I regret sewing my vintage capsule wardrobe

[@AbbyCox]

3 weeks away from my birch mattress was too long🤣 Visit www.birchliving.com/abbycox to get $400 off your non-toxic mattress, plus two free pillows! #BirchLiving

[@MossyMozart]

@Abby Cox - I hear you. I spent 3 weeks in the Yucatan (Mexico) to view Hailey's Comet the last time it went through. I REALLY missed my kitties, my bed, and hot water that I could count on. (However, I did NOT make my own clothes for the trip!)

[@functionoflightone]

Abby, if you can be as kind to yourself as you are to others, you'll be just fine. Here's the thing... you don't know what you don't know until you know it. In other words, don't beat yourself for being human and having to learn from experience. You are awesome.

[@MeMe-Moi]

Lesson learned from my grandmother: layers can make summer clothes into winter clothes. So, my basic wardrobe is the same year round, but what changes is whether I add thermals and a sweater to my outfit or the type of hat or socks or shoes worn. Modern thermals are brilliant additions to an everyday wardrobe and really help with the crazy transitional weather. Because you can always add more layers. There are oy so many layers one can remove and still be socially acceptable in public.

[@heidiclarke2333]

Funny, I was just saying this morning, people used to wear loads more layers, my Granny b1896 wore a vest, panty girdle, full slip, dress, cardigan as and when , topped off with a house coat. I have started wearing a vest I love it cosy warm and no drafts.

[@VictorianGentleman]

Yes, thermals are the best! I have some really nice ones made of marino wool that my dad gave me and they are my saving grace when it's cold. Since I live where it is hot and humid for a lot of the year and only cold for just a little while, and then irregularly, I have focused my wardrobe that I'm building on being as cool as possible, basically all linen and cotton, and just plan on adding layers like the thermals underneath when it's cold enough to require it. I just can't justify spending so much time and money making a garment I'll rarely ever get to wear. Even the coats I'm planning are more for style and will probably be cotton twill instead of wool so I can wear them more.

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

YESSS! I've been working and exercising outdoors a lot for years, and layers, layers layers!! You never really know what the weather's going to do so having a jacket that works over a tshirt or a heavy sweater works really well, I went for years working on a farm without owning an actual winter coat because I'd just layer sweaters and flannel jackets under a windbreaker, and even now doing snow removal in an actual winter jacket I have to be careful what I wear under it because sweating is dangerous when it's -30 out. I'm now at the time of year where I have pj pants on at home and when I leave the house I put my work pants on over top of them, way easier to deal with when I get soaked too. And the whole layers thing works really well when we go visiting anyone because we tend to keep our house pretty chilly and if I wore the sweater I'm wearing now when we visit the in-laws at Xmas, I'll be a puddle of sweat. Even my living room in winter can have significant temperature changes depending on whether there's good strong morning sun or not!

[@FlagCutie]

This!!! Depending on the materials of the thermals, some are fairly thin, so not as bulky to layer. I absolutely love transitioning some of my summer dresses to fall with cute cardigans and tights.

[@brucetidwell7715]

Some years ago, I moved from Atlanta, GA, to Syracuse, NY, for grad school. Silk long johns saved my life. When I went up for orientation, my Program Director hiked up them hem of her skirt above her boots and said, "Silk thermals are the deal! Don't move up here without them." You don't even feel them under your clothes, but you sure do feel the cold when you go without them.

[@nidomhnail2849]

You mentioned this in the beginning, but the cross-country move, creating a new sewing room, and documenting it for us in the last year took time away from producing the cruise wardrobe. I learned a great deal because you shared the wardrobe building with us. Regrets are painful. When I experience them, I am reminded (by myself and others) how regrets and failures are "teaching" moments - this is true, but they also suck, suck, suck..... I am happy to see that you are embracing the suckiness of all of this. I also look forward to seeing what you will do in response to it.

[@kennal.8443]

I know how much the wardrobe destroyed you this summer and I totally understand the regret! But I do want to make it clear that by no means do I consider my time wasted. I've never spent two more worthwhile weeks in someone else's basement. ;) I am also highly amused that "full weenis" made it as the highlight clip standing in for the entire experience 😂 Thanks for bringing me along on the journey~

[@anna_in_aotearoa3166]

I believe time doing creative things & sharing laughs with friends is never wasted, even if final outcomes can't quite match original plans! You and Abby are so lucky to have each other and be able to share such unique projects. Thank you for everything you contributed and for all your hard work and smiles! (BTW listening to this vlog with CC on, I'm pretty sure they must be auto-generated just based on the number of different names they gave you? "Kenneth" was probably my fave! 😂)

[@brandyjean7015]

Well stated Kenna. You are a gem of a friend.

