Friday Sews Asta Dress and Freya Top and I’m a bit overwhelmed 😩

[@letitiathomson914]

Hi Karen, don’t stress about your fabrics, you will find the right pattern for each one and when you do you’ll enjoy making it up and wearing it. Just remember it’s not a race it’s about enjoying the process. Keep well & happy sewing.🧵🪡🇦🇺

[@karensewsslowly]

Thank you Letitia, I know you're right and so many times in the past when I have made something out of a fabric I wasn't keen on as a piece of fabric I have loved it as a garment! Thanks for watching 🥰xx

[@ZeldaSews]

Hi Karen, it's great to see you. You have some pretty fabrics from your subscription boxes. Try not to feel overwhelmed with your fabric. I do the same thing you do. I buy fabric, I buy patterns, I say I'm going to make it and then I don't do it. I am the frozen chosen. I doubt myself because I see so many other great sewests on KZbin, and I'm embarrassed to show what I make. 😢 Your makes are beautiful.😊❤😊 Just go for it.

[@sewlovemydogs]

I don’t know how Andrea is keeping up with her business commitments as well as navigating upping sticks and moving. She’s quite an amazing lady 🌹❤️

[@karensewsslowly]

She is indeed would love some of her energy! 😂🥰xx

[@sewlovemydogs]

@@karensewsslowly I wish I did too, actually I’d love some of your energy. I have MS and of all the symptoms it’s the fatigue that takes away the most

[@doreenkimbrey8835]

So good to hear you share your ill chosen patterns. It is so easy to fall down that rabbit hole. At 80 years of age I know what suits me and what I feel comfortable in. So stick with your gut instinct. Also don't feel bad being a slow sewer. You will get so much more pleasure out of a garment sewn well. So good to listen to your chats. Happy New Year.

[@karensewsslowly]

Thanks Doreen, Maybe in a few years I will be able to judge what suits me and my shape but a life time of being on the chunky side left with a dislike of shopping to it was always a case of 'if it fits get it' etc. It's only in the last couple of years that I have managed to lose a bit of the chunk that I am starting to pay more attention to my shape and of course garment sewing helps. Thank you for watching my little channel! 🥰xx

[@theresabyrne300]

I'm a bit overwhelmed with my fabrics at moment too. Hopefully going to get making again!

[@karensewsslowly]

Becks from WhatBecksSews has just done a good vlog on inspiration - a few things I never though of - it's just a case of waiting for the right idea to strike. 🥰xx

[@gailturner8276]

Hi Karen.wishing you very happy & healthy new year😊 & all your family too ❤ xx

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw you too Gail 🥰xx

[@samanthakay8285]

Happy new year! Take it at your own pace, don't worry about your fabric mounting up or the patterns you've got. I've got lots fabric and patterns I made my first garment last year a pair of shorts. Like some of the other comments its for your enjoyment. I like watching you talking about your life and sewing. Sending big hugs and good vibes x

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw thanks Samantha right back at you lovely lady! 🥰xx

[@catherinejoycespillane6414]

Happy New Year Karen, be kind to yourself, you are doing great considering that you are on chemo . I think you should be very proud of yourself . We all have plans that don’t make it to a real garment but very few are brave enough to do a fab vlog like yours 🎉

[@karensewsslowly]

Ah thank you for saying that Catherine, with me what you see is what you get - I couldn't keep anything secret I would drop myself in it too often. 🤐🥰xx

[@dianewilliams7931]

I understand your situation with the sewscription boxe. .I don't think I would be able to get one project sewn before the next showed up but I envy all of you getting your different sewscription boxes. I only know of one such box here in the U. S. and I feel like it's very expensive..The fabrics are always lovely so I see why you don't want to give them up. You deserve a gift every month.

