I don’t care that my clothes look handmade, and why you shouldn’t either

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The discourse I have seen floating around the internet as to "how to tell if your clothes are handmade" and that is some how a bad thing really is discouraging (despite the clickable title). So I posit that handmade clothes are GREAT and that I don't care if you can tell if my clothes are handmade. Every piece of clothing you sew is one to be proud of, not ashamed of. So while I will always encourage you to learn new sewing tips and tricks, I also encourage you to be proud of EVERY garment you make at each stage of your learning.
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Stephanie Canada
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[@brendaseavey6284]

You can tell they are handmade because they actually fit and are lovely.

[@FloridasYesteryear]

Right. I am petite which in the dressmaking world means short NOT skinny. So if I am spending just as money on clothes my size from the store I might as spend that same money and make the clothes myself. That way I get exactly what I want. Then I discovered vintage fashion and fell in love.

[@mrsducky3428]

​@@FloridasYesteryear right? It's so ridiculous, the fast fashion world, the larger sizes are longer and smaller sizes are shorter. Have a friend who is 5'11" and wears a 12. Most pants on her are Capri length, and another friend 5'3" and wears a size 12 that drags the floor, but a size zero is almost Capri on her and a size 20 on the tall woman is almost too long!

[@susanpendell4215]

Originally mail order clothes asked for sex and age. So a 16 was for a 16 year old. You read that right, so a 7 is for a 7 year old.....

[@happycook6737]

Exactly right. Plus the designs on the fabric are beautiful and unique.

[@isabellefischer5145]

Plus, you can choose natural fibers, instead of polyester that is hot as hell, or rayon that won't last the season!

[@sarahcummings6324]

EVERY SINGLE PEICE of clothing is handmade - its either us sewists or people laboring away in sweatshops. but EVERY THING IS HAND MADE

[@mardeebrosh6965]

Came here to say exactly this! At least if I made it, I know that it wasn't made by a poor person making $2 an hour in a sweatshop somewhere. Also, I can make it with materials that will last and therefore the garment doesn't end up in a landfill after 3 washings.

[@kittydogz]

Right? Even the most bougie couture in the world is handmade.

[@QueAwkwardNoises]

@@kittydogzall couture is handmade, in fact couture means hand-sewn to custom fit!

[@karenfrances]

Would home made be a better word? I think you're missing the point of the video based on semantics.

[@mardeebrosh6965]

​@@karenfrances I'm assuming that she chose the word handmade for a reason.

[@haveaballcrafting8686]

5 Ways you can tell it’s home made: there’s no coverstitching coming undone; the hem is hemstitched instead of topstitched; you haven’t seen that same fabric five million times already this week; the buttons are all still on and placed in ways that minimise gaping; the garment fits and the person feels good in it.

[@sheilaross1449]

Right?! All these things are features, not bugs. Maybe there are a few wonky bits on my stuff, but it's worth it to have something I like, out of fabric I like, that nobody else has.

[@mrsducky3428]

Ya know, as home sewists, we wouldn't even let items out of the sewing room if they were as badly constructed as fast fashion! 😂

[@sheilaross1449]

@@mrsducky3428 so true!

[@glendamaikell4224]

And, patterns such as plaids and stripes actually match at the seams! I have a really hard time paying for a blouse where the pattern of the fabric doesn’t match up on the side seams or across the front.

[@mrsducky3428]

@@glendamaikell4224 ohhh so correct! There was a little old lady at church who sat right in front of us and the skirt she always wore had Chevron stripes that didn't meet at the back seam. The fabric was cut off bias. It was so distracting, we had to move seats. 😁😅😂🤣

[@andie.a]

POCKETS! F***ING POCKETS! One of the first things I learned how to sew was HOW TO ADD POCKETS TO ALL OF MY CLOTHES THAT WERE MISSING THE POCKETS!!

[@WantedVisual]

I have recently unlocked the second level of this: extending the pockets of clothes that have pockets, but they're too small.

[@blancavr1]

You are awesome. I always love your enthusiasm ❤

[@Magazine_stitcher]

I was originally - no I don’t need pockets 🤦🏽‍♀️. A friend made me pants with pockets. Pockets big enough to put a book in. I have seen the light and cannot turn back and will not go back.

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

Yes!!!Pockets all the time!!!

[@herballady4701]

Yes! Actually useful pockets!!

[@nniffa393]

As a fat sewist, I want people to know I made my button up shirts. Because no rtw brand is making a hot pink fairy bread patterned shirt in my size. I did that work. And I DEFINITELY topstitched all the things!

[@andreacook7431]

Oh yes! I have button-down shirts I wear to work. The neck FITS my neck, AND I can take a breath without shooting buttons at people.

[@robynwilliams460]

I wish pictures could be posted in the comments! I would love to see your shirt!

[@Orpilorp]

That sounds delightful! I don't know what fairy bread is, but it sounds cute.

[@ElizabethJones-pv3sj]

Similar to me with pants. I spent so much time searching for pants that would go over my backside that I found an online pattern drafting website (put in your measurements and a computer drafts a pattern for you) and I had a pair of pants that don't fall down and also don't try to ride up my bum crack plus it has nice big pockets that fit my phone.

[@sarahkinsey5434]

I work at a fabric and craft store, and one of our regulars has his wife make his button up shirts. He picks out the fabric and she makes them

[@mrcanada1104]

Everyone says ladies really want this designer label purse or that beautiful pattern and fabric, but let’s face it - every woman really just wants giant ass pockets!!! 🎉

[@susuburleson878]

This is truth.

