I am NOT a perfect sewist || (sewing tips for beginners)

[@SkyeSalindar]

You're the 2nd channel I've seen spend the first few days of 2025 fixing/finishing old projects and I'm here for it. Kinda feels like we're all taking a deep breath to chill and feel like we're starting the year off right before the year actually begins

[@StephanieCanada]

Oh that’s cool! Yes, I think starting with a breath is a good idea.

[@KlingonPrincess]

Sitting here knitting away at a sweater i started two years ago. I am on my second year of UFOs and my determination is strong. I fell in love with these things once before, now I'm stoking the flames of love again stitch by stitch. 🌻🍄

[@brendasorenson6186]

That is one cool-looking seam ripper!

[@jazihughey8161]

I make so many mistakes! But i will not stop learning 😂

[@StephanieCanada]

You got this!!!!

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

Making and fixing mistakes teaches you far more than getting it right the first time...

[@issy7465]

I’ve currently lost my sewjo. I dunno where it went, but I’m in a funk. These videos remind me that I have projects I need to finish.

[@MirandaSews]

The autumn print is dazzling. The buttons pair perfectly and the green trim is stunning 🤩.

[@lorrainemoore8189]

Love the use of spike tape! Thespians, unite!

[@KristinaHoneyHavenFarm]

I love the brown floral dress with green trim.

[@cherylhuot4436]

Everyone has a stack, pile, list of these kinds of items. Thanks for the gentle reminder to tackle them!!

[@canucknancy4257]

It's amazing how even just a little change can make a garment go from good to wonderful. Thanks for the motivation to get into those projects that have been needing some TLC for too long.

[@lindamcgivern9851]

I love that seam ripper.

[@orrinepryor1770]

Me too! Did you make that Stephanie? Or can anyone (me!) have one made? Darn- just found the info that it's a bit of a one off 😢

[@ruthkirkparick3535]

What the...? I wore a blouse yesterday (jan 2/2025) that I'd forgotten needed one more hidden closure to hang properly, in front. Now that I have watch this (5:45 pm on the 3rd), I will be doing that first thing tomorrow. Thank you once again for your timely videos.

[@StephanieCanada]

Hooray!!! You can do it!

[@ruthkirkparick3535]

@@StephanieCanada And I did, along with some other handing sewing that I don't usually enjoy. That's on you, for the video you posted at just the right moment. 🥰

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

I didn't know you had made so many dresses. My mother wore only dresses when she was young. When she was in her 60's, a big knot came up on her back. From then on she wore skirts and long blouses. Mom was 92 years old when she died. She was always telling me that I was supposed to wear dresses. However, a dress would not last long on many of the jobs I have had to work during my working years. I dressed like men; because, I had to work on jobs normally worked by men. It was for safety reasons and regulations. Thank you.

[@StephanieCanada]

I just love the ease of dresses! That’s all. I don’t have to worry about things shifting. For me it is pure laziness that I wear dresses. 🤣

[@WootenWooten]

I spent yesterday afternoon doing repairs and setting aside my me-made garments that need some help to be more wearable. This was inspiring to see I’m not the only one who enjoys the feeling of finally getting a garment where I need it to be.

[@connie6545]

The Christmas stuff is nearly put away, and I can set up my dining room for sewing again. Thank you for the new footage. It's inspiring me to start back up.

[@StephanieCanada]

You are so welcome! I hope you make lots of lovely things!

[@Jni470]

That Friendsgiving dress is BEAUTIFUL! Love this episode!❤🎉

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you! I really love how it turned out.

[@christinea52]

I totally agree with the good feeling of making the adjustments or changes needed to make them “work” better.❤

[@meghanmerchant657]

I'm of the firm belief that making mistakes and learning how to fix your errors, when they have to be scrapped and redone entirely vs. being able to work around them, and being able to critically evaluate your own work is crucial to the learning process. If you do it perfectly the first time, you can't adjust when things inevitably go wrong! I love this video so very much.

[@AniRSm]

Actually, in the class of a colleague of mine (I'm a teacher, too), they have a glass full of bonbons/little treats and in German, you can use the exact same letters to write mistake and helper (Fehler = Helfer), so every time when someone detects a mistake in the classroom (date is yesterday's, error on the working sheet,...) , they get to choose a bonbon as a reward. They have such a lovely climate in their classroom that makes learning so much easier. 😊😊😊❤

[@rmorine6394]

That 40s friendsgiving dress is my favorite!

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you!

[@janetmaffy5375]

Good job! I think I might be inspired to finish all of my unfinished projects. Or the "planned but not done" pile.

