If any of my fellow ADHD folks are here - yes! You can do it! A lot of the processes involved in sewing are specifically difficult for us, but they aren’t impossible! I’m still pretty novice at sewing, but here are some things I’m doing to make it less of a frustrating nightmare: 1) A project book! This helps me keep track of all the ideas I have so I don’t keep starting and not finishing things. If I have an idea, I write/ draw it out, and list some directions I could go in to accomplish the thing. This is also where I keep track of ongoing projects & the steps involved so if I forget how to do something I can go back and check. 2) acceptance! Being kind to myself and working with my brain vs. working against it has helped me actually finish stuff. For me this means starting with simple but still interesting projects that don’t have too many planning steps. For example, I’ve been making progressively more complex pencil cases/ pouches in preparation for a backpack I want to make :) 3) I know it’s hard, but 100%, it’s better to go to bed and pick it up in the morning with a fresh brain (or if you’re on meds like me, a functioning brain) than it is to essentially be sewing blind without a clear idea of which steps come next. Night time is good for brainstorming ideas, creative stuff and research rabbit-holes, while I aim to leave the planning and step following for the day. Hope this helps any fellow neuro-diverse people out there, happy crafting :)
I love this comment so much! I was diagnosed with ADHD just a few years ago (I'm 46!). I have learnt so much about myself, and yes, late nights are a huge pitfall for me. My main issue is that I always have several projects on the go- and OUT! - so my sewing space gets messy. I am learning to pick up and organize my space before I start something new. Because I love starting new things, this means the mess doesn't get out of control, so it's easier to get things back to organized. Working *with* my brain instead of in opposition to it is the best tool I've found to keep myself on track. 😃
Project books are super useful! I have one full of sketches of stuff I want to make, and leave a bit of space for notes (like, did I draft a pattern for that? Did the mockup work out? When did I make it, and which fabric did I use?). Sometimes I write directly on the pattern paper if I'm not in the mood to do changes right away. Not the best practice, but at least I can see that something is wrong with the thing before I start cutting out fabric and end up with another piece that needs fixing!
Thanks for reminding me that us with ADHD can also do the thing I think tomorrow I'll actually remember to take my meds and clean off my sewing machine and finish the project I've started hopefully before the materials for my new projects get in
Yes 👏 yes 👏 yes! 👏 Each of these is a fabulous pearl of wisdom worthy of their own video ❤️ (I am keeping this saved on my clipboard for ALL THE SHARING!)
Jennipher Lewis maybe, but those are produced outside of the country and are shipped in from other countries, which is worse for the environment than using fabric someone else doesn’t want. Plus, it’s cheaper to pay 2 dollars for some drapes than 20 ❤️
Piper Rasmussen Yesss. Thrift store fabric is my go-to! I have found some gems there, too. For theater shows with low/no budget, chintz curtains make great ballgowns. 😂 Plus, it's much better for the environment to reuse fabric!
One more thing, embrace your failures and be proud of how you recognize them and fix them. Failures will teach you more than successes. Four things I embrace. Seam rippers (razor blades), piecing is period, "Battle Damage" and "Done is better than perfect."
I’ve sewn since the age of 7. I am now 63. Even as an experienced sewer this video is so useful, because sometimes you need to hear someone else’s voice say, “get out of your own head.” Or”just do the thing!” Thank you for a super helpful video. I am off to my first attempt at a pair of combinations.
Great advice! I would add: take it one step at a time. When I get overwhelmed by how much there is to do, break it down, just do one thing. Most often it's 'just cut it out' that's all you have to do for today, then look at the next step. Stop worrying about buttonholes before you even get started, you can figure it out when you make it to that step.
Also, for learning to sew-- often assisted living apartments have a lot of elders who know how to sew and might be willing to teach you for nominal fees, and you might make a new friend.
Lol, my mom finished the ones for my sister's three days before the wedding! Right about the time we started making the cake that the baker flaked on. 🙄
Bernadette banner taught me to "do the thing" I realized historical sewing was not about being "just right" and more about making what you need with what you have. Now I'm slowly trudging along making things for the joy of it. I don't post many pictures because a) they're basic b) I don't have extra energy c) they're cloths and I don't post photos of myself. I have been around sewing and crafting my whole life, but have only recently started really doing it. This list is perfect.
This is very useful information! I have been sewing for more than 50 years. . . Started out making dresses for me, then work-appropriate clothes for work, then baby items and men’s sport shirts. Now I work with local theatre companies - designing the wardrobe! Sometimes I build a costume from scratch, other times I adapt a costume from another production, many times I modify something from a thrift shop. The more I work at my craft, the better I get. Beginners just have to practice, practice, practice. Every item you make will be a little better than the last one.
In my world, sleevils get me all freaked out. It's because I just don't understand medieval sleeves, but know they can make the look. I'll get there. Meanwhile, they have modern sleeves. At least I'm not naked!
Many decades ago, I found a pattern for a skirt that I loved. I found some really beautiful tartan wool fabric. I made the skirt and from the front it looked great. I completely forgot about matching the pattern on the sides and the center back! Nothing matched, but I wore it anyway because I was so thrilled I finished it. I wore it one time, on Christmas day, people laughed and I learned alot.
First I thought "No sleeves after 11" referred to some sartorial rule about evening wear. I was going for "ball-gowns" and late-night social events in my head. Then I realized....
DO THE THING!!!♥ I have learned that "it's not hard just tedious" applies to most of the things I love to do or make. So I am doing the thing and being kind to myself if the thing is not 100% perfect.
I'm totally feeling that with a lace shawl I'm knitting. I'm on row 260 out of 300 of a triangle shawl and each row is taking longer and longer. I sometimes feel like I'll never reach the end.
I was a pretty good self taught sewer, but I would start a project eager to get the project done. I enjoyed the finished project but didn’t enjoy the journey. Then I had several car wrecks (mostly not my fault 😟) resulting in a few concussions (not advised). Those concussions caused me to have a little brain damage 🤯, resulting in my loss or partial loss of memories, muscle memory, and skills. There is nothing more frustrating than kinda knowing you did a thing, but not knowing how to do it and having to relearn skills. Part of what I lost was sewing, mostly fine motor skills, or memory of ever having done a complicated thing. This has been a gift in disguise. I am now learning to sew again, but this time I am taking it slower, and really enjoying the actual sewing. Sometimes out of the blue I will be sewing something by hand and start doing a complicated stitch. I have no idea what stitch it is or where I learned it but it’s always a welcome surprise. If I can overcome the fear of starting a project, fear of wondering if I will ever be a good as I once was then anyone can. In truth when all is said and done I will probably be better than I was, but even if I’m not that’s okay. I have learned to enjoy the process and that is success in itself. 😊
Elizabeth Smith Thank you for sharing your experience! I have had a (somewhat) similar experience - after my first pregnancy, I had such extreme pelvic instability that I had to relearn how to walk. The road to recovery was long and winding (and I will probably never reach full capacity again after having my second child and then a biking accident). But it is also filled with pleasant surprises, hard lessons, new hobbies and connection with both myself and others. I wish you all the best!
Billie V thank you for sharing as well. I believe when we share our experience both good and bad we all can benefit. It is funny how life can throw you curveball’s but it still comes out okay in the end. I wish you the very best with your children and in life!
Having had a car accident and a concussion last year, I hear all of this loud and clear! I’m so sorry that happened but I absolutely adore that you are enjoying the process all over again!
Honestly, I needed to hear this today. I've been neglecting projects because I feel like I am floundering. I shall strive to make "do the thing" my mantra. Thank you for the inspiring content that you put out.
Just what I needed to hear. I started by casually watching Costuming videos in November. I now have a 1890's walking skirt, two shirts, a waistcoat, corset cover, Edwardian corset and a pair of combinations. My biggest disappointment ... wearing it. I am tempted to go for a walk in my Beverly Hills adjacent neighborhood in full regalia. Thank you for your wonderful content. You are inspiration, especially when you have made a mistake and then solve it. That gives me hope! Keep on sewing .... where does one get supplies in a pandemic?
Online of course! There’s tons of places still shipping! And I would go prance about Beverly Hills with you if I could. Go out in it all! Nobody will notice. It’s LA!
Oh I love these as top tips! I'd also add, "just because you can do one thing, doesn't mean you can do all the things" - I can sew very competently for my children and then I get completely frustrated when I don't automatically know what to do to adjust the fit on something for myself - because I'm an adult woman not a series of rectangles!!