[@CapriUni]

My dad was an airline pilot for Eastern Airlines, and had to do a lot of packing for layover trips. He often said (something to the effect of): "Pack half of what you expect to need, allow for twice as much time, and budget for twice as much money)."

[@JackRabidDrag]

I saw this burnout starting to happen to you as the wardrobe building videos progressed, and I gotta say: I'm really proud of you for admitting it was a mistake. Often times, we don't get that kind of candid honesty from people making content, and it leads to this sort of distorted perspective where people are like "Well so and so did this no problem, why am I struggling? Why is this hard?" It's hard because it's hard for everyone! That was so much sewing to undertake! I lost my day job for a few months between July and September and took on a dozen or so sewing commissions to make ends meet of literally mostly just unfitted garments like 18th century shirts and so many velvet OFMD robes, and I wanted to walk into the sea! I can't imagine the stress of everything being so structured and needing to be filmed on top of that. So thank you for being able to come back and own up to biting off more than you could chew. I hope you take care of yourself and prioritize your own joy moving forward!

[@morganbiddlecom]

In the video game industry we call this a post-mortem. It's incredibly valuable to take time after a big project to look at it and figure out what worked and what didn't work, both in the product itself and in the process of making it.

[@lloydnsarahsheffer3802]

The wardrobe that you made is gorgeous. While it would be disappointing to not use it as intended, it's still beautiful. The evening wear not getting enough wear is a fabulous reason for a fancy night out - you have a beautiful dress that deserves to be admired by many more people in person. Thank you for being willing to share all the messy bits of the process. It makes it easier for me to not feel like a total failure when my sewing projects are not as smooth as I envision from the start. It's part of the process, and it's a chance to learn some good stuff.

[@hetaliaroxmysox]

I love videos of ppl regretting things bc so many creators feel the need to be absolutely perfect (understandable, The Internet can be ruthless to even minor errors) but it’s such a human thing to make mistakes so it really helps me connect with the creators a little but also recanters my perception of like a normal expectation for big huge projects

[@ChrisBrooks34]

I think this is advice that can be replicated for making non period specific capsule wardrobe. So it's a good idea to have pieces that are interchangeable and go with a lot of different parts; adding 1 or 2 statement pieces is a really good idea. And wild or even rapid changes in weather is something to consider. All good things.

[@charlottehollingsworth9125]

It's so refreshing to hear someone talk about the downsides to their craft, thank you!!

[@kjmav10135]

I guess lessons learned. I am so sorry you have regrets. The weather was not your friend. For some positive feedback from a fan, hear this: I have an entire photo album of my great aunt’s from the late 1910’s, and what you made was like those old photos coming to life. Thank you. ❤️

[@lkayinteractions]

You're not alone. I bought new clothes for a year-long trip and had a similar realization that I didn't pack enough casual outfits, deep winter clothes, and summer items.

[@Allison35086]

Your outfits on the cruise looked amazing, but your feelings also make a lot of sense here. I probably made no more than a third of the items that you made (I used a lot of store bought stuff and clothes from my existing wardrobe) and I still felt burned out when I got back from the cruise. I think as creative types we just want to make all the things!

[@alisha8705]

Watching everyone’s recaps of this trip the weather for sure did everyone dirty! The pieces were beautiful and I appreciate hearing about things that did and did not work. It’s a huge commitment to do a whole wardrobe. Sharing all the bad sides makes me feel less defeated about my own bad moments and days when creating. So thank you!

[@rachelunderwood4868]

I recently took a two week break and packed tops and bottoms that all coordinated. I think I only wore 1/3 of the clothes I took and the rest didn't even see the light of day. And I also packed my 'living in Scotland in october' clothes, and arrived on the south coast of England to temperatures more akin to Scotland in high summer! All this to say Abby, you are not alone 😀

[@amsodoneworkingnow1978]

Oh Lord been there done that so often. People in America just don't understand the huge difference in weather between Scotland and England my cousin laughed while here in holiday when we took her to London for a week to do tourist thing and hit theatres when I opened my second dressed for my "" English "" clothes. ....until she got there.

[@nimuenorth6295]

I find this kind of recap video after big projects very helpful and interesting. Most crafty & creative people are prone to falling in love with overly ambitious ideas, being stubborn about not allowing themselves to move an inch from the initial plans, and then having regrets and being exhausted afterwards. All we can do is learn from that. You did create very lovely outfits that will find their occasions to shine, I’m sure. And there is really no accounting for the weather. On a different not: Is there a pattern for the lovely top/dress the young lady murdering a sandwich at the end was wearing? Because I may have fallen in love.

[@samaraisnt]

OMG same thoughts all the way down to wanting that gorgeous pattern 😭😆

[@samaraisnt]

OMG same thoughts all the way down to wanting that gorgeous pattern 😭😆

[@lakelili]

This was fantastic to hear and where most KZbinrs fall down. They don't share the end result if it is not perfect. Reality has a nasty habit of intruding on the vision. Thanks for sharing. I found this really interesting.

