A couple videos ago, Lou said something that has really stuck with me, he said of Dana that he realized that all he wanted was a quiet, happy life lived with you. Your weekly videos always remind me of the magic of ordinary days and inspire me to find the magic in my own. Thank you for that! And for the peace and happy vibes! 😊
Aw, how sweet is your message!! Thank you so much, MyLittleRiches (also I love how much your username also reflects finding magic, "little riches" is beautiful) Thank you so much for planting this big smile on my face, and sending lots of love your way!! xx
So confess, I cried as I watched it because Grammy and Grandmother are jumping for joy in Heaven----finally a granddaughter who wants to sew. The dress is beautiful; I loved the customization and how it was filmed. Wish Grammy was alive to see this would have filled her with such joy. So proud of you!!!!!!!!!!
Aww mom 😭😭 so special! Felt such a beautiful connection to them during this project and the next one too. Feel like this is going to be such a special hobby I can share with them even though they’re not here anymore. Miss and love you so much 🥰🥰
A great source for fabric when your just starting out is the thrift store, if you're lucky you might find actual cuts of fabric, but old bed sheets are often a nice cotton that will work well. It saves on the heartbreak of messing up expensive fabric when your still figuring out clothing sewing techniques.
Great advice.. And old bed sheets have been washed numerous times so nothing will shrink 🙃 With new fabrics, especially linnen, better wash them first in the way you would wash your clothing. I've tried it myself a few times to get around that part and ended up with some very cute but too short or narrow dresses and skirts. All the best for all following projects!
Amazing! It turned out great. All those adjustments are the most normal part of sewing. My Sewists advice to you would be; wash and iron your fabric before cutting, dont skip this step. You will see the difference it makes, I promise. ... and always iron your seams. Lots of love Dana. Sewing is one of my favourite kinds of adventures.
@ Frances Underwood. think i have done this once or twice when sewing expensive Vogue patterns. 😁( sometimes my favourite clothes were from on sale MCall’s patterns and dollar a yard cloth. ) Washing and ironing is great preparation! And yes, it’s a whole other experience. Would def. want to do this with good linen. ( Dana, your dress looks like it might have shrunk the perfect amount. Did you wash it before the video reveal? Curious, because linen can shrunk a lot) I love sewing and haven’t had a machine for awhile, living in kind of simple terms. . I worked in Window Display many years ago and always had a vision back then of designing a line of clothes for men, raw silk (would be ahimsa silk today) linen and nettle. Back then, men were pretty restrained, even gay men, but i knew they craved more freedom. I was going to hand paint the jacket linings... to be very beautiful and rich. So many ideas! And only two arms! 😂 my fascination with home sewing probably started when a friend of my mother’s cut a coat for me out of beautiful Hudson Bay Duffle, one afternoon when I was about 7-8. She did it without a pattern, without even drawing it, just looking at me and cutting and sewing. Made me a parka. I was smitten with the magic of that. ( Also, i had an older sister and was accustomed to mainly wearing her hand-me-downs.) What a grand adventure you are setting out on, Dana! So much pleasure and satisfaction!
Your every video is healing to the soul. I've noticed this far back when I was subscribing a few years ago. And especially I felt it today. I had my phone stolen yesterday while moving into a new apartment. Got my fair share of stress and bad emotions and couldn't get rid of a bitter feeling in the morning today. Your video made me smile again, and it feels like the bad emotions from yesterday were all just swept away. Thank you so much guys for sharing your beautiful journey. You are such an inspiration.
Go Dana!! Im a clothing Artisan from Finland, currently studying clothing design. It makes me so happy when people make their own clothes! Its an amazing skill to learn and to have. You can make clothing from scratch, transform clothing, clone favourite clothing pieces from your wardrobe, repurpose anything textile into clothes... and with a good home machine like yours you can make anything from literally swimwear to jeans and back! I have a really cool trick i learned from some really experienced senior seamstresses in Germany: namely re purposing that last small peace of bar soap as tailors chalk, (test it on a scrap peace of fabric to be sure its the kind that doesn't leave stains after washing) its so smooth and precise once you sharpen the edge with a knife or scissors and vanishes after washing. Ill never go back to chalk! also this is a funny trick, but your own spit will remove blood stains from the fabric if you happen to poke your finger, it works better than cold water. (but be sure that you don't do this if you ate chocolate earlier =D) pinning the fabric horizontally (the head of the pin facing the edge) makes it so much easier to pin, hold the fabric in place and remove, it feels weird at first, but makes sewing so much easier! I love these kind of insider tricks, During my work practices i used interview seamstresses, tailors and anyone else who's work looked interesting and asked them for their favourite tip or trick and id write it all down in a notebook, Now I have such a cool collection of random brilliant tricks. Its amazing what one can learn by just asking a simple question! Lots of Love from Finland! Mia Lorenz
Mia!!! Thank you SO much for this comment, everything you said is so cool! Especially the start, just made me so excited about all the possibilities!! And wow, those are all some truly excellent tips, I am making note of those!! Thank you so much for taking the time to share them here, and SO COOL of you to be studying this!! 😀 Ha your comment really just filled me with so much excitement!! Lots of love from us ❤
@@mialorenz4489 I'm a frustrated dressmaker. I know things, but I need to learn more. I love the soap tip. I have never been able to get the chalk to work for me. The spit on the blood stain is pure magic/chemistry. I'm not sure if I understood your indications on the pinning. Pin the fabric from the selvage horizontally with the heads of the pins facing outward? That would hold the fabric more securely. Thank you so much for your time and ideas.
Oh I love it. A tip that is so handy when gathering sleeves and waistlines is always two rows of gathering stitches. Then sew sheeve to bodice, or skirt to bodice, sewing real close to the bottom row of gathering stitches. This will magically make it easier to handle the gathers. For your first garment you did a great job. The strap and button are a very good addition. I overall love it ❤️
Somebody else has probably mentioned this already, or you knew previously, but just in case- the owner of Blackbird fabrics, Caroline Somos is one of the hosts on the "Love to sew" podcast. The other host is Helen Wilkinson of Helen's closet patterns. Helen's patterns and instructions are incredible, and she has pages and pages on the website dedicated to pattern hacks. The podcast is amazing and inspiring, well worth the listen. Happy sewing!