So many of these are things that I've learned just in the last couple weeks! I was working on a shift in muslin and then realized my fabric width wasn't going to work, and decided to order linen. Then I decided to look around the internet some more and found a pattern that I like way better, so that's what I'm making now. I'm even more excited now that I have a firmer idea of what the finished product will be! Thank you so much!
That would have to be the most comprehensive summary of sewing requirements! I have watched countless hours on you tube of "how to's"' all valuable 'but it wasn't until I started watching yours and other historical costumers channels that I learned of the value of the mock up. Thank you to all of you.
This is perfection! I hearty agree with all of it. I know many of my early garments that I wore once and then hid in the recesses of my closet were awful because I picked the wrong material or didn't follow the grain line (or a million other mistakes). I love the idea of failing forward. I learned many things from these "failures" even if it's only to never use polyester knit ever again. And I'll keep failing because I'm learning and growing and trying new things.
Yay! Now everyone who asks this question can be referred to this video for FOREVER! 😂 I am not anywhere near as accomplIshed a costumer or seamstress as you are, but I was nodding the whole video. This is my process: research, try, make mistakes, research more, try a different method, make more mistakes/make a somewhat acceptable garment and improve on it... Also, a good sewing teacher is worth her weight in gold! But I initially learnt by doing and watching youtube and reading blogs.
This video is going on repeat for when I need a pep talk. Thank you. I've been sewing and costuming for years, and have to remind myself of these points all the time. Deep breaths and take the plunge ❤️
Yes! DO THE THING! I've been sewing October last year. I started with quilts, and I have been contemplating the leap into clothing. I hemmed a skirt and altered the waistband just for starters. It wasn't completely terrible, and now I have a wearable garment that doesn't cut off blood flow to my waist or make me look like a midget. It's definitely not perfect, but wearable. I do wonder if the DM's are a result of our microwave culture. Many people seem to forget that everyone is a beginner at some point, and expect that watching CZcams videos will somehow help them a level of expertise without the years of work required to master a skill.
I love the advice to start with something simple! I have been working on making small projects like project bags and sewing tools storage. I've also been inspired to make a stitch book to practice and document different stitches. Also - No sleeves after 11 is so true!!! My mom ruined a sleeve with lace insertion by serging through the material late at night. This is a great and very helpful video for more than just costuming.
This was one of your best videos and so helpful. I've been sewing off and on (more off I have to admit) for about 40 years and I learned several things from this list. Thank you for putting it together.
It is very kind of you to do this list. Many people want to talk about doing a thing, rather than do a thing. (I am a painter/potter. I hear it a lot, too.) It is a joy to talk about the details of the craft with others who are doing it. (I love that you costubers love one another and have that joy.) Now, you can just have a pre-loaded response link to this list to answer the tedious question. (I am laughing and making sure I have plenty of cards for my favorite local teachers in my go bag. When the vow of solitude is fulfilled by the passing of the plague, I shall be out there a lot, again. :) )
My first sewing projects since home Ec (early 2000's), was last week when I started hand sewing masks for my family and myself. It's very slow, but I don't know how to us a sewing machine. I have my mother's, and, when my semester is over, I'm going to try and teach myself how to use it. I love you channel, I found you through Bernadette Banner and the two of you and Cathy have been a constant presence will I make work for finals and very slowly hand stitch some somewhat wonky masks. Thank you for sharing yourself with us.
But these 'wonky' masks will protect you and others and they will hopefully get you into the groove of sewing other fabulous things. There are precious. Good luck with your finals and stay safe and healthy.
That is amazing you are hand sewing mask. What a wonderful and most appreciated thing for you and others. After your finals jump right in and get familiar with your Mother's machine. You are going to enjoy the process of learning to sew and the connection to your Mother. All the best on finals.
There are some great tutorials on the internet! Some tips: - Google Pattern Union (a pattern company) - they have a free "how to thread your sewing machine" guide you can download. - read your sewing machine's manual! If you no longer have it, google the machine's brand and model + manual .pdf. Most are online for free. - search for "sewing machine basics" on CZcams. Professor Pincushion has a channel that has lots of great beginner videos, but there are thousands more. - Bluprint has good sewing classes. Watch for sales on their rates (and put the renewal date in your calendar alerts if you don't want to renew to remind yourself to cancel). They sometimes have a free 2-week trial, too. Hope that helps!
Hell yes wonky masks!!! 🙌🏻🎉🙌🏻 go you! I wish you the best of luck with your semester and the most joy of learning the machine. It’s pretty much like driving a car, you mostly just have to figure out what to do when things go wacky and you don’t know why. But that all just comes with practice and lots of googling!
I had started sewing again in February and broke my cheap machine in March. I ordered a new machine and got it just before my company sent us all to work from home. I have learned so many new skills making masks. And I get to start a new wardrobe! I finished my very first skirt last week and am loving it. Costube has been so helpful and inspiring even if my projects are much simpler. I really needed this video to remember that I can start of small. I will get to making my dream historical gown soon enough.
Awesome and well articulated. I've been sewing for 52 years, since I was 7 years old and still make mistakes. When I say I don't make mock-ups it's because of my long experience and that I measure, measure, measure and I like to draft and adapt patterns. This is what suits me, but may not suit someone else.
I just got 3 books to help me research Victorian sewing techniques and how they did all the fiddily things like hems, collars, waistbands and sleeves and such, because while I have made plenty of medieval outfits, I have never really been confident enough to try something that complex! So thank you, Bernadette Banner and Cathy Hay for the book recommendations!
So many useful tips! As a person that have sewn most of my life (started to use needle and yarn at 5 years, sewing machine at 9), I can say that many of these tips are things that I have learned just some years ago or even two months ago. I am still learning and there are so many things, but you just have to start! My first comepletely self made garment was a pair of trousers I made when I was sixteen. I winged it and made a pattern out of an old pair. Just starting, because I really needed/wanted those pants, was the big thing. Then it just snowballed. The "you don't need to use a sewing machine" was one I struggled with for a long time. Then I found costube and realised that hand sewing isn't that hard and is really useful sometimes. That mock-ups actually are helpful is the most recent thing I realised. Another lesson I have learned is that all bodies are different, and garments are actually supposed to fit and feel comfortable. But ready to wear fast fashion can never acomplish that comfortable well-fittingness because it is not made for my body. There is a whole new level of fitting and comfyness you can reach once you learn how to fit garment to your own body. Fitting is a hard part of sewing for me, but I am really exited of all the possibilities it opens when you make things yourself.
All great advice. I have recently decided to "Do the Thing" and I'm beginning with the undergarments. I figure it's all practice leading up to the outer garments. And if I don't finish everything in time for the 1880's festival being held in October then I have lots of time to get the outer garment done before the next festival in 2021. Our local library sort of sucks as to sewing books and it's closed now anyway. So I've been researching books to order. I saw one of the ones on my list show up on your video the other day so I feel like I might be looking in the right direction. I don't plan to make everything totally authentic but I believe some of the old techniques and methods might produce better results than current speedy sewing methods.. although some of those are pretty good too. ; ) Thanks for sharing with all of us.
I learned along time ago to always start with the undergarments if for no other reason than the outer garments won't lay right without them. It took awhile to figure out that in most cases authenticity is primarily gauged by how well we achieve a certain silhouette that was fashionable at the time we're aiming for. There's a reason that these garments are called foundation garments. They're like the foundations of a house. They support the outer garments and influence the overall silhouette. I learned the hard way what it's like to invest time, effort and money into a gown and totally miss getting the silhouette right because I was in too big a hurry to make lowly undergarments. Speaking of books, I noticed in Patterns of Fashion that even if Janet Arnold didn't include drawings of the undergarments she still included a description of what undergarments would have been worn under the gowns. So keep on making those underpinnings first. You'll be glad you did.
@@lorib1696 I've heard several of these costuming wonders say that over and over so I'm following that advice. It's like my husband says... Who do you ask for advice, the person with fish or the one with an empty ice chest? LOL
I’m at the very start of my sewing journey. I found this video and cried watching it. Especially about the part about confidence. The whole thing spoke to me and jus what I needed to hear. Thank you so much for being such an amazing person and inspiration xx
These also feel like good life tips in general. Do the thing! Research! Start simple and build in difficulty. Be confident! Go for it! You can do the thing!
Thank you thank you thank you! "You don't have to be historically accurate!" The thought of handsewing yards and yards and yards of fabric with teeny tiny stitches has kept me from sewing anything. These tips are all priceless.
