I've lost my Sewjo - my ideas for getting it back in time for Autumn!

[@joyjackman6017]

My sewjo has drifted off over the horizon, but I think it’s because it’s a year ago that Keith and I began his sarcoma pathway and I’ve been a little reflective and down. So, I decided to try something completely different and not hark back to 12 months ago. I’m currently in the middle of a diamond art project alongside having a bit of a mini sort out of my sewing room. I’m trying to get all my fabrics washed and ready to go. I am intending to stick with the diamond art, not let it become a UFO, and hope I get the desire to get back behind my machine again once it’s finished. In the meantime I’m loving your lovely chatty vlogs, as well as Ruan’s, you both make me smile, so a huge thank you 🐾🐾

[@jackiethom4904]

Glad to see you’re back. I am just getting over three days of sickness, am still weak and shaky. I love watching your channel, you are so real. I have lost y sew-jo, I think it’s because I want and need to lose weight but can’t get myself motivated on anything.

[@christineallen162]

Glad you are feeling better. Hope the sewjo returns because I love seeing your makes. I agree with your sentiments re minerva, I will not buy from them any more, their customer service is poor. Xxx

[@juliewilde663]

Love hearing how you will get your sewjo back! Hope you are doing better. ❤❤❤

[@heathermayfield4247]

Altering previous makes would send my sewjo away permanently! You are so slim I am not surprised you feel the cold. I really agree with you, sew what you wear.

[@carolgardiner7983]

Happy to see you back. So sorry about the accident and illness. That kind of stuff always slows me down. Watching KZbin sewing videos like yours inspires me and helps me get back to my sewing. I've been working this summer on sewing up all my summer fabrics. I sewed up all but two. After rearranging and cleaning my sewing room, I am now working on WIPs, now that I have found them all. Some of them have so little to do to be finished. So my goal this week and probably into next is to get those all sewed up. Then on to sewing up my winter fabric. Of course I still have tons of fabric for the grandkids which will get made up eventually, but not all this year for sure. I am glad you are feeling better and maybe just sharing with us some of your plans will help you get excited to get back into sewing. Thanks for taking the time to share.

[@heatherbowser3635]

Your lovely organized fabric behind you is a fantastic background.

[@joycegans3239]

I am so sorry you fell and got a concussion. I hope you don’t have any side effects from that fall. Anyway when I lost my sew Jo, I found these awesome people who vlog their makes and all their fabrics. That helped me get back to my sewing. I am also finishing up a few wips I cut out years ago. I am slow with the sewing but I am happy I want to even sew at all. Keep up the good work and inspiring me to keep sewing! Thank you

[@carolyncallender1394]

Hi Rachel, I can completely understand where you are coming from. I have had a couple of projects that have not gone to plan. Ones that I should not have a problem with but hey ho...I just couldn't get them right. I do believe, for me, its the menopausal brain fog!! Anyways, I then went on holiday, caught a sickness bug, and while laid it in the hotel room, was mourning the sewing machine!! Ha ha! Came back last week and only today have I decided to get sewing. Have had a productive couple of hours, and listening to you, has heled me focus on what I want to do moving forward. The problem I have with one of the projects I still can't fathom, however one of my best and oldest friends is coming to stay soon and we both sew through the weekend!! We've been doing that for years! I'm certain she will be able to help me overcome the issue and no doubt I will say "Oh yes!!! Now I get it!!. Happy sewing!! xx

[@joangilmore3598]

Hi Rachael, I tend to make things that I know I’m going to get a lot of wear out of. I didn’t do that when I first started sewing, hence a lot of wasted projects.ive kind of learnt most of the things I challenged myself with, so now just enjoy sewing for the fun of it. I hope you enjoy all your new ideas.☺️x.

