Confessions of a Sewist - The Saga of the Leopard Print Culottes!

So, we all make mistakes sometimes! In today's video I'm sharing all the disasters that happened while trying to make some leopard print culottes.
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LINKS:
Fabric
Leopard print fabric was from www.sewmesunshine.co.uk but now out of stock
Rust Ramie/Linen (used to make my top): www.textileexpressfabrics.co....
Patterns mentioned
Winslow Culottes by Helens Closet: helensclosetpatterns.com/prod...
Butterick B6178: amzn.to/2LCcJqI *aff. link
Camille Jumpsuit by Sew Over it: sewoverit.co.uk/product/my-ca...
Vlogs mentioned
Boxy Top Sewalong (the top I'm wearing in this video): • Sew With Me - A Boxy Top
Recent Makes Vlog (detailing the Camille Jumpsuit I showed footage of): • My Recent Makes - Feb-...
Jewellery I'm wearing
Necklace: sewdainty.co.uk/product/gold-...
Ring: From Spain, no link sorry
Earrings: From uk.accessorize.com - long out of stock
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If you enjoyed this video and feel like you'd like to give back, I have started a Ko-Fi page where you can buy me a 'coffee' to say thanks!
ko-fi.com/threadquarters
Thank you so much for your support, it means so much! xxx
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Some of the sewing tools I use on a regular basis:
My sewing machine:
My Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0: amzn.to/2vrtsc7
Wrist pin cushion: amzn.to/2JXV5zh
Overlocker/Serger (newer model): amzn.to/2W9MICf
Shears/Scissors: amzn.to/2EO86a2
Seam Gauge: amzn.to/2JRIX2m
Needles: amzn.to/2pDTXIt
Glass headed pins: amzn.to/2W4wNFe
Iron: amzn.to/2qtb8wi
Sleeve Press: amzn.to/36Ijb9a
Please also check out my Amazon Store for recommendations on my favourite sewing tools, books and accessories:
www.amazon.co.uk/shop/threadq...
I've curated the perfect beginners sewing kit and also some suggestions for tools to take your sewing up a notch.
These are affiliate links - thank you for supporting my KZbin channel xxx
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My measurements:
Bust: 39"
Waist: 32"
Hip: 41"
Height: 5'6''
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Thank you so much for watching.
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FIND ME HERE:
INSTAGRAM: / threadquart. .
WEBSITE: www.threadquarters.co.uk
FACEBOOK: / threadquarte. .

[@christinemartin9449]

We all have times like this, but we still carry on sewing! I wonder what a phsycologist would say about that! They turned out beautiful. Thanks for doing these videos.

[@cathie1022]

Oh no Susie! What a saga. I found it very entertaining and some of what you said had me nodding along - “my husband is always talking to me” yup, I feel you. I got up early today so have some “me time”. And putting breaking your overlocker before a needle in the eye, priorities! Hospitals are open, sewing machine repairers aren’t! I love the culottes, that colour is fab on you.

[@Threadquarters]

Lol I knew I wouldn't be the only one getting just a 'little' bit fed up! Oh and yes, absolutely -far more serious if my machine had have been broken! Thanks, I'm so glad I stuck with it, even though I really was getting rather fed up of them, they turned out v nice in the end.

[@carineckes1290]

They turned out amazing! It's good to know I'm not the only one that has sewing drama.

[@Threadquarters]

Lol, we all do sometimes! Thanks x

[@helenf8117]

Love the cullotes and yes, we all make mistakes and thank you for sharing. I was making a pair of dungarees for my grandson and carefully cut the pocket out with perfect pattern matching. Lifted up my carefully matched pocket to find I had cut through both the front and back of the dungarees so both pieces had beautiful pocket shaped holes in them! Learned my lesson - never cut out when tired. And as for husbands - I've told mine he is going to be put up for adoption if anyone will have him 😂😂😂 Take care and enjoy the time with your family and when you feel like vlogging - we'll all still be here to enjoy your company x

[@Threadquarters]

LOL oh my goodness!!!!! I can imagine how you felt when you discovered you'd cut through both pieces!

