get in their like a miser and gloat over my fabric, yarn and sewing supplies. I hate buying new fabric online. Can’t really tell the exact colour or texture. But I do buy from destash sites. I like my dress form, helps with hemming and adjusting but I’d love to try draping some day.
I think my experience with online shopping is positive only because we have one very good local online store that does very accurate pictures and great descriptions. If not for that one shop, my experience would definitely be different!🤗
I agree re: Fabric stash. If something calls to me, I’ll get it whether I have a plan or not. When the idea comes there’s a stash waiting. So what if it sits around for a year. If you have the room, why not? If I like it now I will certainly still like it when the next idea comes along! P.S. I shop clearance racks for fabric!! P.S.S. Fabric online?!? Never going to happen. Just NO
@@katlambert3649 clearance and remnants. You just never know when that 30cm of border print will work perfectly with something as a sleeve or pocket accent
I worked in fabric store for years and was always spending my entire paycheck there! Needless to say that after 40 years of being in the business I have quite a stash! I LOOOOOOVE all of my stash! It really comes in handy now that I don’t drive much any more, I can just go “shop” in my own stash! If anyone in my family needs a certain fabric or notion they all know to check with me first….I will almost always have what they are looking for and it makes me feel good to help them find some elusive item. I had also accrued so many fabrics because several of my kids were in theater in high school and I became the go to costume provider and so I have all kinds of costume fabrics also. So many times I am so happy I hoarded and bought stuff all these years because the stuff I buy now just doesn’t seem to have the same quality. At one point though I did despair because I had just way too much even for several lifetimes and was really down on myself for wasting money all these years but then my oldest daughter had her first child with health problems and she needed a stay at home way to make money so I gave her almost every single quilting cotton fabric I owned and she started selling the fabrics on eBay and Etsy and was able to keep her family afloat and now she has her own EBay store selling fabrics. So all that ended up not going to waste and I was able to help my daughter. I don’t understand everyone saying they don’t like to buy fabrics online…..I buy all of mine online. It is so nice to just shop in my pjs and after ordering so often online you do develop a kind of feel for what to expect as far as how it looks online versus in real life. Most of the time the pics don’t do the fabric justice and I am most often pleasantly surprised in a good way. A few times I have been disappointed but no problem someone in the family will use whatever I don’t.
Me as well! I’ve passed on buying fabric only to regret not getting it when I saw it. But I guess I have a good idea what fabric I’m looking for. I quilt as well, so my quilting fabric is really well used. What I find frustrating is, I have tons of inherited other notions that seem to never be what I’m looking for. How many times do I have to buy buttons for a project when I have all these others..but none of them work?? LOL!
I struggle with rotary cutters! I agree about buying fabric without an aim! I donated mine to a local women's charity who run sewing classes. Pricey or fancy fabrics are stressful as I am petrified of destroying the fabric and making mistakes!
I have a couple of boxes of fabrics that were "too good to pass up." I still think they are beautiful, but right now all they are doing is taking up space. I implemented the same rule as you quite some time ago, and I'm much happier with the results of just buying what I need for a particular project. The only thing I will happily stock up on is the type of interfacing I like to use for setting zippers or reinforcing sheer fabrics, whenever it goes on sale, because I know I will always be in need of that when working on wedding gowns for clients, and it's normally expensive.
A great improvement to the "dials and gaps " in such dress forms, is to add layers of padding and a stretchy cover. Even dressing it in the foundation garment pieces that go with the garment (padding out as needed) to provide the shape the garment needs.
If you pad too much, it might affect the shape, but if you're making a coat, for example, putting a shirt and jumper on the dress form, for example, will probably make it closer to the size you need
I'm a very new sewist, but I've already learned the pain of bad chalk. Bought some cheap chalk 'pencils', and all they did was push the fabric around. Now, my mother-in-law has given me hers (the ones she inherited from her own mother), and they're incredible! The smoothest lines with practically no pressure.
The marking chalk in Canada works very well. But I have found the easiest and least expensive is using children’s fine tip washable markers. They come in a 10 pack box with a variety of colours. About 3 euros. And yes it really does wash out easily.
Interesting idea! Have you tried fabric markers that are meant for sewing? I wonder how they compare to kids washable markers, because price difference is significant!
@@Julija_Gobere. Hi. Yea I have tried the sewing markers, pencil and pen. And they all work to a greater or lesser degree. But kids fine tip markers -washable, always work except on dark fabric. Reliable and inexpensive. I also do thread tracks when needed. I use Crayola fine tip washable markers.
I love that you kept saying that these products didn't work for YOU not that there were bad products. I've come over to sewing from being a knitter and I still have tools, yarn & fiber I bought over 20 years ago that I regret because they didn't work for ME. Your incite on buying fabric was extremely helpful as well and I will keep it in mind as I progress on my sewing journey.
Have you ever tried slivers of soap for fabric marking rather than chalk? I love them. It's an old traditional method but works beautifully. If you react to perfumes in soap, just get a fragrance-free bar. For a quick supply, cut your bar into a few pieces about I cm thick and use it for handwashing until the edges are worn thin. Used like your sewing chalk you get a lovely clear line that doesn't wear off immediately but comes off easily with a slightly damp cloth or baby wipe. To restore a fine sharp edge, just wash your hands a few times with it again!
I can never use tailor's chalks as well. They sit in my sewing box. But I happily use regular white soap that we wash our hands. So as in good old days I keep used ones, dry them very well, trim them with a short kitchen knife and voila🎉
Hi! I know this video was posted a month ago, but I have some ideas for that fancy white fabric you showed. You could use it to make a beautiful decorative pillow or little stuffed stars as ornaments for your Christmas tree and as part of gift wrapping (that way the receiver can add it to their tree as well)
biggest help of a dress form is hems and fitting the back, i invested in a vintage dress form and adding foam to the gaps then a sock over the top of it. for chalk and marking in general try going to the quilters section. its amazing how many tools overlap yet are sold in individual areas. always worth a look in quilters butiques
When she said that, I thought SAME. I bought one to do draping, but the dress form never adheres to a true bodily dressform, it only approaches it.. so draping on it may look good, but when someone wears it, it doesn't. It defeats it's purpose. :( you don't need one.
Yep...I bought one years ago and never really used it for it's intended purpose. I don't have room for it now. I am using it though....I dressed it (not on the stand) with an old dress and scarf and it sits on top of a chest of drawers in my sewing room/office. Looks cute there. 😆
I use my dress forms! To each their own, but I have two, and I pad them and have wrapped them in thin foam before to help smooth out the form or customize the shape for a client's pieces. I don't always have the luxury of having as many fittings as I'd like with clients, so I will use the form to get close to fitting and then complete the fit after I've had the client try it on. It is also helpful when I'm fitting something for my own body. I love draping for design work, so it's vital for that. Steaming on a form is not the best, though, unless it's for little spot-smoothing. Finally, hemming is SO much easier with a form! I set the height of the form the same as my clients and then I can tell that the hem is even and take my time marking it without wasting the client's time and comfort in a fitting. We just discuss how long they want it, make a couple of key marks, and then they can be on their way and I can work without feeling under pressure.
I’ve used several chalks and fancy pens, pencils; but nothing works better for me than a leftover piece of good old soap…doesn’t rub off and comes off in the wash 😂
As far as buying fabric without a project in mind: 1) I have the issue of sometimes still not using it for the project I bought it for, even if I really did intend to make it. That doesn't solve the issue for me. 2) A lot of the fabrics I buy are table cloths, sheets, curtains, and comforters from thrift stores, and also remnants and clearance fabrics at the fabric store. If I don't buy it when I see it, it'll be gone. 3) The problem isn't necessarily that I buy it without a project in mind. The issue is that I hadn't been organizing it well enough to always see what I have, and didn't autimatically check my stash first when starting a new project. Doing a complete overhaul of my sewing and storage spaces is majorly helping to fix that. I've been doing out-of-stash projects for a couple months, and it's going great. I've rediscovered a lot of beautiful fabrics that I'd forgotten about and made some great pieces (clothes and crafts both) from them! I hope this helps someone else who doesn't want to change the way they buy fabrics but wants to make sure that fabric gets used. 😊
I, too, have a dress form that sits and collects dust. I thought -at the time- WOW, but not now!!! Also I too have a fabric stash that I love but sits they are screaming at me to use us up! I'm glad to hear your comment about electric scissors because I wanted to buy them but was hesitating.!! Thank you for your comments.
