This Costume went WRONG🧵 and ended up as 1970s Robin Hood

[@ecokiwi-ex2cu]

"I look like I've got a milk carton on my head" 😄 I love your sense of humour

[@retrocraftdreams]

I adore how you connected the year of the pattern to Robin Hood! That's exactly the sort of thing I like to do with all my 70s and 80s projects - connect them to what else was going on in that year, to put them in their proper context. Pop culture is the best way to do that with these decades that are so comparatively recent. And I have to say, I am from the states, but had the wonderful pleasure of performing with a local panto troupe (I was Tinkerbell one year and principal girl the next) - they're rare, and I always have to explain panto to people, but they do exist here!

[@lemongrasswalkingstick]

That knee slap caught me off guard, I'm in tears. 😂

[@AriallaMacAllister]

As a person who grew up in the 70's and 80's, I think your dress looks delightful! The check contrast would have looked completely at home, and it fits you *far* better than many of the home sewn outfits that some of my friends wore. I suspect a lot of 70's outfits required immense fiddling to get them to fit right. I love that your outfit could be Robin Hood, or Peter Pan depending on your mood and accessories.

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you for this! It's so lovely to hear that I've gotten the 70s style right ☺️

[@queeniemarkham8022]

It looks lovely even though you may not think it’s perfect - I know it’s not the point but it fits as well as any high street dress would, nobody is going to think twice about it! It’s a very sweet style, and you really rock the colours. Glad to see you smiling at your own “oh no it isn’t” at the end 😂

[@RetroClaude]

I'm a thespian at heart! I love Panto! And thanks for the encouragement. You're right! Much better than anything I would buy ready to wear and that's something to be proud of 💚

[@katelynpatterns9611]

I love that you explain what it is about the fit you aren’t happy with and how it can be fixed as you go along. I find it really useful to go along for the fitting journey. I’m sure I’ve seen fast fashion with very similar of not the same fit issues 😊

[@shekthecat]

"Clean out the dust from little Dorrit" makes me laugh. How rude of Dorrit to leave her mess. :)

[@RetroClaude]

Very rude indeed! 😂

[@skipopidid]

I absolutely love this dress, and as you mentioned at the end it does have peter pan vibes along with the robin hood. Use it to channel your inner child and never grow up =D

[@EngineeringKnits]

Your haircut! 😍I think this is such a great take on an outfit that works for both vintage/historical disney! Just also can't get over the sweater you're wearing in the beginning every time I see it, it is so beautiful!

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! I love the sweater but it is definitely a STATEMENT.

[@moonbasket]

I love the hat and the greens so much.

[@susanhannaberg1813]

You look so nice in your dress. I sew also, I understand how we want it to be perfect. But there is no perfect. Just think how much you have learnt making this outfit. Be proud you rock!!

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you ☺️

[@theknityorker]

I say it again I loooooove your Hair. Also I could hear this combination of your accent + the ASMR of the machine forever. Such a fun project.

[@rainieraine1192]

Sometimes things don’t go right but you didn’t quit and I think you turned it around with style, thank you for sharing.

[@juliabreckner2759]

Love the idea of the pinafore project!

[@linr8260]

The whole ensemble came out Incredibly Cute honestly. The hat just gives it an added fun flair, and if I saw someone walking down the street in this I would be too busy thinking how cool and cute it looks to pay any attention to fit issues that all off the rack clothes have anyway. Congratulations on finishing it despite the mishaps, and I do hope you get a chance to enjoy wearing it in the future.

[@kaytiej8311]

All of this is wonderful. I love how you teach even while you narrate what youre doing. I learned lots! Don't feel bad about your love/hate relationship with the 70s pattern. Having sewn throughout that period, they were always a fit known only to themselves! And you lean into that 80's vibe. It suits you so well!

[@RetroClaude]

That's very reassuring! My struggles were even historically accurate!

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

I don’t remember perms in the 70s. We had pixie cuts in the 60s and then we let them grow out and then while it was just hitting not quite shoulder length, we wore it curled up toward the outside with pink foam rollers. Once it got past the shoulders, we wore it straight. A few kids in about 71-72 wore shag haircuts, but I guess I don’t know if they got perms. My friend didn’t need a perm for that cut. Then most of us grew our hair out long and straight. Mine stayed long and straight from for the entire decade of the 70s.

[@MeiLegg]

It looks super cute on you! And I love the fabric cutting sounds 🥰

[@sasharaj]

"Inspiration energy" -- sucked out of you for this project; oh, how well I know the experience. But you're a better dress maker than I am for persevering "to get this job done." A role model for us all!

