Friday Sews, A Week Full of Silly Mistakes 19 July 24

[@barbarawarner4645]

I would use that beautiful boxy blouse as a summer jacket over a tank top.

[@SeamStressedRuth]

That's actually a good idea, thank you 🥰

[@TheFrenchSeams_vlog]

Oh Ruth we’ve all been there!!!! But well done for getting through it! The pink fabric is so beautiful!

[@lindseynoel3522]

Right Ruth! Firstly the vintage fabric blouse looks beautiful on you, secondly the pink shirt soon to be dress will be gorgeous (and completely unique given the extra detail you have sewn) and thirdly you have inspired me to have a go at making my own clothes, I’m brand new to sewing and because of your vlog a couple of weeks ago I started with the Nell peplum shirt/blouse and I love it. Thank you xxx

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Oh wow Lindsey I am soooo happy to hear this! Thank you so much, I needed that this week 🥰 So what’s next on your plans list? xx

[@lindseynoel3522]

@@SeamStressedRuth thank you for your reply, I’ve signed up to the SewHaleyJane box so I am hoping for lots of hand holding guidance, right fabric for right patterns. I’ve also just ordered the May dress pattern from Annie’s sew studio. Might as well jump in at the deep end! Detailed and helpful Online presence and I’m a visual Learner so that’s why I chose those 2. Hope you’re having a better week xxx

[@brenholmes4894]

I think I'd use the Gloria shirt as a layering piece. The fabric is beautiful. I recently had four failed, as I saw them, projects in succession. I didn't let it beat me and jumped straight back in and have made some lovely things that I'm pleased with since then. It happens to us all. You'll sort your pink shirt. Our failures make our successes all the sweeter :-)

[@Jenns_creative_spot]

Ruth, I’m right there with you on the silly mistakes front! I didn’t lengthen the facings on a shirt I’m making and had an awful time figuring it out with my fabric scraps. Don’t be too hard on yourself. 🤗

[@karenrafferty8364]

I actually love your vintage shirt on u. I think shortening the sleeves would make u feel much better about it

[@barbarag-s265]

Thank you for sharing your sewing as it is and not just the perfect bits. Sometimes there are just weeks like this. I've just been through a similar couple where I made many mistakes, some of them very expensive. At least all the sewing mistakes were redeemable by lots of painstaking unpicking and resewing ( and a little bit of handsewn jiggery-pokery). One of my mistakes was buying almost exactly the same fabric as I bought a year ago and which has been sitting in my stash ever since. At least it spurred me on to sew up the original fabric and I now have the garment complete ( with no mistakes and perfect fit) and only the hem to do- crossing my fingers that there is no slip twixt cup and lip! What I will do with the recently purchased fabric ( I bought it to make into the same garment as I have just made) I do not know. Now I have to face up to cutting into a "precious" fabric, one of those that is unique. It has to be made to a deadline and to a pattern I've never used before, so no pressure.....

[@SeamStressedRuth]

You got this!

[@marywallace5248]

I think your shirt is amazing, why don’t you like it? You have inspired me to buy the French navy shirt too, I love French navy patterns! Yes I will lengthen it too!

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Oh thank you Mary, that is a lovely comment 🥰 I guess we all have an idea of what we think suits us and what doesn't but it's great to get the opinion of friends sometimes so we don't get stuck in a rut xx

[@tracyfrost]

I think you need a holiday❤

[@annematthews4643]

Love your ‘Moy-gash-el’ (place in Northern Ireland) fabric and shirt Ruth and you’ve made it beautifully ❤️.

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Thank you Anne 🥰

[@donnacieslik213]

Hello Ruth 👋🏻 ooh lovely vlog, we all have our “not so good” sewing . The vintage fabric is gorgeous so summery. Like you I’m not a fan of dropped shoulders with attached sleeves, but don’t give up on that blouse wear it ! It will be fine. Great choices of fabric they will all make fabulous shirts. I was so sorry I couldn’t make the sewing social, sounds as though you had a good time. Happy sewing 🧵 xx

[@julietyson1185]

Thanks for another lovely and honest video The blouse fabric is stunning and you could maybe wear it open over a tank top 😍

[@Craftytutu]