[@OROZWBRAZEL]

I’m actually making a giant pair for a skirt and I don’t know _how_ I’ll reinforce them enough into the seams but I will *MAKE IT HAPPEN*

[@susancollicott7473]

Absolutely! If I can add pockets to what I am making, I will.

[@jw8223]

@@OROZWBRAZELyou can stitche the top into the waist seam/band, or add a ribbon to the top corner and sew THAT into the waist seam/band.

[@samwhyatt8685]

No, no, NO!!! 😂 No pockets! If there are pockets, I will put my hands in them, and even if the garment is the most delicate feminine item in the world, I go from 'elegant and ladylike' to 'geezer-bird' in a split second! 'South London thug in a ball gown' is not a good look! 😅😅😅

[@jeanmartin6410]

I made a prom dress for a friend of mine. I told her I hoped she didn’t mind that it was “home made”. She looked me straight in the eye and said, “It’s NOT home made. It’s HANDMADE.” Paradigm shift for me right then and there. I have never forgotten the way that girl made me feel when she said that. I felt like a real sewer (sewist???) from then on out. One of the best feelings I’ve ever had!

[@jodieroundtree488]

I actually make custom clothes for my adult sons because they are tall. I use custom tailored clothing as my preferred description of what I do. And my dear, that's what you did! Fitting and sewing a prom dress is a custom job.

[@saraferreira-holz6375]

That's called bespoke, and it usually costs a lot.🙂

[@lobstermash]

Real haute couture is all handmade, and a lot of the garment is hand-stitched.

[@TainaPR2024]

It was a custom made dress and that makes it super special.

[@sharonhughes588]

I am 69 years old, and only used a sewing machine when I was in the 7th grade......and it scared me so much then! LOL!!! I so want to sew some dresses for around the house....three quarter sleeves and to the ankles! Nope, probably not in style for anyone anywhere....but I am working up the courage to give it a shot! I enjoy you so much!!!

[@oliviaknight1123]

Please do it, you won't regret it and it's such a lovely way to pass the time. Plus you get gorgeous clothes you can enjoy wearing, in exactly the style you love! Personally, I like a 3/4 sleeve, with a 50's style full circle skirt in a mid calf length.... not particularly "in fashion", but I LOVE THEM! I only learnt to sew quite recently in the last few years, during the lockdowns and I've never looked back. I love searching out true vintage patterns, it's a joy. I hope you'll take the plunge and become a fellow stitchling. ❤

[@winwinmyfriend4727]

Do it I had a horrible experience in high school myself. I took the step awhile back to sew my first vintage style dress and I finished it. Now I've started it on dress number 2 a fifties style dress. Actually I made another in-between the 2 my own idea of a strawberry maxi dress. It was hard and I cussed my way through but I did it and you can two.

[@onlyyours725]

Go for it! I used old sheets when I started sewing. I wore those sheets until they fell apart!! 😂 At the time I figure all I had really lost was the .98 cost of the thread. I didn't even buy a pattern I folded a shirt that fit well in half traced around it cut it out and just free handed a "skirt" pattern. Best decision I've made. I'm in my late 50s and started really sewing only a couple of years ago.

[@connie6545]

I just started sewing again. And, I'm glad I did. I DO find it relaxing, and also to have something to wear is a bonus!

[@jacquelinedonofrio7399]

Go for it! Nothing ventured nothing gained!

[@missmatti]

I think the idea of something looking “handmade” = bad is outdated in the world of abundant poorly made RTW. Sure I want to make my clothes to the best of my ability but we gotta also give ourselves (ehrm… myself) some grace when it’s not perfect.

[@user-zg5lu2sr8n]

When I think of all the time I used to put into garments to get them "perfect," ripping out seams and fixing things that nobody but me would notice or finishing every raw edge perfectly... Now a days, I go with the "Desi" approach. The outside and the front is what matters, only finish raw edges when/where absolutely necessary. They don't even use patterns, just formulas and chalk it right onto the fabric and it comes out beautiful. And, Indian salwar pants are the most comfortable things ever when the weather is hot and you can whip them up in no time with about two yards of fabric.

[@pmclaughlin4111]

My daughter crochets and makes herself tops, skirts, sweaters, boleros etc. And leaves all the loose yarn ends dangling She wants people to know she made it. (She's in high school and wants people to know she made it. Yay for her)

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

I darn my socks with contrasting colours. Not only is it easier to see what I'm doing but it also is quite evident that I fix my stuff instead of pitching it! I've also got bunny print flannel in the patch in the seat of my work pants and bright turquoise in one knee and purple on the other.

[@catie5939]

All the young people seem to be doing that lately and it's so cute! It looks homemade and a bit deconstructed and I love it tbh.

[@cherylrosbak4092]

You have taught your child to be proud of her work, and that's amazing. I love that generation.

[@StephanieCouture-xe2ov]

That's what I did with my sews .. in the 70s . Yeah know I made it but it fits ..

[@KGlena-kx1df]

Plus it’s a record of progress, I love seeing how much neater the darning on my partner’s favorite sweater gets with each one ❤

[@wingzofice]

While thrift shopping recently I found a button down that someone handmade! I could only tell because i noticed the pinked seams when I was looking for a tag. I wore it on my trip to Italy! It made me happy to show off someone else's hard work.

