Hi everyone, thank you for engaging in this conversation! So incredibly encouraging to read your thoughts and experiences. I have now posted a follow up video about social media sewing trends I would love to see in 2023: ruclips.net/video/FQiNETvmLqQ/видео.html
The most painful one to see is people who do this know nothing abt pattern and pattern making. I watched a video of a girl making pair of pants by copying her old pants and cutting the front & back sides exactly the same. I was like oh no... She end up wear that pants with oversized tshirt bcz ofc it will looks odd & uncomfortable. I'm sure she will never wear that again unless she undo it, make the right pattern & add more fabric to follow the new pattern.
I love this. I used to follow a knitting content creator that would knit new sweaters so quickly and the sweaters ALWAYS had mistakes. And silly mistakes at that. Of course, it's ok to make mistakes, but she would point out all of the mistakes she made and would say "but I'm ok with them" Are you? Or are you just trying to get through these sweaters for content? What happens to this sweater after this video is over? Some of the yarns she used were $35 a skein. That's an expensive sweater! It just never sat well with me. When I make something, I want to put 100% into it, even if there are mistakes, and not rush through things to get to the next one.
Yes “what happens to the garment after the video” is something I often think too! Very valid point! Thank you so much for watching and engaging in this conversation! So appreciated! X
As a crocheter, I know exactly what you mean!! I’ve seen the same kind of thing! I’m a blanket girl myself, so I never have to worry about those being used, but I’ve only made one garment, and I love it, but would I if I was churning out a new one every week? And who has room for them?? And they’re not cheap hobbies to have, as you say, yarn can be expensive!
Some people might be making mistakes and might not know how to fix it so they are fine with a mistake in their piece. People are different skill levels even if they work quickly.
@@hysteric-and-hysterical You’re right. But in this case, it’s not that. I won’t call out the creator but my point was the creating as quickly as possible for content.
Yes! Yes! I am in this community for 2-3 years now and I recently started feeling bad about myself and this hobby I adore, because I wasn't as "productive" as other people in the community. So, thank you Alexandra for the reality check! And thank you for reminding me the no.1 reason I started sewing, which is to enjoy my time and the whole process of creating something for me, not others💗💗💗
I am *so* incredibly happy that I could bring this reminder your way!!!!! Seriously! I am tearing up as I was so nervous to post this video and knowing that I was able to be an encouragement ah it means a lot! Keep going and keep enjoying! Sending love! X
I had exactly the same feeling about a year ago. I have now decided that it’s not worth rushing. I take my time, otherwise what’s the point if the end result is going to give me the same result as going to the mall and buying something. I have also come to the conclusion that there’s nothing wrong with wearing RTW clothes. There are so many aspects of sustainability to consider that the best we can do is take everything slowly, with care, making it last. Enjoy the process and the end result will be so much better.
Yeah, I've been sewing for 12 years or so and I just can't be bothered posting my makes any more. Partly because I don't make as much as I used to, and partly because I don't post as much as sewing content creators. I just don't need to sew everything you know? Go easy on yourself, you're not alone.
It's fabric, it doesn't care if it waits for months, or years, for a project to get done. Your body would care if you rush it and make it poorly however!
Thankyou for this much needed review. I have been sewing for 52 years. Originally the videos helped people by teaching skills and now it is about "inflencing" people to buy patterns and fabric . No one needs the amounts of clothing being churned out by some youtubers. When fabrics and patterns are gifted for an opinion it's not sewing, it's commercial opportunity to increase sales. Sewalongs, explaining tricky techniques and education is what we need to get back to to enhance skills.
i watch one youtuber sometimes and see the fabric has been chopped like a child made it ( fine for kids just learning ) and seams are messy, etc. fit is really only ok and i know i wouldn't want to wear it. it's not necessary to go fast fast fast.. so disheartening. slow down. make it beautiful. make it long lasting. make it a piece worth having.
Id say not always. I used to accept “free” patterns in an exchange for a review as I was too poor to buy them. However over time it didn’t sit well with me that companies were using creators in this way that I even made a video talking about that. Most creators don’t earn much if anything from testing/reviewing a pattern. It barely covers the cost of supplies, if they do get paid.
I just started seriously sewing at 64 and am now 65. I'm now looking for an opportunity to shadow a sewist who makes clothing to see how it's really done.
The part about fast sewing is so true! So many youtubers use so much fabric only to make a dress in "four hours" where they keep taking shortcuts, not finishing their seams, using hot glue, not caring a bit for the inside of the garment, making weird closures because it was faster (and you can't see it in the pictures anyway), and so on... All of these garments end up being much more like a costume than an actual wearable garment and I highly doubt they actually wear these clothes for any longer than how long it takes to film the reveal. The videos are entertaining, but they re essentially of the same mindset as fastfashion. Just because it was a DIY doesn't mean it doesn't contribute to waste.
Totally with you here! The fast sewing makes me feel terrible. I'm presently finishing a coat that took me 9 months to make! I will have that coat forever so when I think about it I'm okay with taking a long time, especially because I handstitch a lot and use couture techniques. But when I see women churning out several makes a week I feel like I'm missing out PLUS working too hard.
Wow!!! This comment! This is what I feel like sewing is about! Taking your time and striving for something sturdy and that will last! Well done! I echo what Shona has said - you will love it and it will become such a treasured garment over the years!!!
my funniest sewing mistake was attaching a long sleeve to a neck. It was supposed to be a cowl neck, but it suddenly became an ostrich neck (and I'd been wondering why I was battling with something that's normally easy, especially with forgiving fabric)... yup, I took a photo and posted it, before unpicking it and putting it in the right place
AGREEEEEE with all of these 1000000% When reels started becoming the thing on Instagram, I feel like it only further pushed people into this "make everything quickly" mentality, and I hate it. It skips over all of the learnings, all of the craft, all of the thought that goes into making clothes, and gives the impression that these projects are SO EASY and take NO TIME, when in reality that is not the case....or at least it's not for me. Process will always be more interesting to me than final product by far, and I try to follow people whose content aligns with that.
Yes! It hit me the other day that I don’t have to wait until my sewing piece is finished for me to make a reel about what I am making! Literally it felt like a light bulb moment and I pondered on why I thought I had to wait! It hit me that most sewing videos I see are all about the finished product and you’re right it skips over lessons and craft and process which are big parts of sewing! Thank you for watching! Sending love!!!
Yes! The design process and practice of the craft of sewing is so rewarding. I think it makes a finished product wayyyy better (and I also feel way more proud of myself) when I take the time to correct my mistakes and really learn from them.
@@AlexandraBurnett most of my IG is progress posts of my crochet, spinning, weaving, or occasionally sewing project. I've occasionally thought maybe I shouldn't post until it's done, but I reminded myself that no one is forced to look at my content. I like looking back at the progress photos, so I'm going to keep posting them.
I HATE reels. I don't feel like I'm learning from what those sewists are making, or even getting a feel for their journeys or challenges. It just feels so pointless, like: "LoOk WhaT I jUsT MaDe in FivE SeCOnDs! It'S PerFEcT!" Well, good on you, content creator. But I don't feel a connection to that content. I don't feel like I've understood their process. Having sewn for over 25 years, I still have projects that have all kinds of non-stop frustrations, and I savor the actual learning process when I solve problems. I find it relatable when others share those same roadblocks and their solutions, and understand that it can take time and a lot of seam ripping!
I love this!!!! I’m a process sewer. In the past five years, sewing has been my source of maintaining proper mental health and an improved self esteem and wellbeing. If I’m forced to feel as though I need to “make an entire wardrobe in one week”, I’d quit. Sewing and knitting are what brings peace and tranquility to my life. I’m too lazy to look for other sources of stress reduction. Thank you for this post. I agree with you wholeheartedly.
Feeling under pressure to complete a number of garments in the shortest possible time will absolute not help your mental health as it will compound anxiety and then you'll feel like you're failing/not good enough etc which will exacerbate your mental health, and so the merry-go-round goes on. Continue enjoying your sewing and let those who want/feel they have something to prove by completing 'x' number of garments per day jog on, it's totally about quality not quantity. Look after yourself x
Totally agree about the rushed sewing. It takes me months to finish certain garments lol. It’s ok to take your time with sewing projects and coming back to work on it when you’re in the right mood so you can put your all into it! I especially want to hear about people’s sewing mistakes and how the mistake was solved or how a person thinks they will solve it in the future because that is how we all learn and how we will all improve our sewing, by talking about our mistakes!
I just did that, never made clothes before, started making a scrub top with a pattern couldn't figure it out. Put it away for a few months, did a few more small projects. Just went back to it and figured some of it out, looks ok. But moving forward. Getting better.
I am in the process of making a jacket for my Daughter-in-Law, but having only sewn for myself before I decided to make a toile, not just one, but after many adjustments, I'm on my third. I am fed up of doing them, but I now know that this process will give me the confidence to cut the fabric, sew it and it'll fit perfectly - who wants to waste fabric?
Devil's advocate here! I don't have a problem with fast sewing or sewing that was made for channel content. It serves a purpose and can be inspiring. It takes skill to sew quickly and well. Some people sew for a living, for example, or have a lot of items to sew. They could learn tips from these videos. Not everybody sews so the more sewing content out in the world the better as far as I see. Maybe it will turn up on somebody's feed and turn them on to sewing? It is a privilege to be able to sew occasionally, or as a hobby. Plus-size people (and other non-"standard" body size or shape persons) may have to sew their entire wardrobe. Fast, efficient, and volume sewing is definitely a plus. Maybe the person thinks their sewing effort was perfect? The more experience you get the more you can see your mistakes. Many things I made and love in the earlier days I would not wear now because of how amateurish they looked but at the time me and my friends were all celebrating my awesome garment. I love seeing the yearly makes. Inspiring. Sure some people make too many clothes but *they* made them, not crying little kids in structurally unsound factories so even if it smells like fast fashion it still is not.
I sew professionally, and I also had this thought. I'm very lucky to work for a tiny company, in a city with a relatively high minimum wage, and speed is an important component of my job. I also make a lot of my own clothes, and I do incorporate production stitching methods to speed things up. I love sewing, but I don't really want to spend all of my free time on it after a 40 hour work week. That said, I often spend weeks or months contemplating a design before I even pull out a pattern when I'm sewing for myself, because I want to be confident that the effort I put in will yield something I will actually wear. I like it when content creators include the design, patterning, and fitting process in their videos, because it really is the most time consuming part for most experienced sewists. When I'm at work, I have to sew quickly so that my employer can make money, and so we can meet customers' deadlines (we make things to order, mostly). Content creators and influencers are also professional stitchers who do it to pay their bills, though I do think that there's something to be said for setting an unrealistic expectation for hobbyists and those of us who have other full time work. But then maybe we, as consumers of said content, need to take some responsibility for managing the expectations we have for ourselves.
I love this thought. I started sewing my wardrobe, and this is definitely my experience...I think there's space for both. Nice slow hand sewing with detail and mindfulness and faster production of things we enjoy making. This video definitely has helped me realise I never really go back to fix my projects after making them. There's always not enough time and a new exciting thing to embark on. Now I think I'll just label all of them WIPs and fix them slowly.
@@violetsnotroses3640 I agree. Sometimes we forget that sewing content creators are doing a job. It is an easy mistake to make because we follow them because they seem relatable. However, it is their relatableness that makes that business model work in the first place. The same rules apply in the real world as online- live your life as best as you can without judging yourself by other people's standards, especially if you don't know the details of their lives. Take what you need from the sewing community and use it to live your best life
I was thinking the same. It also seems a bit contradictory to say that buying ready made garments is fine and there’s no shame in not making every single item in your wardrobe and then going on and say that people should take more time while sewing and why do they need so many items and isn’t that the same as buying fast fashion? I’m a bit…confused
Definitely - my own sewing is absolutely about the process, the calm, soothing side of sewing. I don't make clothes just more abstract textile art, slow stitching, and the thought of rushing or forcing myself to make as many pieces as possible gives me total anxiety vibes!
I almost gave up sewing because I make mistakes, I unpick and try again and still don't always get it right. Instead of feeling 'this is something I have learnt for next time' I was feeling I am not good at this and I should stop. Thank you for your honesty and for making me feel like I should carry on and continue to learn. You are an inspiration ❤
Definitely continue in your sewing journey Samantha, I always say sewing is sometimes very frustrating but greatly rewarding. I’ve been sewing for over 30 years and I’m still learning! It’s worth taking your time, learning new things as you go and most importantly enjoying your craft. All the very best! :)
Mistakes are easy to make even when you've been sewing for years. Do you know how many times I've set a sleeve in inside out over the last 15 years? Or pinned everything the wrong way, got some part of my project sewn up in a seam that wasn't supposed to be, or plain just read the instructions wrong and did something weird I can't even describe? Too many to count! That's just a sampling of mistakes I've made too. I'm not saying you don't get better over time, you absolutely do, but some mistakes are so easy to make you're bound to repeat them. Some techniques are hard to master too. I'm lucky enough that once I've seen a thing done I am usually able to repeat it correctly even if it's my first time trying, but there are also things that I've had to do over and over again practicing on scrap fabric before I got it. After watching at least 8 different tutorials too.
