My recent classic shorts that I sewed has bias binding on the inside of the waistband. I never did this technique before, and I am really proud of the professional and pretty result. At this point of my sewing, I am not interested in cranking out a garment in no time. My challenge as a medium advanced sewist is to make my garments as neat-looking as possible.😊
That's fantastic! 😊 Mastering new techniques like bias binding shows your dedication to neat, professional results. Quality over speed is a great approach for your sewing journey. Keep up the wonderful work! 💜
Love your video! I have been sewing for over 60 years…eeek! Lol! In my experience I think some of the ability to match pattern or pattern ideas to fabric is something we are born with but also gets refined by practice. I have made some lovely garments that weren’t me! I learned that just because something was in style didn’t mean it was my style. Pressing, pressing, pressing! Amen Thank you!❤
Thank you! 😊 You're absolutely right, pattern-matching and style come with practice. Pressing is key! Happy sewing and thanks for sharing your experience! 💜
The 1980s weren’t any friendlier to home sewers. There was a lot of pressure to participate in the developing fast fashion market. Where I live there are not many fabric stores to be found these days, and it’s a struggle to find quality pre-made garments now, probably an indicator of how much we gave into those pressures. However, unique handmade garments and accessories are becoming highly desired items again, and I am seeing a growing number of young people actively learning to sew or do other needle crafts to meet their own wants and needs. Those interests really help to build community between generations both online and locally. Thanks for sharing your skills and creativity, and making a difference in the world!
You're right! The 1980s brought about shifts in fashion and manufacturing. The resurgence of interest in unique handmade pieces is heartening, fostering connections across generations. The sewing community is growing stronger, as people rediscover the joy of creating. Thank you for your insightful perspective and kind words! 💜💜
I’m 71 years young and I have been sewing since I was about 10 years old. I worked in the garment industry for about 12 years and learned a lot of things about ready to wear finishing. I used to sew the bulk of my wardrobe and friends couldn’t tell the things I made from the things I bought. I usually found my fabric at warehouses or clothing outlets that might sell manufacturer’s leftover fabric. I found fabrics and trims that you usually wouldn’t find at your average fabric store. By sewing I was able to have a much better quality of clothing in fit, style and fabric than had I purchased it ready made.
That's fantastic! Your sewing experience and skills sound truly impressive, and it's wonderful how you've been able to create high-quality garments tailored to your taste and fit. Sewing is indeed a fantastic way to have unique and well-fitting clothing. Keep up the great work! 💜💜
the hardest part of sewing is choosing the right fabric. thank you for reviewing the different kinds of prints, what goes with what. super helpful. thank you.
Pressing is key in my opinion. You’ve got a fabric with lots of threads being tugged by pins, distorted by stretching when cutting, and the having stitching threads forced in between the fabric weave. Pressing realigns the weave and let’s the fabric meld to the new shape. It also helps the stitching threads meld into the fabric.
Absolutely, pressing is key. It helps fabric regain its shape after all the handling and makes stitching meld seamlessly. Well-pressed work looks professional! 💜
This was great, Christine! I remember on Project Runway All Stars years ago the winner, a woman whose name escapes me, was being congratulated by Isaac Mizrahi. She then mentioned that she'd written to him a few years previously when she just graduated and was making clothes all by herself at home. She asked for any advice to make them look professional and factory made instead of "home"made. He was a bit flustered and asked her if he ever wrote back and she told him that he did. He asked her what was the advice he gave her...she told him it was press, press, and keep on pressing every step along the way. I really loved that! He, and Nancy Zieman, were right, of course. Many times I just skip that part because my ironing board doesn't fit in my sewing space right now and the finished garment looks so much less "finished" than when I take the time to press. I love how you used that tablecloth you are wearing...wait, that makes it sound a bit odd, but you know what I mean, at least I hope you do, lol! Looking forward to seeing the new sofa pillows.♥️
Absolutely, pressing is a key to professional results! It's amazing how it transforms the finish. Your story about the Project Runway winner and their conversation with Isaac Mizrahi is spot on. Pressing makes a big difference, even if it's a bit of extra effort. And don't worry, I understood what you meant about the tablecloth! 😄 Thanks for sharing and looking forward to more of your projects! 💜 Happy sewing💜
I love that dress you’re wearing. You really maximised the placement of the print. It’s so pretty! Matching a fabric to a pattern is my worst nightmare, I’m absolutely lousy at it. I buy all these beautiful fabrics then can’t decide which one of my thousand million patterns to make out of it. So I either don’t use it or buy yet another pattern. Then probably still don’t use it 🤦🏼♀️
Thank you so much for your kind words! It's totally understandable - choosing the right fabric and pattern combination can be a bit overwhelming. But remember, it's all part of the creative journey. Over time, you'll develop your own intuition for what works best. Keep experimenting and have fun with your sewing projects! 💜💜
I'm so happy I came across your video a few minutes ago. I'm a novice sewist who's sometimes concerned when I wear what I sew. Thanks for all the great tips which I'll be sure to use. I admired your Mercer top/dress and thought it would be perfect for some shantung fabric I bought several years ago. Just ordered the beautiful pattern from your site. I'm looking forward to sewing it up!