[@michellebyrom6551]

This. This evaluating the difference between planned perfection and rogue reality. Its very valuable insight for all of us, and you Abby. It literally keeps it real for us to connect with and appreciate you. Many of us appear to be creatives who are too well aware of shortfalls and unintended directions. It's good to share. Your best takeaway for you that I saw? Run your plans for these ventures by Nicole before you actually do anything. She seems to be good at spotting pitfalls before she falls into them. ;) Xx

[@Siansonea]

I think another good idea is to start building a capsule wardrobe _before_ you have an event you need it for, so that when opportunities to do fun stuff present themselves, you don't have to scramble to put something together in a short time frame.

[@KiSeaKatikka]

Thank you for discussing how regretting mistakes can make anything feel so much worse. Caring less is a great take away when learning to properly prioritize. Growth✨ As some one who didn't have a summer (but for things beyond my control) its so helpful to hear how this can happen for anyone underestimating how difficult something can be and overestimating what you will be able to feel comfortable with.

[@geer8315]

that tea gown was truly beautiful to me :) i know this is slightly different, but whenever i was feeling down about my choices with certain costumes or cosplays, i'd remember that it could always be someones favorite. keep being you abby

[@Faoiltierna]

Where you now live, I am sure you will get some use out of those wool hats this winter (especially with it starting snowing!) - and you will be STYLIN'! And those dresses you made, even if they weren't what you needed at the time, you now have some gorgeous clothes you can wear for so many occasions! I agree with the other commenters that being as kind to yourself as you are to others is definitely the better choice :) And...I respect the financial hit was significant, but you keep being the fabulous person you are and we'll continue supporting you, so hopefully it won't hurt very long!

[@amyhinrichs3376]

Abby - I so appreciate your sharing your reflections on burnout and priorities - too often we feel that falling short of our own mark is a failure, when it's really an insight to understanding what's most important to us our experience of life. We all burnout, from time to time but it usually takes too long to recognize the signs. Thank you for your honesty. Love you and Nicole, both!

[@VictorianGentleman]

As someone who just got done sewing an approximately 1750's waistcoat with fancy trims, some hand embroidery, and my first attempts at cloth covered buttons and pockets in a week, I completely understand not giving yourself enough time. I seems to be a constant struggle of mine. I hope you are able to bounce back from the burnout and find a nice peaceful project to take your time with and get back in that good headspace. I'm sorry you didn't get to wear all of your beautiful outfits. We have certainly enjoyed seeing them at least. On the upside, now you have a backlog of outfits for new occasions. Just got to find some time to use them! Trust me, once you've found that place for them in your wardrobe and gotten some wear out of them, the regret usually subsides in my experience. Keeps the time from feeling wasted, even if it was stressful. Good luck with your future projects! I look forward to seeing what inspires you next!

[@michellem4118]

Lol... Abby not being extra .... oh oookay lol If you think about it this was a learning experience and weather is a challenge and always look for comfort. I mean I know I enjoyed your and Nichole Roldolfs videos on this capsule wardrobe.

[@chamberswagner2010]

I'm sorry you had so much burnout and regrets. As someone who also can bite off more than I can handle, I get it. Your 2022 has been a crazy year. But, you have some good takeaways to share (even if they were hard earned). And from the videos I've seen, you looked lovely in your outfits and glad you had a good trip. Also - I laughed so hard at Mable's Pig Palace my husband came to check on me if I was OK.

[@Elizabeth-rq1vi]

So glad to hear someone else say what I have to tell myself when faced with a restrictive time line…choose what is most important to focus on. Yes, at 64 I’m finally follow through on it…and doing better (at times) judging what IS important! The outfits were beautiful and hopefully you’ll get (or take) the opportunity to wear the ones you didn’t. BTW love Dandy’s voice!

[@Chibihugs]

Yes, Abby, I greatly appreciate. It's nice to get your opinion on the project and things you would fix. Especially in how much time is needed and approach what types of clothes you need. Mable's Pig palace had me rolling!

[@morganc5154]

Obviously not right away, but I think a cool extended series could be making the capsule wardrobe you would be proud of. You could post maybe 1 or 2 videos a year of you working on the pieces. That way you can have a finished collection that you are truly proud of at your own pace. Your pieces turned out beautiful and I know it can be hard to step back and really see the beauty of what you created when you are not happy with the journey it took to get to those finished pieces. The fact that you accomplished such beautiful and detailed pieces in three or so months is an accomplishment on its own.