[@sarahkinsey5434]

I love finding handmade at the thrift store

[@kellicoffman8440]

Good for your daughter I love hearing about young people in the craft community

[@onlyyours725]

Thank you, Stephanie! I work with mostly men as I'm a female welder. And I sew all my clothes. I even tell what I call " the boys." You can't buy this! I MADE IT. "The boys" range from 18 to 65ish. And every single one of them ask me " Did you make that too!!" They are sew impressed with my sewing everything I would be surprised if they don't try to take it up. And yes I'm guilty of making a mint off of them repairing their clothing. The first pair of overhauls I'm made for work (flame retarded) I found flower print! From that moment on I'm super excited to "show off" what I've made. So lady's seem like men are generally IMPRESSED by home sewing. I'm in my late 50s so I'm not chasing the men I work with but, If I were, guaranteed I would have been married by now. 😂 All joking aside, I do swell up with pride when one of them tells the other one 'she sewed it!' Never mind what some snooky says about your "me made" clothing, they are probably just jealous because they can't. ❤ I love your content. Thank you a million!

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Where did you find flame retardant flower print fabric?!?!?!

[@RVMM1]

Just chuckling at the fact that your autocorrect corrected “so” to “sew”.🤣 You probably got so annoyed because you use the word “sew” a lot, that you manually entered that correction, am I right? 😃👍😍

[@onlyyours725]

@robintheparttimesewer6798 At an outdoor thrift market!! I didn't believe it, but I purchased 6 yards for like $9.00! Very happily ever after. Lol.

[@onlyyours725]

@RVMM1 It was one of those sorry, not sorry moments. 😁

[@AliceEade-st2yc]

When people I work with found out I have a sewing machine I've also altered clothes for them, love having a skill and can guarantee going to eg wedding knowing I'm wearing a dress no-one else will ❤😊

[@kathymartin1805]

When my oldest daughter was about 3, I had made her a super cute little dress for a special day at church. I was very proud of it! One of the ladies commented to her, "Amy your dress is so pretty! " Amy's reply..." My Mommy made it, 'Cause we're poor!"

[@elisabethmontegna5412]

Oof! Kids are so good at bringing in the truth bombs.

[@wowzieee]

And because she was very loved.

[@sarahkinsey5434]

My mom made me clothes when I was little but didn't appreciate it enough back then. She made a sweatshirt and sweatpants set for me out of sweatshirt fleece but the fabric was stiff and the seams were scratchy.

[@user-zg5lu2sr8n]

lol, not so true anymore with the way the price of fabric has gone up. You have to hunt really hard to source materials to make something for less these days.

[@kellicoffman8440]

Oh that’s sad

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

What I love most is how I sew in all my favorite colors in my favorite styles in MY size. No pride in a sweatshop in a foreign country.

[@claudialupper]

That is the truth!

[@blazertundra]

"Thanks, I made it!" really does never get old. Eventually, if you decide to improve your finishing skills, your friends will start asking if some of your well-fitting RTW pieces are handmade. I have a lot of fun keeping people guessing. Most of the time, they figure out it's handmade when it's a true vintage pattern.

[@CostumeGranny127]

I once had a knitting teacher say that all our stitches should be even and identical and should look like a machine made it. Well, I'm not a *&%*$ machine and I made this and I am loud and proud about that!

[@gadgetgirl02]

I tell people "the machines are trying to keep up with us". Having said that, you can be a hand knitter who makes even stitches automatically, and that's okay too. I can't knit unevenly even if I try on purpose -- just how I was taught. Either way, the machines can't keep up with us.

[@denisewenke8323]

Unless it's really wonky, after you've worn it and washed it several times, it evens out.

[@merrim7765]

ABSOLUTELY!! I've been sewing 60 years. I learned one "handmade" give-away matters: A garment put together without ironing as each seam is completed. Use your iron so everything looks beautifully made.

[@kitefan1]

Also, wash your fabric first, then iron it. This is so that if it shrinks it will not effect the final garment.

[@kathyschulteis8547]

When I make a suit or a jacket or even a fancy dress when I am finished, I take it to the dry cleaner and get a press only. Everything comes back looking like I bought it off the rack.

[@melanieclark7949]

@@kathyschulteis8547 What a great idea!

[@lizmeany]

This was perfect timing. I spent a year knitting a cardigan where I experimented with fit and fading colors. After blocking, I wore it today and just felt deflated when all I could see were the flaws and tells that it was some new skills. Thank you for reminding me that that time wasn’t wasted, and I can still be proud of myself for finishing a tough project. It gave me motivation to keep going.❤❤❤

[@jacquelinedonofrio7399]

That’s right. We learn as we go!

[@wangofree]

You can probably see all the flaws but I guarantee you NOBODY else can. They're just impressed you made it yourself!

[@dorothydecesare1607]

Should anyone be so rude as to point out a ‘flaw’ …there are two potential responses : yes, I planned that, you see, it’s perfectly imperfect, thank you very much ! ….and / or it’s only a ‘mistake ‘ if you can spot it on a galloping horse from 50 feet away ! My mother was a child of the Great Depression or Dirty Thirties. She loved making her own clothes and thrifted and remodelled and scoured fabric stores and sewed for her seven children too. Bravo for your beautiful sweater !

