i remade my high school sewing project and it was ✨HARD✨ | Drafting and Making a Circle Skirt

This is part 3 in this trilogy where I remake my high school sewing project using all the experience and techniques I've learnt as a professional costume maker.
Part 1: • Revealing My Secret Se...
Part 2: • Remaking my First Vint...
Annika Victoria's circle skirt tutorial: • DIY "Half Circle Skirt...
The Closet Historian's circle skirt tutorial: • Making A Circle Skirt ...
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Alice Temperley fabric from Rainbow Fabrics Kilburn: www.rainbowfab...
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[@TheSchkings]

My jaw dropped at how PRECISE your stripe-matching is! Wow! The skirt turned out amazing, as did the whole outfit.

[@EngineeringKnits]

That pattern matching is just gorgeous - worth the effort! I love the concept of seeing your improvement by remaking early things you've sewn!

[@jackiejames4551]

The new skirt is definitely an improvement over the old one. ❤

[@MeMe-Moi]

Also, if this is an option for you, there is clear nylon "invisible" thread that you can get to make top stitching less obvious. And I freely admit to using a different color of thread in my internal structural seams and saving the matching thread for anything that will be visible on the outside. Mostly because I stock up on basic black and white threads during major sales and then buy the little 100 m spools to match my project when I buy the fabric. Oddly, my shops never seem to have thread, notions, and fabric on sale at the same time. So all my projects use the same buttons because they were bought in bulk during one sale, use either black or white thread on the inside because that was bought at a different sale, and generally use the same five patterns (one blouse, two skirts, one dress, and one trousers) because I don't have the energy for fitting a new pattern for every project and because then I know how much fabric to buy for each during the fabric sales.

[@howcanikeepfromsinging]

Having to let go of perfectionist tendencies and caring so much since I became so disabled and chronically ill has also been a journey for me, but also so freeing! It makes me happy to see there's another woman about my age who is dealing with energy and pain and brain fog and other physical limitations who is sewing and trying to get on and make stuff...halfway around the world from me. Also the onscreen captions you put for your brain fog moments make me smile every time, because I know what that feels like from the inside too. I think a lot of people wouldn't realise that it happens much more often than you show, or than people see, because when you make a video or are in public you're well enough to be doing those things. Also well done on the pattern matching - looks fab 👏 Now I'm off to look for a secondhand copy of one of the editions. Thanks for the book recommendation. As someone who is mostly teaching myself to sew it's good to know what books are helpful and not too dense on the reading (brain fog). I would like to study sewing now, but it's not going to happen, at least not in this season of life with my health the way it is.

[@aelurine]

I don't make clothes (yet?) But your diagram was the best explanation for a circle skirt I've ever seen

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you!

[@queeniemarkham8022]

I NEED a giant cuddly dinosaur in my life! Oh my god! Loved this series. Both pieces turned out so cute. I hope you’re doing well, you’re looking ✨✨

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you I'm so glad you enjoyed it 💚

[@TheMetatronGirl]

Me too!

[@beatrizmedina_mabe]

It's so refreshing to see someone in KZbin tacking things with needle and thread instead of tons of pins... It's my preferred method to get a good result.

[@sukar120]

One thing I love so much about watching your videos is seeing just how precise and careful you are in your sewing. It inspires me to be more deliberate in my sewing.....for about a day and then I go back to just half-assing everything because I am SO impatient. I really loved this little series and the finished look, you look fantastic! xx

[@RetroClaude]

Ahhh yes, I'm able to take my time because I have a lot of it to spare and because I put detailed close ups of my sewing on the internet for everyone to see. I would definitely be rushing if no one was watching! 💚

[@HandiworksbyClyne]

My late teacher taught this to us. 💚💖

[@bellemeri8155]

Giving my age away here but I learned how to sew from that exact edition Reader's Digest book as a child as my mother and grandmother didn't have the patience to teach me themselves. And I started sewing - oh ye gods - at nine!