When I was working on a quilt a few years ago I ran into the problem that marking a bunch of differently shaded and very light colours at the same time to be very difficult with both the normal waxy chalks and childrens markers. What I eventually found that worked wonders was a kind of mechanical pencil for chalk from hoechst mass called Signet Color. It had a bunch of standard white colour "leads" for it, as well as a bunch of other colours. After finishing that quilt I now use it for every single project! Simply because it's so easy to use and it gives me such clear lines, rounded corners are also a breezy now.
Here are my ways of marking fabric - Really difficult fabrics (slippery, Delicate, non-washable, really patterned) I will use thread to mark out the pattern. You can mark both pieces of your pattern at the same time and you can always tie your threads in if you really have to manhandle the fabric. The last fabric I used this on was a Silk Brocade that I made a dinner jacket out of (lots of pad stitching and fabric manipulation to get the shawl collar to roll correctly. The threads were easily removable even under all of the hair canvas and pad stitching). Dark fabrics - Tailors Chalk usually works best. Just watch out for your steam iron... steam can remove the markings even inches away from where you are pressing. Lighter fabrics - Crayola Washable Markers! These are so much better than the fabric markers. Permanent for as long as you need them and then never fails to wash out. I have even put Fray-Check over the marker and it still washed out!!! Chalk is a waste of time usually (it rubs off to easily, can transfer to other pieces if they are rubbed on one another)
I used to live near the Fabric District in Los Angeles, I bought so much fabric cheap. I moved back east to New Jersey 14 years ago, and I still have some of that fabric! Now I only buy fabric when I have a project in mind. Except for Halloween fabric! I still can't help impulse buying that when it's in season
Subscriptions of just about anything are fun to get in the mail....you open the box up, go ooh, ah...oh this is so pretty...oh I can use this or that or make this or that...and that's pretty much where it ends. The boxes stack up in your closet or on your floor. The marketing for such things is to create the "idea" in people that they WILL use it, right away and enjoy it. The reality for many is something else.
The dress form does look good in the video and does make a cool display rack if a bit bright. The fancy fabric screams to be a 2, 3, 4 piece suit. the green needs to be a coat and beret hat. I think green would look smashing on you. if you don't have time to sew it yourself ask yourself, "what's my time worth?" and have these things made for you. They will fit perfectly as well you have already invested the money in the fabric so finish the job and only buy fabric online moving forward. I have so many crafting tools I don't use much but have absolutely no regrets.
that's a great tip - I can definitely ask someone i know who has started a dressmaking business, to make me things out of my fabric stash! Thanks for that.
You can use your wool as an inside (sandwich) layer for extra warmth in the winter time, on just about anything, you could also make it removable. I also got some wool that I absolutely hated, but it will work well as a stabilizing-insulating layer for a winter overcoat I haven't bought the fabric for yet, I did not have enough of the old stuff for the overcoat, so I'm using it to make some winter working clothes.
I've used Singer brand electric scissors with very good luck especially when having to cut several pairs of pants for my kids. It went fine with no issues at all. I also have a dress form, I bought it just to help me with fitting and getting the correct length. I di wish that it had legs. I also like to dress it like me and then watch and hear my son telling it Good Morning when he wakes up.
So it is me again. You talk of having a fabric stash. I have a lovely tweed, that my parents bought for me on a trip Ireland. Well I have always been paralyzed about making it up, what if it doesn’t fit, or I do not like it after made up? Well they bought it for me when I was 18 MONTHS old, and I am now 70. Guess i need to get it made, or they will be able to wrap me in it when I die😂😂😂. Also during Covid I got back into sewing, making masks etc. loved it. Found a couple of UTube channels on sewing and have ordered about 30 indue patterns, and at least 100 metres of fabric, that is all sitting there🤪. The first dress I made i did nit check the scale and it, of course totally dies not fit. Very depressing. I am not giving up, but… ❤️❤️your channel
I tried using tailors chalk later in life. I simply find it quite awkward to use and prefer using a pencil shape. A white charcoal drawing pencil is perfect. I also use washable markers from the dollat store here quite inexpensive. But my favorite is the box of Conté drawing chalk pencils I just had to have 30 years ago- absolute best marking pencils - though quite pricey (but at least they get used!)
6:22 I've used scrap fabric to make gift bags, hair bows, grow bags, and envelope-style throw pillows. Spare fabric in materials or colours that aren't really your style can be upcycled to make holiday or birthday gifts, etc., for friends & relatives.
I loved this video and so happy to have found you! I laughed because I have a dressmaker form that I desperately wanted and haven't really made use of and was planning this very afternoon to clean out my fabric stash. Instead I came searching for some tips on my overlocker and found your channel which has kept me very happily entertained!. My excuse for having a cupboard full of fabric is that it fills an emotional connection. When I was a little girl, my mother was a sewist and my father was a sewing machine mechanic. My Mum's cupboard had cute baskets full to the brim of all sorts of fabrics and we would often hide in the cupboard just touching and feeling all the fabric. Years later I can still feel the memory of the fabrics and remember the smell of her soap in that little safe hiding space. I've loved seeing some of the ideas in the comments below and will challenge myself to use the fabrics and the soap for chalk trick will definitely be something to remember! Thank you! x
Thank you for your honesty. I, too, have fabric like you mentioned and I have electric scissors as well. There is a saying...too soon old...too late smart. Live and learn. ❤
I liked your discussions. Is very informative. I, too, stopped buying fabric for the sole reason if it being "so pretty", and/or a great deal. I refuse to buy another tote to store it in until the day I have time to make that project also. I sew clothes, quilts and like to design unique gift items. Thanks for your thoughtful and intelligent commentary video.
I have a dress form, too. Good to know that I am not alone in making this "meh" decision. I am downsizing and this is one of the first things to go. I am donating it to a charity shop so that they can display the clothes. At least now it will be used!
What do you mean you don’t have an issue with the magazine? Sounds like you had many issues. 😂 OK that’s my dumb joke for today. I really like your videos. They’re way better than most. 👍
I agree with all but the buying extra fabric. It might be that my projects are more predictable but I like having a selection of my own selection of fabrics to go to.
I love my adjustable dress form. I bought mine second hand and have used it lots. My issue is pinking shears. After a few cuts they don't work. I recently bought a pair from Walmart that are titanium coated. They worked for 3 garments and then bound up. The store took them back. I bought the same ones again and hoped it was just a fluke. They started giving me trouble after the first garment. They would save me a lot of time and thread as I don't own a serger but alas so far I cannot find ones that don't go dull after a few uses.
I appreciate your comments on the dress form - I’ve not yet been able to justify the cost, and from your review I now no longer think I will ever need to
Lovely video, very useful. About the chalk, one of my class mates in fashion school gave me this tip: use the thin pieces of soap left from soap bars, when they get super thin just let them dry and use them as you would use chalk.
Love your channel. I find your instructions and attention to detail really helpful. You said you prefer fitting on a body, vice the dress form, how do you fit on yourself. When I started sewing 60 years ago, and for about he next 40 years my mother was the one who helped, taking things in, hemming etc. unfortunately she is no longer with us. When I reach under my arms, or whatever to adjust I just oull another part of the pattern out of alignment. I would love a video teaching us how to fit a pattern on yourself. Also I love❤❤❤❤❤ your hair, gorgeous colour, and style. Always wanted to be a red head, but. Now I am a lovely silver, but the red is gorgeous. Thanks for your channel.
Thanks! That tip about those plastic dials on the dressform leaving impressions upon steaming the garment was enough to make me stay away from it. I was already on the fence about it. I agree about the electric scissors. I thought they would be perfect for my needs even though I read the warnings about the noise. I didn't realize the other issues until I bought one of my own. I've used it twice. The main part I don't like is the noise, but they are unpredictable with the cutting for sure.