[@StephanieCanada]

You can do it!!!

[@marthamalone9791]

Happy New Year. Love this.

[@lindanovak628]

Off topic: I like your hair like this. It looks good. 🥳

[@StephanieCanada]

Thanks! I am actually very overdue for a color, but thank you

[@stevezytveld6585]

There's nothing like the satisfaction of sewing in your own label into the garment that you've made. Well done for a verry nice start to the year. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi

[@mycat-r7y]

I summoned you this very evening ! I was doing a quick alteration for my adult daughter who actually posts things to me rather than learn to sew😑 I’m aware I’ve got more ‘that’ll do’ in recent years but your hilarious and brilliant outlook makes me feel I’m channeling Stephanie’s virtual grandmother here and embracing a fabulous devil may care persona. 💃 Keep up encouraging us to get on and do stuff 👌

[@StephanieCanada]

I love that! Devil may care indeed!!

[@JanetHopper-x1e]

I don't sew, not that I don't want to. Between being terrified of sewing myself to a garment or just being afraid of messing up. I love watching you, I enjoy your sense of humour as well as being a back seat sewist and yelling at you through the screen whenever I think your messing up. As if I would know...

[@KnitzyKitzy]

Love this video. I have been avoiding KZbin a bit for my mental health. However, this channel is always a positive for me. This is exactly what I am trying to do at the moment. The UFOs, alterations and repairs will be conquered! I also do not pockets in knit dresses these days as I find they distort when you out anything heavier than a tissue. You need the stability of woven fabric or a reinforced waist for the pockets to hang from.

[@meganparish1431]

Stephanie, you’re a prophet! I bought my first sewing machine a few days ago, and can’t wait to get started with it. Thanks for helping me expand my horizons; your channel was one of the reasons I wanted to sew in the first place!

[@taraloche5578]

*Laughs softly* We're also in Florida and we call the Daily Yardwork everyone seems to be obsessed with the 'Dulcet Tones of Florida' and 'Yardwork, Florida's pass time, apparently.' A fantastic video Ms. Stephanie! I needed the reminder to take a deep breath, mistakes are okay, and I can fix them, thank you.

[@jennybell9352]

LOVE YOUR CONTENT!!!! Thank you for this: it's too rare to see people admit to making mistakes, but showing the path forward. Thanks for being a great human being @StephanieCanada!

[@carolyperez8075]

❤❤totally love the Grey dress!❤❤

[@melusinenoArashi]

I do have a bin which is my time-out corner and this week, I went through it to decide what I would finish and the ones I would not bother to finish. It was liberating.

[@skperreault2792]

Immediately recognized the knit dress you made from Charlie's challenge. You 2 are my favorites and she's ALWAYS going on about those pockets! Great video- thanks Stepanie

[@susiemeadows9838]

Spike tape for the win!!! And sometimes winning is nuking a project you love because it just. Does. Not. Work.

[@crystal8160]

It was very nice watching you work to refine your past makes. I also had trouble with my walk away dress. After spending an ungodly amount of time trying to figure out the darts I eventually gave up on those. 😂 My front gathers a bit as it tucks in to the wrap front, and despite not making the neck hole any larger it was much too large. I ended up with a small box pleat there and the combination of the under bust gathers and the neck pleat made me love it all the more. However I never did post it because I figured it didn’t technically satisfy the requirements of being the walk away.

[@cinemaocd1752]

Most of my sewing is for cons or single day events and almost all of my projects were "good enough" to wear once or twice, but have a lot of issue. I need to do this. It's so inspiring.

[@staceyelynch]

Love the friendsgiving dress!

[@Vocalist1969]

I recently completely reverted a binding off of a quilt to fix it properly. Time consuming but worth it.

[@Applepoisoneer]

I really needed this video today, for a variety of reasons. Thank you for always beeing so supportive and encouraging to others, even if it's just by example.

[@stephenrobb8759]

A tip : Sometimes a fusible interfacing will stabilize the edges of fabric to do the patch pocket thing successfully. Some fabrics want fusible plus a turned edge assist -- sew the fusible to the pocket fabric piece - wrong sides out > that means wrong side fabric out and glue side of fusible out. Sew the pieces together > ALL THE WAY AROUND > THEN cut a slit in the middle of the fusible ..... turn right side out.... now the glue is inside 😅 .. iron it , and sew it on as desired.

[@nerdaccount]

Eyes bowling shirt in the closet with just basting in it. Don't get any ideas! LOL Love the way you work!