[@RetroClaude]

It was my go to long before I started sewing properly. Imagine my surprise when my Costume Making degree had it as a set text! I think I got my copy for 10p at the village fête! Cheapest text book I ever bought ☺️

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

This is a lovely idea, and an excellent job on the stripes! As for logging, I finished my bedsheet & groomed my raggedy "nails" and slept very well. I hope your day has been pleasant.

[@sailerspiff]

Wow! Stripes that match, impressive!

[@infamoussphere7228]

Beautiful pattern matching on those seams! IMO those are some weird instructions for sewing a lapped zip. I went to technical/trade school, where they taught us how to sew in a very industrial commercial clothing production-y way, ie eliminating pinning, hand sewing, basting as much as humanly possible because time is money. I'll try and explain how they taught me to sew a lapped zip. Basically, you finish your seams open, usually with overlocking or zigzagging or pinking or whatever you have. Machine the seam shut up to the point where you'll have your zip. Then iron down the unsewn seam allowances. Usually don't base the seam shut, because that takes time (and time is money - industrial style sewing techniques can be pretty joyless sometimes.) Then, you topstitch ONE side of the seam allowance next to your zipper teeth, using a zipper foot (the industrial one is the skinny one with divots on both sides.) Let's say that's the left side. Then you pin the other side of the seam allowance (let's say right side) *slightly* overlapping the zipper teeth, so one side of the seam allowance slightly overlaps the other, hence "lapped zip." Then you topstitch the other side of the zipper in place through both layers of the right side, you're sewing that big L shape on the right side of the fabric. No basting, just pinning, no unpicking. Sorry it sucks as a text-only description. This is a photo tutorial I found that is basically the same technique. The main thing is that you'll need a big seam allowance - 1.5 cm at least, whereas the industry standard is a mere 1 cm, which only works for invisible zips. TLDR though, do whatever works. www.blueprintsforsewing.com/blog/sewing-a-lapped-zipper

[@baileyk1989]

Oh my! 😭 I collect stegosauruses, they're my favorite animal. I would 100% make that pattern joyfully, Claude.

[@lucylovegood62442]

Beautiful skirt! That stripe matching is so satisfying 👌😍 Ps. Don't forget to buy a skirt hemmer!

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! I've added one to my shopping basket!

[@Ali-yo6vl]

Omg I learned a million things from this one video. Thank you so much for making such a detailed video

[@marabanara]

Doing a rewatch of my faves and then will start from the top- so fortunate of your excellent back catalogue of content! Besides, I’m not a sewist really, not yet- no space and no time, so crochet is my craft. But this means I’ll have even more interest in these eventually. I didn’t a little bit in the past so I know enough to enjoy your content immensely still. Sending my love and support from Australia.

[@mwillis7791]

Such a beautiful remake.

[@rachaelhall1164]

This has been such a fun little mini series of videos. Also, I misestimated the scale of that dinosaur at first glance. Just saw a cool stuffie pattern and *then* noticed the child sat next to it. I fear the only thing keeping me from wanting to make one is the sheer volume of stuffing it must require.

[@gigglepantsiii9350]

If you keep the scraps from sewing projects you can mince it up into tiny pieces and use that as at least some of the stuffing. Since the fabric would be heavier than polyfill it would be good to put in the feet to help keep it upright

[@RetroClaude]

I know it's massive!

[@rachaelhall1164]

@@gigglepantsiii9350 I've done the shredding of offcuts to stuff a tailor's sausage/sleeve roll and it definitely works out to much denser than polyfill for sure

[@rachelboersma-plug9482]

That skirt is absolutely beautiful. I've got a recent edition of the RD sewing book and it's fantastic (especially the diagrams). The patterns are hilarious early 90s ones. I taught myself how to do a lapped zip with the help of that book. In my experience, a week is not too long to let bias-cut rayon/viscose blends hang before levelling the hem.

[@bernadettefeener660]

Awesome results. Hope you are proud of your accomplishments. Love your podcasts.