[@gloriannburick1837]

Keep on knitting and in no time people will say “ It’s beautiful! Did you REALLY make that?”

[@GoodVibes1997]

Keep knitting. I used to do the same thing ... and then I just got over it and wear my flawed knitting with a sense of accomplishment. I enjoy the knitting process and that's what it's all about.

[@Eloraurora]

The tree trunks on the same level across the sleeves and bodice is actually a detail I really love. It's why I wish detailed small-scale striped patterns were easier to find, because intentional use of patterns is one of the things that really stands out to me as different between vintage and vintage reproduction.

[@randybobandy4000]

One of the coolest vintage dresses I've seen online was from the 50s, it had a green and red stripe fabric that was pleated on the front bodice so it appeared solid red, and the rest of the dress let the green stripes show. I thought it was such a good idea for utilizing stripes. Mass produced clothing nowadays would never include such details.

[@Eloraurora]

@@randybobandy4000 Ooh, I've seen that kind of stripe manipulation on vintage dirndl skirts/aprons a few times, and it really is a cool detail. I tried to make a sample a while back, but the stripes were about 1/8" wide and I didn't think I'd have the patience to do a whole waistband's worth.

[@randybobandy4000]

@@Eloraurora I wouldn't have the patience for it that's for sure, I do admire the finished product though.

[@kittydogz]

My Mom made a dress like that for me when I was in 5th grade but with a 1” black/white/grey gingham. So if I remember correctly the bodice became horizontal stripes and the skirt was the gingham.

[@eh1702]

A few weeks ago, I complimented one of my sisters on her blouse and she said, “i just realised, none of your clothes ever have a pattern.” I said, “Wait, not true, I’m wearing a striped shirt.” It was blue linen, a “quality” British high-street brand with tiny white stripes. She said, “Only thin white stripes that make it look paler at any distance. Do you even have something with black stripes?.” Nope. Believe it or not, I had never realised this. Once I got home I had a good look and found only a set of teeshirt-fabric pyjamas with little floral sprigs, one giant fleece lounge/robe top with a vague landscape over the whole front, and some socks with different color blocks in heels and toes: everything else is what she described. Even my sheets and towels are self-colored. Your comment just made me finally understand why. Why do I look at things with motifs and designs and put them back on the rack? Because I can’t stand that they mismatch wherever they join!

[@PeppermintGlow]

I got custom tags made that read "cried but sewed it anyway" and honestly those are the vibes

[@Skullkiddawn]

The highest fashion ‘Couture’ has to include a certain amount of hand finishing and particular technique in order to be labeled so, on top of other requirements likeshowing a certain number of collections in Paris. To Imply that handmade garments are unprofessional or lesser is spitting in the face of artisans. When you see a celebrity at the Oscars, they’re wearing garments handmade by dozens of talented artists.

[@babblesp1367]

However, some of those garments make the look like roosters, or cockatiels, or some type of bird, lol. But, yes, still handmade. That’s also why they’re expensive.

[@angiesmith3489]

I just started sewing so that I can make clothing in QUALITY fabrics, VINTAGE styles, and that actually FIT my body. Impossible to find otherwise.

[@jvin248]

Pockets have become such a meme. I think you need to do a whole show on adding pockets to factory-made clothes.

[@lynn858]

Seconding! I buy thrift store clearance - items with pockets never make it to clearance. I've gotten decent at it, and can now assess if it's a garment I want to bother with, and how they'll need to be done... but explanations from one of the chaos youtubers who love pockets... would have helped me a lot. Top suggestion: Anchor your pockets into the waist band! Better weight distribution and drape. And since you're not making 10,000, using that little bit of extra fabric, is not going to cost anything or increase the work noticeably.

[@MWPNW]

Thirding!!!!

[@ad6449]

fourthing!🎉

[@l.baughman1445]

Fifthing!!

[@cherylrosbak4092]

Morgan Donner did an episode like that, showing all kinds of pockets you could choose.

[@aoford5351]

I have been sewing since I was six years old, and I have never lost that sense of, “will this look ‘homemade?’” Thank you, Stephanie, for the confidence boost!

[@thinktinkful]

One of the best moments as a home sewist I've ever had: I made a dress from a 50s pattern to wear to a cousin's wedding. I had my 3 month old daughter with me in the restroom at the event and was stopped by a 7 year old girl who wanted know where I got such a cool dress. The look of mind-blown awe on that kid's face when I said I made it myself was truly the best compliment. I like to hope that she might remember that dress someday and be empowered to try sewing herself.

[@shmataboro8634]

When your clothes look handmade that means you have a greater skill set than just swiping a charge card.

[@Lizthinksaloud]

The good thing about handmade is no one ever will wear the same as you have made. It's such a good feeling that what you are wearing is unique to you, there isn't another like it, anywhere.

[@suziecollector5293]

I used to hang my new garment in the closet a few days. When I took it out I could not find the mistakes I had worked so much about. It ended up nicer than store bought. Better fabric! I could pick the pattern pieces that I wanted from different envelopes. I had designer clothes made just for me to fit. And enough money for shoes and accessories! Nowadays any homemade looks better than the big box stores. I am going to try thriftng for fabric!!

[@mollygardens6646]

Old lady here. It used be called “homemade” as a pejorative. My mother worked to avoid that look.

[@goldengryphon]

Now it's "Bespoke", or Custom-fit. Language matters.

