14 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SEWING BEFORE YOU START! - What this sewing hobby REALLY is??

[@Jeanniebugg]

For some people - myself included - there was a very STEEP learning curve with sewing. It took me much longer than I thought it would, just to get good at basics. So, don't give up. Cry if you have to (I did), yell if you have to (I did), walk away from the machine/project if you have to (I did), but get back to it and try again, and again. Eventually, it will click.

[@mikebrown3032]

"Steep' learning curve actually means fast learning, not a difficult 'climbing' slog.😉

[@kckazcoll1]

@@mikebrown3032 "An activity that it is easy to learn the basics of, but difficult to gain proficiency in, may be described as having "a steep learning curve".

[@mikebrown3032]

@@kckazcoll1 Actually, it's all the way around: the 'steep' learning curve implies fast learning which takes the least time to achieve one's goals and requires fast rise in knowledge or proficiency.. This is an engineering/manufacturing definition. People (including some engineers) mis-use this term using as a parallel a steep/difficult hill to climb, which is wrong.

[@chrisnorton877]

Thank you Jeanne :)

[@priscillazietsman1300]

I have to include "yell at the cat if you have to (I did)" 😂 I have to protect everything from his claws and even eating it🙄

[@carlsh2000]

When someone asks me to sew something for them i just say “sure i’d be happy to! If you get me the fabric and materials”. And of course they never do lol

[@mDiago6200]

Carly Shaw I actually said that to 2 people who wanted me to do some sewing for them and I never heard about the projects again! It works!!!

[@stoker1931jane]

I often had friends who'd asked me for free "quick" repairs or adjustments or replacing zippers. I stopped taking those jobs on. They do NOT know how much time and effort "little & quick" sewing jobs take. And the gratitude was NOT worth my precious time and effort. They all have enough money to buy Fast Fashion...then they should also face the cheap and shoddy garment work they are buying. ✌🏻

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Carly I think this is a very good, 'polite, not really saying no but, but saying not really', way of responding to inevitable question we all get! Thankyou for sharing it here😊

[@annbarth7358]

Thanks for the great idea!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

My friends have offered to buy the materials and pay me--I had to politely decline. My favorites are friends who ask to bring the pattern, materials, and machine over and have me help them make a garment. Oh, the joy... 😂

[@kaytiej8311]

Be prepared to lose respect for all store bought clothing. No seam allowances, sloppy finishing, uneven fit or cut, poor quality fabric, itchy tags, very poor workmanship.

[@marymoore3585]

Done that! Lol.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

I have learned that I detest serged seams. My mother offered me a serger and I turned it down.

[@BliffleSplick]

@@user-mv9tt4st9k serging is useful to do to the raw edges of a panel of fabric before you wash it, that's the main use I can see that's not fast fashion-ish (just use a zigzag stitch, it does the same thing)

[@sophiesong8937]

I disagree. I don't want for store bought clothing anymore, because it is not made to last, but I have soooo much respect for the factory workers who sew every seam of it, for very low pay, in very high volume. If you consider how many of the same seam each worker does in a day, they have high accuracy and do a great job.

[@rtblade4]

You are so right! I JUST started sewing and have made three shirts for my husband and son. Each one has been better than the last. It is difficult because I want them to be beautiful and perfect and I have never sewn before! When we are at a store I am looking at all the seams and see how poorly made most things are. I feel better about my sewing 😂

[@monica_diaz_tourist_guide]

There is another thing you didn't adress: extra CLEANING!!! When I took up sewing I wasn't prepared for all the time I would waste sweeping and vacuuming all the fuzz and thread bits that sewing produces... I swear the minky PJs I sewed for my sister 1 year ago still produce ghostly dust bunnies!!!

[@Susanfuzz]

MINKY! 🤬🤬🤬🤬10 years ago I made a black sheep costume. For YEARS we had little piles of curly black lurking in the corners 😭😂

[@vickiatkinson4027]

One of the things I did was put painters tape curled in a circle on the right side of my machine so as I cut threads I just stuck them to the tape. Granted I have to change it a few times depending on how much I sew, but it beats having threads all over the floor so my cats eat them 😂

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Your so right!! Having a second vacuum cleaner just for the sewing room is totally normal in my world!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

YES!

[@quicksilvertears921]

I quickly learned that I needed the lint roller tape next to me at all times. It grabbed all threads and the fluff quickly. A strong magnetic wand is helpful for finding dropped pins but I never seem to catch them all. Just ask my kids.

[@Escape10mom]

Yes, I even have a saying " Those who don't sew, don't know" many times I've heard from non sewers that I'll only take you a few minutes....lol I had know idea about the prep time when I first started sewing. What a wake up call 😊

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

My mother in law gets it. She told me she was looking for a small round tablecloth. When I offered to make one, she asked how long it would take and if it would be much trouble. It was no trouble at all. 😉

[@ireneangelucci3733]

Exactly

[@priscillazietsman1300]

My daughter also scetches and gets the same - "but its so easy for you" and its the same process

[@nj586]

What I didn't know when I started sewing is how liberating creating clothes for myself was but at the same time I slowly realized that any fast fashion garment I'd ever owned could not have been made ethically. When I started to see fabric prices, the machines, yarn, several other tools and accessories like button, zippers, elastic etc. I could fool myself no longer that these garments were made by slaves in horrible conditions. That's when I vowed to either buy secondhand or make things myself. I couldn't bear the thought of someone getting less than a dollar a day for making projects so intricate and demanding that I would take several sessions to sew.

