Five sewing patterns I've tried but won't be making again (and the reasons why...)

[@evasaker2476]

Hi Sally, this sort of video is really helpful for anyone getting swept away in the community of sewers on Instagram and KZbin. I’m much older than most of you and started sewing ”on my own” as a teenager and was mostly inspired by the current fashion in the shops and magazines. Not at all so much to be distracted of so it was in one way easier to find ones style. I love to follow along in todays community but it’s obvious that the latest indie patterns gets lots of attention and also fabric that is shown by the big accounts. That makes it difficult to be true to yourself I think and to find your own style. Your video is a really good reminder to perhaps think twice before you choose patterns and fabric. Thanks a lot for sharing! ❤️

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much I'm really pleased you found it helpful, it's very hard not to be distracted or persuaded for the wrong reasons isn't it. Thanks so much for watching x

[@vivienlee610]

I agree with you there. I've found myself having bought patterns that I'm probably not going to use, because of the advertising. Also when I examined them they're all pretty much the same! I think I'd rather do my own thing, with what suits me.

[@jacquistyles4276]

Really good to see a different way of assessing your sewing. Very helpful as it’s easy to get carried away with the latest patterns without thinking about how they will work for you and your lifestyle. Food for thought. Thank you for a different perspective 😊

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you I’m glad you enjoyed it as I did feel slightly nervous about making this video haha. I think it’s good to be honest about your journey though and I think I have a much better understanding of what I’ll like these days. Thank you for watching xx

[@littlesammyf7380]

What a brilliant video! I’ve come to a similar realisation with my hand made garments, my most worn makes like my Zadie jumpsuits are the things I want to wear, I’m not wearing skirts and dresses very much and donated most of the things like cleo pinafore dresses because it wasn’t my vibe anymore. It’s refreshing to hear other makers talk about this.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I think that's the thing isn't it. For me, every year my style changes and how I feel in different clothes changes too. It's important to know how you feel in different garments. I love the look of the Zadie Jumpsuit it's not one I've made yet. Thank you for watching x

[@susannedembowski1576]

This video has come exactly at the right time for me. I had began to realise that although I keep looking at all the lovely dresses people make, the two I have made I never actually wear. The reality is that I feel so much more 'me' and comfortable in my jeans/ trousers. So I have decided that I will concentrate on making myself tops and blouses rather than dresses. It's difficult because the dresses are so pretty, but you have got to feel comfortable with what you wear. Also I thought that if I like the look of a particular dress I will try and hack it into a shorter smock style dress/top to wear with my jeans. I also have found that the tops I always reach for are the most simple ones without puffy sleeves or frills. After your video I won't feel so guilty for not wearing those dresses!!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Well I’m so glad it helped 😊 It definitely a good thing to make what you love and wear. If you fancy making a dress but don’t think you’ll wear it you could always make for someone else I guess 😊 Thanks so much for watching xx

[@gotwalk]

Omg!! Please wear that gorgeous blouse with a long wrap skirt for a special holiday or cocktail party! The blouse you thought was too formal...for office wear!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Haha maybe one day ;) xx

[@marygreen7225]

Hello Sally, what an interesting video. All beautiful makes, but what you like and feel comfortable wearing is the most important fact. As you say it is all a learning experience. Thank you.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much for watching. Yes all part of the process ;) xx

[@marathorne6821]

What a fascinating video! Part of our sewing journey is about learning to sew, and part of it is about learning what we feel comfortable in as far as daily life is concerned, in other words, identifying our personal style. For that reason, no garment is ever actually a "failure" or a waste. I am sure everything you have donated is now adored by somebody else. And in the process you've learned what does and does not work for you. So that's a win in my book!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Yes I completely agree and had we not made those garments we wouldn't have learned those things!! Thank you so much for watching I'm glad you found it interesting xx

[@MsSavvy9]

