I Failed. And it's OK? Planning 2022 Projects

[@Velostigmat]

I work as a substitute teacher. One classroom had a poster saying, "FAIL: First Attempt in Learning." Thanks for sharing your failures. They make the rest of us feel better for our failures/learning experiences.

[@larkin2890]

i really appreciate you talking about your own failures openly. fear of failure has kept me from doing a lot in my life, and i'm finally starting to shake off its grip on me at the ripe age of 27 💀 (not that it's ever too late to change, *exhale*) perfectionism is the past, it's 2022 and we're taking joy from and learning from and growing through failure and imperfection!

[@katbairwell]

The only why you fail at something you want to do (and are capable of doing) is by not making the attempt, everything else is just getting better at your craft! PS: If 27 is a ripe old age, then I am well and truly compost!!

[@makeda6530]

As a fellow 27 year old, I believe in you, it's a hard shake and I pray we can move forward without the chokehold of fear.

[@carolempluckrose4188]

Sonia, I'm 40 years your senior. Sometimes we look at something and we don't trust ourselves. We say 'I'm not good enough to do that.' Believe me, there are times I still say it. Success is quite simple really, it's doing the best you can at that moment in time. As Nicole says, everything we do, we learn from. So, remember, everything you do is successful at the time you do it. You will learn and next time whatever you do will be better because of what you have learnt before. Go forth young Lady, the world is just out there waiting for you to take hold of it and teach it that it has one boss, YOU! Now, about that anniversary cake I have promised myself to make ........ !

[@karowolkenschaufler7659]

I'm turning 30 soon and I recognise your struggle. what has helped me is to use a more scientis-ish aproach. meaning: it's only a failiour if I didn't learn from it/didn't get any usable data. and yea... that means that life has become a series of experiments to me and to me that feels rather good.

[@intrepidabsurdist]

I am in my 40s and I am trying to undo those same fears. You really have time to change!

[@LadyDragonFaery]

I'm going to begin my sewing adventure this year. And trust me when I tell y'all, I don't have any experience in doing any of the things I plan to do. And I have some "grand" ideas to draw inspiration from. So, please wish me luck, and a toast: TO MY FUTURE FAILURES! May they be spectacular and teach me to be better! 😁

[@koira163]

Just keep in mind and be sure to remind yourself that; everyone starts at somewhere. Some do more mistakes than others, some learn faster than others. It's not a race or competition. I's about having fun. at least this helps me in those moments where my perfectionist and anxiety ridden brain starts being annoying. Break a leg! I hope your journey is rich and wonderful ;3

[@mcomeslast]

Don’t let it stop you (within reason-fabric isn’t cheap, lol). I did the same with quilting. Had never quilted. Wanted a star quilt for my soon to be son (they have special significance for many Native Americans). Didn’t know how. Lot’s of “shouldn’t you start with an easier quilt to learn?” I did it the hard way, piecing every little diamond because I didn’t know how to do strip piecing. Still did it. Then took a class after he was born to learn how to do it the easier way. Learned a lot on both projects.

[@Avelanna]

I’m still watching the video but I just got to the riding boots part and you’re explaining the choke point of the ankle - and it’s killing me because I just finished a pair of socks last night that are beautiful and fit like a dream, except that exact point! It’s *just* a struggle to get my foot in because I reduced a stitch or two too much! 😭 I haven’t decided on if I’ll keep them, try to fix them, give them away, or just frog them entirely. But this video is *very* well-timed Edit: I ended up just frogging back to the spot, adding in the extra amount of stitches back, and refinishing them ♥️ learning experiences!

[@kohakuaiko]

Yeah, socks are hard

[@yoshiew05]

Maybe check out Elizabeth Zimmerman’s afterthought heel. You may not have to frog the entire sock.

[@annebeck2208]

Love, love. Reminds me of my grandmother who would have told you about the boning "honey they usually have a reason for doing that, and you will find it, if you don't do it." She was so right! She was a bold experimenter and a young mom in the 30's.

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

With all the different things I've learned to do (sewing, armouring, drywalling, carpentry, crocheting, beadwork, auto repair, gardening, meadmaking, auto body repair, baking more stuff), the one thing I've learned is that I learn WAY more from fixing a mistake than I ever do from getting it right in the first place. "Fail forward". A failure isn't an ending, it's a learning opportunity! Also, being ok with "Good enough" was also an important lesson for me. When people in the armour shop ask me how I know the pitfalls, I answer, "I've already made that mistake, so you don't need to." -Chevette Girl, the Bad Example

[@williamsstephens]

Good enough ... is good enough!

[@tidalboxer]

Good enough is a very hard lesson. Sometime we have to realize that others don’t see all the little things we see and we’re being hard on ourselves.