[@morganjtempest]

Your advice (and this cruise concept) reminds me a ton of LARP advice for wardrobe building. I was saying to myself 'more separates' and then you said it and I was very pleased! Another bit of larp advice that might work for this is to focus your time and energy on only 1 or 2 pieces. Make those to a really high standard, but lower your standards for the rest. Maybe, like you said, buy inexpensive repros for those or make compromises in the makes. And if you do this event again, you can replace those with higher standard pieces year on year. I love your vision for this wardrobe! So stunning!

[@bossyboots5000]

OMG that look Nicole gives at the end killed me 😂 Abby, I think you're very brave to be so honest about your expectations colliding with unexpected realities, esp in an online culture all about flash for clicks. I appreciate you taking the time to share what you've learned, I think it's generous to save the rest of us from similar mistakes. Def be gracious to yourself🤗

[@MichaelaBennison]

October was really mild here in the UK. I'm sorry you had some regrets, but I hope you were still able to enjoy your time on the cruise. It looks like an amazing experience x

[@MimsieSky]

Sewing a wardrobe for a trip is so difficult. Not just a vintage one. The fact that it was fancy and particular made it all the more tricky! I’m impressed that you managed to get so much done! So I mean…that alone, bravo. Also the weather has just been ridiculous this year. Don’t get me started.

[@DefyNottheLoris]

As someone who fixates on projects too, it was really REAL to hear your thoughts on a project fixation that didn't quite pan out. I feel like I subscribe to so many ppl who also project-fixate, and I rarely hear about it not being worth it. Thank you!

[@YetAnotherJenn]

I can't believe that you made it through ALL of things to MAKE all of things. If I had to move, pretty sure that would be the only thing I did that year tbh. A handmade capsule wardrobe is for me, at any rate, a life endeavor, a marathon if you will. It is not a sprint, no matter what era. I don't have the wherewithal, the patience, time, devotion, ability to delay all the other things that need those things from me either! 😂 Good on you for actually persevering AND recognizing what that meant for you in the long run and learning from it! I am sorry. It sucks to feel that way however. I am just rambling at this point. Meant to merely leave something for the algorithm lol. I enjoy you and your channel greatly. Thank you for all the great content. I hope you get back to doing what makes your heart glad and that it is rewarding in all ways. I hope your day is delightful Abby. ❤️

[@knitkate]

I’m glad you posted this video. I was planning to attend the cruise, and then I cancelled because of Covid worries and doubts that I could sew a wardrobe in time. But I did enjoy the capsule wardrobe videos you and Nicole posted leading up to the cruise.

[@knitkate]

Also, I’m planning to go to a vintage knitting retreat in England in May, and I’m not making everything. And as much as I love all things wool, I’m in London in late November and it’s really too warm for my lightweight wool dresses and leggings. So I’m focusing on layers and outfits that work in a variety of temperatures.

[@jennieeveleighlamond]

I have to say that I am loving the print on the blouse that you are wearing in the talking part of this video!

[@ilahjarvis]

I’m so sorry to hear your regret for creating this wardrobe. I sincerely hope you continue to wear and enjoy the hell out of these clothes because you look FABULOUS. I covet your teal suit and I’m motivated to finally sew my armistice blouse pattern from Folkwear. Seriously 1910’s fashion is so underrated.

[@gkseeton]

I’m agreeing with your take from your end but I must say I enjoyed y’all’s videos on capsule wardrobes. Looking forward to the hat video. You looked fabulous in all the videos.

[@elizabethbeierle7464]

I’m really sorry that you had the negative experiences with this that you did, but I appreciate the honesty and vulnerability it took to share that side with us. I also hope you find the grace for yourself in all of it, because what you accomplished was incredible, even if it didn’t end up being your favorite set of decisions. Thank you for being real ❤

[@chrish2277]

The channels I prefer are always those that are genuine - when something doesn't work, they share it. I like you candour Abby. It makes your enthusiasm and successes more authentic.

[@rebekahkostecki3615]

I understand where you're coming from, I often overthink outfits for planned events that don't quite work out like I envisioned. you had fun that's what matters

[@andreahidalgolujan7029]

Time heals all wounds. I know giving yourself grace is hard, but you have an entire community that will scream at you to try really hard. We love the content and will wait for you to feel better!

[@seanmcgcostumes]

This actually served as a really wonderful and honest reflection/retrospective on all of the work we’ve seen you do to prep for this event and trip! Thanks for being so open about it. I’m glad that you’ve been able to come away with hindsight and learning some really useful things because of the experience-a silver lining! Remember: don’t beat yourself up about the things you couldn’t control, and better to learn and grow from what went wrong for the next time, rather than to focus on the fact that things went wrong. 🙂

[@AlbinoMonkeyC]

For what it's worth, you and Nicole inspired a lot of people to revamp or start their own capsule wardrobes.