[@sarahodonnell6957]

Bless you. I love them. I haven’t sewn a single item just on survival mode with a house full. We are safe and happy so it’s all good. Take care. ❤️🙌🏻💚

[@Threadquarters]

Yes, survival mode is definitely a good way of putting it! Hope things get back to normal soon, but it doesn't seem that way :(. Take care too xxx

[@EileenR11]

It's nice to see you again. It is good to share things tha tdon't go so well sometimes - it makes all of us feel better, and able to acknowledge that sometimes things don't go to plan. I had a difficult make this weekend. If I started listing all the problems with this simple top this would be a very long comment indeed - but I have decided just to treat it as a toile and a learning point and move on. Sigh. It's great that you managed to do such a good rescue job.

[@maureencullen1008]

It's great hearing not only the problems but how you solved it. I'd love how to hear about how to make the pockets the sew over it ways. Chats are great at any time but especially now.Lovely to see you back x

[@Threadquarters]

Aw thanks Maureen, I think I really needed to chat too! lol! OK fab, I'll see if i can get a video about the pocket construction up soon. xx

[@maryjohnson6886]

Glad you didn't give up on it! I think they look GREAT and the color looks so good on you!

[@Threadquarters]

Thank you! I'm really pleased I stuck with it and I'm so happy with how they eventually turned out!

[@LizzieB]

I loved hearing the saga of the leopard print culottes and so glad that it had a happy ending!! I certainly make mistakes when I’m sewing too 👍🏻

[@Threadquarters]

We all do, don't we? And that's ok. I think its good to talk about it too. I'm so glad I was able to salvage them because I love the fabric so much!!! x

[@dianneross2801]

Lovely to see you again. Yes, it does make you feel better when other people admit to making mistakes. I do get really cross with myself especially when it’s a silly mistake made because I wasn’t thinking about what I was doing. 😊

[@Threadquarters]

Lol yes, I just couldn't believe it every time I made....another mistake!!! I had to walk away many times to cool off! lol!

[@jorjaprice2190]

Nice to see you again Susie, I think that your perseverance paid off. I like them. Take care and keep smiling!

[@Threadquarters]

Thanks Jorja, it's lovely to be back chatting to you and everyone again :) xx

[@Hide_and_silk]

Wow...super impressed with your perseverance!! I think we've all been there! They turned out beautiful. Xx

[@barbaracartwright2737]

Hilarious!! you really made me laugh! Your facial expressions 😀 but we all have them , when NOTHING goes right ,and you tell yourself your clearly no good ,etc etc BUT , what a star! You salvaged the disaster, and the culottes look really nice on you and ,like you said NO ONE would know! Where them with pride!!! Thanks for sharing xxx

[@Threadquarters]

Lol glad you enjoyed the vlog. And thank you, I'm really happy I was able to save my lovely fabric!

[@No_raw_edges]

Well done for persevering! They look great on you. 😍

[@Threadquarters]

Thank you! 😊

[@robinduggins2561]

For all your struggles they turned out well. I find a busy print can hide many issues with sewing.

[@Threadquarters]

Thanks! I was really relieved to be able to end up with something I'm happy with because I love the fabric so much! Ha, you are very true about a busy print. You have to be a LOT more careful and precise with a plain fabric don't you?!

[@robinduggins2561]

@@Threadquarters Yes, I'm learning to have a bit of fun with prints. My usual style is quite boring with lots of neutrals and solids, but adding fun colors and prints is growing on me because they are much more forgiving.

[@clothandthemachine9734]

Oh we all go through those periods 🤣😆😣 They look fantastic. Love your style. You always look so put together 🥰 My kids went back to school today (Australia) so I am having a blast just talking to myself! 😁 Gabrielle xx

[@Treasuredexpressions7701]

I enjoyed hearing the saga of teh culottes, not because of the struggle but because I can totally relate. I had a recent sewing fail and it was with a piece of fabric I really, really liked. I wasn't going to share my fail but my sone convienced me that maybe it would encourage someone else. At least you had a great save and it turned out good and it really looks nice on you. Great job! Thanks for sharing!