For the future, consider pockets in the clothes you make. Women's clothing has way too little pockets. 😊 The dress is absolutely gorgeous! Congratulations!! You two are always so inspiring! 😍🎉💖 xoxo
Just found your channel! Congratulations to you and your husband on your sweet little miracle! Being a parent is the best adventure on earth and makes us better people! I am 60 year of age and also had relatives who knew how to sew beautiful clothing. In fact my grandfather was a tailor and my grandmother a seamstress. All my aunts made their own beautiful clothes. My passion has been exercising and taking care of my family but you have inspired me to take out my sewing machine and learn to sew! Beautiful dress! Beautiful couple! Love and blessing from Texas! 🙏❤👏👍
I really love how your dress turned out!! And the button alteration is so creative and adds nice visual interest. 😃 You’re inspiring me to get back to my machine after too long a hiatus.
Aw thank you so much, that is so cool to hear you think it was a creative twist 😀 Wishing you tons of joy and fun and creativity if you do go back to your sewing machine, or with any other creative projects you have in store for yourself this year ❤ with lots of love xx
Lou mentioned in a previous video how he reassessed what he wanted his life to look like and always admired individuals who made life look graceful and effortless (something like that) and I just wanted to say- that is you two for me. Sincerely, thank you
There is a little tool called a bodkin that makes turning things right side out a breeze. You are a genius for figuring out to use a tab for a quick alteration. Your dress is lovely, as are you. I can’t wait to see where your skills will take you next.
Brought back memories. My Dad gifted me a Singer (1979-last year made in USA) so I could sew all of my pregnancy clothes and many of my children’s clothes. An iron on seams during construction is your friend.
Hi Dana! Congratulations! The dress is beautiful! I just have a little advice, if you want to be able to use the same pattern for other sizes in the future, for yourself or someone else, there's no need to cut the pattern. You can simply copy the size you want onto parchment paper, wich is translucent enough to do this. So you can reuse the pattern infinte times for any size! Congratulations again! :D
My mother and her mother (your smile reminds me of hers) are phenomenal seamstresses. I did not inherit their talent! I've never had the patience for sewing. Your dress looks so beautiful!! Good on you for adding the size adjustment buttons, because that belly is gonna get so much bigger than you imagined was humanly possible! Can't wait to see it!
As a sewing teacher here in the community college and various other places that I teach, I want to say I am so Proud of YOU!!! Number one, kudos on the sewing machine, I used this same one in the vintage shop I worked at for a year making pillows, valances, and cushions in the interior dec department. that machine will be a workhorse for you for sometime. My only tip would be to get an iron and press each seam as you go, it makes the project very professional looking. Otherwise, you did a WONDERFULL job!!!
Absolutely beautiful!!! My mom has always done lots of sewing, and I've done little,...no, tiny projects in the past. It was always lots of fun. Congratulations on your first piece of clothing!!!❤
Love love love this Dana. Love you, love your creative spirit and determination, love Lou's support for you and your endeavors, and love this baby bump!! ❤️
Also Ive been getting the itch to get back into sewing (i used to do costumes for school theatre) and you're inspiring me!!! The family story touched my heart too. My grandma was an amazing seamstress too and though she's still alive she can't do it anymore, and i wish we'd done it together. Love these connections we can have with our ancestors though !
Yaaay! Amazing stuff! Sewing is a superpower and with these skills you can do so much, and repair garments so they last longer. I stopped buying my clothes a couple of years ago - aiming to make as much as I can or thrift the rest. It's been a great way to slow down and appreciate things, learn new skills and really design a unique wardrobe.
I too have made it my 2022 intention to relearn how to sew! I used to know the basics but haven’t touched it for over ten years. Your first project turned out so well!
For a first clothing project you did and excellent job. I’d like to share a couple of sewing tips I have learned over the 50 years I have been sewing. Always preshrink your fabric (unless it is dry clean only). The ,ast thing you want to happen is have your garment shrink when you wash it the first time. An iron is your friend. Always iron your pattern before you cut out your fabric. The ironing let’s the paper of the pattern lie flat so it is easier to pin and cut. Always iron your seams open as it gives the garment a pressed flat look at the seams. Practice more on how to pin and set in sleeves. It will makes the garment look better and fit more comfortably. Again, I liked how proud you were of your dress and you have every right to be proud as you did a really great job. A bit of practice and you will be sewing like a champ. As always, I really like your videos and the diverse subject areas you cover.
Valerie, I have made note of all the wonderful tips you have shared!! Thank you so much, they are all so great and make so much sense. It is so beautiful to be able to learn so many wisdoms and tricks from you and others who are sharing your advice here!!! I am so awash in gratitude and excitement for future projects ❤ Wishing you a beautiful week ahead!!
Dana, this is awesome! My daughter makes a lot of her own clothes (lots of linen dresses and belt tie pants). Learning to sew seam pockets was the first 'advanced' skill she taught herself. Every dress needs pockets! Congratulations on discovering the joy of sewing your own clothing...a satisfying and meaningful skill!
You two are such an inspiration!! Thank you so much for being yourselfs and for sharing this wholesome, peaceful, inspiring content with us! Much love xx
Great job for your first time sewing a dress....I especially enjoyed the fact that you weren't afraid to add your own touches to make it even better. Here is my favorite sewing tip, at least until you gain enough confidence to design your own clothes. If you like parts of one pattern and other parts of another pattern, say the collar of one and the bodice of another, you can mix and match patterns as long as its from the same brand. The dress you made reminds me of these Japanese clothing pattern books. They are simple, clean designs, one of my favorite series is by Yoshiko Tsukiori but there are other designer books as well. Check to see if your library carries any of them. They are great inspiration for designing your own clothes.
Love, Love, Love the dress!! Beautiful & so versatile. Just sent your video to my daughter. Gave her the same sewing machine for her birthday November. Hope you video will inspire her to start her sewing journey.
I have that machine too! I just wanted to point out that on the left side there is a thread cutter so you don't need scissors when you finish sewing. Cheers! Love all you do.