[@retrocraftdreams]

I love that stripe so much! And that pattern matching is impeccable! When you first held it up, I couldn't see it at all. I've got the third printing of that book, and no fair! Mine does NOT have a dinosaur pattern. I collect vintage craft and sewing books, but I did not expect I'd have to collect multiples of the same book. Now I'm going to have to look at every edition I find to see what the patterns are.

[@SwimminginaSeaofEstrogen]

Oh, Claude, I LOVE the new ensemble! Beautiful!

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@Michael-if6my]

Looks fantastic! Really loved the tutorial at the beginning about how to cut a round skirt. That was really useful

[@thevenuschild]

All came together so beuatifully. You look gorgeous as aways

[@Gandellion]

Oooh the skirt is so oretty!

[@autumn7143]

It’s so cute!!! Buy a skirt hemmer it’ll make things easier next time.

[@deejustdee1234]

Oh! I have that sewing book!

[@emmadavey3892]

You look fantastic in your remake! Very elegant grown up version. I would love to see you use a skirt hemmer as I too sit there with ruler and marker. I practically have a nervous breakdown hemming 🤣🤦‍♀️

[@RetroClaude]

I did in fact buy one so it will appear in a video at some point!

[@lindarogers4188]

Lovely skirt

[@janehollander1934]

Oh I recognize that sigh when you nocked over the tin with your pins. I did/do that a lot as well because my progressive MS makes me more & more "clumsy". Tip for spilled pins: (especially on the floor) I use one of those plastic coverd metal/magnetic pin"cushions" (round or oval shaped) while I'm pinning and sewing. And it is a very useful tool to gather up a bunch of scattered pins from the floor/table. And after I'm done, I store the pins in my little pin-box✌🏻. Woaw😍, BRAVO👏🏻👏🏻 for using a prickstich of matching colour thread for topstitching the "hidden" zipper in place👌🏻. Loved this whole project👍🏻.

[@RetroClaude]

I have a magnet! Why didn't I think of that?

[@barbaramatthews4735]

I had a similar skirt for my high school graduation. It was a different color and cotton. I cant remember the pattern as it was 1987. I was fairly good at sewing as a teen. I learned to sew as a little girl. I'm now 55 and not even close to the same size.

[@cynthiadugan858]

Top and skirt both turned out absolutely amazing and look so cute on you. I’ve had to make accommodations for disability too and dang it’s rough (discouraging) sometimes. In my case, sitting at the sewing machine is tough. I can never seem to do it long enough to finish a project and I pay so dearly for it that by the time I can psych myself up for another session… I can’t remember what I was doing or am no longer inspired by the project 😢. This last pandemic year has been really great for me though. I’ve seriously upped my hand sewing skills, finished a LOT of hand sewn projects and learned to do a lot of things in my chair in front of the TV to minimize the time spent at the machine.

[@emmaRBC]

Looks great ☺️ I'm also a bit of a perfectionist combined with being disabled, not a great combination but I'm starting to find the balance

[@AnnabelleAndBensAntics]

I have two copies of the readers digest sewing book (1960's and 2008 I think) and neither of them came with the Dinosaur pattern! I am very jealous!!!!!

[@taraking2309]

Hi Again Thank you for info about Cardigan. Tara

[@ladyflimflam]

You ended up with a very 70s vibe here. Lap zippers are what I was taught how to do in the 70s and 80s. My first invisible zipper was my prom dress in 1987. It was a Nicole Miller cocktail dress that was off the shoulder with elbow length sleeves, a boned bodice and nine yards of net in the underskirt. I loved that dress and was so proud of myself.

[@kaytiej8311]

As always, you've created a beautiful product! Just love your style of presentation. I feel like I'm sitting, chatting, while you work. I always learn so much but also appreciate how real you are about the sewing and you personally. Thanks for your honesty.

[@laurenking5080]

I'm not gonna lie, as a quilter, I did have a chuckle when you started cutting toward yourself with the rotary cutter. Be careful! Those things are sharp!