[@itcouldbeanyone]

I belong to a modern Victorian group and have learnt that travelling in Victorian outfits is about what you can mix and match - but it’s taken 10 years to work it out, thank you for your honesty in your experience

[@tweetthang96]

I am reminded of the number of reflections I was asked to do in art school in undergrad. It’s an incredibly important step of the process. Thank you for sharing yours on the capsule wardrobe! It all looked magnificent! Just went a bit sideways in use. And that’s an amazing lesson!

[@chibikate_]

Thank you for sharing Abby, it's really good, in a weird way, to hear realistic and negative impressions from such a huge portion of work you committed to. I'm not happy that you aren't happy with it but I'm glad you felt you could share. Was also great seeing you on the livestream. Have a great week and I hope your next project brings you joy x

[@-beee-]

Thank you for sharing this! I feel like a lot of folks really worked to the point of it being unhealthy for something that was intended to be fun, and it feels really kind and authentic for you to speak to this directly. It's a lot of work, and I think a bunch of folks might have an impression that they "should be able to do it" because of how content about creating things work, so sharing regrets is really a gift you're giving to everyone who was feeling intimidated or overwhelmed.

[@stephaniemiller5049]

I had been thinking how different this channel had been feeling lately, and here comes Abby, not only with the best and most honest video she has done in so long, but with the old outro music! I love it

[@jordank4091]

Always appreciate creators being honest about their feelings and how/what they would do differently! Looking forward to getting back to your more regular channel content.

[@TheP1x3l]

Being forgiving to myself for taking my own time on things is a lesson I've had to learn myself in recent years about sewing projects. Especially because of how ADHD makes the amount of focused work hours I have a lot smaller. Deadlines mean whittling things down to their bare essentials and what I'm most excited about, instead of overplanning and thereby buying way more materials than I can justify having on me. I've done that for *years* and now that I'm moving overseas soon, I'm stuck with so many UFOs that I can't deal with parting with, but I need to do something with them. And it's an overwhelming problem. So in short, while it's fun to have ambitious plans, the icky feeling is leaves when they go awry is so not worth it and I sympathize.

[@allana1997]

I FEEL THIS TO THE CORE

[@maggiekedves]

You have my heart, I have been collecting projects for a better part of a decade and finally I am working on it little bit at a time cause I keep getting distracted by other things... And then starting a whole new outfit project... I tried to part with some but I just ended up rearranging them elsewhere... Wishing you the best on your overseas adventure, hope you figure out how to make it work with your UFOs...

[@paulinemegson8519]

Ok please take this as it’s intended, as a funny comment but , it’s “whittling down”, as in whittling a stick(ie cutting it down with a knife) cos “widdling” where I’m from is peeing.

[@SupremeViola]

I'm so sorry that the wardrobe didn't work out as you wanted. I hope you can find opportunities to wear those outfits, though, because they are phenomenal!

[@krysab6125]

'Be prepared for anything' (regards weather) - as someone living in the UK, this is a good idea generally. Layers and separates! Sorry to hear you felt regretful and burned out. It's good that you're able to be philosophical about it - I don't think that it was truly a waste if you learned something!

[@maudelynn13]

You made gorgeous things. You looked amazing, as always, and you can use those pieces in future. I do understand your regrets. I had a whole wardrobe planned for Halloween time in New Orleans thus year. The weather was very very warm, even for New Orleans. Our bRand new AC broke the night I got in. And the dress I made for one of the most important things I’ve ever done in my life( I organized Anne Rice’s second line) was too long because I measured it in heels, which I would never walk in on New Orleans streets. I feel you, deeply. But, I learned so much from your wardrobe making videos. Please don’t regret it too much. I think you’re terrific.

[@themurrrr]

I loved this journey. I also loved that it was several of you going on the journey. Each in their own way. I look forward to the next journey.

[@brightcopperkettles]

I love this. I love your willingness to come here and be pragmatic about what worked (or didn't). Showing where things went wrong can be just as informative as showing how to do things right, sometimes.

[@NerdandNeedle]

This was very helpful!

[@Amelia7o9]

I love this video because it's proving that people aren't 100% perfect. I love your videos and your outfits are incredible!

[@LA-jq3ur]

The black floral shirt you are wearing suits you so well.

[@jessicahart1159]

I really appreciate how your perspective is so different from Nicole's which really emphasizes how everyone's needs are different even on the same trip.

[@kristinewatson3702]

Honestly I'm glad you figured this out. I kept thinking you were pushing yourself so hard after moving and all the upheaval that causes. Sometimes we have to go through all this to learn to manage our expectations of ourselves better. I hope going forward you are nicer to yourself about managing your expectations of yourself. Believe me. I've BEEN THERE. I appreciate you sharing this experience so we all can be kinder to ourselves when in similar situations.