Nice job! One tip is to use a safety pin to turn your ties right side out. Pin one end and then feed the pin through, pulling the fabric right side out as you go. Another tip is to wash and dry your fabric as you would wash and dry your finished garment before you cut out the pattern to avoid unwanted shrinkage. Also iron your fabric, if possible, before cutting, as the wrinkles can change the shape of the pieces. Buy some inexpensive tracing paper from Staples or wherever and trace the size you want from the pattern. This allows you to use the pattern for multiple sizes but, more importantly, the tracing paper is way easier to lay down and cut around. Finally, I use whatever I have around the house (magnets, jars, etc.) to weigh the pattern down on the fabric rather than using pins. It’s faster, easier, and keeps the fabric flatter. I can’t wait to see more sewing projects! I ❤️ the little button backs you made to shape the dress. What a clever idea!
Amazing job! Don't forget that as your tummy grows, the front of the dress will lift with it, so the front will essentially get shorter and shorter as the months go on. But honestly this dress is so cute and perfect!
Tried sewing on women yet but it really really looks nice. The fact that you added those tabs for sizing is genius... And soon you'll have someone else so far too a win-win 👍😸
This was going to be my tip also, so I wanted to check to see if anyone else made the same comment. For a professional, finished look, iron each piece as you go, and each seam after you make it. Iron your gathers before attaching them to the next piece, etc. Good work!
You did such a great job! I have that exact same model of sewing machine. :) I turn out my ties/belts with the safety pin trick: Pin the safety pin securely to one end, stick it in that same end, and you can scrunch it through the tube to the other side. Or, there are other tools made for that specifically. Welcome to the fun of sewing your own clothes!!!
Very cool you did this! The thing about pre washing the fabrics is not only do they shrink overall, but sometimes they shrink directionally, so either the warp or weft will shrink more than the other and make your sewn garment go all askew. Your linen might be pre washed, so it might not be an issue, but generally you want to wash the fabric the way you plan on washing it in the future before you start the project. Can’t wait to see what else you make!
Oh that is great to know--ha i have never even thought about something shrinking directionally! Aw, that is one of the other fun things about starting a new project, the opportunity to learn so much about something, and the beautiful opportunity to get tips and insights from wonderful people like you who take the time to share from your own experience!! Thank you ❤
Please make a Cape or a shirt with an S on it because you are my sewing hero right now. Especially the fabric connection. I've been wanting to start making linen clothing for a while now. You've inspired me to start. Thanks again for another great video.
Hi Dana!! Last year I had the same goal of yours and it is amazing how much I have learned and improved til now. So keep going!! It is a beautiful feeling to make your own clothes as you're also being kind to the world by not supporting fast fashion industries. I send you lots of hugs from Chile to all of you!
You did such a great job on your first dress! You were smart to start with a simple dress! Brings back memories of when I first learned to sew! You’ll have fun making little clothes for your little one!
This video was so wholesome to watch! Finding the beauty in the everyday details is a huge take away for me. Thank you for all the time, love and effort you put in creating videos for us❤️
Well Done Dana, I can't believe how easy you made it look, when it's a huge leap into making clothes 🙌 Just a little note when Lou said make it shorter, as your bump grows the front of your dresses will naturally be shorter . You don't want it to become a top after all your hard work lol 😂 keep safe and well, hugs from Kim in the UK xx
You did such a good job on your dress! It’s adorable on you and the back detail and the buttons are really cute. One thing to remember is that you always, always, always wash your fabric before sewing with it. It can shrink and warp your made garment after you’ve put so much effort into creating it and that would be heartbreaking. Just a tip that was passed on. God bless your little family. 🌷
Dana, you look so beautiful and happy and your dress is amazing. It always makes me feel happy and inspired watching you, Lou and Freya’s adventures ❤️
I have the same sewing machine as you, Dana, and I have had it for 10 years. It great for making clothes and other fun projects with thicker materials. I used plastic packaging and old sailboat sails to make pouches for my art supplies!
Not sure if anyone said but you can totally iron the sewing pattern paper if you need! On the lowest setting 😊!! I'm glad you chose a dress, as your first, such a great first project for clothes. I made an 18th century dress for my first sewing project 😅
I’m not a professional, however making clothes can be so much fun. Your patterns do help with some of the jargon, one or two of the instruction sheets make have terminology on them.I hope you have good scissors! Finally put a label on my new ones that say for fabric only! Hahahah! Any questions message me and we’ll “talk”! I’ve been sewing for 50 years, I took classes In high school from Mrs. Thompson! She was so cool and “sew” helpful. I made a lined jacket with her help. My grandmother wore it later, she was teeny tiny! I have it still but, no way can I wear it. Enjoy! Baby blankets are fun to make too!
Ugh I loved this video so much! I started watching your videos bc they are so calming and relaxing but I had to stop for a while bc I was getting stressed out about the sailing haha. So I really love the new direction you guys are going in, it just feels right. 🥰 Thank you for continuing to share your lives with us.
It is really amazing to see something take shape in your own hands. I remember the first item I made (in 7th grade HomeEc) and just marveled at the miracle of "smocking"! You did a great job!
The first project is always so exciting 🥰 I would recommend that you check out some of Bernadette Banner’s work with natural fabrics like linen. She’s incredibly knowledgeable and I’ve learned so much from her about the importance of the prep work that needs to go into creating long lasting garments, including the importance of mock-ups. Second would be Evelyn Wood!! She’s dynamite for important techniques like top stitching and ways to finish edges. She also has good insight as to how to upcycle existing items if you’re interested in some sustainability projects. Have fun!
Linen is a great, practical fabric for a hot climate. It breathes really well and feels cool to wear. It is also a more sustainable fiber choice (cotton is a thirsty crop). Just another random note about linen: it takes embroidery really well. I like it as an embroidery base fabric. I find it fun to put a decorative border near the hems of linen pieces. I prefer hand embroidery as a craft. I knit and crochet, too, but I've never really made my own clothes. Now you've inspired me to try something new!
If I get this feeling with new bought clothes, imagine if they were made by me! Incredible!I would love to make my own clothes... Especially because I am extra basic, so it shouldn't be that complicated. Very nice job as always, Dana! The little one will have such a nice-natural wardrobe.
Thank you, Ana!! I can only recommend it, it is such a joy to be like "ha! I made this!!!" And makes me really appreciate all the talented seamstresses and tailors and fabulous creative folks out there who are so good at producing something so essential to our lives. Thanks for sharing such kind words, and sending so much love your way!! xx
I learned how to sew after my father got a overlock sewing machine and it is the greatest for sewing clothes out of stretchy fabrics... I especially love making sweatshirts of all kinds and baby clothes as gifts because the cuteness of baby fabrics is just 🙌🏼...
