SEWING WITH THE CURATED CLOSET BOOK - CONCLUSIONS

[@belindaezzy1121]

Thanks Alex I have enjoyed following your curated wardrobe series. I started a capsule wardrobe about the same time you started talking about the book and your plans. The initial tips and discussions helped me to make sense of the direction I wanted to take. I think it helped me to unclutter my imagination on what was practical and wearable, rather than having a capsule filled with statement pieces. I travelled light, and had plenty of mix and match day wear and felt that I still had a different look every day.

[@christinemartin9449]

Well, thank you again for introducing this book. A statement that you made at towards the end of the video, you want your clothes to represent you. This is so true for me. You have been so helpful with this book, alright, you have made life easier for me by explain the process! I look forward to see how you continue on this journey. Take care.x

[@sewsisteranna]

This has been a great series of vlogs - thx for sharing it with us!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sharonnewport7257]

Thank you so much for sharing I really appreciate your honesty and sp pleased that you have more clarity 😊

[@victoriajackson2692]

Hi Alex, when I get bored with perfectly good clothes, I dye them with Dylon washing machine dyes. It gives them a new exciting lease of life, and can throw up a few nice surprises. if it goes wrong, you haven't really lost anything

[@kathygann7632]

I’m 73, and maybe we’ll be perfect next week.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

🤣

[@christinemartin9449]

Hi, I am 78 and still thinking this!

[@michellebeyer1096]

Like many others who've already commented, I've really enjoyed your Curated Closet vlogs. I made a start with the book, but think I'm going to wait now for the new year before really getting into it. I think it's an investment to spend time sorting out our wardrobes because it just makes getting dressed each morning so much easier and we spend less time worrying about what to wear! It's more important as we get older to feel confident in the clothes that we wear too. Thank you Alex for sharing your journey and thoughts, you're an inspiration!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I't's so lovely to read comments like this, the New Year is the perfect time for this sort of thing tooxxx

[@nancynewman6592]

Very informative process... THanks :)

[@karenh7537]

id love to do this, keep waiting till im at my perfect weight lol maybe next year x

[@nancyhilborn885]

Great wrap up and sparked an in depth discussion between my sister-in-law and myself.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

ooh I wish I was there!

[@jeaninelovett]

I would love a list of patterns for the tops and dress.

[@georgianasstudio]

I’ve found this amazing young woman who show’s professional tailoring tips and she made it so much easier for me to do a bunch of alterations. The Sew Show with Shae. I think you’ll really appreciate her techniques.

[@sallydingle321]

I've really enjoyed this process with you Alex and have definitely got a lot from it and you have definitely made great progress in your closet. It really helps in raining in your tastes and style. Also fabrics and textures that you prefer to work with. Thanks so much for taking us through this process Alex... It's been great fun 🙏👌💖😘

[@Jo_Nelder]

Thank you for this series of vlogs, Alex - I've found them so interesting and useful.

[@cecilehoare3053]

Have you heard of Coastal Grandma? Not for the age but definitely you reflect the style in my opinion! I think you and Dianne Keaton have a similar asthetic.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I'll check it out! Thank you

[@kathygann7632]

Ok. Ok. One more comment. I think you might be more classic than edgy. Great video. Thank you. Maybe make a chart with skirt and bottom colors, sweater colors, coat colors then determine your wardrobe colors and from that you can easily see what colors to look for in blouses.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Great idea!! I see edgy as aspirational rather than where I am right now x

[@lorainemunro7969]

🐯

[@debsmadethis]

Well done! Sounds like you've really managed to gather data and get some clear 'style guideposts' (?) I love wide-eyed pants -peppermint wide-eyed pants or landers are my go to. Sands shifting here though coz now my faves are bobs cosecha s or Arthur s..... and I just bought Parker pont pants after seeing a cuffed version 😊😂

[@debrariley2057]

Super interesting process, thank you for taking the time to share.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chlomo2618]

I've adored following along as you've gone through this process. I love this kind of thoughtful, analytical approach to style and I could listen to you talk about it for hours. I enjoy your sewing makes videos too, and I'm looking forward to seeing your future videos as you talk through what you plan and make through the lens this experience has given you. It'll also be interesting to see how your considerations change as the seasons do.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Awesome, thank you!

[@renh9717]

I've found these videos really helpful, to help me be more mindful about my makes as well and identify what I need and think about what I would wear in the long run. I think it's never too late to follow this process, it's a great feeling to love the things you've made and know you will wear them and they are useful for you.