@@winterinbloom Thank you. I am going to tackle a coat this weekend. My friend bought me some beautiful fabric from India and I bought the pattern about a month ago. I pick it up and put it down - it looks complicated. But I'm going to give it a go 🙂
I love the honesty and heart of this video so much! I've been having the same thoughts and issues about this type of content for a while now. It is clear that we all need to take accountability, even though we're not large Corporation where it's easy to point fingers at. At the end of the day it all boils down to our personal consumption habits. There is still a waste factor, even if we make our own clothes, which makes it so crucial to really be mindful even during the making process! Thanks so much for opening this discussion up on the internet! Much love
Thank you for engaging in this conversation! It means a lot to me - yes about the waste factor, I think it can often be boiled to that! I know that I need to be more responsible when it comes to that! 💕
Yes yes yes! Thanks for sharing so honestly. I couldn't agree more with your points and I don't think your video came across as negative. I think it's refreshing and valuable to hear these thoughts expressed. 🧡
I am relieved you and others agree! And I am glad you don’t think it’s coming across negatively as I was so nervous about that! Thank you so much for watching! 💕💕💕
I agree with all your points. I find channels with massive followings are most guilty of rushing makes that create these fitting mistakes. And I think most of their followers are newbies so they can't see the mistakes. But if you've been sewing for a while the mistakes are glaring. I also find these yearly makes round-ups videos fun to make and watch. But what I've noticed about people who have soooooooo many makes is that the items they produce are what I'd class as beginner makes, not requiring much detail or precision and in my mind, I swear I feel like they have people come in to help them sew sometimes🤣🤣. Also if they don't have a day job that they go to, it can sometimes explain how they make so much.
Oh my goodness Alexandra, yes!! I was talking with my seamstress tutor a few weeks ago and we also discussed how the sewing community seems to be approaching fast fashion and everything being made so quickly. Personally, I have tried sewing in a day, and I’ve made so many errors, I don’t do it anymore. It’ll come together when it comes together. I don’t think the pattern companies help with their constant release of new patterns which look strikingly similar to their previous patterns. Kind of promotes a fast fashion feel about it. It just takes one person to start a conversation, well done Alexandra!!
Oh, glad it's not just me. I just commented on the " all designers bringing out a smock/ tent dress pattern" I feel that, like fast fashion, they're telling us what we are going to wear ( not me)
Thank you for this! I have been sewing for over 60 years and this is exactly what I feel when I watch social media videos...whether pattern reveals or "LOOK WHAT I SEWED!"... Always seems to feed the FOMO disease.
FOMO disease…so true! I love hearing when others have been sewing for so many years. I’ve been sewing for 32 years now and I’m still learning. I hope to also one day say I have been sewing for over 60 years. All the very best to you Lizzie! :)
Loved this!! I've definitely been guilty of jumping on a 'sewing for content' bandwagon at one point and it totally ruined my love for sewing for a bit 😫 sewing is for fun, creativity and owning our mistakes so we can improve always!
I can relate!! It puts so much pressure to the point that it suffocates this thing that used to bring joy and was an innocent hobby! I always remember you sharing your struggles with that pair of pleather trousers you made and how you took us on a journey - and I so appreciated that!!!! X
Yes!! I work in a fabric shop and whenever I talk to new sewers they always put themselves down for not making things 'perfect' - I've been sewing for 12 years and I make mistakes on all the projects I do! A lot of the fast sewing and perfectionism really makes sewing feel inaccessible for new sewers and that's really not what sewing is about!
Ah so sad to hear, yes I bet it’s the case with a lot of people. Even I have fallen victim to the perfectionism mindset and it’s stopped me from enjoying my craft and letting myself be a beginner. X
I do get what you are saying. Similar things happen on the crafting side of things. When I first started watching RUclips, it was strictly creators sharing tutorials and ideas to spark others to create and grow. Since everything is so monetized, I feel like I cannot do all of the lovely things because I don't have the latest machine or higher-priced materials. Ceators are pushed to create more and more. A lot of them are also sponsored and get their wonderful materials free. Also, you can only get certain information if you support the channel monetarily or become a member of Pinterest or someone's blogging community. I miss the days of just having creative content shared by fellow creators, whatever level they are at. I am not putting down people who make money from it, I just miss the old RUclips environment.
i know, I feel sad when there are these financial barriers. I actually unfolded a knitting creator because 80%of her videos is only on patrion and to access them is 20$ per month. for me with the exchange rate it is x15! I also miss the old days.
This video resonated with me so much! Especially the commentary on "fast fashion" or "fast sewing". I feel like content like (especially within a 30 second reel) cheapens the value of sewing as well, making it look really quick and easy when in reality its hard work! Thank you for your honest thoughts!
I entirely agree with your comments. I have stopped watching videos of sewists churning out dress after dress in every variation a pattern offers, sometimes badly pressed and with poor stitching. When do they get the opportunity to wear all these clothes. Much better to take a pride in your work and do justice to the fabric and pattern whatever level you are at.
I wish I could like this video twice. I'M SO GLAD SOMEONE SAID IT! Its disappointing when i click on a sewing video and realize its done soley for content purposes and the final product looks like garbage. really gets me steaming!!! I want to be happy that sewing is popular, but i just watched someone destroy perfectly good fabric from the thrift store for a crappy video. ☹ It makes finding good fabric at the thrift store near impossible and i can't help but wonder if its because of this new trend
I always think about the fabric too! Because I care so much about fabric. I even apologised to fabric for not treating it well in the past so I 100% agree with you! X
I started sewing to be able to stop buying clothing/fabrics new from the store. I am also upsizing and redoing a lot of old clothes that me and my sisters collected over the years. The process of sewing from 'scraps' is pretty tough and I've made so many clothing pieces just outrageously big or too flat on the chest. But I'm not giving up, I love being self sufficient and sewing is another great skill to add. Thanks for your video, I feel better about slowly sewing and getting somewhere I want to be now.
I agree. ❤I’ve unsubscribed from several RUclipsrs recently as they bring a huge stash of material out and describe what they’re going to make. What do they do with all those clothes, especially dresses, who knows. It’s a production line. I don’t learn anything from these videos.
I honestly agree with everything you said in this video. They are valid points and concerns! With the boom and rapid change in technology I think it has created this need for speed. Which is great in areas of enhancement that better humanity, our affects on the earth, technological or medical advancements. But in other areas we need to slow down and learn that it's okay to slow down. A good example is right here with the making of new garments. And some of these channels that bang out daily sewing projects are trying to hide behind a guise of sustainability because they are making it themselves. But if you are making new clothes daily it is inherently not sustainable. I think we also need to slow down the speed with which trends change. Every season their are new trends which is exhausting and wasteful. There are RUclipsrs whose entire brand is trying to convince people to create entirely new wardrobes with each season that passes and having really negative things to say about people who are not keeping up with the latest trends. Which is really kind of gross. We don't all have to wear the same thing. What I personally think would be really cool to see is people developing a personal style that really brings them joy. Then you don't feel the need to constantly replace your clothes. You have your style, you build your wardrobe, and pieces occasionally change or are reproduced into something else. I personal think this would be so much more creative and fun and interesting to look at instead of a large group of people all repeating the same project over and over.
I would think most sewists agree with you... you're not alone lol 😂 I started sewing about 4 years ago and used to think I was slow at sewing because I couldn't make garments in a day/weekend. Honestly I really enjoy taking my time, seeing my project come together. And I totally agree with your "smells like fast fashion" point. Great video 😊👌
"Everything I made in a year" videos are good when there is a reflection over lessons you learned, mistakes you made, skills you improved and challenges you overcome. That is a good video.
What a relief. I’ve got fed up with unauthentic and wasteful sewing programmes. I’m really trying to make the most of the patterns I already have. And only make what I need or what might help or cheer up someone else. Videos the help a particular skill or technique I still look for. But I’ve unsubscribed to loads that seemed like they were on a treadmill - implying I should be too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Preach, girl! There are other RUclipsrs like yourself who are conscientious about their sewing, and their consumption through sewing, while others have yet to find that path. It’s nice to find another voice educating others about this. Can’t be too many of you! 🫶
My thoughts exactly! I'm new to the sewing community and I can't help but thinking how fast-fashion is contaminating the sewing-process and how social media participates in it. It's really a shame because sawing for me is the moment when I take time for myself to try and create something unique, which is taylor-made for me.
This is amazing to hear! I have had these thoughts about many crafting and artistic creation social media. I have basically quit my own crafting journey of all shapes because I feel entirely inadequate with everything I make. This is inspiring me to pick up one of my many hobbies and just do it and work through the problems because, let's face, perfection is impossible but working through the issues is important to learn so we don't make the same mistakes again and again.
I agree with everything you have said! I’m sure that there are so many people who feel all of those pressures when seeing videos on RUclips. Thank you for being so honest and reminding me that I sew to enjoy the process, learn new skills and take my time to make myself something that fits well and is going to last.❤️
Thank you fro your kind words!!! It was my heart to help take some pressure off and I am glad it’s resonating with you and hopefully with more people! Sending love! X
Those “haul” videos are disheartening as well. But great vid Alexandra ! I think you made more people feel ok to NOT keep up with “exaggerated “ trends than you think.
Well hopefully Alexandra herself will begin to feel okay with not keeping up with them. All she said in this video was how they made her feel inferior.
I agree 100% Thank you for putting this out there. I have sewn since grade school and enjoy the process. Also I am able to get a good custom fit. Sewing should be about making things you need and will love to wear. I take great care during construction so my garments will last and also look good even on the inside. I often remake thrifted items and love Turing something that does not fit well into a beautiful fitted item I love.
As a mom I don’t get very much time to sew, it probably takes me a week or longer to get one thing finished! I also consider myself an advanced beginner so I’m still learning how to fit patterns to my body and make clothes that actually fit! It was nice to hear your perspective and to not feel alone ❤
Thank you for this video. As a fairly new sewist I can understand how one would feel pressured to make clothes quickly because people out there are sewing an entire wardrobe in a week. However, I not only enjoy the process, bit I want to create clothes that look professionally made and are staple, lifelong pieces.
Thanks for sharing! I have many of the same thoughts. As a sewing content creator, I try to not go overboard with consumerism and making things for videos and not because I actually need to. Totally agree on sewists working super fast if they are compromising quality of the makes. I’ve also noticed many TikToks and Reels are flashy, but have no real information or substance. Appreciate the honesty and we need more of it.
What we need to see more: How to shop patterns for our body type and height. Not everything you see on social media suits every body, just like not every trend suits every body. And I tend to follow creators with curvy body and age diversity like mine, because, real sewing inspiration.
same I’ve stopped following very skinny people who can make any pattern fit without alterations in 4 hours because that’s just not the reality of my process with it. anything I sew takes like a month or two of fitting a toile here and there before even sewing the thing itself
@@JustOneDress I also feel this way sometimes when some people share their pattern testing project and the underbust cut in the middle of their chest instead of under and they don’t even mention it I’m like … it’s called pattern testing be honest😭
I'm very amused by this video. Despite your constant chattering that your takes are scalding and your insistence that everyone has left in anger, the opinions you shared are all in my opinion very intelligent and reasonable. You present them in a way that isn't aggressive at all and you have a very solid and deep reasoning for each one. Great video, no need to doubt your own voice!
I love this video! I'm a sewing novice and you've reassured me that it's okay to take weeks to make something, and that mistakes are okay. It's easy to watch the 'I made an entire wardrobe in a weekend' videos and feel like I'm not good enough.
You are right, there is pressure from social media to sew more clothing items, but the fact is there are only 7 days in the week and you only need clothes for every day wearing and maybe a special outfit for special occasions. Vote yes for more responsible sewing!
Could not agree with you more ! I sew because it makes me feel happy, about myself and about the environment. It gives me JOY and makes me feel proud that I am able to create something. I don't care about social media, I have an Instagram account that I use to seek inspiration but I've not posted a single picture because I don't sew for other people (I have absolutely nothing against who posts on social media, I just am not interested in doing so). Thanks for this video ! Me, your mom, your husband and @PhillyGirl Diane did enjoy it greatly!
