OMG, my dear, you did a beautiful job on this outfit! This is only the second time I’ve looked at your site & I’m just so impressed. I found you a couple of days ago when I was looking for ways to enlarge a waistband & also to make a denim maxi skirt from jeans. You are a true seamstress which I prefer to some of the other DIY people with less than classy hacks. You have me so inspired now that I may be able to start sewing again which I know would “save my soul” as it has done in my past, I’ve been having a rough time for several years now. My only son passed away in 2015 in a bizarre misadventure. It has practically killed me. The other problem is that I’ve been disabled since 1986 with a serious autoimmune disease which can also create other serious health problems such as kidney stones & diabetes. I was just starting to crawl out of my grieving when the COVID lockdowns started. To make things crazy-worse my family doctor, my dentist, my hairdresser, my chiropodist & my extremely nice pharmacist all retired! There are doctor shortages already in my area. This has all stressed me out more than I expected especially when the week before the lockdowns I started to have some sort of skin problem with my scalp. Plus my arthritis seemed to be increasing in other areas, sometimes making it almost impossible to walk. For a little over 3 years now I have been going insane from this itchy scalp disease (and still have it) & saw 6 different doctors. Finally last May I saw a female dermatologist in another city & she had the brains & common sense to do a biopsy (finally!). I now have another autoimmune disease called lichen planopilaris. It is a rare disease, difficult to treat & has been driving me so nuts that I barely have focus for anything else. In June I got a diagnosis of what was causing the increased back & leg pain & that wasn’t good news either…severe spinal stenosis. I might have to have back surgery. I’m telling you this to paint what kind of picture my mind & life has been in. I am a voracious reader which helps but I really needed something to trigger my creativity. I have 2 degrees in art & in fashion (my life-long passions). I used to always be sewing or crocheting (I used to teach crochet) or doing embroidery & sometimes painting or making jewelry & art objects by enameling with my kiln. But all of the physical pain & other stresses have just been getting the better of me. But…if I could get sewing again I think that that would really help me. It has helped to pull me out of bad times before. I just needed some inspiration, some spark to wake this up in me again. And that, I think, is where you have come in! You are very good at relating your instructions as well. Did you realize that the top & matching skirt you made is a perfect travel outfit…easy to mix & match & reduces excess packing? You’re brilliant! I will definitely be following your videos from now on! Thank you so much for all of this! Well done!
Oh my dear Shelley, thank you for your kind words. I'm so happy if I can contribute to your healing after everything you've been through. I have two boys and cannot even imagine looking one of them. It's beyond comprehension. I agree that sewing is good therapy!
Fiber arts definitely helped me too, happy you found a good Dr, hope you get some relief, hubby had the spine surgery you need, had really helped him, get good referrals from others for a good surgeon..
I am always fascinated by the work you do. You always make these not so easy projects look easier than they really are. Thanks because you also push me beyond my comfort zone ... And I find I am so pleased in the end.😊
Loved watching your on-the-fly problem solving on the top! This is a good lesson for a beginner like me that sometimes the pattern is just a "suggestion". Also, note to self: never choose patterns that are meant to be made with linen 😂
I made a free pattern peasant top with the same raglan style blousy sleeves, made a great fitting mock-up, and the shirt ended up awful. Just fitted terribly. I ended up picking it all apart and laying the (to be fair) similar looking pieces on the pattern and discovered I had sewn the bodice pieces as sleeves and sleeves as bodice pieces.😂😂😂 There were no notches on that pattern either. And that’s how I learned to love notches! And writing F and B and RS/LS on the backs of the pieces. That’s never happening to me again, I can tell ya! (It probably will though). Thanks for going through all your issues with his one, this is very helpful!
Great video. I have found the same issues with lots of patterns having way too much ease. I have started taking shirts and pants in my closet I like the fit of, and laying them over the pattern. It usually gets me much closer to a better fit at the start. Thanks for showing the waist bands trick. I have been sewing a lot of summer shorts and like a little extra give in the band on hot summer days.
Great methods of working thru the notches front n back n I agree the neck pleats had to go... loving the red accents... mix n match is wonderful for great mileage separate n together... big bonus for casual n dressy styling... thank you !!!
Oh my gosh I just love your way and style of instruction. I could listen to you all day.i made some pants with similar style waist band recently and they are so comfy..have to make another pair with the belt loops now..cheers from Australia 🇦🇺
Wonderful instructions. Luv how it all came together. I would use a red belt, instead of the sash. Different likes, that's all. Thx you for this fantastic video. Please, keep them coming.