[@IlorinWaern]

I am definitely team "Thanks! I made it and it has pockets!"

[@annakasper6141]

I agree with this video SO HARD! Why folks think that store-bought clothing is the best should sometime turn a garment in the store inside out and take a look at the shoddy construction that is the norm. Practically ANY handmade garment produces a better constructed garment than many factory made ones.

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

When I started making the kids clothes it was because the cheap garments would fall apart in the wash. I would much rather make it properly than repair the shoddy work!

[@janewarnock8855]

I got sick of buying things that didn't quite fit and had such skimpy seam allowances - no chance to improve them!

[@DeirdreRogers]

Exactly! I can't stand the crooked grainlines in fast fashion T-shirts.

[@hyacinth4368]

I always say those Chinese and Indonesian factory workers can't sew worth a crap!

[@babblesp1367]

Half the time the store bought items need to be reinforced with a sewing machine anyway.

[@marimba26]

I love that green dress, I remember when you made it. It looks great on you too. I love it when people compliment something I'm wearing and I get to tell them I made it. 💜

[@susandreyer9019]

Hi, do you have a link for the green dress video?

[@audreywring1920]

My wardrobe is now 99% hand crafted. I receive complements all the time. When I was wearing shop bought cloths nobody noticed what I wore. My reasoning they probably tried it on, seen it on multiple people no reason to comment. Nobody will notice small mistakes in handmade clothes, take the compliment without diluting your skills. I simply say thank you and move on.

[@peggedyourdad9560]

Another thing to add is that many of the mistakes present in homemade clothing are also in store-bought clothing and people still buy and wear those items all the time.

[@meganmarshall3867]

When I grew up in the '80s, before truly mass-produced cheap clothing was available everywhere, people (my mum included) sewed clothing because it was cheaper. So wearing home/hand made clothing implied you were poor. I don't remember if I got teased because of hand made clothing, but I remember being worried about it. When I recently re-learned to sew as an adult, it took me quite a while to get over that mindset. Now I love telling people I made my dress!

[@bittersweet3-]

I'm 70. Started 2 sew my own clothes by age 14. Was teased then about homemade clothes, now I'm like whatever. Have developed a tough skin about clothes + my style, I like it just the way it is. Ciao

[@skperreault2792]

wish I could like this 10 times. Love the attitude- agree 💯 %

[@davidhutchison3343]

How times have changed. When my daughter had her high school prom, she and all her friends were amazed that one of their friends had made her prom dress !!!!! They were all blown away by how good it looked.

[@daxxydog5777]

I think my mom (born in 1927) used to sew all her clothes until they had enough money that she could buy them. She had a sewing machine but I only remember her sewing one outfit. RTW was a newer option at the time, so maybe it was a status thing back then.

[@erindixon2877]

My daughter and I made a dress for her that’s she’s worn to a wedding last year and a work conference dinner this year. Both times, people loved the dress and were surprised to learn that we made it. She wants to make more dresses for trips she wants to take next year. I told her we need to get tags made that say from The House of Dixon…..then people can wonder what design house it is while we smile because it was made by us.

[@tonialong9277]

I sew for my family all the time. I am 73 years old, and my 6 year old great grand daughter told her teacher I could make her anything ❤

[@happytofu5]

Aaaw so sweet 😍 its really a super power, isnt it?!

[@draughtoflethe]

There really is nothing quite like that dopamine hit when someone compliments a garment you've made! I got that twice in one day last week; I took my mother to a doctor's appointment and stopped at a nearby JoAnn Fabrics to pick up some sewing notions. It was a little chilly, so both my mother and I were wearing sweaters that I'd knitted. The cashier at JoAnn's asked if I'd made my sweater and told me how nice it was (and even called to another employee to point it out), and then when I returned to pick up my Mom from her appointment, another patient exiting the building at the same time complimented her sweater, and she told them, "Thanks, my daughter made it!" I actually heard the exchange over the phone because I'd just called my mother to tell her I'd arrived. Those two little moments brought me such an unexpected surge of joy. It's absolutely a good and valid reason to handmake clothes, and for those clothes to be visibly handmade!

[@katarinamay710]

My favorite way to tell that my clothes are homemade is that the fabric is cut on-grain (or close enough). No t-Shirts with seams across my tummy! Also, no one is knocking me for my handmade clothes… maybe a more experienced sewist, but even then, the ones I know are usually proud of me for trying. But most of the people I interact with are just impressed that I CAN. I’m also starting to get into visible mending, because I love that handmade totally unique look on everything!

[@lisavalentine8877]

My mom taught me to sew, and every time we shopped for clothes at any dept store, my mom would point out all the flaws that they were charging so much for (ie: plaids or stripes not matched, etc.) and then we'd hit the fabric store on the way home & get better quality fabric & a pattern for a fraction of the RTW price.

[@claudialupper]

We had the same Mom! She used to turn clothes inside out and explain the cheesy shortcuts manufacturers take.

[@lisavalentine8877]

@@claudialupper I miss my mom. She had such a good eye for which fabric would look great with which pattern. She'd always point out a fabric that I never would have chosen & turn it into my favorite dress, the one that I picked for school photos, or anywhere that I wanted to look my best! I took a tailoring class, back in the old days of Home Ec in high school. I take forever to sew a project, but it's impeccable when I'm done!