[@8butterfly81]

My must recent attempt at a dress had similar results. I was so happy with how it looked and felt at Thanksgiving, but I hadn't finished taking down the lining yet, so I finished that, washed it and the hems all came undone (they unraveled too much). Then while trying to fix that I realized that ALL the seams had that issue, so I got it to where I thought I could wear it for Christmas and was going to remake it after, and then at Christmas I went to put it on and couldn't breath at all, because the bodice lining wasn't at all stretchy and the outer fabric was, so after I tacked down the lining in the arm holes it was too tight, whereas before it had fit perfectly. So I learned to always try stuff on after making changes even if you don't think they would effect the fit, as well as actually finishing seams properly so things don't fall apart in the wash.

[@SusanYeske701]

One of the reasons I enjoy miniature sewing is that when I fail (to measure or pleat or draft the pattern properly) I'm not out very much fabric or money. I would probably have been crying the whole time I was trying to get the stuff off the silk if that'd been me. So glad it looks like you were able to get it clean! Yay for oxyclean! I look forward to seeing what you do this year!

[@MossyMozart]

@Susan Yeske - For future fabric stains, Ann Reardon (food scientist, debunking maven, & overall smarty pants) has a large section here on stains and removal - "Debunking Crazy WATERMELON Cement Hack & Cooking in a DISHWASHER | How To Cook That Ann Reardon" - kzbin.info/www/bejne/moTaq5SrZ8R-fJo

[@NicoleRudolph]

Want all the comfort of a fluffy cloud? Well, you can't have Bailey, but you can have the next best thing! Visit birchliving.com/nicolerudolph to get $400 off your mattress, plus two free pillows.

[@judithgrace8359]

Being a perfectionist and wanting not to be, this was so enlightening and helpful. Thank you for being so honest and forthright about mistakes and failures.

[@MossyMozart]

@judith grace - It took me a long time to accept the fact that I am a failed perfectionist.

[@valzahnzahn]

When I was in beauty school we weren’t allowed to call them mistakes but “discoveries” which at the time seemed lame. It makes a lot of sense tho not to get down on yourself because it’s all part of the learning process.

[@RobinGH]

Thank you. You said several things that I needed badly to hear. There's a project setting in time out on my sewing table since before Christmas. I've resisted going back to it since I realized that it was never going to turn out like I imagined it in my head. I'm going to finish this cup of tea then head to my sewing room.

[@carolempluckrose4188]

Wishing you every success.

[@libraryoflilylol199]

I recently had to watch an old video about design for my design thinking class, and one of the mottos of the design company featured was "fail often to succeed sooner." That concept is freaking terrifying, but also kinda true. Failure by itself does not teach you anything, but when you successfully use strategies to recover from it and find out what to do right next time, then you learn. When you fail at something often and use those strategies, you end up with a huge list of what works and what doesn't to work from and the sooner you get that list, the sooner you can do great things. (But it only works if you know what you're looking for or how to find something you don't know yet out of that failed experience.)

[@DouglasMilewski]

These days, when I'm working on a new skill or hobby, I call my initial projects R&D. I expect that I'll do things wrong. Most things take a few times around the block before you start getting it.

[@mcomeslast]

Yes! I’m making a cardigan jacket now. First one. I didn’t buy expensive tweed and silk lining. I have nice but inexpensive fabric. I’m less stressed because if it’s a total wash I don’t feel the need to have a Viking funeral pyre for it in the yard.

[@moxiebombshell]

I am *absolutely* borrowing that phrasing!! Because in the early stages of learning a new skill/hobby, that's exactly what it is. As someone who struggled for YEARS (and years, and years...) with an overwhelming fear of failure and only in the last few years realized how stunningly counterproductive that actually is, using a term without the baggage that a word like "failure" has for me could be a game-changer.

[@lindadegonzalez]

I've been calling these first attempts "experiments" for decades!! Recovering perfectionist here... reframing trying something new and unfamiliar as an experiment has released a ton of creativity within me. Once I let go of "perfect", possibilities were endless!

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

Thank you for sharing your learning experiences. We all have them. I once spent weeks making a beaded collar out of Burgundy size 11 beads. It was a gorgeous small cape style that covered my shoulders. I wore it with a white dress to a party. Red beads are often not color fast. I didn't know that. It was very humid and my neck and the dress both got stained pink. It is now draped over a lampshade.

[@aoiasahi]

That's one very fancy lampshade you have now!

[@mariaduszak9064]

I've had that issues and a very spare coat of transparent laquer/finishing spray on the backside resolved the issue.

[@adedow1333]

I grow with every project. I learn something with every project. It's so painful and so much fun all at once. It's massively frustrating and so thoroughly satisfying.

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Oh yeah failure! The reason I got good at putting plackets in!! I kept failing at zippers so I turned them into button plackets! Of course eventually I had to figure out zippers but I still prefer buttons!

