Making a 1930's Inspired Bolero Suit Set // Sewing Project Diary

Whew! This one sure took me a while! I'll blame it on there being two items to complete? Sure! I may be running behind, but I do really love how this 1930's inspired bolero jacket and side sweep skirt came out in the end. The pleats in the sleeves may have been a bit tedious to sew, but I adore the finished effect!
Trying a full length video again this time, so here are some time stamps for those of you who want to jump back and reference one part or another:
Drafting the Bolero- 5:40-29:00
Drafting the skirt - 20:00-41:00
Sewing the Bolero- 41:00-1:06
Sewing the Skirt- 1:06-1:25
Alphanumeric paper:atlaslevy.com/G...
Mood Fabrics: www.moodfabric...
Patternmaking For Fashion Design by Helen Joseph Armstrong :
www.amazon.com...
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But wait there's more! A PO BOX finally wahoo!
First, a disclaimer: So many of you have kindly offered to send me things, including vintage items you may have inherited, and I am so honored you would think of me and of course I do adore vintage treasures, however, unfortunately I only have so much storage space currently! So there is a chance that if something just wont work for me, or doesn't fit me etc, that I may not be able to keep all of your lovely things. Please only send things if you are okay with the possibility that I may donate items I just cannot keep. If you would prefer I put things that I can't keep into the TCH Etsy shop to help raise funds for me and the channel, please specify this in a note or letter in your parcel. Thank you so much!
Bianca Esposito
PO Box 632177
Highlands Ranch, CO 80163
Thank you for watching!

[@maroulio2067]

Yes! Gorgeous outfit. And I second the hooray for the '30's- I was born in 1939 so may be one of your oldest fans.

[@salttothesea]

Maroulio LOVE THIS!

[@kaiakakos]

That is so cool!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Maroulio!

[@loretta_3843]

Hey, my mum was born in 1935, but refuses to believe she is capable of using technology (she's also avoided learning English as much as possible) she's still got some of the old hand finished petticoats or slips she brought with her from Italy. I'll stop rambling, but it's nice to see someone close to her age floating around 💐☺️

[@nancymandle5215]

Love your chatty commentary and the tonal quality of your voice! Reminds me of the commentators filling in during lulls in golf matches, Olympic events, Westminster, etc. - very professional and engaging! Also learned more about your pressing technique (and yes, please purchase a better iron with some of my “underwriting funds”). Your videography during the sleeve setting was very good - it was easy to see how just that little bit of basting stitches eased the cap fullness. Excellent, professional video - i’d call this a master class tutorial!!!!!! Well done, my dear.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Nancy! Commentating over sewing like sports is such a great concept, I think many of us would rather watch a sewing project than a sports match! "I see here shes's going in for a set in sleeve, an interesting choice, meanwhile over in booth four it looks like her competitor has run out of bobbin thread half way through finishing a seam, and really, which of us hasn't been there before..."

[@hollybauer7123]

"Blue pattern table of doom" reminds me of "blue screen of death" for computers. Made me chuckle to myself. (tech support changed me as a person)

[@peggyriordan9857]

I really liked this outfit! It looks great on you and you did a great job in sewing it. Don't know why you put yourself down so often. You are really talented and wouldn't have 24K subscribers if you weren't. Congrats on the make and look forward to more of them!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Peggy!

[@lizmcgovern1173]

Love the longer videos! I never totally understood pattern drafting until I started to watch you. I would love to see you draft and make a pair of 1940's style cuffed trousers, if possible.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Liz!

[@chaeburger]

I love these chatty videos so much! They help me get through my day.

[@LCtheCurious]

I LOVE your long sewing videos...this one is not only super informative, but also very entertaining to watch. Great job, as usual!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@nataloves]

Do you ever feel pressure to sew for a living just because you're good at it? I feel pressure to "graduate" from amateur to professional because of all the oohs and ahhs of people who couldn't sew a button to save their life. But I really just want to make things for myself and maybe as a token of love. The phrase "wasted talent", it's unbearable at times.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I really don't, mostly because it would be incredibly difficult for me to make a viable living doing so, and in my opinion sewing for oneself is rewarding and sewing for others is frustrating. Most custom sewing work now (at least in the US) is bridal based, and working with brides sounds like a nightmare! Fitting garments on yourself and fitting them on other people are entirely different skills in my opinion.

[@dianeshelton9592]

I have succumbed to that pressure and custom made a few dresses. I hate it. I sew for me because I love it. Sewing to a deadline, making something for someone else so not being able to accept little mistakes which would be fine on me, and actually making something that I haven’t chosen, fabric etc, all contributed to me hating doing it. Not to mention I barely made any money on it. Certainly not enough to make any sort of living. It’s not a wasted talent because you are sewing clothes you love that will hopefully last a long time , it hobby you love shouldn’t have to be turned into a living, a, because it would be extremely hard to price so people would pay and you would make a decent living, and b, because something enjoyable for you is never a waste of time or talent.