[@SueTownson]

Sorry you have had a difficult few months with your health - all sorts of problems you can't really plan for but great that you still got away with your family. On SewJo - a couple of things help me Like Ruann I keep a journal of all my projects I have started. That can be anything from the fabric/pattern and "commitment" to make by putting it in the Book or the UFOs which hit a rocky patch and I left them there in their plastic wallet. I am now finishing the half dozen left over[only 1 from 2023] It gives me a finishing line I can work to and tidies everything. I do consider carefully what goes in the Book. The other thing I think is really important for an experienced sewer is to use the best quality fabrics you can afford. I was told this as a 24 year old - I sewed complicated patterns in the cheapest fabric I could find. Lots of them to wear immediately. Then my father-in-law said "If you are putting the time in buy the best you can because your time is the expensive element." Now 40 years later and a long gap in my sewing I buy what I want no matter the price. I don't need 10 dresses I want 2 or 3 fabulous ones. Buy the fabric YOU want - you deserve to spoil yourself. And I know you do have wonderful fabric and this really helps the sew-jo. Hope this is helpful - it's really good to see you back. 😎❤

[@francinekirouac4729]

You have such a good point of view, you are a fantasic person. Good luck in your sewing, I am all pumped -up thanks to you❤❤❤

[@lettylettebowskie]

Happy to see you back Rachel! Sewing up some garments for running gives me a lot of motivation. Or projects in general that come together in no time. Your projects sound just perfect to get back in the swing. And black is not a boring color! 🖤 If I'm not in the mood for garments, i like to sew more technical gear for hiking, running or biking. Like backpacks, pack sack or bike bags. Afterwards I apreciate the easy sewing with fashion fabrics rather then these technical materials :D Happy Sewing!

[@SewMyTime]

Yep, sewing for the life we have and buying intentionally- it is not easy. Like you I have lost weight, have to switch over my clothes etc. I am retired so do not have a glamorous lifestyle and have had a major life change in the last year. I now have 3 gorgeous grandchildren who live in Ireland and I want to see them which is not cheap!! My head is all over the place but still sewing for summer as I have a holiday coming up in October when I should be taking in last year’s autumn and winter stuff🙈. When I lose my Sewjo I sometimes just spend time tracing and cutting out patterns - sort of therapeutic. Good Luck “simple sewing” to get you back into it. I am sure in a few weeks you will be showing us all your new makes! With you all the way with Minerva too !! Glad you have recovered from your fall and Covid. Happy Sewing your WIPs 😂😂. Lynne

[@wendybingham]

Have really missed you. Sorry you tripped up. Gives you a shake up. Take care. Xxx

[@alisonwilliams3806]

Sorry to hear your fall, then having Covid & with everything that has gone on not surprised you have lost your sewjo. When it happened recently to me I eventually started sewing small baby projects for friends & now am in the middle of sewing little girls dresses for project dress a girl 2024 four made so far with another six cut out. I’ve also made easy things like Safia trousers & cut out some juno pjs (thinking about keeping warm). What you have suggested making sounds like excellent projects & I love the fabrics. Good luck.❤❤❤

[@emma__sews]

I've watched your video over 3 evenings but completely understand where you're coming from, but think wardrobe staples are very good place /thing to sew. ❤Glad to see you back. Take some time to get back into it. We'll be here if you need time.😊 ❤ Don't feel bad about commitments.

[@betsyb.4441]

Sad to hear you fell, I Also was out jogging , tripped on a pinecone , cut my right eyelid and had a concussion!!! Hang in there, everything will soon Improve for you!!!!!

[@lindat905]

Glad your back and feeling better. I can really sympathize with you. I find that for quite a while I would run down the rabbit hole after watching social media etc and buying fabrics and patterns that other people are making, only to find it sits in my wardrobe as I have no where to wear it. Your lucky you can destash your fabrics. I have not found it easy here in Canada. I have about 30 large bins of beautiful fabric that I am sorting out and most will end up at charity shops. So much money wasted but now I sew what is wear

[@niawilshaw3522]

Glad you're feeling better. I'm going to make the WBM Easy T at the weekend in navy, and possibly a pair of PJs!!!