I'm with you on the pleated skirt. I found a second hand wool pleated skirt in the most gorgeous colors and quality. It looks SO strange on me. I am very muscular and curvy, so it's like putting a sphere in a box. 🤷🏽‍♀️ I want to refashion it into something else because it really is gorgeous fabric.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I think it’s a style that will suit some and not others and that’s ok isn’t it. Definitely undo the skirt and make it into something else if you love it 😊 x

[@maureenmorris5341]

Thanks so much for this video which I found really reassuring. I have only recently begun dressmaking and while I have been fairly successful making tops and children's clothes I have not liked any of the three dresses I have made for myself. I tend to try out with cheaper fabrics so it's not a disaster if it fails - always with the intention of making it again in a more luxurious fabric ... but never do because I've lost my sewjo! It's good to know that even the most experienced sewers sometimes don't like their makes, so thank you for your honesty and encouragement xxx

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thank you, I'm glad to hear you found it helpful and encouraging. Thanks for watching xx

[@margiehogan3315]

I agree - it's all part of the learning journey. We all need this kind of reassurance at times. Thank you.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much for watching I'm glad you agree :) x

[@lilypowell4712]

Really enjoyed the video and your honesty . Especially when it’s popular patterns . Thank you

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you for watching I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊 xx

[@nickyslade7827]

I found this so useful, thank you! I've recently got back into garment making after many years of mainly sewing patchwork quilts and not only has my body shape changed with menopause, so the styles that suit me best have also changed, but I've recently realised that I have been choosing fabric in the bright colours and unusual patterns that I love for patchwork but that just don't work or suit me for clothes! I was very disheartened recently when I made a jersey dress that looked awful on me, even after I'd tried to alter it with the skirt from another pattern I had previously made, but I am trying to remind myself that at least I learned a lot from making it.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

That's really interesting to hear and I can relate in a way as I was a craft sewer before getting into dressmaking and I think I used to do the same! You really do learn something ever time and I think what makes that harder to realise is that it's clothing and somehow not wearing it seems wasteful but like with any craft, you need to experiment and not all of those experiments will turn out amazingly (unfortunately)! x

[@mel_issa__]

The Wilder gown.... I also rode the hype and made it within 24 hours of it's release. But when I put it on I felt frumpy, it looked like a sleeping gown and it just didn't fit into my style. I changed the sleeves, I made it shorter, I made it into a blouse and it did end up in my scraps pile.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah that's a shame but it's just one of those things isn't it. There was a lot of hype around that pattern and it does look amazing on some people but perhaps not for us haha. Thanks for watching xx

[@kathygann7632]

At least you tried!

[@madebykarenmarie]

I love the Wilder, but the neckline doesn’t suit me. However, I have made a couple of versions where I have exchanged the tie for elastic that I have just sewn in place in the neckline. That made all the difference for me.

[@susankidd9963]

Hi Sally I did enjoy this video and I understand exactly you always look lovely in your makes but being comfortable comes first. X

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much I'm glad you understood what I was trying to get across :) Thank you for watching xx

[@buzzi2k]

You could remake the Wilder dress into a new style? Then you would get to enjoy the beautiful fabric and keep the memories 🙂

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you for the suggestion! xx

[@theseamstressatthecottage]

I sometime find I have an Ideal style that would fit my ideal life and then there is reality and often the 2 do not work well together. So I now do lifestyle audits for myself before I make something.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

That sounds like a great idea I think it's a really sensible thing to do! thank you for watching xx

[@onegirlcreates]

I completely understand how you feel, I feel the same way about the wilder gown, I had reservations but ignored them, made two blouses but I never feel comfortable in them.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah that’s a shame but at least you know now 😉 it’s a lovely dress I guess it just doesn’t suit us all x

[@NotesfromtheSewingRoom]

Great to hear about what works and doesn’t work well in your wardrobe 😊 thanks for sharing x

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks Becky I’m glad you enjoyed it thanks for watching x

[@Kateskismet]

