College sewing projects: what they taught me

[@sewhappy6382]

This is a very poor reflection on the lack of teaching you received. I think in light of it, you did amazingly well and should be very proud of yourself. You definitely had tenacity. I love the way you dreamed up your collections and how you were inspired, I love the colours. I don’t wonder you were put off sewing for a long time but it’s so good to see your enthusiasm returned and you are such a lovely sewer today. Well done you.

[@SewSewLounge]

Aww thank you for your kind words. Going back to the beginning made me realize how much a struggled and how I came up with unusual solutions to fix problems. I know better now, but they all made sense at the time.

[@Acapulc941]

As you know, I never overcame or triumphed over darts. But first, I must say that Minky is 100% adorable. I am bowled over knowing that your grandmother (happy 99th birthday) rushed 3 hours from Houston to Austin to render sewing aid. No wonder she is so beloved. Have a great week. Leigh

[@SewSewLounge]

Aww thank you! I was 20 at the time so Grandma would have been 70 and totally up for a drive to come to my rescue.

[@raemckay]

I've only just discovered your channel and I've worked my way through a couple of your playlists and I have to say: it seems like you've become the instructor that college Toni really needed. May we all look back on our learning journeys with kindness and grace for our younger selves, as you have done here.

[@SewSewLounge]

Aww thank you. That's very kind of you to say. The whole point of this channel is to help people not make the same mistakes that I made because they just don't know what else to do.

[@Jeanne-ny2cp]

I taught myself to sew so I understand ,but I have created some unusual clothing items that give me joy.

[@LibAlcock]

I am a beginner sewist. My strategy is to sew EASY pattern pants and tops based on what I usually wear. My goal is to sew the same basic patterns of top and stretchy wasteband pants out of different fabrics until I master those, then move on. My first garments have been challenging for sure. There’s one ill-fitting skirt that I wear, (I love the fabric) the other garments are in a bag in the back of my closet. I intend to revisit those and rip out seams to fix later. I’ve been watching tons of sewing tutorials on KZbin. I’ve joined a couple of FB sewing groups, which are very supportive of my efforts. I have 3 projects (I love the fabric). I refuse to buy myself any off the rack tops or pants until I tackle those 3 projects. Recently found your channel. I appreciate your encouragement videos ❤❤❤ keeping on, sewing on ❤❤❤ thankyou from 🇨🇦

[@SewSewLounge]

Aww thank you for sharing your sewing journey! Even though I’ve been sewing off and on for many years I still choose easy patterns over complicated. I find they sew up faster and then I feel like I’ve accomplished something ❤️

[@angelikalinden9688]

Today I cut my leight weight jersey fabric and went straight to the sewing machine to close the top and side seams. Setting a very long stich length as I just wanted to see how it fits... Ha... I did not check which needle was in the machine and did not iron on a facing. A desaster. The needle was not for jersey and very thick 100! The machine ate the fabric and after unplugging the stiches I had holes in my fabric.😢 After ironing the facing over it and choosing the right needle everything worked.😊 I just have to remember to put a little sticker on the machine every time I change the needle that tells me what it is. Thank you for sharing.

[@SewSewLounge]

Oh no!! I hope that you can save your make! I’m getting better with remembering to change the needle before starting to sew, but inevitably I’ll forget my machine is on a basting stitch and sew for a while before realizing I need to change it!

[@Juststudiothings]

This video was a big eye opener for me ,thanks for sharing. It’s nice to know I wasn’t the only one who had this type of experience but I will say that we had much better instruction than you did. I also went to fashion college and finished in 2014- I knew nothing going in and learned a lot but felt like I was so messy and incapable of actually making the kinds of clothes I loved and wanted. I also mostly made Bs with a few As and a C or two. It took me like 7 years to start sewing again even though I worked in the industry in a different capacity for years. I picked up sewing again via domestic patterns and drafted a bunch of stuff last year. It’s only now that I’m feeling a lot more comfortable with designing and making clothes and having left the industry, I feel a lot less pressure to be perfect. I’m actually enjoying making clothes for myself! Looking forward to watching more of your channel!

[@SewSewLounge]

I’m glad to know it helped you. I know the feeling about being overwhelmed when you start with zero sewing knowledge. Other women in my program had been sewing since they were girls and I was still trying to figure out how to thread a sewing machine 🤣

[@Juststudiothings]

​@@SewSewLounge Exactly that! I was lucky enough to be friends with a few of them and it was very humbling 😂

[@SewSewLounge]

@@Juststudiothings as mentioned in my video Stephanie saved me from disaster!!

[@AnnSchuster-u9m]

I had so much fun watching this video and the mistakes. Golly, I sure remember making the same mistakes. And I was very fortunate to have a home-ec teacher for a Mom. Ann

[@SewSewLounge]

That is fortunate! My mom hated home ec 🤣

[@mabelmorton4281]

I love your outfits and would go back and correct them. Your college should have taught the basics before they did draping etc. But I love your outfits!