[@lafregaste]

I love the design, it feels like Robin Hood, the bow and arrow pin was perfect! : D

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

I just remember buying dresses that fit worse than this and wearing them and loving wearing them so I think we’re extra picky because we sometimes get it so right we think we will always hit the nail on the head.. This only works for me since I just wanna make things I enjoy wearing and I am not trying to be culture or historical. I’m also a child of the 70s Who started middle school in 1969 and his class graduated university in 1980. I did some sewing in the era. This dress comes from you can certainly wear it and have fun with it without turning it in for a costume contest at any point.

[@MrsMelrom]

you are definately right about the Peter Pan vibe, I've got our mother's Peter Pan glove puppet (circa 1953) and that's the vibe I got, perhaps just as much because of the stance you took. Changing subjects and talking about mistakes, what I really enjoyed from this video is your explanttions of how and why you changed the darts etc. If you have the energy and inclination an 'if there are wrinkles here, you need to do this" video would be really great. It probably exists elsewhere but the way you explain suits my learning style and tastes. Thank you.

[@anniekearney6593]

I can't believe how easy you made it look to make that hat!

[@elizabethwoolston]

❤️ Super cute! Especially with the brooch 😊

[@blossompetal784]

It looks great. Well done for hanging in there and seeing it through.

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you ☺️

[@averyt9600]

This is so cool, I especially love the hat!

[@ellieisbusy]

Have you looked into Bootstrap Fashion’s custom dress form patterns? They’re not that expensive and you do end up with a very accurate dress form, and the best part, made of proper fabric! Duct tape dress forms will sag with time, and all the pins you use on it will end up gummy because of the glue...

[@RetroClaude]

I have looked into a bootstrap form but my fit issues are largely due to my scoliosis, which makes me not only asymmetrical, but proportionally very weird and I'm not sure a bootstrap would accommodate that 😊

[@heatherelise327]

Came to say (like so many others here!) that although it might not fit quite the way you want, it looks fantastic. As long as its comfy, its definitely cute and wearable. In relation to your doubts about whether or not its "Robin Hood enough", I think so! If you paired it with a brown undershirt and leggings/ tights, and some green or brown boots, it would make a big difference. The accessories are often what "make" bounding outfits (such as THAT BROOCH 😍 perfection). A really great job! I hope the next project is less frustrating for you - it seems like the last couple of things you've worked on have posed some significant challenges, but it's really awesome to see you work through them and complete the project. Thank you for the encouragement, and congrats again on the make 😊

[@RetroClaude]

That's a great suggestions thank you 😊

[@annereidy7981]

That was so interesting, thank you and yes. more Peter Pan I think!

[@cerachaos]

it's super cute! I've never seen anyone make a hat and now I have a new life goal... make a hat

[@GwensShenanigans]

You look so flippin' cute in your finished ensemble and I LOVE YOUR NEW HAIRDO SO MUCH!❤

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! I'm thrilled with the hair do! Flappers 4 life 💚

[@nancycollins9783]

Love your videos, and I really like your iron! Cheers!

[@sisterkerry]

If it's any consolation, I learned a good few things from this video. I am in the process of making my first dress (yikes) and I am disabled. I tried to fit the bodice side-seams yesterday and really struggled to pin the top part. I have some weakness in my arms which didn't help. Then I watched this video and saw you had used clips to do it. Clips! Why didn't I think of that???? I am doing a bungalow scavenge for clips of all types that I think will help. Many thanks 😊

[@coreygilles847]

It is cute... and as a costume it works out

[@elainebye9090]

The outfit is so cute! I do hope you can wear the dress. It looks nice, but comfort and ease are important, too.

[@kjtherrick4031]

Your 1970s' stand-in for Robin Hood/Peter Pan with 1930s' hat works well for the Disney bounding cosplay thing. Looks cute on you too!

[@ceruleanskies001]

It gives me 30s meets 70s vibes in fun ways. I am impressed with the hat the most. Thanks for the video :)

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! I've only made a few hats in my time but I really enjoy it. Perhaps I shall make some more here on the channel 😊

[@petapendlebury9024]

Ah the pointy out notches on the pattern. I was only wondering the other day when they disappeared 😕 yes - I remember the big hair 😁 nice combination of fabrics. That hat would certainly look good for country pursuits!

[@RetroClaude]

Pointy notches! I wondered about those because of course I cut them carefully out and then promptly overlocked them off 😂

[@aly_b]

Omg. I love it. 💚💚💚

[@rebeccacuthbertson1271]

I'm sorry it was so frustrating but it came out real cute in the end. Even if you choose not to wear it again and donate it to a charity shop, I love the idea of it. Keep keeping it real Claude, we love you

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! It means a lot ☺️

[@SewSewDrew]

I loved this!! I thought you did a lovely job and inspired me to take on such a project.