[@mmegraham]

Having enough time to make what you want AND to have fun doing it is important. These last 18 months have been super busy and stressful, even though the changes have been mostly positive. This was a good debrief, Abby. It's grand that you had friends all around you during the trip. I hope you will have some good downtime during the winter months.

[@chaotic-goodartistry3903]

I feel ya. I made two 14th century wardrobes (3 dresses or cotehardies, and a warmer over-layer, plus the underlayers) for my partner and I in 1 month leading up to an sca war and jeez the burnout afterwards. Plus by the next war, not only was I over 14th century, but the event was a lot hotter than expected and long sleeves, even linen, did not cut it and it was miserable. So anyway next I'm shifting to Roman which I love cause each garment takes two hours and no pattern and is light but can layer for warmth, and I'll be starting much sooner than a month beforehand.

[@Llyren]

Please don't be so hard on yourself. I am looking forward to your next projects, whether they be a travel wardrobe or something else :D

[@SarahGreen523]

I love that it's snowing behind you in that amazing glass wall of windows! As for the wardrobe.... you live and learn. So next time you'll do it different, but you still had a fantastic time and you looked marvelous!! Thanks for taking us on the journey!

[@ClayCraftCoffee]

I really appreciate seeing this. I think its great that we can learn from our past makes and that not everything can be the best choice or decision. I think the more we all as creatives have these kind of conversations, the better we will all take care of ourselves. I hope you can have a good, restful winter to recharge. ❤

[@katherinegood7509]

I really appreciate your honesty! As a newbie I can be hard on myself for not dedicating "enough" time, whatever that is, but I'm learning as I go. We're always learning so chalk this one up to lessons learned and go easier on yourself. You could not have predicted such warm windy weather for the end of October. The wind on deck I guess is something that should occur to me but until you and NIcole both mentioned it I was picturing the Hollywood version of a cruise where everything is placid.

[@tigereule]

I'm so sorry to hear you are so unsatisfied. From a viewers perspective: this whole project is just wow 😍😍😍 Such a cool project to do and you present it in the most entertaining way as always ❤️

[@litzgrahmann6468]

I totally understand that feeling of making something and just not loving it the way you think you will. It is a lot to try and cram into a few months of sewing, and yes a project like this should totally take at least a year. I'm so glad you shared this experience, because I've felt it too.

[@carolefraser4762]

It is always brave to share less than success as well as success. And it very much helps the rest of us when we struggle with the same things. And it demonstrates how not to take failure personally. Because planning ‘opps’’s are just as much a part of the process as any other ‘opps’’s. So thank’s once again for bringing the inspiration (this time to keep going) to your channel!! Now go rest and recover! You’ve earned it!

[@samh.3421]

I completely understand looking back on a project and hindsight being 20/20. You learned, you had some fun (hopefully), and you taught us lots along the way! Let yourself have a few days to regret and feel bad, but then pick your skirts up and keep going. You got this.

[@tasaneecampbell6495]

I have never tired to make a whole wardrobe in a few months. But I have realized a lot of things from my own mistakes in making vintage clothes. It gives me perspective to hear what others would do differently.

[@Chaotic_Pixie]

I see a very reasonable reason for a future house party and everyone wears their beautiful wardrobes and you have tea parties and all the grand things! I also don’t think I can say all the wonderful things in a better way other people have already. I do like how one person phrased it best though… “be as kind to yourself as you are to others and it’ll all be alright”… and that’s so true and such valuable advice!

[@dianestroud8006]

I know zero about sewing, but I love history & watching you do what you do. I appreciate your honesty with how you put together your capsule wardrobe & what you would do differently. From my experience...it took me 3 years to finish cross stitching a wedding sampler for my son & his wife (yeah, wedding in 2019, just finished this year) because...life. As I was almost done, I noticed that I had made a mistake with a corner section so that it was up one row too many on the fabric. At first I wanted to fix it, but I also wanted to be done (finally). So after a good look, I decided no one was likely to notice the mistake. I finished the rest & framed it. And it was fine. I told my son & his wife about the error, but also what I took from the experience: life is not perfect but it can still look beautiful. A good lesson for us recovering perfectionists to learn. I would say the same to you. You looked lovely, had a good time & learned a lesson (or two). It's OK!