This GIRLis so talented. Great tips! excellent presenting and a great teacher. I just love her. I’ve been dressmaking when I was younger, self taught and although I didn’t really know what I was doing I successfully made my own wedding dress and one for a friend too. Ther were both beautiful, if I say so myself lol! But if I knew then what I’ve have learned from Catherine, the process would have been so much easier and pleasurable. Hail Catherine 🎉😊
Oh my goodness, I always learn so much from you! How many necklines have disappointed me because they do that annoying stand up business!!! UGH! That is only one thing I learned today. Thank you!
Great job, you are amazing ❤❤❤love it, so versatile to wear so many ways❤❤❤ your talents are awesome and you inspire all of us❤❤❤thank you sooooo much❤
Thank you Catherine! I’m saving this for the skirt (slash, waistband ) instruction but I think I’ll skip the top. You did a stupendous job but I don’t have the motivation to fuss with that. It’s a cute pattern though.
Love the red too! When you put the slits in, you cut the front piece in half, adding seem allowance to each piece but still cut one on the fold? Kept the back piece as one though…. You probably showed that in the dress but I’m. It sure I saw that video. Will look for it! Thanks
Yes, you got that exactly right. The front would be made up of the centre panel that is cut on the fold and 2 side panels. The back would be one piece, cut on fold. If you want to check out the other video, there's a link to it in the description box. (Whoops! I just checked and no, there's not a link! I'll add it tomorrow when I'm back at my computer!)
We used to make self covered belts to match our dress or skirt. They were not that hard to make. Ready made dresses and skirts used to come with a matching belt. Are matching belts (self covered) out of style? I love the top and skirt together. They make a beautiful dress together. However, I would not want the slits to show off my ugly knees and legs. You have nice knees and legs. It looks good on you.
I’ve got a couple of questions I need an answer asap. I’ve got 2 prom gowns one is a burgundy velour , deep cleavage ( too deep) for a young school student! This gown I need to alter in the front ( cleavage ) piece of cake but while she had it on I noticed a gap in the arm hole , which makes it slightly big , thus it tends to fall off her shoulder . I measured about 1 “ will do the job , approximately the breast area ( armhole ) but where do I take up surely not there , I was thinking where the back & front pieces join on the side ⁉️Take up 1/2 “ on both to make up 1” . Next question is the other gown has spaghetti straps , when she tried on I adjusted straps but every time her mom would complain the front part would look slightly off ! Then I explained to her maybe one strap is shorter than other I need to measure, same gown in the back it’s got a u opening with zipper , the backs tend to open ! I was thinking about putting clear elastic bands ( like on bras ) either criss cross or running from side to side possibly 2 . I would measure her back then sew to one end & of dress with hooks on the other side ? While all of this sounds good , where do I buy the wider bands of elastic & is the best way to fix , I’m open for suggestions as a matter of fact desperate! Please I need your help ! I hope you understand this I don’t know how to send pictures ☹️😑🫤
That red pop is genius! Love love love this outfit. Love the detailed explanation about the pattern too. 😊
OMG, my dear, you did a beautiful job on this outfit! This is only the second time I’ve looked at your site & I’m just so impressed. I found you a couple of days ago when I was looking for ways to enlarge a waistband & also to make a denim maxi skirt from jeans.
You are a true seamstress which I prefer to some of the other DIY people with less than classy hacks.
You have me so inspired now that I may be able to start sewing again which I know would “save my soul” as it has done in my past,
I’ve been having a rough time for several years now.
My only son passed away in 2015 in a bizarre misadventure. It has practically killed me.
The other problem is that I’ve been disabled since 1986 with a serious autoimmune disease which can also create other serious health problems such as kidney stones & diabetes.
I was just starting to crawl out of my grieving when the COVID lockdowns started. To make things crazy-worse my family doctor, my dentist, my hairdresser, my chiropodist & my extremely nice pharmacist all retired!
There are doctor shortages already in my area. This has all stressed me out more than I expected especially when the week before the lockdowns I started to have some sort of skin problem with my scalp. Plus my arthritis seemed to be increasing in other areas, sometimes making it almost impossible to walk.
For a little over 3 years now I have been going insane from this itchy scalp disease (and still have it) & saw 6 different doctors. Finally last May I saw a female dermatologist in another city & she had the brains & common sense to do a biopsy (finally!). I now have another autoimmune disease called lichen planopilaris. It is a rare disease, difficult to treat & has been driving me so nuts that I barely have focus for anything else. In June I got a diagnosis of what was causing the increased back & leg pain & that wasn’t good news either…severe spinal stenosis. I might have to have back surgery.
I’m telling you this to paint what kind of picture my mind & life has been in.
I am a voracious reader which helps but I really needed something to trigger my creativity. I have 2 degrees in art & in fashion (my life-long passions). I used to always be sewing or crocheting (I used to teach crochet) or doing embroidery & sometimes painting or making jewelry & art objects by enameling with my kiln.
But all of the physical pain & other stresses have just been getting the better of me.