Thank you for watching!!! And you’re so right! I also sew for joy!!!!!!!! Sending lots of love! And keep that joy about you - through sewing and other things - as JOY is power! 💕💕💕
100% agree with you and thank you for posting this. I’ve felt really demotivated to sew lately and I think it’s because the pressure on the Instagram social media community makes me sad, so I spend more time on Facebook sewing groups now because it feels more real over there x
100% agree , ive been sewing since I was 8 and only sew when I need a garment , ive been feeling guilty for not getting much done you've made me feel better about myself, thank you 🪡🧵
I taught my self how to sew through RUclips 10 years ago. Back then it was more tutorials on how to do something (blind hem, put in a zipper, etc). Sadly, as with everything, once something becomes widely popular it becomes more commercialized and cheapened. That said, I love sewing and am grateful for the community here because of the shared knowledge.
1000% agree with you! Such a relief that someone has put it out into the universe 🙌 I have been sewing for a relatively short time and have watched RUclips vloggers for a couple of years. At first I thought wow look how much they can sew in a week and wow look at all that fabric they are buying! Then after a while I was thinking hmmm why do you need more clothes? How on earth can 1 person need so many clothes? Anyhow, thanks for sharing I love your channel xxx
I know!!!! some people have a fabric hoal every few weeks and pattern hual and all 4 seasons plans,....... I look at that with sadness. because if you make so much every year, then what happens with all the things from last year?
I’m an eternal beginner with regards to sewing and enjoy learning on my own via youtube videos. I have also noticed the trends you mention and I feel that they are counter to the spirit of sewing. This is the first one of your videos that I watch and I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one noticing these trends and disagreeing with them! One thing that content creators may not realize is that sincerity/honesty comes through even on videos. Keep up the good work!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 I look forward to watching more of your videos!
Ah thank you so much for watching and you lovely comment! Welcome to this honest and quirky community we are building on this corner of the internet! X
TAKE A BOW ALEXANDRA! This is why we love you. Your honesty and ability to make everyone feel seen in a way that isn't cancelling anyone else is so amazing. I've had a sewing account for over a year now and have yet to post anything because I've always felt such a pressure to be perfect. Thank you for the reminder and push that we are all on our own timeline and shouldn't feel the need to keep up!
‘Practicing our craft in a responsible manner’-I love this! I couldn’t pin point why those videos annoyed me but it comes down to this 🤍 loved this video x
Very very true! I love watching sewing vlogs and there are a few that I follow regularly but I think there is also a bit of a "commercial" aspect that has crept in. People are being gifted fabric or patterns in exchange for creating content. I also noticed there are people who have new fabric almost every week.
I am a sew dreamer, I make project bags, the occasional pj pants but mostly a knitted/crocheted and these same trends are in our communities as well as every other one. It’s sad that the cultural hobbies that have been around for thousands of years is getting pushed into a face paced world. These loves are meant to relax us, inspire us, allow us to create and help us process… it is not a competition and a race, it is a way of life to allow it to have the space and time it deserves.
Why let people you don’t even know cause you stress? I sew for my own enjoyment. I have for over 50 years, and I love learning from others on RUclips. Sometimes I learn a new skill, sometimes I rely on my tried and true methods.
@@AlexandraBurnett I hope you can learn it - because at your young age, it will serve you well in life to learn that lesson now and not 40 years from now. It's no shame - just life - it's kind of a tendency for all of us - but I think especially young people.
I agree. I unfollow youtubers from time to time, just to get away from the pressure, and put away my fabric to take breaks. I do not sew a lot. The videos i like is the one where they talk about a pattern that i like to make, so i can learn about any fit issues. Thanks for the video. You are not the first one to talk about these problems. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Ah thanks so much for watching and sharing! I do enjoy it when videos teach your as you watch! It feels like entertainment and also like your gaining knowledge! X
One youtuber I follow uses the yearly roundup to reflect on mistakes she made and how well the pieces ended up working in her wardrobe. And I love that! But you're right, often they're excessive.
I Really appreciated this video, and I generally agree with all the points made here. I think the one counterpoint to people making so many clothes is when they are very specifically teaching others how to sew. Like Bianca of the clothing historian, for example. She sews a lot. But her job is teaching people how to sew, from drafting the pattern, all the way to complete. And while she does have an extensive wardrobe, you do see her wearing her clothes in videos after they have been made -mostly because they're high quality, something she talks about the necessity for. As she says, she wants her clothes to ne the new vintage that gets handed down and resold for generations. But otherwise, I think there's honestly no need to create that many clothes. I'm pretty lucky in that I follow mostly historical sewists, who tend to sew fewer overall items (especially if there's a lot of hand sewing involved). And I also follow a few people (like Rachel Maksy and Rebecca Posey) who keep in the mistakes they make in their videos as well as how they solve them. I've learned so much from watching that. Thanks for this video, I agree that some sewing content seems a bit too much like fast fashion.
Dear Alexandra, I agree with you and thank you that you said it aloud! Let’s not make from sewing the fast fashion. When I try to sew fast I always do much more mistakes and I have learned to slow down and take the time to this beautiful creative process of sewing.
Thank you so much for watching Veronika and for engaging in this discussion! So appreciated! Over the years whenever I have rushed my projects I regretted it as I was making mistakes and felt that I wasn’t giving the fabric the respect it deserves! Sending love! 💕💕💕
I have sewn for 30 years, I have always tried to explain that everything has a cost, we cannot pretend to be full of virtue for our hobby… there are costs to cloth production not just financial but human and ecological, what is the point in throwing away your good RTW clothes just because ppl feel evangelical over hand making their clothes. There will always be a negative to all the positives about hand making and it would be a shame if new sewers were discouraged. Thank you for taking the time to share for one very un offended viewer.
Para mim o pior dessa tendência sem dúvidas é a comparação. Passar por cima de entender seu próprio processo e o que ele significa para você, de se expressar para deixar que uma tendência diga quanto você produz, o que produz e o que faz. Foi maravilhoso vê seu vídeo hoje, me tranquilizou o coração
I agree…too many haul videos of cheap fabrics then you see the same people often selling them off on destash accounts! Sewing can be such a great hobby for avoiding over consumption and you can even save money on occasion (not time though😂). I do wonder if new people are put off, especially in such financially constrained times. You don’t need the latest sewing patterns you can change what you have, and there are lots of ways to get fabric that’s already been through production. Thank you for being brave enough to call out some trends!!
I love this. I was just watching a popular sewist and she had a very visually overwhelming maximalist closet, and kept talking about how she has a hard time parting with most of it, and so I went to find a more minimalist approach, because I just got a sewing machine, and am looking for inspiration, but don’t want to fall into that kind of result myself. Thank you for your video! I completely agree. I love that more people are sewing these days, because they can mend their clothes rather than throwing them out, but it’s definitely become problematic, and consumeristic since it’s trendy now. My mom has always sewn, and my sister has sewn for like 5+ years, and I’ve been having to ask my mom to tailor things for me. Now ‘lol be able to tailor my own clothes, and make things I like that I can’t afford because designer clothes are unique, but too expensive, so I can just try to replicate them. I’m excited for that. I’m already satisfied with most of my clothes, so I’m not too worried about getting carried away.
I am so happy to hear encouragement for beginner sewists to make mistakes and own them as part of the process! I learned to sew in an industrial sewing class with really fast machines where I sewed everything on backwards at least once. I learned true patience and perseverance in that class. It was a spiritual lesson as well. I hope you continue to focus on the process of learning to sew. It can be really funny as well. I mean, I sewed a wedding dress backwards too! (I fixed it and it was beautiful in the end.) 😊
I definitely love what you had to say, and I love your heart! I’m just getting into sewing for myself, I’ve always just sewed for my kids and then now my grandkids! So I recently started looking on RUclips and couldn’t believe all the people who were on there showing all the patterns they bought and things they were going to sew! It’s easy to fall into wanting more and more and things never seem to be enough! It seems in the world these days that’s the attitude for many. It’s refreshing to see someone making a different choice! I would love to see a place where people could share their sewing challenges or mishaps, maybe things they need help with? I would love to see something like that where people are helping people!
I totally agree with you. I too started sewing last year. I thought sewing your own cloth is supposed to be sustainable but when I see all these trends you have mentioned I’m not sure anymore. And can we add one more to your list the never ending FABRIC HAULS. OMG. 😅
Haha! Fair point! I made a fabric haul video, and in all honesty I still have most of that fabric cause I haven’t had time to sew haha, we don’t need mountains of fabric!!! Thanks for watching! X
Definitely! I decided to slow my sewing down about 6 years ago - even though I was not approaching the current levels because of a growing awareness of the environmental issues. That led me to follow creators who share couture techniques and then slow sewing which led to a very slippery slope of historical costuming - some items entirely hand sewn - and a fantastic community of people who all want to meet up in costumes we've made and talk sewing and techniques. It wasn't a great leap for me as I made and wore vintage style before but it's great to have new challenges and my love for handsewing just keeps on growing. That said I must get back to attaching this ribbon trim. You've been great company as I hand sew away!
Thank you for watching! And sharing your experience! Would you be able to share the content creators you are referring to??? I would love to get myself familiar with them as they sound pretty darn good!
I loved this video! I can relate to all the point you’ve raised. I’ve been sewing for 8 months now, and already feel this mounting pressure to make all the things. I’d love to learn how to mindfully plan what to make next, how to select a pattern, fabric etc… thanks for make this video.
Thank you for watching Ruth! Those are all excellent things to pay attention to and that I will also need to do, all the best on your sewing journey! X
I couldn't agree more!! The beauty of making our own clothes is precisely to NOT to fall into consumerism. Whether buying or making it, there's no difference in consuming, having more and more..unnecessary stuff. And YES! The whole point of creativity is to enhance self esteem, confidence, individual unique approach. Bravissima!
Some of my favorite projects take lots of time & that feels really good. One thing I struggle with is acumulating so many patterns because I am influenced by a video I watched and that holds true for fabric as well. Thank you so much for this call out
You are so right! I’m a crafter of many skills - and I watch these videos and wonder why I’m not fast. I’ve been sewing from early childhood hood and wondered what’s wrong with me. Your truth rings true, my sewing is made to last, I invest quality time and many sewing 🪡projects I still wear today. Thank you for sharing and being so positive in this day and age.
As an avid knitter who started sewing clothes a few months ago, i totally agree with the things you’ve mentioned in this video! Not only do i notice them in the sewing community but i’ve noticed them in the knitting community as well
Opposite as I'm an avid sewist who managed to knit 1 sorta okay sweater for the past 2 years since I started knitting. I was feeling quite proud. But then I saw new knitters put up videos like the 6 sweaters they knitted in their first 6 weeks of knitting. Beautiful, perfect knits. Then I wonder why I'm so slow and my knits aren't so expertly executed and maybe I should quit knitting.
I am not in touch with the knitting community but it’s so interesting to hear that there’s similar things happening. I do think social media and content glorification is having an impact on art in general! Thank you for sharing and being part of this discussion! So appreciate it! Keep sewing! Keep knitting and most importantly let it keep bringing you joy!!! Xxx
Some people may not realize that there are still adjustment to make to their clothes. When I had less experience as a sewer, there were many mistakes I didn't see I had made.
I agree with you! I do participate in the “what I have made in a year” videos but I certainly do not have a whole rack full of clothes. When I started sewing again 8 years ago and putting out content about sewing I very much felt the pressure. With time though I just had to come to terms with the fact that I have a life and I am a slow sewer. I like for my makes to look good inside and out and so I take my time. I also think that it is starting to get to a point where it resembles fast fashion. I even had to tell myself to stop buying so many patterns because the reality is that I can’t keep up and don’t have the time to sew it all. So I have reevaluated and I frankly don’t care anymore about keeping up. Sewing doesn’t make me any money anyway so it doesn’t matter to me anymore to keep up with everyone else. I don’t even know how everyone keeps up with the pressure to make reels or tiktok content because I have a hard time with that as well. I can do it just not that often because I am slow sewing my wardrobe. Lol Great video!
So good to hear from a fellow content creator - as I have felt that pressure myself too! It’s a little like your in the ocean and it seems like everyone is surfing and the right things to do is to get a board and surf too - but it’s good to be reminded that you can also do a leisurely swim too and enjoy the waves at a slow pace. I am preaching to myself now! I loved the part about your clothes looking good on the inside - I know I give myself triple brownie points when my insides look good on the garments i make! Thank you for watching and engaging in this conversation! 💕💕💕
Thank you Alexandra. You echo my thoughts exactly. Some sewing channels are just about turning out stuff continuously while others are only about selling fabric or patterns. I so enjoy your videos as I like to sew for the pleasure of creating and not jut continuously churning out something. I get particular satisfaction sewing for my grandchildren. If I make an outfit for my granddaughter and a matching outfit for her dolls she is over the moon and thinks it is so special. the smile on her face is priceless.