[@thespaceshuttlechallenger7882]

I relate so much. Every time I get invited out to do a new era or a new impression I always feel like I have to go into it with way more wardrobe than I actually need. So I'd be going to these events feeling completely worn out from all the prep I'd been doing, and I wouldn't even be happy with how I'd look. Things would be rushed, I might have made compromises because I couldn't use the time-consuming method or wait for the right materials to ship, and... yeah, the money. Especially when you don't have time to shop around. Inevitably, by the time the whole agonizing process was over, my enthusiasm had been completely sucked out of me. It has NEVER felt worth it. Seeing a costumer I really admire talking about making the same mistake, especially on such a massive scale means a lot to me. Seriously, I've been spending the past ten years blaming my work ethic--like, if I'd been more efficient, if I'd scheduled myself better, if I didn't take so many breaks, if I didn't get burnt out so easily--but I have always admired how productive you are, and your sheer stamina with some of the deadlines you meet. So, while I've long suspected that being a sewing goddess was not the real solution, you have proven it. But I really have no idea how to be happy "settling for less" when after being accustomed to being far too extra for my own good. If you know the secret, please share.

[@thebookwyrmslair6757]

I liked Nicole's way of approaching it: 1. This is what I legitimately NEED in order to accomplish this endeavor. 2. I WANT to create these. 3. Bonus points and funsies had if I get to these. Prioritizing needs vs wants vs should do makes sense to me.

[@KuwaCraft]

I love your channel for videos like this. I like that your honest with yourself and with us. You didn't have to make this video and we wouldn't have been the wiser. The fact that you did, shows me how much you care.

[@RabbitRabbit46]

As a former civil war reenactor who spent considerable amounts of time in the elements in period clothing... I am full of empathy for your weather struggles. It's too hot, it's too cold, it's getting rained on, you need to go inside or you'll get muddy, it's muddy now-- And then you go home and wash everything. Thankfully, in the civil war circle anyways, a stained hem just adds to the authenticity.

[@cissnajs]

I think a lot of your advice is really great general advice for travel too. Pack more casual wear, pack less, pack separates so you can mix and match according to what you want to wear that day, plan only a couple of special outfits, and most importantly plan for the unexpected (at least in your mind if not in your suit case). Thank you for sharing. We appreciate knowing that we're not the only ones who learn our lessons the hard way. Please take a break, catch your breath, and relax a bit!

[@tmntallthewaydw]

can I just say I'm really proud of you for this. just the genuine honesty with your feelings about it. like you worked so hard on this and being honest with yourself probably was hard but sharing it with us is even more so. but you did and that makes me proud of you.

[@ashley-cz1sl]

I love how it's starting to snow behind you. Maple's Pig Palace I just died!!!!!!!!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

Thank you for sharing this, i do really appreciate it. I'm sorry you have regrets, and I'm glad you're treating them as learning experiences instead of kicking yourself repeatedly about it. I'm (now) generally very careful about what I make myself because I enjoy the act of sewing but I am a messy stinky carpet goblin and it's gotta be comfortable, functional,, durable, washable, temperature-appropriate (ie, work as layers), and be something I will actually get use out of, because otherwise it may be a great learning experience but also a waste of my limited time, energry, money and closet space. It took me years to figure out that I will tend to wear a handful of items all the time and ignore everything else for months so I need to make a concerted effort to not wear the crap out of my favourites and forget other stuff exists... I've got a closet full of pretty things I love but never wear, and am slowly letting go of them so they can go to someone who will use them. I'm now starting to sew things for friends and family just so I don't end up with my closet too full, and the rule is before each new project, I must darn all my fuzzy work socks, do at least two other items of mending, and get at least one item out of the UFO heap and finish it or take it apart for mockup fabric.

[@ragdollrose2687]

Having ADHD, I can definitely relate to that! There's so many things I purchased because I was really enthusiastic about a hobby or a new project that I thought would be such a great idea, but it ended costing me so much money and wasting my time that I could have spend on something more useful or meaningful, but not as exciting anymore. The embarrassment (and sometimes shame) with that is really difficult to shake afterwards and I'm stuck with remnants of the project/hobby as a reminder of my mistakes. Even tho I've learned from the experience, it's still uncomfortable to sit with the consequences of the time/money wasted.

[@ScribeAdept]

I completely appreciate your honesty when you share your thoughts and processes, even when they're not all rosy positive. Grant yourself time and grace to recover from the whirlwind, come back renewed and wiser.

[@itsyissel]

But the things you did wear were amazing! I really wanted to go on the cruise to support Dandy too (and getting to meet you would've been an added bonus!) but I got married in June and after we had to make the very difficult decision not to go. Our finances just wouldn't realistically allow it. (I have to be honest with myself too, and say that I was also a bit self conscious about my wardrobe and I knew that shopping for some additional pieces would be yet another cost that wasn't in the budget). So I totally feel you on both wanting to have an amazing wardrobe for the crossing and struggling with financial decisions. My hope for you though is that you see the things you made as investments that will eventually pay for themselves after a few wears. I think you should trust that you saved future Abby some time by having some wonderful outfits ready to go for the next event.