[@t.lucalake8963]

You are a BEAUTIFUL human being. Thank you 😊

[@mariaduszak9064]

I second that. Maybe when more and more people follow, corporations will have to hear our demands for improvement over worker conditions. I know how much the fabric they buy costs THEM (also thanks to slave labour and harmful chemicals) and how much they pay they workers - it still amounts to enormous amounts of profit they charge from each garment. We need cheap clothes, not everyone can afford handmade clothes from quality fabrics BUT people forget that the goal is not to put all overseas seamstresses and loom operators out of work. It is to legally enforce companies to treat their workers like people and enact company-wide labour laws even if the countries themselves don't have them. Pass some profit down the line, simply saying. The only leverage we have over corporations is money - ethical arguments clearly don't work. We don't need 50 tshirts,20 pairs of jeans and so on - that expectation birthed fast fashion in the first place, we need more people to show that you don't need an overabundance od clothes to look and feel good. It's a team effort and I'm so happy to see more and more likeminded,caring people

[@ireneangelucci3733]

TOTALLY. So true

[@ems8717]

A lot of them def work in bad condition but also keep in mind that big companies buy in large quantities so it would be cheaper than just buying some yarn for urself

[@trudiebudnik3029]

All absolutely true! The most frustrating though is the number of times you will be told "it will only take you a short time to sew this for me". I now say to people "I won't do it for you, but I will show you how to do it for yourself". Thanks for all your videos Evelyn, even though I have been sewing for over 50 years there is always something new to learn. xx

[@Evelyn__Wood]

😅😅 Yes! I've hard that one alot!!

[@kellypicard7927]

If they truly value your sewing skills, then they should be willing to pay you for them and for your time.

[@trudiebudnik3029]

@@kellypicard7927 Sadly, Kelly a lot of people think of our skills as "homemade" rather than "handmade" and think it should be cheaper. Or that as "friends and family" you won't charge them. xx

[@zeldapepa3992]

One thing I feel important to realize as you take up sewing, is that not only do you have to learn the techniques of pattern making or altering, fabric, cutting, marking, pinning, fitting, alterations, pressing and unpicking, you also have to learn about your machine .... thread, needles bobbins, different feet for different tasks, the stitches that are required, tension, feed dogs, speed, foot control, and so on and so on. Then, when you think you just might have it all worked out ..... you decide it's time to buy a new machine!

[@wendyspiesman992]

Mock ups are a beginner's best friend

[@marymoore3585]

Mockups are everyone's friend.

[@kimlightfoot]

No such thing as a Mock Up in sewing. A Mock Up in the Fashion world means, Taking a plain muslin fabric and adding a Print to it, and sending that print to a fabric manufacturer. A Muslin, is what you are talking about, making Muslins, are your best friend is the correct terminology here. Same with Sloper. No such thing as Slopers, they are Actually Design Blocks, made in your measurements, so you can use them to alter other patterns, or design your own patterns. But sloper, is not even a part of sewing world.

[@marymoore3585]

@@kimlightfoot well... Lah- tee- dah, Milady gave us an education.

[@kimlightfoot]

@@marymoore3585 I am sorry if education hurts your brain. But, reality check is. There are no Mockups in the sewing world, and no slopers either. Also, it isn't Pattern Hacking. It is pattern manipulation. And if you want more actual information, I would be pleased to share it with you or anyone else.

[@marymoore3585]

@@kimlightfoot and I'm sorry you're a pedantic species of internet Karen who can't just let the nice lady teach us beginning sewers in a relatable and practical way. If you don't like and don't need the same classes as the rest of us, perhaps you should start your own Sewing School. Pedantic Karen's Sewing Lessons for the Anal -Retentive... Might work.

[@purplealice]

I learned to sew because there were things I wanted that weren't available ready-made. That meant that I needed to teach myself various esoteric skills to get the effect I wanted.

[@MNkno]

"Things I wanted that weren't available ready-made" included (but not limited to) clothing that FIT!!! That is what got me started early in life.

[@rc31802]

Thank you! I'm sharing this with a friend who is new to sewing. One thing I try to impress on people, is that it isn't cheaper to make it myself. I just spent 14hrs making removable box cushion covers and 2 pillow covers for a friend. All have zippers and finshed seams so they are washable. She isn't saving money by having me make them. She could have spent 1/2-2/3 less by buying. But she did get to choose her fabric.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

That project would get a "no" from me, ha ha. I need to recover my couch cushions and I have been putting it off for months.

[@LucillenRory]

Learn to say NO is so important - a week ago a friend that had been staying with me and looking at a peice of fabric on the table suddenly decided that she thouht it was the most wonderful design and tried to get me to make a dress for her!! i said it will be a dress, for me :) that ended the cutsie weedling, but it annoys me no end when people want me to sew for them and especially when they want my fabric for free!! ugggh! ok rant over :)

[@lafemme283]

I know! I can relate. I told my friend that I was interested in buying a new sewing machine. She then replied by stating that I should sell my old machine to her. I thought to myself, who said that I was selling my old machine?

[@Sehara]

Although I have so many fabrics, it feels like a punch in my gut when somebody freely go trough my stash and decide which fabric to chose. No, I will decide!

[@user-lt3yb4fm6q]

@@Sehara I dont let anyone look at or touch my fabric for the very same reason. People get offended when you don't give it away for free, even though it's a pricey piece. And who will be asked to sew? No more.

[@carolmichell4860]

Don’t underestimate the time taken with hand sewing: pinning, basting, trimming, hemming. That’s before you get onto tailoring or couture techniques by the way. (I’ve definitely found there to be more hand work than machining in making a tailored tweed jacket). In defence of being asked to “could you just run this up for me ? / take up my hem?” Non-sewers honestly don’t realise the time it takes to do a good job or the cost of fabric and haberdashery. A case in point: my brother in law put me on the spot by suggesting I make a pair of trousers for his partner (in her presence). Well, once we’d been through a multitude of patterns (she was surprised at how much they cost 😯) and then looked at fabric prices (really surprised 😬), and finally realised I wasn’t going to make them in one day and yes, I had to do a fitting 😲, they changed their mind!

[@poonyaTara]

Cheap (less experienced) tailors are the only ones I can afford, and even knowing my style it takes at least a month to have anything made. Also, I've never had anything made for less than $180 just for the labor after covering (or reimbursing for) all other costs. And I ethically source my tailors from India.

[@deannastevens1217]

Thank Goodness for that. I have a very dear friend... who often will call and say... I know I owe you money..... But, I bought these dresses, or those blouses,... and Can you adjust them to the length I need??? This is a lot... and often.. and they buy clothes when they have just told me how much in the hole they are for bills. I am often lately too busy making masks and other items to have time. It is sad because I Love that friend.

[@jirup]

It's the same with weaving. People think my scarves are expensive because of the luxury fibres I use. Nope, I use luxury fibres because people don't want to pay that much for cotton. Regardless of the fibre, the cost is in the labour.