[@armedvsokord]

I also have a less good iron. I found an ironing board cover that is made out of fire fighter clothing material and it reflects the heat and has made ironing much easier. I think it was 25$ on Amazon.

[@Gandellion]

This video is really well put together, B!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Clara!

[@tikimama1139]

I seriously considered skipping my work meeting so I could watch this video. Delightful!!

[@liddybird3608]

I must have bad pin karma because I always break a needle if I sew over pins.

[@laurelnolen2056]

Excellent tutorial, thank you! The finished suit looks fantastic. And the line "Lots of pins...lots of danger" (59:32) made me smile.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Laurel!

[@robbiecrafter]

I like your overlap zipper technique. You may want to consider getting a tailor's clapper for setting your seams. They are a little pricey, though. If you know a woodcrafter, s/he may have a spare piece of hardwood hanging around that you could beg, borrow or steal.

[@hexebroomie]

I love the visual explaining on the patternpieces and the assembly of the fabric, your rebelness and your voiceover. Thank you for making this easy to follow 😊

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Charliefarley170287]

Such a gorgeous outfit! Do you think the flare/godet of the skirt would look good in a contrasting colour? For example the pencil part in black with blue godet. Or would it look a bit tacky?

[@theHaru20]

How about giving the godet a high low effect by making the outside a bit shorter? Then you could add a pop of colour via a funky lining that would be seen when you move and the skirt swishes around :)

[@louiselill1528]

@@theHaru20 I like that idea

[@TheClosetHistorian]

One could certainly make the godet a different color, I think having a contrasting lining and flat lining the piece and then having that color peek out when one moves around would be my preference though!

[@joanscott9323]

Thanks so much for another great video!!! I love your pattern drafting examples, and also your dart manipulation techniques. The suit is lovely and very flattering. I’m guessing it is incredibly comfortable, as well, since the perfect fit makes for comfort and it looking truly “made for you”! The Italian wool is fantastic!!!! I have the drafting book you reference, and really enjoy bringing it out to follow along when you draft. Thank you for giving us the visual specific how-to in these designs. I was wondering if you might also show a french dart manipulation. I have old Vogue designers patterns, and they show both straight and especially curved french darts. The straight is pretty “straightforward “, but what benchmarks should I do for the curved french darts? I can follow my old pattern pieces and I do many times, but my bust size and shape has changed over the last 50 years, and while trial and error works, generally, I would love a tutorial of yours on the subject! On a kind of a sidenote, but an incredibly important point for new sewers, I think you provide an invaluable service. For those of us who have been sewing many years and learned in the olden days, we know your notes on ironing and pressing to be so important and absolutely spend much more time at the ironing board than at the sewing machine!!! But you provide even a more important service, because you let people know that sewing should be fun! I was lucky I was taught to sew by my mother, who had beautiful technique. She taught all of my sisters and me to sew, and then stepped back and let us do exactly as we wanted with it. Each one took it her own way. One sister would sew fantastically creative outfits, but alas the finishing was not her main focus. My mom used to chuckle and say that’s OK because she enjoys it, and she’ll have something new designed for the next time she wants something special! Mother didn’t criticize and she didn’t poke fun to make you feel like somehow you weren’t really sewing. She taught me to sew on vogue patterns as a teenager, and when I asked her she would show me the wealth of special techniques that she knew. What we call old-school couture. Once I basted a top by hand, since the dining room table was being used preparing for a meal and I could not get my sewing machine out. When she looked at the basting she said that I could use these as permanent seams. That’s when she started showing me all the wealth of hand sewing knowledge. But in my mind the really important thing was that she didn’t lay down rules that she expected us to follow. She simply showed us how to put garments together and gave us the knowledge to go forward each in our own way. I think so many people in my generation gave up on sewing because of too much pressure to follow every rule always! Yes there are some rules that sewing is going to benefit from always following, and you make a point of always sharing those rules. But you always emphasize that we each must do it our own way!!! I am enjoying all of your videos, although I have only recently found your KZbin page so I have a lot to catch up on. Even if a design might not be something that I think I would find particularly useful in my own life, I always benefit from your instruction in your videos. Thank you so much! If ever you are able to take a Tailoring course, would love a video on that subject as well!

[@IkOngkarSatNam]

Oh man, can't wait to try to make this. I need to dress up for work. Add to "watch later" list.

[@dianavoermans]

Those sleeves are gorgeous 🤩 and the godet on the skirt, too. Such a nice suitset. Instead of burning your palms 👐🏻you try to get your hands on a clapper. They must be present in the trift shops. We use them in tailoring class to set the just pressed hems and darts etc. And they have great points and curves to help pressing out your seams. No more burned hands needed 😜🤩💃🏻

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Diana! Indeed I'll have to pick one up, and a new iron so I'll be better equip for all the pressing I do!