[@karensewsslowly]

We are a bit thin on the ground for fabric shops over here - Joanne's sounds fabulous always hearing about it on the US vlogs I watch. Especially in the North East of England and possibly Scotland as well. From Yorkshire/Leeds down towards the South things seem to improve - even most of the Knitting and Stitching shows and events are held at that end of the country. Boo hoo 🥰xx

[@dianewilliams7931]

We don't even have the Knitting and Stitching shows like you do. Our "Sewing and Quilting Expos" should more accurately be titled "Quilting Expos", in my opinion. I just saw the schedule for the on near me in March and the classes and demos are primarily quilting and machine embroidery related. 😕But I still plan to go. Touching fabric in person is still touching fabric in person!😂Joann isn't worth the FOMO. About 75% of the fabrics are quilting cotton, fleece, and flannel (even where I live in Florida!😮It only gets really cold about one week each year!) The 25% of the stock that are garment fabrics are probably half cheap "special occasion" fabrics, and dance and other costume fabrics. I think the garment fabrics are pricier than yours and not that great of quality a lot of the time. Maybe I'm just having a "grass is always greener moment..."🤷‍♀🤣

[@sandycopeland790]

The orbs I’m seeing around you in this video is incredible!

[@karensewsslowly]

I caught a few too in the lens whilst filming 🥰xx

[@eileenkiely5417]

Happy New year Karen 🎉 it’s lovely to see you back ❤

[@karensewsslowly]

Same to you Lovely and it's great to be back. 🥰xx

[@sharonburrows5682]

Hi Karen, the matching thread is Maraflex which is for sewing straight seams on knit fabrics.

[@karensewsslowly]

I realised this when I edited the video - what a plonka it's the BRIGHT yellow band that gives it away! 😂😂🥰xx

[@Julie_sews_her_own_clothes]

Hello Karen, I could really relate with you as I was watching you pull out the BTPD subscription boxes building up in your stash. I think I have 4 Sew Hayley Jane boxes where the only thing I’ve taken out is the sweet treat 😂 but like yourself, I do love the monthly surprise gifts. I’m glad you tagged me in as I’ve been subscribed to your channel for ages but hadn’t hit the notification bell therefore hadn’t seen your vlogs for ages… I’m having a lazy day today and binge watching vloggers 😀

[@misswang3713]

Happy new year Karen! Don’t put pressure on yourself, it’s not a contest. You sew for the pleasure of it and enjoying the process. It’s your hobby not a chore. I love your recent makes and the colours suits you well too😍

[@karensewsslowly]

Happy New Year to you too! I should have this entire comment tattooed on me some where especially it's a hobby not a chore and possible add 'stop the swearing'! 😒🥰xx

[@SewMyTime]

You said yourself that you have not felt yourself for a while due to chemo so no wonder you haven’t been sewing as much. You still do more than many and like everyone else said it is to be enjoyed so it was lovely to see your joy in your our sewing this week 😊. Love both your blue dresses. Happy New Year to you too .🎉

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw thank you, Sew-jo is a curious thing but a couple of disasters and it goes! and to be fair I have more disasters than not 😂🥰xx

[@amandah4834]

Happy new year Karen , glad you are feeling well you look great , loved the blue dress it looks so stylish but soo comfy and it’s all about comfort this time of year , great vlog I thought you were going to shout out crackerjack at one point 🤣( I did it for you lol ) looking forward to the next one , take care 🤗Amanda xx💖

[@karensewsslowly]

Thank you Amanda, Happy New Year let's hope we all have a good one. Crackerjack - loved it! 🥰xx

[@colettelee3391]

Happy New Year Karen, I am like you I have 4 subscription boxes fro BTPD I have opened but not done anything with yet😱, have to get my act together and start sewing too I love all the fabrics but this box is so soft I got the lilac,thinking of making a lounge suit but your dress has me thinking again. Love your vlogs take care ❤️

[@karensewsslowly]

I think Ruan @theYorkshiresewgirl was thinking of a lounge suit. I wear so many layers in the house at the moment I would just be covering up my handmade garment. It's nice to see what people make when you open the E book good inspiration! Thanks for watching Colette and Happy New Year and Sewing to you 🥰xx

[@greenquiltsgalore1326]

Happy New Year! That new blue dress looks fabulous!