[@knitty781]

You are so right in all this information. I've been sewing since I was 13, almost 50 years, and I still learn new things all the time! I had no idea what the numbers on the needles meant, just that I needed heavier needles for heavier fabrics. Last year, I learned to sew paper to make some oh-so-fun advent calendars for my grandkids. Do things for others? My favorite is 'Sewing (knitting, crochet, etc.) is like sex. If I love you, it's free. Otherwise, you can't pay me enough.'

[@freezo244]

My mom and grandma taught me to sew. Eventually our supplies took over our entire den when I was growing up! Dad was not always happy about it 😅 You are so correct on all points! 80% prep 20% sewing. 😂 EDIT: Also, I know now I can never again work in a fabric store. 😱

[@judyjennings-gunther4022]

I worked in a temporary fabric store. The fabric was from a family's fabric store of 67 yrs that they closed. The son's moved the dad across country, rented a warehouse for the "temporary fabric store". When the fabric was gone, that was it. I still have sooo much fabric left over from that time. I love that there are huge pieces(at least 5 yds)so I have so many choices. That was 30 yrs ago. A would never work at a thrift store! I know myself, the temptation would be too much!

[@picturesqueimages]

Lol! When we were first married my husband encouraged me to work in a fabric store because I liked to sew. That worked out so well for him 🤣

[@judyjennings-gunther4022]

@@picturesqueimages What a sweet hubby you have. The poor guy didn't know what he was doing. :) teehee The thing about working in the "temporary" fabric store is that it made me realize I was not the only one out there who couldn't let gorgeous, fabric go without taking some of it! There were people who came every day. I think we were opened for 4 months? The thing is...is that so many of the fabrics you couldn't find anywhere else and our prices were great. The owners were very generous and appreciate of us so were constantly giving us fabric to say thank you. I am constantly going through my mass amount of fabric that I have been for 47 yrs and donating it. If I look at a piece and I don't think, "That is so pretty, or I love that!" then I give it away.

[@SewOldFashioned]

If you start sewing, there's a real danger you might discover vintage sewing machines and somehow end up with eight of them without really noticing.

[@dustygrrl]

And you know this how? Lol

[@kogabear1]

I'm glad I'm not the only one. I started out sewing because I wanted to make sure my collection was working correctly. At one time I will admit to having twenty eight of them. Now I will admit to six. ( I'm sure there is more).

[@SewOldFashioned]

@@kogabear1 The trick is not to count them too quickly, then you don't have to worry about how many there are! But really, when you walk into an op shop and see a Singer 328P for $30, how are you mean to leave without it? There's always room for more. :D

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Or explaining to your husband that you accidentally bought a treadle!! I was going to get it working but life got in the way. It’s in a beautiful case or it will be if I can ever get the layers of paint off!! Sadly it’s an end table right now... ok all my end tables might be sewing machines!! I need more time and my grandson to grow up a bit more!!

[@soneil7745]

I don't buy vintage machines. They land on me. People give them to me because no one's using it, and they heard I sew sometimes. If you go to my house, you might think I can do all sorts of marvelous creations, but I only just learned how to actually finish a raw-edged seam. Then I go out to visit friends, and it turns out they have Grandma's sewing machine in a closet somewhere and I just want to take it out and use it.

[@jennywalker9572]

One of the best things that I learned was maths! I was never strong at school in maths class, but now I can do equations in my head and I enjoy the precision of the numbers. I never thought I would write that sentence!!

[@elenin.3228]

Oh, I remember my determination when I first started! " No, I'm not going to start hoarding material, I'll buy as much fabric as I need every time and try to waste as little as possible!" ... You should see my stash now... As for broken needles, I must be World Champion by far...

[@michellecornum5856]

Ahahaha! I thought, I will move all of my fabric into smaller bins so I can move them without hurting myself, and I'll put them on shelves, so I won't have to unstack everything just to get a piece of blue fabric. And I DID! AND it WoRkeD --- all that fabric hanging in the closet because all my bins are full is just the stuff I'm going to sew first -- yeeaah, thaaat's it. It's just the stuff I'm going to do fiirrsstt.

[@darryelperry5676]

I have been sewing for 65 years. The only needles I have ever broken were from hitting pins. One reason I take time to hand baste almost everything.

[@sirennoir258]

Sewing is actually the cherry on the top of a project. It's actually a journey of planning, thinking critically, exercise from endless walking through stores, creativity, frustration and then celebration. Positively addicting hobby.

[@ruthmeow4262]

Fabric eats up so much $$$. I am always going "I love this fabric, don't know what I am using it for, but I have to have it!"

[@Dana-qd1kf]

the worst thing is when cutting out the pieces takes longer than sewing the project together itself 😂 💀 edit: oop she mentions that in the video 🥲

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

I expect cutting to take forever: I usually iron the cut pieces, too. 😉

[@sarah_pings_witherby]

Cutting fabric is my favourite part of the process!🤓😃

[@libknitr]

I always forget this when I haven’t made something for a while.

[@debedwards1717]

So, I finally used my 3 year old sewing machine for the first time last week (I was always afraid to use it). I made two pairs of boxer shorts. They looked like an easy project. So now my next project will be a wrap around skirt.

[@soneil7745]

Greetings from the future! Hope your sewing is going well.

[@debedwards1717]

@@soneil7745 I have seen a few things. Lately I have made some pillow cases. I’m not really at a level of making any clothes other than boxer shorts. 😂 Hope you’re well.

[@lcatt6940]

It finally clicked with me that it's about the experience and the learning and getting better. If you are just in for the end result you'll get discouraged and probably not end up with nicely finished projects.

[@sewgood22]

It's so true. I started to sew in March some mask and now I study at a fashion school and learn professional tailoring :D

[@kristacoyle6644]

I just got a year's membership at Vintage Sewing School as a Christmas gift and I'm SOOOOO excited! I've also been sewing JUST long enough now (a couple months) to realize WHAT a rabbit hole I'm going down - holy bananas! I have a feeling I'll be asking for another year's membership next Christmas! But I can't wait to dive in even further! You also make it all SO much fun! 🌸🌸

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Krista how exciting!! 😀 Welcome to VSS! It is indeed a rabbit hole, but one you can now share with our community as, we all get it! 😅 I look forward to seeing your skills grow!

