I Did a Mystery Box Challenge with My Sister!

[@nautil_us]

For corset belts: if you want something that fits well without having to do any math or calculations: wrap some cling foil around you, cover it with painters tape (some people use duct tape but I find painters tape/paper tape easier to use) and draw the desired shape directly on your body! If you cut it out, you have a perfect pattern that fits correctly with the exact shape you have in mind!

[@winwinmyfriend4727]

Genius idea❤

[@carriemeaway9837]

I had so much fun putting your box together… I knew that you would come up with awesomeness! ❤

[@aprildriesslein5034]

Fellow short-waisted person here, and corset belts are a challenge. Of course, I often find myself thinking "why do these clothes make me look so short and stout?" and it may be because I am, in fact, short and stout. 😅

[@DawnDavidson]

😂😂😂 fellow short and stout person here. “I’m a little teapot…”! 😂 🫖

[@LoriPeace]

Oh, can relate!!!

[@taytribe806]

​@@DawnDavidsonI came in here to say I'm short and stout and should make myself a teapot costume for next Halloween 😂 Great minds think alike!

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

I was just popping in to say that too!

[@LunaReina14]

short and stout is the best way to be

[@down2this754]

If you want to tweak your corset belt, you could also add some of the heavy duty zip ties as boning, and also you could make it front tie also, if you wanted.

[@DawnDavidson]

Yes, you could split the front in two and add both boning and lacing there. Then you’d have 3 sets of lacing. Very adjustable!

[@daxxydog5777]

That is a “definitely a case of using what you’ve got”! The best part was the hair braid. Your sister is adorable!

[@moonbasket]

I totally hate ironing too. Even when I can sit to iron, I hate it. Also my dog is terrified of the iron for absolutely no reason which makes it doubly annoying and difficult.

[@AdelardRen]

Ironing is so-so to me, I don't hate it, but also don't love it. I have kind of the opposite problem than you petwise. My cats have more curiosity and unconcern about the iron, and I'd really rather they didn't meet a hot iron.

[@dawsie]

@@AdelardRenlol yep, every time I pull out the ironing board and get the iron hot the cats think it’s their new spot for sitting, mind you it does not help that I have it setup out on the front porch 😹😹😹because it’s higher than the table out there they love laying on it watching the world go by😹😹

[@kathyjohnson2043]

I wonder if the iron hissed in the past and now he associates the smell of the iron heating up with that dangerous hisser!

[@theclumsyprepper]

I can't stand ironing either and avoid it like a plague. When I was growing up I always got my dad to iron my stuff - he was doing his uniforms anyway so I begged him until he relented 😂.

[@amuseinthecraftroom6257]

I loved the Great Pottery Throwdown! I wish there was a glass blowing version too now lol

[@dar4835]

There was a glass blowing show. Netflix, I think.

[@DawnDavidson]

Yes, you need boning for the center front of the corset belt. That will help a lot. Though it’s not bad with the contrast lining folding down, too. But if you left it that way you’d want to tack it down so it stayed there.

[@Rhyzal_]

Related to your comments at 0:30 -- you should have your sister do an adjustable split-side skirt lesson!! :D I absolutely love the energy you bring to your projects and am inspired by your confidence to just "jump in" (I'm still very precious with my expensive fabric...), but... as a complete noobie, I struggle to follow your process. Would be amazing to have yet another tutorial on the topic, if that's something she'd enjoy making ♥

[@MauraVH]

The sleeve fabric is sooo pretty, I always wonder what multiple semi-tule, semi-embroidery fabrics would look like over each other. You have way too much fun with the captions and I APPRECIATE IT

[@theclumsyprepper]

You did pretty good with the challenge, though the only positive thing I have to say about the dress is that I absolutely love the colour. The dress itself is not my cup of tea but I enjoy your brainstorming process and boundless energy. I also get the desire to try every craft possible. I'm the same, hence a room full of fabric, yarn, paint and everything in between. I could easily make a hundred of mystery boxes and I probably still would have stuff left over.

[@midnightqueen3332]

I absolutely adore that outfit!! Very cute. It wouldn't be terribly difficult to open the first stomacher, the one that folds over all the time, and with a zipper foot, or similar type, put in some boning. Industrial Zip ties have been used in corsets before. It certainly could help. As for what stomacher was my favorite, I am kind of a fan of the 2nd one more, I feel like it ties the whole outfit better with the coloring. For me, aesthetically, it goes more with the fairy forest theme, like leaves patchworked together at fall, or the beginning of spring. I do like both though. Lovely work.