I'm thrilled you found the video helpful! 😊 It's normal to have concerns, but with practice, your sewing skills will shine. I'm glad you're excited about the Mercer top/dress pattern. Enjoy sewing it up and have a wonderful creative journey! 💜
My experience: 1. Learn pattern fitting. 2. Learn how to use and care for your machine. It needs a tune up every year, like your car. 3. Change your needle with every new project. 4. Buy quality thread. Most problems with the "machine" are due to old needles and cheap thread. 5. Don't cut out patterns with pinking shears. 6. Press, press, press. Press again. Press some more. Don't forget to press. 7. Don't take shortcuts. Take the time to learn the skills, and do it properly. 8. Start small, and build your skills. 9. Good lighting, proper tools, and a good workspace make a huge difference. 10. LEARN. Learn about fabrics. Learn how to fit. Learn to make alterations. Every great seamstress was once a beginner. 💞🌟💐
@@laurie7067 Thank you! I have been seeing over 40 years myself. (Which is amazing since I'm only 39 years old! 😆) And I learned from a seamstress. Over time, we've lost that way of learning in a community. I'm glad to pass on what I know. What a great use of a large print!! ❤️
Tolles Video mit gut strukturierten Tipps - danke! Ich bin zwischen zwei Wohnungen und kann es kaum erwarten, wieder Zugriff auf meine Nähmaschine zu haben.
Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad you found the video helpful. Best of luck with your move, and I hope you'll be back to sewing with your machine in your new apartment soon. Happy sewing! 😍💜
What a charming way to put this challenge! I can never figure out what a particularly gorgeous print wants to be too. Make the wrong choice and disappointment abounds.
Thank you! 😊 I'm glad you found the considerations helpful. Finding the right match between prints and projects can be tricky, but with practice, it becomes easier. Happy sewing and experimenting with prints! 💜
Thanks for these tips. The thing that made a HUGE difference for me was pressing as I sewed. It's a game-changer. I use a cotton tea towel from a secondhand store, but my favorite pressing cloth is a piece of silk organza. it). The silk can handle high heat and the organza allows me to see what I'm doing.
You're welcome! 😊 Pressing as you sew is indeed a game-changer. Using a silk organza pressing cloth is a great idea for visibility and heat tolerance. Happy sewing with your newfound techniques! 💜
I've just come across your video, and loved hearing your perspective on making your sewn garment not look " home made" Food for thought, with my next project 🙂
I'm so glad you found the video and perspective helpful! I hope you have a wonderful time working on your next project and that these tips bring an extra touch of finesse to your sewing. Happy sewing! 💜
Enjoyed your video! Learn to sew at a very young age. Majored in Home Ec. in college but I learned more from watching Sewing With Nancy. So many things we learned in college was not practical. French knots on a lined kimono sack for a baby! LOL covered snaps on a diaper pants the list goes on! I sew some for myself but fabric, buttons and thread don’t exist in the small community I live in. Have to order everything down to patterns. My youngest lives in North Alabama close to the old Martha Pullen area nothing exist but a few quilt shops. The JoAnn’s is not the quality I like. Miss Martha’s store and all that gorgeous linen! Talking about the 90’s my girls were in high school. One loved Guess jeans and other didn’t care as long as they fit. We did shop the Gap, Limited, big department stores, Victoria Secret, a few Talbots. I believe Lands End and LLBean had some nice tops. Growing up we did have nice fabric stores until the box stores came into existence. Fabric was shipped out to other countries to made. My hubby worked for a large textile company until the mid 80’s and his company was bought out. Thanks Everyone!