[@dcrews8732]

Same thing happened to me! I’m a older Guy with a lifetime mechanical background. I had an older women given me a old sewing machine,It sat in a spare bed room for 11 yrs. One day I decided to try this machine,Well the rest is history and now I am addicted , over 100 machines and still buying. I own some of the Very best machines ever built! A small fortune, AND I Will never stop I reckon.

[@nicolawebb6025]

That people will want to give you their deceased Mom's sewing machine/fabric stash/notions etc. It's lovely and I never say no because they feel good about where things have gone, but there's a limit to how many hooks and eyes I will ever need! I have snagged some really interesting tools though.

[@annbarth7358]

Excellent video! I've been sewing for 50 years, everything you said is spot on! I discovered that I did not break nearly as many needles once I stopped sewing over pins, thought I would share that! Sewing helps keep my mental health intact, and that's important. When I wasn't working in spring of 2020 I tackled my mending pile...it felt WONDERFUL to have those items repaired and back in use. I feel that was the silver lining in being quarantined.

[@glory_abraham]

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[@SebbieSaurus22]

Something I've been learning (the hard way) to tell myself before a project: Even if you can accurately gauge how much time a project will take to complete, you have to remember that you'll rarely sit down for a full X hours of straight sewing/ironing/cutting/etc, so you need to add in extra time to your sewing schedule for each project. You need to eat and use the bathroom. There will be interruptions. Even if you block out time to sew, you'll most likely have other life stuff going on (changing over laundry, cooking, kids/pets needing your attention, etc). And sewing for long periods of time can also be hell on your body (fingers, back, butt, feet) if you don't take breaks. I'm trying to be better about stretching out my upper back and shoulders after every hour of work so that I don't hyperfocus and end up hurting myself. If I don't stop to stretch and eat, then that project is getting set aside until my body recovers and will end up being even more behind schedule than if I'd taken 10 minute breaks to take care of myself.

[@SewTexas]

There are so many avenues of sewing as a hobby, a professional, teacher, then there is garment design, quilting, using fabrics as paints, the list goes on, as does the expense.

[@vickiatkinson4027]

You are so right about it taking so mucccch time. I sewing machine cover took me three days. First I measured wrong, than cut the lining/interfacing wrong before I realized my mistake. So had to order more interfacing before I could start again. Broke a needle, put the handle on a bit wanky but got it done finally!

[@pmorganworkshop]

I really like your reassurance about sewing the same garment two, and even three times before you get it just right! I really needed to hear this today as I’m about to re-make a garment for the third time and hoping that it will continue to look better than the last one I made.

[@Stranger_Than_Fiction299]

People that sew share the same dilemma with those that crochet it seems, and yes saying "no" is liberating. I was afraid of my sewing machine when I started, what I was afraid of was sewing a finger. After I got a needle in my thumb once, the fear was over. Yes it hurts, but it's not a lethal wound and after that I felt like my machine and I "understood and respected" one another better after that and the fear was gone.

[@marcguilarte4291]

Yes! Crocheting is my main thing. The past few years I haven't been able to work on my own projects because I'm always making presents for people. I want to be generous, but I finally have had to say "no" and will take a few years to catch up on my own things.

[@Aldisia]

I too crochet & sew. The answer is NO unless paid fair market value. But I will gladly teach you either.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

😂😂 My grandmother, mother, and I learned to sew on my great-grandmother's treadle sewing machine. My mother told me that when she was learning she ran a needle through her fingernail/finger. I was mortified--it is not easy to learn to stop stitching on a treadle machine. I keep my fingers clear of the needle, ha ha.

[@Susanfuzz]

When we moved into our forever house, I demanded a room of my own for sewing and crafts! I have a friend who lives in a house twice as big as mine... buuut only 3 bedrooms. She finally got a she shed for Christmas 😂😂😂 I’m so happy for her!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

My sewing and craft supplies are creatively stored all over our house. During the Covid I have been thinning supplies and choosing what crafts I will continue for the rest of my life.

[@jessicadoyle5613]

To all the people saying, "I don't sew for people, but I offer to teach them to sew," that's what my friend (who made, among other things, her own wedding dress, and yes it was gorgeous) said to me... and here I am, one set of chair cushions, two bean bags, two Halloween costumes, one kid's dress, one kid's apron, and about four dozen (and counting) masks later.

[@deborahdufel1664]

Right on on everything. Sewing is truly a hobby that makes ones heart sing.

[@jirup]

Don't underestimate where sewing might lead you... weaving to make cloth for sewing, spinning to make thread and yarn for weaving, processing fibre for spinning, and dyeing at any step of the process. Next spring I intend to plant linseed (I messed up my seedlings this year) to see if I can process my own linen from start to finish.

[@woodenkat8971]

It is a goal for my life to grow, spin, dye, weave, cut and sew my very own linen dress.

[@jirup]

@@woodenkat8971 Life Goals! I achieved it with wool. From bottle raising an abandoned lamb through shearing the first fleece with a pair of stainless steel scissors, scouring, picking, carding, spinning and finally knitting up the resulting yarn to make winter hats for the whole family. I've ordered some flax roving to spin up and weave in preparation for my own planting next spring. I still process wool from raw fleece, but I can't keep sheep where I live now and don't think my back to handle shearing. All the best with your goals.

[@patriciajrs46]

Wow! That's what I call seeing where it all comes from. You make your own!? I am impressed. We have a Celtic days here in our county and I like to go and listen, dance, and see the crafts. The spinning wheels are fascinating.

[@patriciajrs46]

​@@jirupVery proud of all of your successes.

[@dorothymarquis5738]

This is a good lesson. I have been sewing since I turned 10 (67 now). I don't remember sewing being difficult. I do make mistakes and I hate unpicking. I am frequently asked to repair garments for friends - I don't do repairs. And I hate these KZbin videos where the presenter says the garment took just an hour to make. No, it didn't. Perhaps to sew, but not to make. I love the whole pattern sizing, measuring and adapting. The cutting out is challenging. The sewing just comes at the end, the cherry on the cake. And I love fabric.

[@india239]

“ learn to say no.” Spot on. I’m sfraid I only sew for myself. I feel quite offended when someone wants me to undertake a project and act all generous when they offer to pay me £10

[@Evelyn__Wood]

What an enticing proposition right... $10 for all your hours of effort! 😅😅 I think setting rules for yourself ahead if time makes it easier to say no! ❤

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

I am with you. Being offered $25 USD to spend several hours constructing and fitting a garment seems a bit insulting.