But…if I could get sewing again I think that that would really help me. It has helped to pull me out of bad times before. I just needed some inspiration, some spark to wake this up in me again.
And that, I think, is where you have come in!
You are very good at relating your instructions as well.
Did you realize that the top & matching skirt you made is a perfect travel outfit…easy to mix & match & reduces excess packing?
You’re brilliant!
I will definitely be following your videos from now on!
Thank you so much for all of this!
Well done!
Oh my dear Shelley, thank you for your kind words. I'm so happy if I can contribute to your healing after everything you've been through. I have two boys and cannot even imagine looking one of them. It's beyond comprehension. I agree that sewing is good therapy!
Fiber arts definitely helped me too, happy you found a good Dr, hope you get some relief, hubby had the spine surgery you need, had really helped him, get good referrals from others for a good surgeon..
I am always fascinated by the work you do. You always make these not so easy projects look easier than they really are. Thanks because you also push me beyond my comfort zone ... And I find I am so pleased in the end.😊
That is SO great to hear! Thanks, BC!
Loved watching your on-the-fly problem solving on the top! This is a good lesson for a beginner like me that sometimes the pattern is just a "suggestion". Also, note to self: never choose patterns that are meant to be made with linen 😂
I would have been so lost! U were fixing things with nary a second thought. Excellent video. Lovely outfit
The black with the red edging, is beautiful. Well done.
This is such great instruction. Thank you for showing us how to do it. Love the fabrics together. ❤
Red is amazing. Great job!
Thanks for showing that I can sew knits on my machine even though I don't have a serger.
I made a free pattern peasant top with the same raglan style blousy sleeves, made a great fitting mock-up, and the shirt ended up awful. Just fitted terribly. I ended up picking it all apart and laying the (to be fair) similar looking pieces on the pattern and discovered I had sewn the bodice pieces as sleeves and sleeves as bodice pieces.😂😂😂 There were no notches on that pattern either. And that’s how I learned to love notches! And writing F and B and RS/LS on the backs of the pieces. That’s never happening to me again, I can tell ya! (It probably will though). Thanks for going through all your issues with his one, this is very helpful!
Oh my goodness, that is such a great story to highlight the importance of notches!
Great video. I love the way you adapted the pattern to your taste, and your styling at the end. Fantastic instructions too. Thank you
Hello stitching friend, crocheting while I listen to you, always 💖 love your tutorials...❤😂 love the RED ❤
I came late to this party but I’m loving the tutorial. Thank you 🤓🏴
Great video.
I have found the same issues with lots of patterns having way too much ease. I have started taking shirts and pants in my closet I like the fit of, and laying them over the pattern. It usually gets me much closer to a better fit at the start.
Thanks for showing the waist bands trick. I have been sewing a lot of summer shorts and like a little extra give in the band on hot summer days.
You are so inspiring and motivating. Thank you.
This is your best yet. I feel inspired to try this. And having separates that make a dress is such a good idea. I will definitely wear.
Beautiful! You are braver than I am. Always great instructions for problem solving.
Thank you.
On the second fitting I love the square neck line!
The red trim and red belt made the outfit!
Great methods of working thru the notches front n back n I agree the neck pleats had to go... loving the red accents... mix n match is wonderful for great mileage separate n together... big bonus for casual n dressy styling... thank you !!!
Love the natural way you talk to the camera.
Oh my gosh I just love your way and style of instruction. I could listen to you all day.i made some pants with similar style waist band recently and they are so comfy..have to make another pair with the belt loops now..cheers from Australia 🇦🇺
Nicely done. Your craftmanship with fabric is top notch and so inspiring ! 😊😊
I always learn so much from you. Great job!
Love the black/white and red!!! So cute
I am so in love with your channel. You do beautiful work and demonstrate it very well
It's perfect. Love the red trim! I may make it for myself.
Thank you very much for beautiful patterns. Like your channel.
Both lovely and practical ❤
Looks fabulous!
Love it with the red trim and sash!
Wooooot!
Maplecook is in the house! Thanks, Buddy!
I love your channel so much and I LOVE LOVE LOVE this outfit you made! Beautiful!!! ❤
Gina, that's such a sweet comment! Thank you!
I absolutely love this outfit!
Love it. The black is reading navy on my screen and beautiful that way too.
Oh, yes, it would be lovely in navy as well!
I love your videos😊.I also love the printed pattern on the top.
Wonderful instructions. Luv how it all came together. I would use a red belt, instead of the sash. Different likes, that's all. Thx you for this fantastic video. Please, keep them coming.
I'll definitely be on the lookout for a red belt as an option!
Another informative video, great outfit!🇨🇦
Always love your videos! This one is exceptional 👏. It packs a lot of information in. 🥳
Excellent presentation and inspiring.