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

I was going to say the same thing, I wound up doing that with a lace-up vest I made cause the pointy tail kept flipping up. It was bag lined, so easy to open the top and slide in a zip tie once I prick-stitched the boning channels.

[@karebear3152]

this dress project has turned you into a Loki variant and I kinda love it.

[@stefflcus]

And another thing! Pottery is one of the BEST winging it, enjoy the process, tactile hobbies, and you should totally do it. When I was little, Mom would park me at the potter's station in Silver Dollar City for *hours* (it... was a different time), and I was enthralled. I'd totally watch videos of you winging potting.

[@NatalieCrafts]

This is so fun! I'd love to watch you two do this on a regular basis if you are so inclined. If you ever find yourself in need of more video ideas 😂

[@I.m-Me]

Pro-tip: Christmas tree skirts are capes. Some work as-is, some need lining, different ties, &/resizing the neck, but you can find some schmancy shtuff in thrift stores sometimes. My first one was all feathers and beads and pleated patterns, and my current go-to is the softest thing I've ever touched and oh, so toasty-warm 👍👍 @gettheetothestitchery

[@Lovedette]

You're so effortlessly (or maybe there's a lot of effort, but it works) funny. I found you two days ago, and now you've just been in the background all day while I've been practicing my exam, sometimes giggling at your video. So happy I found you, I'm so ready to get back into sewing!!

[@BananaPantsChannel]

Re: capes. So many times I’ve thought I just want sleeves or I just want part of me covered and realize “cardigan, vest, you’re describing things that exist.”

[@angeladent4175]

Capes are in your future! They are functional, fun and warm. The swishability factor is amazing too! Great video, you make it look so easy!

[@tinab11]

Irons are useful pain in the butt. Steamers for the win 1000% I fell in love with the stand up steamers while working in retail. One day I will own one and never look back.

[@BlaireCopeland-n6y]

So in corsetry, the boning isn't as much for shaping as maintaining the actual garment structure (ie, stopping it from flipping on you😅). Any body shaping in a good one comes from making great use of the fabric itself, warp and weft. super cute though!

[@kschickle916]

What JOY. I smiled all the way through this video and was sorry that it had to end. You are so perfect in every way.

[@BP-ef8mr]

I LOVE the Great British Throw Down!! Raku week is always my favorite.

[@mjlaf1422]

I love how your mind works. No in the box thinking for you! And having a grommet setter is the best. Let's grommet everything!!

[@luckyblackcat16]

Love all the chaos and "winging it" for this fun mystery box challenge. For your velvet corset-belt, try wearing it upside it? Maybe the curve edge will sit more nicely if it's facing down and that more peaked side points up (less tension on it and also less, um, other shapes to contend with that the curved edge must maneuver.) If you have ANY scraps left, try adding that to the inside of the sleeve elastic band to reduce the itchiness. Love the final products!

[@RoseRed2004]

Fun history fact for those interested, "corset belts" were called Corselets and were quite popular through the 1880s-90s. They were worn on top of clothing, kind of like a sash.😊

[@jpendowski7503]

Pretty result from a mystery box. The quilted/braided belt thing looks the best, it has the needed structure. The finished work would be a great casual RenFaire or Loki Variant cosplay. Have fun wear it somewhere.

[@Rhyzal_]

This was a fun idea!! Wish I had a sewing buddy I could do it with ♥ (And... ya know.... basic sewing skills to successfully make something. I'm still in noobie learning phase.)

[@bigbucketlist]

Damn, same! (Both being noob and wanting to do the sewing swap buddy thing.) Maybe like a much smaller project for lvl 1 noob achievement? Like mailing a small package that won't cost an arm and a leg and be like "here, take this limited amount of stuff and make a top/skirt/headwear". I got a lot of fabrics that could become something cool, but in colors or patterns that's not my style, and it would be totally satisfying to actually see it get used.

[@roxelanaorc4065]

Make a skirt! Easiest clothing project. Use a fabric you dont really like for starters. Wear it around the house. Then repeat with a fabric you like. Protects your fav fabric from noob mistakes. And youre not devastated if your practice piece doesnt turn out perfect. Alternatively: sew some pouches great little useful project. Perfect for practicing different closure methods. I myself started with sowing kids clothes. Less to unpick if i mess up and everything looks good on toddlers.

[@roxelanaorc4065]

Have courage. Sewing is very fun and you will learn quickly :)

[@juanitaconover8836]

The waist piece that you made from scraps is really cool! (In my opinion👍). I would call it a cummerbund and who cares if it is a wee thick, it looks great and, if it isn’t uncomfortable; I say, “wear it, anyway!”😊 That dark green is my favorite color in the whole world and your outfit turned out beautifully!