[@vholdwic]

What a saga...I appreciate this kind of vlog. I put one of the sleeves on the scout tee wrong side out. And I thought I was paying attention...so nice to see you! x

[@Threadquarters]

Argh, on no! So easily done though isn't it?! xxx

[@gailhenderson3294]

My husband is always talking to me too. Say no more 😂

[@Threadquarters]

lol I knew there would be people who understood!

[@gailhenderson3294]

Threadquarters 😂🙉🙉🙉

[@loriar1027]

😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@brooke_reiverrose2949]

saaaaaaame

[@beckyunderwood4220]

I am glad they came out in the end! Very cute 😀

[@Threadquarters]

Thank you! 😊 Me too! xx

[@ppuyle1]

Way to persevere! They look great!

[@Threadquarters]

Thanks, I'm glad I stuck at it!

[@mnoeliarc]

It sounds like you could have walked away from your trousers and no one would have blamed you. What an ordeal! I’m glad they worked out in the end. They’re very lovely trousers 😊 I make lots of mistakes but I thought it was just me 😬

[@Threadquarters]

Lol, I don't know how I kept coming back to them! I just loved that fabric so much I guess. Oh gosh, yes we all make mistakes!!! xxx

[@lizmitchell1862]

So glad you are back. Was thinking lock down was getting to you. I’m also in NI - fed up with it too. But sewing and knitting has kept me sane. I’ve made loads of clothes for my imaginary holidays

[@Threadquarters]

Yeah, it really has been getting to me! My husband has been suggesting all these things I could be getting done now and I have to remind him that I actually have a LOT less free time than before the lockdown. My 4 yr old really is a full time job, there is very little time for vlogging or sewing. But that's OK, we are actually v lucky compared to many others. Lol, you will be looking gorgeous whenever we are finally allowed to venture outside our houses!

[@emmahood3665]

These look great! So glad it's not just me that this happens to! Happy sewing😄

[@Threadquarters]

Lol, we all make mistakes! Thanks, I'm so pleased, and relieved, with how they eventually turned out!

[@marydoody5008]

They look great. Enjoy wearing them and smile every time. Triumph though adversity!! I’ve lost my sewing mo jo at the moment foolish thought my machine would keep me sane in this crazy time. Still searching 👍

[@Threadquarters]

Thanks Mary! Oh I hope you get your sewjo back, but I know how you feel xxx

[@ladysusan8134]

Lovely to meet you, what a terrific make I am off to buy the pattern now! Hugs from OZ

[@Threadquarters]

Oh thanks! It's a great pattern (even when you make mistakes lol).

[@louiselill1528]

Lovely to see you again . I have had similar problems with trousers its a pain when things go wrong .i love the culottes

[@Threadquarters]

Oh dear, yes, we all make mistakes don’t we?! But it’s always a lesson! Thanks 😊

[@foxeymoore]

Thoroughly enjoyed this chatty video and you made me smile .I was making a Penny dress by Sew Over It this afternoon and thought I would French seam it of course I got into a mess.I found the viscose twill fabric very hard to handle with so much bounce in it. I have sorted the bodice now but hemming the huge circle skirt is going to be a nightmare.Why do we put ourselves through it? Thank you for sharing your ups and downs ,it helps to know we can all make mistakes and a sense of humour is vital.Your finished outfit looks terrific.xx

[@Threadquarters]

So glad you enjoyed the video Eileen. Oh no! That circle skirt certainly sounds like its going to be tricky - sending you lots of positive vibes that it goes ok! xx

[@ingridmohr9824]

The first of your videos I watched and I thoroughly enjoyed it. You made my day!😉

[@Threadquarters]

I'm so glad! Welcome to the channel! xx

[@jacquiehonnor4989]

I did enjoy your story. Sorry you had such a hard time making them ,they look amazing on you. Love the colour and fabric. 🥰😉

[@Threadquarters]

Ahh thanks! And I'm glad you enjoyed the story :) xxxx

[@baxter3877]

Brilliant recovery! Your pants look fantastic and I love the fabric choice.