[@georgebricker2224]

So nice to hear that not every project turns out perfect. Watching people on KZbin kind of makes it feel like there projects are perfect and everyone else has occasional failures some time. Ok more than some times. Practice practice. My theory is that you need to sew exactly the same thing five times before you have no problems. even then it does not always work. Not to mention who sews exactly the same thing five times? Not most of us. Thanks for the insight.

[@sloppyjoe3617]

This is an important topic, not only for makers but everyone. It's taken me a lifetime to embrace failure. I sometimes even expect I might fail and it causes me to slow down and think, and plan better. I make bags and purses and the materials can be very expensive (as with anything we make). I'm still learning to accept the waste of precious material when I fail, especially when I've used the last of something beautiful. Disappointment is usually my response, however, I always learn something. The old adage "practice makes perfect" should be "practice makes better".

[@nixhixx]

Kaylee: 'How come you don't care where you're going?" Shepherd Book: "'Cause how you get there is the worthier part."

[@davidblum7125]

I definitely read this in the appropriate voices.

[@kohakuaiko]

It's impossible for a Browncoat not to hear it

[@momtomtse]

Yes, yes indeed

[@darlebalfoort8705]

I fitted a satin slip dress too tightly so that it was fine until I sat down. The dress had a side zip so I unzipped it and kept the jacket on so that it wasn't obvious that the dress was unzipped. I learned something there.

[@christineherrmann205]

As a LARPer who's cut a lot of costume corners, your last story of that gown destroyed something inside me. I'm so glad you saved it. Keep that cloak in the naughty bag for a bit; it's not easy being green.

[@ushere5791]

officially obsessed with your hair--it's always lovely, but this style really looks super on you. :)

[@jexl1059]

and often super different each video! love it :D

[@MrsBrit1]

Failing is part of learning, living, and achieving our goals! 💙

[@Rotten_Ralph]

MrsBrit1 I appreciate your response. It’s quite wise, in my opinion.

[@johannayaffe2647]

I'm a big fan of ice skating- especially ice dance, remember even the gold medalists fall over, and can still win. They just have to get up and carry on skating until the end of the routine. So the difference between success and failure is if you get up after you've fallen over.

[@KatherineSewing]

Nicole, Words cannot express how much I enjoyed this video. 😍 Every one of your videos, and this one especially, are so rich and deep, with your wellspring of historical sewing wisdom. Love how you talk not only about how to make things on a surface level, but on the why’s and deeper philosophy behind it all. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and experience with us! 💕

[@catzkeet4860]

I make silver jewellery often made with many tiny pieces of wire. Sometimes things just “disagree” with me about how they should work. Soooo sometimes it’s a matter of adjusting my plans on the fly, maybe changing a shape, adding or taking away a piece, just “making it work”. But, the pieces removed are NEVER thrown away…..for one thing, silver is EXPENSIVE, but also, I have a box, full of pieces, and half done pieces that just didn’t work…..failures you could say. They’re not failures tho, they’re my inspiration box. When I need ideas I’ll pull out two things…..my stones(when I have them, right now I have very few…money is tight), and my box of bits. That box has been the birth of many items that would never have been made without it and it’s contents. There’s no such thing as “failures” to me…….just fodder for further work.

[@euansmith3699]

Thanks for another informative video. The "failures" might not match the perfect archetype; however, they probably perfectly match the reality of clothing in the past. I'm sure that customers in the past suffered buyers' remorse over the lengths of their sleeves or the straightness of their hems.

[@deliawallace4426]

OMG a vintage capsule - the content I need. So looking forward to this.

[@thewol7534]

Oh, yes. The Maker's Mantra -- "The next one I make, . . . . " because there will always be a next one that incorporates the things you learned making the last one. Yeah, it's also about the thing, and the finished thing is nice, but . . . It's really all about the process of making the thing, the part that I call "wrestling the angel" -- I will not let you go until you bless me -- with the knowledge that only comes from getting your hands on the materials and try to make them actually do this thing you have imagined them doing. It's one of those you have to be there.

[@zriana1]

I'm something of a budding tailor myself (I sew as a hobby but i also did a lot of work in my college's costume shop as part of my theater major) and I really appreciate the wisdom in this video. My first dress was my homecoming dress and I chose this satin fabric with a wild black white and red pattern all over it. The dress ended up not fitting- it was supposed to have a zipper but it would not have zipped up if i added it, so I improvised and added some bright red elastic ribbons across the back where the zipper would have been. I wore the dress but like, it was pretty ugly in the end- which is fine! I got the experience. I helped my partner make her first dress but the fabric we got online (a really soft cotton) just.. fell apart, after a while. which sucked! having something you make fall apart really sucks, but you can always repair or remake, if you want to. I think that could maybe be a way to have a healthy sort of dream project- one that you're willing to constantly come back to and revise over time, though I suppose that's a little easier to do when your art is like, writing or painting and not like, Entire Shoes or Dresses.