[@aquaaurora2747]

Raise those seam rippers highs and let out a battle cry before lunging into battle with wayward fabrics!! I am seam ripping some massive stuff, its giving me carpel tunnel so need a break

[@blazertundra]

I made a beautiful purple batik dress for a formal gathering and ran out of time to finish it properly...last May. I made an effort over the summer to get the linings finished but got busy with other things. This is a good nudge for me to finally finish the dress enough to be washable and actually have buttons for the cuffs instead of safety pins.

[@susannekalejaiye4351]

Years. Yes I am (finally) working on things that have been in progress for years.

[@teresalee9997]

A since of accomplishment is priceless.your knowledge is priceless.Thankyou for sharing❤

[@PatDooley50]

I love that you used stake tape to mark your sewing line on your machine.

[@StephanieCanada]

Yup. Being a stage manager has its perks!

[@cherieday624]

You have the most gorgeous hands and nails. I am inspired to take better care of my own.

[@StephanieCanada]

aww thank you!

[@OutRagaous]

Hip hip for seam rippers! Sometimes fabric moves like water and is just flat wrong! A seam ripper is just a tool. And yay for building skills!

[@kathisews9425]

Oh wow what a wonderful video!! I so much enjoyed the “slowness”, and especially your words at the end. No it’s not always about insta likes etc and we tend to forget that (I took a step back from it because I put too much pressure on myself)! The 1940s dress is my favourite 🤩🤩😊 it’s gorgeous!! Would you mind sharing which pattern it is? I’d like to look for something similar 🥰 hope you had a wonderful start into the new year and I’m looking forward to seeing your videos!!

[@flyingpigfarm1]

I do exactly the same thing, pulling out my “mistakes” and fixing them! It’s good not to feel alone in my imperfections!

[@marimba26]

I love this. 💜 It's very inspiring...I have one of those ancient "to do" lists. Now I feel inspired to work on it today. 🎉

[@sophiesong8937]

I'm so glad you revisited the dress with the blue and white pattern on dark fabric. My new years resolution, every year, is 'finish more than you start' ..and yes, sometimes, some projects need a second finishing. Great way to start a new year. Thankyou.

[@CeeCeeCrafts]

Excellent, Stephanie. The dresses are so pretty and look good on you. Thank you for making this video.

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much! I feel so good about these.

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

I try to keep on top of my UFO pile by my pre-new project rule: before scissors cut fabric on a Shiny New Project, I must complete 1 mending project, re-examine one thing in the UFO box (even if it goes right back in because my skills still haven't caught up with my dreams yet but it has to be an honest effort), and return 1D6 worth of pairs of socks from the Darning Bin to active service.. often I find it gives me some extra time to ponder my new project while I'm patching work pants or darning socks to avoid mistakes that have put other creations in the UFO box or caused projects to go unfinished (still haven't gotten buttons on my kefta winter coat I made in 2021 but at least now I know how I'm going to do it, and I think I would have regretted doing it how I'd originally thought I should). Learning what you can live with (that ratty patch on my house coat) and what you can't (its lack of pocketses), what you can fix (pocketses!) and what you can't is a legitimately serious consideration. Not centering the plaid on that one flannel house dress I made in 2020 will bother me till I die, if I'm ever faced with the challenge of "be 1" too tight across the bust OR leave the plaid off-centre" decision again because of fabric width, I now know that the answer is centre the pattern and just make bigger armpit gussets). The More You Know. I'm currently hooked on a Victorian jacket pattern I drafted from Keystone and am having fun with ridiculous sleeves because they're the first clothing element I've encountered in 4 years of trying to figure out my style that has even remotely made me feel cute. And because I accidentally had a complete mind change in the middle of a project where I'd already cut out a full lining and changed my mind to just facings around the neck and front edges, I've got a whole ready to go project going in the UFO bin until I figure out what I'm actually going to do with it. This project is still a wearable mockup (#3, #1 was good enough to be lining for the ultimate project and #2 is complete and is the most ridiculous lab coat for soapmaking) from silly stash fabric (pink and grey cheetach print) and the eventual goal is to dye more striped wool with onion skins and make a jacket to match the walking skirt drafted from the same book (which is in the UFO box cause I need help hemming it). I'l be pondering that one for a while before I start, but at least I've made a few mistakes along the way that have resulted in pattern alterations and also a firm reminder to remember things like "decide BEFORE you cut the fabric if you want a zipper or buttons, dumbass!"