[@laurenking5080]

Also, you are a COMPLETE CHAMP for working with this fabric.

[@RetroClaude]

Thank you! It's okay I can laugh at myself too what was I thinking? 😂

[@nancymoore8949]

Beautiful results! I always learn something from your videos. I have a shirt that I made in high school 40 years ago but I am not going to look at the construction of it. All the girls in the class signed each other’s shirts, that’s why I kept it.

[@RetroClaude]

A lovely memento! Savour it for the memories 💚

[@robynnedorion3900]

Gorgeous!

[@GenXAunt]

This skirt is beautiful! I'm so glad you address you disabilities, I have many and no one really talks about how they effect your creative side, like dyslexia and working with patterns FML, pattern directions are like a minefield for my brain. Thanks again, great video, as always so helpful.

[@RetroClaude]

Oh my goodness anything written in columns for me is a nightmare! 💚

[@dees3179]

Same! I find using lots of post it notes or similar low tac tape or paper over the pattern to make it easier to refind the bit I’m supposed to be doing helps me a lot. Otherwise it takes forever to get back to where I was reading thirty seconds ago, and as I instantly forget instructions and have to check frequently it is much needed.

[@ReinaElizondo]

The fabric choice is great! The whole outfit is so cute! I was so impressed with the attention to detail in the pattern matching and thread colors.

[@elainebye9090]

This was quite fun and satisfying to watch! What I wouldn't give to have some of my old projects to have a go at! There was one chartreuse housedress...😦🤔😄

[@RetroClaude]

Chartreuse! What a er ... Bold choice 😂

[@elainebye9090]

@@RetroClaude yes, it was quite loud! 😄😃🤣

[@aly_b]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 wow it's super pretty 😍

[@lesleyharris525]

Hi, such a pretty outfit, thanks for sharing how you do the hem,

[@dawnbuxton8204]

Great job!

[@ceruleanskies001]

I learned so much here. Your precision is amazing. I've seen folks use curtain weights on their hems and I like your clothesline clip tip, too. Oh, and Imposter Syndrome is no fun. You are really good at what you do, and remember Abby Cox when she says "everyone sucks at sewing."

[@maddym212]

Omg u should make Derek the Dinosaur 🦖😍💕💕 that would be so cute

[@RetroClaude]

I just wish I had space for him!

[@Michael-if6my]

Also love the daffodils in the garden. They're one of my favorite bulbs

[@davidlove236]

These turned out so well! It was really interesting to compare the pieces from high school with the current pieces. Also, I gasped when you showed the stegosaurus! I’d like a cuddly dinosaur, please!

[@diamondtrinket]

Glad to see you finished your skirt, looks great.

[@mshrade3580]

Perfect! This video is delightfully perfect. This series was wonderful. Thank you so much! You are a great teacher! Hang in there!

[@lynn858]

As a quilter with very limited garment making skills, seeing the bizarre ways garment sewists use rotary cutters and grid rulers is one of my moments of “hey! I have a useful transferable skill!”. So yes, I absolutely laugh, but it gives me hope. And yes, sometimes I still get things all laid out and aligned and then realize I’m upside down and backwards, and it’s just as awkward. But congratulations on managing with that squidgy silky material. That’s no small feat to do alone, particularly with pain or limited strength in your hands and wrists. You do what you need to do, but I think the only time I’ve done that with somewhat squidgy fabric we did it with two of us.

[@RetroClaude]

With this project I went through a moment of, "well I thought cutting this bias was going to be hard but not THIS HARD. Oh wait." 🙈

[@serenamcdonald772]

I love it so much, such pretty colours. I really enjoyed the music choices for this make. Pattern & music matching.