[@wynjones2877]

Threading a long cable tie across the top of the corslet belt might help. When I saw the contents of the box my first thought was to leave the sweater alone and make a long skirt out of the sheet and use the velvet & tulle to make layers.

[@DanielleStJohn]

Yeeaaahhh, the "over the hips" part of corsetry generally involves *both* boning (or cording) and patterning in enough curve to be able to cinch in a little at the waist without either the bottom of the corset or the bones themselves digging into the hips.

[@kathyjohnson2043]

With all of your lovely embroidery skills and fabrics, you could make an amazing crazy quilt!

[@sallythekolcat]

boning to prevent a corset belt from collapsing and wrinkling. i use the 12 in plastic zip ties rated for hot water from the plumbing section of the hardware store (if you want it to conform to you with body heat , use the regular zip toes from electronics). and stick it an the seam lines and poof, some structure, washable less wrinkles.

[@dawsie]

Ah now I understand why they are stronger, I could not understand how zip ties would work, next time I’m in Bunnings (Aussie version of Harbour-freight) I will have to check out the plumbing section 👍🏽👍🏽

[@charityrochford2175]

I live the crazy quilted belt accent along with the hair piece… precious!

[@dar4835]

That is an awesome dress- outfit! I am totally blown away with your creativity!!! Side note, if you eat nutritional yeast on some foods, I like it on toast or eggs, and the mosquitoes leave me alone. It helps keep fleas and mosquitoes off the pets as well. I put it on the wet food. I used to be the mosquitoes super food. Lol

[@suzettehenderson9278]

The crazy quilt parts could make a cute bag.

[@brendastevens8325]

Green is my favorite color..so I definitely loved the color...quite unique for sure

[@mquentaro]

I think the sewing thing is in our public tv, meaning it's on our public TV's recorded digital service. No help for other countries though. 🙊 Also those harder plastic bindings around bigger heavier packages, can subsitute for lighter boning in corsets. I've got a bunch of them saved up.

[@angelsmith4467]

Very whimsical and fun 😊 and creative 😊

[@Strawlighte]

My mom was telling me the other day how she remembers women in her childhood in Spain would wear capes, called mañanitas, like what you described! I think it would be a great scrap buster for sewing or knitting or crochet ! 6:15

[@grandmasmagic3858]

an idea to keep the corset up in the front is to cheat and use a safety pin from the inside of the dress..pin the layers together, either just one in the top middle or two just off to the sides..

[@edieboudreau9637]

It looks like fun. Liked the sleeves. Yes. The corset definitely needed grommets/lacing in the center but it looks beautiful. Love the braided leftovers! The capelet looks like something on a historical novel cover page. Loved it. That v shaped cut that you "wunged" was really nice.

[@LittleDizzyGirl]

Adding a busk to the corset belt would definitely help it sit better,but that whole outfit is super cute!

[@winwinmyfriend4727]

That's the cutest thing ever ❤ it made me smile when i realized you were doing a fairy/pirate/ren fare dress omgoodness.

[@mariannerady1137]

really lovely! I was thinking gnome fairy at the end 😅Love how you just dived in and focus on the process. I would like to do that more so thanks for the continuous inspiration 💕

[@SLorraineE]

The solution to your blanket problem: Rowana cloaks! Basically a big piece of fabric with a slit up the middle to the center of the fabric. If you use knit fabric, they are the easiest things ever to make. If you use woven fabric, adding a binding isn't at all difficult on big straight edges. I love them and have made several of various weight fabrics for different times of the year!

[@LoriPeace]

Oh, this came out so cute! And even if the yellow wasn't in the fabric for the sleeves, it complements the green so beautifully, it works really well. Love the capelet -- I think I may have to make myself one. (Texan transplanted to Central New York -- I'm ALWAYS cold!)

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Oh this was fun! You're so fun to watch as you mull things over and come up with interesting ideas.

[@iteeshollow]

My mother made a porcelain doll back in the 5o's. she was about 18 inches tall, and had several layers of porcelain lace on her dress. she had china painted face and hair. The full dress was attached to a tiny bodice. She had a tiny mole on her left cheek. Mom told me this was my doll, when i grew up. The problem with this doll? it was so fragile that even dusting it could poke a hole through a lace layer. But she was beautiful, in white. When the local airport expanded and all the people complained about the noise, the airport remodeled everyone's homes with new soundproof windows? yeah... one of the guys knocked her off her stand with a window! and she was shattered, leaving only dust, her head and top torso and her two separate arms! She cried when telling me about it on the phone. So if you ever do go into porcelain, make that doll. You will love her.