I really love this vlog Sally. Thank you as it really is easy to feel disheartened when a make doesn't quite feel the way you want. I like how you critiqued the patterns so fairly. They really are all lovely patterns and makes but we're all different and as you say it's about what you feel good in. Xx

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much for watching, I'm pleased you enjoyed it and found it helpful. I think it happens to us all doesn't it, it would be a bit odd if we loved absolutely everything we made I think x

[@zephyraK]

Thanks for the video. i had a similar thing with the Freya dress. The A-line doesn't really suit me well and on top of that I chose a brown color that appears to just not be my color. I totally agree with you that making some misfits is part of the journey. And some clothes I just want to make because of the process, not so much because I'll get a lot of wear out of them. But it is nice to find some patterns that are both a joy to sew and to wear of course.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Yes definitely and that’s interesting about the Freya! It’s all learning isn’t it. Thank you for watching xx

[@elainescotter9973]

A very insightful way of assessing your sewing. I too am learning not to be so easily swayed by the latest patterns but to assess whether they will suit my body shape and of course my lifestyle. I have a few ‘turkeys’ in my wardrobe that I will be gifting.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I'm glad you found it interesting :). Thank you for watching x

[@ingridlensink7249]

Great video and thanks for sharing. I've been sewing for many years and my body shape has changed over my life so what might have looked good in my twenties doesn't suit me now. It's easy to get carried away with the latest trendy pattern which may not suit your body type, been there done that!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much for watching I’m glad you found it useful 😊 x

[@anndunkerley6639]

Thank you for this great video. It’s so refreshing to see a sewist talk about the patterns that haven’t worked for them and why. It’s more helpful that just glowing reports. Your explanation about why some didn’t work for you, help me to know that some of them would work for me! Others, not so much. Please do more vlogs like this. I have now subscribed to your channel.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much I'm pleased to hear you found it helpful. If you have any suggestions for future vlogs like this you'd like to see do let me know. Thank you for subscribing :) x

[@deniseblake6214]

Fount your video really useful …. Cheers 🥂

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I'm glad, thank you for watching :) x

[@jenniferewart]

That was such a great video !!! I didn't make the Wilder dress because I knew immediately that I wouldn't like the high neck on me, however ,this isn't always the case, sometimes you just have to make something to know it doesn't work for you. I think you look wonderful in the Pussy Bow blouse, but completely understand why, as yet, you haven't worn it . I hate feeling " over dressed " , but feel I need to get over constantly wearing jeans which for the most part are best for my lifestyle . So thanks Sally, for thinking to make this video.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Well done for knowing what would (or wouldn't) work for you in that case :). I get what you mean about jeans for me that's leggings in the winter but I do love dresses for summer time. I'm glad you enjoyed the video thanks so much for watching xx

[@Samantha-ni2rf]

Just watching this now. I sewed a lot of SOI as a beginner and now have moved on to other brands that suit me more

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Me too! I think SOI style has changed a lot too since the beginning x

[@janspenno2241]

A good analysis! Good to learn what does not suit. I thought it was interesting that you maybe don’t like wearing cotton. I made the cocoon dress in cotton which was not for me and I chopped it to make a top which was also not right! Interesting as i like the fabric . I understand all your reasons

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Yes that's one thing I've definitely learned. I think I have one dress from cotton now which is the SOI Vintage Shirt Dress which is sleeveless so for me that works and doesn't feel so restrictive. I much prefer a drapey fabric but you don't always get the same shape and structure. Thanks for watching x

[@lindseyr4966]

This is so informative, I totally agree some garments ( sewn or knitted ! ) just don’t feel right. Recently I sorted my sewing patterns, taking out the ones I won’t make again. . . , or that I had a “re-think” about and realised nope, not ever gonna make that !