[@pmclaughlin4111]

Excited for your 1919-1922 wardrobe-especially that you said you were going to make a suit. I have been fascinated by the intersection of wardrobe and the suffragist movement...especially the Suffragette Suit (a little too early for your project) and the seditious nature of pockets

[@trudicole3520]

I have 50 years of failures behind me so I know what you mean it is an adventure to fix these failures and learn how to do things well I have made 6 vests in the last 18 months and finally made a perfect vest and it's wonderfull

[@nicolawebb6025]

I occasionally teach sewing and try and remind people that learning is about what does and doesn't work. And that comparing to others is unhelpful because they are at a different point in their learning journey. Someone who has fabulous results has spent a long time working to get there and usually doesn't often wear their failures on their sleeves. Thank you Nicole for being so open.

[@laurenragle5228]

You talking about the ivory/yellow silk satin dress was actually SUPER relatable to me in a weird way. I wore a dress that had been fitted to me (bridesmaid dress, not something I made, but something very sentimental) to an event. Standing was fine, eating whilst standing was fine. But when we went to sit down and watch a film together, I immediately realized how tight and uncomfortable it was several years removed from the initial fitting / sizing. It even brought on a bit of a panic attack because of the tightness and - of course - center back closure. Thankfully, my buddy helped me unhook the one I couldn't reach and I covered it with my shawl and dashed to my car where I was able to switch into a more comfortable dress I had worn earlier in the day. My new policy is "if it isn't comfortable, don't wear it". I still have the dress because I might take a pattern or something - but I'm not wearing it again unless I can wear it comfortably. I'm so glad you were able to get the stains out, by the way! ❤️

[@elizabethsaltmarsh8306]

The 1890s boots you showed at the end caught my eye because they look just like one of the illustrations from The Borrowers (a book set during that time period or just after where one of the main characters is a shoemaker :) ). I had always assumed the funky shape is because of the illustrator, but I guess shoes just looked like that then. Today I learned.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

I was so sad when I saw the green transferring at CoCo. I'm glad you were able to get it off!

[@Maichen13]

I've run into a way too narrow ankle in a pair of socks I made with 2 colors of yarn. I learned that maybe I should go a size larger with my knitting needles, cause I tend to knit tighter when I'm swapping between colors.

[@sarahdearmond7924]

One of my favorite professors in college taught us that we don't learn when we get things right. We learn from getting things wrong, from making mistakes, from failure. That has been the best lesson I have ever learned in my life and it has driven me in all my creative endeavors as well as in other facets of life.

[@kaytiej8311]

This is really interesting. I've never thought of doing a sewing project to actually learn something. It has always been just to produce something. Something I wanted or needed but never as an opportunity to increase my skill or understand garment construction better. In that sense, a kind of mindless task. I've realised that watching you, and others, I have changed my mindset so that, from choosing pattern and fabric through to construction and finishing, is a journey and not to be rushed but savoured and enjoyed. This has been great to remind me that even the "less than best" outcomes can offer joy, by directing me to where I need further learning. Best lesson so far (at 60 yrs of age!) is to correct any mistake you find straight away otherwise problems compound!

[@mk-aka-morgan8386]

Your videos are so aesthetically pleasing 😳

[@wildcutecosplay]

I was supposed to wear this traditional japanese inspired costume from this dramatic game I love, and I put all the work into it, and when I went to try it on, the top didn't fit me properly. And I cried. But I sucked it up. I wore it long enough to get a couple pictures taken. And then changed into a j-fashion outfit had packed into my bag that I felt more comfortable and confident in, because I wanted to enjoy myself and have fun. I kept having failure after failure from about mid 2020 to early 2021 when it came to costuming. I kept making basic mistakes and things didn't end up fitting right or looking right when they were on me i was getting heart broken and frustrated, and I just needed to take a break. So when I did start sewing again, I went super simple just to get my confidence back and have been building up to more and more complex things again. Assuming events happen might even try my hand at competing again. I don't think I'll win anything but it'll be nice to be on stage in something I am proud of, rather than something I feel uncomfortable in. I'm happy and love the things I've made since then and found out I love embroidery which is not something I'm sure I would have found out if I hadn't taken a break from constantly working on complex massive projects all the time. I still intend on wearing those outfits that made me cry at some point since I have a better idea of where things went wrong and going 'No, you do need to make a mock up and triple check things are gonna fit right because the pattern isn't designed with dropping the waist line an inch and a half in mind.'

[@juls_krsslr7908]

The first dress I ever made turned out really well. I followed the instructions perfectly and it looked great. But the fit was terrible! It was too big in the shoulders and gaped at the chest, but I couldn't get it closed around my waist. The proportions were really strange, like it was made for someone with broad shoulders, a 40 inch bust and a 20 inch waist. I don't know what went wrong, but now I know to make a mock up and make adjustments before I use nice fabric. It's kind of funny in retrospect. I've also burned a hole in fabric while ironing. Now I remember to check the settings on the iron every time I use it.