[@DebTallbroad]

Totally agreed!! When my oldest was in preschool, as little boy looked sideways at my daughter's dress and then snidely said "you're mom made that dress". My daughter looked back and said " yes, my mom made this specially for me. No one else in the world has one like it. Your mom went to the store and bought something every one else has." The teacher who told me about this exchange said the boy was floored. I was and am very proud. This happened 30 years ago.

[@kieraoona]

For anyone new out there to sewing, keep going! You get better and more knowledgeable as you go, to make your clothes more you, and to make them fit the way you want them to! Stephanie, thank you for this awesome pep-talk video! I think you should do a series of these, for everyone who's a maker to get them geared up to do the thing! (says me as I struggle-bus with my sewing machine trying to make an 1890s sport blouse and my machine causes me trouble cause it hated the thread that I was using, which I have now switched and it's now behaving so I can too...do the thing and git 'er dun!)

[@across2726]

I'm proud of my homemade homemade clothes. They are individually unique. I'm grateful for all the skills I am capable of doing. Anyone can buy something off the rack. I say be proud of homemade ❤

[@mrsdepew]

This one resonated sooooo so deeply for me. Being in "the business" I hold my sewing to this impossible standard that I definitely cannot live up to. And it has stopped me from sewing SO OFTEN. I feel like everything I make is under a microscope and will be judged harshly (it often will). I really need to practice not caring. Thanks for the encouragement! I really, really needed to hear this!

[@HenryClan2012]

Excellent topic. No one should care. We should be proud of our skill set as makers. Anything you buy these days falls apart in the laundry after the 1st wash and needs mending. On top of that, most store bought clothes need altering before I can wear them. I am short & plus size and the designers seem to think that not only am I “fluffy” I’m 7 foot tall with my knuckles dragging the ground. Pockets Rule!

[@susanzsoka7059]

I am 61 and have been sewing since I was 13. I just made the walk-around dress. Out of sheets and a curtain. I'll post a picture for you on Sunday as I'm wearing it to church!😊.

[@christinea52]

When I see a garment made of unique fabric pattern , I always wonder if the wearer made it or someone who loves them made it for them. I’ve made so many garments for me and loved ones and no-one else will be wearing what they’re wearing. I can adjust fit for thin kids and full-sized adults. It’s amazing the skill set I have in knowing what I can use on-hand instead of buying the needed item(s). Yes, sewing is time consuming! I still love sewing!!! A good reminder and encouraging video Stephanie!!

[@pmclaughlin4111]

I've had this conversation more than I care to. I generally tell people it is custom made Some people do get handmade and those that really know me-it's did you make this. Answer: yes and it has pockets.

[@jojorey6886]

I used to make all my clothes but stopped when all the fabric stores closed. Back in the day there used to be so many places to buy quality fabric that you could touch and feel. I don’t like buying fabric online because I can’t tell if I’m going to actually like it. The only fabric I buy online is quilting fabric; it’s more predictable in quality. I’d really like to make some dresses because it’s so difficult to find flattering dresses especially for older women and women that are not size 4.

[@MarisaFrasure]

Well said! (I remember o.g.stores: Martin dry goods [independent], as well as So- Fro [the founding family sold this chain to JoAnn fabrics in the 90's] )......

[@jojorey6886]

@@MarisaFrasure I grew up in the city of NewBedford MA. There were so many textile factories back in the 60s/70s and some of them would sell folds of fabric, there would be tables full of fabric and it was inexpensive. There was a shop that just sold buttons called, Windsor Button. More people sewed back then especially the workers from the textile factories. My mother was a sample maker for Vanity Fair and I was a Utility worker in a men’s suits factory meaning I didn’t have to do the same job, I could move around to different stations in the assembly line. I liked working in factories.

[@MarisaFrasure]

@@jojorey6886 : wow! Are there any mills left, or are they gone now?

[@jojorey6886]

@@MarisaFrasure I’ve moved away in 1978 but I would visit my mother who lived there until 2016 when she passed away, so I’m not sure but a lot of the factories have been torn down, made into shopping malls or apartments. I worked in a shoe factory sewing boots and the top floor is where they would put the seconds (shoes/boots that had a flaw) and you could buy a pair for $5/$10. That was in 1975.

[@Which-Craft]

I'm terrible at sewing, don't even know what topstitching is, but I can say I'm so proud and in love with a linen jacket I made (even without a pattern) that I'll even wear it to Publix.

[@vickytarbox9059]

I agree 100 percent. Handmade fits me better.

[@FloridasYesteryear]

I am making a 1930s pants, halter, and bolero. I am just finding button holes to be a little intimidating. This outfit needs 10 of them. Also it has pockets!

[@happytofu5]

Nicole Rudolph has a great video on hand stitching button holes. Highly recommend.

[@Which-Craft]

You had me at pocketses, Precious!

[@pavlal.4552]

Also every garment is handmade. Thank you.

[@kida4star]

I love the fact that making my own clothes means I’m not stuck with whatever is currently ‘in style’. Also: pockets!

[@happytofu5]

I love that I can make my favorite pieces again and again. I am always so sad when my favorite storebought garments wear out and I can't purchase them again because they were made 10 years ago

[@katelillo1932]

Love this! Sewing is an incredible skill and people are always impressed when you say “thanks! I made it!”

[@stitchersdelight]

My sister taught me to sew when I was 13, a lime green mini skirt with a gold chain belt and I still remember how proud I was. That was 53 years ago and sewing is still my happy place. Your video is spot on ! Thank you

[@wowzieee]

I start telling them all my errors and they usually say, it looks fine. Keep inspiring.