[@karensewsslowly]

It is extremely comfortable I think it will become a regular item to wear on days when cosy and comfort become comfsy days! 🥰xx

[@karenegan2640]

Happy New Year Karen, take it easy and don’t stress about fabric, you’ll get through it when you’re ready. Your dress, Freya and Southbank dress are all fabulous xx

[@karensewsslowly]

Thank you Karen, I'm trying not to stress - the biggest stress is hiding boxes from the hubby as the parcels keep arriving and he seems to get to the delivery man first! Not that he minds at all - he has is Season ticket for the footie, his gym and golf memberships but they are 'physical' things arriving at the door - if you see what I mean. At least I've washed my fabrics now so I'm catching up. Take care lovely 🥰xx

[@dellymel9840]

Happy New Year to you. I am really glad to see you back. I really enjoy your vlogs, they are so varied and real. I hope your next round of chemo is not too brutal. Sending best wishes and hugs.💜

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw thank you - chemo has been fine - I did wonder if my body would think 'hang on thought we'd finished with this' but it seems to have welcomed it like an old friend 😂😂Hugs to you too lovely 🥰xx

[@makeitsew2023]

Hi Karen! Don’t worry I have all those boxes to make up too, I’ve washed fabric and planned what I want to make, but warmer fabric is taking priority this time of year! I’ve just cut out the sweater knit so that’s a start 😀 the chocolate didn’t last long though 😂 Happy new year xx❤

[@karensewsslowly]

Hi Mandy, did you not see how quickly I remembered about the chocolate and immediately started looking for it - I actually found the last three chunks the following day in amongst my zips 🤔!!! Wish I had that much enthusiasm for pouncing on fabric 😂🥰xx

[@makeitsew2023]

@@karensewsslowly that’s amusing 😀 at least it hadn’t melted!!! The sweet treat never gets left for long for me 😀 xx

[@bevtooth]

Realistically people don't just churn so many garments out anyway. The utubers that do don't sew them neatly anyway. I've zoomed in on their photos out of curiosity and it's quite shoddy work. Slow and steady and nice and neat wins hands down for me. Also if you just keep sewing garment after garment at such a pace how in this world can you get to even wear them apart from a couple of times? Everyone is going on about fast fashion. That is a prime example in a way. I am glad you are not going to feel pressured into the whole cycle of it 😊

[@rhonddalesley]

Remember that most sewists are self taught and nobody starts out as a professional, it takes time to hone your skills and master techniques which only comes through practice and we never stop learning or finding better ways to do things. I’ve seen not so pretty garments but the person who sewed it showed it with pride which makes it just as valid as a couture or professionally tailored garment. I’ve been sewing for 40 years, still have wonky seams and the seam ripper is my best friend 😂

[@karensewsslowly]

Very true Bev you'll notice when I show my garments its a quick flash in the camera and then - away with you! Currently sewing a mouse so I'm not sure that counts but it's testing a whole host of different sewing skills to sewing straight long seams - I'm enjoying it at the moment but nothing has gone wrong yet! (I'm sorry I mean I haven't faced a new learning curve yet!! 😂😂) 🥰xx

[@karensewsslowly]

Thanks Rhonda, it's a good job that I'm not as fussy on fit - as long as I can get into the garment without a game of tug of war I'm happy! 🤣🤣🥰xx@@rhonddalesley

[@karenrafferty8364]

You have some gorgeous makes Karen well done! I might copy u as I have two of the same fabrics 😊

[@onegirlcreates]

Hi Karen, sorry to hear you are feeling overwhelmed. Would you consider Carole's idea of a wheel of fate where you pick 6 fabrics, spin the wheel and then decide what you will make out of it? I love the fabric from felicity fabrics, so pretty! xx

[@karensewsslowly]

Hmmm maybe, but I'd probably not be able to decide on on what to make with the fabric just as with the boxes now - what I may do it chuck all my ideas out into YT and ask people for their opinion - most popular wins, although even as I am typing this I'm thinking what if I don't like the most popular answer ! Aaaaaghh! there's literally no hope. 😂😂🥰xx

[@paulamattsson8583]

Hi Karen ,Asta dress is my new favorite dress patterns I have so far made three of them (although I have made seven Lyra dresses 🤪, yup when I get the fit right I’m repeating the patterns) have a great weekend/week ❤

[@karensewsslowly]

Hi Paula, I am very much the same - for successful make anyway Zadie jumpsuit it top of my list - a big make but one I wear all the time - weather permitting. I think I will make another Asta this time with a turtle neck as I feel the boat neckline is slightly too wide and will require a lot of fidgeting with bra straps. Thank you for watching 🥰xx

[@nancyhipkin3165]