Awww Ruth, your pink fabric is gorgeous. When I was at Barrys the lady who served me said they sell online under the name Leons. They didn’t have a lot on the website last time I checked but it’s worth checking. I hope you manage to get some more of the fabric for your dress 💞

[@heatherbellamy235]

Oh Ruth the vintage shirt fabric is gorgeous is there anyway you can alter the shirt definitely not the right style for you. Can’t wait to see your finished Jenna now dress and the shirt keep smiling 🤩💕

[@deniserogers8400]

Ahh Ruth I hope you had a great day sewing your Jenna. Hoping you have a better week. You are an inspiration and I love watching your videos ❤

[@sewsarahstyle]

Ah Ruth, hope things pick up in life and sewing very soon!! I’m sure they will, you have some lovely fabrics to get stuck into!! ❤

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Thanks Sarah 🥰

[@juliadeVeras63]

Well I think the vintage shirt looks blinkin’ lovely on you Ruth!! Wear it with pride!! 👏👏x

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Thank you Julia 🥰

[@TheWillowtreeGreen]

So frustrating when things go wrong or aren’t what you want😢 congrats on winning the prize draw though! 😊 the vintage fabric shirt would be a great short sleeve shacket over something, I thought it looked great but I do like over sized clothes ❤

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Thank you, maybe I just need to embrace it 🥰

[@joannefletcher7085]

That shirt is lovely fabric please just enjoy wearing lovely fabric and don't give up on both the fabric and your work in making it.😊

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Thank you! 😊

[@kerrymcilwaine]

Oh Ruth, you took me back to my childhood in the 60s twice in one vlog! I live in Northern Ireland and my Granny was a professional dressmaker so I grew up hearing of the coveted Moygashel fabrics (it’s pronounced here as Moy gashel, like two words if you know what I mean) then you mentioned oil skin, my Dad sailed so he had oil skins, trousers, jacket and sou’wester hat, think of the yellow waterproofs lifeboat men wore, that was them and I remember them hanging up to dry at home, thanks for the memories!! X

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Oh wow Kerry that is so lovely to hear! I really do wish I had looked up the Moygashel first and then used it more wisely, lesson learned the hard way I guess. Isn't it funny how life throws us little reminders of good times when we least expect it xx

[@SistasofStitchcraft]

Oh Ruth! 😭 I hate having weeks like that. That first shirt is beautiful. Maybe you could wear it open over a vest top in the summer? 🤔

[@sandrarj6429]

I can see a bag made out of the floral shirt you just made....😂

[@caronlever2019]

Aw Ruth you are an AMAZING sewist xxxx

[@SeamStressedRuth]

You are the best!!!

[@katrienvandenbossche4864]

❤Hello I love your vintage blouse ❤ and with the extra pink fabric you will have a beautiful unplanned dress 🌺🌺

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Thank you 🥰

[@MichelleTheMenopausalSewer]

Aww hun hope you are feeling better a little bit better now huni. It’s not nice when you have a lot going on all at once. Xxx

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Thank you lovely, see you soon for that coffee xx

[@cherrybrook140861]

the fabric is a curtain fabric i used to make curtains, it is very pretty tho.

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Oh how interesting, you must have made some extremely luxurious curtains!

[@cherylhoulton3719]

Hi Ruth, think that shirt looks great. Beautiful fabric which you should wear and enjoy .

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Thank you x

[@Kate-wf6hh]

I love your vintage floral shirt, but then I like oversize clothes. French Navy patterns are great. I have made several of them and know them to be very reliable. As for the disappointing sewing week, I think we all have them, so don't beat yourself up! At least you have some sewing projects to look forward to which is how to get over a bad patch. I am having a 'Donny' moment. I made one in cotton voile, have just cut out another one in viscose crepe and then plan a third in cotton poplin. A pattern that initially didn't appeal I have now found I love and it fits perfectly. By the way, the new hair style looks great on you.