[@amdelorey]

Simple tees and another pair of running tights? Fabulous tartan plan! I am stalled with some summer makes and have a few UFOs just cut this summer. Selling our house (which closes on Monday) has me doing chores and admin that "interferes" w sewing. But I want to do a precious fabric project and a Hovea lined jacket for a November wedding. The jacket will be made from some purple silk viscose velvet that I got from a deadstock drop and love it. So two precious and maybe challenging makes. I think I will also cut out a couple jersey things so I can take a breather as I go along and run some things through the serger. That's a bit of a pile. We shall see. ....Thanks for your catch up vlog Rachel!

[@madebykarenmarie]

Lovely to see you again. Glad you’re on the mend :) In times with less sewjo, I watch sewing videoes, tidy up my stash and just wait.. I knew that it’ll return sooner or later. Good luck!❤

[@jenniferewart]

Living in Norfolk and having our holiday in the Lake District this year has meant I have not really seen a summer..!!!!...Like you Rachel, I love sewing for summer, wearing floaty dresses etc. At the moment I have completely lost interest in sewing for myself. I have sewn for friends and family and plan to make a quilt for a friends baby. Hopefully I will be inspired to sew something for myself before next spring🤣

[@sueprice4082]

73 year old, recently widowed- I love sewing but apart from shopping & the odd lunch out, I will be making stuff to “sit knitting” in 😂😂

[@amidoll3983]

Hi , I understand completely about sewing what you wear , my husband has always said I wear a uniform, jeans and a long sleeved boat or polo neck, it’s what I reach for , I love your vlog and I can imagine it’s a lot of work but selfishly I hope you carry on . I made four toaster sweaters last autumn and they became a bit of a staple although I need a buff underneath at the neck as the collar lets a fair bit of air in glad you are on the mend

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Thank you for keeping me company while I do some stash busting. I needed to hear this. Two things help me the most are 1) a big clear up of my sewing space, and 2) just getting started on something and seeing the results. Like you I will start with something quick and easy to get that instant dopamine hit of completing something.

[@SewLuluRasc]

Delighted to see you back. Missed you. Can't wait to see your completed Paige Hoodie. Found today's vlog really spot on. I often make pretty dresses which I adore...but not really fitting of my lifestyle. I am also trying to be more considered. But I'll still add in some frivolity to keep me excited 😆

[@brenholmes4894]

I have been avoiding garment sewing for several reasons. I have gained a few pounds, which doesn't help, but it's more that my sewing room is stuffed to the gunnels, I don't have enough storage, and it's just not a pleasant place to work at present. Having said that, I have made a few bags recently, and this past week I have pulled out lots of scraps, cut what feels like 100s of 8" squares, and pieced them into 3x3 blocks, recut the blocks and pieced again, to make the fabric for a gilet to keep me warm this autumn/winter. It appealed to me because it's something a bit different from what I normally sew and it's utlising many of my scrap fabrics and wadding that I already had, another scrap. Today I pieced the lining, quilted the fabric and cut out the gilet. I will need to make 5yeards of binding, but I will think about that another day! Maybe it's time to purchase a bias binding maker. Speaking of WIPs, I have a few!

[@ladylouise1969]

Welcome back! I really hate alterations-and I probably have enough to stack to the ceiling! That always puts a damper on my “sewjo “! Health issues do it to me, as well! I wondered what happened to you! Take care-you were missed! ❤

[@dawnwiltshaw7153]

Hi Rachel sorry to hear that you’re not feeling well hope you’re feeling better soon the shirt will look great in your tartan material can not wait to see what else you are going to make Dawn xx

[@frannygrace2191]

It is sew good to see you back. We missed you! Your plans sound like the perfect way to get your sewjo back. I also watch other bloggers that I follow and it inspires me!

[@greenquiltsgalore1326]

Your destashing has helped you prioritize your fabrics so you already know which are precious to you! My suggestion is to make up new separates rather than doing alterations. The jeans you made this summer are very striking.