My mom had electric scissors and for CERTAIN fabrics and tasks they were great. They excelled at long straight cuts in form light-to-medium weight fabrics. You have to make sure to not jam the fabric into the jaws by trying to go too fast, but it's easier on your hands than shears. What I saw you doing are things they don't do well: slippery fabric, intricate cuts and denims.
I really like Frixion markers for marking fabrics. I bought a set of 12 different colors for less than $12. The great thing about them is that the marks disappear when ironed. But I understand that the marks can reappear in very cold (10 degrees F) temperatures, so they may be practical only in countries that don't have extremely cold winters. Here is South Florida, it will never be a problem, and I am never going to visit anywhere where it's that cold!
That's what I use, too. I love them for embroidery projects. The marks disappear with a hair dryer, too. I live where it's cold and I've never seen them reappear, I'll have to watch for that now, lol
@@ks1205we use the frixion pens at the quilt shop I work at. The marks do reappear in the cold. Sometimes only as low 30°. Our quilts are sometimes transported often for shows or events and the marks can come back just from them being overnight in the transport vehicle. The nice thing is a quick spritz of warm water also makes them disappear again.
Hi. I made the buying fabric mistake to the point of an overwhelming amount. I just took 11 large bags of fabric to the thrift store. I am very glad I didn't purchase a dress form. I found an old one for $20.00 in thrift store. I basically hang shirts while I was working on them. It is in the garage now. I was scared watching you try the electric scissors in your other video. Glad you didn't get hurt. Thanks for the video and have a nice day.
I too was a Dress Form Fiend. My first one was like yours, but I learned that the upper bust area on me was narrower than on the form. So I bought another form which I padded up. This was close and I liked it. But then realized my body has a different shape than the form; rolled shoulders, rounded upper back, etc., and padding it to be just like me was a nightmare. Then I tried a tape double where I was wrapped in tape and then the form was cut apart. Close enough but I wanted something sturdier as the tape was “melting” due to hot weather. So I made a dress form from scratch, making a sloper first, removing the ease and then stuffing it. It was close but then the bust shape wasn’t like mine; I made two of these. Enter dress form number six. Made from scratch, using a computerized program which was programmed for my body. This was, I thought, a great thing! All of my above issues would be solved. I spent two days putting it together and had something. I liked it, but then realized, the bust area again wasn’t like mine and the neck was too big. I must have entered a wrong measurement somewhere. From all this, I found it much better to fit myself, using a camera and a mirror and save the time and frustration from making and using a dress form.
I have a double made of paper tape - similar width of tape than the silvery tape, but harder, it's old fashioned construction stuff, not the stuff used in moden paper crafts. It needs to be wetted for the adhesive to work. I haven't found it to soften in any weather - once it has dried, it's nice and sturdy. The only problem is me changing size... But that's the problem with any double, and those size changing ones really aren't of my form in any way. The problem with fitting on myself is that I often need complex changes on the the bust / shoulder / shoulder blade area, those are extremely tricky to do on yourself.
Watching videos before jumping into sewing, I was struck by how many had hundreds of patterns and shelves stocked with fabrics, complicated storage. One person in particular was putting her patterns in order said she had over 100 dress patterns but didn't have any dresses! What the heck? As more or less a minimalist I decided NEVER to do that. One pattern, one fabric, one project at a time. I don't want any unfinished things to haunt me! Thanks for a great video.
That green wool fabric would make a beautiful cape/cloak. It would be beautiful and flowing would be great. That green is beautiful and vibrant and will go with everything!
Thanks - just getting back into sewing right now, after 25 years. I still have stash from when I left off. Always wanted a dress form, but am no longer the shape of one, so will definitely not get one.
I bought a pair of Black & Decker battery powered scissors years ago. In the recent past, I threw them away. They never worked well on fabric but were good on paper, I then tried them on cardboard. They worked ok for a few minutes and then the battery seemed to lose power very quickly. Lesson learned: From the little bit of research I've done, if you want electric or battery powered scissors that really cut fabric well, you have to buy the ones used by pros and that can cost quite a bit...maybe hundreds of dollars.
Your comment made me feel so much better - I was choosing between Black & Decker scissors and the ones I bought; and I now spent time wondering that I should have gotten the Black & Decker ones… Seems like I didn’t miss out on much after all😅 I agree with you - if I ever decide to get other pair of electric scissors, I will definitely be getting something from pro level🤗
I have the Singer Red dress form and it just helps so much. You can just add fabric in the gaps if it bothers you but what bothers me is I can't pin on those gaps so I have to be creative. I rarely have clients getting exact measurements (I sew gowns, and usually they're for pageants and will be for rent) so my clients will request something with standard measurements and can be done just by draping. Will be exploring tambour embroidery so I think I won't be using it for a long time...
Thank you for sharing these thoughts. I appreciate your honestly and polite criticism of these tools. I agree with you, most do cause anxiety and I have adjusted my behavior when purchasing tools or fabric. ❤
Thanks for sharing this! I definitely are not going to have the dress form! I feel relieved. The stash of fabric in this house and the pile of issues of Burda and Knip are for me a joy. Looking at patterns and fabric gives me 100 ideas and I end up one idea really doing. I just discovered your blog and I enjoy your advice and for the electrical scissors… Nothing beats a good pair of tailor scissors. Good luck with the chalk..❤
I prefer to use Hancock's garment marking chalk, comes in 5 different colours to suit all your need. Classic brand and trusted by professionals. I inherited my first one from my mom (who is also a dressmaker, and gave me a good starter tool setup back in the day) and since then that is my choice 99% of the time.
think a cape would look lovely with your hair somehow a flowing cape does not have to match as much as a standard coat does for me. I did get electric scissors the first set always seemed to be out of charge when I want the so I may move them to use for cardboard. I bought another set this year and they really are helpful saving my wrists when cutting leather and denim... but I am older and have a lot of arthritis. Why don't you donate them to an older person or an old persons residence. I have bought way too much fabric without special plans especially if there is a "mill sale"I think your idea of not even looking at it in a shop is a great idea ( unless I go to Liberty in London...)
I will try the scissors with different blades (someone suggested in the comments), but it doesn’t work, I will give away them to someone who would get more use from them…
My library in Sweden has a sewing magazine subscription so you can borrow, trace the pattern and instructions and return it for use by other sewers (wrong choice of word, 😁)
I got the steam iron :D It's so good! There have been moments where I've had to go in eco mode because there was too much steam, which isn't something I thought possible. My only regret is that I didn't have it when my kids were at school and I had to iron two white shirts each day.
I had a non adjustable dressmaking form I had to get rid of because I would see it out of the corner of my eye and it gave me a fright 😅. I can imagine your green wool as a pea/car coat. It looks to be a blue base green so would compliment your hair and eyes. The cream fabric looks like a coat weight and is very glamorous but I can’t offer any suggestions. Love your sewing insights 🙂
I never adjusted to its presence - also my two teenaged girls at the time were freaking out all the time lol 😅 - but I have had an idea for your cream fabric if you don’t mind me sharing - i think it would be a beautiful lining for a glamorous opera coat or hooded cloak in black - you would look spectacular 🙂👍
I was thinking the same thing about the green fabric. It would be rocking with royal blue collar, cuffs and accents. How about making it reversible with one side green with royal blue and the other side use the white with black.m? The green side for casual and the white for formal/dressing up.
Thank you. I was thinking about buying a dress form but I have been “waiting” I am glad I did. I have spent most all my life without one so I guess I don’t need one after all. Subscriptions, I am just not happy with the pricing and most of the magazine is filled with advertisements.
I have loads of fabrics that I love but haven't used in years due to not having a clear purpose in mind. Or just being too scared to start. But I really do not mind. I know I'll get to it eventually.