[@ruthwilson6524]

Great vlog - I can really see why you have semi retired what you have, the remaining pieces really reflect who you are. As sewists I think we will always love refining our clothes and changing our style to reflect who we are evolving into

[@AlexJudgeSews]

It's almost like we think our me made items are free😂

[@lesleyheather1]

I’ve really enjoyed these vlogs and found it really interesting and quite inspiring

[@annettecowburn-sz8cq]

I think, you doing this curated closet has made me and I'm sure lots of others, really look at my wardrobe and consider what I actually need to add rather than just what I'd like. I've really enjoyed your vlogs Alex so thankyou, it's been great.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Ooh I'm so pleased xxxx

[@karolmolpus9536]

Love your funky pants!!!

[@GoingGreenMom]

I love that flannel skirt! It has a 90s grunge vobe that seems very edgy to me.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Yes, I was too busy being all career focused to fully indulge in 90s grunge, so i'm happy to be a little late to the party😂

[@derynporter5287]

I’ve found this series of vlogs really useful. I’m reading the book very slowly and vaguely following the process. It’s making me more disciplined when it comes to choosing patterns and fabrics.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks so much, let's hope we all manage to stay disciplined!

[@amdelorey]

I have loved this Curated Closet series. I really like how you moved forward with the assessment of your closet and sewing plans. I am still at the taking photos stage but maybe "shopping" is next.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

There's no hurry, the shops are going to be horrible in the next few weeks!

[@sew_So_beautiful]

I've really enjoyed this, and I do tend to think we are very similar in style, even though I chose 3 different words. My words are "classic" (meaning simple lines that don't really ever go out of style), "comfortable" (meaning soft, relatively unstructured, not stiff), and "unique" (meaning unique style lines, details, perhaps colour blocking or abstract, larger scale prints). My problem is figuring out how to wear separates so I like how they look on me. I have a short body and long legs and don't slope gradually from waist to top of hips, and am 5'10" (177cm.). My hips are right there after only about an inch (2 or 3 cm.) between my ribs and the top of my hips. So in theory a blouse or pullover will look great with a certain skirt or trousers, but in reality, they don't on my shape, and never did when I was very thin, very heavy, and anywhere in between. I've downloaded "My Body Double" from Cashmerette, and am going to "play paper dolls" and see if I can figure out how to make it work. But otherwise, your videos have been very helpful and made a lot of things make more sense to me. I'm 63 now. It's about time I figure it all out. 😂

[@AlexJudgeSews]

All words I considered myself so it does sound like we're similar! I'm going to investigate my body double, it sounds intriguing, even when I was young and willowy I never had a flat tummy or much waist definition so I'm trying to just accept it's part of all the brilliant things our female bodies can do xxx

[@Kiltsnquilts]

Another interesting and informative video Alex, thank you. My main issue is that the styles I like are rarely available in the shops so I can’t try on a new style to see how it looks. Sometimes that means I end up making clothes that don’t give me the look I thought they would. I have quite an abundance of tops, mostly pull over the head styles (Maya, Paddington, cuff sleeve top etc) as collared shirts don’t suit me but the main issue is a lot of them can’t be worn with something over the top so my wardrobe is summer heavy. I have no dresses for the winter, one Ora pinafore that can be winter or summer and a couple of skirts. I recently tried on a collarless shirt dress, short sleeved, straight with side pockets and no other details and really liked it but the size wasn’t right…..I searched for hours for a similar pattern but no luck 😫. That’s when I give up and make something for my grandchildren and keep being frustrated with my wardrobe 😅

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Yep I can't always find what I'd like in the shops either. I'll keep a lookout for a pattern like that, can't think of one off the top of my head x

[@Kiltsnquilts]

@@AlexJudgeSews thank you. I’ve trawled the fold line and all the pattern companies I can think of…even been on Etsy!

[@mtkelly33]

Wow what a very worthwhile process- has got me thinking about my wardrobe thank you! I don’t randomly buy clothes anymore as I can make them!!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Hooray!