[@mairecollins4761]

It's good to hear you're on the mend, that all sounded horrendous for you! Like you, if I lose my sew jo I usually turn to a jersey project, the Naya tee being one of them, to just whip up on the overlocker. You've cleverly gone one further and attached your jersey tee to a mini capsule collection. I find that very inspiring, it helps you move on. My thoughts on turning to an Autumn make have also been with the Jackson tee, but as a hoodie, using Helen's free add on. I've made it once before and I love it, so cosy. Looking forward to seeing your makes x

[@nadabenson3006]

Hope you get your sew job back soon. I would love to see the pants tee shirt and the oversized check shirt done. I’d love seeing it on you. I wear that a lot. Love that look. Enjoy your videos and I’m glad you’re back🌹

[@theresawagner2642]

Hi Rachael: Try Stone Mountain and Daughter fabrics for lovely twills. They have some lovely colors, and I have bought several ones and love them. Just so you know, they are based in California. Good luck with all your projects.

[@barbfilion5646]

Hi Rachel, glad you are doing ok. You look fantastic, yes small things to get the sewjo back. The page hoodie in that fabric would get your spirit going to. so bright and fun that fabric

[@blossomsandwich4232]

So excited to see you at Scotting Frocktails Rachel! Don't worry, I haven't started sewing my dress for that yet either 😅 Glad to hear you're feeling better after your accident and covid. Good luck with your projects for the new season 💕

[@WendyTulloch-hu5zu]

Happy to see you back, missed your vlogs, I’m in the sewing doldrums too 🥹 going to take your lead and try some hoodies to get me going again x

[@SistasofStitchcraft]

Gosh you are so right. I'm so easily influenced by other vloggers and insta posts. I definitely need to start thinking about what is going to fit in with my lifestyle 🤩🥰

[@eileenturner9932]

Glad to see you back and you look so good .xx

[@mareea14]

I’ve stagnated. I’ve put on weight due to menopause and I really don’t want to make anything as I hate the thought of making something and look like I’m wearing a sack. Like you say, you’ve just got to do smaller projects and move forward. Thanks for being real❤❤

[@linvin18]

I got my sewjo back by making dresses for the charity #dressagirlaroundtheworld. Run by @#marisewsforcurves

[@sallyf2060]

Exactly what I do, the little girl dresses are a perfect palette cleanser and great quick and satisfying sew 😍

[@Laura-ys7bx]

I've trying to do that very thing, and it's all gone horribly wrong. I'm feeling so defeated. I've got 2 dresses cut out and it's not gone well.

[@rebeccaw9656]

Hope you’re feeling better, Rachel❤. I can relate a little in that when I have to sew a thing rather than want to sew a thing, I drag my feet, because it becomes a demand (or a chore) rather than a mood or want thing. And I have to say, we tend to not prioritise basics that we need, nor do we prioritise house wear, even though it’s the most common thing that we wear from day to day. It’s something I’ve aimed to address this year, but not quite got there.

[@lolawall3561]

I really appreciate your video. I am in a sewing rut at the moment. Here in southern California,USA, we just had the longest heat wave in my recent memory, not to mention terrible fires. But now that fall is in the air I’m starting to want to sew again. I’ve started with Disney shorts for my two grandkid: yes, it’s warm enough for shorts. I will go from there. See you in your next video. Happy sewing!

[@gigracer]

It’s lovely to see you back again. Glad you’ve made a good recovery after your fall and I hope that the last Covid symptoms disappear soon. Maybe when you’re fully recovered your sewjo will also return? I will echo several others who have suggested going through your sewing room and doing a tidy/reorganisation. Sometimes just handling all the fabrics helps get the desire to make something jump started. I would also suggest making a tried and true separates pattern so that it fits into your lifestyle and will be something you wear. Finishing the Paige Hoodie would be a great place to start, as it’s a lower effort make given you’ve already done all the pattern alterations and cutting out the fabric- only the sewing part left to do makes it an easy win and hopefully a jump start on the sewjo! Focusing on separates for Autumn/Winter sounds like a good idea. What’s the point of making something and expending all the energy (and expense) on something that will just languish in your wardrobe?