I don't agree. You can't always know what to make out of a fabric when you by it. The ideas come up with time. If you like your fabric, just take a look at it from time to time. Then, look at the patterns. The ideas will come. I had a fabrik for 5 years and I recently turned it into a dress. It has an elefant pattern and reminds me of Elmo. So I bought it.Fife meters, all that was left in stock. And I needed that much, as the pattern requires the elefants pointing in the same direction.I gave the left- overs to a sewing- college who sews for her baby- grand-daughters. I never regretted bying that fabric and this is just one of at least 5 projects that turned out that way. 🎉
Those hard dress forms are useless. I took Fashion Design at UC Davis and purchase one of the Pgm linen dress form and using it knocked my design ability knocked it out of the park. I love using the dress form. Think you purchased the wrong form, and cost too much for what you get. I love to drape fashion. The magazine subscriptions are touch and go, I get once in awhile, but never on a regular basis, books are ok reference. I agree with you on the electric scissors, a better choice if you need to add to scissors is rotary cutter, game changer. NOTE: Never use fabric scissors to cut paper because the scissors will be dull very quick. In addition to chalk you can use regular pencils, and a great marker is the pens that you can erase immediately with iron. Good video.
Hi. I am glad that you mentioned these, now I can stop thinking that I need a body form although I never made a wearable garmet and stop thinking that I should go and check some textile shops, just in case😉. As for the chalk I use either scrap of soaps, pencils, pens or erasable markers. Happy sewing😊
Hi! I love what you said about buying fabric with no particular project in mind. I also have two of those going to four years now😁. Also, a good regulatory strategy, the online shops. However, I like to feel the texture of a fabric when buying it cuz it sort of helps me decide what I want to do with it.
I made my own Diy mannequin using the Etsy Bootstrap Dress Form, it was to my own measurements and i received a pattern that i printed with instructions. I made it following their instructions in one week, then i purchase a stand on wheels. I can pin, steam, adjust and model my garments with it. I strongly recommend you give it a try. Let me know what you're thinking about this. I love all your videos. Thanks
😂Thank you for sharing, I just got my first sewing machine and started to search for supplies. I think that green fabric could be used for a Christmas clothes or decorations
I have the same dress form as you, I was a small waist but wide hips. So bc my bodice is small I got the same one as you. Bellow the waist I have it completely expanded to match my hips. So I have a huge space where I can stick my arm straight through my dress form. So I need to stuff it and put a slip over it. Which I think would help with the steaming.
how interesting all our experiences are! I have a dress form, it's fitted to the size I was at one time, and sorta still am - I use it mainly to list clothes I'm selling on ebay, lol. I also have electric scissors. Mine don't get stuck, but they are LOUD. With my arthritic hands, they make cutting curves and such pretty easy. I buy fabric all the time without projects, but then again, I go thrifting for mine!
I have to admit to fabric stashing in the past. One of my issues is that because I didn't have a project, I don't buy enough or buy way too much. sigh. Sometimes, I treat myself, but yeah, never mind. Also, can't cope with craft subscriptions of any kind. Too much money and not enough time.
i made the subscription mistake when i started crocheting. the subscription went for 2 years (less wasn't possible), so now i have 24 crochet magazines, from which i actually just used 5 patterns so far. :D
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I worked for a haute couture dressmaker years ago, who worked out of her home and took clients by referral only. She told me that fitting on a human was superior to fitting on a dressmaker form. However, when she made garments for herself, she had a dressmaker form she sized and padded to her measurements. It was a lengthy process that she said took time and patience. She started by putting a bra on the form, and filling the cups to her body shape, draping the form with thin soft foam, shaping the hips, waist and midriff; and covering it all with stretchy fabric until she achieved what looked exactly like her own body. She then sewed it all in place so that it was permanent. It blew me away when she showed me all the steps she took to make it (she photographed each step). From that, she could make clothes for herself, drape them, size them, and also put ready-made garments on it and alter them to her liking. But she said she would never rely on one when sewing for a client. So, therefore, I took her advice and never bought one. Since then, I've thought of her though, because as I've aged, and my body shape has changed and things shifted (LOL) - I wonder if she ever had to re-shape her dressmaker form to match her body as life may have altered her body shape as well. I haven't seen her in a long time.
Yes, I think the sewing form is a guide to fitting only, you also need to try it on to get exact fitting. I find mine is handy for measuring hems on skirts and dresses too.
I once worked for a lady who had an artist paint a fabulous design on a dress makers form. It looked amazing and was definitely a talking point at her parties.
I recently saw a hack to make a dress form and I’m going to try it! You put on a plain old t-shirt and then have someone duct tape your entire upper body pretty snuggly. Then cut through the tape and shirt from the back side. Tape it up.. stuff it with poly fill.. and then close the bottom with cardboard and tape it closed! There were also photos that showed how to insert a hanger attached to a pvc pipe or a wooden pole as well to put through the inside of the dress form.
But it was truly an EXACT replica of her body in the end!.. and so cheap and easy to make!
I decided a couple of years ago to work with the fabrics I already own. It is amazing how that self-imposed limit pushes me to be more creative. When I determine that I just won't use a particular fabric, I give it to a woman who makes purses for African girls to keep items connected with their menstrual cycle in. (There is a charity that fills the purses and distributes them.) It eases my guilt a bit. :)
Please provide contact information about these valuable charities because I would like to donate to them. Thanks
What a great idea with charity!
In Canada the charity is called Days for Girls.
TFS That is the same name of the charity in the USA. I will be donating. @@patriciabee4690
@@LuvTheOcean596:41
When my son was 2, he chose some green shoes similar to your green. A friend was appalled and said they wouldn’t go with anything. I told her they were an accent color that would go with everything, and they did. And he loved them! The green color should look amazing with your skin and hair. Make a coat or blazer.
We did similar with some red shoes. They stood out sometimes, but we didn't care. They were cool shoes. Now he's stuck with boring black school shoes and trainers. So at least we got the bright colours when we could!
Agree...make this green a neutral for you! A coat would work over everything.
To be fair a 2 year old can wear anything even if it does mismatch. When I was at primary school I had a pair of yellow and blue suede shoes. My favourite shoes ever. I wore them to school - with a green school uniform. I didn't care!
That rule about not buying fabric applies to art supplies, crafting supplies, thrifted items and just buying in general. If you're not certain about what to do with it AND plan to use it within a couple of months, you should pass it by.
Sorry, but this is not true. I buy fabric because I love it and often I dont know what I will do with it. Years later I find the perfect pattern and I am happy I bought the fabric.
DIY hobby utensil hoarding is a crawling, slow developing addiction. Instead of making things, you buy things. Hard to break the instant gratification habit.
I work with leather. It's very easy to spend $200 to $400 on material. And there have been times when I bring a side home and then have second thoughts about what it's good for. And if I don't have a plan going into a project then I'm going to waste and scrap a lot of it. So there's the dead stock of leather that I shouldn't have bought and it becomes the test pieces for new prototype projects or templates.
It's easier when you have no spare money 😂
I have fabric that I planned (even cut out but then moved house) that is at least 12 years old 😢
@@daftirishmarej1827 I can totally relate to this comment and others above.
One thing I have learnt in Africa is to use a small, hotel-like soap bar instead of classic chalk, just needs some practice to create a thin edge but it glides so well around the pattern, disappears with steam, and leaves a subtle clean perfume, other than being extremely affordable. Stole all soap bars in hotels since then 😂
Brilliant idea 💡 thanks
Super clever!! No stains and you know that the soap will wash out!
Hi
For marking you can use left over soap bars .
Hand soap bars that have been left in the sun to dry out make very good marking lines on fabric.
They can be sharpened easily too.
And washes away so easily! 🧼🧼🧼
AYo for real? Like I can just take a bar of soap??? And mark with it?????
What!!!! That’s so smart! Thank you!
Ooo that's what my mom used to use all her life
Also sidewalk chalk, the type kids use, works pretty well, too. Way cheaper, you don't have to push hard at all. Definitely not perfect quality but better than most cheap sewing chalk
The green wool fabric will look stunning with your hair and eyes! I hope you find something to make with it. Thanks for sharing your opinions here, it was fun to hear. I agree with several of them. Keep well!
I thought a beautiful cloak with that fabric would stand on it’s own. It wouldn’t need to ‘go’ with anything
Love, love, love the quality of the green fabric. Absolutely suits your colouring and is begging to be tailored. Think jacket, or skirt, or simple dress. You could easily wear it with black or dark brown, but if that sounds too conservative, I'd be putting other colours alongside it to see what else may work.