[@camillacochrane6993]

Can’t wait for your pattern picks for the wide leg trousers and yes you have an edgy (also mine) style x

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks so much xx

[@GoingGreenMom]

I certainly hope so. Im 40 and just getting started on the whole trying to understand what I like and what works for clothes!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Maybe we need to enjoy the process rather than waiting for the outcome to be the fun bit xx

[@lisart2488]

Loved this series Alex. A while ago I realised I had no elevated clothes and struggled with what to wear if I was going out. Also wearing jogging bottoms and sweatshirts everyday was making me feel dowdy and depressed. I made a conscious decision to start wearing nicer clothes whilst working at home, trying different styling options and sewing some more dressy clothes. The motivation is there but I haven't had much time lately to sew! Whilst doing this process, and I haven't finished yet, I have learnt I like clothes that have a twist detail, or ruching or asymmetry so I've been on the lookout for patterns with those options. Enjoyed your videos 😊

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I'm completely with you on joggers etc making you feel rubbish, I realised that years ago when I stopped work to have children. It's great that you're finding out the things you love to wear. x

[@jeanlinder1310]

I'll have to look up this book! It sounds really useful.

[@imkethomson4972]

Love your comment about shop lighting, agree completely. Most disappointing experience: many years ago watched Mary Portas talking about the importance of flattering lighting in shop changing rooms. Only to find myself in one of her concessions in Glasgow and to feel extremely uncomfortable under the harsh overhead spot lights! 😳

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I asked my Husband who spent years designing retail stores (sportswear mostly not women's) and he said it's incredibly hard to do in small spaces and most retailers don't want to use the floorspace for large changing rooms - makes sense I guess x

[@marciahighsmith4820]

It's funny, I had gone through my clothes and culled some of it, because of definite problems, then I read the curated book when you started talking and now am trying to sew some stuff I need. I live in a very casual city where jeans are king. I think I wear lots of jersey knit tops and am slowly adding tops and shirts also skirts. I have always loved skirts. Being 5'1" means that ready made dresses and pants a bit problematic. I love to sew and now am doing more sewing for myself.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I love that, I had a video call with our bank yesterday, the manager could see my sewing machine in the background so asked about it. She said she's 5'3" and has been thinking of learning to sew for the same reason. By the end of the call I'd renegotiated my mortgage rate and convinced her to give sewing a try😂

[@vickimaiorano5763]

I’ve been following 7 Steps to Style which also uses the three words . However it refers to your outfit, not each garment. For instance you out on a shirt, jumper and pants. Then you review to outfit to see if it casual, chic and edgy. The pants and tops could be casual but how you have put them together could be chic. The edgy could come about by your shoes, or hair, or earrings. The actual clothes don’t have to be edgy. But they could be if you like. The overall look would be your three words. Anyway it is all fun.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

That sounds really interesting, I'll have a search to find out more thanks so much xx

[@sheilas8876]

Another such an inspiring vlog thank you Alex. You’ve definitely done the hard ground work for me. I have recently altered two pairs of loved but hardly worn half lined tailored trousers to fit the new size smaller me. I’m now looking forward to your reveal of skirt patterns 👏👏. I like to wear them long too.

[@catherinepritchard489]

I chose three words for you before you revealed yours. Clean, edgy, stylish. Not far off your own words. I agree about all the exercises in the book, there are too many but the principles are great and I have started weeding out my wardrobe. I also had my colours done last week so that has helped too. A very enjoyable series, thank you

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Yay, thank you!

[@Sheree-ui9zb]

Alex, It was down to you that I bought the pattern emporium balloon sleeve top pattern and have now made 2 versions. I remind you, as I think that this would be a good addition for a “going out” outfit to your wardrobe. Re shirts - at one time I tried to avoid shirts as I thought I already had too many. I now see that I was wrong. Shirts are so useful. Re lighting in changing rooms. I must say, although I hate what I look like in M & S changing rooms (for instance), I find Zara and H and M mirrors actually make me look a lot better than real life and I often buy items that disappoint once seen in true reality!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks, that's a great idea! The Zara changing room was one of the ones that left me feeling awful, I guess it's down to the individual store - maybe I need to go to M&S next time!

[@rebeccaw9656]

Haha, when you shared trying on clothes in the shops… I just did this last weekend and Nothing Fit😂, reminding me why I make my own clothes now. Have loved your curation videos, helping me look at my own wardrobe, while also re-organising my fabric and pattern stash. I have noticed my body changing from 12 months at the gym, and while I have a handful of my dresses in a basket to alter, I’ll likely take a leaf from your book and just make new ones😂.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Altering is no fun is it, like going back to an old flame😂

[@joesmay]

That was brilliant, I bet you’ve got a lot of us rethinking our wardrobe. Must give us permission to buy the (right) fabric!