You did an AWESOME job! The material will become softer as you wash it. And yes, you are definitely going to need that extra room soon. This is such a different side to see of you both and y'all are just adorable. The sparkle is still in your eyes when you look at each other!!!!!!!!!! Be Blessed!
it is SUCH a fun journey learning how to sew! I learned in May 2020 to make my own masks... now I have my own little apparel business :,) Away We Go Apparel, who knows where this will take you! the possibilities are unimaginable
What a beautiful job you did on your first sewing project! I love the button strips at the waist - they're such a nice and functional detail. That's something really special about sewing -- seeing something useful/lovely and recreating it to fit your circumstances 😃
The perfect video to watch while I’m sitting and unpicking seams of a shirt I just finished sewing! I’m an impatient/messy sewer, so I think I end up unpicking almost as many seams as I sew 😅. But somehow even the frustrating parts of sewing are still fun to me, its a great hobby, and there’s no feeling like being able to say “I made this!”.
Don't make it too short for when your stomach gets bigger! It will raise the front of your dress and might make it too short if you make it as short as you were thinking! (Edit: Okay, watched it further after the alterations and I think it should do fine 🤞!) I think it looks very cute! Well done, especially for your first project! Excited to see more of what you make. Y'all are so cute!
Dana, that dress is SOOOO cute and comfy looking. Amazing girly! Sewing is like many things, addicting!😊 I was actually going to be a Sewing Teacher, but didn't follow thru. My mom made alot of our clothes, and still sews lots at 80! Blessings you two (3)🥰❣
Thanks for the lovely video, you inspired me to buy my first sewing machine, I've been thinking about it for a while! Looking forward to your next creation!
Great job! For the next one, leave the sleeves off and just finish the armhole. If the armholes are too big, you can always wear a cute tee underneath. I wouldn’t waste time sewing shorts/pants while pregnant. Crotches are the trickiest and sleeves are the next trickiest. Keep using patterns to understand the steps and order of construction. It’ll help when you do your own patterning. Also ironing your seams, etc, during construction will give a more finished look. You can also use small pleats in the skirt instead of the puckering technique. It’ll give another look. Let us know how the linen holds up after washing and drying. It can be tricky. 😊
Oh that is such a clever idea!! Love the idea of wearing a tee underneath if the armholes are too big, what a cute look! Thank you so much for taking the time to share, I am taking note of all these!! Sending much love your way ❤
Great job! Very satisfying accomplishment, I'm sure. Your dress looks wonderful on you and how clever you are to have put the adjustable tabs (the 'grow with me' tabs'😊) on it! I enjoyed this video and look forward to your next project. If it were me, from the old days 😌 I would have made the same pattern again, different fabric, so that I could learn from the struggles with the first. You chose a great pattern. 👍
That’s fantastic a really good job. I make all my own clothes and love it. It is a good idea to prewash your fabric for more fitted items, also if you have am iron pressing your seams as you go makes a real difference.
I'm so impressed by the gathers! As a relatively novice sewer, I've yet to muster up the courage to try it out. A tip for turning out the straps next time: try to use a big safety pin that you attach on one end and thread through -- I generally find that easier than trying to poke the fabric with a pen/knitting needle/etc. They make some specialised implements too but those a probably not necessary :)
Thank you!! Ha I am also surprised they worked out to be honest, yay! And wow that is SUCH a clever tip with the safety pins, thank you so much for sharing!! Sending tons of love your way, and wishing you so much fun with your creative sewing projects ❤
I've always used the safetypin method as well and it also works nicely for rethreading a drawstring on pants or a skirt that works loose in the washing.
It’s really fantastic when you can make your own clothes... I learned how to sew a few years ago thanks to my father buying an overlock ... Overlock sewing machines are the best for making clothes in my opinion, the just do a cleaner finish and stuff ... I really like the aspect of slow fashion and I really just don’t need new clothes that often ... I also recently learned how to knit... like the first thing I wanted to make was a hat and the second thing a sweater, so I just started it (a few people thought I was crazy haha) and after weeeks of lots and lots of work I am neeeearly done... aka even slooooower fashion 🤣
@@WildWeRoam My mum used to make a lot of my clothes when I was little so that's what she used to do to turn tubes of fabric inside out 😃. Love your channel and yes I had a lovely Sunday much love ♥️🙏💞🐈
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A couple videos ago, Lou said something that has really stuck with me, he said of Dana that he realized that all he wanted was a quiet, happy life lived with you. Your weekly videos always remind me of the magic of ordinary days and inspire me to find the magic in my own. Thank you for that! And for the peace and happy vibes! 😊
Aw, how sweet is your message!! Thank you so much, MyLittleRiches (also I love how much your username also reflects finding magic, "little riches" is beautiful) Thank you so much for planting this big smile on my face, and sending lots of love your way!! xx
So true!!
Well said!
Same here. Beautifully said!🥰
So confess, I cried as I watched it because Grammy and Grandmother are jumping for joy in Heaven----finally a granddaughter who wants to sew. The dress is beautiful; I loved the customization and how it was filmed. Wish Grammy was alive to see this would have filled her with such joy. So proud of you!!!!!!!!!!
Aww mom 😭😭 so special! Felt such a beautiful connection to them during this project and the next one too. Feel like this is going to be such a special hobby I can share with them even though they’re not here anymore. Miss and love you so much 🥰🥰
Any sewing project that prompts that many twirls is a huge success!
A great source for fabric when your just starting out is the thrift store, if you're lucky you might find actual cuts of fabric, but old bed sheets are often a nice cotton that will work well. It saves on the heartbreak of messing up expensive fabric when your still figuring out clothing sewing techniques.
Wow, that is great advice!! Thank you so much, Krysta Mae!!
Great advice.. And old bed sheets have been washed numerous times so nothing will shrink 🙃 With new fabrics, especially linnen, better wash them first in the way you would wash your clothing. I've tried it myself a few times to get around that part and ended up with some very cute but too short or narrow dresses and skirts. All the best for all following projects!
Amazing! It turned out great. All those adjustments are the most normal part of sewing. My Sewists advice to you would be; wash and iron your fabric before cutting, dont skip this step. You will see the difference it makes, I promise. ... and always iron your seams.
Lots of love Dana. Sewing is one of my favourite kinds of adventures.