Great advice! I’d like to add, 36) Do not let ANYONE tell you you can’t do the thing. I was so incredibly blessed to have a father who told me I could do anything I set my mind to, and I could learn anything I ever wanted from a book. He began when I was born and never stopped...and I believed him. As a result I’ve taught myself so many arts and crafts; I would never have learned them all if I had stopped before I started. Do the thing! You absolutely CAN do it.
Hello, I don’t want to do CZcams. Not my thing. Doing the thing. I’m learning and about to start I prefer not to expensive for mock ups. I’m allergic to wool. Prefer natural materials. I’ve been quilting a while, so starting from skin out eventually. I research all the time. I love research so it takes me time before I do. I love my new iron. My old one always made me mad. Grain lines are important. Learning the right way is my thing. I’m working on it and I’ll get there. Weaving is something I used to do. In cotton. Thank you. I needed this.
Great video with great advice. Just do the thing!! I started out making and mending kids clothes. The best thing is with the mending it’s already wrong it can only get better. As for kids clothes if it’s a little off no one will notice but you kids never stay still long enough to tell. Oh and kids push you outside the lines when they start asking for pink pjs with a face or a dinosaur hat. It’s really amazing what you can figure out when they are so very sure you can. I totally agree with no sleeves after 11 and will add not ripping either though if it’s on pjs just do the rest wrong and declare it a design feature!! I do love my iron and my tailors ham. I recently got the tailors ham and all I can say is wow wish I had done that years ago!
Amen to that! I'm not even a CZcamsr and am frequently asked for advice. Now, I'm more than happy to give technical advice but in regards to where to start sewing clothes I'm fairly exasperated by now. So often this question is asked by people who never did any sewing at all and I had people get upset with me when I told them to start with pillowcases, pouches, bibs or simple aprons and the like. What people don't seem to get is, that before I managed to make my own clothing, that is exactly how I started. It is the reason why now I can make wearable, durable, well-fitting garments, but it took experience to get there and I'm still learning something new with every single project. If anyone ever suggests to start with simple things, it's not meant to be condescending but honest and really well-meant advice. Of course, you are just as capable as I to make gowns or whatever, but you still need to first learn how to walk before you start running. Allow yourself to first learn the basics. It keeps you from getting discouraged other than when you start with something that's way over your head like a corset, for example.
Thank you, thank you thank you! You have such significant words of wisdom. I am 68 years of age and am still learning, even after being a sewing machine operator in a factory. You are wonderful.
I 100% agree with all your comments, sitting down and planning what you want to make and creating a plan of action is always a good way to start, I draw or get an image of what I want to make, I then look at fabrics trims and the whole look, then I brake it down in to each separate peace. As you said tackle the underwear first or a bag, get your pattern or do your research first before you buy any fabrics, read about what it is you want to make, information does help you and it's great to know and tell people if the ask later on, fabric shopping is the best, get samples and all the prices and then go home and cost out how much it will cost to make before you buy the first thing you see or before you buy the whole shop. When you are ready then buy every thing you need for the project as there is nothing more annoying than buying half of what you need and thinking I'll go back next week and it's sold out, stash is good if you have the space but I've learnt over the years, plan, make, move on to the next project or you end up with loads of stuff and a room full of UFO's (unfinished objects) , press press press always press as you go and tacking is the best way to go as you can easily undo as you do your fittings, Just got to say I love watching yours and a couple of others posts, I've worked in costume most of my life and I'm still am able to say I still get nervous when I start a project, but that's a good thing it makes you think before you do. Thank you for all your words of wisdom. Jason🤓
I took a sewing class in school last year and the year before. I've sewn a pillowcase, a tiny zip up pouch, a cord holder, a chapstick holder, a lanyard, a throw pillow, and a hoodie. Lately I've been wanting to make a circle skirt. I might see if my mom has some patterns and enough fabric. I also was on the costuming team last year for a school performance. It was really fun, we didn't have to sew anything, but it was cool to dig through all the random costume pieces the drama department has gathered over the years. There were so many! My mom works at an advertising company and she said that next summer I could maybe shadow the costumer on set.
I follow the "no sleeves after 11 PM" advice religiously! I am in the TEDIOUS process of ajusting an Aliexpress pink "18th century" dress - I bought her 5 years ago and didn't know better - into a more accurate historical shape and construction. I learned a lot from research before even going down on the dress! 18th century is my favorite period in History and I am so excited about getting the dress done. It's all done without a sewing machine (it's at my parents place lol) and with no dress form, so these two advices really brought confidence to me as well. ^^
Thank you. I'm years away from being able to indulge my fabric aspirations. But you and the rest of the CZcams costumer/ history bounders are keeping me sane until then.
I have gotten lucky with remnants. I keep finding a half meter of cotton or linen in the bottom of a remnants bin, and am now matching some up to mae a garment with contrasting collars or panels and such.
One of my goals this year is learning to sew. Before the world turned upside down I had actually searched sewing classes around my area. What I found was the 'local' technical college was about 3 times more expensive than a private class and the private classes seemed to encourage more than simply making a shopping bag. I will reinvestigate things again towards July when things have hopefully calmed down and returned somewhat to normal.
Seriously, as someone who has taught multiple levels of knitting classes, most of these tips are great for learning ANY new skill. Things get easier. Muscle memory starts to kick in eventually. AND, you will always have something new to learn, even if you are an "expert" in your craft.
I’ve been sewing for about 7 years now but I absolutely needed to hear some of the things in this video. So many of these points are relevant for everyone, not just beginners...Thank you so much ♥️
Thank you and all the fab contributors SOOOOO much for this video. I don't **think** I have voiced/written the 'but where to begin' question, but, since pulling an Alice and hopping down a rabbit hole of costume vlogs (pretty easy, considering how awesome and unique everyone is) I have thought it, often. This video, and the comments, basically addresses all the questions that I am ACTUALLY packing into 4 short words. And the permission to give myself a little grace along the way.
"Sometimes the pattern is just plain wrong" is the hardest thing to learn and accept. I have an absolutely beautiful pattern from a major company that IS wrong. It has a glaring error between the size of the neck edge once the front and back are sewn together and the collar band. And there is no way to fix it! I have tried everything. Now, I'm attempting to create my own pattern - I'm calling it the Franken-shirt - out of parts from a bunch of patterns I do like. But yes, 5 months of trying to figure out what I was doing wrong.. and it was the pattern the whole time.
@Belle Meri, for nearly a month I have been dealing with the same issue making a 1945 garment I expected to complete in no time until I spotted major problems, where I now have to rip a section out and redo it. I have had to go my own way with this, because the instructions are all over the place and even excluded some pieces from the original illustration and early part of construction. Maddening! I too have had problems accepting it was the maker's errors, because one just assumes they know best when really they must have been drunk when they did it. 😀
Just do it! Yes, Thank you! Not just in sewing but in everything. I decided to go to medical school and the first thing people said to me was "But that's really hard you know..". So what!! Just do it! :D I'm also starting my "Faldbúningur", Icelandic 18th century dress and it has 1.5 meters of handmade bobbin lace, detailed gold stitch chest panels, 3 meter embroidery on the skirt and lots more. But that's just what makes it worth doing, all the exciting techniques you get to learn and the gratification when it's done (in 10 years probably but who cares :) ).
As someone who didn't start with something easy and simple I definitely agree with start with something that is easy and simple. My first official sewing project was an 18th century jump with my mom in the background shaking her head but I was to stubborn to listen. Now I wish I did the chemise first for multiple reasons. It was a huge confidence booster and as a foundation item should be done first anyway. You live and learn. Thank you for taking the time to do this list.
I did the do the thing! I was procrastinating starting a channel because I didn’t feel like I was doing good enough at sewing to create content people would want to watch but decided to just jump in. I’ve decided to just make the learning process a part of my videos. These tips are wonderful and I will make sure to put them into practice. Also I love your videos and it’s super inspiring:)
Well... Today was the day. Stop watching, stop reading, stop wishing and go 'Do the Thing.' I bought the fabric for a chemise (starting simply), new scissors (for fabric only), needles and thread. I even got a thimble at the insistence of Bernadette Banner. :) I came home washed and ironed the fabric and jumped in with both feet. I cut all my pieces and realized it was 95* in my room and stopped to rehydrate. Tomorrow I'll pin pieces and start sewing. I'm calling it the 'Sink AND Swim' method. I know I'll have issues, but I don't know where and I can't wait to find them.