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Thanks Kate, I have a couple of Donny's too but I need to re-visit that pattern as they are a bit snug now 🍰😄

[@whatbecsews]

I actually really like that shirt. Sending love hun, sounds like it’s a bit tough for you at the moment xx

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Thank you 🥰

[@wannabsewing]

Ooh I love the vintage fabric shirt, it's divine. Before you said about making the dress, I thought the pink shirt could be salvaged by putting a ruffle panel along the back (fabric dependant). I'm sure I've seen 'ruffle versions' of shirt backs somewhere but can't recall with my meno brain 😂 xx

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Oh that is a good idea too, I don't have enough for a ruffle but that's a good idea for another one! Thanks 🥰

[@AmandaBurton-g4t]

Thank you Ruth for sharing what really happens as a sewist it is frustrating but the shirt does have potential. I would unpick the side seams and take it in then take out the bulk in the cuff on the sleeve. It looks beautiful on just a little big have a great week. xx

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Thank you so much xx

[@yvonneimms9762]

Hi Ruth, lovely vintage fabric, looks a different colour for you but suggest you take to your next sewing social and chat about how you can alter it so all is not lost. Also when I get a new pattern I always cut it out in something not so precious until I feel the fit is right and then will use my good fabric. Just an idea. How your world picks up soon X

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Thank you Yvonne that is a great suggestion! And yes you are totally right about trying out new patterns before cutting into the good fabric x

[@Whateverkatiesews]

Can't wait to see the dress made up! Sorry it hasn't all gone to plan but pleased you can hopefully salvage it! Xxx

[@SeamStressedRuth]

I think you have saved it 🥰 I may ditch the plan for tomorrow and just nip to Birmingham instead 😊 xx

[@michellehurrell4274]

Sending you a hug for your not so great sewing week! Love your fabric purchases, Merchant and Mills fabrics are gorgeous!

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Thank you Michelle and yes MM have the loveliest fabrics don't they. I'd love a wardrobe full of their fabrics and patterns, better start saving lol

[@marinacroucher227]

I really like your blouse, it looks good on you. Try wearing it around the house, I think you’ll grow to like it. I know it’s not what you’d imagined but it really is lovely. 😍

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Thank you Marina xx

[@van_vinos66]

Your vintage fabric is gorgeous. 😍

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Thank you 😊

[@JulieH1958]

Hi Ruth. The shirt look beautiful on you! Even keeping it to wear around the house if you’re not feeling it for out of the house wear would be a great way to do justice to the fabric and your hard work. Almost like a lounge top you could throw on for a cuppa outside , paired with some gorgeous black linen/viscosey Robbie pants ( insert other pants of choice). It’s great to see you back and can’t wait to see the Jenna shirt made up as a dress and your completed @sewhayelyjane inspired Jenna completed. Enjoy the weather and see you soon 🧡

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Julie that sounds like a wonderful idea! I'll get the kettle on 🥰

[@annettecowburn-sz8cq]

Its awful when things go wrong...ask me how I know.....i feel your frustration. Good luck with the Jenna...it will be lovely, im sure. Have a better week!

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Oh Annette you too? Yes I'm hoping the Jenna dress will make up for the dismal week xx

[@anietamccracken2182]

Hang in there!

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Thank you 🥰

[@sewsarahstitch]

I’m sure your run of mistakes is over now ❤ I’ve bought the Seneca shirt too, can’t wait to make it x

[@SeamStressedRuth]

I sure hope so 🤞 I'm looking forward to making the Seneca too but will definitely try on some less precious fabric first lol Let me know how you find it x

[@kquilter6043]

pink Jenna blouse: color block a bottom. anything goes and don't over think it.

[@moirabain2030]

Barry's have an online presence. If they don't have the fabulous pink online, it would be worth giving them a call to negate the need for a trip to Birmingham (unless you want to go, of course!).

[@SeamStressedRuth]

I am always up for a little fabric browsing excursion 🥰

[@sew_So_beautiful]

I've had the same kind of week. So many things went wrong, that I'd be forever telling you about them. But the seam ripper and fabric markers were my best friend on multiple items this past week. Looking at your shirt that you made from the thrifted fabric, the collar and button band look quite nice on it, and you have a lot of fabric in the bodice and sleeves. I'd just turn it inside out, overlay a pattern that fits you better, and redraw the sides and sleeves, and resew them. You might even be able to fit in some fitted sleeves if you prefer them, and otherwise there are lots of drop shoulder shirts that you could use. Also, for your red shirt that has the short back, if for some reason they no longer have the same fabric, you could add in a panel of contrast colour or print fabric and top stitch it in place as a design feature. Colour blocking is trendy at the moment.