This GIRLis so talented. Great tips! excellent presenting and a great teacher. I just love her. I’ve been dressmaking when I was younger, self taught and although I didn’t really know what I was doing I successfully made my own wedding dress and one for a friend too. Ther were both beautiful, if I say so myself lol! But if I knew then what I’ve have learned from Catherine, the process would have been so much easier and pleasurable. Hail Catherine 🎉😊
Oh my goodness, I always learn so much from you! How many necklines have disappointed me because they do that annoying stand up business!!! UGH! That is only one thing I learned today. Thank you!
Red makes everything better!
Agreed!
Another winner Catherine! You make everything so much simpler to understand. X
P.s. love the red accent!
It came out great. That red detail makes it pop up beautifully!
You made it look so easy. Very pretty. Your videos are so informative. Thank you😀
So pretty, brilliant!
Great job, you are amazing ❤❤❤love it, so versatile to wear so many ways❤❤❤ your talents are awesome and you inspire all of us❤❤❤thank you sooooo much❤
Thank you Catherine! I’m saving this for the skirt (slash, waistband ) instruction but I think I’ll skip the top. You did a stupendous job but I don’t have the motivation to fuss with that. It’s a cute pattern though.
Beautiful. I love it. ❤
Love the skirt! I’m going to have to make one. Thanks. Your tutorial is fantastic. Love the red as well.
Love red
Fantastic instructions tnks
Really great creativity. Looks fabulous, and yes, the red made the look complete. Thanks for sharing all your techniques.
Beautiful ❤
Beautiful creations! Thanks for sharing! I love the red trim & belt with that print.
Great challenge!
Brings out the creativity!
I love the outfit. Thank you so much. The skirt tutorial waistband is what I’ve been looking for
Very good video!
Great sharing 👍🌿🌺🍀🏵🪴🍎🌳
Very nice i have to make that too ❤
Catherine you always amaze me. Do you have any videos about making bias tape with limited amounts of fabric?
HI Claudia, no, I don't have a video like that, but I recently saw this one from @ThoughtfulCreativity : ruclips.net/video/RpA6gSWjiHw/видео.html
@@CatherineSews thanks. I’ll give it a try!
Love the red too! When you put the slits in, you cut the front piece in half, adding seem allowance to each piece but still cut one on the fold? Kept the back piece as one though…. You probably showed that in the dress but I’m. It sure I saw that video. Will look for it! Thanks
Yes, you got that exactly right. The front would be made up of the centre panel that is cut on the fold and 2 side panels. The back would be one piece, cut on fold. If you want to check out the other video, there's a link to it in the description box. (Whoops! I just checked and no, there's not a link! I'll add it tomorrow when I'm back at my computer!)
We used to make self covered belts to match our dress or skirt. They were not that hard to make. Ready made dresses and skirts used to come with a matching belt. Are matching belts (self covered) out of style? I love the top and skirt together. They make a beautiful dress together. However, I would not want the slits to show off my ugly knees and legs. You have nice knees and legs. It looks good on you.
Haha, I can relate to your fear of slits! As I was editing, I wasn't thrilled with my knees poking out!
Gorgeous ❤️👍😎🐕🦺
Do you have a pattern for the top you are wearing? Love your videos.
Found the video where you upcycled the top from a dress. Awesome idea!
Catherine, why did you not miter the corners of the bottom hem?
Cute top but I'll look for a similar style elsewhere, hopefully without the pertinent.
I’ve got a couple of questions I need an answer asap. I’ve got 2 prom gowns one is a burgundy velour , deep cleavage ( too deep) for a young school student! This gown I need to alter in the front ( cleavage ) piece of cake but while she had it on I noticed a gap in the arm hole , which makes it slightly big , thus it tends to fall off her shoulder . I measured about 1 “ will do the job , approximately the breast area ( armhole ) but where do I take up surely not there , I was thinking where the back & front pieces join on the side ⁉️Take up 1/2 “ on both to make up 1” . Next question is the other gown has spaghetti straps , when she tried on I adjusted straps but every time her mom would complain the front part would look slightly off ! Then I explained to her maybe one strap is shorter than other I need to measure, same gown in the back it’s got a u opening with zipper , the backs tend to open ! I was thinking about putting clear elastic bands ( like on bras ) either criss cross or running from side to side possibly 2 . I would measure her back then sew to one end & of dress with hooks on the other side ? While all of this sounds good , where do I buy the wider bands of elastic & is the best way to fix , I’m open for suggestions as a matter of fact desperate! Please I need your help ! I hope you understand this I don’t know how to send pictures ☹️😑🫤
I'm so sorry, Reveca, but I can't be much help! I'd need to be right there with you, and even then it sounds like you have a tricky situation there!
The top is too big for you I think.