[@happytofu5]

I know the struggle. As a creatoe you'll always see the little flaws, but most of the time no one else will.

[@CrojoJojo]

I think of handmade as higher quality because it's custom made for you with your needs and tastes in mind not assembly line with corners cut to make someone more money. I get excited when I think of the endless possibilities of handmade items just the way I love them!

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Definitely one of the BEST things about sewing is getting to say "Thanks, I made it!" Like you said it never ever gets old. My favorite interaction was once with a woman who complimented my dress, I said "Thanks, I made it!" to which she replied "And I bet it has pockets!" YES YES LADY IT SURE DOES!! 👗🥳

[@marathorne6821]

Handmade clothing is absolutely something to be proud of; like a home-cooked meal, vegetables from your own garden/allotment, or art you created for your own walls. We should celebrate making things. Our creativity is one of the distinguishing features of humankind.

[@Doris86pl]

I wear my handmade clothes everyday, dresses, coats, jackets etc. I love that I can make it anyway I want.

[@MrThom8804]

This video gives Mercury Stardust pep talk but for handmade clothes vs handy repairs

[@OnePoetWanderer]

I was thinking the exact same thing.

[@saraiemmanuel6617]

Y’all, I absolutely live in handmade clothes. I’m currently sewing a fabric binding on the hem of my favourite crochet dress as I continue to wear it to death because it FITS and is COMFORTABLE and I get so many compliments (and yes, I brag about the pockets nearly every time!) And why wouldn’t I be proud to wear handmade? The look on people’s faces when I tell them I hand sewed my stays is priceless.

[@tb1670]

Handmade clothes is always unique to you. I love that.

[@heatherk.8182]

Thank you for this video! When I was an adolescent I remember having so much shame over making my own clothes. My family didn’t have a lot of money and I discovered I could make things that looked like what I saw in fashion magazines at a fraction of the cost. I was proud of myself for this but at the same time didn’t want anyone to know I made things myself for fear of their judgement. I eventually got over it and wore my pride like a badge of honor. Being able to make things is something one should absolutely be proud of! Just because something is store-bought doesn’t mean it’s better. There are plenty of mass-produced garments that are absolute garbage; making something yourself allows you to make it at a higher quality and will last longer.

[@annetteweston4135]

I was taught how to sew by my auntie who worked for Norman Hartnell who made queen Elizabeth clothes in the 50s and 60s. My auntie was so particular as she should have been for the queen in her fit seams etc , I used to take shortcuts and still do . When she retired and came to Australia she was making clothes for people and one special person and his brothers stage clothes when they were young was Keith Urban . I even make my own curtains bedding refurbish furniture etc to

[@MarisaFrasure]

Please, please, get your aunt to write a book about her life: that era of fashion is rapidly fading (as well as the people that upholded it).....

[@toots810usa6]

Oh yes please to this idea!! Both my grandmothers made all clothing including formal gowns, winter coats with fur trimmed hoods, men's shirts, all their own slacks, etc. My Mom is also a weaver and creates handmade clothing that is truly art. I have decided to move into my own style of prairie skirts, blouses and smock dresses. I like to dress up in different outfits that children like so they can see people be happy without conforming. BE THE ART!!!

[@marissawacholder5822]

I love making my own clothes but what leveled it up for me is actually finishing my seams and making my own personalized sewing labels. Also, just being real about what fabrics and colors looked good on me.

[@alejandramoreno6625]

Showing people that everything I've made has pockets is one of the joys of my life.

[@GMom-sp1gb]

Brava!! Well said. And POCKETS!!!!!

[@teresasanders4266]

I can tell, the fabric is premium, the cut is generous, the hems are deep, just better

[@msullivan3531]

My favorite skirt is navy blue and white striped with huge lemon wedges and an exposed pink zip. Definitely NOT finding that at the local store 😂

[@marilynhylenski9948]

I am very glad you made this video. I love to sew but am no where close to professional. I have been sewing since Jr. High school (yes I am old enough to have had sewing class in Home Economics) Everything you said is true. Also, I push myself to learn to do the techniques I did not know how to do. And I don’t care whether anyone knows if the item is home made. You are absolutely correct. Love your videos.

[@maryt2887]

Oo-oo-oo! You’ve inspired me to get off my *** (couch) and hit the sewing machine! Worried about fit? Who cares? Worried if the fabric choice doesn’t work? Who cares? I want to have fun making the skirts, shirts, and dresses that are calling to me from my sewing room. And I won’t get better if I don’t keep moving ahead. Thank you!

[@zoilacurtis7112]

You, go girl! Go! Go! Go! As a child of the 70s, I’m glad you younger generations are sewing!

[@kitefan1]

Back in the olden times, when sewing machines didn't know zig-zag and buttonholing was an enormous project with a huge attachment, the purchased clothes were much more expensive than homemade ones. If you fit into normal sizes and all of your clothes were homemade it was implied that you were poor, cheap or from an extremely rural area. According to the COOL people that was not cool. This has changed a lot because fast fashion isn't worth the money and most people have more than a weeks worth of outfits.

[@Vereynique]

I have had friends at the theater that have started asking if the store bought garments I am wearing are handmade. It makes me proud that they can't tell the difference from what I have made myself. I have sewn costumes for the last 3 productions of our season.