[@laurahi3468]

I did not know I need this. Absolutely gorgeous!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Laura!

[@queenofheartslandofjoy8068]

Thank you for breaking down which pieces are which. It helps me learn to sew. When I get my sewing machine I'll have an idea of what to make. I am amazed how well your gloves match the blouse. I like listening to you speak while make the outfit. It helps to hear what your hands are doing if that makes sense. I'd like to see you make an evening gown. Not blue or black some other color.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@panacheluxury4262]

As always beautiful work, Bianca! Invest in a Tailor's Clapper (June Tailor), which holds heat in the seam. I have one and talked about it in a video I did last year. Ebay has vintage Clappers pretty reasonably.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Indeed I need one, that and a new iron for me soon!

[@panacheluxury4262]

@@TheClosetHistorian, absolutely!

[@marnieo9881]

I adore 40’s and early 50’s fashion, I would give anything to be able to be creative.

[@mce1939]

Love this video! Very helpful info. My fave Scorsese film is The Age Of Innocence (1993). It has lots more women and female screen time, and is based on Edith Wharton's novel. The costumes are AMAZING!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Very good costumes indeed, though I may have been too tired when I watched it as I did find that one overly long feeling for whatever reason!

[@rebekkawacherhausenwichman236]

YEAAAH!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 Haven’t watched it yet but I just wanted you to know how excited I am 😄👀

[@Ashbeazil]

Just what I needed to end a stressful work week! Got my wine and chicken nuggets. Let's sew haha

[@cincocats320]

Thank you for talking so frankly about the problems of fitting vintage patterns to fuller busts. I'm still very much a beginner but have already encountered this problem in my attempts. You explained your solution very clearly and I feel more confident now in being able to make my own modifications. The suit looks so good on you. Well done!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@olajordan9951]

Agree!

[@andreaj5767]

You are so talented, I wish I could sew like that make my own vintage repro outfits. It's hard to find vintage clothing in plus sizes and if I do it's just pricey its little frustrating. Anywho I enjoy your channel. I love your outfits wish I could dress up like that more often .

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Andrea!

[@ellenbgh1168]

This suit is gorgeous! And the makeup you have on in the end is so so beautiful on you

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ellen!

[@Susanfuzz]

A wooden clapper (?, I think) can be used to cool your seams, sparing your hands :)

[@Shannon-Townsend]

I wondered the same thing. Picked one up second hand!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Indeed I need to get one!

[@talosheeg]

I can't wait to make this on my channel!!! Or to just try it out in general!!! Do you have any tips on how I can make it wide enough for wide hips?

[@nataloves]

As a big booty woman with a small waist, darts are my greatest asset, pun intended. Make a mock-up wide enough to cover your hips, with a gentle taper towards the waist and then pin in darts to fit your waist while you wear it. I thought for the longest time I'd get away with two average darts, turns out I need four and quite wide at the leg points and sharp concave curve towards the end. Otherwise I have to balloon out my side seams and they never ever look nice on woven fabrics! Good luck!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

The fit through the hips would really just rely on the pencil skirt pattern you start with fitting well over the hips, as the addition of the side drape would only add more ease if anything. So the key would be to have a perfectly fitting pencil skirt pattern to start with!

[@BeverleyButterfly]

I woke up to a kinda dislocated jaw leading to lots of pain so while I rest on painkillers this video is perfect! Netflix is quaking love watching you explain as I’m just about to start learning to sew xx

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I'm sorry to hear that Beverley, I hope you're feeling better soon!

[@BeverleyButterfly]

TheClosetHistorian I am sweetheart but these longer videos are perfect for trying to rest xx

[@22mendonca]

You’ve inspired me to have a go at sewing again doll! Alas, due to pressures of work/social life, I have been lax in making time for such fun activities....I endeavour to rectify this forthwith!!👊 Yet again, you look amazing 😘Xx

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jo! You can do it!

[@22mendonca]

TheClosetHistorian ❤️

[@MoodyZoe]

I love your channel. I don’t sew, but it’s hard to find conservative clothing these day. Also, most of the fabrics you use I cannot use because of being vegan. I love the gloves and I love wearing hats 🙂💐

[@FinalLugiaGuardian]

You can actually make clothes too? What clothing related task can you not do? Most Americans have no idea where their clothes come from or what actually went into making them. Also, like the blue shirt and matching blue gloves too.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@chaeburger]

If you're looking for movie recommendations, you've come to the right place. Knives Out (2019) Sorry to Bother You (2018) Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse (2018) The Shape of Water (2017) Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017) Sing Street (2016) The Love Witch (2016) Hail, Caesar (2016) Mad Max Fury Road (2015) Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) Pan's Labyrinth (2006) The Girl Who Leapt Throught Time (2006) Paprika (2006) Tokyo Godfathers (2003) Perfect Blue (1997)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Chae! I can say that I have indeed seen half of these, though I haven't watched any Satoshi Kon and I really need to!