Thank you for sharing your sewing journey and experiences!😁 I actually went to a Martha Pullen retreat one year down in Huntsville, maybe in 2001, I think ! It's so fun to reminisce but also sad to not be able to get the quality easily anymore. Keep enjoying your sewing adventures! 💜💜
This is such a wonderful video! Loved the intro and quick trip into the 90’s and the tips you provided are so clear and helpful. Thank you so much sharing. I love your beautiful work as well-and look forward to future videos! 🌷
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the video and found the tips helpful. I appreciate your support, and I look forward to sharing more creative content with you in the future. Happy sewing!💜
Thanks for the tips! You must have had a blast pulling out those 90s references. I'd totally forgotten about the movie Singles. Oh how I loved guys with long hair and my waify look with crop tops!!
Great video! For me, finding the right pattern/fabric pairing is the hardest part. Lately I have been copying, refashioning, reinterpreting RTW garments that I already know suit my style. 100% with you on the accessories. Would love to see a video where you talk about personal style and having your makes suit your style and body shape!
Thank you! 😊 Pattern/fabric pairing can be tricky, and your approach to refashioning is smart. Personal style and body shape topics are in the works! Stay tuned for more! 💜
This is the first video of yours that I have seen. I subscribed to your channel immediately! Thank you for the brown paper tip. I have been sewing forever and I never knew about this. I have ruined garments when the seam allowance made visible lines on the surface of my projects. If only I had known that they were salvageable. Thanks again!
Thank you for subscribing! 😊 I'm glad the brown paper tip was helpful. It's never too late to learn new techniques. Happy sewing and enjoy your future projects! 💜
I love your suggestion about using the strips of paper bag when pressing seams open. I have gotten those marks on the right side of the fabric, so would try to prevent that by using very light pressure, but then the seam allowances wouldn't lay flat. It was very frustrating, so thanks for this tip!
You're welcome! I'm glad the suggestion about using paper bag strips was helpful. It's a great way to prevent marks on the fabric while maintaining flat seam allowances. Happy sewing! 😊
Wow really enjoyed this video packed with great info. And tips .I especially appreciate the advise on fabric pattern pairing..which I l also feel is the most important part of sewing. Again,.wonderful video !
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed the video and found the tips on fabric pattern pairing helpful. It's indeed a crucial aspect of sewing. Happy sewing!!💜
Wow great new to me pressing tip; the paper bag to avoid seeing where the seam is. One thing that has totally upped my pressing game is using a tailors clapper to really set those nice crisp seams. I am also a quilter so pressing is really important for that. I met a woodworker who took up quilting and commissioned him to make me some tailors clappers and what a difference that has made. Really enjoyed your video and got some great tips. Thank you!
I'm glad you liked the paper bag pressing tip! Using a tailor's clapper for crisp seams is a game-changer indeed. Thanks for watching my video and finding the tips useful! Happy sewing!💜
For a crisp seam use a clapper (or any flat piece of wood). Also a wool pressing mat helps ( or make your own from a thrift store wool coat and stack a couple layers) - these retain the heat in the cloth
I’ve mixed up my own spray starch before! I found the “recipe” online and it worked great. I live five miles from anywhere and didn’t want to stop sewing and go to Walmart.
Great video. I have been so frustrated with my fabric to pattern choices it is discouraging but this gives me encouragement to keep trying! It can be such a let down after spending hours trying to make it work. The clothes you sew are gorgeous! Thank you!
I was stunned just before the 6 minute mark on your video by the fabric with the orange birds sitting on cages. I think it's the exact print my mother used in something she made in the 1950s. I may have even kept a tiny swatch of it somewhere and now my challenge will be to find it. If you know the more recent source, please tell. BTW, I'm loving the video and will watch to the end.
Ohh how serendipitous! I absolutely loved the fabric when I found it and even though it was quite expensive (for me) I bought 2.5 yards and made a dress from it, and have been saving the scraps waiting for something to inspire me to use them :-) I purchased it a few years ago at Pacific Fabrics in Seattle and I know they don't have it anymore but I found some on Etsy: www.etsy.com/listing/951014289/cotton-and-steel-rotary-club-birds-and It's by Cotton and Steel. Also, here is the dress I made from it :-) instagram.com/p/CRBT29YseCH/?img_index=1 I hope you enjoy the memory of your mother 💜
What an outstanding video! I hesitated to watch because I thought it might be advice we've heard many times, but you gave professional sewing a whole new slant. Thank you! I wish I could find some good places online to buy the kind of fabric you showed. In our area we are very limited in what I can find. Do you have any suggestions? Again, thanks.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm delighted that you found the video helpful and that it offered a fresh perspective on professional sewing. I suggest you visit local markets in your area or vintage stores! Additionally, Etsy can be a great platform to discover unique and specialty fabrics. I hope these suggestions help, and thank you for watching! 💜🌟 Happy sewing 💜
The last time I recall that home sewing was the norm when I took a sewing class in high school. Many, many, many moons ago. And that was in a very small town with a large Mormon population. My sewing teacher was a treasure and over-qualified for our little town. I’m sure she rolled her eyes at our earnest efforts. But I’ve since come to understand that she showed us some high-end techniques (for home sewing at that time). I recall my first blouse was a light cotton with little beige elephants. I wore it at school without irony and no one thought it odd. But we moved to a much bigger, cosmopolitan city just when home sewing was on the wane and I stopped learning to sew time).