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I also did this recently too and it was such a lifted weight knowing I didn't have all those unsewn patterns staring at me anymore haha! Thank you for watching x

[@rikkib7636]

Great video. As you said, it’s all part of the process, finding what suits you & fits into your lifestyle. I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts. Thanks for sharing:)

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed it :) Xx

[@carolbibby3089]

Hi Sally. I've often thought If only the different KZbin vloggers I follow, would be as honest as you've been about clothes they've made, but for one reason or another they haven't worked for them, and why. I'm currently trying the Billie pattern,so your insights are really helpful, as I'm a similar size to you.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thank you!! I hope I haven't put you off the Billie balloon sleeve in any way because it may work really well for you. I'm glad you found it interesting and I hope you enjoy making your Billie xx

[@henriettejosephine]

You could easily alter the Billy sweaters like you did with the last one you showed, in order not to waste the beautiful fabric. I agree with your view on the Pussy bow blouse. In my opinion this style reminds of old ladies. I am an old lady myself but I don‘t like this style either.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Yes I did consider that but actually I think it would be quite difficult to take the sleeve out and re-sew with the rest of the sleeve being intact (where usually you'd attach the shoulder flat). I had a little chuckle at the 'old lady' comment, I know what you mean haha x

[@sheelaghheugh9152]

It was nice to hear your reviews. I have made several items and not like the end result on me even when made well. I was getting carried away with the hype for the pattern but they didn't work for my body shape. When I was tempted in shops at least I left without buying them. 😊

[@patriciaweekes2291]

Totally agree with you x

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

It is a shame when you feel like you've done a good job on something but not enjoyed wearing it isn't it. That's why I sometimes feel it's better to pass it on than to keep and attempt to alter. I agree with leaving in shops haha. Thanks so much for watching xx

[@mairead5891]

I know exactly what you mean with the patterns you've chosen! I could see that some of them looked like they were wearing you rather than the other way around! I made a TATB Coco dress when I first got back into sewing and never liked it. I still have it (and the leftover fabric) intending to make something else from it. It looks so lovely on others, but I've realised I can't wear boat shaped necklines as my shoulders are quite square and they make me look like I've left the coat hanger inside the dress!! Tilly designs to suit her body shape, pear shaped and a little shorter than other patterns and I just can't wear them, which is a shame. I'm pleased you've decided to keep the pussy bow blouse though, as it is utterly gorgeous. It would look great for a romantic dinner out with some black trousers.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

It's interesting you felt the same about the Coco Dress - you learned from it though and that's the main thing! I think it's more stress sometimes to put pressure on ourselves to make something else from it, when I've tried that before I've still not liked it haha. Thanks for watching :) xx

[@molly_sewsmolly_sews8477]

Thank you so for this vlog. I am constantly experiencing overt or subtle sewing social media pressure to purchase and make the 'latest' pattern. Many patterns are not suitable for my height, curves or style and just as I used to walk past the racks of 'on trend' garments in RTW, I exercise the same strategy with patterns. As my lifestyle has changed I need less formal clothes and more garments that I can dress up or down. I try to chose good quality fabric but I don't get caught up with the most expensive brands because their colours usually don't suit me. That's quite a relief sometimes. I'm glad you are keeping some of your beautiful garments for 'sometime' or 'maybe'.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much for watching, I'm glad you found it helpful xx

[@ynys_mon6928]

That was very helpful. It’s so easy to get swept away in the latest ‘popular’ pattern. It’s even more confusing as you get older and your body changes. I found it took me a while to adjust in my 40s. It’s even worse now I’ve hit my 60s, and Covid hasn’t helped. I’ve only been into the office about 4 times over the past two years, so I really don’t know what to wear any more. Apart from lounge wear.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I think a lot of us feel that way about covid and loungewear don’t we I know I struggle as well working at home. Thanks for watching xx

[@RachelBearn]

Glad it’s not just me who keeps making things that not suit them 🙈 and good to hear it happens less the more you sew and get to know your style! ❤️

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

It definitely does! You're not the only one :) xx

[@maureencapobianco3596]