[@marilynkelly315]

Oh so interesting-made me really think about my makes and what I wear. Now I’m retired I mainly wear comfortable casual clothes particularly in winter. I have loads of gaps and often fall into making items that really I’m not likely to wear regularly, mainly because I fancy learning how to learn a new skill! Your choice of three words is very you - now to consider mine! 😘😘😘

[@AlexJudgeSews]

It's easily done Marilyn and I think it takes a while to adjust to not going out to works, I found it tricky when I stopped work to look after the children.

[@marilynkelly315]

@@AlexJudgeSews so true, and my wardrobe was full of teacher me clothes, quite smart, but also me, and in winter layers of warm clothes! Once I retired had to realise I was never going to wear any work wear again - and had no inclination to wear those clothes again. It’s quite difficult amassing my retirement wardrobe, particularly in winter, when I live mainly in trousers, and to be honest either comfortable tracksuit bottoms and pull on pointe trousers - I have a short crotch length and now I have to make them, unless I want to wear pants in my armpits! That’s one of the advantages of making your own! Still milling around with my three words! Always enjoy your vlogs xx

[@annettejason2026]

Thank you - really interesting and inspiring to try and get organised again!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

You can do it!

[@lucythomson4629]

I am also struggling to find dresses for autumn and winter so I’m looking forward to seeing what you choose to sew ❤

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Me too!!

[@TheHaymeadow]

Thoroughly enjoyed this Curated Closet ‘series’. Thanks for sharing your journey (why is everything a journey 🙄) with us. Just a heads up, Andrea - Beyond the Pink Door, showed some jegging appropriate denim with excellent stretch (may have been other colours too) on the recent Sunday live. Looking forward to seeing how you go forward with your makes.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I'm so pleased, I'll go and check out Andrea's new arrives xx

[@leannsews]

Great video. You nailed your 3 words. 😊

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you! 😃

[@knottygnome]

i really enjoyed this series, thanks for sharing. on fixing your pants--i've added elastic to the back waistband of trousers that were too big for me in the past and it was really nice because the elastic makes it flexible for future weight fluctuations. just a suggestion.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Yes, I've done that too especially in jeans as I often get a bridge of fabric over my sway back/sticking out bum!

[@dbdesignsandsewingaustrali5668]

Fabulous vlog Alex, I’m getting the book for Christmas so I’m looking forward to it

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Ahh now that's a great idea and a perfect New Year activity x

[@jacquelineclifford8285]

I have found this so interesting. Thank you. 🥰

[@AlexJudgeSews]

So glad!

[@carolhughes312]

Beyond the Pink Door has jegging fabric. She showed it on Sunday

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Brilliant - thank you xx

[@beverlyhartford4426]

Thank you for a thoughtful vlog! It’s been useful and inspiring to watch the process you have followed to create your curated closet and what suits you. I feel I can put together my wardrobe following your thoughts and process of doing so. Thank you for all the work you have done to bring it all together. ❤

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you Beverly, that's so lovely to read!

[@lyndapalmano4490]

Great video, the brown stripped dress that you wish you had made longer why not add a panel to the bottom with the strip going the same way as the bodice 😊

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I was considering that, but I don't have enough fabric and it was deadstock so I can't get anymore!

[@lyndapalmano4490]

That's a shame @@AlexJudgeSews

[@kathygann7632]

Oooohhhhh, I like your 3 words! I may steal them.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Go for it!

[@kathygann7632]

You might not be wearing the fuschia blouse because it is a winter color, not because of the weight of the fabric. Once you become aware of what season you are, other colors just don’t feel right.

[@TheHaymeadow]

Good morning again Alex, just let ting you know, Itch to Stitch have just released a new gored skirt which I think you might be interested in, the Quebrada skirt, it’s definitely got the Alex vibe I feel. 20% off till 7th Dec. Have a great weekend.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I'll check it out!

[@leelahmcguigan7468]

I am watching and saying casual , edgy but said confident but chic is perfect. Great 3 words. I started following you because I thought your makes were edgier than other vloggers. So there you are. 👍. Looking forward to seeing your skirt and your future’style’ makes. But please tell me you are not retiring your recently tailored blazer ? Great vlog. I can see me coming back to your curated closet vlog series for a second look.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks. I love that! No the blazer hasn't been retired, in fact I did record my favourite items of outerwear, but cut it as the video was running waaaay too long😁

[@carolhughes312]

Itch to Stitch have just today released a new long skirt pattern

[@AlexJudgeSews]

thank you.