[@autumnfoxandrabbitcrafts]

I loved the dress, really suits you!! Hi from Manchester UK, I've just finished re watching series I think 7 of Great Pottery Throw Down, I LOVE the series....every time I watch it I want to start saving for a kiln!!! Thank you for entertaining me whilst I recuperate after major surgery, my days would be soooooo boring otherwise!!! Hope the rest of your week is a lovely one!!xxxx

[@deb.m.7458]

You did really well and love the outcome ❤ Kind of like iron chef but for sewing. Hope you do more challenges.

[@teetracyfrazier5162]

Capelets yeah Cloaks yes please I love the dress xx❤

[@Accentline1145]

You are totally ready for the Ren Faire. I love it.

[@khwaiandlouie7293]

Try using long cable ties with end cut off as a type of boning

[@Amazon_213]

If you put a little bit of boning in the waspie, it will hold the shape better, you can use soft materials, like thick cording or rope, to keep it all soft.

[@avivagodfrey]

It's like a cross between RenFaire and cottagecore, and I love it. If you put the dress over a sweater and leggings with some boots, and leave off the corset belt, you've got prime Mori-kei fashion, too. Would recommend adding some boning to the belt to help it stay sitting correctly and stop flopping down though~

[@marialunita]

Ooooooh. I love the braided scrap belt. I may have to riff off of that idea. :) And the dress gives the most wonderful ren faire vibes. I love how fun and experimental this project was!

[@kedora2231]

Saaaame, I paused the video several times to just have a very close look on it. It's so genius!

[@janbuckley1]

OMG Charlie! Is there nothing you can’t do, that outfit looks amazing and your lovely sister made an equally fabulous outfit too, it must be a family thing ☺️ I love everything you make, truly I do. I’m also going to sub to your sister’s KZbin 😊, you’re both so much fun 💕

[@iamnotmydepression]

Love your chaotic energy and your dress ❤

[@eileenfb1948]

I can recommend a short cape to keep cosy at home. I have one and it is great. It doesn't need slits as it comes down only to my wrists - just bend arm to do something or throw the front corners over each shoulder. That was a great challenge. Well done!

[@mackenziedesire7515]

This entire ensemble is _so_ cute. I adore it. This channel always makes me very excited to get better at sewing (alas, it does _not_ come naturally to me, so that may be quite awhile lol) Alternatively, maybe you should take up pottery, and Mat can paint the pottery!

[@pattidamico8464]

I love the embroidered fabric!!

[@dyerswoad7088]

Such a fun idea! I love challenges or projects with limits. It gets me more creative than when I have all the options in the world, then I'm mostly overwhelmed 😅 And you can come up with a miljon ideas that don't quite fit the challenge but you want to try next :D Thank you for another fun video!

[@nickiecarlson1837]

I’m in love with the dress you were wearing in the intro! Super-cute, very flattering on you, and I know you made it because I recognize the fabric! Bravo!

[@MiffoKarin]

I love the dress! I'm very biased though, because I had a very similar shade of green for my wedding dress, along with floral tulle sleeves with elastic cuffs... 😅

[@mirjanbouma]

Love the Emperor's New Groove reference in the subtitles!!❤

[@denise_wisc]

I'm a muller, a deliberator, too. I always say that my mind is a crockpot and things need to simmer in there a bit to make the best end product.

[@dianemiller7994]

This was a fun idea. Thanks for sharing your Improv challenge.

[@villagesteader3552]

You and your Sister are so cute! ♥️♥️

[@Sara001t]

Hey Villa🌹🌹 How are you doing??

[@nat6098]

The dress turned out so well! I am also someone who sees a craft and my first thought is "I must try it!" which is how I currently have 10 hobbies with a couple more I'd like to try out soon.

[@MelissaMelodic]

As I am wearing a hand knit wool wrap with arm slits while watching this video and knitting, highly recommend wearable blankets.

[@xingcat]

Just so many cool techniques and experiments going on with this whole project.

[@adrianapancu7699]

OMG....it turn out lovely.....love the dress with the sleeves and the belt" " 😅 but after seeing all that I've noticed the boots 😍.....love your outfit. Keep creating 😘🤗

[@KenZchameleon]

The corset is very pretty! Next time make the top pointy, too, so it doesn't flop over. Everything is just so so pretty!

[@PreciousMe]

Your videos always make me smile. Look forward to them every Friday. The outfit would make a perfect costume. Fairy? Elf? So cute. The Sewing Bee is impossible to find without a VPN. It's on BBC2 but not in America. I've been searching for years. I found the first couple of seasons on KZbin over a year ago (not sure if it's still there) but nothing since. I love that show! Big Hugs.