It sounds like you had a wonderful experience learning to sew in high school!😁 The skills you learned are truly valuable. Home sewing trends have certainly evolved over time, but your memories of that first blouse with little beige elephants and wearing it proudly are a testament to the joy of creating your own unique pieces. Happy sewing!💜
I think using fabric already in the main stream is counter intuitive as 1 reason for making your own clothes is producing something that no one else has imo
You bring up an interesting point! While using mainstream fabric might seem counterintuitive, the beauty of sewing lies in the ability to customize and add unique touches to even familiar fabrics. 💜
I learned to sew when i was 8. I inherited my grandmothers pfaff sewing machine so i had no choice. I chose a pattern and some material and just did it. Sure I made mistakes but that is half the fun of it. Nobody ever believed my clothes were not store bought. Often i would just say thank you.
Hi Christine!😁 Just found you and so happy!😁 Great conttent. Another Professional hint I like ... watch out where we position our pattern pieces ie no big blotches on the nipples or front and back bikini area 😃😃😃
Hi there! 😁 Welcome, and thank you for finding me! I'm thrilled you're enjoying the content. And yes, that's a fantastic professional hint! Pattern placement is key for a polished look. Thanks for sharing that tip and happy sewing! 😃✨
I had a hard time hearing this video, which was unfortunate. Does anyone have the name of the pattern of the white and orange dress she was wearing. Thanks.
Loved the video. Just a suggestion: the mic keeps rubbing and tapping against that hard necklace, which is ruining the otherwise pristine sound in the recording. Better pin it to your lovely clothes.🤪
I have a funny working brain and have to keep things simple, but love making things, as long as they don't show where the food spilled on them and the cat claw holes are small I wear them.
Haha, it sounds like you have a wonderfully practical approach to your creations! As long as they're functional and bring you joy, that's what truly matters in the end. Happy sewing!!💜
Thank you for your really helpful video - some great tips in there - particularly the importance of pressing as you go. I particularly liked the brown paper tip for seams - thank you 😊. I hope you don’t mind me mentioning that your microphone was rustling against your necklaces throughout the video which was a bit irritating ( especially whilst listening through earphones- I had to unplug). Just something to bear in mind for your future videos. Happy sewing 🧵😊🧵
My recent classic shorts that I sewed has bias binding on the inside of the waistband. I never did this technique before, and I am really proud of the professional and pretty result. At this point of my sewing, I am not interested in cranking out a garment in no time. My challenge as a medium advanced sewist is to make my garments as neat-looking as possible.😊
That's fantastic! 😊 Mastering new techniques like bias binding shows your dedication to neat, professional results. Quality over speed is a great approach for your sewing journey. Keep up the wonderful work! 💜
Love your video! I have been sewing for over 60 years…eeek! Lol! In my experience I think some of the ability to match pattern or pattern ideas to fabric is something we are born with but also gets refined by practice. I have made some lovely garments that weren’t me! I learned that just because something was in style didn’t mean it was my style. Pressing, pressing, pressing! Amen Thank you!❤
Thank you! 😊 You're absolutely right, pattern-matching and style come with practice. Pressing is key! Happy sewing and thanks for sharing your experience! 💜
The 1980s weren’t any friendlier to home sewers. There was a lot of pressure to participate in the developing fast fashion market. Where I live there are not many fabric stores to be found these days, and it’s a struggle to find quality pre-made garments now, probably an indicator of how much we gave into those pressures. However, unique handmade garments and accessories are becoming highly desired items again, and I am seeing a growing number of young people actively learning to sew or do other needle crafts to meet their own wants and needs. Those interests really help to build community between generations both online and locally. Thanks for sharing your skills and creativity, and making a difference in the world!