Am I the only one who finds that all of this advice is great for LIFE IN GENERAL?? Love it all. Off I go to stop procrastinating my 1895 walking skirt. Deep breath. Thank you!!!
Great information for life...not just costuming. The hardest for me to learn but recently have was the “no sleeves after 11pm”. I’m currently learning that if I don’t really love it, I don’t really try....I need to choose wisely. Thank you for putting this together!
I’m brand new to historical costuming and have suddenly been struck by many of the worries you listed in the video. Your approach is so warm and reassuring and I want to thank you for this video and for being such a beautiful light in this community❤️
Thank you so much! I've been sewing for a few years now and I'm scared of Renaissance clothing but I love it so much. Your video will help me be more realistic and less overwhelmed.
Thank you. Was sitting here, way too late, putting sleeves in a dress. Heard your advise and noticed I had already made a mistake. Thank you for stopping me, before I put a thread through it.
My first sewing project was a circle skirt. My second is a stuffed animal.. both hand drafted and im sewing by hand. Why? Well cause I wanted to do the thing!!!
I have learned so much from diving down the costube rabbit hole and I am happy to say that after a couple of years of procrastination and research (also procrastination lol) I am finally starting to "do the thing". I hope I am doing it wisely as I am starting with my foundation garments before I move to the outerwear and alternating with machine and hand sewing.
Thank you, a million Thank yous. I will point people to your video each time I get that question. You were thorough and on point. I am very glad you repeated in various ways to be being kind to yourself and allow for the errors. I am so tired of the instant perfection people have come to expect when they begin a new craft. We as teachers/mentor need to make sure each beginner & intermediary sewer/costumer hears that it is ok to not be perfect. Self forgiveness is so important in all phases of our lives.
It's never too late to learn to sew. I began in my late 40s/early 50s. Of course, I leaped in w both feet, got an expensive sewing machine (which I hate), became part of a UK historic recreation company. Oh, goodness! From day 1, they wanted perfection. I bought linen instead of wool, in color! I knew linen frayed, but had no clue as to how MUCH! I learned Anglo-Saxon embroidery appropriate for Engla-land, had a blast, even with my mistakes, never had a chance to work w the over-arching organization, met some lovely, supportive people.... Oh, that dress, it's a butter yellow & is the most comfortable garment I own. It makes me smile, every time I see it! I think I machine sewed the seams, too. Totally unacceptable in that group. I hated working with that machine so much, I began hand-sewing & discovered I love it. It's meditative & free. YMMV. 😉 I'm now approaching 65 years of age. I'm rather too far from other US groups to connect more than once every 2-3 years. It matters not, to me. It's like dance, to me. I try different time periods (currently in the 18th & 19th C). Normal, everyday clothing doesn't look well on me & is boring, so, I want to work on Gay 90s & Edwardian for daywear. Relatively simple, but cut well. I'm researching, right now. Edwardian seems to be something I can adapt to my needs AND it makes me smile. I'm sure there will also be moments of muttering; there always is. For any newbies getting started late, like I have, you can do this. Enjoy.
This is excellent advice. I would add that the CZcamsr also has no idea what you do and don’t know. If you make the same mistake twice take a break. Don’t get a very cheap iron. I’ve burned more fabric and myself even with 20 years of experience with the basic iron.
I've been going back through your older videos, well, because I just love you and your channel. I'm so glad I did because I keep needing a lot of these things burnt in my brain for some reason. Failure Fear is real and it sux! Thank you for sharing you and your talents and time with us❣️🤗
I love how encouraging you and your friends are. You are truly the cheerleader of the costume community but I also love sprinkles of truth of "do the thing!" and " it's not hard, it's just tedious". As always thank you for that support, insight, honesty and that you and your fellow costubers show us your mistakes, challenges and how you are always learning new things. Your amazing. Hugs💙
I really enjoy your video style. I know most CZcamsrs are talking to the people on the other side, but you make it almost conversational, somehow? I don't know how to explain. I'm just really enjoying your content. Thank you for doing what you do!
Bernadette Banner and Covid made me dust off the sewing machine. I needed this video right now, because while I can slowly and painstakingly build some modern capris over the course of a couple days, I've been more inclined to make cute modern pieces for my sister than start looking into the more historical and period pieces I want to do for myself. Cost is a factor, but it's largely fear my skills and patience won't do the pieces in my head justice. I need to just bite the bullet and try, even if I start with my (likely highly inaccurate, but who cares) Simplicity costume patterns I bought years ago on discount. I would love to get to the point of doing custom corsets and gowns.
i have been watching this at least twice a week for several weeks now, it keeps getting better, more meaningful and more appreciated. thank you so much! and yes, i know it´s been up for many many many moons ;)
Thank you for this! So great to hear these tips, regardless of skill/experience level. I often get asked if a piece was "hard" to make, and I usually reply that it wasn't hard, just time-consuming. Tedious is definitely a better description!
This is such awesome advice!! For research though, the library is your friend (when they are open that is...). I am really lucky that my major libraries have copies of historical fashion books. It saved me a lot of money as I was able to see what I needed, read and take photocopies (keeping in mind the copyright requirements ofc). It also helped me realise which books I want to purchase and which ones I am happy to just request from the library to read when needed (so I get to sit in a library and read). Also google is your friend in figuring out any weird words or terms you do not understand when looking at anything (research and fabric).
I have commented a couple of times I just got a sewing machine and with second hand stores closed because of the current craziness once I get my machine up and running I’m going to practice on a flat sheet because we never use them but still have them. Thank you for the tips and tricks I can’t wait to start experimenting and learning again ❤️🙏🏻
If any of my fellow ADHD folks are here - yes! You can do it! A lot of the processes involved in sewing are specifically difficult for us, but they aren’t impossible!
I’m still pretty novice at sewing, but here are some things I’m doing to make it less of a frustrating nightmare:
1) A project book! This helps me keep track of all the ideas I have so I don’t keep starting and not finishing things. If I have an idea, I write/ draw it out, and list some directions I could go in to accomplish the thing. This is also where I keep track of ongoing projects & the steps involved so if I forget how to do something I can go back and check.
2) acceptance! Being kind to myself and working with my brain vs. working against it has helped me actually finish stuff. For me this means starting with simple but still interesting projects that don’t have too many planning steps. For example, I’ve been making progressively more complex pencil cases/ pouches in preparation for a backpack I want to make :)
3) I know it’s hard, but 100%, it’s better to go to bed and pick it up in the morning with a fresh brain (or if you’re on meds like me, a functioning brain) than it is to essentially be sewing blind without a clear idea of which steps come next.
Night time is good for brainstorming ideas, creative stuff and research rabbit-holes, while I aim to leave the planning and step following for the day.
Hope this helps any fellow neuro-diverse people out there, happy crafting :)
It does help. Thank you for sharing! :)
Snake Lady I’m glad 😊😊😊
I love this comment so much! I was diagnosed with ADHD just a few years ago (I'm 46!). I have learnt so much about myself, and yes, late nights are a huge pitfall for me. My main issue is that I always have several projects on the go- and OUT! - so my sewing space gets messy. I am learning to pick up and organize my space before I start something new. Because I love starting new things, this means the mess doesn't get out of control, so it's easier to get things back to organized. Working *with* my brain instead of in opposition to it is the best tool I've found to keep myself on track. 😃
Project books are super useful! I have one full of sketches of stuff I want to make, and leave a bit of space for notes (like, did I draft a pattern for that? Did the mockup work out? When did I make it, and which fabric did I use?). Sometimes I write directly on the pattern paper if I'm not in the mood to do changes right away. Not the best practice, but at least I can see that something is wrong with the thing before I start cutting out fabric and end up with another piece that needs fixing!
Thanks for reminding me that us with ADHD can also do the thing I think tomorrow I'll actually remember to take my meds and clean off my sewing machine and finish the project I've started hopefully before the materials for my new projects get in
Yes 👏 yes 👏 yes! 👏 Each of these is a fabulous pearl of wisdom worthy of their own video ❤️ (I am keeping this saved on my clipboard for ALL THE SHARING!)
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Thrift store linen sections are a great resource for cheap, large, amounts of fabric and it’s better for the environment 💖
I go to Ross, Marshalls or other discount stores and purchase the cotton sheets or drapes.
Jennipher Lewis maybe, but those are produced outside of the country and are shipped in from other countries, which is worse for the environment than using fabric someone else doesn’t want. Plus, it’s cheaper to pay 2 dollars for some drapes than 20 ❤️
Piper Rasmussen Yesss. Thrift store fabric is my go-to! I have found some gems there, too. For theater shows with low/no budget, chintz curtains make great ballgowns. 😂 Plus, it's much better for the environment to reuse fabric!