[@skatfan]

I find setting my hourly rate at $20 USD with the estimate of the actual hours plus materials cost usually stops the conversation quickly.

[@jjjnettie]

@@skatfan and that's still below minimum wage!

[@yaniwassabi8093]

@@user-mv9tt4st9k yea noooo, our time is worth so much moreee

[@Grace_x68]

Sewing is gift to my soul. I can face a pandemic when I have my sewing case with me. Even the constant cleaning of the room as well as my machine is a hidden pleasure because I know I need to clean for the next pile to be transformed into my magic. My 4 hobbies are sewing, acquiring fabric, acquiring sewing tools, acquiring knowledge on KZbin with my favourite YT persons such as the great Evelyn Wood. I love them equally....

[@debbiemiksch7276]

We have the same hobbies. Lol

[@marilynbook4211]

As someone who has sewn as long as I can remember (over 55 years) I found this so true, I smiled through the whole video LOL.

[@LynHannan]

I did a lot of sewing for people over the years. There are two things slowing me down now; I don't cope with sewing until 2am anymore, and my arthritic fingers literally force me to pace myself. I no longer sew for the ballet school (I never considered that "real" sewing anyway; they didn't want seams to be neatened, yet complained that the item only lasted 2 or 3 seasons/years) or the Primary school - my girls have moved on. I don't do rush jobs anymore, I don't need that sort of stress. I find it easier to say no without actually saying it. I'll talk with someone about their project, my arthritis, my estimate of how long its going to take for ME to do it , my estimate of MY charges - and then I'll give them addresses of two places that do sewing and alterations in two nearby towns for them to compare - and 8 times out of 10, I don't hear any more from them! I've taken down my advertising notices about 5 years ago, but word of mouth took a while to catch up. I'll still do mending or small alterations for my "regulars", but that's now at a comfortable 2 or 3 times a month which gives me plenty of time for my own and family sewing! About a decade ago, Mum rang me up to say her sewing machine (an OLD Singer, single straight stitch, no reverse) was making a tapping noise whilst sewing. I told her she needed to change her needle. She was reluctant to do so; she rarely changed a needle, preferred to "save" her money until it broke. I made her aware that needles were soooo cheap, yet made the most beneficial impact when changed (and old ones thrown out) regularly or at the beginning of each big project. Mum taught me so much sewing before I actually learned it formally in Secondary school, I was quite surprised that she didn't change her needles much. I visited her about a week later and went through her sewing cupboard and tools - I bought her a supply of needles of different types and sizes to suit her machine and the sort of sewing she did, new seam rippers (the blade of the old one was actually blunt! Mum - it shouldn't have to be pushed very hard to cut through the stitching - this is tearing rather than cutting - it hurts my arthritis, surely it hurts yours as well?) and other accessories that needed replacing.

[@melissawesterlund4478]

The amount of time you can spend on imagining yourself making that one garment before you even sit down and start designing. I've finally bought the fabric for a coat that has been in the making for at least 10 years. Now I wonder if it happens this spring. 😅

[@michelelommasson5970]

The “can you sew that for me?” is one which I answer with, “no, but I can teach you how to do it.” Once, in all the time since I started using that line, has anyone ever taken me up on the offer. A friend needed curtains. She came to my house and listened, then sat at my one of my machines until her curtains were made. It was the answer I gave to a woman who wanted five skirts just like the one I was wearing, in different fabrics please. She replied that she didn’t have time to do that! ( But she thought I had the time??!)

[@stoker1931jane]

I have a friend who is a professional seamstress. She would get the same requests & demands. She only does repair work if the "client" will sit down with her while she does the mending. If people want to leave her with their work, and go shopping. She refuses to do the work. Plus non-sowers never want to pay work hour cost - like our time & effort are "free".

[@TreScotts1Fan]

sewing is about laughing hysterically at yourself when you first begin and realize everything looks like a ten-year-old made it for a little while. Occasionally you will gasp and go, OMG it looks better.

[@LisaD2812]

I started sewing with my Mum's 20 year old maschine after moving out I got my own. What nobody told me is that your sewing maschine can be a real diva and you'll spend quite some time over the manual trying to figuere out why it isn't working the way it should. It's basically like getting to know a new person and trying to work with their moods.

[@barbarag1382]

When someone asks me to sew something for them, I have started telling them that sewing is my hobby and if I sew for others it becomes a job, and I don't want another job.

[@picturesqueimages]

This is basically what I say too. If they persist I tell them an estimate of what it will cost based on hours of work at my regular wage plus materials. I have yet to have someone persist past that.

[@danamoo.]

@@picturesqueimages exactly. like sewing isn’t just throwing something under a machine and cutting fabric and boom you’re done in 5 minutes!! all the things i’ve done for other people so far were free! i get a look of shame when i ask my cousin to give me 15$ to make her the skirt she wants. the 3 yards of fabric i got were 19$ ugh why is this so hard but i love sewing but i really need to start saying no, like she said in the video

[@debedwards1717]

I LOVE hand sewing. I made my granddaughter a little dress, with bias binding all the way around etc totally by hand. I find sewing and embroidery so relaxing. But using the machine is fun too, so I have recently discovered.

[@bigred9428]

Deb Edwards , I am glad that hand sewing is coming back. For awhile it was really looked down upon.

[@planningtolive_thebestlife453]

Yay! Handsewing is great! Almost finished with my gas bands second handsewn dress shirt🤓 and now I have a machine. I’ll try making one with that and compare what I think. Happy sewing!

[@edinacole6382]

😂I’ve been sewing for over 40 years and everything you said is spot on!!!!

[@rdaniceh-s7442]

Thank you for giving the last several generations a heads up! Have been sewing for 60 years and everyone thinks I want to sew for them, especially since retirement. It is terribly hard saying no to my grandchildren. You are amazing!

[@maryb3909]

All the unfinished projects. That's a collection no one told me about.

[@michellecornum5856]

I curate mine in bins with funny little names, like PhD (Projects half Done) and PINTS (Pieces I Need To Sew) and WIP (Works In Progress). The bad part is that I have more.