You're right! The 1980s brought about shifts in fashion and manufacturing. The resurgence of interest in unique handmade pieces is heartening, fostering connections across generations. The sewing community is growing stronger, as people rediscover the joy of creating. Thank you for your insightful perspective and kind words! 💜💜
I’m 71 years young and I have been sewing since I was about 10 years old. I worked in the garment industry for about 12 years and learned a lot of things about ready to wear finishing. I used to sew the bulk of my wardrobe and friends couldn’t tell the things I made from the things I bought. I usually found my fabric at warehouses or clothing outlets that might sell manufacturer’s leftover fabric. I found fabrics and trims that you usually wouldn’t find at your average fabric store. By sewing I was able to have a much better quality of clothing in fit, style and fabric than had I purchased it ready made.
That's fantastic! Your sewing experience and skills sound truly impressive, and it's wonderful how you've been able to create high-quality garments tailored to your taste and fit. Sewing is indeed a fantastic way to have unique and well-fitting clothing. Keep up the great work! 💜💜
Thanks Christine! What a great video! Love your style and your work 😍
the hardest part of sewing is choosing the right fabric. thank you for reviewing the different kinds of prints, what goes with what. super helpful. thank you.
You're welcome! 😊 I'm glad the fabric tips were helpful. Choosing fabric can be a challenge, but with practice, it gets easier. Happy sewing!💜
Really great tips 👍 I LOVE the tip about using paper to prevent seam allowance from showing on other side!
Thank you! 😊 Glad you liked the tip! Happy sewing with the new technique! 💜
Pressing is key in my opinion. You’ve got a fabric with lots of threads being tugged by pins, distorted by stretching when cutting, and the having stitching threads forced in between the fabric weave. Pressing realigns the weave and let’s the fabric meld to the new shape. It also helps the stitching threads meld into the fabric.
Absolutely, pressing is key. It helps fabric regain its shape after all the handling and makes stitching meld seamlessly. Well-pressed work looks professional! 💜
Always press flat first before pressing seams open.
This was great, Christine! I remember on Project Runway All Stars years ago the winner, a woman whose name escapes me, was being congratulated by Isaac Mizrahi. She then mentioned that she'd written to him a few years previously when she just graduated and was making clothes all by herself at home. She asked for any advice to make them look professional and factory made instead of "home"made. He was a bit flustered and asked her if he ever wrote back and she told him that he did. He asked her what was the advice he gave her...she told him it was press, press, and keep on pressing every step along the way. I really loved that! He, and Nancy Zieman, were right, of course. Many times I just skip that part because my ironing board doesn't fit in my sewing space right now and the finished garment looks so much less "finished" than when I take the time to press. I love how you used that tablecloth you are wearing...wait, that makes it sound a bit odd, but you know what I mean, at least I hope you do, lol! Looking forward to seeing the new sofa pillows.♥️
Absolutely, pressing is a key to professional results! It's amazing how it transforms the finish. Your story about the Project Runway winner and their conversation with Isaac Mizrahi is spot on. Pressing makes a big difference, even if it's a bit of extra effort. And don't worry, I understood what you meant about the tablecloth! 😄 Thanks for sharing and looking forward to more of your projects! 💜 Happy sewing💜
I love that dress you’re wearing. You really maximised the placement of the print. It’s so pretty!
Matching a fabric to a pattern is my worst nightmare, I’m absolutely lousy at it. I buy all these beautiful fabrics then can’t decide which one of my thousand million patterns to make out of it. So I either don’t use it or buy yet another pattern. Then probably still don’t use it 🤦🏼♀️
Thank you so much for your kind words! It's totally understandable - choosing the right fabric and pattern combination can be a bit overwhelming. But remember, it's all part of the creative journey. Over time, you'll develop your own intuition for what works best. Keep experimenting and have fun with your sewing projects! 💜💜
I'm so happy I came across your video a few minutes ago. I'm a novice sewist who's sometimes concerned when I wear what I sew. Thanks for all the great tips which I'll be sure to use. I admired your Mercer top/dress and thought it would be perfect for some shantung fabric I bought several years ago. Just ordered the beautiful pattern from your site. I'm looking forward to sewing it up!
I'm thrilled you found the video helpful! 😊 It's normal to have concerns, but with practice, your sewing skills will shine. I'm glad you're excited about the Mercer top/dress pattern. Enjoy sewing it up and have a wonderful creative journey! 💜
My experience:
1. Learn pattern fitting.
2. Learn how to use and care for your machine. It needs a tune up every year, like your car.
3. Change your needle with every new project.
4. Buy quality thread. Most problems with the "machine" are due to old needles and cheap thread.
5. Don't cut out patterns with pinking shears.
6. Press, press, press. Press again. Press some more. Don't forget to press.
7. Don't take shortcuts. Take the time to learn the skills, and do it properly.
8. Start small, and build your skills.
9. Good lighting, proper tools, and a good workspace make a huge difference.
10. LEARN. Learn about fabrics. Learn how to fit. Learn to make alterations. Every great seamstress was once a beginner.
💞🌟💐
As a seamstress that has been sewing for others for over 50 years, these are truly the best tips!!