[@Threadquarters]

Thanks so much!

[@edinacole6382]

Hugs! Thanks for sharing. I don’t feel so alone now

[@Threadquarters]

xxx

[@kimhandy1861]

Yes... lockdown has been tough but you've made excellent use of the time. Your culotts turned out beautiful! Well done! I love that fabric. Keep sewing. Love your videos.

[@Threadquarters]

Thank you so much! xxx

[@shellyscott8275]

Loved, loved, loved this video 🤗 It’s so refreshing to hear about other people’s sewing nightmares, and to be reminded that everyone has those “What on earth’s got into me ?” episodes 😧🤨 Anyway, the finished culottes are looking good and go well with the top you’re wearing. I think the colour suits you too. For me, I’d love you to do a video of the SOI pocket method you talked about. So far as lockdown goes, I’m with you all the way. The only time I put my face on is when I go out for the clap on a Thursday 😂, like you say it’s a “oh, there you are” moment 😃. We are living in surreal times. Thank you so much for sharing. Keep well and stay safe

[@fantasypaintco]

Love the coulotts stay well

[@Threadquarters]

Thanks. You too xxx

[@republicofdreams]

They are pretty cool!

[@Threadquarters]

Thanks!

[@patriciaferrito9245]

FYI, I don't trace either. I do mark the correct cutting line with a red marker so it stands out. Ithelps avoid mistakes. They do look nice on you!

[@Threadquarters]

Yes good idea, perhaps I should start doing that too!

[@loriar1027]

I can so relate to this! It seems that the first mistake rattles me and then I’m prone to making more blunders. I usually have to walk away for some time and come back later, but I have a hard time convincing myself to do that because I’m afraid I’ll lose my momentum. It’s a dilemma. Generally I’m a super slow sewer because I’d rather not make that first mistake. Excellent save!

[@Threadquarters]

Yes, the first mistake can really put you off can't it?! I definitely had to keep putting these aside. I made a couple of t-shirts in the middle of all this because I just needed a 'win'. It really helped actually as they turned out so nice and I got a bit of my 'sewjo' back which spurred me on to go back and finish the culottes! xx

[@jojackson2763]

Sorry to hear about your struggle with these culottes! They do actually look great! Just had my own with the Sew Over It Ultimate culottes. Discovered the crotch seam was over 3" too long by time ready to add waistband which resulted me in cutting off 1.5 inches at top lowering waist so then had to reduce waist size by making bigger seams at the top. Attached waistband still too long in crotch so stupidly increased seam at top of inside legs which actually lowers the crotch! So then as I had sewn the back at waist lower as I often do the front was too high, so took additional seam just under waistband and now have something wearable!! All because I didn't toile first! Couldn't be bothered there is the lesson for me. However to the unknowing nothing will look wrong as the bodge occurs around waist area which is always covered by a top I couldn't unpick waistband either as it's crepe fabric which will pull if you don't get the sewing thread cleanly! Nice to see you back and whilst not wishing you anything bad it's comforting to find I am not alone in my struggles at this weird time! Best wishes looking forward to next post!!! You have cheered up an aging sewist so many thanks for that. Right off to attempt another pair of culottes!!! 😂😂😂

[@michellemorton8230]

Good morning! I managed to wind two skeins of yarn while listening to you! I did grab a cup of tea and it felt like I was sitting and chatting with a friend, something we all haven’t been able to do for so long, so thank you! My go to culottes pattern is The Sewing Workshop ones that have a cool slit with button closure in the front. I’m not clever enough to put in a link but check them out when you have time. Take care, all the best to you and your family!🙂

[@Threadquarters]

Good Morning to you too! Ahh, I'm so glad I was able to keep you company. I think I needed the 'chat' too to be honest...my world is currently full of Star Wars, Super Heros and Karate! lol! I'll have to check out those culottes, thanks for the recommendation!