[@BlackPearlTea]

I love this so much, thank you

[@BlackPearlTea]

also thank you for the book suggestions and your comments on sewing with a disability 💜

[@spatel2836]

This was such an enjoyable video!! Well done the skirt is amazing, especially with ALL that hand-stitching (i would never have the patience🙈). The pattern matching was SO good i didnt realise that was the join in the fabric! Im so glad there's a fellow seamstress out there, who takes about a bazillion deep sighs (and feels like she's aged a little) during a 'simple' sewing project. Cant wait for the next video

[@RetroClaude]

So many sighs! I never realised until I started recording myself! Now I edit them out of the audio because there are just so many 😂

[@spatel2836]

@@RetroClaude 🤣

[@ThistlenStitches]

This has been a fun series and It really is such a good confidence boost to see your past sewing and compare it to now and see that growth. 🧡🧡

[@janegibson6678]

I have the 1976 edition of the Reader's Digest book and was most disappointed to discover that it doesn't have the dinosaur pattern! I have someone in y life who would just love on of these!

[@RetroClaude]

Oh no!!!! I'm so sorry 😢

[@rebeccacuthbertson1271]

Love it Claude!! Came out great. And I totally agree we all need to start making that dinosaur. It’s too cute not to have. 💖

[@MeribethCPlenert]

I want the dinosaur! I think my sister and I gave my mother the Readers Digest book as kids. (Thanks dad!)

[@gigglepantsiii9350]

It's not like rotary cutters and quilting rulers come with a tips and tricks sheet. I think you did really well especially with how little experience you have with those tools! And what works well for some people obvious doesn't work for anyone, so long as you've found a way that works for you than that's the way you should use them

[@RetroClaude]

Exactly! I only ever use a rotary cutter for bias strips because I find them painful to use all the time. Every time I come back to mine I'm like "how do I work this thing again?"

[@AriallaMacAllister]

The stripe matching was so worth it! Lovely! I'm so glad that you found this project to be satisfying and uplifting. I greatly enjoyed this little project series.

[@marathorne6821]

The total outfit is gorgeous - I particularly adore the blouse 😍 It's so satisfying to realise how much more accomplished a sewist you are now than you used to be 👍

[@jacquelinepaddock7535]

Thanks for posting during Covid after two bouts I am a wreck big four advice on pacing has been very helpful. I was bedridden with Covid when I came upon your blog. I reached for my fat quarter stash and my kit and hand sewed - masks, for when I could go out again. hankies ( hayfever!) various sewing accessories including a hussif. I have now out on weight so guess what the next projects are?

[@jacquelinepaddock7535]

Naughty KZbin messed up my post I did check for typos honest!

[@RetroClaude]

I'm sorry to hear you've been so ill and very glad my advice has been helpful! I'm guessing next you're going to try making or altering some clothes? Good luck, go slow and most importantly have fun!

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

Those stripes really came out well on the skirt! The whole ensemble looks great!

[@KellyAK]

The skirt came out so beautifully, I love the stripes and the impeccable pattern matching!

[@katherinemorelle7115]

So, I went and googled skirt hem markers- oh my gosh I need one of those ones that spray chalk! They’re amazing!

[@RetroClaude]

That's the type I've ordered! I'm so excited to try it out 😁

[@BYBabbra]

It is Boxing Day 2021, have you got a SKIRT HEMMER yet? Lovely outfit.

[@samidolark1912]

1978 is a great year!

[@RetroClaude]

I'll have to take your word for it! But I do know they had great sewing advice 💚

[@michellecornum5856]

It really came out LOVELY! Now I need to check my stash for a wide stripe. Fabulous!

[@stevezytveld6585]

The pattern matching is amazing. Well done. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown

[@saracyclesandsews]

Your stripe matching is impressive. Lovely movement in the skirt too. 💃 Also, the RD sewing book is a great resource, love it. So much good info in there!