[@maggiekedves]

@@michellecornum5856 LOL I only knew UFO but I love your acronyms much better

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Yeeesssss!!!!!!! 😅😅

[@ginandpins6081]

@@michellecornum5856 I spent 18 months few years ago to finish ALL my unfinished projects (except for a tapestry I've had 3/4 done for about 25 years!) so I try to keep my ufo's under control. I usually have a garment, some hand sewing and a few knitting projects on the go at the same time, but I won't let myself start a new project until I've finished one, the pull of the new pushes me to get finished. There maybe some Christmas stuff that didn't get done this year, but there's always next Christmas.

[@michellecornum5856]

@@ginandpins6081 Excellent idea. Last year, I started grabbing the closest UFO in the bin, so to speak, and I managed to get 4 dresses done -- this could take a while.

[@sheilabernadetteclairemcin1107]

Sewing is addictive . Color and fabric and garment making and quilts and bags and Sooo many sewing machines . Just love it

[@IssaSia]

Thank you so much for this Evelyn!! You know what? You echoed my thoughts about preparation!! To have a sewing machine has been my dream for a long time! And now that I'm retired, I got all the time in world to learn sewing my own clothes!! My daughter bought me a Singer which is my first owned machine ever! I'm 65 and I hope it's not too late to learn about sewing! Yes, Ever since we bought this machine I started watching your videos, start buying the essentials and I never realize there are tons of it!! I heard from another vlog saying do not get too excited but take it real slow and get to know your machine for the 1st time!! And I followed that advice! Now all I'm doing is still purchasing sewing essentials while watching your videos everyday trying to internalize what you're saying!! I'm so glad I think I;m on the right path before I can even use my shears and cutting table!!

[@lorlor2831]

Hahaha I love this video so much! My son had bought a curtain that was to long and so of course he came to me to hem. I put it off for a long time because I really didn’t want to do it. I finally decided ok, I have a couple of minutes, let’s do this! Well, after all my years of sewing...I measured wrong and cut them to short. Uugh. I ended up having to buy him a new curtain all because I didn’t say no. 😂

[@Evelyn__Wood]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@christinesaunders4638]

Oh my! You realized one of my biggest fears!

[@grahamreed1175]

As always, you are brilliant! I really needed this reminder and boost to keep going with this new journey. Thank you, and I hope that 2021 is kind and generous to you. And looking forward to more inspiration and joy from your channel.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Thanks for watching!!

[@carols8090]

I spend a great deal of time adjusting the pattern to actual measurements while allowing for ease and often make a toile. I am a costumer for theatre and I'm the only one of my peers that does this. Funny how many cast members want me to build their costumes! Also, I think it takes a great deal of experience to develop an eye for use of print (I enjoy using multiple fabrics in the same piece.) or color that compliments both the pattern and the wearer. Your videos are the best and you keep me inspired! Your are not only knowledgeable and professional, but lovely as well. Thank you!!

[@MuseAndDionysus]

Fabric with any kind of stretch is kindof a nightmare to work with starting out. Especially spandex. Start with cotton. It doesn't move much and will let you figure out the basics before making the bodysuit you want to make

[@yaniwassabi8093]

Yesss, my bf started me off with a very stretchy material and I was getting so maddddddddd

[@cyklohexan2469]

At the moment I sewed my first well-fitting garment all my store-bought clothes magically become ill-fitting and akward.

[@michellecornum5856]

Yes! It's a trick, I tell you, a TRICK! It's just the fabric's way of getting you to buy more so it can live in your lovely house, and breed, unrestrained by nasty retail lighting!!! AAAAAH!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

I do not buy ready to wear dresses or fitted blouses because I am long-waisted. Altered patterns make all the difference in fit.

[@michellecornum5856]

@@user-mv9tt4st9k Short-waisted, same problem, same result. It makes you wonder who really buys these clothes.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

People who have an average waist length. Even commercial patterns have an average of 15 1/2 to 16 inches. I am 17 1/4. When drop-waisted dresses are on trend, they fit right at my waistline. 😁

[@anubis33]

… and that extra lighting so you can see properly. The sewing machine light is inadequate on its own.

[@debbiemiksch7276]

Glad you mentioned lighting. I have put those LED strips on my sewing machine for my aging eyes. Helps a lot. Don't buy the cheap ones though, they don't last. They flicker and sometimes they stop.

[@anubis33]

@@debbiemiksch7276 agreed. I bought a dual lamp daylight floor standing model. It allows me to adjust across the sewing machine and cover locker or front and back of one machine. As you rightly say it saves your eye straining.

[@michellecornum5856]

Yep. I had a desk lamp by my machine, and my husband said :Why don't we just put in a better light." So we did, and it's great -- right over my machine in the middle of the room, but my cutting table is over against the wall, and the light is just not as intense there, so, again, I have a lamp on my cutting table. And now he's looking at upgrading my sewing room light to the one he did in is office. I secretly suspect I could work on the sun and I'd still be going "Eh, what about Betelgeuse? Is that brighter? Can we try that?"

[@anubis33]

@@michellecornum5856 ha ha. Well you could try but Betelgeuse is about a billion times larger than our Sun. so you might need a larger sewing space! 😇😂 Like you I have desk lamps on each table with daylight bulbs. Though having the floor stand makes it easier to move where needed. In my case that’s by the ironing board.

[@MutanVestel]

Agreeed with you absolutely. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I bought a $99 sewing machine during the beginning of the COVID pandemic with the intention to make some cloth face masks. The rest of it is as what you said! But I absolutely love it and didn’t regret the time and the money spent on it. ❤️

[@TheAlicjaG]

I just finished my first wearable dress today. Glad that I'm at that stage, still have a lot to learn. Totally agree with you especially when it comes to taking over all the spare space cash and time you have.