[@SewSewLounge]

Aww thank you. They won’t fit so I don’t think I will change them. Plus they are a good reminder of how far I’ve come.

[@julianachandler2975]

I rip things all the time 😅. You did amazingly well given how poor your teachers were. Imagine, grading someone on something that you never taught them how to do!! I’ve had a similar experience in some art courses. The fact that you had to take private lessons, says everything. I agree, don’t work when you’re tired or in a rush.

[@SewSewLounge]

Thank you ❤️ Looking back now, it’s remarkable that I was able to make anything at all with the lack of specific sewing instruction in school.

[@leaward7082]

0⁰a😊

[@martbright]

This really made me smile-it’s all so relatable! I am very impatient, so I usually just want to finish a project and at at some point I’ll just say f-- it, I am doing X (whatever crappy thing I need to do to be done). I will say that a couple years ago I bought three yards of Tana lawn and made a dress without making a muslin first and it was a mess. In a fit of pique I tossed it in the attic and slammed the door. But two years later and with more knowledge under my belt, I retrieved it and i resuscitated it and it’s now one of my favorite dresses. Sometimes you just need to set stuff aside. In any case, I love your eye for color and that you were willing to try all these things without really having the instruction. That’s brave and that’s how you learn. Thanks for sharing!

[@SewSewLounge]

Aww thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed my video. And I’m glad to hear that you saved your Tana lawn dress ❤️

[@elizabethwalters8790]

Thanks so much Sew Sew Lounge… So encouraging and motivating… 👍☺️💕

[@SewSewLounge]

Aww you are very welcome ❤️

[@marilynhardman5239]

Yes we all make mistakes, and we learn from them. However I can’t imagine going to Sewing College and not learning how to fit garments and sew different techniques, do you feel you wasted your money? I love the designs you had in mind and thank goodness for your Grandmother helping. 😊💐

[@SewSewLounge]

It wasn’t sewing college, it was The University of Texas at Austin, which is world renowned for their academics, just not the department of textiles and apparel 🤣. I had a stellar education in all other areas that weren’t my major. From what I’ve seen the department has been overhauled and it’s competitive program now. My friend’s son is attending and it’s nothing like it used to be in the 90s. Thank goodness for Grandma!!

[@kathyandthedogs626]

Great message!!!! I’ve ripped out so much stuff!!!!

[@SewSewLounge]

Aww thank you ❤️

[@Upcycledbaglady]

Thanks for sharing Toni.

[@ColdBeforeNow]

I had problems making my first (knit) shirt. I did a practice run at attaching a thin, synthetic rib knit neckband to a cotton jersey shirt with scrap fabric from the materials I would be using. Seemed to work just fine. But when I tried to sew with the actual garment pieces, the rib knit neckline stretched way more than with the practice piece, and there were several skipped stitches. I tried tissue paper to prevent stretching & adjusted the tension on my machine, but I just couldn't get that rib knit to cooperate. After a few attempts, I switched out the thin, stretchy, synthetic rib knit neckband with a slightly thicker, less stretchy cotton rib knit, and my neckband went in with only minor, easily fixable issues.

[@SewSewLounge]

That’s a good solution! I’ve used knit interfacing on the band and along the neckline to prevent stretching.

[@MaryCunningham-u5j]

I learned to sew at a Singer sewing store as a young teenager - I ripped out my project so many times it's a wonder there was any fabric left to work with where the zipper went in! Funny to me that lining something was easier for you than a seam finish, because it's the complete opposite for me - the few times I've tried to line something I've had mixed success, especially with bagging at the inside of the hem - I have to try it again!!! Fun walking down your memory lane with you! I have my first project, a handsewn backless halter dress that was kind of like an apron dress (and it was in a kind of tablecloth fabric, too!) - can't believe my parents let me wear it outside the house!

[@SewSewLounge]

The funny thing is that I forgot that I lined everything until I I made this video!! I think it’s just became my default solution to the facing problem and the even when I made facings I still used lining. I have never lined anything again 🤣

[@hudsonfrank1121]

If you don't have much money discounted fabric is your savior. This will let you get the experience you need and you do not feel obligated to keep the project when done.

[@SewSewLounge]

I like getting a good deal on fabric. If it’s on sale it’s easier to justify buying it 😉

[@janicek6399]

My mom taught me that ripping out mistakes was a part of the quest of perfection 😄. She REALLY wanted perfection, and looked up "how to" just about everything. She was a college librarian 😅

[@SewSewLounge]

That’s awesome. Ripping is totally part of the process and aspiration to perfection. I can’t say that I’m there yet 🤣

[@patriciac4562]

Thanks for this! I was just wondering today if seam rippers can get dull! The first video of yours I watched was when you made Simplicity 8133. I was starting to sew again after 30 years and that waist band was doing me in. I started over with new fabric and your vid and success! My latest challenge is a straight skirt and pleated top, hence the seam ripper question. Thankfully I have two!