@@laurie7067
Thank you! I have been seeing over 40 years myself. (Which is amazing since I'm only 39 years old! 😆) And I learned from a seamstress. Over time, we've lost that way of learning in a community. I'm glad to pass on what I know.
What a great use of a large print!! ❤️
This is amazing!! Thank you so much for tuning in and for giving us your experience💜
@@SewingandtheCity ☺️
Tolles Video mit gut strukturierten Tipps - danke! Ich bin zwischen zwei Wohnungen und kann es kaum erwarten, wieder Zugriff auf meine Nähmaschine zu haben.
Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad you found the video helpful. Best of luck with your move, and I hope you'll be back to sewing with your machine in your new apartment soon. Happy sewing! 😍💜
Love this Christine! I struggle with the prints…sometimes I just don’t know what they want to be. These are good things to consider.
What a charming way to put this challenge! I can never figure out what a particularly gorgeous print wants to be too. Make the wrong choice and disappointment abounds.
Thank you! 😊 I'm glad you found the considerations helpful. Finding the right match between prints and projects can be tricky, but with practice, it becomes easier. Happy sewing and experimenting with prints! 💜
Thanks for these tips. The thing that made a HUGE difference for me was pressing as I sewed. It's a game-changer. I use a cotton tea towel from a secondhand store, but my favorite pressing cloth is a piece of silk organza. it). The silk can handle high heat and the organza allows me to see what I'm doing.
You're welcome! 😊 Pressing as you sew is indeed a game-changer. Using a silk organza pressing cloth is a great idea for visibility and heat tolerance. Happy sewing with your newfound techniques! 💜
I've just come across your video, and loved hearing your perspective on making your sewn garment not look " home made" Food for thought, with my next project 🙂
I'm so glad you found the video and perspective helpful! I hope you have a wonderful time working on your next project and that these tips bring an extra touch of finesse to your sewing. Happy sewing! 💜
Enjoyed your video! Learn to sew at a very young age. Majored in Home Ec. in college but I learned more from watching Sewing With Nancy. So many things we learned in college was not practical. French knots on a lined kimono sack for a baby! LOL covered snaps on a diaper pants the list goes on!
I sew some for myself but fabric, buttons and thread don’t exist in the small community I live in. Have to order everything down to patterns. My youngest lives in North Alabama close to the old Martha Pullen area nothing exist but a few quilt shops. The JoAnn’s is not the quality I like. Miss Martha’s store and all that gorgeous linen!
Talking about the 90’s my girls were in high school. One loved Guess jeans and other didn’t care as long as they fit. We did shop the Gap, Limited, big department stores, Victoria Secret, a few Talbots. I believe Lands End and LLBean had some nice tops.
Growing up we did have nice fabric stores until the box stores came into existence. Fabric was shipped out to other countries to made. My hubby worked for a large textile company until the mid 80’s and his company was bought out.
Thanks Everyone!
Thank you for sharing your sewing journey and experiences!😁 I actually went to a Martha Pullen retreat one year down in Huntsville, maybe in 2001, I think ! It's so fun to reminisce but also sad to not be able to get the quality easily anymore. Keep enjoying your sewing adventures! 💜💜
Great inspiration and reminder to not take sewing so seriously, enjoy yourself!
Enjoying the process and having fun is very important, happy sewing!💜💜
Thanks for the explanations on matching fabric and pattern styles. New insights for me!
Oh you're so welcome! I hope it is very useful to you! 💜💜💜
Great video, thanks for all the tips! I never start sewing without first plugging in my iron! Love the your use of paper bag!! 🧵
Thank you! 😊 Starting with a ready iron is a smart move. The paper bag trick works wonders! Happy sewing! 💜
This is such a wonderful video! Loved the intro and quick trip into the 90’s and the tips you provided are so clear and helpful. Thank you so much sharing. I love your beautiful work as well-and look forward to future videos! 🌷
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the video and found the tips helpful. I appreciate your support, and I look forward to sharing more creative content with you in the future. Happy sewing!💜
Thanks for the tips! You must have had a blast pulling out those 90s references. I'd totally forgotten about the movie Singles. Oh how I loved guys with long hair and my waify look with crop tops!!
You're welcome! 😄 Oh, the 90s nostalgia is real! Singles was such a vibe. Glad the tips brought back memories for you! 💜
Great video!