[@tinamcnalley2575]

From age 13 to 30, I made almost all of my clothing, as I was never an off the rack size and back then self-made usually would cost 25% or less than store bought. I had a sewing cabinet that was 20"Dx30"Hx30"W when closed. 2 drawers and the upper shelf of my closet held tools and stash. Having youthful knees, cutting was always done on the floor. A small plastic trash can at the machine caught most stray threads and trimmings reducing cleanup. Ironing back then was a daily chore so no new equipment was needed. One good used sewing machine with zig zag capabilities is all that is needed to sew garments. Sergers are not required to produce high quality garments. Patterns and fabrics are more expensive now, but most younger people can begin sewing for years with very little up front cost. An expensive sewing machine never takes the place of actual skill. Nothing in sewing is more difficult than actual true tailoring. Check out "Raw Craft with Anthony Bourdain" and tailor Frank Shattuck. Look at the simplicity of his space and look at the machine he is using. Yes the additional toys are fun, and at my current age a cutting table is almost mandatory, though a $15 cardboard cutting mat on the bed works quite well. Developing the skill takes time, but tons of equipment upfront is unnecessary. However, learning to say "no" is one of the first skills one should learn!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

Yes. To all of your points, yes. My mother taught me the "no principle." Mom explained that when people ask you to sew something for them, they expect it to look like ready-to-wear, inside and out. It ends up costing more in terms of time spent than it is worth. More than one way is nearly impossible when helping inexperienced sewers: they will insist that "the pattern says to do it like..." 😂 My love of sewing comes with my measurements: I am average height (5'6" or 168cm), long limbed and long waisted (17 1/2" or 44.45cm). I alter patterns, and I am slowly learning to draft my own. Making a garment that fits (and making it well does take a long time) is far more satisfying than buying one that does not. 😁

[@janetcozens5756]

Many thanks Evelyn for sharing all of your Amazing hints n tips 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌😃😃😃😃😃😃

[@sophiesong8937]

I'd say I'm a contrarian on this one. I've been sewing since I was 6, so I learnt it as a child learns a language- without the translations or theory. I don't think anyone should be intimidated by all there is to learn- there are more resourses than ever that can show you step by step. The biggest hurdle to any project is simply starting. I have a tiny sewing space in one corner of my room, with a small ironing board, cutting on the floor, and if fabric builds up, just gotta use it. I am quite happy to perform small mending jobs for others- zippers, jeans cuffs, holes. Because I want everyone to cherish their clothes and make them last, regardless where they got them. I made an appliqued dress for a friend's mum who has visual impairment, and she was so proud of it, to me that was reward beyond payment. I also make clothes for my kids, and when my daughter had an opportunity to appear on a television show when she was 6, she deliberately chose to wear a dress I made, and later told me it was so that everyone who watched the show could see the dress I made her. Sewing for others and sewing for self can both be hugely satisfying ♡

[@woodenkat8971]

I have loved sewing costumes for my niblings this year. It was a Harry Potter extravaganza over Christmas!

[@TeaAndFloppyDisks]

After reading about so many people saying "no", i was thinking i'm an oddball for enjoying fixing other people's clothes. Thank you for sharing my enthusiasm! We really should be proud of our skill and use it to help others too.

[@vieuxacadian9455]

My seamstress neighbor brought a horses " parade shoe " ( thick padded nylon and rubber ) to Me for strap repair and a ripped seam . I had to use leatherworking ( Double needle technique ) to hand sew it . It made Her and My wife smile as they watched . My family brings all sorts of odd sewing repair or projects . Thanks , love your videos Ma'am.

[@maribelr720]

Brilliant video, I appreciate your honestly Evelyn, and I am grateful for your Sewing School!!

[@stephanieloffler8566]

Hi Evelyn, it is soooooo true! Everything you mentioned. Especially the space and fabric "hoarding" topic 😂 But they are all so beautiful and precious, so I cannot throw the scraps Out 😄 Regards from Germany and Happy New Year to everybody, Stephanie

[@vikkiemonument7807]

Omg, everything is said is soooo true 😂. I started with an old sewing machine that my Dad gave me and in a couple of years I have a sewing room lol.. I’m still learning, I have made a dolls dress and a long sleeved t-shirt, bibs and baby blankets. Totally get this, I didn’t know you had to change needles and clean your sewing machine. It’s encouraging to know that you went through all this to when you started, there’s hope for me that my skills will improve lol

[@MNkno]

Fabric storage? My mother, aunts, and all their friends sewed, and their bumper sticker read "The one with the most fabric when she dies, WINS!"... but for me, that pales beside the time and trouble and proper storage of the patterns!! ... If you decide to make your own patterns, by the time you get the pattern finished, you're exhausted and have no urge to repeat the struggle in fabric... Modifications to commercial patterns make them more fragile, and saving them is fraught with the danger of .. someone "helping" you clean and tossing them all out. It can be so much trouble that you swear it off, and then years later... it calls you back, only now you feel drawn to buying secondhand garments for what you can remake them into... it's endless!

[@elizabethpeters4805]

For myself, adjusting a pattern for proper fit and getting a "good cut" take two to three times the length of time it does to actually sew the garment. I have to adjust for my long torso, ample derriere, bust size, etc., etc. To me, the actual construction process takes the least amount of time.

[@LCmonman]

Evelyn, I finally joined Vintage Sewing School!! I’m *sew* excited 🧵🪡💙

[@Evelyn__Wood]

😀😀 Yay!!! Welcome! I'm so excited for you too!! I can't wait for you to get into it all!

[@mechellewinslow65]

There is so much I don’t remember from school! Just everything! I am so great full for this channel! Thank you Evelyn.

[@tamaracriswell8530]

Fall Down Funny and so very true! Excellent overview, thank you.

[@bhaskarkonduri3862]

Your sewing journey is so beautiful ma'am

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Chest freezers make a decent cutting table!! Of course it gets complicated when you have a project half cut and need something out of the freezer!!

[@thebratqueen]

Me: *Looks at the floor space, table space, and shelf space that's been taken over by sewing items since I started trying to learn again last year* Also Me: I have no idea what you're talking about in terms of sewing needing a lot of room. ;)

[@Evelyn__Wood]

😅😅😅

[@Summerain423]

I'm honestly 2 months into my sewing journey and I feel like I've experienced all of these within the first week of trying to sew. Also, buying fabric for new projects is SOOOOO addicting!

[@lynnchambers2229]

Fabulous! Started sewing during lockdown.... never realised it would take over my dining room, my wallet!!! But I’m absolutely loving it!

[@Strylover]

Good video. Inspirational. Thanks for posting.