[@crinolinegremlin]

Once I get my sewing room set up, I'm so excited to go through all my cosplays and make a list of what needs to get fixed so I can just grab and go rather than scrambling before the con. I'm so happy you were able to do this! It really does feel good to check things off the list

[@ameliapond1916]

"Sewist," I like that. I've gotten snarky remarks when I say I'm a "sewer."

[@susanakfogel8217]

Sometimes when I feel blocked about starting a new project I think about why I am not getting going. And I think about the button that came off or the unfinished project that’s like five minutes from wearable or the mistakes that I have to fix or the repairs I have to do or the two pairs of new sweatpants that need hemming And then I get started on those things usually fix them up pretty quickly and my my seek comes back. Happy New Year

[@FelicitasSews]

Man, the walkaway dress though. I did your little challenge and I spent like 2 days doing mockups before I got something that fit. There's like no good places to make adjustments so it's crazy hard to do. And I also had to go back and make some fixes afterwards so it was practical to wear. I had to add snaps to keep the wind from blowing it open and the front from riding up when I walked, and some big patch pockets of course

[@cawneyhawme7141]

Woof, I definitely have. Few of thise projects in the years category.

[@KenZchameleon]

spike tape... brilliant! Thank you for sharing your fixes. I love your seam ripper, btw.

[@michellevanburen9972]

I just love you and your content. Makes it easier to accept my disasters and all the failures I’ve thrown away. Do you have content addressing the full bust? Thanks so much!

[@littlegreycatco]

Amazing work getting them all fixed! :)

[@lisahodges8299]

Fixed! Well done. Birdy

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you!

[@atiya-said-hey]

Knit stay tape long the pocket seams or fusi-knit interfacing on the whole pocket will stop the machine from jamming up on those pockets for the Charlie dress project, if you really want pockets in them.

[@iamvergingonvintage]

It's so interesting how we can blow a task to gargantuan portions when looking at a looming step. To the point that we do everything to avoid it. But the difference that taking that actually smaller amount of time to fix/complete a garment is so surprisingly normal. Such a problem for me.

[@barbaraleaweaver-mercado1820]

Thank you for sharing. I liked watching this video twice while I sewing a vintage skirt from a pattern I bought from you.

[@jeanetteferree6118]

So, you had to walk away from the walk away dress? 🤣

[@StephanieCanada]

SURE DID!

[@debradoo4448]

We need a support group.😢😂

[@daniellejdreilinger]

@@StephanieCanada Is it now at the local Goodwill?

[@AniRSm]

Love this video! ❤ Maybe the "Charlie dress" (McCall's 384994?) could benefit from having pockets in that dark blue knit fabric? 😊 It could be, that it doesn't hurt your machine as much. 😅

[@carolcurley7840]

Thanks for this video it’s given me the incentive to do the alterations to so many of my clothes that are hanging up in my craft room (some for over a year) because they don’t fit properly 👍

[@daxxydog5777]

Good job, Steph!

[@veronikaschroeder-hohenwar7403]

Hello from Germany dear Stephanie! Happy New Year🎉. Last year I managed to finish a lot of U F.O.s. It feels amazing! But there are more...one suggestion for the famous walkaway dress. Don't walk away and abandon it! Maybe you can make a kind of milkmaid neckline, with a string pulled through? Then the shoulderseams come up a little bit and you could add butterfly sleeves? Love what you are doing and how you do it❤! More chaos in 2025🎉Veronika

[@StephanieCanada]

Oh that is a great suggestion!

[@kaygee8343]

Good to see that you are becoming more and more exacting with your sewing. All part of the process. About those patch pockets. Maybe try adding seam tape or some sort of narrow stabilizer to all the edges and maybe even add the stabilizer to the wrong side of the garment in the area where you want the pockets to go. While sewing, GO SLOWLY. Also, do a sample/test of the pocket on some remnant fabrics. Happy New Year. Another way to attach the pockets is to sew them on by hand. I'd again suggest that you stabilize the seams and the wrong side of the garment with seam tape or a similar product. Attach the pockets first by hand-basting them to the garment and then stitching them to the garment from the WRONG side. that way they won't show any of the stitching from the right side of the garment. Again, go slowly with the stitching and make the stitches as small and close together as you can. You might even do a sample or two, to get the hang of it and make sure the results are to your liking.

[@juilahenry1807]

I really enjoyed the softer, calmer, careful and slower pace of this video. I have also enjoyed the energy and wit of other videos. Is the walk away pattern still available on your site?

[@neldahargo5933]

my abandoned projects mostly end up as quilt squares. kinda satisfying but cost of materials add up.