Yes! Embrace beginners for making the attempt. Also embrace the youtubers that make their living by sewing to teach us how to sew, how to consider colors, and how to plan and execute wardrobes.
I. Am a slow creator of clothing. I work real hard to get the pattern right for me. Which takes forever. I want the garment to fit me. So I just work at my own speed and produce slowly. I am not in a race., I truly feel the garment I make will be apart of my wardrobe for many years. So I don’t need 10 repeats in several different fabrics. I choice slowly to incorporate the garment to be interchangeable with other garments in my wardrobe. I love I can introduce pieces to extend what I have so I don’t need a closet full for every season. I find if I watch certain UTUBE channels I get pressured. So I agree what you said on every point you made. Thank you!
Thank you for making this video!! It really made me feel seen. As someone who likes to make, but do so at my own pace I have been feeling alot of pressure to speed up my pace and just to have and make more. Those "Everything I made in a year" reels always made me feel so bad, and to be honest I don't think they do much more than proving just HOW much each person made. Quantity shouldn't be the goal, even if it is part of the process.
Thank you for the comment! It’s so encouraging to hear it resonated with you! Sending love and I very much agree with you on quantity shouldn’t be the goal! X
I’m amazed by the new sewists who can create amazing new dresses every week. I’ve been sewing for over 30 years and I still can’t get through a single project without ripping out at least a few seams! Not only that, it takes me AGES to prepare a pattern with all the adjustments I need to make. I’ve never looked at their clothing up close though. I suppose I never think about other people making mistakes. Thanks for this. I need to remember that I sew to have clothes that fit - not to get new followers on Instagram.
The first point resonated so much with me. I was wondering why all the sewing accounts i have subscribed to are not posting. And after watching this video i realised the all the people i have subscribed to sew not for content but for the love of it and as per their need.
So glad to hear! I feel it’s such a treat when my favourite creators come up with something after not posting for a bit - because you can see that they have made something with so much love and intentionality not just to post!
I agree with about 90% of this. I do sometimes sew for content, but I look at myself as an educator. If you were teaching someone to cook, would you not make the recipes that would teach your students the most? You would probably not eat some of the things you cook on camera. Most of the time, I am sewing what I need in my wardrobe, but sometimes I am doing a project because my viewers have asked for a particular skill to be taught. Just another way to look at that particular thing. And, I too make TONS of mistakes and I’m not afraid to tell people.
Totally agree with you. We need to slow down and enjoy the process so that we can get it right, and make ourselves look fabulous while protecting the environment. In fact, instead of buying new fabric, I've begun to sew my stash. Keep up the good work!👍
I totally agree! I am new to sewing and the amount of sticthing-unstitching-restiching I do is a lot! And it's easy to get disheartened when it looks like it's all so "easy". I've even followed some tutorials and their measurements don't add up so they must've adjusted it somewhere but there's no mention of it. Side note - I love your videos, they always make me smile and keep me motivated to sew. So thank you 🤗
I agree, I'm a beginner sewing clothes. I also hate when people flip thrift clothes by buying larger sizes just for the fabric. It's hard enough for larger people to find thrift clothes as it is!
I agree with you. While I started out by sewing, I now Quilt. I belong to a guild in which we have workshops and retreats. I still have projects to finish from the first workshop! Not everything I sew/quilt is a masterpiece, or heirloom. I do not believe that Sewing, Quilting, Knitting, Crocheting, etc is meant to be a competition.
I have also noticed these trends that don't seem very ethical especially the fast fashion aspect. You're correct also about time involved not being realistic. Years ago, a made a midi coat with a quitted lining, buckram, and specialty hand stitching between lining and coat outer. It took me a month, but it was made correctly (I had a mentor teaching me proper technique) and I wore it for many years. I felt very proud of accomplishing a difficult sew and lifted by the experience! I'd love to see more make overs from existing clothes. My mom often unpicked her older clothes and made things for us children - clothes, toys, little quilts.
I love this comment so much! The part where it took you a month to make a coat, with hand stitching involved!!!! 🤯🤯🤯🤯 Amazing!!!! And the part about your mom up-cycling things!!!
oh I can so agree! it does not matter how long it takes, at the end of it, I want something that I will Wear for many years! I have been working on my perfect blouse for almost 3 years now by hand and am loving every moment of it!
I ❤ This Video. As a beginner into sewing & watching others do it - I can relate to all of this. I love looking at fabrics,patterns and getting all these great ideas but at the same time I understand that there is this pressure from watching others and I have already taken a step back to slow down and really take the time to create beautiful pieces that will last me years🥰
So grateful for this video. I have just bought a new sewing machine because of fast fashion and the amount of clothes I just no longer wear and I truly am so glad I can be more aware of these issues going on even in the sewing community. I will try my best to focus on this whilst I sew and TAKE MY TIME! Thank you xx
As I see it there are so so SO many social media accounts that have content that doesn’t agree with your values and what you would like to see. It’s an impossible task to make them change their content as long as they have viewers and their followers are increasing. The only way is to stop watching and stop following the accounts that you don’t like, don’t just ”keep” them. Go looking for accounts that have the content you want, follow, share and tell them why you like them! That’s the way you can influence people. I suggest that your next video will be a long list of accounts that you will cheer and tell us and them about why you like them and their content ❤️❤️❤️
Such a great idea for a video! I have started following quilting accounts which i love, as they remind me of the importance of slow sew!!! Thank you for watching and engaging in this conversation! X
Yes, you said it! And you've touched on so many layers that are going on in social media, Alexandra. For me, sewing is about joy and self-expression and slowing down and relaxing. I love the meditative, creative process of sewing, and I love reflecting back on my own learning journey. But here's another thing that's happening in social media, and it is especially hard on content creators who really just want to share with others. That is, the pressure to copy other's content, and I think that is where there is this emphasis on showing off all the fashions you've made in a year comes from. Content creators who are sewists feel they have to rank on social media, so they find themselves doing stuff that others are doing, even if it pressures them, because they want to get views, and of course they do. But somewhere, we just need to get back to sewing because we are passionate about it. I really love your channel because it is all about personal authenticity and growth, and love. Maybe you can do some more on this issue for 2024, as there's many of us who agree with you, who want to sew for the love of sewing, share our joy on social media with others, and who also take joy in body positivity and sewing sustainably.
I definitely have to agree with you. I decided to sew my garments for two reasons a) to have garments that had proper fit for my body(darts and waist seems always in the wrong places) and b) to put an end to contributing to fast fashion. I would like to add one more point to your list though, I have a big beef with fabric stashing(hoarding). It’s shocking to me to watch people have walls of cuts of fabric. Like how are you ever going to sew it all? I am a buy for the project at hand and plan everything out before buying.
Here's my thoughts - but why does it matter to you? I look at my fabric stash just like a pantry stash - for my use. It totally shouldn't matter to anyone else if my pantry if chock a block full or I have to run to the store daily.
All so very true, I have been watching someone who recently finished a garment and then informed that she had over ten same garments already made, just in different colours/ materials. I did wonder where on earth she went to be able to wear all this stuff!
I just discovered your channel, and I completely agree with you! As much as I loved it, I feel like Project Runway made fast sewing for entertainment seem like the optimal way to go for a lot of sewing influencers. My natural rhythm is to take a few days, weeks, or even months (depending on the garment) to craft a solid, long-lasting piece, not a couple hours. I sew for my channel when I can, but it is nearly impossible not to skip important steps that affect the quality of the piece if you’re rushing towards a weekly deadline. I always wonder what happens to the clothes many of these influencers make afterwards since most of them are never seen again. I honestly think it causes the audience to devalue quality, well-made items too because they can find an influencer who has haphazardly made something that sort of looks the same in a few hours. Thank you for this video! I just subscribed ✨
Yes!!! I love this video, so many things you said also resonate with me! I feel like there’s this idea that sewing our own clothes in and of itself is sustainable but it can be just as wasteful as RTW & fast fashion. I know I am certainly guilty of buying and stashing fabric that I really didn’t need at the time simply because I liked it and the fear that it won’t be there next time. I’ve gotten pretty good at reminding myself that we are by no means in short supply of fabric, either at the fabric store or even second hand/thrifted, and this helps me in only taking what I truly need. I also appreciate your remarks about showing our mistakes and being honest about them. So much content is so carefully orchestrated that it gives this impression that they became an overnight success. I think a great trend instead, would be if everyone showed their progress. First project, the time it took, mistakes and lessons learned compared to what projects they’ve gotten better at and what challenges them now. The better we get the more efficient we become and the quicker we are. (not to be confused with rushing) but there’s always something to be learned.
I too have been guilty of buying and stashing fabric that I really didn’t need at the time, with in mind that I have so many projects I “should” and “need” to make. I’m certainly not passing blame on anyone else for that but it’s interesting on reflection, realising how influenced we can be. I’m also doing my best to use what I have, enjoy taking my time with projects, learn from the mistakes and like you said, become more efficient in time rather than rushing :)
i feel this is a growing problem with the crafting community. It seems to be more about the continual production of items than the process. I knit and sew for myself and family, but for me I enjoy the process of creating, and seeing their faces when they receive the item. It's fine for the items I create to be imperfectly perfect, they just have to serve the purpose for which they were created. As an example I recently finished my first ever single bed-size quilt. OK some of the blocks didn't line up perfectly but it was made with my heart in every stitch and received with a grateful heart by its recipient. It is in use this evening keeping my 18 year old grandson warm.
Everything about this comment is so warm! Seeing their faces😭😭😭😭! I have also made a quilt and I am in the same boat, by my daughter is sleeping on top of it tonight (I am using it as a mattress cover at the moment) and it makes me smile every time I put her down for beddy time!
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Hi everyone, thank you for engaging in this conversation! So incredibly encouraging to read your thoughts and experiences. I have now posted a follow up video about social media sewing trends I would love to see in 2023: ruclips.net/video/FQiNETvmLqQ/видео.html
The most painful one to see is people who do this know nothing abt pattern and pattern making. I watched a video of a girl making pair of pants by copying her old pants and cutting the front & back sides exactly the same. I was like oh no... She end up wear that pants with oversized tshirt bcz ofc it will looks odd & uncomfortable. I'm sure she will never wear that again unless she undo it, make the right pattern & add more fabric to follow the new pattern.
I love this. I used to follow a knitting content creator that would knit new sweaters so quickly and the sweaters ALWAYS had mistakes. And silly mistakes at that. Of course, it's ok to make mistakes, but she would point out all of the mistakes she made and would say "but I'm ok with them" Are you? Or are you just trying to get through these sweaters for content? What happens to this sweater after this video is over? Some of the yarns she used were $35 a skein. That's an expensive sweater! It just never sat well with me. When I make something, I want to put 100% into it, even if there are mistakes, and not rush through things to get to the next one.
Yes “what happens to the garment after the video” is something I often think too! Very valid point! Thank you so much for watching and engaging in this conversation! So appreciated! X
oh I know! I actually stopped following some knitting creators because of that 😕
As a crocheter, I know exactly what you mean!! I’ve seen the same kind of thing! I’m a blanket girl myself, so I never have to worry about those being used, but I’ve only made one garment, and I love it, but would I if I was churning out a new one every week? And who has room for them?? And they’re not cheap hobbies to have, as you say, yarn can be expensive!
Some people might be making mistakes and might not know how to fix it so they are fine with a mistake in their piece. People are different skill levels even if they work quickly.
@@hysteric-and-hysterical You’re right. But in this case, it’s not that. I won’t call out the creator but my point was the creating as quickly as possible for content.
Yes! Yes! I am in this community for 2-3 years now and I recently started feeling bad about myself and this hobby I adore, because I wasn't as "productive" as other people in the community. So, thank you Alexandra for the reality check! And thank you for reminding me the no.1 reason I started sewing, which is to enjoy my time and the whole process of creating something for me, not others💗💗💗
I am *so* incredibly happy that I could bring this reminder your way!!!!! Seriously! I am tearing up as I was so nervous to post this video and knowing that I was able to be an encouragement ah it means a lot!
Keep going and keep enjoying! Sending love! X
I had exactly the same feeling about a year ago. I have now decided that it’s not worth rushing. I take my time, otherwise what’s the point if the end result is going to give me the same result as going to the mall and buying something. I have also come to the conclusion that there’s nothing wrong with wearing RTW clothes. There are so many aspects of sustainability to consider that the best we can do is take everything slowly, with care, making it last. Enjoy the process and the end result will be so much better.