[@marjawood5097]

My thoughts exactly, make clothes for your lifestyle. To that end I tend to make separates both for summer and winter as it is more versatile.

[@joellendeluca7683]

Tidying up sewing room is a good way to get some sewjo on. I wander around and give mental space to illuminate old ideas and spark new ones! Have fun. 🤩

[@victoriaconstantine-cort3091]

Hi....sorry about the sojo!! Love your vlogs and what you sew!! All the bestXXX👍👍👍

[@seaside2001]

Oh good grief. A patch of bad luck. Glad you are feeling better. Can hardly expect you to be sewing with all that going on. I haven't sewn for a very long while, after being beaten into the ground, from an innocent comment on another sewing channel, but I am starting to feel like maybe making a couple of casual warm tops, might get me going again. Something easy to make, and I can wear with casual pants & jeans. Winter is around the corner.

[@StitchedUp]

Oh gosh I hope you’re ok x

[@seaside2001]

@@StitchedUp I felt defeated for awhile, but I am coming around. I like the fall, so making some cozy fall garments will help me move along. I hope you are feeling better as well. A fall like that is no laughing matter, and happens so easily. Having covid on your vacation isn't a lot of fun either. 👋

[@helenrose4116]

Glad you’re feeling better 😊. I’m going through a similar process by trying to be realistic what I would actually reach for. I tend to want to sew the fabrics I’ve just bought in the wrong seasons 😅. I’m also feeling the cold much more so what I need for work has changed. Definitely the hoodie would be a good one to get your sewjo back as you’ve already cut it out in a lovely feel good fabric. I have a SOI Xanthe skirt already cut out and thinking I should sew up that even if it is fairly involved 😅. Enjoy your weekend 🥂 xx

[@nicky-Sewandsnip]

Im still in the summer sewing stage as hols not until November! I relate to so many of the points you have talked about and made a very conscious decision a couple years ago to not to over commit to patterns tests ect and to make what I actually wear rather than the things other sewists rave about. Being more considered has now meant I wear almost entirely memade. Starting a vlog I did find I was starting to slip into bad habits just so I had something to talk but I had a good talk to myself & feel I’m back on track. I do love a sewing Challange as motivation but only if I can adapt to something I need or actually want and I know if I change my mind and don’t take part it doesn’t matter.

[@syro6644]

You are bringing up very good subjects to think about. Myself I have started to question why I do not wear some of the clothes in my wardrobe and now it feels obvious that is cause they dont fit my everyday lifestyle. Tomorrow I got a day off and I am going to sort out the clothing I dont wear to make space for more comforting clothing . I have as well lost my sew jo and when I look at my stash I got too many fabrics with patterns when I prefer more plain fabrics for my basics. Maybe I need to do some destash too. Thank you for this vlog❤

[@marionogden4243]

Hi Rachel, like you I feel the cold in the winter and always buy merino wool jumpers because they don’t ‘rub up’ they are a lot warmer than man made fibres. I have made one or two waist coats that can be worn with matching skirts or trousers. I have been sewing for 55 years and still love it.

[@meghannwhite6633]

Fabulous video, as always! I’m only a few minutes in, but I wanted to make a comment for you about how to stop your tights from falling down. You need to add proper elastic into the waistband. I put a little clear nail polish on the littletube part at the very top of the waistband. Then I snip into it and put elastic through. Then your tights will actually stay up.