Oh dear. I LOVE my fabric stash. The number of times I’ve “gone shopping” in my stash and found the perfect piece for something can’t be counted. And the number of times a sister or friend comes over and finds the right zip or button for their project, saving a long round trip to the nearest craft store, is gratifying. I get in their like a miser and gloat over my fabric, yarn and sewing supplies.
I hate buying new fabric online. Can’t really tell the exact colour or texture. But I do buy from destash sites.
I like my dress form, helps with hemming and adjusting but I’d love to try draping some day.
I think my experience with online shopping is positive only because we have one very good local online store that does very accurate pictures and great descriptions. If not for that one shop, my experience would definitely be different!🤗
I agree re: Fabric stash. If something calls to me, I’ll get it whether I have a plan or not. When the idea comes there’s a stash waiting. So what if it sits around for a year. If you have the room, why not? If I like it now I will certainly still like it when the next idea comes along!
P.S. I shop clearance racks for fabric!!
P.S.S. Fabric online?!? Never going to happen. Just NO
@@katlambert3649 clearance and remnants. You just never know when that 30cm of border print will work perfectly with something as a sleeve or pocket accent
I worked in fabric store for years and was always spending my entire paycheck there! Needless to say that after 40 years of being in the business I have quite a stash! I LOOOOOOVE all of my stash! It really comes in handy now that I don’t drive much any more, I can just go “shop” in my own stash! If anyone in my family needs a certain fabric or notion they all know to check with me first….I will almost always have what they are looking for and it makes me feel good to help them find some elusive item. I had also accrued so many fabrics because several of my kids were in theater in high school and I became the go to costume provider and so I have all kinds of costume fabrics also. So many times I am so happy I hoarded and bought stuff all these years because the stuff I buy now just doesn’t seem to have the same quality. At one point though I did despair because I had just way too much even for several lifetimes and was really down on myself for wasting money all these years but then my oldest daughter had her first child with health problems and she needed a stay at home way to make money so I gave her almost every single quilting cotton fabric I owned and she started selling the fabrics on eBay and Etsy and was able to keep her family afloat and now she has her own EBay store selling fabrics. So all that ended up not going to waste and I was able to help my daughter. I don’t understand everyone saying they don’t like to buy fabrics online…..I buy all of mine online. It is so nice to just shop in my pjs and after ordering so often online you do develop a kind of feel for what to expect as far as how it looks online versus in real life. Most of the time the pics don’t do the fabric justice and I am most often pleasantly surprised in a good way. A few times I have been disappointed but no problem someone in the family will use whatever I don’t.
Me as well! I’ve passed on buying fabric only to regret not getting it when I saw it. But I guess I have a good idea what fabric I’m looking for. I quilt as well, so my quilting fabric is really well used. What I find frustrating is, I have tons of inherited other notions that seem to never be what I’m looking for. How many times do I have to buy buttons for a project when I have all these others..but none of them work?? LOL!
I struggle with rotary cutters! I agree about buying fabric without an aim! I donated mine to a local women's charity who run sewing classes. Pricey or fancy fabrics are stressful as I am petrified of destroying the fabric and making mistakes!
I Know😮. ..
I have a couple of boxes of fabrics that were "too good to pass up." I still think they are beautiful, but right now all they are doing is taking up space. I implemented the same rule as you quite some time ago, and I'm much happier with the results of just buying what I need for a particular project. The only thing I will happily stock up on is the type of interfacing I like to use for setting zippers or reinforcing sheer fabrics, whenever it goes on sale, because I know I will always be in need of that when working on wedding gowns for clients, and it's normally expensive.
A great improvement to the
"dials and gaps " in such dress forms, is to add layers of padding and a stretchy cover.
Even dressing it in the foundation garment pieces that go with the garment (padding out as needed) to provide the shape the garment needs.
Real Advice! Thank you!🎇
But if you pad it, will it still give you the size you need? Genuine question, not being a troll.
If you pad too much, it might affect the shape, but if you're making a coat, for example, putting a shirt and jumper on the dress form, for example, will probably make it closer to the size you need
Yep, bought an adjustable dress form 6 years ago, sold it last week in pristine condition - an expensive coat hanger!
The green wool is beautiful! And green goes with everything, I hope you make a coat with it because it’s gorgeous ❤
My thoughts exactly! I was thinking one of those quick blanket shawls or capes. They’re practically no sew.
I'm a very new sewist, but I've already learned the pain of bad chalk. Bought some cheap chalk 'pencils', and all they did was push the fabric around.
Now, my mother-in-law has given me hers (the ones she inherited from her own mother), and they're incredible! The smoothest lines with practically no pressure.
The marking chalk in Canada works very well. But I have found the easiest and least expensive is using children’s fine tip washable markers. They come in a 10 pack box with a variety of colours. About 3 euros. And yes it really does wash out easily.
What a great idea! Definitely trying this!
Interesting idea! Have you tried fabric markers that are meant for sewing? I wonder how they compare to kids washable markers, because price difference is significant!
Have heard this, going to buy a pack for my sewing! Thanks for reminding me of them.😊
Brilliant idea
@@Julija_Gobere. Hi. Yea I have tried the sewing markers, pencil and pen. And they all work to a greater or lesser degree. But kids fine tip markers -washable, always work except on dark fabric. Reliable and inexpensive. I also do thread tracks when needed. I use Crayola fine tip washable markers.
I love that you kept saying that these products didn't work for YOU not that there were bad products. I've come over to sewing from being a knitter and I still have tools, yarn & fiber I bought over 20 years ago that I regret because they didn't work for ME. Your incite on buying fabric was extremely helpful as well and I will keep it in mind as I progress on my sewing journey.
Have you ever tried slivers of soap for fabric marking rather than chalk? I love them. It's an old traditional method but works beautifully. If you react to perfumes in soap, just get a fragrance-free bar. For a quick supply, cut your bar into a few pieces about I cm thick and use it for handwashing until the edges are worn thin. Used like your sewing chalk you get a lovely clear line that doesn't wear off immediately but comes off easily with a slightly damp cloth or baby wipe. To restore a fine sharp edge, just wash your hands a few times with it again!
I can never use tailor's chalks as well. They sit in my sewing box. But I happily use regular white soap that we wash our hands. So as in good old days I keep used ones, dry them very well, trim them with a short kitchen knife and voila🎉
I recently bought soap for marking, too!🤗 It works so well with woven fabrics🤗
Hi! I know this video was posted a month ago, but I have some ideas for that fancy white fabric you showed. You could use it to make a beautiful decorative pillow or little stuffed stars as ornaments for your Christmas tree and as part of gift wrapping (that way the receiver can add it to their tree as well)
biggest help of a dress form is hems and fitting the back, i invested in a vintage dress form and adding foam to the gaps then a sock over the top of it.
for chalk and marking in general try going to the quilters section. its amazing how many tools overlap yet are sold in individual areas. always worth a look in quilters butiques
I'm SO glad to hear this from You. I've always been dying to have a dress form. But due to lack of space I never got round to it. ❤❤❤
When she said that, I thought SAME. I bought one to do draping, but the dress form never adheres to a true bodily dressform, it only approaches it.. so draping on it may look good, but when someone wears it, it doesn't. It defeats it's purpose. :( you don't need one.
Yep...I bought one years ago and never really used it for it's intended purpose. I don't have room for it now. I am using it though....I dressed it (not on the stand) with an old dress and scarf and it sits on top of a chest of drawers in my sewing room/office. Looks cute there. 😆
I use my dress forms! To each their own, but I have two, and I pad them and have wrapped them in thin foam before to help smooth out the form or customize the shape for a client's pieces. I don't always have the luxury of having as many fittings as I'd like with clients, so I will use the form to get close to fitting and then complete the fit after I've had the client try it on. It is also helpful when I'm fitting something for my own body.
I love draping for design work, so it's vital for that.
Steaming on a form is not the best, though, unless it's for little spot-smoothing.