[@anikaphillips1372]

I have been getting back into art and it has been wonderful, I didn't realize how much I was missing it.

[@hazeluzzell]

People who have failures are usually much more relatable!

[@rachelchapman6706]

I also have twenty years of gathered failures. But failing really does help you learn. Looking forward to seeing the last making!

[@nemoignorat2443]

Mistakes (I would not call it a failure) are made and are a necessary part of learning. I am a natural dyer and teacher of natural dyeing and for over a year I made an indigo vat nearly daily. At some point, I got the impression, I've made very mistake that is out there. The same with weaving. And I am sure that there are still neew mistakes I can make. And I will make them. And learn. :)

[@nekkidnora]

Oooh, I can't wait to see the last-making process! I'm looking for someone who coould teach me some vintage shoe-making, because women's size 13 shoes that are not just men's shoes are... really hard to find. I could make my own shoes, right? Right?? With lots of practice??

[@moxiebombshell]

You could!! There's a lot of resources and inspiration on KZbin (starting with Nicole's past videos, of course, but even beyond). I have faith in you!! ❤️‍🔥

[@zvezdoblyat]

Wow how tall are you?

[@nekkidnora]

@@zvezdoblyat 6'1", which isn't THAT tall, right? Size 13 feet is just excessive.

[@christineg8151]

My worst sewing failure involved the dress I wore to my SIL's wedding. It was made out of this beautiful raspberry peachskin. I made a (modern) formal gown, same pattern as I'd worn for my wedding dress 3 months earlier, so I knew it fit. About halfway into the ceremony, I realized things felt a little... breezier... than they had initially. I found a split seam on my right side. The gown wasn't anywhere near uncomfortably tight, but apparently the slight tension from wearing it was enough for the fabric to basically unravel. After the ceremony was done, I snagged my MIL, who pointed out that several of the other bodice seams were also basically shredded. I didn't have time to make a new dress, and I was visiting from out of town, so I didn't have anything else that might be even a little appropriate for a formal wedding. My MIL took me back to her house, where she was able to use leftover scraps from the dressmaking to reinforce the bodice seams. Thankfully she had an old enough machine that it had a nice darning stitch. It might not have been the best/most invisible option, but it was SECURE, and I made it through the rest of the night without any major wardrobe malfunctions. I still have the dress, and I keep thinking about removing the bodice and making the rest into a skirt, but I am so worried about the fabric disintegrating as I wear it. I think if I use French seams or some other sort of reinforced seams it would likely be okay, but still. So, it sits in the closet.

[@jenniferandrew3373]

A really great boss of mine used to say "If you aren't making mistakes, you aren't learning." Those words pop into my head every time I look at a project, sigh, and then figure out whether I can fix it or whether it's better to just start over. And, yes, I'm always learning.

[@S.J.Howland]

Hey Nicole, as writer and composer, I completely understand about failures, I've had to scrap projects or rework them in a different way, or toss them all together. But yes, it has been a complete learning experience for me. I have also have a twitch, that I stream on once a week, I'm going to follow you on Twitch as well. Great Video!

[@elizabethclaiborne6461]

I jettisoned that word Failure. It just causes toxic racket in my head. All my screw ups are process, and as long as you work and do the process you keep getting better. It’s a slope you walk up, not a leap. Yeah, I spent a decade in art school. This is what we learn along with problem solving.

[@miriamgladen9615]

I admire you so much for knowing that failure means learning and growing. I'm absolutely frustrated with my very first sewing project. Last year I took a weekend learning pattermaking for a trousers sloper. Went home bought some really nice wool and sew my first pair of trousers. Standing in front of my mirror they were beautiful. Then I tried to sit down. Impossible. They are too short on the backside and slip down. You can imagine the result. After ten months and watching your videos I will now go to a tailor for help and let him explain the necessary changes. Perhaps eventually I will find the courage to try again. Of course I know that the first example can't be perfect but at least I wished it usable.

[@jacquelinebates5650]

Hearing about your "failures" is very encouraging to a perfectionist. I am also a quilter, and oddly, one thing I have learned from 40+ years of quilting is that perfection is an unreachable goal. You do your best and learn from your mistakes. Sometimes a mistake is serendipitous and leads to a better outcome than you had envisioned! Just signed up as a patron and look forward to future videos.