[@ruthlanwarne8978]

Sorry to hear about your accident and Covid 😔You have really inspired me this morning as I’ve been trying to finish a Winona jumpsuit that I started before my holiday in Cornwall, then saw the forecast plus had some fitting problems which I’ve rectified. Like you I’m always cold so live in jeans and tops often three layers in the winter. This feels like winter to me today! However I do wear sweater dresses and boots a lot but not the floaty dress vibe layered up. 😌 Good luck with all your plans. The Paige hoodie looks fab. I’m trying to think of shorter tops now I wear more wide leg and bootcut jeans instead of skinny ones. 😊

[@beachblu6953]

I think it's great to make basics, we just had winter in Australia and I made a black and white plaid shirt using an old Prima pattern worn it heaps during winter so that's a great idea, glad you are better it's okay to take a break from sewing ❤

[@SewnontheTyne]

Just lovely to see you back honey - love your Autumn thoughts and plans. I still haven't started my Frocktails dress! xxx

[@SistasofStitchcraft]

For me a quick easy win or an insta challenge ignite my sewjo 🤩

[@Janrandle-vo5dm1fl5t]

I hope that once you start with your plans your sewjo comes back.

[@sewlittletime]

Glad to hear you’re feeling better and sorry you fell over during a run, I’ve done that before and still bare the scar. Thanks for mentioning sewupcycle and that’s amazing if you’re planning on joining in too 😊. I agree sewing time is certainly precious and I’m missing it now I’m back to work. Will look forward to seeing your future makes for frocktsils etc xx

[@deannasanft3683]

Oh yes, do the Paige hoodie, the fabric is so happy.

[@glendavizecky7581]

5 out of 4 has a Chino pattern with great features.

[@JaneWiles-y2i]

Love your vlogs Rachel. Sorry you have had a run of bad luck. With your more complex makes like the goth dress could you view it in two halves a bodice make and a skirt make so it seems less daunting? Good luck.

[@denbeesewswhat9841]

Glad you are on the mend! Check out pound fabrics, not sure if they have stretch twill but they have some stretch denim in various colours for £7 😊

[@ginnypowell8324]

Omg Racheal whip up that gorgeous Paige hoodie , it's beautiful fabric . Lost my sew Jo also but have just watched the sewl sisters Thea Vlog and have cut my pattern now ..... I'm on it 😊. So you in part have inspired me to get my machine back out . X x

[@leepayk-bann3489]

Do a wardrobe review. Check a book or an online vlog on capsule wardrobes. Make a decision as to what you may need. I.e. five shirts, five pairs of pants, going out dresses, day dresses. This motivates you to check your covered. Get inspiration from magazines, what uk people call the high street and what your wardrobes needs. Would this help???

[@patriciahannah5320]

I have learned to say yes or no. Yes to things I really want to do and no to what doesn’t fit. It has been a long lesson and I’m not perfect at it but I try hard to make it work or I will let someone down.

[@lesleyheather1]

I've been having the same thoughts lately and realise I need to make clothes for the lifestyle I have instead of the one in my imagination lol I also love making dresses and never wear them ( especially with our weather) So I have decided instead of dresses to make shirts to wear with trousers

[@SistasofStitchcraft]

Sorry to hear you've had a rubbish time recently. I am also nursing a running injury. Well walking really as we were doing the warm up walk. I found uneven ground rolled my ankle and have broken the bottom of my fibula. 🙄 Kelly xxx

[@sandrasaunders3416]

Sorry to hear you fell. It can knock the stuffing out of you when something like that happens. Hope you can get your sewjo back but a break can be a good thing. You do buy a lot of fabric and sorting it all out must be a strain. I try to only buy when I have a plan for it so I don't have a large stash. I hope the purple sweatshirt from you stash reignites your passion . Your plan to make things that you will wear is good. I have had to make this decision too as I have lots of things I made and don't wear. We can only wear so much cant we. I am currently learning Hardanger embroidery which gives me a break from my usual sewing. Sometimes I make things just for the sake of sewing. Good luck. xx

[@kes44p]

Sorry to hear about your accident. I tried Snag tights but found Better Tights were better, but I still need a tights belt - they really work (elastic with grippy bits inside!!)

[@heatherbowser3635]

When I lose my sewjo I make a dress for one of my granddaughters. I just made the Little Lizard King Sion for my youngest granddaughter for next summer. That worked and I have been sewing up a storm.