I liked this video very much. It's helpful to see how you assess patterns. I'd love to see more vlogs similar to this format. 😍

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you I'm glad you enjoyed it. Let me know if there's anything specific you'd like to see :) x

[@annettecowburn1096]

Hi Sally, thanks for your honest vlog. I think we all know what suits us really but we all can get swept away with what other people are making.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Yes we definitely can! Thanks so much for watching xx

[@fionnualaryan7584]

Thank you great video

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much for watching xx

[@dt126craft2]

I found ironic that, as I was watching this video, I was unpicking and remaking my Sew Over It Emmeline skirt that I made last year in Lisa Comfort Wildflower Crepe :). I'm a pear shape and felt that the straight sides of the skirt, and the box pleats at the waist made me look wider than I am. I also had the same problem as you with the balloon sleeves on the Billie sweatshirt - I felt that they were waaaay too big and fortunately had enough fabric to recut the standard sleeves. When the weather starts to cool I will try your hack with the standard sleeve head and gathers at the cuff.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Oh how funny and interesting that we both felt the same with those two patterns!! Thank you for watching :) x

[@gailvandenberg546]

Lovely video and great topic!! It helps a lot to evaluate each project, as you have done here. Might it be possible to do some alterations on a couple of your blouses which you still have and don't like? the red one: would a lower elastic neckline be more comfortable for you? The blue one with the gathered sleeve top--if it were altered to the ungathered sleeve top like you've made another blouse--would you enjoy wearing that? It takes time to learn what is really right for our body types, lifestyles, and preferences. You are doing so well learning about what works for YOU! Carry on!!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much for watching and for the great suggestions!! I have thought about altering but I think this time I’m just going to keep the ones I love (to look at) and donate the others if I haven’t already because I’ve learned now for next time 😊 xx

[@patriciaweekes2291]

Morning I would use the wilder gown fabric and make a midi skirt from it as you love the fabric and then it would not be wasted. I’ve been guilty of jumping on a pattern band wagon and it makes me feel low as patterns are expensive, a lot of time has gone into the garment and the fabric I’ve used. I’ve ended up cutting the said garments up and trying to re use the fabric as the guilt of wasted fabric is too upsetting to me. I’m trying hard now to really look at the patterns and only buy it if I know for sure I will wear it and not because I’ve seen so many other people make it. We are not all the same and not all patterns suit all people. Xx

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Yes that's absolutely true and what suits one person might not be right for someone else. I don't think we should beat ourselves up about it thought it's a hobby and learning experience like everything there will be mistakes along the way. I think with this one I'm not going to try and alter it because if I ruin it I'll have spoilt a garment I actually like to look at haha. Thanks so much for watching! x

[@janeybwells2810]

It is very tempting to jump in and buy the latest pattern that is being raved about. I, just about, avoided the Wilder although I was tempted. The one I am most disappointed with us the Marlo cardigan. I don't know why I even went there, it reminds me of a grandad cardigan. I think I am the wrong age (too old) for it. Also the TAB Lotta dress which just makes me look like a sack of spuds tied in the middle. Being short waisted I should have realised that it wouldn't suit me. We live and learn. Love your videos.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

It's all about learning isn't it. Interesting you mention the Marlo as that one has been on my radar for a while but something has been stopping me making it. I think it's that I just can't get on board with cardigans made from fabric! I have seen some lovely versions around though so again, it's just about what suits isn't it. The Lotta isn't one I've tried but I think I might feel the same as you about that one. Thanks for watching :) xx

[@judithaltoft4690]

Your makes are all perfect and i love the pussybow blouse but if you dont feel comfy wearing something you made you dont feel right but all you have made fit beautiful on you, thanks for sharing x

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thank you so much I’m glad you think so. I’m glad I can keep some of them in my wardrobe to admire and realise how far I’ve come in my sewing. Thanks so much for watching 😊 xx

[@tracyfrost]