Finally, hemming is SO much easier with a form! I set the height of the form the same as my clients and then I can tell that the hem is even and take my time marking it without wasting the client's time and comfort in a fitting. We just discuss how long they want it, make a couple of key marks, and then they can be on their way and I can work without feeling under pressure.
Wow… so lucky I came across this video before I invested in one 😊
I’ve used several chalks and fancy pens, pencils; but nothing works better for me than a leftover piece of good old soap…doesn’t rub off and comes off in the wash 😂
I make soap!! Will try this!
@@Jan-23 a cheap bar of ivory is best. I think maybe the soap you make might be too soft.
I have never heard this but does the soap stain the fabric when pressing the garment?
As someone mentioned, about using ivory soap for marking, it works great...lol as long as you use white!
As far as buying fabric without a project in mind:
1) I have the issue of sometimes still not using it for the project I bought it for, even if I really did intend to make it. That doesn't solve the issue for me.
2) A lot of the fabrics I buy are table cloths, sheets, curtains, and comforters from thrift stores, and also remnants and clearance fabrics at the fabric store. If I don't buy it when I see it, it'll be gone.
3) The problem isn't necessarily that I buy it without a project in mind. The issue is that I hadn't been organizing it well enough to always see what I have, and didn't autimatically check my stash first when starting a new project. Doing a complete overhaul of my sewing and storage spaces is majorly helping to fix that. I've been doing out-of-stash projects for a couple months, and it's going great. I've rediscovered a lot of beautiful fabrics that I'd forgotten about and made some great pieces (clothes and crafts both) from them!
I hope this helps someone else who doesn't want to change the way they buy fabrics but wants to make sure that fabric gets used. 😊
I, too, have a dress form that sits and collects dust. I thought -at the time- WOW, but not now!!! Also I too have a fabric stash that I love but sits they are screaming at me to use us up! I'm glad to hear your comment about electric scissors because I wanted to buy them but was hesitating.!! Thank you for your comments.
When I was working on a quilt a few years ago I ran into the problem that marking a bunch of differently shaded and very light colours at the same time to be very difficult with both the normal waxy chalks and childrens markers.
What I eventually found that worked wonders was a kind of mechanical pencil for chalk from hoechst mass called Signet Color. It had a bunch of standard white colour "leads" for it, as well as a bunch of other colours. After finishing that quilt I now use it for every single project! Simply because it's so easy to use and it gives me such clear lines, rounded corners are also a breezy now.
Glad you bought that green wool, because it made a stunning coat on you. And with your boots and your hair....it's a show stopper!
Here are my ways of marking fabric - Really difficult fabrics (slippery, Delicate, non-washable, really patterned) I will use thread to mark out the pattern. You can mark both pieces of your pattern at the same time and you can always tie your threads in if you really have to manhandle the fabric. The last fabric I used this on was a Silk Brocade that I made a dinner jacket out of (lots of pad stitching and fabric manipulation to get the shawl collar to roll correctly. The threads were easily removable even under all of the hair canvas and pad stitching). Dark fabrics - Tailors Chalk usually works best. Just watch out for your steam iron... steam can remove the markings even inches away from where you are pressing. Lighter fabrics - Crayola Washable Markers! These are so much better than the fabric markers. Permanent for as long as you need them and then never fails to wash out. I have even put Fray-Check over the marker and it still washed out!!! Chalk is a waste of time usually (it rubs off to easily, can transfer to other pieces if they are rubbed on one another)
Maybe a skirt and jacket (or vest) out of the green wool. That way it is its own outfit that just needs a blouse. Love your videos!
I was also thinking about a vest, but it might be a bit too thick for that🤔 Such a nice fabric, it’s a pity I can’t find a right project for it…
@@Julija_Gobere what about a mid-weight over coat for spring?
I used to live near the Fabric District in Los Angeles, I bought so much fabric cheap. I moved back east to New Jersey 14 years ago, and I still have some of that fabric! Now I only buy fabric when I have a project in mind. Except for Halloween fabric! I still can't help impulse buying that when it's in season
Subscriptions of just about anything are fun to get in the mail....you open the box up, go ooh, ah...oh this is so pretty...oh I can use this or that or make this or that...and that's pretty much where it ends. The boxes stack up in your closet or on your floor. The marketing for such things is to create the "idea" in people that they WILL use it, right away and enjoy it. The reality for many is something else.
The dress form does look good in the video and does make a cool display rack if a bit bright. The fancy fabric screams to be a 2, 3, 4 piece suit. the green needs to be a coat and beret hat. I think green would look smashing on you. if you don't have time to sew it yourself ask yourself, "what's my time worth?" and have these things made for you. They will fit perfectly as well you have already invested the money in the fabric so finish the job and only buy fabric online moving forward. I have so many crafting tools I don't use much but have absolutely no regrets.
that's a great tip - I can definitely ask someone i know who has started a dressmaking business, to make me things out of my fabric stash! Thanks for that.
You can use your wool as an inside (sandwich) layer for extra warmth in the winter time, on just about anything, you could also make it removable. I also got some wool that I absolutely hated, but it will work well as a stabilizing-insulating layer for a winter overcoat I haven't bought the fabric for yet, I did not have enough of the old stuff for the overcoat, so I'm using it to make some winter working clothes.
I've used Singer brand electric scissors with very good luck especially when having to cut several pairs of pants for my kids. It went fine with no issues at all. I also have a dress form, I bought it just to help me with fitting and getting the correct length. I di wish that it had legs. I also like to dress it like me and then watch and hear my son telling it Good Morning when he wakes up.
😂😂😂😅
So it is me again. You talk of having a fabric stash. I have a lovely tweed, that my parents bought for me on a trip Ireland. Well I have always been paralyzed about making it up, what if it doesn’t fit, or I do not like it after made up? Well they bought it for me when I was 18 MONTHS old, and I am now 70. Guess i need to get it made, or they will be able to wrap me in it when I die😂😂😂.
Also during Covid I got back into sewing, making masks etc. loved it. Found a couple of UTube channels on sewing and have ordered about 30 indue patterns, and at least 100 metres of fabric, that is all sitting there🤪. The first dress I made i did nit check the scale and it, of course totally dies not fit. Very depressing. I am not giving up, but…
❤️❤️your channel
I tried using tailors chalk later in life. I simply find it quite awkward to use and prefer using a pencil shape. A white charcoal drawing pencil is perfect. I also use washable markers from the dollat store here quite inexpensive. But my favorite is the box of Conté drawing chalk pencils I just had to have 30 years ago- absolute best marking pencils - though quite pricey (but at least they get used!)
side comment. That green fabric is fabulous! your red hair and the royal blue shirt you have would look gorgeous with that green fabric
6:22 I've used scrap fabric to make gift bags, hair bows, grow bags, and envelope-style throw pillows. Spare fabric in materials or colours that aren't really your style can be upcycled to make holiday or birthday gifts, etc., for friends & relatives.
Thank you so much for telling about the dress form because it was my dream also! I also can relate to everything you say, especially buying fabric…
I loved this video and so happy to have found you! I laughed because I have a dressmaker form that I desperately wanted and haven't really made use of and was planning this very afternoon to clean out my fabric stash. Instead I came searching for some tips on my overlocker and found your channel which has kept me very happily entertained!.
My excuse for having a cupboard full of fabric is that it fills an emotional connection. When I was a little girl, my mother was a sewist and my father was a sewing machine mechanic. My Mum's cupboard had cute baskets full to the brim of all sorts of fabrics and we would often hide in the cupboard just touching and feeling all the fabric. Years later I can still feel the memory of the fabrics and remember the smell of her soap in that little safe hiding space. I've loved seeing some of the ideas in the comments below and will challenge myself to use the fabrics and the soap for chalk trick will definitely be something to remember! Thank you! x
Thank you for your honesty. I, too, have fabric like you mentioned and I have electric scissors as well.
There is a saying...too soon old...too late smart. Live and learn. ❤
I agree about the dress form - yearned for one, which I had as a Christmas gift some years ago - I’ve just sold it for a fraction of the cost.
Love my dress form. The secret for a good fit is to add and old bra filled with cotton wool. And if you have a tummy you pad it out accordingly.
😅😅😅 me too..yearned for one..