[@SeamStressedRuth]

You too? It's annoying isn't it! Did you manage to fix them? And great idea about overlaying a pattern that I prefer the fit of, I hadn't thought of that. Luckily I was able to get some more of the pink so Project Pink Dress is in full swing 🥰

[@sew_So_beautiful]

@@SeamStressedRuth that's good that you were able to get more of the pink fabric. I'm looking forward to seeing how it all turns out. I hope you like the dress version. We apparently weren't the only ones having everything go wrong just then. I heard at least three sewing vloggers and four knitting vloggers who had very similar weeks. The stars must not have been aligned right for us. Lol.

[@eileentarrant9876]

I remember hearing moigashell when I was young you know how you remember some words and that was one of them ,it was someone saying and the dress was made in Moigshell sounding very important ,anyway it is lovely .ware it and when everyone says that’s nice you’ll ware it again and again !

[@SeamStressedRuth]

I can't believe I didn't look it up first, what a plonker 🤦‍♀️

[@marleenlanoye8966]

I do love the vintage blouse. I think you could shorten the sleeves, better without the cufs?

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Good suggestion x

[@teenajohnson1688]

Please try to rework the vintage fabric top. Pick out the multiple hems of the sleeves and the side seams. It looks like you might have enough fabric to cut a real sleeve. Use another blouse pattern with a regular, cap or flounce sleeve. Overlay the pattern on the existing blouse. There might be enough fabric in the side seams to create a sleeve cuff if needed. The side seams can be taken in for a more taylored look. I believe there's alot of usable fabric if you rework the garment sleeves and side seams. You already have the collar and buttons and placket complete.

[@anietamccracken2182]

Yes,!!!! Great idea

[@SeamStressedRuth]

What a brilliant idea! Thank so much for the suggestion 🥰

[@Originallyadressmaker]

That shirt is a great opportunity for a colour block or a seam across if you have fabric left! How does your vintage shirt look if you fold those cuffs back? Could you remove those altogether? I love the fabric on you, great colours.

[@carolhughes312]

The pink shirt - do you have an oblong piece to add to the bottom of the back panel? I have just bought a shirt that has that detail - with a faux felled seam across the back. Now the colourful one. - it looks really nice in my opinion - a different aesthetic for you maybe but it looks nice. If it is not for you, maybe undo the sleeve hems, and take in the sleeve seam and as much as you need of the arm syce, to make it comfortable?

[@SeamStressedRuth]

I had stupidly used all my scraps for a bag lining but don't worry. I have managed to get some more and will turn in into the dress so all is not lost x

[@mnoeliarc]

I think the shirt looks lovely on you 😊 I had a vintage floral Laura Ashley fabric that had belonged to my husband's Nan and I decided to make a long sleeve blouse with it. It was a narrow fabric and I was feeling very smug that I had managed to fit all the pattern pieces. Once everything was cut I realised that I had cut the back pattern piece upside down and it is a directional print. I was very upset at first but I've made it anyway because you can't really tell. Also, it's on the back so I can't see it 😂

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Yes that's the spirit! 😍

[@gigihanley9757]

I really love that fabric! Could you cut it down into a smaller top that you would like?

[@sewniceandhandmade]

I made a huge mistake too. I used some beautiful woven fabric but accidentally cut out a stretch pattern. The dress won't go anywhere near me!😢. Have you considered taking your blouse in down each side seam? It wouldn't be so boxy then. Hope you have a better week this week. Xx

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Oh no how frustrating! I hope you are able to salvage it for something else 🤞

[@gingerninja_sews]

I spent 4 days making m8358 dress, put it on and went yuk. It looked truly awful. I love the sew over libby shirt which us cropped with a partial collar. I'll put pics up on the grid soon. Could you repurpose the vintage fabric into a donny? Or use for bag lining? Thanks for the vlog 😊

[@alisonlowrie7220]

Oh what a shame when you put so much effort into your makes. We all have projects like that. I’ve just finished a beautiful linen dress and it doesn’t fit on the waist. Currently unpicking it all to take out all the waist darts on the skirt and bodice. What a mess with all the overlocking threads 😢. Pleased the pink dress is salvageable for you. ❤

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Oh Alison what a pain in the bum that must have been. I hope it works out and yes the pink dress project is back on thankfully 🥰

[@hf3739]

Your shirt looks beautifully sewn in your Moygashel fabric. (Pronounced “Moy-GASH-ill” with the emphasis on the 2nd syllable-hence the capital letters.) As someone from Northern Ireland it’s lovely to see a NI produced fabric get a mention. I think your shirt is just too big for you and you’d suit the style if it were a smaller size. However, that’s not much comfort to you after it’s all neatly sewn up. We win some, we lose some. Keep at the sewing. I do enjoy your videos.