This is great advice, came her to point out at least the washing before as well
@ Frances Underwood.
think i have done this once or twice when sewing expensive Vogue patterns. 😁( sometimes my favourite clothes were from on sale MCall’s patterns and dollar a yard cloth. ) Washing and ironing is great preparation!
And yes, it’s a whole other experience. Would def. want to do this with good linen.
( Dana, your dress looks like it might have shrunk the perfect amount. Did you wash it before the video reveal? Curious, because linen can shrunk a lot)
I love sewing and haven’t had a machine for awhile, living in kind of simple terms. . I worked in Window Display many years ago and always had a vision back then of designing a line of clothes for men, raw silk (would be ahimsa silk today) linen and nettle. Back then, men were pretty restrained, even gay men, but i knew they craved more freedom. I was going to hand paint the jacket linings... to be very beautiful and rich. So many ideas! And only two arms! 😂 my fascination with home sewing probably started when a friend of my mother’s cut a coat for me out of beautiful Hudson Bay Duffle, one afternoon when I was about 7-8. She did it without a pattern, without even drawing it, just looking at me and cutting and sewing. Made me a parka. I was smitten with the magic of that. ( Also, i had an older sister and was accustomed to mainly wearing her hand-me-downs.) What a grand adventure you are setting out on, Dana! So much pleasure and satisfaction!
You’re so cute, Dana. I always smile when you smile ☺️
Aw, that is so sweet of you to say!! Haha I am smiling now ❤
Your every video is healing to the soul. I've noticed this far back when I was subscribing a few years ago. And especially I felt it today. I had my phone stolen yesterday while moving into a new apartment. Got my fair share of stress and bad emotions and couldn't get rid of a bitter feeling in the morning today. Your video made me smile again, and it feels like the bad emotions from yesterday were all just swept away. Thank you so much guys for sharing your beautiful journey. You are such an inspiration.
Go Dana!!
Im a clothing Artisan from Finland, currently studying clothing design.
It makes me so happy when people make their own clothes! Its an amazing skill to learn and to have. You can make clothing from scratch, transform clothing, clone favourite clothing pieces from your wardrobe, repurpose anything textile into clothes... and with a good home machine like yours you can make anything from literally swimwear to jeans and back!
I have a really cool trick i learned from some really experienced senior seamstresses in Germany: namely re purposing that last small peace of bar soap as tailors chalk, (test it on a scrap peace of fabric to be sure its the kind that doesn't leave stains after washing) its so smooth and precise once you sharpen the edge with a knife or scissors and vanishes after washing. Ill never go back to chalk!
also this is a funny trick, but your own spit will remove blood stains from the fabric if you happen to poke your finger, it works better than cold water. (but be sure that you don't do this if you ate chocolate earlier =D)
pinning the fabric horizontally (the head of the pin facing the edge) makes it so much easier to pin, hold the fabric in place and remove, it feels weird at first, but makes sewing so much easier! I love these kind of insider tricks, During my work practices i used interview seamstresses, tailors and anyone else who's work looked interesting and asked them for their favourite tip or trick and id write it all down in a notebook, Now I have such a cool collection of random brilliant tricks. Its amazing what one can learn by just asking a simple question! Lots of Love from Finland! Mia Lorenz
Mia!!! Thank you SO much for this comment, everything you said is so cool! Especially the start, just made me so excited about all the possibilities!! And wow, those are all some truly excellent tips, I am making note of those!! Thank you so much for taking the time to share them here, and SO COOL of you to be studying this!! 😀 Ha your comment really just filled me with so much excitement!! Lots of love from us ❤
Perhaps some day you will publish your note book. I would buy it! Thank you for the tips!
You guy’s made my day! ❤️
That is amazing.
@@mialorenz4489 I'm a frustrated dressmaker. I know things, but I need to learn more. I love the soap tip. I have never been able to get the chalk to work for me. The spit on the blood stain is pure magic/chemistry. I'm not sure if I understood your indications on the pinning. Pin the fabric from the selvage horizontally with the heads of the pins facing outward? That would hold the fabric more securely. Thank you so much for your time and ideas.
Oh I love it. A tip that is so handy when gathering sleeves and waistlines is always two rows of gathering stitches. Then sew sheeve to bodice, or skirt to bodice, sewing real close to the bottom row of gathering stitches. This will magically make it easier to handle the gathers. For your first garment you did a great job. The strap and button are a very good addition. I overall love it ❤️
Gathers strike fear in my heart.
Somebody else has probably mentioned this already, or you knew previously, but just in case- the owner of Blackbird fabrics, Caroline Somos is one of the hosts on the "Love to sew" podcast. The other host is Helen Wilkinson of Helen's closet patterns. Helen's patterns and instructions are incredible, and she has pages and pages on the website dedicated to pattern hacks. The podcast is amazing and inspiring, well worth the listen.
Happy sewing!
For the future, consider pockets in the clothes you make. Women's clothing has way too little pockets. 😊
The dress is absolutely gorgeous! Congratulations!! You two are always so inspiring! 😍🎉💖 xoxo
Just found your channel! Congratulations to you and your husband on your sweet little miracle! Being a parent is the best adventure on earth and makes us better people! I am 60 year of age and also had relatives who knew how to sew beautiful clothing. In fact my grandfather was a tailor and my grandmother a seamstress. All my aunts made their own beautiful clothes. My passion has been exercising and taking care of my family but you have inspired me to take out my sewing machine and learn to sew! Beautiful dress! Beautiful couple! Love and blessing from Texas! 🙏❤👏👍
I really love how your dress turned out!! And the button alteration is so creative and adds nice visual interest. 😃 You’re inspiring me to get back to my machine after too long a hiatus.
Aw thank you so much, that is so cool to hear you think it was a creative twist 😀 Wishing you tons of joy and fun and creativity if you do go back to your sewing machine, or with any other creative projects you have in store for yourself this year ❤ with lots of love xx
Lou mentioned in a previous video how he reassessed what he wanted his life to look like and always admired individuals who made life look graceful and effortless (something like that) and I just wanted to say- that is you two for me. Sincerely, thank you
I've been sewing clothing for almost 50 years. It is extremely satisfying! Well done! I hope you get as much lifelong enjoyment out of it as I have.