I have a lot of sheets that have been thrifted/yardsaled or just free
Definitely! Plus if you get a fun fabric to make your mock ups with....you might just end up with two usable items 😃
One more thing, embrace your failures and be proud of how you recognize them and fix them. Failures will teach you more than successes. Four things I embrace. Seam rippers (razor blades), piecing is period, "Battle Damage" and "Done is better than perfect."
PatDooley50 amen to that!
"Piecing is period" has saved many a garment, haha! Love this comment..
I’ve sewn since the age of 7. I am now 63. Even as an experienced sewer this video is so useful, because sometimes you need to hear someone else’s voice say, “get out of your own head.” Or”just do the thing!” Thank you for a super helpful video. I am off to my first attempt at a pair of combinations.
Awww thanks!
Or that cutting anxiety is Real! It is, it really is...
Great advice! I would add: take it one step at a time. When I get overwhelmed by how much there is to do, break it down, just do one thing. Most often it's 'just cut it out' that's all you have to do for today, then look at the next step. Stop worrying about buttonholes before you even get started, you can figure it out when you make it to that step.
Also, for learning to sew-- often assisted living apartments have a lot of elders who know how to sew and might be willing to teach you for nominal fees, and you might make a new friend.
And they are a little less lonely and still being busy might help battle things like dementia and all that. Its a win-win situation. Great tip! ❤️
"Do the thing" Noelle says as I procrastinate making bridesmaids dress number five. *grumble grumble*
Okay, going to do the thing.
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Lol, my mom finished the ones for my sister's three days before the wedding! Right about the time we started making the cake that the baker flaked on. 🙄
@@veronicavatter6436 I was absolutely hemming three of five dresses this past Friday night for my sister's Saturday wedding
@@MissDFitz the worst part was they were hideous.
Bernadette banner taught me to "do the thing" I realized historical sewing was not about being "just right" and more about making what you need with what you have. Now I'm slowly trudging along making things for the joy of it. I don't post many pictures because a) they're basic b) I don't have extra energy c) they're cloths and I don't post photos of myself.
I have been around sewing and crafting my whole life, but have only recently started really doing it. This list is perfect.
This is very useful information! I have been sewing for more than 50 years. . . Started out making dresses for me, then work-appropriate clothes for work, then baby items and men’s sport shirts. Now I work with local theatre companies - designing the wardrobe! Sometimes I build a costume from scratch, other times I adapt a costume from another production, many times I modify something from a thrift shop. The more I work at my craft, the better I get. Beginners just have to practice, practice, practice. Every item you make will be a little better than the last one.
Indeed!
Yes! Just try. I love “no sleeves after 11 pm.”
No sleeves after 11 is so true for me...
Sleeves are the one thing I find really easy. I dont understand why everyone finds it a challenge. I fit mine with everything on my lap.
In my world, sleevils get me all freaked out.
It's because I just don't understand medieval sleeves, but know they can make the look. I'll get there. Meanwhile, they have modern sleeves. At least I'm not naked!
Many decades ago, I found a pattern for a skirt that I loved. I found some really beautiful tartan wool fabric. I made the skirt and from the front it looked great. I completely forgot about matching the pattern on the sides and the center back! Nothing matched, but I wore it anyway because I was so thrilled I finished it. I wore it one time, on Christmas day, people laughed and I learned alot.
Awwwww 💖💖💖💖
Silly people! They didn't know it was gold, rather than straw, even though the patterns didn't match!
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Wear it with pride, and if someone laughs at you, tell them it was a style choice!
My grandmother had a three rip out limit. Rip out three times, put it down for the evening
Ooh, I like that! I'm gonna try to remember it!!
Addition to #15 Sleeves & cocktails (alcohol) do NOT mix. However cocktails may be needed after dealing with sleeves.
Sleeve hell is a #::##:;%!
Agree!
A cocktail can improve a lot of things...
Keyword AFTER :)
First I thought "No sleeves after 11" referred to some sartorial rule about evening wear. I was going for "ball-gowns" and late-night social events in my head. Then I realized....
Me too - it does work for the evening wear too ;-)
DO THE THING!!!♥ I have learned that "it's not hard just tedious" applies to most of the things I love to do or make. So I am doing the thing and being kind to myself if the thing is not 100% perfect.
I'm totally feeling that with a lace shawl I'm knitting. I'm on row 260 out of 300 of a triangle shawl and each row is taking longer and longer. I sometimes feel like I'll never reach the end.
I was a pretty good self taught sewer, but I would start a project eager to get the project done. I enjoyed the finished project but didn’t enjoy the journey. Then I had several car wrecks (mostly not my fault 😟) resulting in a few concussions (not advised). Those concussions caused me to have a little brain damage 🤯, resulting in my loss or partial loss of memories, muscle memory, and skills. There is nothing more frustrating than kinda knowing you did a thing, but not knowing how to do it and having to relearn skills. Part of what I lost was sewing, mostly fine motor skills, or memory of ever having done a complicated thing. This has been a gift in disguise. I am now learning to sew again, but this time I am taking it slower, and really enjoying the actual sewing. Sometimes out of the blue I will be sewing something by hand and start doing a complicated stitch. I have no idea what stitch it is or where I learned it but it’s always a welcome surprise. If I can overcome the fear of starting a project, fear of wondering if I will ever be a good as I once was then anyone can. In truth when all is said and done I will probably be better than I was, but even if I’m not that’s okay. I have learned to enjoy the process and that is success in itself. 😊
Elizabeth Smith Thank you for sharing your experience! I have had a (somewhat) similar experience - after my first pregnancy, I had such extreme pelvic instability that I had to relearn how to walk. The road to recovery was long and winding (and I will probably never reach full capacity again after having my second child and then a biking accident). But it is also filled with pleasant surprises, hard lessons, new hobbies and connection with both myself and others. I wish you all the best!
Billie V thank you for sharing as well. I believe when we share our experience both good and bad we all can benefit. It is funny how life can throw you curveball’s but it still comes out okay in the end. I wish you the very best with your children and in life!
Having had a car accident and a concussion last year, I hear all of this loud and clear! I’m so sorry that happened but I absolutely adore that you are enjoying the process all over again!
Costuming Drama I’m sorry this happened to you as well, but it is true what they say “That which doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger”. 😃
Honestly, I needed to hear this today. I've been neglecting projects because I feel like I am floundering. I shall strive to make "do the thing" my mantra. Thank you for the inspiring content that you put out.
We are all floundering right now, friend. Let’s flounder together! 💖
Just what I needed to hear. I started by casually watching Costuming videos in November. I now have a 1890's walking skirt, two shirts, a waistcoat, corset cover, Edwardian corset and a pair of combinations. My biggest disappointment ... wearing it. I am tempted to go for a walk in my Beverly Hills adjacent neighborhood in full regalia. Thank you for your wonderful content. You are inspiration, especially when you have made a mistake and then solve it. That gives me hope! Keep on sewing .... where does one get supplies in a pandemic?
Jennipher Lewis Lots of online stores are still open! Also, do the walk in full regalia! I'm sure your neighbors could use a fun distraction. 😃
Online of course! There’s tons of places still shipping! And I would go prance about Beverly Hills with you if I could. Go out in it all! Nobody will notice. It’s LA!
Oh I love these as top tips! I'd also add, "just because you can do one thing, doesn't mean you can do all the things" - I can sew very competently for my children and then I get completely frustrated when I don't automatically know what to do to adjust the fit on something for myself - because I'm an adult woman not a series of rectangles!!
So many of these are things that I've learned just in the last couple weeks! I was working on a shift in muslin and then realized my fabric width wasn't going to work, and decided to order linen. Then I decided to look around the internet some more and found a pattern that I like way better, so that's what I'm making now. I'm even more excited now that I have a firmer idea of what the finished product will be! Thank you so much!
Yay changing mid-project when you realized it wasn’t right!! 🙌🏻 that’s a hard one for people to get to!
That would have to be the most comprehensive summary of sewing requirements! I have watched countless hours on you tube of "how to's"' all valuable 'but it wasn't until I started watching yours and other historical costumers channels that I learned of the value of the mock up. Thank you to all of you.
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This is perfection! I hearty agree with all of it. I know many of my early garments that I wore once and then hid in the recesses of my closet were awful because I picked the wrong material or didn't follow the grain line (or a million other mistakes). I love the idea of failing forward. I learned many things from these "failures" even if it's only to never use polyester knit ever again. And I'll keep failing because I'm learning and growing and trying new things.