You should change the sleeve on the Billy to remove the gathers on sleeve head. I found a post on a lady who shows you how to do it. I have made 8 of them.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I have since done that and it works much better 😊 x

[@barbaramallon4755]

I totally agree with your assessments and it's taken me a long time to ignore the hype and really look for what looks good on my body shape and what I feel comfortable in. I find it interesting that so many dresses continue to be designed when most people I see, meet and live around have active and casual life styles that pretty much demand pants, a top or overshirt, hoodie or sweat shirt or short work jacket. The blazers, skirts and dresses are decidedly more formal, more corporate-business. So not what ordinary people wear these days.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Yes I think a lot of us are more casual since lockdown anyway aren't we haha. Thanks so much for watching :) xx

[@kathygann7632]

All the ones you didn’t like were winter colors. I think you might be a spring. I had to give away all my summer colored clothes I’d made when I found out I’m a winter. Knowing has saved me so much money- and labor!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Oh that's interesting to note thank you! xx

[@diannessewingroom7]

Hi you could change the details on the patterns you don't like. I usually sit with them for a while then change up the bits that I don't like. Take off and lower the necklines, streamline the a -line I have taken in a few tilly skirts as the A--line is too wide for me too. Have a think before you discard. Great video though.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I have definitely done a lot of that in the past with other patterns. Some of these like the Billie I shared I have since altered. These ones are those that still have things I’m not quite comfortable with still. Thank you for watching xx

[@audrich8343]

Thank you for making and sharing your pattern analysis. Im so relieved you did this because some of my makes I don't wear and I felt wasteful, so I appreciate your comment about it being part of the journey. I also don't like high fussy necklines, I feel like I'm being strangled lol. Clothes need to fit in with US, don't they? Body shape, lifestyle, fashion preferences, all of which change over time. Having said that, I have a New Look pattern that is my 100% favourite and I'd be a happy bunny if I swung open my wardrobe doors and saw a rack of those staring back at me lolol.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Yes that's totally true I'm sure it's the same for a lot of us that have garments that haven't worked for whatever reason. I feel like your New Look pattern is my Darling Ranges, I'd happily wear a wardrobe full of those in different formats haha. Thanks for watching xx

[@jennifermaddock4382]

I haven't bought any of the recent peasant style tiered dresses because I look best in a defined waistline. I'm always attracted to the elegant Vogue party dresses but I never go to occasions like that. Maybe when weddings happen again in my life.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Yes I know what you mean I haven't had need for an occasion dress in ages although it would be lovely to have a go at sewing one - one day! x

[@amandagill8560]

I use to make a dress 👗 that a long time ago but I love to make one again that why I need help ❤😅🎉❤❤😅

[@elaine58100]

Although everything you made really does look lovely on you, especially the pussybow blouse which is just beautiful and I am sure you will wear it in the future when the right occasion comes along. It is strange though how we can make something we really like and then the moment we put it on we just know we aren't going to wear it. Like you say it's all a learning curve and really following fashion doesn't always work. Just make the things you love with all the right elements then you will enjoy wearing them. Have you done a video on the five patterns you love to make? That would be interesting 😊

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! Yes it’s all learning and I don’t think we should feel bad about it 😊 I’ve done some favourite pattern videos by type, they are all in my ‘My Top Five’ playlist but if you have any suggestions for anything not there let me know x

[@donnabronner4837]

I've had the same feelings about some of these patterns.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

That's interesting to know. Thank you for watching xx

[@christycampbell1874]

Such a thoughtful video! I can definitely relate as it is so easy to get excited about new patterns! I recently made the #peppermintwrapskirt and while it is darling and such a super pattern, it's hard for me to style. I made my daughter one and she wears it all the time! Instead I love wearing my pomona skirt that I hacked into a skirt from my most worn pattern- the #pomonashorts! I recently started working from home and the things I wear have really changed as well. So glad I found your channel. You're awesome!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thank you so much I'm glad you found me and that you enjoyed the video. Working from home definitely changes our wardrobes doesn't it. That sounds like a really clever hack with the shorts and skirt, it's always nice when you find a pattern that you love x