Happy New Year Karen. Like you, I’m not a good sleeper, so I’ve so enjoyed watching this video. Wow! You were sewing like a champion. Loved your dress with the fabric from this box. I got the navy too. I may have a look at the pattern. Your top too. The viscose jersey you washed with the other fabrics I’m pleased to say I made the Itch to Stitch Brasov top, before Christmas. So pleased with it too. Noticed you wearing your one at Christmas. My poor postman was on my doorstep yesterday with my pink box, big smile, wishing me happy new year and asked me not to terrorise him this year 😂😂. He was kidding, I think. Have a restful week Karen. Take care. Nxx

[@karensewsslowly]

Poor man! 😂😂😂 I still chuckle about that! Love the Brasov top plan to make more I had a similar top in the 80s in red and I loved it so I think I'm just missing the curly perm and the shoulder pads now! 🤣🤣🥰xx

[@dawndixon-cg6ix]

Happy New year Karen. Hope this year is a good one for you health-wise 🤞 You made my day again with your vlog 🫣 You've also got me hooked on Harvey's Bristol cream which I never used to like🤣 Bird's pooping on you is good luck where I'm from so could be a great year for you🤞Take care honey. 😘

[@karensewsslowly]

😂 I remember when I was about 15 I was on holiday with my Mum and Dad in Italy (Zebra Coach Holidays???) we had visited Venice and had to shelter under the Doge's palace in St Mark's square and it absolutely tanked it down with rain - 'Hmm I said to my dad, that rain drop was warm' (as it slid down my back of my vest top) 🤢Dad didn't stop laughing for a long time 🙄I remember everyone on the bus ride home that's good luck! 😂😂🥰xx

[@robynlaszlo6128]

Happy New Year Karen nice blue fabric wow what a great dress clever girl take care 😊😊

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw thanks chuck 🥰xx

[@Jude-riveroak]

Glad to see you back 😊 currently sat here at stupid oclock after waking up again!! What you have made looks lovely. I've fallen down the rabbit hole of looking up recommended patterns and buying fabric with good intentions. Put the brakes on now. Not done any sewing as everything is put away over Christmas. My resolution, intentions are to actually create a sewing area and not my dining table. Heads in the shed at the moment, so giving myself grace to take each day and just get through the mundane xx

[@karensewsslowly]

Ah Jude I feel for ya! I've been awake since three ish but managed to put off getting up till 5.30 although I'm shattered now - determined I will miss the nana nap this afternoon and try and get a full sleep tonight Good luck with your sewing space renovations - we have the decorations down on New Years Day but I am still finding 'bits and pieces' that I tuck away in cupboards to make room for the Christmas decs including sewing stuff. 🥰xx

[@Jude-riveroak]

@karensewsslowly hahaha had my nana nap 😊 my minds like a pinball machine of ideas, just find it hard to actually get on with it xx

[@evelynwatt8029]

Hi Karen Happy New Year to you and family I’m pleased you all had a lovely time over the festive season and let’s hope this year is a better year for you health wise Your dress and top look so nice and will be really cosy I’m so missing not sewing but enjoying watching all the Vlogs what everyone else is making By the time I’m fit enough it will be time to make warmer clothes so getting lots of ideas Take care and have a lovely weekend ❤

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw thank you Evelyn, I hope you had a good time too and your daughter looked after you (I'm sure she did). I've been watching more vlogs too for inspiration but conscious that I still have all those patterns not made yet and trying to resist buying in the sales. Once you pick up your sewing again you'll have loads to keep you occupied. Enjoy your weekend too Lovely lady 🥰xx

[@evelynwatt8029]

@@karensewsslowly We had a lovely day hilarious trying to get me up and down three flights of stairs I won’t be doing it again in a hurry It’s so easy to get carried away with patterns I’m enjoying watching you all over in the UK making winter clothes We are hoping to go to Tasmania and it’s much cooler there if I purchase patterns it will be for that trip Ankle wise it’s a slow process but pain is starting to ease Still attending hospital weekly and not weight bearing but I’m getting used to it now Have a lovely week and hope it’s not too cold for you it’s wet and humid with us at the moment We had a Hurricane/ Cyclone on Xmas night really bad and was without power for 8 days luckily for us no damage but some people were badly hit Normally misses us but not this time Have a lovely week ❤️

[@jeanwhiley6571]

Happy new year Karen. Love your dr dress, looks fabulous on. I’ve just received some fabric I ordered to kick start my sewing, it’s for a summer dress but it’s a bit see through, ah well it will be good practice