[@stitchersdelight]

You are so confident in your clothes, and they always look so nice on you. I'm also a sewer who makes some mistakes ( or creative opportunities I call them ) and don't mind being imperfect. Happy New Year from Canada !

[@sheilaabayateye1558]

I cut out 7 dresses for my 2 granddaughters one for age 1 and the other age 5. Didn't realise till I was sewingcthe skirt onto the lined bodice the size didnt look right. It was a second hand American sized pattern 😂 all the dresses were wrong. I made them in the end and sold them I was gutted it was an expensive fabric 😂 lesson learned read all new pattern instructions x

[@TheMagwade]

That blue blouse (or dress?) at the end looks AMAZING on you! If that's something you made, I'd love more details please. Pattern? Video?

[@StephanieCanada]

The blue at the end is actually a dress I thrifted in my Empty Suitcase challenge I did a few years back.

[@CatMom4704]

I really like your fabric print choices. So fun

[@jacquelinedunham5800]

My mother always called the seam ripper an "un-picker"

[@fransak2723]

Stephanie, I feel like I know you. I’m not sure if it’s your voice, your demeanor, your personality or that you just remind me of someone. I just can’t put my finger on it. I’m very impressed with your dressmaking skills but I am surprised that you don’t use a hem guide to mark your hems; you know, the aluminum ruler with the little sliding thing in the middle. I’m more of a quilter than a garment sewist but I use that thing all the time. I’d bet money that you do own one. If you’ve never heard of it there’s a place near me called Fabric Mart in Sinking Spring, Pa. They have a website and fantastic prices on designer and all sorts of garment fabrics.

[@sarag1521]

Love your favourite black dress on you, it's very flattering! Do you remember what pattern it is? Would like one for myself as well!

[@nikkipackham2234]

Are you going to remake the 50’s walk away dress again? The dress looked like a great design. I’m plus size and new to dressmaking… I want to make nice but tough workwear for my physical job but not always wearing jeans and a top…working on some colourful shirt dress and dungarees/ coveralls( I’m in the uk)

[@FromtheMPR]

You are inspiring. Thank you for sharing your journey. Also, where do you get your sew in labels?

[@TerriSmith-nv8mj]

Thank you ❤...i need to get my machine out of mothballs and get busy...

[@StephanieCanada]

You can do it!

[@KarenClark-Lyttle]

Great video. Just 1 Question where did you get the seam ripper from? Love from Scotland

[@StephanieCanada]

Actually a friend of mine made it for me during the pandemic, but they have gone back to their normal job now and no longer produce them.

[@ashleymainmakes]

Sometimes its just a fundamental flaw in the pattern *cough cough walkaway dress* you might have needed an fba from the get go, but also its just rough.

[@itcouldbeanyone]

Fixing waistbands was my pre Christmas task although your video reminds me I have some pocket fixing waiting still

[@StephanieCanada]

Oh yes!! Don’t forget the pockets!

[@Time_Traveler_Karen]

Connecticut here 😊

[@skirtedgalleons]

Great vid and idea. Inspiration to take a look at those projects that just aren't right to see if they can be salvaged.

[@StephanieCanada]

Oh absolutely! I hope they can be.

[@ReisigSeeds]

I made my walkway neckline a v instead of a u. Round necks never work for me.

[@diannapedersen9065]

Why did you show off an empty dog bed? Snoopy sponsored? Hahaha 🐩😊

[@ruthkrooshof5038]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@keaghank]

No no no... wait... please explain how you changed your walk-away dress!

[@debradoo4448]

Like Mariah Carey once said you give the strength to carry on and I know that I will survive something something.

[@EarthsHarvester-1]

I have made so many sewing mistakes that I ended up throwing the garment away.

[@viirginiajones6113]

Why don't you use a hemming foot on the machine??

[@zevsilver301]

I was also wondering why not use a blind hem stitch? That would also be more historically correct. However, I do get that it's more work. 😊

[@kalielee6416]

Watch Seamstressed . She is excellent, plus very funny! Seam might have gone to college for sewing & design. Similar , creative projects . Stephanie Canada. There is Judy Chicago. Suzy Detroit.

[@y09297]

Sewist!!😅

[@michellecornum5856]

sigh -- sometimes the solution is that there is no solution. Yup. I was 20 crochet snowflake granny squares in to a much larger afghan and two things happened -- I lost the tutorial video and they stopped making the yarn.

[@brucedouglass8232]

Treat yourself to a new pair of KAI scissors. You’ll love them.