[@JackieRush17]

I learnt a lot from your video, thank you. I'm only just getting back into my sewing and found this very helpful. I think you should consider applying for The Sewing Bee, you would do really well 😊

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thank you I’m pleased you found it helpful 😊 I think I would absolutely crumble under the time pressure of the sewing bee tasks they have to do them in such a short space of time don’t they 🙈

[@JackieRush17]

@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress Yes they do, it does seem very full on. Just in case I'll keep an eye out for you, you never know lol. 😊

[@Em-bv7oo]

I have made the Wilder gown in viscose challis but I feel like it wears me rather than myself wearing it. I also feel like the high gathered neck is too much around the neck. I wonder if the viscose challis is too heavy for this pattern. Perhaps if I made it in a cotton lawn or crepe de chine it would be better/lighter, but I'm probably not going to make it again as I can't see myself wearing it.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Oh yes that's true it could have been too heavy I guess. I made mine from viscose because I though it would give it less structure with the layers. The pattern cover is a cotton though I assume. I think maybe sometimes we just need to accept a pattern isn't going to work and move on haha x

[@rachael6283]

Hi Sally, I am very new to sewing and love your davenport dress. I have made the dress once in a size xs with no alterations. I would now like to make a sleeveless version. Would I bias bind the armholes first and then sew the flutter sleeve on or add the flutter sleeve first and then bias bind the armholes? Thanks, Rachael-Marie

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thanks so much. I added the flutter and then bias bound the armhole, it's a bit of a fiddle but the neatest finish I could come up with. There's a bit more info in my blog linked in the description if you want to read that :) Xx

[@rachael6283]

Thanks Sally!

[@sheilas8876]

I’m looking to make a tiered skirt fitted through from waist to below hip. I think I saw such a pattern in one of your previous vlogs but I can’t find it. Am I mistaken or can you help me with the details? Thank you - I so enjoy your vlogs.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I've not actually made many skirts so I'm not sure if that was me? I have recently made the Bonnie Skirt by Style Arc but that has a waistband and is gathered and button down, could it be that one? xx

[@sheilas8876]

Thank you for y our response and yes I’ve now got the Style Arc one - I’ll continue my search for the other. 😀

[@annesullivan1171]

It's a shame but I find I do not reach for a lot of my makes. They are very pretty but I'm thinking either donate to family if poss or ebay. My style doesn't really conform to convention, a bit of Boho and a bit of sheikh. Salt and pepperish. Enjoyed your video and found it interesting. I don't feel so bad now 😂💕

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Haha I'm glad I stopped you feeling too bad. Definitely good to pass on to someone else that might get more wear otherwise I think makes just hang around and make us feel even more guilty. Thanks for watching xx

[@dianeovenden]

Could you not unpick the billie sleeves and Chang the top of the sleeves.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I have definitely debated this however the sleeves are usually put in flat. I think it would be really difficult to just unpick the top and take the sleeve out without undoing the whole thing. In the end I just decided I would be better off giving it away as it was to someone who might enjoy wearing it more 😊 xx

[@dianeovenden]

@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress oh ok. Thank you for sharing. I do enjoy see your makes and hacks. Xx

[@physioontheriver7325]

Hi Sally. Aw! I really like you in the red Wilder dress! And the pussy bow blouse. In fact most of them! I too made the TATB Freya dress and I’ve not worn it much at all. I like the A line bit but it’s the frill round the top that I’m not convinced about! Thanks for an interesting vlog. Diana

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thank you!! I think the frill can feel a lot can't it but it does look so lovely on others such as the model in the book haha. I'm sure yours looks lovely on you x

[@dianecrews6130]