For me, finding the right pattern/fabric pairing is the hardest part. Lately I have been copying, refashioning, reinterpreting RTW garments that I already know suit my style.
100% with you on the accessories.
Would love to see a video where you talk about personal style and having your makes suit your style and body shape!
Thank you! 😊 Pattern/fabric pairing can be tricky, and your approach to refashioning is smart. Personal style and body shape topics are in the works! Stay tuned for more! 💜
Thank you this video should be watched by all sewist. Very helpful tips.
You're welcome! 😊 I'm glad you found the tips helpful. Happy sewing! 💜
This is the best video. Thank you
Thank you so much, Terry! Happy sewing💜
This is the first video of yours that I have seen. I subscribed to your channel immediately! Thank you for the brown paper tip. I have been sewing forever and I never knew about this. I have ruined garments when the seam allowance made visible lines on the surface of my projects. If only I had known that they were salvageable. Thanks again!
Thank you for subscribing! 😊 I'm glad the brown paper tip was helpful. It's never too late to learn new techniques. Happy sewing and enjoy your future projects! 💜
I love your suggestion about using the strips of paper bag when pressing seams open. I have gotten those marks on the right side of the fabric, so would try to prevent that by using very light pressure, but then the seam allowances wouldn't lay flat. It was very frustrating, so thanks for this tip!
You're welcome! I'm glad the suggestion about using paper bag strips was helpful. It's a great way to prevent marks on the fabric while maintaining flat seam allowances. Happy sewing! 😊
Wow really enjoyed this video packed with great info. And tips .I especially appreciate the advise on fabric pattern pairing..which I l also feel is the most important part of sewing. Again,.wonderful video !
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed the video and found the tips on fabric pattern pairing helpful. It's indeed a crucial aspect of sewing. Happy sewing!!💜
Also. Great reminder of how well solids can give a garment a sophisticated look .
Thanks. They are really useful tips
Glad that was helpful! Happy sewing💜
I remember making a pair of bell bottoms using an old dress to make the flares on my jeans back in 1993. It was so homemade but so fun.
That sounds like a cool DIY project from the '90s! Homemade and fun is the spirit of creativity! 💜
Wow great new to me pressing tip; the paper bag to avoid seeing where the seam is. One thing that has totally upped my pressing game is using a tailors clapper to really set those nice crisp seams. I am also a quilter so pressing is really important for that. I met a woodworker who took up quilting and commissioned him to make me some tailors clappers and what a difference that has made. Really enjoyed your video and got some great tips. Thank you!
I'm glad you liked the paper bag pressing tip! Using a tailor's clapper for crisp seams is a game-changer indeed. Thanks for watching my video and finding the tips useful! Happy sewing!💜
Love love this video
Thank you so much, Lali!💜
Very encouraging 🎉
💜I'm so glad Maribel!! You got this!
Great tips!
Thank you so much, Carmen!💜
Wonderful video. Great tips and advice. New subsciber😊
Thanks for subbing!💜
For a crisp seam use a clapper (or any flat piece of wood). Also a wool pressing mat helps ( or make your own from a thrift store wool coat and stack a couple layers) - these retain the heat in the cloth
Oh great! thank you for your advice! 💜
I’ve mixed up my own spray starch before! I found the “recipe” online and it worked great. I live five miles from anywhere and didn’t want to stop sewing and go to Walmart.
That's resourceful! 👏 DIY spray starch sounds handy for staying in the sewing zone. Keep up the creative sewing! 💜💜
I'm a press as I go gal 😁 I think that comes from 36yrs of Quilting.
That's awesome! Quilting has a way of teaching patience and precision 😄💜
Great video. I have been so frustrated with my fabric to pattern choices it is discouraging but this gives me encouragement to keep trying! It can be such a let down after spending hours trying to make it work. The clothes you sew are gorgeous! Thank you!
Thank you! 😊 I so know the dissapointment when something doesn't turn out but your persistence will pay off in beautiful creations. Happy sewing! 💜
I was stunned just before the 6 minute mark on your video by the fabric with the orange birds sitting on cages. I think it's the exact print my mother used in something she made in the 1950s. I may have even kept a tiny swatch of it somewhere and now my challenge will be to find it. If you know the more recent source, please tell. BTW, I'm loving the video and will watch to the end.