[@RetroClaude]

That's wonderful! I can't wait to see it 😁

[@marianaprbr]

It's a great Robin hood costume. The final product looks really good but I understand your frustrations

[@sh-sk9zn]

The weird pointy books are because u shortened the shoulder seams after u adjusted the darts. Probably should have trimmed some fabric off the bottom of the bodice. If u let out the side seams on the bodice and skirt that should help with the tightness. I understand urban struggles as both my daughter and granddaughter have the same S shaped scoliosis as u do and it throws one shoulder forward. I have made and altered quite a number of garments for them. I was hit with fibromyalgia about 20 years ago when doctors didn't believe it was real...just another female malady even tho men have it too. Best of luck to u in the future. And remember whatever urban making doesn't have to be perfect. It will still be much better than anything u buy off the rack. I'm sure Diora and Ralph Lauren garments have imperfections. You are urged worst critic! I just discovered your vlogs and find that I'm really enjoying them. I don't find u at all annoying which is more than I can say about other sewing or knitting vlogs.

[@angelaross1]

Even though your hair is short, you could go with the center part-Farrah faucett wings hairstyle 👏👏👏👏👏

[@RetroClaude]

I'll have to give it a go!

[@brigidscaldron]

It IS really cute! But I understand when things don’t go to plan. ❤️❤️❤️

[@hazeluzzell]

The pattern on your sweater reminds me of 8/10 Century Scandinavian tablet (card) weaving.

[@RetroClaude]

That's amazing! I think it was supposed to be like Greek Keys but 8/10 century Scandinavian is much cooler!

[@Murky_Heron]

The hat is charmingly whacky 😆

[@roxannlegg750]

:-} Haaa ROTFLMHO - you made my day - your thin, amazingly pretty and you normally do retro - I love the robyn hood thing - but Im not into Dizney either....haaa...fun dress to wear!

[@stoker1931jane]

Ohhh you cracked me up with all the ??? popping up, while you had a brainfog (don't we just hate brainfogs?!😣🤐). And then added you researched historic dates on the setting of 'Robin Hood'. As always a completist - even it takes every remaining once of energy. Bravo👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 you!!!

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! I had a real almost 'content loading' moment there. I could feel the words coming but they wouldn't arrive soon enough! And yes, I'm very glad I finished this project! Worth the energy in the end.

[@allclairesbears]

"Every town has it's ups and downs. Sometimes ups, outnumber the downs, but not in Nottingham. No, not in Nottingham."

[@fannyduvillage]

A lovely dress and hat ... and good that you could save the Bernina!

[@RetroClaude]

All credit goes to the glorious Steve, the sewing machine mechanic. Thank you Steve!

[@zelphiaellerson6283]

So glad you pushed through to finish!!! And... could you tell us about your pattern weights?

[@RetroClaude]

Sure! I bought mine from a local craft shop but the style is pretty common on a certain e-commerce platform that I try not to promote.

[@zelphiaellerson6283]

@@RetroClaude Thanks! That means there's probably a DIY tutorial somewhere! Oh, the possibilities...

[@emmalemon26]

I bought a clearance plate for my machine to get over chunky bits of sewing after watching your last video so thank you so much for that! ☺️ Now wondering what the pen you're using on the fabric is called because I hate the feel of touching chalk 😆 Lovely video as always (the outfit is adorable!) ❤️ I love the Heathers look in the intro! Such a good film

[@RetroClaude]

I'm not sure if there is a brand name for this type of chalk pencil but here's a link to where I got mine from, no affiliate link or sponsorship, and this is an industry suppliers so I'm not sure if you'll be able to order where you are in the world. But hopefully you'll get enough details to start a search www.morplan.com/gb_en/43403

[@emmalemon26]

@@RetroClaude thank you! I couldn't think how to describe it to search online so that really helped 👍🏻 I was able to find something similar on Amazon just now ☺️

[@stoker1931jane]

You look so fetching in your Robin Hood outfit. The Woods can & will wait✌🏻. And your Backgarden looks really lovely already - probably because of all that 🇬🇧🌧️. (But you aren't alone...🇳🇱 , and most of Northern 🇪🇺, and has been having weeks of cold, windy & 🌧️ weather as well✌🏻.) 'I look like a panto, Peter Pan'...Oh NOooo you don't!!😅 Plus not every one had a perm in the 70s. Think of Debbie Harry aka Bondie and those extreme smooth & big disco bob-haircuts.

[@RetroClaude]

It finally today was sunny! One day soon I'll take Robin Hood out to the woods

[@rebeccaturner8340]

How interesting! Are you acquainted with Dothalion? He posted a version 2 hours ago! I imagine all historical sewists know each other, but I know that can't be true 🤷‍♀️ I really enjoy your videos

[@ceruleanskies001]

Saw that, too! There were a few Briar roses and now two Robin Hoods back to back. Fun!

[@RetroClaude]

Yes I am acquainted with Dothalion! But we didn't realise we were both doing a Robin Hood costume, or that we were posting on the same day! We've taken very different approaches though and I love to see how different people interpret the same character.