Congratulations! You rocked it. I agree with some others, POCKETS. They’re a mothers & a girls best friend. Keep sewing, it’s incredibly satisfying
There is a little tool called a bodkin that makes turning things right side out a breeze. You are a genius for figuring out to use a tab for a quick alteration. Your dress is lovely, as are you. I can’t wait to see where your skills will take you next.
Brought back memories. My Dad gifted me a Singer (1979-last year made in USA) so I could sew all of my pregnancy clothes and many of my children’s clothes. An iron on seams during construction is your friend.
Well done Dana, your first dress looks amazing. So lovely on your baby bump. Look forward to seeing more of your creations.
This video is so pleasent. Soul kind. Dana, your beginner's mind is inspiring.
Hi Dana! Congratulations! The dress is beautiful! I just have a little advice, if you want to be able to use the same pattern for other sizes in the future, for yourself or someone else, there's no need to cut the pattern. You can simply copy the size you want onto parchment paper, wich is translucent enough to do this. So you can reuse the pattern infinte times for any size! Congratulations again! :D
I just came to say this same thing. I think my gut clenched watching her cut out the original pattern.
Omg Congratulations your pregnant thats great .The two of you will be great parent's.
My mother and her mother (your smile reminds me of hers) are phenomenal seamstresses. I did not inherit their talent! I've never had the patience for sewing.
Your dress looks so beautiful!! Good on you for adding the size adjustment buttons, because that belly is gonna get so much bigger than you imagined was humanly possible! Can't wait to see it!
As a sewing teacher here in the community college and various other places that I teach, I want to say I am so Proud of YOU!!! Number one, kudos on the sewing machine, I used this same one in the vintage shop I worked at for a year making pillows, valances, and cushions in the interior dec department. that machine will be a workhorse for you for sometime. My only tip would be to get an iron and press each seam as you go, it makes the project very professional looking. Otherwise, you did a WONDERFULL job!!!
Absolutely beautiful!!! My mom has always done lots of sewing, and I've done little,...no, tiny projects in the past. It was always lots of fun. Congratulations on your first piece of clothing!!!❤
So much joy! Well done. :) I only have one tip for you; make a habit of never putting your thumb in front of the presser foot!
Love love love this Dana. Love you, love your creative spirit and determination, love Lou's support for you and your endeavors, and love this baby bump!! ❤️
Also Ive been getting the itch to get back into sewing (i used to do costumes for school theatre) and you're inspiring me!!! The family story touched my heart too. My grandma was an amazing seamstress too and though she's still alive she can't do it anymore, and i wish we'd done it together. Love these connections we can have with our ancestors though !
Yaaay! Amazing stuff! Sewing is a superpower and with these skills you can do so much, and repair garments so they last longer. I stopped buying my clothes a couple of years ago - aiming to make as much as I can or thrift the rest. It's been a great way to slow down and appreciate things, learn new skills and really design a unique wardrobe.
I too have made it my 2022 intention to relearn how to sew! I used to know the basics but haven’t touched it for over ten years. Your first project turned out so well!
For a first clothing project you did and excellent job. I’d like to share a couple of sewing tips I have learned over the 50 years I have been sewing. Always preshrink your fabric (unless it is dry clean only). The ,ast thing you want to happen is have your garment shrink when you wash it the first time. An iron is your friend. Always iron your pattern before you cut out your fabric. The ironing let’s the paper of the pattern lie flat so it is easier to pin and cut. Always iron your seams open as it gives the garment a pressed flat look at the seams. Practice more on how to pin and set in sleeves. It will makes the garment look better and fit more comfortably. Again, I liked how proud you were of your dress and you have every right to be proud as you did a really great job. A bit of practice and you will be sewing like a champ. As always, I really like your videos and the diverse subject areas you cover.
Valerie, I have made note of all the wonderful tips you have shared!! Thank you so much, they are all so great and make so much sense. It is so beautiful to be able to learn so many wisdoms and tricks from you and others who are sharing your advice here!!! I am so awash in gratitude and excitement for future projects ❤ Wishing you a beautiful week ahead!!
Dana, this is awesome! My daughter makes a lot of her own clothes (lots of linen dresses and belt tie pants). Learning to sew seam pockets was the first 'advanced' skill she taught herself. Every dress needs pockets! Congratulations on discovering the joy of sewing your own clothing...a satisfying and meaningful skill!
You two are such an inspiration!! Thank you so much for being yourselfs and for sharing this wholesome, peaceful, inspiring content with us! Much love xx
Great job for your first time sewing a dress....I especially enjoyed the fact that you weren't afraid to add your own touches to make it even better. Here is my favorite sewing tip, at least until you gain enough confidence to design your own clothes. If you like parts of one pattern and other parts of another pattern, say the collar of one and the bodice of another, you can mix and match patterns as long as its from the same brand. The dress you made reminds me of these Japanese clothing pattern books. They are simple, clean designs, one of my favorite series is by Yoshiko Tsukiori but there are other designer books as well. Check to see if your library carries any of them. They are great inspiration for designing your own clothes.
I have noted down your sugestions. Thanks!
Well, you guys are just goals for me. Just love how you both find good film in day to day interests and life.
Love, Love, Love the dress!! Beautiful & so versatile. Just sent your video to my daughter. Gave her the same sewing machine for her birthday November. Hope you video will inspire her to start her sewing journey.
I have that machine too! I just wanted to point out that on the left side there is a thread cutter so you don't need scissors when you finish sewing. Cheers! Love all you do.
Nice job! One tip is to use a safety pin to turn your ties right side out. Pin one end and then feed the pin through, pulling the fabric right side out as you go. Another tip is to wash and dry your fabric as you would wash and dry your finished garment before you cut out the pattern to avoid unwanted shrinkage. Also iron your fabric, if possible, before cutting, as the wrinkles can change the shape of the pieces. Buy some inexpensive tracing paper from Staples or wherever and trace the size you want from the pattern. This allows you to use the pattern for multiple sizes but, more importantly, the tracing paper is way easier to lay down and cut around. Finally, I use whatever I have around the house (magnets, jars, etc.) to weigh the pattern down on the fabric rather than using pins. It’s faster, easier, and keeps the fabric flatter. I can’t wait to see more sewing projects! I ❤️ the little button backs you made to shape the dress. What a clever idea!
You did a great job on your dress, Dana! Grammy and Grandmother would definitely have been so proud of your achievement! Keep it going.....😘
Amazing job! Don't forget that as your tummy grows, the front of the dress will lift with it, so the front will essentially get shorter and shorter as the months go on. But honestly this dress is so cute and perfect!