I liked your discussions. Is very informative. I, too, stopped buying fabric for the sole reason if it being "so pretty", and/or a great deal. I refuse to buy another tote to store it in until the day I have time to make that project also. I sew clothes, quilts and like to design unique gift items. Thanks for your thoughtful and intelligent commentary video.
I have a dress form, too. Good to know that I am not alone in making this "meh" decision. I am downsizing and this is one of the first things to go. I am donating it to a charity shop so that they can display the clothes. At least now it will be used!
😅😅😅 I dodged that bullet ..no space..
What do you mean you don’t have an issue with the magazine? Sounds like you had many issues. 😂 OK that’s my dumb joke for today. I really like your videos. They’re way better than most. 👍
It took me a whole minute to get the joke🫣😅 Good one!🤣
I agree with all but the buying extra fabric. It might be that my projects are more predictable but I like having a selection of my own selection of fabrics to go to.
The green would look beautiful over the blue that you are wearing in the video ❤
I have a huge stash of really beautiful fabrics... because I can't stop myself! lol.
I love my adjustable dress form. I bought mine second hand and have used it lots. My issue is pinking shears. After a few cuts they don't work. I recently bought a pair from Walmart that are titanium coated. They worked for 3 garments and then bound up. The store took them back. I bought the same ones again and hoped it was just a fluke. They started giving me trouble after the first garment. They would save me a lot of time and thread as I don't own a serger but alas so far I cannot find ones that don't go dull after a few uses.
Cut up some sheets of aluminum foil, should help to sharpen shears and scissors.
I appreciate your comments on the dress form - I’ve not yet been able to justify the cost, and from your review I now no longer think I will ever need to
Lovely video, very useful. About the chalk, one of my class mates in fashion school gave me this tip: use the thin pieces of soap left from soap bars, when they get super thin just let them dry and use them as you would use chalk.
Love your channel. I find your instructions and attention to detail really helpful. You said you prefer fitting on a body, vice the dress form, how do you fit on yourself. When I started sewing 60 years ago, and for about he next 40 years my mother was the one who helped, taking things in, hemming etc. unfortunately she is no longer with us. When I reach under my arms, or whatever to adjust I just oull another part of the pattern out of alignment. I would love a video teaching us how to fit a pattern on yourself.
Also I love❤❤❤❤❤ your hair, gorgeous colour, and style. Always wanted to be a red head, but. Now I am a lovely silver, but the red is gorgeous.
Thanks for your channel.
Thank you for such sweet comment! I want to make a separate video about my fitting process, hopefully it would be helpful for others, too🤗
@@Julija_Gobere thank you.
same here!! I've bought so many different fabrics cuz they'll be useful whenever I have right patterns
Thanks! That tip about those plastic dials on the dressform leaving impressions upon steaming the garment was enough to make me stay away from it. I was already on the fence about it. I agree about the electric scissors. I thought they would be perfect for my needs even though I read the warnings about the noise. I didn't realize the other issues until I bought one of my own. I've used it twice. The main part I don't like is the noise, but they are unpredictable with the cutting for sure.
So apt especially with buying fabrics without specific designs you want to make
My mom had electric scissors and for CERTAIN fabrics and tasks they were great. They excelled at long straight cuts in form light-to-medium weight fabrics. You have to make sure to not jam the fabric into the jaws by trying to go too fast, but it's easier on your hands than shears.
What I saw you doing are things they don't do well: slippery fabric, intricate cuts and denims.
I really like Frixion markers for marking fabrics. I bought a set of 12 different colors for less than $12. The great thing about them is that the marks disappear when ironed. But I understand that the marks can reappear in very cold (10 degrees F) temperatures, so they may be practical only in countries that don't have extremely cold winters. Here is South Florida, it will never be a problem, and I am never going to visit anywhere where it's that cold!
That's what I use, too. I love them for embroidery projects. The marks disappear with a hair dryer, too. I live where it's cold and I've never seen them reappear, I'll have to watch for that now, lol
@@ks1205we use the frixion pens at the quilt shop I work at. The marks do reappear in the cold. Sometimes only as low 30°. Our quilts are sometimes transported often for shows or events and the marks can come back just from them being overnight in the transport vehicle. The nice thing is a quick spritz of warm water also makes them disappear again.
I hear you on the dress form. I only use mine for a. hanging full circle skirts before hemming and b. displaying a pretty outfit in my bedroom 😂
Hi. I made the buying fabric mistake to the point of an overwhelming amount. I just took 11 large bags of fabric to the thrift store. I am very glad I didn't purchase a dress form. I found an old one for $20.00 in thrift store. I basically hang shirts while I was working on them. It is in the garage now. I was scared watching you try the electric scissors in your other video. Glad you didn't get hurt. Thanks for the video and have a nice day.
Oh I didn’t know thrift stores accept fabric!😮
They sell fabric cheap too. I average $2.00 a yard only or less.
I too was a Dress Form Fiend. My first one was like yours, but I learned that the upper bust area on me was narrower than on the form. So I bought another form which I padded up. This was close and I liked it. But then realized my body has a different shape than the form; rolled shoulders, rounded upper back, etc., and padding it to be just like me was a nightmare. Then I tried a tape double where I was wrapped in tape and then the form was cut apart. Close enough but I wanted something sturdier as the tape was “melting” due to hot weather. So I made a dress form from scratch, making a sloper first, removing the ease and then stuffing it. It was close but then the bust shape wasn’t like mine; I made two of these. Enter dress form number six. Made from scratch, using a computerized program which was programmed for my body. This was, I thought, a great thing! All of my above issues would be solved. I spent two days putting it together and had something. I liked it, but then realized, the bust area again wasn’t like mine and the neck was too big. I must have entered a wrong measurement somewhere. From all this, I found it much better to fit myself, using a camera and a mirror and save the time and frustration from making and using a dress form.
I have a double made of paper tape - similar width of tape than the silvery tape, but harder, it's old fashioned construction stuff, not the stuff used in moden paper crafts. It needs to be wetted for the adhesive to work.
I haven't found it to soften in any weather - once it has dried, it's nice and sturdy.
The only problem is me changing size... But that's the problem with any double, and those size changing ones really aren't of my form in any way.
The problem with fitting on myself is that I often need complex changes on the the bust / shoulder / shoulder blade area, those are extremely tricky to do on yourself.
Watching videos before jumping into sewing, I was struck by how many had hundreds of patterns and shelves stocked with fabrics, complicated storage. One person in particular was putting her patterns in order said she had over 100 dress patterns but didn't have any dresses! What the heck? As more or less a minimalist I decided NEVER to do that. One pattern, one fabric, one project at a time. I don't want any unfinished things to haunt me! Thanks for a great video.
Make something using that emerald green fabric, it would look wonderful with your gorgeous red hair! You won't regret it 🙏
That green wool fabric would make a beautiful cape/cloak. It would be beautiful and flowing would be great.
That green is beautiful and vibrant and will go with everything!
Thanks - just getting back into sewing right now, after 25 years. I still have stash from when I left off. Always wanted a dress form, but am no longer the shape of one, so will definitely not get one.
I bought a pair of Black & Decker battery powered scissors years ago. In the recent past, I threw them away. They never worked well on fabric but were good on paper, I then tried them on cardboard. They worked ok for a few minutes and then the battery seemed to lose power very quickly. Lesson learned: From the little bit of research I've done, if you want electric or battery powered scissors that really cut fabric well, you have to buy the ones used by pros and that can cost quite a bit...maybe hundreds of dollars.
Your comment made me feel so much better - I was choosing between Black & Decker scissors and the ones I bought; and I now spent time wondering that I should have gotten the Black & Decker ones… Seems like I didn’t miss out on much after all😅 I agree with you - if I ever decide to get other pair of electric scissors, I will definitely be getting something from pro level🤗
I have the Singer Red dress form and it just helps so much. You can just add fabric in the gaps if it bothers you but what bothers me is I can't pin on those gaps so I have to be creative. I rarely have clients getting exact measurements (I sew gowns, and usually they're for pageants and will be for rent) so my clients will request something with standard measurements and can be done just by draping. Will be exploring tambour embroidery so I think I won't be using it for a long time...