[@tiffanytomasino335]

I got a lot of good advice, from friends and KZbin, when I first began-very recently-my sewing journey. Your first project is for learning, don’t pick something emotional and dear but something you won’t mind coming out poorly. I picked a chemise and it’s awful, but I love how much I learned and the confidence it gave me to continue. I’ve made the same shirt pattern 3 times now and learned things I hadn’t realized I’d done wrong-or I used a poor fabric choice the first time that did not survive the wash lol. But every time I pick up a project I understand better what other crafters are talking about, and also what I’m doing. I definitely wish I hadn’t let my fear of failure make me wait so long to start. Thank you for sharing, Nicole!

[@rachaelhilton424]

As someone who is new to sewing, this is why I am obsessed with mock-ups!! I'm making my first Regency dress, and I don't trust myself to get anything right the first time...

[@elzekloen]

It's really nice to hear about the things that didn't work too, I appreciate you and other KZbinrs keeping that in videos but it's also interesting to hear about the mistakes that don't become apparent until you wear a garment for a while - I've definitely been there. But what I loved even more was you really short comment about having a wardrobe that doesn't really feel like you anymore and having to start over. That's really familiar to me and it's a little heartbreaking to look at these clothes that I spent hours and hours making but they don't 'fit' anymore (physically they do, but mentally they don't - gender related in my case but that's different for everyone). Of course as makers we have the ultimate freedom to create the clothes we really love to wear, and I try to focus on that, but it's nice to also hear someone acknowledge that after a few years they don't wear certain clothes anymore.

[@mcomeslast]

Yes! I totally get it. I have a large project I’m planning. It’s a Chanel suit set that was popular in the mid ‘60’s. Queen Paola donated hers to MoMu Antwerp. I want to make the suit, the trim top and a blouse. Instead of diving in, I’m wading in with projects that teach the skills I need to do it. Basically, all wearable muslins so by the time I have the fabrics, it won’t be my first time on most of it. Right now, I’m making a French or cardigan jacket. I’m planning on fitting three blouses this winter/spring. I’m also trying to sign up for some tailoring classes for a different project and the skills won’t hurt this one, lol. I’ll know I’m getting close to starting when I start working out the skirt. So a couple years in prep and probably a year to finish all the components. Lots of fun! And if anything is a fail, I’ll work it out or try something different. Hopefully, I’ll have most of the bugs already sort? It’s all a learning curve!

[@marikotrue3488]

Failure is integral to any process, whether creative or scientific. Failure is our friend. However it is not an easy relationship...hence the fact the I swear when a stitch is crooked or my "carefully" measured out expensive material is just a bit too short. I appreciate the sharing of these failures which obviously led to the level of some beautiful (wearable even in NYC) shoes or the Muppets' Christmas Carol outfit worn by Gonzo. Thanks for sharing the wins and the items that led to the wins.

[@danicourtnay]

Is anyone else obsessed with Nicole's sleeves?

[@NicoleRudolph]

Heck, I'M obsessed with my sleeves!

[@fionafiona1146]

@@NicoleRudolph somebody higher up in the comments asked for the source or pattern, if available. I too would be happy if it was available.

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Looking forward to seeing the cruise wardrobe! This video brought me to think about some of my own "failures." With a grin on my face, I remember all the times I repeatedly made the same mistake.

[@gkseeton]

That cruise sounds WONDERFUL! LOVE the 1890’s

[@madelynbryan5712]

Nicoles hair is so pretty!! I think those bangs are new??? She looks stunning with them 😍

[@SeerWalker]

!!!! so hype for 16th/17th century!!

[@danaventura5998]

Failure can = happy accident. I keep two inch three ring binders of my ideas for projects. some get finished some don't but it is place to park ideas/patterns so as not to forget. I'll start with a 1.5"x 2" Post-It note thumbnail and glue it to the top lefthand corner of an 8.5' x 11" Ruled or grid piece of 3 hole punched reinforced paper. It's not beautiful so it's not precious and can be notated on at any time. After a project is done "as built" notes can be added on that sheet or an additional one with the changes. I make a pattern for EVERYTHING no matter if it's a sewing project, leatherwork, greeting card, whatever. it never fails that the one time you don't someone will see it and exclaim that they love it and you MUST make one for them! So then you have to make a pattern which if you had done in the first place you would have saved a lot of time. At that point it is production work, (but they don't have to know that).

[@thatweirdoamanda9502]

Just came here to say Thank You for being open about your failures and sharing your process with the world. As someone who’s in the process of turning her creative passion into a career- failure is hard. There have been so many times where moments of failure have made me think: “I have messed up. This is a horrible plan & I should quit.” I’m thankful that the people in my life could see through that crap and told me how silly I sound. But, for so many people, who don’t have that support system, honest videos like this one can make all the difference in the world. Thank you for always telling it like it is. 💗

[@Rozewolf]

Thank you for sharing your failures. I'm in the SCA, and make clothing and the accessories that go with them. Some of the projects have been easy, and others... well, they are in the time out basket. :) While I've learned a lot by my failures, sharing those failures has been difficult at times. Explaining how modern sewing construction methods don't always work for medieval clothing has been a challenge. I'm looking forward to your 2022 projects.

