5 Things I Wish I Knew Earlier | Sewing Journey Best Practices 🪡

[@sun_yu_lu]

this video just warmed my soul! i love the pacing and sincerity in your videos 😊

[@cleow]

Thank you so much!! 🙏✨

[@melboe6842]

Nice. I think we all need to hear these things from time to time! I have WIPs that I have walked away from for years. I heard someone say to just go back and finish them - even if you hate it, or can't wear it, or messed something up - finish it to get it off your mind, out of the basket, and to gain whatever lessons you can from it (figuring out the technique or where you went wrong or why you will never ever use that substrate again (!)) It was good advice. I found the WIP basket (and the guilt I felt looking at it) kept me out of the sewing room.

[@cleow]

Such great advice! Glad to hear you took the steps to tackle it those projects!

[@linvallier2269]

I heard, then wrote down something earlier this year that really helped me with an unfinished project. “If you had a full day of completely uninterrupted sewing, would you work on this project?” For me and that particular item the answer was a resounding NO, so it felt like a great relief to let it go and get it out of my space.

[@Seasun67]

I’d be interested in watching you use your tools during a project. To make sure we’re using them correctly. Thank you 🙏

[@lynneeie5226]

Great tips... but a thrifty tip, for those of us who have to watch our pennies (& I learned this from an old sewing book)... it is actually possible to sharpen ones needle! Just like one can sharpen kitchen knives. So a small sharpening stone and it will save many needles from the landfill. Those small emery filled bobbles on old pin cushions were another way to sharpen needles. In fact...hmm... an emery nail file may also work, I am not sure about that. But, frugal tip... for those who need or want. 😀

[@cleow]

Great idea, thank you for sharing this!! Anything to extend the life of these different parts is a good thing. 🙏💜

[@lynneeie5226]

@@cleow Yes, however, I do need to add something to this... because I shared this with a sewing group I am in (Foundations Revealed Historical Sewing Academy) and one of the mentors is a seamstress/sewist who works in the film industry. She pointed out that it is actually best to switch to a new needle after so many hours of sewing... I want to say 18? I don't have my FB handy here, as that is only on my phone, but 10-18 hours of sewing. And partly because a dull needle causes extra wear on the sewing machine, but can also snag and tear the cloth, especially finer cloth types. So, that was good to know. That said, another member who has a collection of older sewing machines said that many machines back in the day had an actual emery on their rotating bobbin winders specifically to sharpen needles on! None of mine have that, that I have seen, but still very interesting. So.... there are two sides to that, and if one is not comfortable sharpening a needle, or able, the better practice is apparently to switch them out. I felt I should put this here, in case people wish to know. And name my sources. Have a lovely day.... Lynne

[@sus8e462]

Great advice to all--and love how you inform in a relaxed manner. I enjoy all of your videos as they are also so calm! And indeed creating garments you want to wear is result of many skills, not just knowing how to use a given tool... And the ability to say it's OK if it doesn't work out. We learn a lot thru mistakes.... But even before cutting fabric, not understanding the pattern fit & size selection often leads to 😭. Made many beautiful garments that i never wore because they didn't fit well (namely never learned about FBA when first got into making nice clothes for wearing at work in the pre-yT & internet days)...

[@cleow]

Oh yes, such a great reminder about FIT and pattern sizing! I have turned away from sewing clothes for this exact reason, sigh. It is always okay, and an expected part of the process, if it doesn't work out at times.

[@qu1lt1ngfool]

Well thought out and well said. So important to be patient with and kind to yourself in learning new skills.

[@cleow]

Yes, so very true! 💜✨

[@CaitlinSewsSometimes]

Ohh the basting tip actually sounds so good!

[@cleow]

Yes, and it really helps *see* how things will look! 💜

[@messymakersmind]

Thank you so much for this video ❤ I find you so relaxing and you just warm my soul, makes me so happy to watch your videos so thank you so much for helping me on my new sewing journey 🧵🪡✨

[@cleow]

You are so welcome and I am honored to be helpful in any way I can! 🙏💜

[@Jin04115]

Very thorough. You make it easier to face certain challenges.

[@cleow]

Glad to hear this, and thank you for your note!

[@Penguinandpear]

Great advice

[@cleow]

Thanks so much for your kind note! ✨💜

[@philiptipping6738]

All very good tips. Thanks very. Cheers Mary

[@cleow]

My pleasure and thank you for your kind words! ✨

[@MV-uh7kr]

Great advise!

[@cleow]

Thanks for watching!

[@rachelmorgan2916]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! That was exactly what I needed to restart my sewing journey. 😊

[@cleow]

You are so welcome! Glad this was helpful to get back on track!

[@excitementTee]

What size needles do you use.

[@cleow]

Great question! I usually use 90/14.

[@abe5849]

Wonderful! Thank you for these tips.

[@cleow]

Glad you like them! 💜