Yeah, I've been sewing for 12 years or so and I just can't be bothered posting my makes any more. Partly because I don't make as much as I used to, and partly because I don't post as much as sewing content creators. I just don't need to sew everything you know? Go easy on yourself, you're not alone.
It's fabric, it doesn't care if it waits for months, or years, for a project to get done. Your body would care if you rush it and make it poorly however!
I post on a FB community when I have something to share. That doesn't include everything I make it or the things waiting to be made.
Thankyou for this much needed review. I have been sewing for 52 years. Originally the videos helped people by teaching skills and now it is about "inflencing" people to buy patterns and fabric . No one needs the amounts of clothing being churned out by some youtubers. When fabrics and patterns are gifted for an opinion it's not sewing, it's commercial opportunity to increase sales. Sewalongs, explaining tricky techniques and education is what we need to get back to to enhance skills.
i watch one youtuber sometimes and see the fabric has been chopped like a child made it ( fine for kids just learning ) and seams are messy, etc. fit is really only ok and i know i wouldn't want to wear it. it's not necessary to go fast fast fast.. so disheartening. slow down. make it beautiful. make it long lasting. make it a piece worth having.
🙌 So much rough & ready cutting, marking and sewing out there in You Tube world. Certainly not tutorial level.
Id say not always. I used to accept “free” patterns in an exchange for a review as I was too poor to buy them. However over time it didn’t sit well with me that companies were using creators in this way that I even made a video talking about that. Most creators don’t earn much if anything from testing/reviewing a pattern. It barely covers the cost of supplies, if they do get paid.
I just started seriously sewing at 64 and am now 65. I'm now looking for an opportunity to shadow a sewist who makes clothing to see how it's really done.
The part about fast sewing is so true! So many youtubers use so much fabric only to make a dress in "four hours" where they keep taking shortcuts, not finishing their seams, using hot glue, not caring a bit for the inside of the garment, making weird closures because it was faster (and you can't see it in the pictures anyway), and so on... All of these garments end up being much more like a costume than an actual wearable garment and I highly doubt they actually wear these clothes for any longer than how long it takes to film the reveal. The videos are entertaining, but they re essentially of the same mindset as fastfashion. Just because it was a DIY doesn't mean it doesn't contribute to waste.
I agree to an extent. But if you're using thrifted/deadstock materials, I don't think there are any ethical implications to fast sewing
My favorite quote about sewing…you can make it fast or you can make it to last.
Totally with you here! The fast sewing makes me feel terrible. I'm presently finishing a coat that took me 9 months to make! I will have that coat forever so when I think about it I'm okay with taking a long time, especially because I handstitch a lot and use couture techniques. But when I see women churning out several makes a week I feel like I'm missing out PLUS working too hard.
I bet you will look after and LOVE that coat for decades. And that is at the heart of being sustainable.
Wow!!! This comment! This is what I feel like sewing is about! Taking your time and striving for something sturdy and that will last! Well done! I echo what Shona has said - you will love it and it will become such a treasured garment over the years!!!
Yes!!!!! 💕💕💕☝🏻☝🏻☝🏻☝🏻
@@shonaaitken7635 I definitely will 😊
Well done on taking your time with your coat, I think that’s awesome :)
my funniest sewing mistake was attaching a long sleeve to a neck. It was supposed to be a cowl neck, but it suddenly became an ostrich neck (and I'd been wondering why I was battling with something that's normally easy, especially with forgiving fabric)... yup, I took a photo and posted it, before unpicking it and putting it in the right place
Hahaha! I love this so muchhhhh! Thanks for watching! And hope that your future sleeves behave! Xxx
@ Michelle Mills, So hilarious, 🤣😂 I'm on the floor cracking up...😂🤣 hahaha!
Thx for sharing I needed that gd laugh❤
😆😆😆
Ostrich neck 😂😂😂😂Thanks for sharing x
That first trend is so true! Like I like to take my time not rush a project for content. Great video!!
Thank you so much for watching! 💕
AGREEEEEE with all of these 1000000% When reels started becoming the thing on Instagram, I feel like it only further pushed people into this "make everything quickly" mentality, and I hate it. It skips over all of the learnings, all of the craft, all of the thought that goes into making clothes, and gives the impression that these projects are SO EASY and take NO TIME, when in reality that is not the case....or at least it's not for me. Process will always be more interesting to me than final product by far, and I try to follow people whose content aligns with that.
Yes! It hit me the other day that I don’t have to wait until my sewing piece is finished for me to make a reel about what I am making!
Literally it felt like a light bulb moment and I pondered on why I thought I had to wait!
It hit me that most sewing videos I see are all about the finished product and you’re right it skips over lessons and craft and process which are big parts of sewing!
Thank you for watching! Sending love!!!
oh yes! for me too it is about the process!
Yes! The design process and practice of the craft of sewing is so rewarding. I think it makes a finished product wayyyy better (and I also feel way more proud of myself) when I take the time to correct my mistakes and really learn from them.
@@AlexandraBurnett most of my IG is progress posts of my crochet, spinning, weaving, or occasionally sewing project. I've occasionally thought maybe I shouldn't post until it's done, but I reminded myself that no one is forced to look at my content. I like looking back at the progress photos, so I'm going to keep posting them.
I HATE reels. I don't feel like I'm learning from what those sewists are making, or even getting a feel for their journeys or challenges. It just feels so pointless, like: "LoOk WhaT I jUsT MaDe in FivE SeCOnDs! It'S PerFEcT!" Well, good on you, content creator. But I don't feel a connection to that content. I don't feel like I've understood their process. Having sewn for over 25 years, I still have projects that have all kinds of non-stop frustrations, and I savor the actual learning process when I solve problems. I find it relatable when others share those same roadblocks and their solutions, and understand that it can take time and a lot of seam ripping!
I love this!!!! I’m a process sewer. In the past five years, sewing has been my source of maintaining proper mental health and an improved self esteem and wellbeing. If I’m forced to feel as though I need to “make an entire wardrobe in one week”, I’d quit. Sewing and knitting are what brings peace and tranquility to my life. I’m too lazy to look for other sources of stress reduction. Thank you for this post. I agree with you wholeheartedly.
Feeling under pressure to complete a number of garments in the shortest possible time will absolute not help your mental health as it will compound anxiety and then you'll feel like you're failing/not good enough etc which will exacerbate your mental health, and so the merry-go-round goes on. Continue enjoying your sewing and let those who want/feel they have something to prove by completing 'x' number of garments per day jog on, it's totally about quality not quantity. Look after yourself x
Totally agree about the rushed sewing. It takes me months to finish certain garments lol. It’s ok to take your time with sewing projects and coming back to work on it when you’re in the right mood so you can put your all into it! I especially want to hear about people’s sewing mistakes and how the mistake was solved or how a person thinks they will solve it in the future because that is how we all learn and how we will all improve our sewing, by talking about our mistakes!
I just did that, never made clothes before, started making a scrub top with a pattern couldn't figure it out. Put it away for a few months, did a few more small projects. Just went back to it and figured some of it out, looks ok. But moving forward. Getting better.
I am in the process of making a jacket for my Daughter-in-Law, but having only sewn for myself before I decided to make a toile, not just one, but after many adjustments, I'm on my third. I am fed up of doing them, but I now know that this process will give me the confidence to cut the fabric, sew it and it'll fit perfectly - who wants to waste fabric?
Yay! I'll always cheer people who stand up and say real things out loud, especially in this world where most people are afraid and avoid all subjects!
Thank you for your lovely support! I definitely felt like I might get cancelled with this video 🤪🤪🤪
Devil's advocate here! I don't have a problem with fast sewing or sewing that was made for channel content. It serves a purpose and can be inspiring. It takes skill to sew quickly and well. Some people sew for a living, for example, or have a lot of items to sew. They could learn tips from these videos. Not everybody sews so the more sewing content out in the world the better as far as I see. Maybe it will turn up on somebody's feed and turn them on to sewing?
It is a privilege to be able to sew occasionally, or as a hobby. Plus-size people (and other non-"standard" body size or shape persons) may have to sew their entire wardrobe. Fast, efficient, and volume sewing is definitely a plus.
Maybe the person thinks their sewing effort was perfect? The more experience you get the more you can see your mistakes. Many things I made and love in the earlier days I would not wear now because of how amateurish they looked but at the time me and my friends were all celebrating my awesome garment.
I love seeing the yearly makes. Inspiring. Sure some people make too many clothes but *they* made them, not crying little kids in structurally unsound factories so even if it smells like fast fashion it still is not.
I sew professionally, and I also had this thought. I'm very lucky to work for a tiny company, in a city with a relatively high minimum wage, and speed is an important component of my job. I also make a lot of my own clothes, and I do incorporate production stitching methods to speed things up. I love sewing, but I don't really want to spend all of my free time on it after a 40 hour work week. That said, I often spend weeks or months contemplating a design before I even pull out a pattern when I'm sewing for myself, because I want to be confident that the effort I put in will yield something I will actually wear. I like it when content creators include the design, patterning, and fitting process in their videos, because it really is the most time consuming part for most experienced sewists.
When I'm at work, I have to sew quickly so that my employer can make money, and so we can meet customers' deadlines (we make things to order, mostly). Content creators and influencers are also professional stitchers who do it to pay their bills, though I do think that there's something to be said for setting an unrealistic expectation for hobbyists and those of us who have other full time work. But then maybe we, as consumers of said content, need to take some responsibility for managing the expectations we have for ourselves.
I love this thought. I started sewing my wardrobe, and this is definitely my experience...I think there's space for both. Nice slow hand sewing with detail and mindfulness and faster production of things we enjoy making. This video definitely has helped me realise I never really go back to fix my projects after making them. There's always not enough time and a new exciting thing to embark on. Now I think I'll just label all of them WIPs and fix them slowly.
@@violetsnotroses3640 I agree. Sometimes we forget that sewing content creators are doing a job. It is an easy mistake to make because we follow them because they seem relatable. However, it is their relatableness that makes that business model work in the first place. The same rules apply in the real world as online- live your life as best as you can without judging yourself by other people's standards, especially if you don't know the details of their lives. Take what you need from the sewing community and use it to live your best life
I was thinking the same. It also seems a bit contradictory to say that buying ready made garments is fine and there’s no shame in not making every single item in your wardrobe and then going on and say that people should take more time while sewing and why do they need so many items and isn’t that the same as buying fast fashion? I’m a bit…confused
I agree with you! I love to watch videos where the sewing is done in very calming ways, slowly and intentionally so that the process is so enjoyable.
Definitely - my own sewing is absolutely about the process, the calm, soothing side of sewing. I don't make clothes just more abstract textile art, slow stitching, and the thought of rushing or forcing myself to make as many pieces as possible gives me total anxiety vibes!
S glad to hear!
100%
@@thestitchingspace I agree!
I almost gave up sewing because I make mistakes, I unpick and try again and still don't always get it right. Instead of feeling 'this is something I have learnt for next time' I was feeling I am not good at this and I should stop. Thank you for your honesty and for making me feel like I should carry on and continue to learn. You are an inspiration ❤
Definitely continue in your sewing journey Samantha, I always say sewing is sometimes very frustrating but greatly rewarding. I’ve been sewing for over 30 years and I’m still learning! It’s worth taking your time, learning new things as you go and most importantly enjoying your craft. All the very best! :)
Mistakes are easy to make even when you've been sewing for years. Do you know how many times I've set a sleeve in inside out over the last 15 years? Or pinned everything the wrong way, got some part of my project sewn up in a seam that wasn't supposed to be, or plain just read the instructions wrong and did something weird I can't even describe? Too many to count! That's just a sampling of mistakes I've made too. I'm not saying you don't get better over time, you absolutely do, but some mistakes are so easy to make you're bound to repeat them.
Some techniques are hard to master too. I'm lucky enough that once I've seen a thing done I am usually able to repeat it correctly even if it's my first time trying, but there are also things that I've had to do over and over again practicing on scrap fabric before I got it. After watching at least 8 different tutorials too.
@@MissRhyanna thank you for your kind words. I will continue, I am glad I am not the only one making mistakes :-)
@@winterinbloom Thank you. I am going to tackle a coat this weekend. My friend bought me some beautiful fabric from India and I bought the pattern about a month ago. I pick it up and put it down - it looks complicated. But I'm going to give it a go 🙂
@@samanthasmith951 Yes! I'm glad to hear you want to give it a go. Best of luck to you!