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The seam ripper is your friend. Have at least 4 or 5. They tend to get lost. Noelle Great video!!!
I have shown this to my son...to apply to all the things in his world....lightbulb moment for him...thank you Noelle 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
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Yay! Now everyone who asks this question can be referred to this video for FOREVER! 😂 I am not anywhere near as accomplIshed a costumer or seamstress as you are, but I was nodding the whole video. This is my process: research, try, make mistakes, research more, try a different method, make more mistakes/make a somewhat acceptable garment and improve on it... Also, a good sewing teacher is worth her weight in gold! But I initially learnt by doing and watching youtube and reading blogs.
This video is going on repeat for when I need a pep talk. Thank you. I've been sewing and costuming for years, and have to remind myself of these points all the time. Deep breaths and take the plunge ❤️
You can do it! 💖
Yes! DO THE THING! I've been sewing October last year. I started with quilts, and I have been contemplating the leap into clothing. I hemmed a skirt and altered the waistband just for starters. It wasn't completely terrible, and now I have a wearable garment that doesn't cut off blood flow to my waist or make me look like a midget. It's definitely not perfect, but wearable. I do wonder if the DM's are a result of our microwave culture. Many people seem to forget that everyone is a beginner at some point, and expect that watching CZcams videos will somehow help them a level of expertise without the years of work required to master a skill.
Oh for sure. And also people are somewhat lazy and they forget that they are one of many...
I love the advice to start with something simple! I have been working on making small projects like project bags and sewing tools storage. I've also been inspired to make a stitch book to practice and document different stitches. Also - No sleeves after 11 is so true!!! My mom ruined a sleeve with lace insertion by serging through the material late at night. This is a great and very helpful video for more than just costuming.
This was one of your best videos and so helpful. I've been sewing off and on (more off I have to admit) for about 40 years and I learned several things from this list. Thank you for putting it together.
Thank you!
It is very kind of you to do this list. Many people want to talk about doing a thing, rather than do a thing. (I am a painter/potter. I hear it a lot, too.) It is a joy to talk about the details of the craft with others who are doing it. (I love that you costubers love one another and have that joy.) Now, you can just have a pre-loaded response link to this list to answer the tedious question. (I am laughing and making sure I have plenty of cards for my favorite local teachers in my go bag. When the vow of solitude is fulfilled by the passing of the plague, I shall be out there a lot, again. :) )
Indeed, many people like talking about doing the thing!
My first sewing projects since home Ec (early 2000's), was last week when I started hand sewing masks for my family and myself. It's very slow, but I don't know how to us a sewing machine. I have my mother's, and, when my semester is over, I'm going to try and teach myself how to use it. I love you channel, I found you through Bernadette Banner and the two of you and Cathy have been a constant presence will I make work for finals and very slowly hand stitch some somewhat wonky masks. Thank you for sharing yourself with us.
But these 'wonky' masks will protect you and others and they will hopefully get you into the groove of sewing other fabulous things. There are precious.
Good luck with your finals and stay safe and healthy.
That is amazing you are hand sewing mask. What a wonderful and most appreciated thing for you and others. After your finals jump right in and get familiar with your Mother's machine. You are going to enjoy the process of learning to sew and the connection to your Mother. All the best on finals.
There are some great tutorials on the internet! Some tips:
- Google Pattern Union (a pattern company) - they have a free "how to thread your sewing machine" guide you can download.
- read your sewing machine's manual! If you no longer have it, google the machine's brand and model + manual .pdf. Most are online for free.
- search for "sewing machine basics" on CZcams. Professor Pincushion has a channel that has lots of great beginner videos, but there are thousands more.
- Bluprint has good sewing classes. Watch for sales on their rates (and put the renewal date in your calendar alerts if you don't want to renew to remind yourself to cancel). They sometimes have a free 2-week trial, too.
Hope that helps!
Hell yes wonky masks!!! 🙌🏻🎉🙌🏻 go you! I wish you the best of luck with your semester and the most joy of learning the machine. It’s pretty much like driving a car, you mostly just have to figure out what to do when things go wacky and you don’t know why. But that all just comes with practice and lots of googling!
I had started sewing again in February and broke my cheap machine in March. I ordered a new machine and got it just before my company sent us all to work from home. I have learned so many new skills making masks. And I get to start a new wardrobe! I finished my very first skirt last week and am loving it. Costube has been so helpful and inspiring even if my projects are much simpler. I really needed this video to remember that I can start of small. I will get to making my dream historical gown soon enough.
Awesome and well articulated. I've been sewing for 52 years, since I was 7 years old and still make mistakes. When I say I don't make mock-ups it's because of my long experience and that I measure, measure, measure and I like to draft and adapt patterns. This is what suits me, but may not suit someone else.
I just got 3 books to help me research Victorian sewing techniques and how they did all the fiddily things like hems, collars, waistbands and sleeves and such, because while I have made plenty of medieval outfits, I have never really been confident enough to try something that complex! So thank you, Bernadette Banner and Cathy Hay for the book recommendations!
Yay! I hope you enjoy them!!
Two videos in a week. Christmas comes early ❤️🐾
So many useful tips! As a person that have sewn most of my life (started to use needle and yarn at 5 years, sewing machine at 9), I can say that many of these tips are things that I have learned just some years ago or even two months ago. I am still learning and there are so many things, but you just have to start! My first comepletely self made garment was a pair of trousers I made when I was sixteen. I winged it and made a pattern out of an old pair. Just starting, because I really needed/wanted those pants, was the big thing. Then it just snowballed.
The "you don't need to use a sewing machine" was one I struggled with for a long time. Then I found costube and realised that hand sewing isn't that hard and is really useful sometimes. That mock-ups actually are helpful is the most recent thing I realised.
Another lesson I have learned is that all bodies are different, and garments are actually supposed to fit and feel comfortable. But ready to wear fast fashion can never acomplish that comfortable well-fittingness because it is not made for my body. There is a whole new level of fitting and comfyness you can reach once you learn how to fit garment to your own body. Fitting is a hard part of sewing for me, but I am really exited of all the possibilities it opens when you make things yourself.
All great advice. I have recently decided to "Do the Thing" and I'm beginning with the undergarments. I figure it's all practice leading up to the outer garments. And if I don't finish everything in time for the 1880's festival being held in October then I have lots of time to get the outer garment done before the next festival in 2021. Our local library sort of sucks as to sewing books and it's closed now anyway. So I've been researching books to order. I saw one of the ones on my list show up on your video the other day so I feel like I might be looking in the right direction. I don't plan to make everything totally authentic but I believe some of the old techniques and methods might produce better results than current speedy sewing methods.. although some of those are pretty good too. ; ) Thanks for sharing with all of us.
I learned along time ago to always start with the undergarments if for no other reason than the outer garments won't lay right without them. It took awhile to figure out that in most cases authenticity is primarily gauged by how well we achieve a certain silhouette that was fashionable at the time we're aiming for. There's a reason that these garments are called foundation garments. They're like the foundations of a house. They support the outer garments and influence the overall silhouette. I learned the hard way what it's like to invest time, effort and money into a gown and totally miss getting the silhouette right because I was in too big a hurry to make lowly undergarments. Speaking of books, I noticed in Patterns of Fashion that even if Janet Arnold didn't include drawings of the undergarments she still included a description of what undergarments would have been worn under the gowns. So keep on making those underpinnings first. You'll be glad you did.
@@lorib1696 I've heard several of these costuming wonders say that over and over so I'm following that advice. It's like my husband says... Who do you ask for advice, the person with fish or the one with an empty ice chest? LOL
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I’m at the very start of my sewing journey. I found this video and cried watching it. Especially about the part about confidence. The whole thing spoke to me and jus what I needed to hear. Thank you so much for being such an amazing person and inspiration xx
Oh I’m so glad it helped!! 💖💖💖
These also feel like good life tips in general. Do the thing! Research! Start simple and build in difficulty. Be confident! Go for it! You can do the thing!
Thank you thank you thank you! "You don't have to be historically accurate!" The thought of handsewing yards and yards and yards of fabric with teeny tiny stitches has kept me from sewing anything. These tips are all priceless.