[@rebeccaturner8340]

@@RetroClaude I thought it was fun to see two versions in one day. It's fun how many fairy tale costumes are popping up! I wondered if it was a coincidence or a collab but each of you had great versions. I agree they are very different

[@ThistlenStitches]

It is indeed always the easy ones that have the most issues 🥴 but very interesting to see how you work through some of those issues.

[@subliminalphish]

The only thing wrong with the hair is the length but we wore short hair in the 1970's. First half not layered , second half had more layers in our hair but not everyone did layers. Fyi we all had our own way of wearing our hair. Be free and fly little bird. And you would have been referred to as a "bird" in 1960-70's England. Am I right? I'm American btw.

[@RetroClaude]

I would have been referred to as a bird yes although I wouldn't have been very happy about it! It may sound cute but it's considered sexist these days. Some things are best left in the past for sure!

[@Michael-if6my]

I love this so much! Was this why you did the duct tape mold experiment? Also love how it starts out as a simple project but then you're too damn good so you end up making something that takes much more time but is cool as all hell.

[@RetroClaude]

This was the beginning of the duct tape mold disaster 🙈 I did manage to get something successful in the end and have since successfully used my duct tape dress form, but there was expansion foam stuck to everything! Never again 😂

[@Michael-if6my]

@@RetroClaude I remember the foam melting through! That was crazy lol. I'm happy you got something that worked in the end cause the dress is fantastic and I love how it looks on you.

[@TheSarahLindy]

Ooo-de-lally!🏹

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

💚

[@TealCheetah]

"Quick and Easy" projects often are anything but! Regarding a dummy, I suggest paper tape instead of duct tape.

[@dacrayzblaze1]

You better than me cuz I never change my serger threads

[@EnnameMori]

Given all that, I love this hair and hat (not as a 30s hat) combo going on :)

[@stevezytveld6585]

Have you thought of approaching Bootstrap Dress Forms for a sponsorship. I would think you'd be their perfect ambassador. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown

[@RetroClaude]

I haven't thought about it! I'm not sure a bootstrap form would help me because I'm so asymmetrical but I'm flattered you think I could be an ambassador ☺️

[@stevezytveld6585]

@@RetroClaude It's just like a dress pattern, right? Once you have the "you" as an average measurement you can adjust down to where your curves actually are. I wonder if a plaster bandage mold would be useful for the back...

[@stevezytveld6585]

@@RetroClaude {pssst... you never know if you don't ask... you've got an audience... they're a small on-line company... CoCo Vid is coming up...}

[@RetroClaude]

@@stevezytveld6585 finding where the curves are in the first place is what is currently so challenging! I shall keep experimenting ☺️

[@stevezytveld6585]

@@RetroClaude I think the duct-tape model is a good first step. My suggestion would be to use wood chips or shredded paper that's used as animal bedding. I think it will behave more like a ham and less like a pillow?

[@aprildriesslein5034]

Fun fact: the name for a Robin Hood hat is a bycocket, and, bycocket, I'll never call it anything else! 😄

[@rachelboersma-plug9482]

I find your honest record of problems and frustration very helpful and reassuring, although I always feel distressed on your behalf. I do like the dress as an item of clothing, and I thinks it looks good on you, but I know from experience that looking fine =/= feeling comfortable. If it's the visual rather than physical aspect of the fit being off that bothers you, you could try wearing a cardi over this.

[@RetroClaude]

A brilliant suggestions! My hope is that by the time winter roles around and it's cold enough to wear I shall have forgotten all about what bothered me about the fit ☺️

[@LindaUrsin]

I grew up in the 70's. Lots of people had straight hair where I lived :) In fact, there was more straight hair than perms

[@RetroClaude]

Oh fascinating! I guess there's always more than one style other than the stereotype we think of 😊

[@LindaUrsin]

@@RetroClaude I shouøld probably mention that I grew up in Sweden :)

[@RetroClaude]

@@LindaUrsin ahhh the ABBA influence perhaps?

[@LindaUrsin]

@@RetroClaude Hard to say :) One of the girls in ABBA had straight hair, one curly

[@chazhoosier2478]

My favorite Disney movie as a child. Why won't the earth spin around faster so I can see this?

[@RetroClaude]

My favourite too! Soon my friend ☺️

[@hazeluzzell]

Are you one of we folk who have to ‘count spoons?’ The costume worked beautifully in my opinion. (Maybe ‘cut yourself some slack?’….sorry!)

[@RetroClaude]

Yes I am a counter of spoons! ME/CFS by diagnosis and notoriously hard on myself 😂

[@hazeluzzell]

Lots of love, and take care!

[@TheFalconoflight]

[@susuburleson878]

Your bust darts are too long. That’s why they look pointy.