[@SewSewLounge]

Yes they do get dull!! I used the same one for years and then realized it just wasn’t working anymore. Getting a new one was life changing!!

[@patriciasampson9317]

Your grandma was right, by the second 'I muddled my way through this garment' while being in a course, I assume, to learn how to sew garments, I'm confused what the class was besides a place to hand out assignments and be told you're doing it wrong.

[@SewSewLounge]

Totally right! I learned more of what NOT to do through trial and error. There was hardly any instruction on how to do it right for success. It’s like my professors enjoyed watching us struggle!

[@tiarakoo2197]

😂I’m on my third session of ripping apart a Japanese Knot bag! It’s a reversible bag and trying to get the four layers of fabric coordinated so it shows correctly is driving me nuts. Plus, there’s no written instructions to go with - just a video so I’m having to write all my mistakes down so I don’t repeat them again!

[@SewSewLounge]

Wow, that’s sounds like quite a feat. More power to you!!

[@joylittle3917]

I have been tempted to line everything due to imperfect seam finishes. However, I do not know how to line garments lol. Do you have a tutorial on lining Jackets and/or coats? If not, would you consider making one? Thanks! I love your channel and notice that you are picking up on followers---Yay!

[@SewSewLounge]

I need to learn how to put in linings the right way! But yes I will be making a lined jacket and skirt with seersucker fabric that I bought last summer. Thank you for your support ☺️

[@davederrick9431]

Is the drive from Austin to Huston 2 hours? Gramdma must really ❤❤❤❤you😊

[@SewSewLounge]

At the time is closer to 3 hours because the speed limits were lower. I was having a sewing crisis and Grandma saved me ❤️

[@onlyyours725]

Bust darts! I can not seem to make them 1 fit me appropriately, or 2 where they look nice. I keep telling myself it's because I am oddly shaped, but isn't that why most home sewists began to sew? I hope one day I figure it out because I'm ready to stop sewing tents to "make it fit.

[@SeleneSalvatore]

You need find apex point on your flat pattern and check it is on the same place on you if not you need move the dart up or down. Most comercial patterns also not accommodate bigger bust size and some time it is easier to draft your own basic blok than strugle with comercial pattern that mostly need a lot of adjustment to work for your body type.

[@SewSewLounge]

I agree with @SeleneSalvatore the problem is likely that the bust point on commercial patterns is in the wrong place for you. You might want to check out some indie patterns that are more accommodating of a variety of bust sizes. Grainline studio has patterns in different standard cup sizes (A-D) and Charm patterns by Gertie has an even larger range. ❤️

[@rebeccachulski3797]

Finally finished a jeans skirt with a multi piece fly zipper. As long as I've been sewing zippers for some reason that kicked my butt. I bet I took that in and out at least 3 times. Finally got it done and that's when I found a youtube video on how to easily insert a multi piece fly zipper. Go figure.

[@SewSewLounge]

I have yet to sew that kind of zipper! Bravo to you for getting it done!!

[@hudsonfrank1121]

I wish it was still a requirement to teach sewing in home ec. I feel left out having to learn it all by my self. KZbin has offered many teaching lessons over the years. In the 90's youtube was still young and didn't have these vids left and right. I feel left out not knowing how to sew my own cloths until my late 30's. My mom was a master seamstress but hated it so much and belittled me each time I tried to sew my own garments. After I moved into my own place for the third time i finally dived deep into sewing. It's cheaper and you can make cloths that actually fit. I have a hard time finding clothing that fits now because of how chunky society is getting. Or because everyone is buying more online there is less in the stores than there use to be and they often just never have my size in the stores. Or the designers have an odd idea of what should fit for people my weight/build and they can never get it right so shirts are often too baggy.

[@SewSewLounge]

I’m sad to hear you had such a hard time getting started sewing. My mom hated sewing and her sewing machine and that’s why I never learned. Plus I wasn’t allowed to take home ec; I had to take computer programing 🙄 I prefer making my own clothes and choosing my own fabric to create something unique. You’re right, clothes are expensive and poorly made these days. I’d much rather spend the money and time to make it myself and love the finished result. If you ever have any questions shoot me an email. I’m happy to answer questions if I can 😉

[@karriesteel6191]

In my HS sewing class my teacher didn't help me because I had been sewing most my life..... But that didn't mean I knew how to do things. I made a lined jacket that had exposed raw edges which she was going to fail me on = so my solution was encased seams. I guess sometimes we learn best on our own but as another viewer stated it doesn't say much about the "teachers".

[@SewSewLounge]

Very true about “teachers”! It’s sounds like you came up with a good solution all on your own ❤️

[@JaneMcNally-c9k]

Hi kitty!

[@SewSewLounge]

That’s Minky. She’s the newest addition to the family 😸

[@theprofessionaldesignertpd]

What fashion school did you attend?

[@SewSewLounge]

Part of the problem was that it wasn’t a fashion school, it was The University of Texas at Austin. Then to make matters worse, it was in the college of Natural Sciences where it didn’t belong at all.