[@karensewsslowly]

Nothing a good slip can't put right - I still have mastered fabrics and what they are as you will see and hear in my vlogs all the time I am always ordering things that come and are totally different to what I imagined sometimes this is my fault and other times it's the fault of the website. I always find the Fold Line website good as it recommends fabrics for garments and visa versa. Take care 🥰xx

[@lovdolls]

So nice to see you back again Karen. I really loved the dress on you in the photo. That top you made with the sweater like fabric is amazing. I have never seen fabric like that it does look like a sweater and I was surprised when you mentioned you had made it. Come to think of it I have a few patterns myself sitting on a shelf with the fabric I intended to make them out of then lost interest. It happens to all of us sewers. Living where I do (in Alaska) I really have no where to wear all these clothes I have made. This is a rugged country here and it doesn't get hot at all plus it's very dirty as roads are not all paved so you can see where I'm going with this. We dress casual here. Right now I'm driving on ice and wearing ice cleats on my boots. All the best to you dear lady.

[@karensewsslowly]

Ah thank you. Ice and snow would be perfect at the moment as all we seem to have had (at least in the north east of England) is Blah weather, drizzle rain and fog. I love the crispy, fresh days when the frost is everywhere but we haven't had many of those. Think we also need a cold snap to kill all of the bugs about - so many people have been fighting off cold and flu this Christmas. Take care my dear friend 🥰xx

[@rtblade4]

Happy new year! I sew more slowly than you can imagine. The make 9 would just be so stressful to me😂

[@karensewsslowly]

Ah hello lovely, I think I could manage 9 (just if some things were easy - which these two garments definitely were) but HOW on earth does Becky manage so many? Amazing I admire the energy as well as the sewing. 🥰xx

[@suestewart6671]

Great video as always. I made the keilo wrap dress with the stretch fabric from the sewscription box we got about 4 months ago and it came out great. Maybe give that a go. And it's such a comfy dress to wear. Xxx

[@karensewsslowly]

Hi Sue, I'm ashamed to say I've had the Keilo pattern for about a year now - I have looked at it so many times but it's either been the wrong fabric or not enough fabric - very frustrating! I have seen some lovely Keilo dresses on YT. 🥰xx

[@suestewart6671]

@@karensewsslowly Just go for it. It comes together really easily, and it's a joy to wear. You'll be so pleased when you make it. X

[@evelynspanner2963]

You’re managing to do so much more than me. Amazing 🎉

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw bless you Evelyn 🥰xx

[@TheBareFootSewist]

Hi . Im with you at being overwhelmed with fabric. I see, i want, i order and then it sits on my fabric shelf. I'm just not sewing enough and i dont know why

[@karensewsslowly]

I am going to try and vary my type of makes say a garment one time and then the mouse that I am making for my son's girlfriends niece hopefully that way it will keep my interest piqued! 🥰xx

[@ZeldaSews]

Karen, I'm gonna tell myself the same thing. I was getting ready to say to you. And that is do what works for you. I cannot do the make 9 or the goals video because it's just too much for me. Maybe one day.😊

[@karensewsslowly]

Too right! Also, I change my mind ALL the time so a make 9 in January would look nothing like a make 9 in June, I would have a go at 9 techniques I wanted to create but I really don't know what techniques exist that I want to master ('cause I don't know about them....🤔😂) . Happy sewing dear lady 🥰xx

[@Bernietheoc]

👏🏻👗

[@janetwilkinson7080]

Happy New Karen and to all us karenites 😂🎉

[@karensewsslowly]

Ah thanks Janet 😂you too!🥰xx

[@lynngates1662]

All the boxes! haha 😁 Totally with you there. Though I don't take any of the goodies out of the box until the sewing is finished. A reward of sorts. I don't do a Make Nine with specific garments. Usually I give myself general tasks ----- like learn an SBA, 2 pairs of pants, or get that machine cleaned! haha. Take care and happy sewing when you get to it! 😘😘

[@karensewsslowly]

Small bites of the elephant sandwich - so true for many areas of life I find. You'll notice the gifts were in the boxes but not the sweet treats - like a woman possessed I am! 🥰xx

[@lbeacon1]

Bird pooing on you is meant to be lucky!

[@karensewsslowly]

Fingers crossed! 😂🥰xx