I love the honesty and heart of this video so much! I've been having the same thoughts and issues about this type of content for a while now. It is clear that we all need to take accountability, even though we're not large Corporation where it's easy to point fingers at. At the end of the day it all boils down to our personal consumption habits. There is still a waste factor, even if we make our own clothes, which makes it so crucial to really be mindful even during the making process! Thanks so much for opening this discussion up on the internet! Much love
Thank you for engaging in this conversation! It means a lot to me - yes about the waste factor, I think it can often be boiled to that! I know that I need to be more responsible when it comes to that! 💕
Agree
Yes yes yes! Thanks for sharing so honestly. I couldn't agree more with your points and I don't think your video came across as negative. I think it's refreshing and valuable to hear these thoughts expressed. 🧡
I am relieved you and others agree! And I am glad you don’t think it’s coming across negatively as I was so nervous about that! Thank you so much for watching! 💕💕💕
I agree with all your points.
I find channels with massive followings are most guilty of rushing makes that create these fitting mistakes. And I think most of their followers are newbies so they can't see the mistakes. But if you've been sewing for a while the mistakes are glaring.
I also find these yearly makes round-ups videos fun to make and watch.
But what I've noticed about people who have soooooooo many makes is that the items they produce are what I'd class as beginner makes, not requiring much detail or precision and in my mind, I swear I feel like they have people come in to help them sew sometimes🤣🤣.
Also if they don't have a day job that they go to, it can sometimes explain how they make so much.
Oh my goodness Alexandra, yes!! I was talking with my seamstress tutor a few weeks ago and we also discussed how the sewing community seems to be approaching fast fashion and everything being made so quickly. Personally, I have tried sewing in a day, and I’ve made so many errors, I don’t do it anymore. It’ll come together when it comes together. I don’t think the pattern companies help with their constant release of new patterns which look strikingly similar to their previous patterns. Kind of promotes a fast fashion feel about it.
It just takes one person to start a conversation, well done Alexandra!!
Oh, glad it's not just me. I just commented on the " all designers bringing out a smock/ tent dress pattern" I feel that, like fast fashion, they're telling us what we are going to wear ( not me)
Thank you for this! I have been sewing for over 60 years and this is exactly what I feel when I watch social media videos...whether pattern reveals or "LOOK WHAT I SEWED!"... Always seems to feed the FOMO disease.
FOMO disease…so true! I love hearing when others have been sewing for so many years. I’ve been sewing for 32 years now and I’m still learning. I hope to also one day say I have been sewing for over 60 years. All the very best to you Lizzie! :)
Loved this!! I've definitely been guilty of jumping on a 'sewing for content' bandwagon at one point and it totally ruined my love for sewing for a bit 😫 sewing is for fun, creativity and owning our mistakes so we can improve always!
I can relate!! It puts so much pressure to the point that it suffocates this thing that used to bring joy and was an innocent hobby!
I always remember you sharing your struggles with that pair of pleather trousers you made and how you took us on a journey - and I so appreciated that!!!! X
Yes!! I work in a fabric shop and whenever I talk to new sewers they always put themselves down for not making things 'perfect' - I've been sewing for 12 years and I make mistakes on all the projects I do! A lot of the fast sewing and perfectionism really makes sewing feel inaccessible for new sewers and that's really not what sewing is about!
Ah so sad to hear, yes I bet it’s the case with a lot of people. Even I have fallen victim to the perfectionism mindset and it’s stopped me from enjoying my craft and letting myself be a beginner. X
I do get what you are saying. Similar things happen on the crafting side of things. When I first started watching RUclips, it was strictly creators sharing tutorials and ideas to spark others to create and grow. Since everything is so monetized, I feel like I cannot do all of the lovely things because I don't have the latest machine or higher-priced materials. Ceators are pushed to create more and more. A lot of them are also sponsored and get their wonderful materials free. Also, you can only get certain information if you support the channel monetarily or become a member of Pinterest or someone's blogging community. I miss the days of just having creative content shared by fellow creators, whatever level they are at. I am not putting down people who make money from it, I just miss the old RUclips environment.
i know, I feel sad when there are these financial barriers. I actually unfolded a knitting creator because 80%of her videos is only on patrion and to access them is 20$ per month. for me with the exchange rate it is x15! I also miss the old days.
I also miss the old days.
ditto. Love this. Thankfully most of the quilting community isn't behind the paywall!
Hurrah for you coming out and saying what so many of us are thinking and feeling.
Thank you
This video resonated with me so much! Especially the commentary on "fast fashion" or "fast sewing". I feel like content like (especially within a 30 second reel) cheapens the value of sewing as well, making it look really quick and easy when in reality its hard work! Thank you for your honest thoughts!
Yes, louder for the people in the back! 100% agree with the cheapens the value of sewing point!!! X
I entirely agree with your comments. I have stopped watching videos of sewists churning out dress after dress in every variation a pattern offers, sometimes badly pressed and with poor stitching. When do they get the opportunity to wear all these clothes. Much better to take a pride in your work and do justice to the fabric and pattern whatever level you are at.
I often think about doing fabric justice but that’s because I get emotionally invested in my fabric! X
I wish I could like this video twice. I'M SO GLAD SOMEONE SAID IT! Its disappointing when i click on a sewing video and realize its done soley for content purposes and the final product looks like garbage. really gets me steaming!!! I want to be happy that sewing is popular, but i just watched someone destroy perfectly good fabric from the thrift store for a crappy video. ☹ It makes finding good fabric at the thrift store near impossible and i can't help but wonder if its because of this new trend
I always think about the fabric too! Because I care so much about fabric. I even apologised to fabric for not treating it well in the past so I 100% agree with you! X
@@AlexandraBurnett This is why I love you and your channel!
destroy perfect fabric for a crapy video....🤪😂so glad to see that I'm not the only one thinking that sometimes 😀
I started sewing to be able to stop buying clothing/fabrics new from the store. I am also upsizing and redoing a lot of old clothes that me and my sisters collected over the years. The process of sewing from 'scraps' is pretty tough and I've made so many clothing pieces just outrageously big or too flat on the chest. But I'm not giving up, I love being self sufficient and sewing is another great skill to add. Thanks for your video, I feel better about slowly sewing and getting somewhere I want to be now.
I agree. ❤I’ve unsubscribed from several RUclipsrs recently as they bring a huge stash of material out and describe what they’re going to make. What do they do with all those clothes, especially dresses, who knows. It’s a production line. I don’t learn anything from these videos.
I honestly agree with everything you said in this video. They are valid points and concerns! With the boom and rapid change in technology I think it has created this need for speed. Which is great in areas of enhancement that better humanity, our affects on the earth, technological or medical advancements. But in other areas we need to slow down and learn that it's okay to slow down. A good example is right here with the making of new garments. And some of these channels that bang out daily sewing projects are trying to hide behind a guise of sustainability because they are making it themselves. But if you are making new clothes daily it is inherently not sustainable. I think we also need to slow down the speed with which trends change. Every season their are new trends which is exhausting and wasteful. There are RUclipsrs whose entire brand is trying to convince people to create entirely new wardrobes with each season that passes and having really negative things to say about people who are not keeping up with the latest trends. Which is really kind of gross. We don't all have to wear the same thing. What I personally think would be really cool to see is people developing a personal style that really brings them joy. Then you don't feel the need to constantly replace your clothes. You have your style, you build your wardrobe, and pieces occasionally change or are reproduced into something else. I personal think this would be so much more creative and fun and interesting to look at instead of a large group of people all repeating the same project over and over.
I would think most sewists agree with you... you're not alone lol 😂 I started sewing about 4 years ago and used to think I was slow at sewing because I couldn't make garments in a day/weekend. Honestly I really enjoy taking my time, seeing my project come together. And I totally agree with your "smells like fast fashion" point. Great video 😊👌
"Everything I made in a year" videos are good when there is a reflection over lessons you learned, mistakes you made, skills you improved and challenges you overcome. That is a good video.
What a relief. I’ve got fed up with unauthentic and wasteful sewing programmes. I’m really trying to make the most of the patterns I already have. And only make what I need or what might help or cheer up someone else. Videos the help a particular skill or technique I still look for. But I’ve unsubscribed to loads that seemed like they were on a treadmill - implying I should be too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Make to cheer someone else up - wow! What a lovely thought! Thanks for watching! X
Preach, girl! There are other RUclipsrs like yourself who are conscientious about their sewing, and their consumption through sewing, while others have yet to find that path. It’s nice to find another voice educating others about this. Can’t be too many of you! 🫶
My thoughts exactly! I'm new to the sewing community and I can't help but thinking how fast-fashion is contaminating the sewing-process and how social media participates in it. It's really a shame because sawing for me is the moment when I take time for myself to try and create something unique, which is taylor-made for me.
Welcome to the sewing community! And I wish you continue to stay grounded in the “me time” mentality as it’s just so healthy!
I love to see people showing there mistakes and the frustration, because it is freaking stressfull to sew a lot of times 😂😂
I couldn’t have said it better myself haha! It’s so freaking stressful sometimes! X
This is amazing to hear! I have had these thoughts about many crafting and artistic creation social media. I have basically quit my own crafting journey of all shapes because I feel entirely inadequate with everything I make. This is inspiring me to pick up one of my many hobbies and just do it and work through the problems because, let's face, perfection is impossible but working through the issues is important to learn so we don't make the same mistakes again and again.
I agree with everything you have said! I’m sure that there are so many people who feel all of those pressures when seeing videos on RUclips. Thank you for being so honest and reminding me that I sew to enjoy the process, learn new skills and take my time to make myself something that fits well and is going to last.❤️
Thank you fro your kind words!!! It was my heart to help take some pressure off and I am glad it’s resonating with you and hopefully with more people! Sending love! X
Those “haul” videos are disheartening as well.
But great vid Alexandra ! I think you made more people feel ok to NOT keep up with “exaggerated “ trends than you think.
Ah yes, that’s my heart behind this video and mannnnn I am so so happy it’s coming across! Thank you for watching and engaging in this conversation! 💕
@@AlexandraBurnett 🙂
Well hopefully Alexandra herself will begin to feel okay with not keeping up with them. All she said in this video was how they made her feel inferior.
I agree 100% Thank you for putting this out there. I have sewn since grade school and enjoy the process. Also I am able to get a good custom fit. Sewing should be about making things you need and will love to wear. I take great care during construction so my garments will last and also look good even on the inside. I often remake thrifted items and love Turing something that does not fit well into a beautiful fitted item I love.
As a mom I don’t get very much time to sew, it probably takes me a week or longer to get one thing finished! I also consider myself an advanced beginner so I’m still learning how to fit patterns to my body and make clothes that actually fit! It was nice to hear your perspective and to not feel alone ❤
Thank you so much for watching and sharing your experience!!! You’re a mom, you have made the best ever! Congratulations! Xxx
Thank you for this video. As a fairly new sewist I can understand how one would feel pressured to make clothes quickly because people out there are sewing an entire wardrobe in a week. However, I not only enjoy the process, bit I want to create clothes that look professionally made and are staple, lifelong pieces.
Thanks for sharing! I have many of the same thoughts. As a sewing content creator, I try to not go overboard with consumerism and making things for videos and not because I actually need to. Totally agree on sewists working super fast if they are compromising quality of the makes. I’ve also noticed many TikToks and Reels are flashy, but have no real information or substance. Appreciate the honesty and we need more of it.
What we need to see more: How to shop patterns for our body type and height. Not everything you see on social media suits every body, just like not every trend suits every body. And I tend to follow creators with curvy body and age diversity like mine, because, real sewing inspiration.
same I’ve stopped following very skinny people who can make any pattern fit without alterations in 4 hours because that’s just not the reality of my process with it. anything I sew takes like a month or two of fitting a toile here and there before even sewing the thing itself
@@JustOneDress I also feel this way sometimes when some people share their pattern testing project and the underbust cut in the middle of their chest instead of under and they don’t even mention it I’m like … it’s called pattern testing be honest😭
THats what I’m searching for too, to find patterns that suit short women with extra padding everywhere.
I'm very amused by this video. Despite your constant chattering that your takes are scalding and your insistence that everyone has left in anger, the opinions you shared are all in my opinion very intelligent and reasonable. You present them in a way that isn't aggressive at all and you have a very solid and deep reasoning for each one. Great video, no need to doubt your own voice!
I love this video! I'm a sewing novice and you've reassured me that it's okay to take weeks to make something, and that mistakes are okay. It's easy to watch the 'I made an entire wardrobe in a weekend' videos and feel like I'm not good enough.
Ah thank you so much for watching! And I am wishing you all the best on your sewing journey! X
You are right, there is pressure from social media to sew more clothing items, but the fact is there are only 7 days in the week and you only need clothes for every day wearing and maybe a special outfit for special occasions. Vote yes for more responsible sewing!