Ohh how serendipitous! I absolutely loved the fabric when I found it and even though it was quite expensive (for me) I bought 2.5 yards and made a dress from it, and have been saving the scraps waiting for something to inspire me to use them :-) I purchased it a few years ago at Pacific Fabrics in Seattle and I know they don't have it anymore but I found some on Etsy: www.etsy.com/listing/951014289/cotton-and-steel-rotary-club-birds-and It's by Cotton and Steel. Also, here is the dress I made from it :-) instagram.com/p/CRBT29YseCH/?img_index=1 I hope you enjoy the memory of your mother 💜
What an outstanding video! I hesitated to watch because I thought it might be advice we've heard many times, but you gave professional sewing a whole new slant. Thank you! I wish I could find some good places online to buy the kind of fabric you showed. In our area we are very limited in what I can find. Do you have any suggestions? Again, thanks.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm delighted that you found the video helpful and that it offered a fresh perspective on professional sewing. I suggest you visit local markets in your area or vintage stores! Additionally, Etsy can be a great platform to discover unique and specialty fabrics. I hope these suggestions help, and thank you for watching! 💜🌟 Happy sewing 💜
The last time I recall that home sewing was the norm when I took a sewing class in high school. Many, many, many moons ago. And that was in a very small town with a large Mormon population. My sewing teacher was a treasure and over-qualified for our little town. I’m sure she rolled her eyes at our earnest efforts. But I’ve since come to understand that she showed us some high-end techniques (for home sewing at that time). I recall my first blouse was a light cotton with little beige elephants. I wore it at school without irony and no one thought it odd. But we moved to a much bigger, cosmopolitan city just when home sewing was on the wane and I stopped learning to sew
time).
It sounds like you had a wonderful experience learning to sew in high school!😁 The skills you learned are truly valuable. Home sewing trends have certainly evolved over time, but your memories of that first blouse with little beige elephants and wearing it proudly are a testament to the joy of creating your own unique pieces. Happy sewing!💜
I think using fabric already in the main stream is counter intuitive as 1 reason for making your own clothes is producing something that no one else has imo
You bring up an interesting point! While using mainstream fabric might seem counterintuitive, the beauty of sewing lies in the ability to customize and add unique touches to even familiar fabrics. 💜
Hi can you talk about thing a short 4”11’ and heavy could wear which fabric is better and style thank you
I learned to sew when i was 8. I inherited my grandmothers pfaff sewing machine so i had no choice. I chose a pattern and some material and just did it. Sure I made mistakes but that is half the fun of it. Nobody ever believed my clothes were not store bought. Often i would just say thank you.
That's impressive! Learning young and embracing mistakes is part of the fun. Your sewing skills and confidence paid off! 💜
Hi Christine!😁 Just found you and so happy!😁 Great conttent. Another Professional hint I like ... watch out where we position our pattern pieces ie no big blotches on the nipples or front and back bikini area 😃😃😃
Hi there! 😁 Welcome, and thank you for finding me! I'm thrilled you're enjoying the content. And yes, that's a fantastic professional hint! Pattern placement is key for a polished look. Thanks for sharing that tip and happy sewing! 😃✨
Paper bag tip ❤
💜💜💜
You were going to link for kelly biebs…? Spelling, that styles for your body shape, however I don’t see the link?
I had a hard time hearing this video, which was unfortunate. Does anyone have the name of the pattern of the white and orange dress she was wearing. Thanks.
I'm very sorry about the audio! The name of the pattern is the mercer top, here's the link sewingandthecity.com/product/...
Loved the video. Just a suggestion: the mic keeps rubbing and tapping against that hard necklace, which is ruining the otherwise pristine sound in the recording. Better pin it to your lovely clothes.🤪
Thank you for the suggestion!💜 I'll make sure to pin the mic differently for better sound quality. Appreciate your feedback!
I have a funny working brain and have to keep things simple, but love making things, as long as they don't show where the food spilled on them and the cat claw holes are small I wear them.
Haha, it sounds like you have a wonderfully practical approach to your creations! As long as they're functional and bring you joy, that's what truly matters in the end. Happy sewing!!💜
The fabric choices made me not want home sewn clothes. I was a teen in the 80’s Preppy years
Thank you for your really helpful video - some great tips in there - particularly the importance of pressing as you go. I particularly liked the brown paper tip for seams - thank you 😊. I hope you don’t mind me mentioning that your microphone was rustling against your necklaces throughout the video which was a bit irritating ( especially whilst listening through earphones- I had to unplug). Just something to bear in mind for your future videos. Happy sewing 🧵😊🧵
Thank you for mentioning the sound issue. I, too, was listening through headphones and found the noise really irritating.
Sorry ladies! I'll definitely fix the mic problem for next videos, thanks for tuning in!💜