[@TheMetatronGirl]

The finished outfit is GORGEOUS! The skirt is perfection, in my opinion. I love that you used your cane to help level the hem...but you’re so right about a hem leveler making the job easier. It’s a genius tool. When you spoke of having to let go of perfectionism, it really struck a chord with me. I’ve had to do the same. I try to take my time and just enjoy the process of making something rather than stewing about making it perfect because it’s rare I’m even able to make things at all due to chronic illness. Your videos help so much, particularly your videos about organizing your tasks. Am I correct in my assumption that you knit the cardigan and shawl you were wearing? They’re so pretty! I’d love to see more of your knitting projects (I’m an avid knitter)! Thank you for all you do, and love, light, and blessings to you and yours.

[@RetroClaude]

That's so lovely to hear that my videos helped you ☺️ I'm still figuring out all this disability and sewing stuff and it's great to know it's not just me. And yes I did knit the cardigan/shawl! I'm going to do another knitting video soon I promise!

[@tamssnazzystuff]

um I need that dinosaur pattern, I have a BHG sewing manual I love, but I do need that pattern.

[@coreygilles847]

So cute! I love how the outfit came out! (And don’t worry...I am a quilter and I am not fantastic with rotary cutters either)

[@MeMe-Moi]

If and/or when you get a skirt leveler, please show us how it works. I have one but I have been too scared to take it out of the box yet because I have absolutely no idea how to use it.

[@chazhoosier2478]

It looks lovely. Thank you!

[@jgordy4840]

You rock! Really enjoyed watching this project.

[@WhisperedMoon]

I've been looking forward to this video and I'm so happy to have just watched it! Your skirt turned out wonderfully. The fabric and pattern matching looks great! I love watching improvement and this video series was GOALS! Now I want to remake my first sewing project. XD

[@elsa7998]

I have an Australian edition of this same book from 1977, but tragically mine does not have a giant cuddly dinosaur pattern (or any at all!). I feel cheated

[@RetroClaude]

😱 a travesty! No cuddly dinosaur 😢

[@celticgoddess81]

HAHA I have that same sewing book! Its how I figured out how to do my curtains in my room. LOL All my other sewing is self taught mostly.

[@zlobo67]

Congrats !! So beautiful

[@sarahjocker5059]

Amazing skirt and well done you I have this fabric as well I look forward to making something in this beautiful fabric. I love how you explained yourself making a lab zip. Try THE STITCHSISTERS TURORIAL you tube channel they are great I look forward to watching you again XX

[@Nesi-Rose]

I didn't know you could get compression tights with zippers! I have so much trouble getting mine on. Also the skirt is stunning :)

[@RetroClaude]

Yes!! They're so much easier. The only downside is the zippers jingle as you move which can get VERY annoying 💚

[@dianeheys1075]

Oh Claude, if you have imposter syndrome, i have no chance. I feel i have all the gear and no idea most of the time 😮. I love you vlogs btw ❤

[@brigidscaldron]

It's so cute! Have you ordered your skirt hemmer, yet?

[@RetroClaude]

Yes! I have, thank you for the reminder 😊

[@MisSiszY]

That skirt is delicious! Did you remember to order your hemmer?

[@MisSiszY]

Also your sewing skills are amazing and your videos are extremely helpful!

[@RetroClaude]

Yes I remembered thank you! 💚

[@janehollander1934]

Do you really want to be reminded, in the comment section, that you need to buy an "skirt hemmer"?!🤔 If so...this is your requested REMINDER!! 😅✌🏻🥰. Tip: for when you next play "coloured sewing thread chicken". Use a different colour thread for all the machine stitches that will not be on display/seen (once the garment is finished)...and "save" the remaining right/nice colour thread for top-/and visible stitches 😁✌🏻.

[@taraking2309]

Hi Love the skirt, but I would be grateful if you could let me know if the cardigan is self drafted or what pattern is it. Thank you.

[@RetroClaude]

The cardigan was a kit from We Are Knitters called the Bombshell Bomber. I don't think you can just buy the pattern without the kit but the designer was Knitatude and they have other similar designs. Also it would be very simple to self draft a version as the construction is all rectangles. I talk a bit more about it in this video skip to 34:30 for the Bombshell Bomber I hope that helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/anzQY5ihnLNgqaM