Tried sewing on women yet but it really really looks nice. The fact that you added those tabs for sizing is genius... And soon you'll have someone else so far too a win-win 👍😸
I made all my own clothes, apart from coats, for years and years! Very satsfying.
This was going to be my tip also, so I wanted to check to see if anyone else made the same comment. For a professional, finished look, iron each piece as you go, and each seam after you make it. Iron your gathers before attaching them to the next piece, etc. Good work!
You did such a great job! I have that exact same model of sewing machine. :) I turn out my ties/belts with the safety pin trick: Pin the safety pin securely to one end, stick it in that same end, and you can scrunch it through the tube to the other side. Or, there are other tools made for that specifically.
Welcome to the fun of sewing your own clothes!!!
Haven't watched you guys for so long! Congratulations on your pregnancy! God bless you both 💖🙏
Very cool you did this! The thing about pre washing the fabrics is not only do they shrink overall, but sometimes they shrink directionally, so either the warp or weft will shrink more than the other and make your sewn garment go all askew. Your linen might be pre washed, so it might not be an issue, but generally you want to wash the fabric the way you plan on washing it in the future before you start the project. Can’t wait to see what else you make!
Oh that is great to know--ha i have never even thought about something shrinking directionally! Aw, that is one of the other fun things about starting a new project, the opportunity to learn so much about something, and the beautiful opportunity to get tips and insights from wonderful people like you who take the time to share from your own experience!! Thank you ❤
Please make a Cape or a shirt with an S on it because you are my sewing hero right now. Especially the fabric connection. I've been wanting to start making linen clothing for a while now. You've inspired me to start. Thanks again for another great video.
My mom sewed so much of our clothes when we were little. We made a skirt together and I inherited her sewing machine ❤
Gorgeous dress!!! Amazing job Dana!! You are truly spectacular! I admire you so much! ❤️
Hi Dana!! Last year I had the same goal of yours and it is amazing how much I have learned and improved til now. So keep going!! It is a beautiful feeling to make your own clothes as you're also being kind to the world by not supporting fast fashion industries. I send you lots of hugs from Chile to all of you!
You did such a great job on your first dress! You were smart to start with a simple dress! Brings back memories of when I first learned to sew! You’ll have fun making little clothes for your little one!
This video was so wholesome to watch! Finding the beauty in the everyday details is a huge take away for me. Thank you for all the time, love and effort you put in creating videos for us❤️
Well Done Dana, I can't believe how easy you made it look, when it's a huge leap into making clothes 🙌
Just a little note when Lou said make it shorter, as your bump grows the front of your dresses will naturally be shorter . You don't want it to become a top after all your hard work lol 😂 keep safe and well, hugs from Kim in the UK xx
it always makes me so happy when you two start a project and it works out and then you're super proud 🥺
Thank you, thank you!! I needed a push to get back into sewing :) Please keep showing us the things you make!
You did such a good job on your dress! It’s adorable on you and the back detail and the buttons are really cute. One thing to remember is that you always, always, always wash your fabric before sewing with it. It can shrink and warp your made garment after you’ve put so much effort into creating it and that would be heartbreaking. Just a tip that was passed on. God bless your little family. 🌷
Dana, you look so beautiful and happy and your dress is amazing. It always makes me feel happy and inspired watching you, Lou and Freya’s adventures ❤️
I can just manage to sew a straight line on my sewing machine. I applaud your creativity and think your dress turned out beautifully. 👗
I have the same sewing machine as you, Dana, and I have had it for 10 years. It great for making clothes and other fun projects with thicker materials. I used plastic packaging and old sailboat sails to make pouches for my art supplies!
Not sure if anyone said but you can totally iron the sewing pattern paper if you need! On the lowest setting 😊!! I'm glad you chose a dress, as your first, such a great first project for clothes. I made an 18th century dress for my first sewing project 😅
Aww, that cute baby bump! ♥ Love your dress, great job!
That's awesome! Imagine also sewing clothes for your baby! Matching clothes ❤️
love you both and always inspired by your creative projects and beautiful energy you put out into the world!
I’m not a professional, however making clothes can be so much fun. Your patterns do help with some of the jargon, one or two of the instruction sheets make have terminology on them.I hope you have good scissors! Finally put a label on my new ones that say for fabric only! Hahahah! Any questions message me and we’ll “talk”! I’ve been sewing for 50 years, I took classes In high school from Mrs. Thompson! She was so cool and “sew” helpful. I made a lined jacket with her help. My grandmother wore it later, she was teeny tiny! I have it still but, no way can I wear it. Enjoy! Baby blankets are fun to make too!
Ugh I loved this video so much! I started watching your videos bc they are so calming and relaxing but I had to stop for a while bc I was getting stressed out about the sailing haha. So I really love the new direction you guys are going in, it just feels right. 🥰 Thank you for continuing to share your lives with us.
It is really amazing to see something take shape in your own hands. I remember the first item I made (in 7th grade HomeEc) and just marveled at the miracle of "smocking"! You did a great job!
The first project is always so exciting 🥰
I would recommend that you check out some of Bernadette Banner’s work with natural fabrics like linen. She’s incredibly knowledgeable and I’ve learned so much from her about the importance of the prep work that needs to go into creating long lasting garments, including the importance of mock-ups.
Second would be Evelyn Wood!! She’s dynamite for important techniques like top stitching and ways to finish edges. She also has good insight as to how to upcycle existing items if you’re interested in some sustainability projects.
Have fun!
Rosery Apparel is also fantastic for how to use thrifted fabrics like bed sheets and table cloths to make beautiful garments.
lovely to witness your achievement and delight! 🥰
The aesthetic of your videos, the calm and peacefulness you spread are so precious. You help me grow, thank you for that ♡
The dress looks beautiful! Good job Dana 😊
Aaah so cute Dana! Look at those creative skills. 💪✨
Linen is a great, practical fabric for a hot climate. It breathes really well and feels cool to wear. It is also a more sustainable fiber choice (cotton is a thirsty crop). Just another random note about linen: it takes embroidery really well. I like it as an embroidery base fabric. I find it fun to put a decorative border near the hems of linen pieces. I prefer hand embroidery as a craft. I knit and crochet, too, but I've never really made my own clothes. Now you've inspired me to try something new!