I can certainly see why you didn't like the Wilder gown on you as it was so much fabric on your small frame. The one thing I didn't understand was you kept talking about the neck being high but the dress you have on has a high rounded neck. It must be the difference in the fabric or the amount of fabric that was gathered there at the neckline there's the only thing I can think of.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! I actually feel fine in the Davenport Dress neckline, it's elasticated and doesn't sit right up to my neck. I think if anything comes up past my neckline that's when I don't like it. The gathered neck frill on the Wilder is quite high and with the tie it's a little restrictive! x

[@jackienadler4648]

It’s very hard for me to agree with you. I think you look beautiful in all the makes. You have a gorgeous figure. Embrace it. However make only what you love.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Aw thank you that’s kind. I really wish I could feel more comfortable in high neck garments because so many of them look lovely on other people xx

[@ruthlanwarne8978]

A very interesting video but I’m wondering how that dress neckline feels on you? I think I would find it quite high. With the Billie sweatshirt dress which I love ,as is so comfortable, I lowered the neckline for the first version and have continued to do so. I’ve made several versions, some with the balloon sleeves and some without. I wear the ones without far more often. I’m also not keen on the way the top sits. I’ve lengthened mine 2 inches but still not happy with it. The first dress I didn’t like is the Coco dress and also the Betty dress by soi. I’d made two before I realised I don’t like wearing them and need to pass them on. I knew I didn’t like the a - line shape of the Coco and tried to overfit it I think and I don’t like a full circle skirt!😆 I love the pussy bow blouse but I don’t wear them very often so it obviously doesn’t fit into my lifestyle.😆The third version I lengthened and shaped the hemline slightly to wear with jeans. I thought your video was very good and clear. I think getting to know what you really like and wear becomes clearer the longer you sew and in my case since I was a teenager, so a very long time. Since I returned to sewing (5 years ago)I have still jumped on a bandwagon of hype, whether it’s about a popular pattern or an expensive fabric that is a ‘must have’. I’ve bought a few expensive patterns that I still haven’t made, based purely on seeing lovely versions repeatedly. When I first started to sew I would rarely repeat a pattern. Nowadays I research extensively but can still get it wrong.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I think we'll always still get it wrong sometimes won't we, just like with buying garments I'm sure. Thank you for sharing your experiences with patterns. I love the look of the Betty Dress but that one I've not made since I know I'd only wear it for a wedding or something formal :). Thank you for watching xx

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ooh sorry I forgot to add that I feel fine in the Davenport neckline. It's very comfortable with the elastic. I think if anything comes up past my neckline that's when I don't like it :)

[@carolinedelisle589]

I never understood the appeal of the Wilder gown.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I think it works for some and not others doesn't it x

[@susanwilson106]

Why don’t you unpick the top off the skirt and recut it into a different style and then put the bottom back om

[@janeybwells2810]

Can I just say that I am avoiding the Saguaro Set even though it is being raved about which is always a temptation. Think the trousers are nice but the rather shapeless and baggy top would bug me. To me it doesn't seem to fit anywhere. Too short, too deep a V at the neckline and shapeless and too much fabric around the sides and sleeves.

[@lindseyr4966]

AND for goodness sake . . . , if only the Friday Patterns designer had googled HOW TO PRONOUNCE [ so-wa-row ] before releasing the KZbin about their newest design. . . At least there’d be a chance that the rest of us would pronounce it right. Ugh I used to live in Tucson

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Oh yes that one is another I've loved on other people. Not for me though, the days of baring my mid-drift are well and truly over haha xx

[@janeybwells2810]

@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress Some people have lengthened it I think. Think it was Lauren at Guthrie and Ghani or maybe The Baker that Sews.

[@barbarawarner4645]

Why don’t you just change the neckline on that red dress? A “pattern” is a suggestion. You can hack it to your pleasure.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you, yes I do a lot of pattern hacking and have changed a lot of garments in the past but these aren’t patterns I feel will work for me even with amendments x