Could not agree with you more ! I sew because it makes me feel happy, about myself and about the environment. It gives me JOY and makes me feel proud that I am able to create something. I don't care about social media, I have an Instagram account that I use to seek inspiration but I've not posted a single picture because I don't sew for other people (I have absolutely nothing against who posts on social media, I just am not interested in doing so). Thanks for this video ! Me, your mom, your husband and @PhillyGirl Diane did enjoy it greatly!
Thank you for watching!!! And you’re so right! I also sew for joy!!!!!!!! Sending lots of love! And keep that joy about you - through sewing and other things - as JOY is power! 💕💕💕
100% agree with you and thank you for posting this. I’ve felt really demotivated to sew lately and I think it’s because the pressure on the Instagram social media community makes me sad, so I spend more time on Facebook sewing groups now because it feels more real over there x
I love Facebook sewing groups so much!!!!! I need to spend more time in there myself! X
100% agree , ive been sewing since I was 8 and only sew when I need a garment , ive been feeling guilty for not getting much done you've made me feel better about myself, thank you 🪡🧵
I taught my self how to sew through RUclips 10 years ago. Back then it was more tutorials on how to do something (blind hem, put in a zipper, etc). Sadly, as with everything, once something becomes widely popular it becomes more commercialized and cheapened. That said,
I love sewing and am grateful for the community here because of the shared knowledge.
Yes very grateful for all the education!!!
1000% agree with you! Such a relief that someone has put it out into the universe 🙌 I have been sewing for a relatively short time and have watched RUclips vloggers for a couple of years. At first I thought wow look how much they can sew in a week and wow look at all that fabric they are buying! Then after a while I was thinking hmmm why do you need more clothes? How on earth can 1 person need so many clothes? Anyhow, thanks for sharing I love your channel xxx
I know!!!! some people have a fabric hoal every few weeks and pattern hual and all 4 seasons plans,....... I look at that with sadness. because if you make so much every year, then what happens with all the things from last year?
I’m an eternal beginner with regards to sewing and enjoy learning on my own via youtube videos. I have also noticed the trends you mention and I feel that they are counter to the spirit of sewing. This is the first one of your videos that I watch and I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one noticing these trends and disagreeing with them! One thing that content creators may not realize is that sincerity/honesty comes through even on videos. Keep up the good work!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 I look forward to watching more of your videos!
Ah thank you so much for watching and you lovely comment! Welcome to this honest and quirky community we are building on this corner of the internet! X
TAKE A BOW ALEXANDRA! This is why we love you. Your honesty and ability to make everyone feel seen in a way that isn't cancelling anyone else is so amazing. I've had a sewing account for over a year now and have yet to post anything because I've always felt such a pressure to be perfect. Thank you for the reminder and push that we are all on our own timeline and shouldn't feel the need to keep up!
Ah such a kind comment! So encouraging, means so much to me! Thank you for watching and being part of this community! X
‘Practicing our craft in a responsible manner’-I love this! I couldn’t pin point why those videos annoyed me but it comes down to this 🤍 loved this video x
Very very true! I love watching sewing vlogs and there are a few that I follow regularly but I think there is also a bit of a "commercial" aspect that has crept in. People are being gifted fabric or patterns in exchange for creating content. I also noticed there are people who have new fabric almost every week.
Ah yes! That’s another aspect of it I haven’t thought of but very valid!!! X
I am always amazed at how much fabric people get! 1st, it must cost a fortune ad second, where do they find the time to sew it all up?
I am a sew dreamer, I make project bags, the occasional pj pants but mostly a knitted/crocheted and these same trends are in our communities as well as every other one. It’s sad that the cultural hobbies that have been around for thousands of years is getting pushed into a face paced world. These loves are meant to relax us, inspire us, allow us to create and help us process… it is not a competition and a race, it is a way of life to allow it to have the space and time it deserves.
Why let people you don’t even know cause you stress? I sew for my own enjoyment. I have for over 50 years, and I love learning from others on RUclips. Sometimes I learn a new skill, sometimes I rely on my tried and true methods.
That’s fair enough Jackie! I need to stop letting people I don’t know cause me stress! Wise words!!!! Sending love!!! X
@@AlexandraBurnett I hope you can learn it - because at your young age, it will serve you well in life to learn that lesson now and not 40 years from now. It's no shame - just life - it's kind of a tendency for all of us - but I think especially young people.
I agree. I unfollow youtubers from time to time, just to get away from the pressure, and put away my fabric to take breaks. I do not sew a lot. The videos i like is the one where they talk about a pattern that i like to make, so i can learn about any fit issues. Thanks for the video. You are not the first one to talk about these problems. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Ah thanks so much for watching and sharing! I do enjoy it when videos teach your as you watch! It feels like entertainment and also like your gaining knowledge! X
One youtuber I follow uses the yearly roundup to reflect on mistakes she made and how well the pieces ended up working in her wardrobe. And I love that! But you're right, often they're excessive.
Estou aprendendo a costurar e tambem estou aprendendo Portuguese Brasileiro.
I Really appreciated this video, and I generally agree with all the points made here. I think the one counterpoint to people making so many clothes is when they are very specifically teaching others how to sew. Like Bianca of the clothing historian, for example. She sews a lot. But her job is teaching people how to sew, from drafting the pattern, all the way to complete. And while she does have an extensive wardrobe, you do see her wearing her clothes in videos after they have been made -mostly because they're high quality, something she talks about the necessity for. As she says, she wants her clothes to ne the new vintage that gets handed down and resold for generations.
But otherwise, I think there's honestly no need to create that many clothes. I'm pretty lucky in that I follow mostly historical sewists, who tend to sew fewer overall items (especially if there's a lot of hand sewing involved). And I also follow a few people (like Rachel Maksy and Rebecca Posey) who keep in the mistakes they make in their videos as well as how they solve them. I've learned so much from watching that. Thanks for this video, I agree that some sewing content seems a bit too much like fast fashion.
Dear Alexandra, I agree with you and thank you that you said it aloud! Let’s not make from sewing the fast fashion. When I try to sew fast I always do much more mistakes and I have learned to slow down and take the time to this beautiful creative process of sewing.
Thank you so much for watching Veronika and for engaging in this discussion! So appreciated! Over the years whenever I have rushed my projects I regretted it as I was making mistakes and felt that I wasn’t giving the fabric the respect it deserves! Sending love! 💕💕💕
I have sewn for 30 years, I have always tried to explain that everything has a cost, we cannot pretend to be full of virtue for our hobby… there are costs to cloth production not just financial but human and ecological, what is the point in throwing away your good RTW clothes just because ppl feel evangelical over hand making their clothes. There will always be a negative to all the positives about hand making and it would be a shame if new sewers were discouraged. Thank you for taking the time to share for one very un offended viewer.
Hello un offended viewer! Thank you for you comment, I am sending you a kiss because I very much agree with what you’re saying!!! X
Para mim o pior dessa tendência sem dúvidas é a comparação. Passar por cima de entender seu próprio processo e o que ele significa para você, de se expressar para deixar que uma tendência diga quanto você produz, o que produz e o que faz. Foi maravilhoso vê seu vídeo hoje, me tranquilizou o coração
Love you for this! Sometimes I feel exhausted and burnt out just seeing creators make so much in such a short period of time 🥺
I agree…too many haul videos of cheap fabrics then you see the same people often selling them off on destash accounts! Sewing can be such a great hobby for avoiding over consumption and you can even save money on occasion (not time though😂). I do wonder if new people are put off, especially in such financially constrained times. You don’t need the latest sewing patterns you can change what you have, and there are lots of ways to get fabric that’s already been through production. Thank you for being brave enough to call out some trends!!
Thank you for watching - I agree with on you don’t need fancy schmancy patterns or tools to sew!!!
I love this. I was just watching a popular sewist and she had a very visually overwhelming maximalist closet, and kept talking about how she has a hard time parting with most of it, and so I went to find a more minimalist approach, because I just got a sewing machine, and am looking for inspiration, but don’t want to fall into that kind of result myself. Thank you for your video! I completely agree. I love that more people are sewing these days, because they can mend their clothes rather than throwing them out, but it’s definitely become problematic, and consumeristic since it’s trendy now. My mom has always sewn, and my sister has sewn for like 5+ years, and I’ve been having to ask my mom to tailor things for me. Now ‘lol be able to tailor my own clothes, and make things I like that I can’t afford because designer clothes are unique, but too expensive, so I can just try to replicate them. I’m excited for that. I’m already satisfied with most of my clothes, so I’m not too worried about getting carried away.
All the best for your sewing journey. So amazing to hear you’re enjoying it and are happy with the results! X
I am so happy to hear encouragement for beginner sewists to make mistakes and own them as part of the process! I learned to sew in an industrial sewing class with really fast machines where I sewed everything on backwards at least once. I learned true patience and perseverance in that class. It was a spiritual lesson as well. I hope you continue to focus on the process of learning to sew. It can be really funny as well. I mean, I sewed a wedding dress backwards too! (I fixed it and it was beautiful in the end.) 😊
“It was a spiritual lesson as well” I love that - patience and perseverance! Great to have for every day life! Thank you for sharing! X
I definitely love what you had to say, and I love your heart! I’m just getting into sewing for myself, I’ve always just sewed for my kids and then now my grandkids! So I recently started looking on RUclips and couldn’t believe all the people who were on there showing all the patterns they bought and things they were going to sew! It’s easy to fall into wanting more and more and things never seem to be enough! It seems in the world these days that’s the attitude for many. It’s refreshing to see someone making a different choice! I would love to see a place where people could share their sewing challenges or mishaps, maybe things they need help with? I would love to see something like that where people are helping people!
I totally agree with you. I too started sewing last year. I thought sewing your own cloth is supposed to be sustainable but when I see all these trends you have mentioned I’m not sure anymore. And can we add one more to your list the never ending FABRIC HAULS. OMG. 😅
Haha! Fair point! I made a fabric haul video, and in all honesty I still have most of that fabric cause I haven’t had time to sew haha, we don’t need mountains of fabric!!! Thanks for watching! X
Definitely! I decided to slow my sewing down about 6 years ago - even though I was not approaching the current levels because of a growing awareness of the environmental issues. That led me to follow creators who share couture techniques and then slow sewing which led to a very slippery slope of historical costuming - some items entirely hand sewn - and a fantastic community of people who all want to meet up in costumes we've made and talk sewing and techniques. It wasn't a great leap for me as I made and wore vintage style before but it's great to have new challenges and my love for handsewing just keeps on growing. That said I must get back to attaching this ribbon trim. You've been great company as I hand sew away!
Thank you for watching! And sharing your experience! Would you be able to share the content creators you are referring to??? I would love to get myself familiar with them as they sound pretty darn good!
I loved this video! I can relate to all the point you’ve raised. I’ve been sewing for 8 months now, and already feel this mounting pressure to make all the things. I’d love to learn how to mindfully plan what to make next, how to select a pattern, fabric etc… thanks for make this video.
Thank you for watching Ruth! Those are all excellent things to pay attention to and that I will also need to do, all the best on your sewing journey! X
I couldn't agree more!! The beauty of making our own clothes is precisely to NOT to fall into consumerism. Whether buying or making it, there's no difference in consuming, having more and more..unnecessary stuff. And YES! The whole point of creativity is to enhance self esteem, confidence, individual unique approach. Bravissima!
Thank you so much! X
Some of my favorite projects take lots of time & that feels really good. One thing I struggle with is acumulating so many patterns because I am influenced by a video I watched and that holds true for fabric as well. Thank you so much for this call out
You are so right! I’m a crafter of many skills - and I watch these videos and wonder why I’m not fast. I’ve been sewing from early childhood hood and wondered what’s wrong with me.
Your truth rings true, my sewing is made to last, I invest quality time and many sewing 🪡projects I still wear today.
Thank you for sharing and being so positive in this day and age.
As an avid knitter who started sewing clothes a few months ago, i totally agree with the things you’ve mentioned in this video! Not only do i notice them in the sewing community but i’ve noticed them in the knitting community as well
Opposite as I'm an avid sewist who managed to knit 1 sorta okay sweater for the past 2 years since I started knitting. I was feeling quite proud. But then I saw new knitters put up videos like the 6 sweaters they knitted in their first 6 weeks of knitting. Beautiful, perfect knits. Then I wonder why I'm so slow and my knits aren't so expertly executed and maybe I should quit knitting.
I am not in touch with the knitting community but it’s so interesting to hear that there’s similar things happening. I do think social media and content glorification is having an impact on art in general! Thank you for sharing and being part of this discussion! So appreciate it!