[@queenslanddiva]

I'm new to this sewing caper, and I have nowhere for a dedicated sewing space, so the dining table it is, with the sewing machine living on the end of it. Luckily there's only two of us and we eat on our laps usually. I bought a blanket box today for my stuff and already I'm looking for space for another one! Ah well.

[@TheClayone]

Also...taking time to learn the machines, upkeep, tensions and serger/coverstitch threading.....oh yeah, embroidery machines too. Love the inspiration on this channel! Happy Sewing

[@kathyblake4998]

This was a Wonderful view for one who has sewn for a Long time, and seeing a list of what it takes to make it fun!! I sat here and agreed with all the points mentioned, and yet, never put it all in order like this!! I enjoy the creativity of my hobby, still learning, and enjoying Evelyn's tips and projects!! A great video to come back to and know I'm on the right track!!

[@Jessiebes]

I would never ever predicted how much I love sewing!

[@stoker1931jane]

I re-fitted a store bought wedding dress for a young friend once. The beadwork part of the bodice was a horrendous job. All I got was a thank you and a DVD😐. Never again😁✊🏻.

[@kanintutu]

I'm happy that I've been wearing glasses for most part of my life... They protected my eyes so many times already 😅 And I hate ironing... but I started pressing after I saw one of your videos, and I'm greatful for that💖 It looks so much better 😄

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Lucky glasses double as safety goggles!

[@marthamurray9855]

I love your videos! You bring a sense of humor to every situation!

[@lorensims4846]

OMG! I learned that so many of the points you bring up are almost equally applicable when I took up baking last year! Sure, there are differences but not as many as you would think. I've run out of cupboard space for the various flours and sugars and baking soda and baking powers and yeasts and pans and bowls and measuring cups and spoons and, and, and… Everyone wants me to bake them something and I'm still trying to get the measurements right. There's a sewing machine new in the box out in the garage that I have hesitated to bring in and set up. I think I'll stew over that a little longer…

[@loiskubota9111]

Thanks so much! I’m so bad at sewing right now but I keep trying. I’m sure I’ll get better eventually!

[@jeffdeluca1153]

Great info as always Evelyn! Happy New Year🌹

[@TheMetatronGirl]

It’s the same thing with knitting...when people learn you know how to knit, it’s a barrage of, “I’ll have to have you knit me a (insert large, time consuming, expensive project here)... I’ll pay you $20!” Invariably, the yarn itself would be $80 or more. When I find out someone can do something I can’t, I’ll either offer to trade projects, or ask them to teach me how to do their craft/art/hobby. I generally don’t mind being asked to knit or sew something, it’s the people who act like you’re obligated to knit/sew/etc for them simply because they know you that get to me. I almost never say yes to making the requested project, but I ALWAYS offer to teach the requester how to do it themselves.

[@BliffleSplick]

And then there are the "but it's only 10 bucks at the store!" "yes, they use slave labour and cheap materials. the cost is passed onto the people who make it, and I'm not taking that on for 10 bucks. Buy it from the store if you like it though"

[@cileguidry7700]

Lifelong sewist. You name it, I’ve probably tried it. Non-sewists may never understand: it’s a lifestyle. Influences choices of furniture-really all decor ( how item can be adapted to sewing activities, or put right into duty), menu choices (time away from sewing). Same for household activities. You name it! Wouldn’t trade it-ever! I have the partner activity: Fabric Collection and Curating!!❤

[@irene.marceline]

Me watching this while pressing the 5th mockup of a blouse, in my pre-living room which is now my sewing room explains just how much truth was spoken in this video 🥲

[@india239]

And as a sewer you are always learning. I just learnt that “ lightweight knit” didn’t mean what I thought it meant. I thought it was something fluid with lots of drape. Actually this pattern meant what I think of as medium weight. So I e learnt how to think about what style of knit I need for a knit garment

[@madisonmansion]

I’ve been learning to sew garments via your KZbin channel as well as a few others and lots of blog reading over 2020. (It was a good year to tackle this life skill with COVID and all). Everything came to fruition for Christmas! I sewed up 10 drawstring backpacks with side pockets for all the little ones in my family, a few play dresses for my 4 year old by attaching a cotton skirt to a purchased T-shirt and then I followed a pattern for the first time to make both my girls aged 2 and 4 Christmas dresses. The cherry on top is that I drafted my own skirt pattern out of parchment paper and sewed a matching outfit to their dresses! I was so proud of myself and I’ve gotten so many compliments. I think that some other things you don’t know before you start sewing is that it truly exercises your mental processes as well as emotions. And the satisfaction that arrives upon completion of a project is phenomenal, leaving you with a feeling that you can conquer anything if you’re well prepared and daring enough to try. Thank you Evelyn! I really would not have this skill developing in my life if not for your instruction and encouragement through your videos!

[@AngelDragon43]

Well this helped a lot. I been thinking about sewing and learning how to and I think it’s going to be a awesome hobby for me.

[@indiesindie1984]

Brilliant! Thank you for sharing your knowledge! Excellent advice! I just recently got back into sewing and now I remember why I hesitated.

[@katherinemorelle7115]

Oh the storage! I do most of my hand sewing on my balcony, so I have a table with semi organised boxes as well as an ikea trolley out there. And inside I have a desk and narrow but long table at 90 degrees to each other in the lounge room, with boxes of fabric under the table, and a sewing machine (and printer) on my desk. And I’m still running out of room. I spent day and a hit days drawing up my dream sewing room once- in a house I’ll never own, I. A room I’ll never build. But it’s a lovely dream, and I have it all done up to scale (complete with colour and artwork) at the back of my sewing journal. Because a room big enough to fit a 65x65 inch table, as well as cupboards, shelves, and desks- and enough room for me to wheel about it all in my wheelchair, well that’s one big room! Edited to add the link to my Instagram with my dream sewing room picture: instagram.com/p/CFQhJguhFfL/?igshid=1tgl839bmh488

[@karenlindsay9884]

Thanks for sharing your dream sewing room. I loved it! May your dream come true one day soon!!!

[@AldonaAnna89]

After finishing my first garment (a dress I’m wearing right now), I felt like a superhero! I still do ! It’s amazing hobby to start now during this trouble times. It gives me satisfaction for making something from almost nothing. It’s quite amazing 🤩

[@makemywayman]

happy new year evelyn ! always a pleasure to see your smile . make my day ! happy sewing !