[@karakurie]

Nicole, your videos are so wholesome and lovely and filled with humanity. Thank you for makingva video talking about failure. It's one of thise things that even though you know that failure is okay, your braim gets so trained to despair its hard to remind yourself that it's okay. Next time I fail at something I'll come back to this. ♥️

[@audrab.589]

A nice reminder. We often forget that it’s ok to fail.

[@nicolebird223]

This really "hits" for me because I have never considered myself a perfectionist because I can't do anything perfectly. The picture I've had in my head of this mindset is someone who maybe takes too long, but it comes out good. In both my work and my sewing, I haven't accepted that my expectations of myself are too high and this latest breakdown has finally let that crash down. I always thought I did take away lessons and not dwell on that because I don't stop doing things....I just internally despair. Seeing your examples and how when you were making the mistakes while simultaneously having the answer somewhere in your brain was so relatable, and I feel seen. I always think "I knew better, so why didn't I do it?" and your examples were so close to the kind of mistakes I make. I just can't stand that I can do things "mostly" right, but I'm learning only now that I need to let go of that.

[@HogwartsMuggles]

Thank you for articulating how important and informative the making process can be 💜 I always say cosplay helped me just as much in grad school as all my other education because it taught me to have a healthy relationship with the learning process, including failure.

[@RosieTheMushrum]

your hair is AMAZING! I love that cut so much!

[@edwardgurney1694]

That second steampunk outfit looks really good! My steampunk outfit failures all come down to wearability- I always get waaaay too hot, and there are too many belts and buckles that I can't take off quickly to go to the toilet, props and pouches that catch on things etc. I'm slowly revamping the whole thing from scratch to be more user-friendly. Replacing the leather trenchcoat with a linen Inverness cape, reducing down to one belt etc.

[@solavita306]

Failure is experience. Experience is an education that you can only obtain by doing. I try to make it clear to my daughter when she is devasted to find that she doesn't like the colors she used on her coloring page that mom still fails from time to time when she sews and what is most important is to use that experience to do better the next time and also to learn to live with and adapt to the errors we can't change with grace. She's seven.....we are working on that lesson.

[@ninasmith1540]

I think it’s great that you can acknowledge when things goes wrong, a mistake is a learning experience. I do believe that when you go to a function you need to be comfortable. Mistakes are a learning experience, embrace them.

[@k.s.k.7721]

Re: your new fashion era interests: have you looked at the Folkwear Pattern line? They have a wide selection of patterns, mostly taken from extant garments, and some in your range of interest. Here's a quick list: #503 Poiret Cocoon Coat, #210 Armistice Blouse, #216 Paris Promenade Dress, #262 Spectator Coat. They also have some great suits from 1914/1915 that are worth looking at.

[@Ashley_tipsyshades]

Thank you so much for your candor! It's so helpful to see the process and the mistakes from people who also make such beautiful things! Especially as I struggle on dumb fit issues on historybounding pieces that I thought shouldn't have been so complicated

[@christineg8151]

Thank you! Failure is important, and vastly underrated. It's also very freeing to try things if you accept that failure is a possibility, and it isn't necessarily a bad thing. I'm so evangelical about this idea that my essay for my grad school application was about the merits of failure. If you never fail, you haven't been challenging yourself.

[@chamberswagner2010]

Thank you for sharing your "learning experiences"! I'm going to be trying to up my sewing game this year and it really helps to see those and be kind to oneself and focus on the learning. Also - that cruise sounds FABULOUS! I can't wait to see all the pieces you make for that project.

[@robinsiciliano8923]

Wow. This video was amazing. This world is better because people like you are brave enough to share their wisdom, talents and vulnerability with their fellow souls. Thank you for reminding us all that it really is not the destination, but the journey. Your well intentions for your audience always shine through.

[@Digitalhunny]

You did _not_ fail. You just found another way that doesn't work! Thee only way to truly fail... is to not even try. Please, remember to show _us_ your, "new ways that don't work". We'll learn a bunch from your blunders too. Keep on rocking Queen! 😘💕

[@chandeliercrypto3020]

After 45 years of sewing I know you can plan a project but then you have to go with flow and adjust as you go. My inspiration sketches are just a beginning not the law of how the project must go.

[@susanpolastaples9688]

Also I can see that Bailey has given the Birch mattress his seal er paw of approval and thanks for talking about your failures or you could actually refer to them as learning experience

[@myaemmajade]

As someone who has a huge fear of faliure that stops me doing things I want, thank you for this, it's probably one of the most encouraging videos I've seen

[@naomilindstedt6271]

Oooh that new capsule wardrobe idea sounds soo cool and exciting! You don't see too much of the 'teens fashion and it's one of my Favorites! Thank you for showing the failures too and pointing it out when you look at photos they look just fine but to know they aren't is very reassuring.