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Thank you so much and yes you are right, we do win some and loose some. I just wish I had looked it up first and then used it more wisely 🤦‍♀️

[@thesewingtrolleydolly7736]

Hey Ruth, lovely catch-up. That vintage fabric is gorgeous, is there any way it could be taken in? What do I know, I'm not a sewing expert!🤷🏾‍♀️😂. The wonderful Barry’s is now online, I shall send the details over to you. Take care 🥰

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Thank you Denise, as you know I couldn't wait and popped over first thing Saturday. Project Pink Dress Recovery is underway 😄

[@kateglazier3726]

What a shame a run of mistakes when previously you had a brilliant run on the Nell dress. I’ve recently made the tie dress by sewing therapy size 16 which is my size turned out beautiful but miles too big spent the week making it then the next week unpicking it to recut a size 12 which I’ve never been since I was a teenager 50+ years ago but it fits but lost the enthusiasm in it

[@SeamStressedRuth]

What a shame, it's a lovely pattern and I would quite like to give that one a go myself. It looks very chic and understated. I hope you wear it with pride and enjoy it 🥰

[@tracyfrost]

Never sew when you are not focused, I have messed up plenty when I have not been focused.

[@ginaburgess9759]

Why are we always so hard on ourselves? I know I am! I think the shirt would look better in a more drapey fabric and possibly not buttoned right up to the neck. X

[@JanetteTaylor-q8x]

Hi Ruth, your vintage fabric is beautiful but I see what you mean about the fit, such a shame 😢. It is disheartening when this happens, I often have a vision in my head of how a garment is going to look but they’re never as good when I’ve made them, it’s often the sizing with me but as I’ve only been sewing a year I don’t know how to fit a garment properly yet. ❤❤

[@SeamStressedRuth]

It's frustrating isn't it, I guess we have to remind ourselves we are only human and always leaning but dam I really wanted that to work out 🤦‍♀️

[@juliadroy1179]

So sorry you've had a bad sewing week try not to beat yourself up it happens to us all at some time, I think you could salvage the blouse I would unpick the cuffs, shorten the dropped shoulder and take it in a bit at the side seams, the fabric looks too busy for the pattern just my opinion of course xx

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Good suggestion 🥰

[@hilarytarran2699]

Why not go to Barry's in Birmingham tomorrow to get that pink fabric!!

[@SeamStressedRuth]

I quite like this suggestion 😊 x

[@gingerninja_sews]

Oo just seen the shirt, it does look too big can you take it in? X

[@SeamStressedRuth]

I think I'm going to sit on it for a while and then re-use the fabric when I have the perfect project 🤦‍♀️

[@chrisorchin7955]

Vintage blouse ..could you wear as overblouse ..over a simple tee? Red ‘blouse’ is opportunity to make a lovely dress. Be kind to yourself ..

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Thank you Chris, I think your suggestions are probably the best solutions and Project Pink Dress is now in full swing 🥰

[@shirleymatlock]

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to you 'waffle on'....as for the vintage blouse....er.....its a no from me....😕I can see from the new pattern you showed exactly the look you're after - and I dont think the vintage one does it...sorry....xxx

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Don't be sorry, I agree 🥰

[@lovesredsews]

What a shame about your vintage fabric shirt. Could you sew up the sleeve seams a bit more so they aren’t so wide?

[@SeamStressedRuth]

That might work but I think I'm going to just leave it alone for a while and then re-use the fabric when I find the right project. Silly mistake x

[@4757bryce]

How about sleeveless? You could use bias binding to finish the armholes. The fabric is too stiff for those sleeves. But sure is lovely on you!