[@Threadquarters]

Ooo I'm just going to add - I've just looked the culottes up and they are lovely! What an unusual detail, I've never seen it before. And I haven't come across that pattern company, so thank you so much for introducing them to me!! xxx

[@michellemorton8230]

Threadquarters Yes, the days are full when you have little ones. At 21, 19, and 15, my kids are basically independent with their at home school/university work, but I am here to warn you that Star Wars gets replaced by epic, complicated, very involved 2 hour long board games sessions. Last night we played Betrayal Legacy but started at 10pm which is of course my age group’s prime time! My husband and I couldn’t understand most of what was going on, let alone read all the small print on the various cards that were part of the gameplay in the dim light of our living room! Pace yourself. 😉

[@Threadquarters]

@@michellemorton8230 lol!! Oh my goodness, that is a whole other level!!!

[@alexandrawellington8028]

I feel you sister!!!!!🤨🤨🤨 I have that butterick pattern xxx

[@sallystapleton4237]

Lovely to see you again... I have just made a dress for my baby Granddaughter haven’t seen her for 11 weeks, she’s just 7 months old and guess what ....it didn’t fit her, I don’t know why but her parents didn’t want to put her on a diet so that’s that as I decided to make a fully lined bodice. Take care xx

[@Threadquarters]

Aw no! I was just thinking about all the little babies at this time and all the grandparents unable to see them. My heart goes out to you. xxx

[@physioontheriver7325]

Hi Susie. I feel your pain! The culottes look lovely on your and I love the combination of the top and culottes. Ive been making up scrubs or my Physio colleagues in preparation for seeing occasional urgent patients face to face and needing uniform that can be easily washed and dried at work. My lovely neighbour offered to cut out the fabric for me but she is in her 80s and I think she got slightly confused and made an extra large top twinned with a large facing! Took me quite a while to get those to fit together! Diana

[@sewhappysarahr8912]

I am sorry you had so many disasters! I totally get it, I cannot even play the TV and sew at the same time. Your finished culottes look gorgeous! Helen's closet has some great hacks for that pattern on her blog, elastic back waist and slash pockets. I am making it now....I love the looks of that Butterick pattern so I will be in search of that one too...

[@Threadquarters]

Oh I am absolutely the same! I thought I could sew and listen to podcasts at the same time...nope, I cannot!!!! Ah well! Yes, Ive seen she has some fab hacks and I will definitely be making them....properly....at some point! lol!

[@annettejason2026]

Lovely to hear from u, all I have managed is a Japanese style apron ! The culottes and the top look great on you - fab colours, my favourites. Would be interested in the pocket video please x

[@Threadquarters]

Oh thank you! And thanks for letting me know you'd like a video on the pockets - seems like a popular request so I'll try and make it happen!

[@ilikeshineystuff1]

Love that fabric. Definitely give the Winslows anothergo. They are my favorite culottes pattern.

[@Threadquarters]

Oh I absolutely will, I love all the versions I've seen. The mistakes I made were nothing against the actual pattern.

[@lindasutton937]

Another beautiful make even though it was long in the construction it was worth the wait. Yes please a video on how you do your pockets would be appreciated.

[@Threadquarters]

Thank you, yes worth the effort, even if it was rather traumatic, lol! OK, I'll try and film a vlog on the pocket construction. :)

[@lindasutton937]

Thank you.

[@arlenepiggot3982]

Your pattern the Butterick is the one I like have made a few did not put the pockets in the pairs I made .On the wider leg one when I was overlooking them I caught the leg in and it got cut .the fabric was a very crazy pattern so was able to fix it .😎

[@ornelladay2041]

The magic of fabric 🧙‍♀️

[@Threadquarters]

Oh no! Nightmare...the overlocker can be kinda scary like that can't it?!! So glad you were able to fix it, yay!!! xxxx

[@Transformfabrics]

I broke 2 needles yesterday putting in a zip lol!!! Moved the needle position, put on zipper foot and off I went. Baby woke and switched off machine. Hour later sat down to machine again and started again...broke needle 🙄 FOR FLIP SAKE. Changed needle, told my partner what I did and started sewing again. I HADN'T MOVED THE FECKIN NEEDLE POSITION. Gave up as a bad job till the babies went to bed and managed to sew up a circle skirt 👌 tried it on and the waist is too small as I cut the wrong size overall 🥴 great toile for someone else lol

[@Threadquarters]

ARGH! Well, I certainly feel for you and can totally relate! We all do it, don't we?!