[@aloeme]

I appreciate your honesty. It seemed insane how much you got done in such a short period of time on top of everything else live throws at you. Glad you enjoyed the trip though

[@bethrodgers]

Abby I really enjoyed watching you create your outfits and the results were well worth the effort. Of course you could have managed with fewer clothes but that’s a very valuable learning point. I think this process was a good use of your channel. I also think that in the future you will look back at the clothes and be so proud of yourself and so glad that you made all that effort. Thanks for your great channel.

[@katharinedonnelly8343]

I think we’ve all been here at some point- we have grand plans and ideas… then reality messes it up somehow. For what it’s worth, I really enjoyed all of the videos you’ve done for this wardrobe and they provided me with inspiration for my own 1910s wardrobe. Be kind to yourself! ❤❤❤

[@H-zKUyThmm05XneN_j_1vQ]

i found this really refreshing. a lot of internet people present as so polished, or their mistakes are just cutesy. as someone who regularly fucks myself over by overcommitting, it's nice in a way to see someone a lot more successful than me doing the same thing. i'm not really one to comment usually but i wanted to encourage this kind of honesty. we need more of it, and less perfection. thanks.

[@autumn7143]

You know that it’s ok to have regrets. Also, you moved and had a lot going on. I’m so sorry it caused you so much stress. I’ll be watching when you post again. Just be kind to yourself and I know you’ll find a time to wear those pieces you didn’t in the cruise, eventually.

[@brucetidwell7715]

I really enjoyed watching you build your wardrobe. Not your obvious pain at certain points, but the creative process of going through it. I learned a lot from you and Nicole both. As someone just starting a serious journey into vintage/historical dress and intending to make many of my own clothes (which I do have the skills/experience to do), the concept of a capsule wardrobe was kind of eye opening in that it's possible to build a very functional presentable Edwardian personal presence with a fairly small number of well chosen garments. That makes it far less daunting than it seemed a year ago. Even your mistakes are a lesson and I'm taking mental notes, as I'm sure many others are, too. I'm sorry the weather was uncooperative because that looked like literally the trip of a lifetime. Anyway, thank you for sharing it all with us. It might not have been "worth it," but it wasn't a waste.

[@mewennm4387]

It’s interesting to have your feedback. I enjoyed watching your capsule videos a lot. It was really interesting to see sewing thought out in terms of wardrobe rather than costume. But, yeah, the burnout must be rather monstrous. If you ever feel like it, I would love to know what you think of the whole thing maybe a year or two from now and if you ever get to wear/be glad to have the pieces that you didn’t get a chance to wear on the trip and if your feeling about the marathon sewing remains the same then. Thank you for your hard work, interesting essays… Research? Presentations? Anyway. I love your channel, thank you for feeding my brain as well as my eyes and my love for history as well as sewing.

[@jenninstitches]

It has been wildly warm here in Norway and unseasonably so. You went with expectations and life threw curveballs. I learned so much from both you and Nicole as you built these wardrobes, so please try not to feel like it was for naught. It really wasn't. Because it was closer to modern, it gave me some distinct ideas on how to make the wardrobe I've been dreaming of having made by me for modern/non-cosplay reasons. I am sure the stress and financial repercussions are bitter to swallow, for that part I can understand completely and support your feelings of frustration over it so I hope nothing comes across as downplaying your feelings about your experience in total.

[@catherineleslie-faye4302]

Thank you for sharing this. October in Oregon was crazy this year; the first two weeks we were in the 90*F and the last two weeks we were in the 60*F for our highs so I'm not surprised you had problems with the heat. I'm now thinking my 7 outfits in 6 months for my Shabby Banshee Project might have been a bit too ambitious... we will see how much I have done come April 2023.

[@nicolawebb6025]

I have a small clothing business and I'm totally guilty of this. I tend to rush for certain selling events and drive myself crazy doing stuff and then putting myself behind on the regular plan. Definitely a learning experience

[@georgebricker2224]

I am sorry that you have regrets. Life is a series of learning experiences. Take what you learned and move ahead. Just don't dwell. On your next trip you won't hopefully make the same mistakes. As far as wearing vintage clothing in different situations try some outfits on a daily basis in your normal life. If you are comfortable there on the cruise will be a piece of cake. I will keep watching your work. Thanks for the insight.

[@happytofu5]

Thank you for opening up and not trying to put your struggle into a light of toxic positivity ❤ creativity can be a curse as well as a blessing.

[@tonykyle2655]

Good bedding is a blessing. Traveling without it is torture. We fully understand where you are coming from.

[@maryappold1023]

Really do appreciate your insights into how plans and expectations continually get upstaged by how life rolls regardless of them. Regrets vs learning experience. You still accomplished much, learned a lot, went on a beautiful cruise with much loved company, and returned safe and sound to your home, loved ones, and your mattresses. Still seems like a overall win of an experience in the broader theme of life. Looking forward to your next adventure.