[@animosity9197]

I love the part in the "New Approach" section where you talk about materials and methods needs varying by what and why you're making things for, because earlier this week I set up the fitting room for a musical I'm designing the costume for and was HORRIFIED to touch the shirts I ordered and feel...they were cotton. They were 100% cotton. Due to the way we handle wardrobe crew in this program, there just isn't enough time to press shirts, so 100% cotton shirts are not really something we want to put on stage. I reflected as I sent in the return form that most people probably would have been pleasantly surprised to find out the poly/cotton shirts they bought online were actually 100% cotton, but it was just so annoying for my particular circumstances!

[@myrtlecatchpole8089]

Well, I'm hooked. The period of the capsule wardrobe for your cruise is exactly the period that I will be exploring this year. On my 'to do' list is a 1921 evening dress and I have no clue what shoes to put with it. It will take me some time to size up the (one size) pattern, make a toile or three and save up for the aubergine silk I want to make it in, by which time I am hoping you will have addressed the question of appropriate footwear for me. I'm looking forward to every step of the process and I now feel that I won't be doing this entirely alone. Thank you.

[@JustSaralius]

OT but would you consider doing a hairstyling video? Your hair is everything I want but don't know how to accomplish! XD You always look fabulous! ❤

[@petapendlebury9024]

Looking forward to the late Elizabethan project. I'm currently researching 1590s as I'm about to embark on creating an outfit that Mary Sidney would have worn in her laboratory. There's going to be a lot of embroidery! And yes, love learning through the fails....currently a rear placket with pocket that looks most un-ladylike in an 1890s ballgown. I think it may have to come out! 😄

[@maienstern]

You look amazing today. That top is just fabulous. I really appreciate people talking about their failures, by the way. It makes you feel less sucky when you know others don't get it right the first time either. And as you mentioned, failures teach you so much more then sucesses, so talking about failures can help others get to the same understanding with less frustration. Also, we really need to normalize imperfections and mistakes and failures.

[@donnarn2727]

Learning how to problem solve is a very important skill in all aspects of life. Thanks for focusing a video on this lesson. As a nurse I find that people are varied in their presentation of illnesses/disabilities, therefore so are their responses to treatment/medicines. So, there is not a one size fits all for everybody. We have to adjust to the situation at hand, set goals for the project and find what the best materials/procedures are to meet those goals.

[@drawbones]

We're booked on the Dandy Wellington crossing too! I'm so excited! 258 days to go/sew!

[@ilahjarvis]

I do very occasionally sew a garment that fits perfectly the first time. I have to fool myself a bit into thinking that this is the norm as I look at my pile of patterns and fabric and fantasize about all the clothes I will make and how great they will fit. Last week I altered three pairs of pants that were too big, and I'm about to sew a bunch of blouses. Pray for me.

[@bellablue5285]

I have to admit, all of the videos from folks focusing on failure and new starts have been setting off my absolute fear of failure (and dread, given workplace ratings come out soon), but I appreciate both your candid approach and how you've spun them into learning opportunities. I'm not there yet, but certainly appreciate another light in the darkness as it were to approach

[@doris1826]

You need to find a genuine steamer trunk! And classic hat boxes! Ooh sounds like so much fun! Salivating in anticipation of what you will make! Thank you, Nicole!

[@Sarcasmhime]

I'm really good at figuring out how I'm going to make something, and 90% of the time it works out the way I imagined it. But that 10% leads to catastrophic failure if I don't bother doing a test beforehand...

[@Zoot_of_Anthrax]

This is so encouraging as i just blew like 450 bucks on bramaking supplies. My favorite mfgr is all but defunct and ive had so many fit quibbles with other brands and styles. Im over it. I am going to make my own and have custom ones. While i can sew, its a new level of fiddly and im expecting several attempts to be fails, but i always learn from my mistakes and the end goal should be SO SO good. This just encourages me more!

[@Wennsdennseinmuss]

Failure is inevitable no matter what you do. And you are so right: We need to fail in order to learn. But it can be so frustrating! Anyways: Thank you for inspiring me to fail in a totally new way: I ordered my first lasts to start experimenting with shoemaking... So exciting! I love your shoemaking-videos.

[@ChildOfDarkDefiance]

Can we talk about what you're wearing in this video? Those sleeves are gorgeous!

[@saanrio]

I have heard of the Grand Exhibition in passing, but never really heard much in the way of detail (and ADD brain means I usually forget I wanted to look it up by the time I have a chance to). I would love to learn more about that, your research and explanations are fascinating to me. I am really looking forward to see what you will do in the future.

[@elenin.3228]

I will never get tired of saying it: There is no such thing as failure. It's all part of the process. You will never succeed if you don't allow yourself to make even the stupidest of mistakes first!