[@sallydingle321]

Hi Suzie, I definitely make mistakes and especially during this crazy time 😏. It's so easy to be distracted at the moment isn't it. You did so well in the end to save your fabric and your culottes look fabulous... great pattern 👌💕. I think many would have given up on them.... probably including me 😉😁. I adore your top too and funnily enough, I have just bought some linen in that same colour to make the top from the Pipit Loungewear Set by Common Stitch. I thought it looked like a lovely pattern and easy to wear. I can relate to the sewing over a needle with the overlocker .... I managed it in the first week that I owned mine and I did brake the knife 😭...it had to go away for repairs. I've haven't done it again....yet 😉. I love your chats and always look forward to your channel popping up so looking forward to seeing your fabric haul in your next vlog...take care Suzie 😁💟😘

[@Threadquarters]

Argh! Oh my goodness Sally, if I had don't that in the first week of getting my overlocker I think I would have been too scared to touch it again! lol!! Love the sound of your rust linen top. Where did you get the linen from....not that I need any more fabric, lol. And glad to be back chatting to you all again, and always so nice to get a lovely comment from you xxx

[@sallydingle321]

@@Threadquarters oh, bless you Suzie, I know...it was a bit scary but I persevered with it, and I wouldn't be without it now 👍😁. It's a tencel/linen Slub by Meet MILK and I got it from Lamazi fabrics and there is still five in stock in that colour. They do have different colours too 👍. Great yourself...it's gorgeous 👌💟😁😘

[@beccablonde4790]

Please could you do a sew over it pocket tutorial vlog?

[@sharnagraham]

Well I think your culottes look fab, a great make even if it was quite the journey. I have some clothing tags that say 'made with love and swear words' and I find them appropriate for many of my makes 🤦😂 Thank you for sharing your saga. ❤️

[@karenlowes7802]

Why oh WHY can't the pattern companies use a different colored line for each size? It's so difficult especially when you have poor eyes like mine! You did make me laugh though! Thanks so much!

[@Threadquarters]

It would be handy wouldn't it?! Glad you enjoyed the vlog x

[@CraftyLoops]

Hi Suzy! Your culottes look fabulous. I was wondering, have you had your sewing machine serviced anywhere local? I'm in Co Down too but a wee bit down the road from you. I've been trying to find someone who can service my sewing machine. I'm not having issues with it or anything and I'm hoping never to, lol. But I wanted to have information of someone should I need my machine serviced or fixed. I don't fancy having to send my machine across the pond, lol. Thanks Suzy. Lee xx

[@vintagegirl68]

Love the Culottes, sorry about your trouble. Love your shoes, where did you get them? They are perfect!

[@Threadquarters]

Oh thanks! They are Swedish Hasbeens!

[@ornelladay2041]

Susie, how tall are you? I've been pondering over making these for ages, ever since I got the freebie pattern with Love Sewing but I'm only 5' 2"

[@Threadquarters]

I'm 5'6" and they fit pretty perfectly out of the packet...as you saw I probably need to size down for a perfect fit on my true waist though.

[@Threadquarters]

Oh I'll add that I have a slightly short torso and longer legs, I'd say a lot of my height is in my legs.

[@magsohara7908]

😍

[@Threadquarters]

:)

[@milda0820]

💖

[@tracyfrost]

It’s extremely difficult to concentrate during this lockdown

[@Threadquarters]

So difficult, I'm so scatty at the moment!!

[@paulinewhite1896]

I like them they are cute sorry about the trouble it sounds just meeeeeee

[@Threadquarters]

thanks! x

[@ornelladay2041]

Hi, golden rule I use - when it starts to go wrong, step away, come back in a couple of days or more as required. Here's to our sewing mojo 🥂

[@Threadquarters]

Lol yes I definitely go by that rule too...which is why these took about 8 weeks to finish lol!!

[@shaidabegum.]

❤️👌👏👍