Keep sewing! Keep knitting and most importantly let it keep bringing you joy!!! Xxx
Well done for managing to sew and knit! That’s so impressive!
They say that comparison is the thief of joy - and man it’s so true! 💕
@@VariationsOnASeam You should totally feel proud of yourself; knitting a sweater is a huge accomplishment! I hope you keep knitting 🧶💖
Some people may not realize that there are still adjustment to make to their clothes. When I had less experience as a sewer, there were many mistakes I didn't see I had made.
I agree with you! I do participate in the “what I have made in a year” videos but I certainly do not have a whole rack full of clothes. When I started sewing again 8 years ago and putting out content about sewing I very much felt the pressure. With time though I just had to come to terms with the fact that I have a life and I am a slow sewer. I like for my makes to look good inside and out and so I take my time. I also think that it is starting to get to a point where it resembles fast fashion. I even had to tell myself to stop buying so many patterns because the reality is that I can’t keep up and don’t have the time to sew it all. So I have reevaluated and I frankly don’t care anymore about keeping up. Sewing doesn’t make me any money anyway so it doesn’t matter to me anymore to keep up with everyone else. I don’t even know how everyone keeps up with the pressure to make reels or tiktok content because I have a hard time with that as well. I can do it just not that often because I am slow sewing my wardrobe. Lol Great video!
So good to hear from a fellow content creator - as I have felt that pressure myself too!
It’s a little like your in the ocean and it seems like everyone is surfing and the right things to do is to get a board and surf too - but it’s good to be reminded that you can also do a leisurely swim too and enjoy the waves at a slow pace.
I am preaching to myself now!
I loved the part about your clothes looking good on the inside - I know I give myself triple brownie points when my insides look good on the garments i make!
Thank you for watching and engaging in this conversation! 💕💕💕
Thank you Alexandra. You echo my thoughts exactly. Some sewing channels are just about turning out stuff continuously while others are only about selling fabric or patterns. I so enjoy your videos as I like to sew for the pleasure of creating and not jut continuously churning out something. I get particular satisfaction sewing for my grandchildren. If I make an outfit for my granddaughter and a matching outfit for her dolls she is over the moon and thinks it is so special. the smile on her face is priceless.
I bet your granddaughter thinks your her hero!!!! X
Yes! Embrace beginners for making the attempt. Also embrace the youtubers that make their living by sewing to teach us how to sew, how to consider colors, and how to plan and execute wardrobes.
I. Am a slow creator of clothing. I work real hard to get the pattern right for me. Which takes forever. I want the garment to fit me. So I just work at my own speed and produce slowly. I am not in a race., I truly feel the garment I make will be apart of my wardrobe for many years. So I don’t need 10 repeats in several different fabrics. I choice slowly to incorporate the garment to be interchangeable with other garments in my wardrobe. I love I can introduce pieces to extend what I have so I don’t need a closet full for every season. I find if I watch certain UTUBE channels I get pressured. So I agree what you said on every point you made. Thank you!
I WANT to be like YOU when I grow up!!!!! 🥺🥺🥺🥺
Thank you for making this video!! It really made me feel seen. As someone who likes to make, but do so at my own pace I have been feeling alot of pressure to speed up my pace and just to have and make more. Those "Everything I made in a year" reels always made me feel so bad, and to be honest I don't think they do much more than proving just HOW much each person made. Quantity shouldn't be the goal, even if it is part of the process.
Thank you for the comment! It’s so encouraging to hear it resonated with you! Sending love and I very much agree with you on quantity shouldn’t be the goal! X
I’m amazed by the new sewists who can create amazing new dresses every week. I’ve been sewing for over 30 years and I still can’t get through a single project without ripping out at least a few seams! Not only that, it takes me AGES to prepare a pattern with all the adjustments I need to make. I’ve never looked at their clothing up close though. I suppose I never think about other people making mistakes. Thanks for this. I need to remember that I sew to have clothes that fit - not to get new followers on Instagram.
Heck, I buy seam rippers in bulk.
The first point resonated so much with me. I was wondering why all the sewing accounts i have subscribed to are not posting. And after watching this video i realised the all the people i have subscribed to sew not for content but for the love of it and as per their need.
So glad to hear! I feel it’s such a treat when my favourite creators come up with something after not posting for a bit - because you can see that they have made something with so much love and intentionality not just to post!
I agree with about 90% of this. I do sometimes sew for content, but I look at myself as an educator. If you were teaching someone to cook, would you not make the recipes that would teach your students the most? You would probably not eat some of the things you cook on camera. Most of the time, I am sewing what I need in my wardrobe, but sometimes I am doing a project because my viewers have asked for a particular skill to be taught. Just another way to look at that particular thing. And, I too make TONS of mistakes and I’m not afraid to tell people.
Yes I agree with what you're saying about the cooking part! Great perspective!
Totally agree with you. We need to slow down and enjoy the process so that we can get it right, and make ourselves look fabulous while protecting the environment. In fact, instead of buying new fabric, I've begun to sew my stash. Keep up the good work!👍
Make ourselves look fabulous while protecting the environment! Love this so much! Thanks for watching! X
I totally agree! I am new to sewing and the amount of sticthing-unstitching-restiching I do is a lot! And it's easy to get disheartened when it looks like it's all so "easy". I've even followed some tutorials and their measurements don't add up so they must've adjusted it somewhere but there's no mention of it. Side note - I love your videos, they always make me smile and keep me motivated to sew. So thank you 🤗
Ah thanks so much for watching and the lovely comment!! The stitching and unstitching and restitching is a STRUGGLE FOR MOST OF US I can assure you!
I agree, I'm a beginner sewing clothes.
I also hate when people flip thrift clothes by buying larger sizes just for the fabric. It's hard enough for larger people to find thrift clothes as it is!
Wow! That’s a very interesting point you’re raising! Thank you for that!!
I agree with you. While I started out by sewing, I now Quilt. I belong to a guild in which we have workshops and retreats. I still have projects to finish from the first workshop! Not everything I sew/quilt is a masterpiece, or heirloom. I do not believe that Sewing, Quilting, Knitting, Crocheting, etc is meant to be a competition.
I have also noticed these trends that don't seem very ethical especially the fast fashion aspect. You're correct also about time involved not being realistic. Years ago, a made a midi coat with a quitted lining, buckram, and specialty hand stitching between lining and coat outer. It took me a month, but it was made correctly (I had a mentor teaching me proper technique) and I wore it for many years. I felt very proud of accomplishing a difficult sew and lifted by the experience!
I'd love to see more make overs from existing clothes. My mom often unpicked her older clothes and made things for us children - clothes, toys, little quilts.
I love this comment so much! The part where it took you a month to make a coat, with hand stitching involved!!!! 🤯🤯🤯🤯
Amazing!!!!
And the part about your mom up-cycling things!!!
oh I can so agree! it does not matter how long it takes, at the end of it, I want something that I will Wear for many years! I have been working on my perfect blouse for almost 3 years now by hand and am loving every moment of it!
I ❤ This Video. As a beginner into sewing & watching others do it - I can relate to all of this. I love looking at fabrics,patterns and getting all these great ideas but at the same time I understand that there is this pressure from watching others and I have already taken a step back to slow down and really take the time to create beautiful pieces that will last me years🥰
Regardless of the subject matter honesty can be offensive, suck it up buttercup. Bravo! Me, your mom and your husband truly enjoyed your video!
Haha! Thank you for being such a lovely encourager! I am glad that you my mom and my husband enjoyed it! X
So grateful for this video. I have just bought a new sewing machine because of fast fashion and the amount of clothes I just no longer wear and I truly am so glad I can be more aware of these issues going on even in the sewing community. I will try my best to focus on this whilst I sew and TAKE MY TIME! Thank you xx
Ah so happy to hear! Wishing you all the best with your sewing! 💕💕
As I see it there are so so SO many social media accounts that have content that doesn’t agree with your values and what you would like to see. It’s an impossible task to make them change their content as long as they have viewers and their followers are increasing. The only way is to stop watching and stop following the accounts that you don’t like, don’t just ”keep” them. Go looking for accounts that have the content you want, follow, share and tell them why you like them! That’s the way you can influence people. I suggest that your next video will be a long list of accounts that you will cheer and tell us and them about why you like them and their content ❤️❤️❤️
Such a great idea for a video! I have started following quilting accounts which i love, as they remind me of the importance of slow sew!!! Thank you for watching and engaging in this conversation! X
Yes, you said it! And you've touched on so many layers that are going on in social media, Alexandra. For me, sewing is about joy and self-expression and slowing down and relaxing. I love the meditative, creative process of sewing, and I love reflecting back on my own learning journey. But here's another thing that's happening in social media, and it is especially hard on content creators who really just want to share with others. That is, the pressure to copy other's content, and I think that is where there is this emphasis on showing off all the fashions you've made in a year comes from. Content creators who are sewists feel they have to rank on social media, so they find themselves doing stuff that others are doing, even if it pressures them, because they want to get views, and of course they do. But somewhere, we just need to get back to sewing because we are passionate about it. I really love your channel because it is all about personal authenticity and growth, and love. Maybe you can do some more on this issue for 2024, as there's many of us who agree with you, who want to sew for the love of sewing, share our joy on social media with others, and who also take joy in body positivity and sewing sustainably.
I definitely have to agree with you. I decided to sew my garments for two reasons a) to have garments that had proper fit for my body(darts and waist seems always in the wrong places) and b) to put an end to contributing to fast fashion. I would like to add one more point to your list though, I have a big beef with fabric stashing(hoarding). It’s shocking to me to watch people have walls of cuts of fabric. Like how are you ever going to sew it all? I am a buy for the project at hand and plan everything out before buying.
Here's my thoughts - but why does it matter to you? I look at my fabric stash just like a pantry stash - for my use. It totally shouldn't matter to anyone else if my pantry if chock a block full or I have to run to the store daily.
All so very true, I have been watching someone who recently finished a garment and then informed that she had over ten same garments already made, just in different colours/ materials. I did wonder where on earth she went to be able to wear all this stuff!
I just discovered your channel, and I completely agree with you! As much as I loved it, I feel like Project Runway made fast sewing for entertainment seem like the optimal way to go for a lot of sewing influencers.
My natural rhythm is to take a few days, weeks, or even months (depending on the garment) to craft a solid, long-lasting piece, not a couple hours. I sew for my channel when I can, but it is nearly impossible not to skip important steps that affect the quality of the piece if you’re rushing towards a weekly deadline. I always wonder what happens to the clothes many of these influencers make afterwards since most of them are never seen again.
I honestly think it causes the audience to devalue quality, well-made items too because they can find an influencer who has haphazardly made something that sort of looks the same in a few hours.
Thank you for this video! I just subscribed ✨
Yes!!! I love this video, so many things you said also resonate with me! I feel like there’s this idea that sewing our own clothes in and of itself is sustainable but it can be just as wasteful as RTW & fast fashion. I know I am certainly guilty of buying and stashing fabric that I really didn’t need at the time simply because I liked it and the fear that it won’t be there next time. I’ve gotten pretty good at reminding myself that we are by no means in short supply of fabric, either at the fabric store or even second hand/thrifted, and this helps me in only taking what I truly need. I also appreciate your remarks about showing our mistakes and being honest about them. So much content is so carefully orchestrated that it gives this impression that they became an overnight success. I think a great trend instead, would be if everyone showed their progress. First project, the time it took, mistakes and lessons learned compared to what projects they’ve gotten better at and what challenges them now. The better we get the more efficient we become and the quicker we are. (not to be confused with rushing) but there’s always something to be learned.
I too have been guilty of buying and stashing fabric that I really didn’t need at the time, with in mind that I have so many projects I “should” and “need” to make. I’m certainly not passing blame on anyone else for that but it’s interesting on reflection, realising how influenced we can be. I’m also doing my best to use what I have, enjoy taking my time with projects, learn from the mistakes and like you said, become more efficient in time rather than rushing :)
i feel this is a growing problem with the crafting community. It seems to be more about the continual production of items than the process. I knit and sew for myself and family, but for me I enjoy the process of creating, and seeing their faces when they receive the item. It's fine for the items I create to be imperfectly perfect, they just have to serve the purpose for which they were created. As an example I recently finished my first ever single bed-size quilt. OK some of the blocks didn't line up perfectly but it was made with my heart in every stitch and received with a grateful heart by its recipient. It is in use this evening keeping my 18 year old grandson warm.
Everything about this comment is so warm! Seeing their faces😭😭😭😭! I have also made a quilt and I am in the same boat, by my daughter is sleeping on top of it tonight (I am using it as a mattress cover at the moment) and it makes me smile every time I put her down for beddy time!