[@willjay916]

Momma's handmade clothes always reflected a greater attention to detail - patterns aligned and the finished work was altered to fit better.

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

I was a 1980's weirdo mom of 3 kids. I avoided made-in-China clothes. My adult son recently recalled that, as a kid, he had made-in-the-USA clothes, and I asked how he could be so sure. He said our kitchen table is in the USA, and that's where I made his clothes. He remembers and appreciates. Best. Son. Ever. Oh yes, he gets the house.

[@alisachandler8996]

Chaos gremlin! I love it!🤣🤣🤣🤣A la Maria!!😂😂

[@VickiBowers]

Also, given the "quality" of some of the ready-to-wear things I've seen, handmade garments are of superior quality!

[@marilys3549]

I find the hardest thing about sewing is sizing up for my voluptuous hips and my large upper arm. And I love pockets

[@shannonwhitwick3443]

Ditto!

[@lenabreijer1311]

When i was 16 back in the 1960s, in my French class we had a story in which the sisters were put down by the author for wearing homemade dresses. I did a whole speech in French defending the "handmade" clothing of the sisters and how it was probably better made and more flattering then store bought in the 1920s. Especially because i had made my school uniform skirt myself and i was proud of it.

[@Blazer19742002]

You, dear Stephanie, are sass personified and the reason I keep watching your channel. The sarcasm and in-your-face truth is a breath of fresh air. I also adore your dresses with the pockets as it's another reflection of your personality. Keep preaching Queen. ❤❤❤❤❤❤😎😎

[@gerdienebaas3510]

Not me watching this is in unhemmed widest leg pants and a tunic I both made. I ❤ this message. Make all the things, dopamine dress, and sew on.

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

That was the perfect!!! Most of my first with sewing were kids clothes they don't stand still long enough for anyone to tell what went wrong! But really if I'm happy with the garment enough to wear it everyone can shut it. Let's remember if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all! Really unless someone says what do you think of this... pattern, material, whatever then just don't say anything! Or find something to compliment. There always at least one nice thing to say about the project.

[@juliemcleod1119]

I love making things, its the finishing i struggle with, then finding places to wear them. Thanks for the pep talk, i so needed it..

[@kckazcoll1]

I hear you. I make a lot of vintage inspired garments, then have hardly anywhere to wear them. Sometimes I will wear them to antique shops and rock and roll themed markets

[@lesathornton]

I think of it as custom, one of a kind

[@elizarock655]

That dress you’re wearing is beautiful.

[@showandtellmeg]

So true! I think its interesting how saying something "looks handmade" has a negative connotation, yet giving a gift you bought on easy and telling someone it was handmade makes it fancy. I think it all comes down to confidence. People compliment my clothes ive made all the time by saying "it looks store bought!" And I dont hold it against them - I know they mean it well, but a store bought item would usually not have the attention to details ive paid (or the pockets). Its all in how we present our makes. We teach others to value it by how we talk about it and show our pride in our skills.

[@kathyjames9250]

I am with you! I used to sew all my own wardrobe, and bought the most stylish patterns and beautiful fabrics that made me “foam at the mouth!” (figuratively). This continued to be the MOTIVATION for me to go on to plan, prewash, press, layout, mark, adjust, etc. and to finish off with hems/buttons and actually wear the garment. Also that was the olden days, when the ready to wear for fat women that was available was one rack in the back of the store with ONLY navy polyester. No wonder more people learned to sew then. Blessings! from Canada

[@saraa3418]

When I first started sewing, I started looking at the inside of my clothes and studying the finishes and the durability of the garments. I soon came up with the metric of, "is it as good as fast fashion?" For a while, my stuff was, and then as my skill grew my stuff got better than fast fashion and now I can look at my finished work and ask myself "is it as good as designer?"

[@empressheraluna]

I agree, I’m very proud of my Home sewn clothes. They fit and are better made than fast fashion. I love when people compliment my work! My homesewn gifts are always a hit with my friends and family! I learned to sew when I was 2 and never regretted bugging my grandma to show me!

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

I have become addicted to vintage fabrics.

[@rosethorne9155]

I started making my own dresses when i was 15, because my mom wouldn't buy me the ones i wanted. My favorite summer dress, and the one I got the most compliments on, is one i made out of an upcycled vintage bedsheet. 😂 It's made from a vintage reproduction 1950s sundress pattern and it has a big floofy skirt and adorable tie-on bias straps. I love it, and wish I hadn't cut the original pattern up, because I want 10 more of them. 😂

[@thisaintnorodeotown739]

Ahhh! This is such a lovely pep talk! I've been needing this! ❤🧵🪡

[@rampantrae-sq4hy]

'Held together with hot glue and prayers' 😂😂 That's fab. Advice can also be applied to other things in my life 😊

[@GinaLoriDuncan]

These are the kinds of dreses I want to wear: pretty fabric, well-fitted, flattering, modest and lady like.

[@theshabbyrose]

Amen Sister! I am so greatful to your channel. You have inspired me so much, because I am so tired being subjective to poor quality clothing even when I paid good money for it. Quality has gone down even in "luxury" items. It's terrible out there. So here I am dusting off my Heavy Singer machine and digging out some patterns. Oh did you know that in 1900 they had the cutest tiny singer sewing machine for kids!!! If you come across one of these little machines, in your travels please let me know! I want one so bad lol