[@threadtherapy251]

Grown out of 😂 love that expression. I’ve definitely grown out of my clothes and that has had a really negative impact on my sewing- bloody peri- menopause. I can’t face the idea of having to retrace loads of patterns and the last few things I’ve sewn I’ve hated. Sewjo deserted me! I can’t be bothered to take all that time sewing something only to find I don’t like it/it doesn’t fit/it’s not flattering. I do like warm makes though, so I am considering a jumper dress or some trackies (if I can be bothered!)

[@heatherbowser3635]

What about the True Bias darla? That would be lovely on you in a viscose.

[@SEWDOITEMMA]

Definitely a simple make and a tidy 😅 dare I say it … sewing room eh well for me the second is a wip at the moment. Changed things around and added a few bits plus currently going through fabrics for a destash, aye it’s a lot going on at the moment!

[@susan571]

Why don't you make the SOI ultimate trousers? You have those down pat,they look good on you, and you seem to use them.

[@threads_in_cahoots]

Great video as always! I’ve been going through the same in evaluating what I make (am I just influenced to make it or is it really me?) and it’s really been freeing to sort through what actually makes sense for me. I’ve been really getting into separates as of late as well. Looking forward to your future projects! And I love the tip about starting with an easy project when you are trying to get your sewjo back!

[@Hide_and_silk]

My go to for trousering (twill, drill etc) are Croft Mill, Fabworks and Sherwoods. Sherwoods has ex Paul Smith cotton twill in burgundy for £10.95/m but it's 100% cotton so no elastane.

[@silverluna8835]

Sinclair patterns Westwood chinos in tall are perfect for start of your chinos project.

[@upcycledcopycat8389]

Yeah... No sewjo. I've had all these plans but no ambition for months. I can't remember if I've even sewn anything all summer. My mother passed away in april and there was alot of traveling involved several times back and forth to deal with all that. She was a seamstress extrordinare. Just short of a month of her 90th. I've inherited all her stuff into my tiny sewing space. Her bernina that she just purchased (and hardly used) 2 yrs ago and an overlocker. So now I have two machines of each. I'll never have to buy thread or buttons ever again in my lifetime. since all her sewing stuff is in my sewing room it's overwhelmed my brain. The button collection alone is massive. I didn't even know she had both her mother's, her mother-in-laws and her sisters stuff. Both my grandmothers dealt with the depression so they never discarded anything. Buttons etc were removed and stored away before rugs or blankets were made up out of old clothes. I'm thinking she's jinxed me somehow. When she replaced her bernina from the 80's with a new one 2 yrs ago (that she never really used). We all questioned why she did it. It didn't really help when she broke her right wrist month's after getting it and it toke almost 6 months to heal. And her general health started declining after that. It's as if all her sewing stuff has brought bad juju into my sewing room. And then in August my closet collapsed on me as I was getting a nightie off a hanger. I couldnt believe it. Almost midnight and I had to crawl out from under all those clothes on top of me. I just closed the door and went to bed. It toke me weeks to restructure our walk in closet from single rods to double rods and shelves etc. I had clothes all over our small downsized condo. I mean on the couch, the table. Every flat surface was covered in My clothes... really realized I had way tooooo much of everything. Lots of memades, thrifted, rtw. I discovered so much that I had completely forgotten I even had. Hanging it all up and redoing everything was a eye opening experience of just how much I have. I only donated a few things because I really like everything I made and thrifted etc. Sooooo I'm forcing myself to wear what I have. I'm discovering new ways of restyling my existing wardrobe....and casting a critical eye at all my fabric stash (way tooooo much) and more with all her fabric stash now to add. There's a case to be had for just too much of a good thing clutteres up the brain. Sorry this got sooooo long😊

[@jacmary6580]

Sorry you have been so poorly but glad you are on the mend 😊 My sewing for garment making has been gone for a while now, Rachel, and I think it is because my sewing room is mid change (waiting for British Heart Foundation to pick up a sofa bed so that I can put up my new sewing table in it's place) so what I'm doing is bag making at the moment to tide me along. It's small, needs less sewing, and cutting out room and is easy or complex as I want it to be. So, as well as some tee shirts, why not try a bag or two? For your frocktails inspiration, why not do some fashion research? It may help to get your creative flow going again? Happy sewing 😊

[@lindaboby6007]

Great vlog as always glad you are feeling better I have certainly missed your vlogs. Just wanted to ask are the Thea Pants not a good trouser pattern you could alter the leg shape? You looked great in the ones you made. I suppose they are a more close fitting trouser I only ask because I was going to give them a go ❤❤

[@christinawelton9689]

That plaid will make a great shirt!