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Great advice! I’d like to add, 36) Do not let ANYONE tell you you can’t do the thing. I was so incredibly blessed to have a father who told me I could do anything I set my mind to, and I could learn anything I ever wanted from a book. He began when I was born and never stopped...and I believed him. As a result I’ve taught myself so many arts and crafts; I would never have learned them all if I had stopped before I started. Do the thing! You absolutely CAN do it.
💖💖💖 your dad. My grampa did that for me.
Hello,
I don’t want to do CZcams.
Not my thing.
Doing the thing. I’m learning and about to start
I prefer not to expensive for mock ups.
I’m allergic to wool.
Prefer natural materials.
I’ve been quilting a while, so starting from skin out eventually.
I research all the time. I love research so it takes me time before I do.
I love my new iron. My old one always made me mad.
Grain lines are important.
Learning the right way is my thing.
I’m working on it and I’ll get there.
Weaving is something I used to do. In cotton.
Thank you. I needed this.
Great video with great advice. Just do the thing!! I started out making and mending kids clothes. The best thing is with the mending it’s already wrong it can only get better. As for kids clothes if it’s a little off no one will notice but you kids never stay still long enough to tell. Oh and kids push you outside the lines when they start asking for pink pjs with a face or a dinosaur hat. It’s really amazing what you can figure out when they are so very sure you can. I totally agree with no sleeves after 11 and will add not ripping either though if it’s on pjs just do the rest wrong and declare it a design feature!! I do love my iron and my tailors ham. I recently got the tailors ham and all I can say is wow wish I had done that years ago!
Amen to that!
I'm not even a CZcamsr and am frequently asked for advice. Now, I'm more than happy to give technical advice but in regards to where to start sewing clothes I'm fairly exasperated by now. So often this question is asked by people who never did any sewing at all and I had people get upset with me when I told them to start with pillowcases, pouches, bibs or simple aprons and the like. What people don't seem to get is, that before I managed to make my own clothing, that is exactly how I started. It is the reason why now I can make wearable, durable, well-fitting garments, but it took experience to get there and I'm still learning something new with every single project.
If anyone ever suggests to start with simple things, it's not meant to be condescending but honest and really well-meant advice. Of course, you are just as capable as I to make gowns or whatever, but you still need to first learn how to walk before you start running. Allow yourself to first learn the basics. It keeps you from getting discouraged other than when you start with something that's way over your head like a corset, for example.
Just do the thing. Hands down best advice ever. You can’t get better without practice. 💜
This is PURE GOLD. Infinite thanks to all those who contributed
Thank you, thank you thank you! You have such significant words of wisdom. I am 68 years of age and am still learning, even after being a sewing machine operator in a factory. You are wonderful.
Wow! What do you make in your factory?
I 100% agree with all your comments, sitting down and planning what you want to make and creating a plan of action is always a good way to start, I draw or get an image of what I want to make, I then look at fabrics trims and the whole look, then I brake it down in to each separate peace.
As you said tackle the underwear first or a bag, get your pattern or do your research first before you buy any fabrics, read about what it is you want to make, information does help you and it's great to know and tell people if the ask later on, fabric shopping is the best, get samples and all the prices and then go home and cost out how much it will cost to make before you buy the first thing you see or before you buy the whole shop.
When you are ready then buy every thing you need for the project as there is nothing more annoying than buying half of what you need and thinking I'll go back next week and it's sold out, stash is good if you have the space but I've learnt over the years, plan, make, move on to the next project or you end up with loads of stuff and a room full of UFO's (unfinished objects) , press press press always press as you go and tacking is the best way to go as you can easily undo as you do your fittings,
Just got to say I love watching yours and a couple of others posts, I've worked in costume most of my life and I'm still am able to say I still get nervous when I start a project, but that's a good thing it makes you think before you do.
Thank you for all your words of wisdom.
Jason🤓
I took a sewing class in school last year and the year before. I've sewn a pillowcase, a tiny zip up pouch, a cord holder, a chapstick holder, a lanyard, a throw pillow, and a hoodie. Lately I've been wanting to make a circle skirt. I might see if my mom has some patterns and enough fabric.
I also was on the costuming team last year for a school performance. It was really fun, we didn't have to sew anything, but it was cool to dig through all the random costume pieces the drama department has gathered over the years. There were so many!
My mom works at an advertising company and she said that next summer I could maybe shadow the costumer on set.
I remember when I made friends with my iron. I have sewed my whole life, and that life changing realization didn't happen until college.
Ironing and basting. Two skills that have changed my sewing.
My grandma beat it into me and I am grateful for that!
I follow the "no sleeves after 11 PM" advice religiously!
I am in the TEDIOUS process of ajusting an Aliexpress pink "18th century" dress - I bought her 5 years ago and didn't know better - into a more accurate historical shape and construction. I learned a lot from research before even going down on the dress! 18th century is my favorite period in History and I am so excited about getting the dress done. It's all done without a sewing machine (it's at my parents place lol) and with no dress form, so these two advices really brought confidence to me as well. ^^
I'm glad you posted. It makes a pleasant change from listening to Vogon poetry.
Tardisgirl Who VERY weirdly, we are watching the old bbc miniseries of that right this minute!
@@Costuming_Drama Synchronicity at its best.
As a self taught sewist I agree with all of these! I've been sewing for 25 years and still have more to learn ❤️
Excellent 👌! My favorite, "cutting anxiety," lol.
It’s super real.
@@Costuming_Drama, absolutely!
Thank you. I'm years away from being able to indulge my fabric aspirations. But you and the rest of the CZcams costumer/ history bounders are keeping me sane until then.
I have gotten lucky with remnants. I keep finding a half meter of cotton or linen in the bottom of a remnants bin, and am now matching some up to mae a garment with contrasting collars or panels and such.
One of my goals this year is learning to sew. Before the world turned upside down I had actually searched sewing classes around my area. What I found was the 'local' technical college was about 3 times more expensive than a private class and the private classes seemed to encourage more than simply making a shopping bag.
I will reinvestigate things again towards July when things have hopefully calmed down and returned somewhat to normal.
Seriously, as someone who has taught multiple levels of knitting classes, most of these tips are great for learning ANY new skill. Things get easier. Muscle memory starts to kick in eventually. AND, you will always have something new to learn, even if you are an "expert" in your craft.
I’ve been sewing for about 7 years now but I absolutely needed to hear some of the things in this video. So many of these points are relevant for everyone, not just beginners...Thank you so much ♥️
Thank you and all the fab contributors SOOOOO much for this video. I don't **think** I have voiced/written the 'but where to begin' question, but, since pulling an Alice and hopping down a rabbit hole of costume vlogs (pretty easy, considering how awesome and unique everyone is) I have thought it, often. This video, and the comments, basically addresses all the questions that I am ACTUALLY packing into 4 short words. And the permission to give myself a little grace along the way.
Ok, ok, ok. You motivated me to get off my bed and go set grommets. I've been putting it off for days. All good tips. Thanks for the video!
Yay grommets!!
"Sometimes the pattern is just plain wrong" is the hardest thing to learn and accept. I have an absolutely beautiful pattern from a major company that IS wrong. It has a glaring error between the size of the neck edge once the front and back are sewn together and the collar band. And there is no way to fix it! I have tried everything. Now, I'm attempting to create my own pattern - I'm calling it the Franken-shirt - out of parts from a bunch of patterns I do like. But yes, 5 months of trying to figure out what I was doing wrong.. and it was the pattern the whole time.
Nooooo that sucks!!!
@Belle Meri, for nearly a month I have been dealing with the same issue making a 1945 garment I expected to complete in no time until I spotted major problems, where I now have to rip a section out and redo it. I have had to go my own way with this, because the instructions are all over the place and even excluded some pieces from the original illustration and early part of construction. Maddening! I too have had problems accepting it was the maker's errors, because one just assumes they know best when really they must have been drunk when they did it. 😀
"Do the thing!" Ok, ok, fine, I'll get started on the buttonholes I've been avoiding for days.. if my hands cooperate in the rain..
Yay buttonholes!! 💖💖
Just do it! Yes, Thank you! Not just in sewing but in everything. I decided to go to medical school and the first thing people said to me was "But that's really hard you know..". So what!! Just do it! :D I'm also starting my "Faldbúningur", Icelandic 18th century dress and it has 1.5 meters of handmade bobbin lace, detailed gold stitch chest panels, 3 meter embroidery on the skirt and lots more. But that's just what makes it worth doing, all the exciting techniques you get to learn and the gratification when it's done (in 10 years probably but who cares :) ).