Thank you for sharing these thoughts. I appreciate your honestly and polite criticism of these tools. I agree with you, most do cause anxiety and I have adjusted my behavior when purchasing tools or fabric. ❤
The excitement of getting beautiful patterns and no time to sew them! 🙈🙈🙈
I had the same dress form and never used it. I was so happy when I gave it away and reclaimed the space.
Thanks for sharing this! I definitely are not going to have the dress form! I feel relieved. The stash of fabric in this house and the pile of issues of Burda and Knip are for me a joy. Looking at patterns and fabric gives me 100 ideas and I end up one idea really doing. I just discovered your blog and I enjoy your advice and for the electrical scissors… Nothing beats a good pair of tailor scissors. Good luck with the chalk..❤
The green fabric could make a beautiful couch
It's sooo true - we believe that certain sewing staples just don't suit our particular needs and sewing styles.
I prefer to use Hancock's garment marking chalk, comes in 5 different colours to suit all your need. Classic brand and trusted by professionals. I inherited my first one from my mom (who is also a dressmaker, and gave me a good starter tool setup back in the day) and since then that is my choice 99% of the time.
Yes please let us know when you find a marking tool.
I got rid of my adjustable dress forms. I only used it to make sure it fit clients and for photoshoots.
think a cape would look lovely with your hair somehow a flowing cape does not have to match as much as a standard coat does for me. I did get electric scissors the first set always seemed to be out of charge when I want the so I may move them to use for cardboard. I bought another set this year and they really are helpful saving my wrists when cutting leather and denim... but I am older and have a lot of arthritis. Why don't you donate them to an older person or an old persons residence. I have bought way too much fabric without special plans especially if there is a "mill sale"I think your idea of not even looking at it in a shop is a great idea ( unless I go to Liberty in London...)
I will try the scissors with different blades (someone suggested in the comments), but it doesn’t work, I will give away them to someone who would get more use from them…
My library in Sweden has a sewing magazine subscription so you can borrow, trace the pattern and instructions and return it for use by other sewers (wrong choice of word, 😁)
I like having fabrics at home i love to see all of them and choose when i want to make something
I got the steam iron :D It's so good! There have been moments where I've had to go in eco mode because there was too much steam, which isn't something I thought possible. My only regret is that I didn't have it when my kids were at school and I had to iron two white shirts each day.
Steam iron is a game changer💯 I keep telling people who wear shirts daily that they *have* to get steam iron, it makes the task soooo much easier👌
I’m guilty of buying fabric. I have 20 bins of fabric 🤦🏻♀️
@@mrsmichaelz😅 I have 3 bags. And scraps 😅😅 we should get together..😅😅😅
I had a non adjustable dressmaking form I had to get rid of because I would see it out of the corner of my eye and it gave me a fright 😅. I can imagine your green wool as a pea/car coat. It looks to be a blue base green so would compliment your hair and eyes. The cream fabric looks like a coat weight and is very glamorous but I can’t offer any suggestions. Love your sewing insights 🙂
The first few weeks after getting a dressform I would get scared every night seeing a shadow of it, it definitely took time to adjust😅😅😅
I never adjusted to its presence - also my two teenaged girls at the time were freaking out all the time lol 😅 - but I have had an idea for your cream fabric if you don’t mind me sharing - i think it would be a beautiful lining for a glamorous opera coat or hooded cloak in black - you would look spectacular 🙂👍
Absolutely true. I was worried that it would scare me too. 😅😅😅 So my suspicions were proved😅😅
I was thinking the same thing about the green fabric. It would be rocking with royal blue collar, cuffs and accents.
How about making it reversible with one side green with royal blue and the other side use the white with black.m? The green side for casual and the white for formal/dressing up.
Thanks for sharing . I am equally guilty of hoarding fabrics without having any project in mind .
Thank you. I was thinking about buying a dress form but I have been “waiting” I am glad I did. I have spent most all my life without one so I guess I don’t need one after all. Subscriptions, I am just not happy with the pricing and most of the magazine is filled with advertisements.
I have loads of fabrics that I love but haven't used in years due to not having a clear purpose in mind. Or just being too scared to start. But I really do not mind. I know I'll get to it eventually.
I agree about buying fabric without a truly specific thing to sew with it.
I don't agree. You can't always know what to make out of a fabric when you by it. The ideas come up with time. If you like your fabric, just take a look at it from time to time. Then, look at the patterns. The ideas will come. I had a fabrik for 5 years and I recently turned it into a dress. It has an elefant pattern and reminds me of Elmo. So I bought it.Fife meters, all that was left in stock. And I needed that much, as the pattern requires the elefants pointing in the same direction.I gave the left- overs to a sewing- college who sews for her baby- grand-daughters. I never regretted bying that fabric and this is just one of at least 5 projects that turned out that way. 🎉
Those hard dress forms are useless. I took Fashion Design at UC Davis and purchase one of the Pgm linen dress form and using it knocked my design ability knocked it out of the park. I love using the dress form. Think you purchased the wrong form, and cost too much for what you get. I love to drape fashion. The magazine subscriptions are touch and go, I get once in awhile, but never on a regular basis, books are ok reference. I agree with you on the electric scissors, a better choice if you need to add to scissors is rotary cutter, game changer. NOTE: Never use fabric scissors to cut paper because the scissors will be dull very quick. In addition to chalk you can use regular pencils, and a great marker is the pens that you can erase immediately with iron. Good video.
For the chalk, use school chalk, even the colored.
Yes, this is what I use too and it is smooth and silky and works way better than the triangle thing ..you just need to sharpen it before use
Very interesting idea, I want to try it out!
Basically I'm trying to say you should buy a slip for your dress form and maybe that'll help with the knobs not coming through on your steams
Hi. I am glad that you mentioned these, now I can stop thinking that I need a body form although I never made a wearable garmet and stop thinking that I should go and check some textile shops, just in case😉. As for the chalk I use either scrap of soaps, pencils, pens or erasable markers. Happy sewing😊
I like actually feeling the fabric
Hi! I love what you said about buying fabric with no particular project in mind. I also have two of those going to four years now😁. Also, a good regulatory strategy, the online shops. However, I like to feel the texture of a fabric when buying it cuz it sort of helps me decide what I want to do with it.
Yes, feeling the texture is definitely something that I miss when online shopping!
I made my own Diy mannequin using the Etsy Bootstrap Dress Form, it was to my own measurements and i received a pattern that i printed with instructions. I made it following their instructions in one week, then i purchase a stand on wheels. I can pin, steam, adjust and model my garments with it. I strongly recommend you give it a try. Let me know what you're thinking about this. I love all your videos. Thanks
😂Thank you for sharing, I just got my first sewing machine and started to search for supplies. I think that green fabric could be used for a Christmas clothes or decorations
Make one of those quick easy capes with that green wool fabric. That green would look fabulous on you!
I have the same dress form as you, I was a small waist but wide hips. So bc my bodice is small I got the same one as you. Bellow the waist I have it completely expanded to match my hips. So I have a huge space where I can stick my arm straight through my dress form. So I need to stuff it and put a slip over it. Which I think would help with the steaming.
I would turn that green wool into a swing coat. Gorgeous.
I like using frixtion pens to make fabric. It is a heat erasable ink.
Love the green a nice coat or jacket would be nice.
how interesting all our experiences are! I have a dress form, it's fitted to the size I was at one time, and sorta still am - I use it mainly to list clothes I'm selling on ebay, lol. I also have electric scissors. Mine don't get stuck, but they are LOUD. With my arthritic hands, they make cutting curves and such pretty easy. I buy fabric all the time without projects, but then again, I go thrifting for mine!
I have to admit to fabric stashing in the past. One of my issues is that because I didn't have a project, I don't buy enough or buy way too much. sigh. Sometimes, I treat myself, but yeah, never mind. Also, can't cope with craft subscriptions of any kind. Too much money and not enough time.
i made the subscription mistake when i started crocheting. the subscription went for 2 years (less wasn't possible), so now i have 24 crochet magazines, from which i actually just used 5 patterns so far. :D