[@andreab3671]

Jeans and jumpers are my winter staples in New Zealand as well. I don’t like dresses as I feel the cold badly. I love Closet Core Sasha, Tessuti Avalon and this past winter have lived in my ponte Papercut Anima (now renamed). As for tops my merino tees and wool Papercut Stacker jackets get worn on repeat.

[@lindamahmood9829]

How does it feel to have reduced your stash now you have only fabric you really love to choose from enjoy making your winter wardrobe with colourful hoodies and comfy trousers the flower fabric you have got cut out looks good take care happy sewing

[@SageASoreng]

I lost my mojo for sewing for 20 weeks, i recommend starting a quilt. also cutting out the pattern and gathering project bags....

[@angelagarrett-ek5bb]

Minerva do samples so maybe order a couple. It’s a pain when fabrics arrive and they not what you expected

[@donnabronner4837]

Yup. Lost my sewjo for 2 YEARS! Had cataract surgery which messed with my vision. Disgusted with my fat tum and old lady life style. It's all in my head. I live in a sewing desert. It's hard to get it right.

[@alisonfeld]

I’ve made the archer and followed the sew along on KZbin but I just found it a bit annoying with the 1/2 inch SA and all the grading. I just think although a classic good pattern its unnecessarily fussy. I’m going to try the Love Notions or Helen’s Closet classic shirt next.

[@cathtaylor2771]

I used to put my summer clothes away, strappy tops and shorts etc. Then I went through menopause and I leave my strappy tops out now for my daily hot sweats. 😓😓

[@AmyM-u1j]

How about Closet core Sasha trousers? 😊

[@lynsam7380]

Yes Ive had some disappointments with Minerva in the past. Not my go to either. Xx

[@jeanettespracklen5777]

Hi Rachel. I have found it hard recently because I have been losing weight and having to take in all of my clothes so you sort of get fed up of having to resew them. I know that that is a nice thing to have, but it sort of stops me from doing what I want. Then I have so many projects I want to do and you get overwhelmed by the backlog. Do I have a bigger project and a quick win on the go at any one time. I do the quick win and then spend a bit of time doing the bigger project and sort of get to a point I can stop and leave it for next time. Then I plan another quick win and do it all over again. This is how I've kept myself going. It breaks it up a bit. Hope this helps.

[@janicecoulson5388]

We sold our house in March. My sewing room is still in boxes, still not moved! Land Reg problem so fed up

[@JaneyJane_sews]

Goth dress and frocktales same dress with different accessories?

[@lynnfrench4969]

❤❤❤

[@howardpennpenn]

That's a surprise...you're usually a prolific maker!😮 And, if I ever loose my Sew Jo, I clean and tidy my sewing room and start making smaller items such as bags or purses as gifts...then I'm back in the groove! Enjoy...❤

[@gingerninja_sews]

We always go tge last 2 weeks of August to Cornwall and have been really lucky with the weather. It did rain but mostly through the night. 2nd week was the best for getting on the beach. I always find I slow down sewing with change over in seasons but I need to concentrate on tops and trousers for work, I don't have many. Inspiration will come xx

[@LoraineMunro-q3e]

🐯

[@chrisorchin7955]

You sound much more animated later on in this video than when you started. How about a T-shirt in red or blue to go with your lovely tartan. Would it help to find a T-shirt fabric that you really like to get restarted. I wonder if you just need time to get over post covid effects .. take care of yourself ..maybe leave the outfits for outings and concentrate on being warm. Take care.