[@karenclement743]

I was just about to ask, what about winter dresses? Say in a warmer fabric and wear them with leggings and boots?

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Yep, I need to think about it, but am focussing on the separates for now x

[@maker5035]

Alex, I enjoyed the tour of your shirts. What is your distinction between a shirt and a blouse? The biggest gap in my wardrobe is tops and there are more than just shirts/blouses. I need more exploration.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Ah yes, we have that slight difference in US and UK English. We tend to only refer to a button through shirt as a shirt anything else is a blouse or T-shirt. I've noticed my kids now talk about almost any top as a shirt, but they watch a lot of US tik tok😂

[@pollysim940]

I have to ask, what happened to the unique and wonderful all-in shirt you made from bandanas? I hope it avoided the cull.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Oh no, it's recently been moved to the Summer pile. I found it seemed odd to wear it right now, but it's probably the best thing I made last year😁

[@sarahchatterjee4801]

Have you seen the newly-released Howerdel Skirt pattern by Elbe Textiles? I think it would be right up your alley.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Yep, it's on my list. I love almost everything Lauren designs!

[@Kiltsnquilts]

I love Elbe textiles too but was kind of bummed to see yet another garment with gathers 😢 i know it’s a bit different but I’m so over tiered gathered garments 😬

[@karolmolpus9536]

Guess, less is more, sooooo you can add a bit through a lot of thought!

[@Sheree-ui9zb]

Sweater Knit Vests. There are a lot of these in RTW, but I am having difficulty in finding any patterns so that I can make my own. Anyone out there have any suggestions please?

[@lyndapalmano4490]

Love your trousers what pattern are they?

[@AlexJudgeSews]

bellalovespatterns.com/products/billy-trousers-pdf-sewing-pattern

[@funkyneeniestuff]

I've been following your journey and thinking more about my wardrobe after having moved and changed careers. Part of my motivation in sewing clothes is making pieces that are comfortable and fun to wear. To that end, I finally made my first (not last) Delano dress and wore it to an open house. I LOVED wearing it, and received so many compliments! Thank you for showing it on your channel. I was very inspired.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

That's fantastic! The Delano is such a lovely design and super comfortable to wear too xx

[@jakimills315]

Hi Alex, what pattern was the zebra shirt? I think I ‘need’ it

[@AlexJudgeSews]

It's a Style Arc pattern, I think it's called Robbin x

[@kaarenmatthewson8241]

Hi Alex love your videos thankyou. Im interested in what you think are appropriate shirt fabrics, when you said you werent sure about viscose. Kind regards and love your style! Kaaren

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks so much, probably cottons of differing weights. So much easier to sew with, but also it wears better. Viscose is great for drape and often has better print options, but I don't think it lasts well (and is a pain to iron) x

[@karolmolpus9536]

How did you loose weight and continue to keep off?

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Strength training, which is hard work but the only exercise I've ever managed to vaguely enjoy. I've found myself not eating so much chocolate as I don't want to negate the huge efforts in the gym - oh and I gave up alcohol too. I feel a million times happier as a result, not the weight loss in itself, but my mood has lifted massively x

[@karolmolpus9536]

❤❤❤

[@bcmagnolia1170]

I would rather make a complete new garment rather than Tailor something.😂

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Agreed! Which is why a quick hack appealed to me, although now seeing the green trousers back on video I'm not convinced!

[@bcmagnolia1170]

@@AlexJudgeSews with the top pulled over them. It was a really casual comfortable yet pulled together look. I love the baggy pants although I'm too short and fluffy to get away with that. I've always said just because you can wear something doesn't mean you should. Ha ha.

[@Kiltsnquilts]

@@AlexJudgeSewsI have to confess that while it’s a great hack I did feel they looked a bit large on you. Have you considered cutting the back waistband and taking them in there? You could finish it a bit like suit trousers are at the centre back?

[@kathygann7632]

Dye the white blouse one of your colors. I need to shut up now cause I’m hogging all your comments.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Why didn't I think of that! Hog away x

[@kathygann7632]

Tie neck blouses don’t belong in the kitchen when fixing dinner, or when painting!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

So true! The best solution is to sew an apron 😂