[@theclumsyprepper]

It's hard to watch British shows if you're not in U.K. I'm in Ireland and can't get a lot of the shows either.

[@Rotten_Ralph]

I feel you on the not that cold for everyone else but I'm freezing but I'm in Central Florida

[@roshandachark7820]

wow! You are super creative and it must have been so fun to complete this challenge with your sister

[@AnnjDesign]

Oh my gosh, thank you so so much for the laughing it was needed 😂 I really love the sleeves and the way the dress moved, and the color is beautiful 😊

[@Sara001t]

Hey Ann🌹🌹 How are you doing??

[@ScrappingNurse]

Your sister definitely won the challenge - I did love your sleeves though.

[@Miausan14]

27:54 Oh I love the tops she made! How did I not know you had a sister that looks just like you!

[@stefflcus]

Splendid! This was a fun roller coaster, and the end result is SO CUTE.

[@skeinofadifferentcolor2090]

I have to say, your ending music is very Great British Baking Show!! I love it, and it makes me click on another vid every time!

[@yolandamartinezgarcia8703]

Oh well, not a surprise it has turned out amazing. I love the cape, the corset, and the sleeves. I would have preferred the way you planned to do the neckline, the peasant neckline but as you said: "It is fine" 😂😂😂

[@Thenocturnalstitcher]

Oodie, life saver for warmth.

[@1time4younme]

It would be fun to watch your creative process in making a Renaissance Faire dress. I saw another youtuber make one with long... really long... sleeves, and the final product was really nice. I can only imagine how you could create one and what your final product would be... with pockets, of course. 😄😉

[@LaineyBug2020]

Lol, your tea cup matches the box you sent her!

[@michellecornum5856]

I have to do some ironing, even as we speak. I bought a table cloth that has to be modified. Our table is 54 inches square and finding square tablecloths that fit it is difficult. So I got a large rectangle and am cutting the extra length off and adding it to the sides. Very cute outfit. Love the green. Oh, and very curious about what the old pattern piece was.

[@rabbitlovesraven]

I was at Joann Fabrics the other day and was looking at that EXACT same netting/lace stuff you sister sent you, along with another that pretty little butterlies embroidered on it and I really want it for what has become my favorite dress that has an overlay on it >.

[@BlackFrostQueen]

This was very cute! Very pixie fairy! I love the idea of a mystery box challenge done this way!

[@Benouille1988]

Such a cute idea and such a cute outfit ! (Ps The little buns make you look like a garden fairy it's perfect 🧚🏻‍♂️ ❤) but wait is Carrie going to post hers on KZbin too ?

[@tamarasmith9060]

It's all pretty. Would it be too hard to go back now & by hand add a soft backing onto the elastic near the sleeve cuff so it doesn't itch, or would the stiches show too much? I actually like the look of the braided belt & hair accessory better than the corset belt even though it's a less fancy look. Maybe with practice a less thick version can be done? (I've never tried any braiding but it looks cool. I'll have to look up how to do it.) I absolutely ❤ the capelet! It looks so pretty.

[@liav4102]

Re:painting and pottery maybe you could throw it and he could paint it, team work!

[@BumblingBee-xm4dy]

18:32 ive sewn in some stiff/heavy-duty cotton cord instead of actual boning with boning-casings lol more structured than no-boning but less than with boning lol win-win no cases needed can also use horsehair braid lol just saying

[@kathleenbermanseder2646]

The British sewing Bee is on BritBox. Love your dress.

[@the_caricature_chic]

Okayyy so something I do is.... I iron the fabric when I am still thinking about ideas. As to what I might do with the fabric, some good old brainstorm session is perfect to iron the fabric ❤

[@mx.noname4710]

omg it’s the giant jump rope braid!! Congrats on your new iron :) Pleaseee make more capes! That’s a self-interested request, because I want to make myself a cape, but I don’t know how, and watching you experiment gives me ideas Yay captions, yay doggo, yay blooper reel

[@kellyratliff3473]

Wow you and your sister are talented. Thank you for sharing. Love it!

[@laurielahr9401]

You are so creative. Love it.

[@kh7794]

The way your brain, and other naturally talented and creative peoples', works is fascinating. I couldn't sew my way out of a wet paper bag, but I could probably fix your sewing machine! I love the stuff you make. Must save quite a bit on nicer and unique clothes that fit!!

[@cindycash1772]

Wow you nailed it !!! So cute... you won even without seeing Carrie's ( I'm sure hers is great too but yours is so cohesive... well done !!!