As someone who didn't start with something easy and simple I definitely agree with start with something that is easy and simple. My first official sewing project was an 18th century jump with my mom in the background shaking her head but I was to stubborn to listen. Now I wish I did the chemise first for multiple reasons. It was a huge confidence booster and as a foundation item should be done first anyway. You live and learn. Thank you for taking the time to do this list.
I did the do the thing! I was procrastinating starting a channel because I didn’t feel like I was doing good enough at sewing to create content people would want to watch but decided to just jump in. I’ve decided to just make the learning process a part of my videos. These tips are wonderful and I will make sure to put them into practice. Also I love your videos and it’s super inspiring:)
Yaaay!
"Do not sew sleeves after 11 p.m." ROFL! I absolutely adore that all experienced costumers agree on sleeves. It makes me feel so much better.
You and Cathy Hay are reminding me that I am my worst critic and this is supposed to be fun! Just do the thing & have fun!!!
Well... Today was the day. Stop watching, stop reading, stop wishing and go 'Do the Thing.' I bought the fabric for a chemise (starting simply), new scissors (for fabric only), needles and thread. I even got a thimble at the insistence of Bernadette Banner. :) I came home washed and ironed the fabric and jumped in with both feet. I cut all my pieces and realized it was 95* in my room and stopped to rehydrate. Tomorrow I'll pin pieces and start sewing. I'm calling it the 'Sink AND Swim' method. I know I'll have issues, but I don't know where and I can't wait to find them.
Thank you SO much for this video; I'm dyspraxic and have lacked confidence in my ability to sew for the past 50 years - this helped change my mind!!!
No sleeves after 11pm...PREACH!!!
Am I the only one who finds that all of this advice is great for LIFE IN GENERAL?? Love it all. Off I go to stop procrastinating my 1895 walking skirt. Deep breath. Thank you!!!
You got this!
I NEED to have "Even when your confidence takes a dive, your competence doesn't" painted three feet high all through out my apartment!
Great information for life...not just costuming. The hardest for me to learn but recently have was the “no sleeves after 11pm”. I’m currently learning that if I don’t really love it, I don’t really try....I need to choose wisely. Thank you for putting this together!
I’m brand new to historical costuming and have suddenly been struck by many of the worries you listed in the video. Your approach is so warm and reassuring and I want to thank you for this video and for being such a beautiful light in this community❤️
Aww I’m so glad that they are helpful!! 💖
I loved the "Cutting anxiety is real" bit. Thanks for putting together this compilation.
It’s so real.
Number 15: Yes yes so much yes! Learned the hard way.
Thank you so much! I've been sewing for a few years now and I'm scared of Renaissance clothing but I love it so much. Your video will help me be more realistic and less overwhelmed.
Thank you. Was sitting here, way too late, putting sleeves in a dress. Heard your advise and noticed I had already made a mistake. Thank you for stopping me, before I put a thread through it.
I am an emotional Hufflepuff, but this totally made me cry and feel really good about being where I am. Sorry for sending you one of those messages.
Hahahahaha it’s all good! And I’m happy to make you happy cry! I love me a happy puff!
My first sewing project was a circle skirt.
My second is a stuffed animal.. both hand drafted and im sewing by hand.
Why? Well cause I wanted to do the thing!!!
I have learned so much from diving down the costube rabbit hole and I am happy to say that after a couple of years of procrastination and research (also procrastination lol) I am finally starting to "do the thing". I hope I am doing it wisely as I am starting with my foundation garments before I move to the outerwear and alternating with machine and hand sewing.
Thank you, a million Thank yous. I will point people to your video each time I get that question. You were thorough and on point. I am very glad you repeated in various ways to be being kind to yourself and allow for the errors. I am so tired of the instant perfection people have come to expect when they begin a new craft. We as teachers/mentor need to make sure each beginner & intermediary sewer/costumer hears that it is ok to not be perfect. Self forgiveness is so important in all phases of our lives.
Absolutely!
It's never too late to learn to sew. I began in my late 40s/early 50s. Of course, I leaped in w both feet, got an expensive sewing machine (which I hate), became part of a UK historic recreation company. Oh, goodness!
From day 1, they wanted perfection.
I bought linen instead of wool, in color! I knew linen frayed, but had no clue as to how MUCH!
I learned Anglo-Saxon embroidery appropriate for Engla-land, had a blast, even with my mistakes, never had a chance to work w the over-arching organization, met some lovely, supportive people....
Oh, that dress, it's a butter yellow & is the most comfortable garment I own. It makes me smile, every time I see it!
I think I machine sewed the seams, too. Totally unacceptable in that group.
I hated working with that machine so much, I began hand-sewing & discovered I love it. It's meditative & free. YMMV. 😉
I'm now approaching 65 years of age. I'm rather too far from other US groups to connect more than once every 2-3 years. It matters not, to me.
It's like dance, to me. I try different time periods (currently in the 18th & 19th C). Normal, everyday clothing doesn't look well on me & is boring, so, I want to work on Gay 90s & Edwardian for daywear. Relatively simple, but cut well. I'm researching, right now. Edwardian seems to be something I can adapt to my needs AND it makes me smile.
I'm sure there will also be moments of muttering; there always is.
For any newbies getting started late, like I have, you can do this. Enjoy.
This is the most concise, to-the-point tutorial for beginners. FANTASTIC! Thank you!!
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Excellent! I agree with every thing you said. And I have been sewing for almost 60 years.
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Awesome advice Noelle. We live in a world of people who want instant gratification. The journey is the joy and multiplies the victory at the end. ❤❤
Indeed 💖
So relevant for non-beginners too! Starting off strong with the best one *sweats in overthinking*
This is excellent advice. I would add that the CZcamsr also has no idea what you do and don’t know. If you make the same mistake twice take a break. Don’t get a very cheap iron. I’ve burned more fabric and myself even with 20 years of experience with the basic iron.
I've been going back through your older videos, well, because I just love you and your channel. I'm so glad I did because I keep needing a lot of these things burnt in my brain for some reason. Failure Fear is real and it sux! Thank you for sharing you and your talents and time with us❣️🤗
Thank you so much!!
I love how encouraging you and your friends are. You are truly the cheerleader of the costume community but I also love sprinkles of truth of "do the thing!" and " it's not hard, it's just tedious". As always thank you for that support, insight, honesty and that you and your fellow costubers show us your mistakes, challenges and how you are always learning new things. Your amazing. Hugs💙
Aww thank you!! 💖💖🤣
I really enjoy your video style. I know most CZcamsrs are talking to the people on the other side, but you make it almost conversational, somehow? I don't know how to explain. I'm just really enjoying your content. Thank you for doing what you do!
Thank you for your words - even for a non-beginner, they're full of encouragements !
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Bernadette Banner and Covid made me dust off the sewing machine. I needed this video right now, because while I can slowly and painstakingly build some modern capris over the course of a couple days, I've been more inclined to make cute modern pieces for my sister than start looking into the more historical and period pieces I want to do for myself. Cost is a factor, but it's largely fear my skills and patience won't do the pieces in my head justice. I need to just bite the bullet and try, even if I start with my (likely highly inaccurate, but who cares) Simplicity costume patterns I bought years ago on discount. I would love to get to the point of doing custom corsets and gowns.
OMG, #15, yes!!! Needed said! Been there, done that....way too many times!
Amazing how almost all of your advice applies to non-sewing, non-costume areas of my life Wise Woman!
i have been watching this at least twice a week for several weeks now, it keeps getting better, more meaningful and more appreciated. thank you so much! and yes, i know it´s been up for many many many moons ;)
Thank you for this! So great to hear these tips, regardless of skill/experience level. I often get asked if a piece was "hard" to make, and I usually reply that it wasn't hard, just time-consuming. Tedious is definitely a better description!
This is such awesome advice!! For research though, the library is your friend (when they are open that is...). I am really lucky that my major libraries have copies of historical fashion books. It saved me a lot of money as I was able to see what I needed, read and take photocopies (keeping in mind the copyright requirements ofc). It also helped me realise which books I want to purchase and which ones I am happy to just request from the library to read when needed (so I get to sit in a library and read). Also google is your friend in figuring out any weird words or terms you do not understand when looking at anything (research and fabric).
You are blunt and to the point, and I love you for it! Thanks for keeping it real lady.
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I have commented a couple of times I just got a sewing machine and with second hand stores closed because of the current craziness once I get my machine up and running I’m going to practice on a flat sheet because we never use them but still have them. Thank you for the tips and tricks I can’t wait to start experimenting and learning again ❤️🙏🏻
Yay! You will have a great time!!