What a dress!!! I loved the straps you put on and i'm in love with the back! Congrats on this (sort of) new project haha
I laughed out loud when Lou said "this is like medieval..."
If I get this feeling with new bought clothes, imagine if they were made by me! Incredible!I would love to make my own clothes... Especially because I am extra basic, so it shouldn't be that complicated. Very nice job as always, Dana! The little one will have such a nice-natural wardrobe.
Thank you, Ana!! I can only recommend it, it is such a joy to be like "ha! I made this!!!" And makes me really appreciate all the talented seamstresses and tailors and fabulous creative folks out there who are so good at producing something so essential to our lives. Thanks for sharing such kind words, and sending so much love your way!! xx
I learned how to sew after my father got a overlock sewing machine and it is the greatest for sewing clothes out of stretchy fabrics... I especially love making sweatshirts of all kinds and baby clothes as gifts because the cuteness of baby fabrics is just 🙌🏼...
Congrats on your first dress! May it open the door to the sewing world for you
You did an AWESOME job! The material will become softer as you wash it. And yes, you are definitely going to need that extra room soon. This is such a different side to see of you both and y'all are just adorable. The sparkle is still in your eyes when you look at each other!!!!!!!!!! Be Blessed!
it is SUCH a fun journey learning how to sew! I learned in May 2020 to make my own masks... now I have my own little apparel business :,) Away We Go Apparel, who knows where this will take you! the possibilities are unimaginable
Aww! Fabulous! Your Grammy surely is smiling on you! Have a lovely week!
Aww Dana great job on the dress! It looks great.
What a beautiful job you did on your first sewing project! I love the button strips at the waist - they're such a nice and functional detail. That's something really special about sewing -- seeing something useful/lovely and recreating it to fit your circumstances 😃
Beautifully done! It is adorable on you!❤️
The perfect video to watch while I’m sitting and unpicking seams of a shirt I just finished sewing! I’m an impatient/messy sewer, so I think I end up unpicking almost as many seams as I sew 😅. But somehow even the frustrating parts of sewing are still fun to me, its a great hobby, and there’s no feeling like being able to say “I made this!”.
As you grow out, things go up. Even dresses!
Dana you look absolutely adorable in your dress! Love how chill this video was! ❤️
Pro tip! It’s helpful to iron the pattern and the fabric before cutting!
Well done Dana! You did such a good job sewing this dress. It looks really good.
Don't make it too short for when your stomach gets bigger! It will raise the front of your dress and might make it too short if you make it as short as you were thinking! (Edit: Okay, watched it further after the alterations and I think it should do fine 🤞!) I think it looks very cute! Well done, especially for your first project! Excited to see more of what you make. Y'all are so cute!
Great job. It's such a wonderful sensation sewing and making your own things. Have fun and enjoy.
Dana, that dress is SOOOO cute and comfy looking. Amazing girly! Sewing is like many things, addicting!😊
I was actually going to be a Sewing Teacher, but didn't follow thru. My mom made alot of our clothes, and still sews lots at 80! Blessings you two (3)🥰❣
You are great! Good luck with sewing!
Thanks for the lovely video, you inspired me to buy my first sewing machine, I've been thinking about it for a while! Looking forward to your next creation!
Great job! For the next one, leave the sleeves off and just finish the armhole. If the armholes are too big, you can always wear a cute tee underneath. I wouldn’t waste time sewing shorts/pants while pregnant. Crotches are the trickiest and sleeves are the next trickiest. Keep using patterns to understand the steps and order of construction. It’ll help when you do your own patterning. Also ironing your seams, etc, during construction will give a more finished look. You can also use small pleats in the skirt instead of the puckering technique. It’ll give another look. Let us know how the linen holds up after washing and drying. It can be tricky. 😊
Oh that is such a clever idea!! Love the idea of wearing a tee underneath if the armholes are too big, what a cute look! Thank you so much for taking the time to share, I am taking note of all these!! Sending much love your way ❤
Beautiful dress you did such a great job! ❤️🙏❤️
Great job! Very satisfying accomplishment, I'm sure. Your dress looks wonderful on you and how clever you are to have put the adjustable tabs (the 'grow with me' tabs'😊) on it! I enjoyed this video and look forward to your next project. If it were me, from the old days 😌 I would have made the same pattern again, different fabric, so that I could learn from the struggles with the first. You chose a great pattern. 👍
Congratulations lovely, good luck with all the sewing
That’s fantastic a really good job. I make all my own clothes and love it. It is a good idea to prewash your fabric for more fitted items, also if you have am iron pressing your seams as you go makes a real difference.
I'm so impressed by the gathers! As a relatively novice sewer, I've yet to muster up the courage to try it out.
A tip for turning out the straps next time: try to use a big safety pin that you attach on one end and thread through -- I generally find that easier than trying to poke the fabric with a pen/knitting needle/etc. They make some specialised implements too but those a probably not necessary :)
Thank you!! Ha I am also surprised they worked out to be honest, yay! And wow that is SUCH a clever tip with the safety pins, thank you so much for sharing!! Sending tons of love your way, and wishing you so much fun with your creative sewing projects ❤
I've always used the safetypin method as well and it also works nicely for rethreading a drawstring on pants or a skirt that works loose in the washing.
You can also use a ribbon threader, which is longer and thin, and doesn't pop open which sometimes safety pins can do.
I use the safety pin as well😊
So beautiful -
It’s really fantastic when you can make your own clothes... I learned how to sew a few years ago thanks to my father buying an overlock ... Overlock sewing machines are the best for making clothes in my opinion, the just do a cleaner finish and stuff ... I really like the aspect of slow fashion and I really just don’t need new clothes that often ... I also recently learned how to knit... like the first thing I wanted to make was a hat and the second thing a sweater, so I just started it (a few people thought I was crazy haha) and after weeeks of lots and lots of work I am neeeearly done... aka even slooooower fashion 🤣
You can use a safety pin to pull the fabric through to turn the straps inside out. 🇬🇧🐈🌻💞🙏
SO CLEVER! Thank you for that tip!! Hope you are having a beautiful Sunday ❤
@@WildWeRoam My mum used to make a lot of my clothes when I was little so that's what she used to do to turn tubes of fabric inside out 😃. Love your channel and yes I had a lovely Sunday much love ♥️🙏💞🐈