[@meamela9820]

So fun to see your sewing tequnices. I find that I always learn something new when I watch a new person sew. We all have or little ways of doing stuff and I like that!

[@angelkeith4767]

When I noticed you putting pins in your mouth, I immediately thought of the day I sucked a pin into the back of my mouth and could not get it out. I had to go to the ER where I worked to have it removed.

[@india1422]

Don’t do the pins in mouth thing. I know I’m not your mother but I saw something horrible. A woman inhaled a pin and it is lodged in one of her lungs and it cannot be removed. She did an interview to put the fear of dog in sewers so no-one ends up with the problems she now has

[@christinealvora183]

hi from uk have you tried doing your zipper first before stitching anything else together this reducing the bulk of fabric your moving around at the sewing machine i find i get a better result i sew at least one item a week. so i’m busy all the time. bye

[@SewTexas]

I am fond of the bolero and bought many 49-50's just to get the pattern. But like you I do lots of draping. On this skirt, did you consider just making a 2 piece gored skirt flaring on the side? Might be easier? It is a lovely suit on you.

[@Susanfuzz]

The Stupid Bowl is my favorite sportsball game because it’s the LAST one for a few months :) I live with boys ... they are fans... the dog and I are out voted. Although, to be fair, the dog probably sides with them due to snack crumb possibilities.

[@hazeluzzell]

Amazing! I get quite hypnotised by your pattern drafting...fantastic result.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@rcdoodles6214]

Your make-up is so beautiful! Love your sewing videos. Well done!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@celticgoddess81]

You could use a tailor's clapper to press the seam open while it cools.

[@billiev8705]

celticgoddess81 I went through the comments just to see if someone had mentioned this yet! Every time I saw Bianca press the hot fabric down with her hands, I thought "YOU NEED A TAILOR'S CLAPPER!"

[@ramonablades5484]

Super cute outfit 😻😻😻. I love your chitchat about how you're sleepy or staying up late. I also love the over the shoulder angles as I feel like I'm their with you. I would love a house coat. It's my dream. That way I can sew being covered incase the post man comes. But it's easy to get into/out of to pop my project on and off to check fittings. Also can't wait to see what will be made out of that lovely blue. I'm a blue girl.

[@kayemcmullen]

I would love to see this too

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ramona! I really want to make some vintage around-the-house stuff, but I just have so many other projects planned already right now that I can't find any extra time! One day!

[@TanikAkinat]

I loooove it so much! Can’t wait to try it myself. The skirt is such a nice and fun twist.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@kperoc4078]

I do enjoy your voice over. Really like the sleeves, it's a wonderful suit project! Thanks.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@craftynekoLM]

Yes, yes, yes I have needed this tutorial in my life. What a beautiful suit! That skirt is so eye catching and fun. I need something like this in my life. I have to put this on my sewing bucket list of things to make for myself this year. I listened to a podcast just today about curating a mindful wardrobe and I could see some version of this outfit playing a role in my life when I need something to make me feel feminine but badass, lol. Thank you again Bianca for sharing your talents 😊.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! My sewing bucket list never ends!

[@meggraham4974]

Fantastic! Love it, the suit is so beautiful on you. Whitney from Tom cat stitchery shows how to make silk bias rape from men's ties on her you tube channel. I think it is great as she uses thrifted ties. Thank you for an excellent tutorial. I was wondering if you knew how to get the high puff from a sleeve pattern. I have an old pattern i want to make up but would like less puff at the shoulder. Thank you. Meg

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Meg! It would be hard to describe with text alone, and without seeing the exact type of fullness the sleeves in question have, just how to remove some. I think the best course of action would be to search up how puff is added to sleeves and work in reverse. For example, this blog post I found via very quick google search (www.puffedsleeves.com/puffed-sleeves-construction/) shows different styles of puff sleeves and how the gathering is achieved, one almost opens up darts in the sleeve, and you could cut similar slashes and "close" the "darts" or triangles of fullness from the cap. However, fitting smooth sleeve caps is something considered by many to be one of the more difficult aspects of pattern drafting and sewing, and were I to want to go from a puffed sleeve to a fitted one personally, I would simply take measurements of the armscye of the bodice pattern front and back and use those to draft a new sleeve pattern entirely from scratch. A new sleeve would be much more likely to fit properly than fiddling with just how much puff to remove form a different style of sleeve all together. Other useful searches for this would be "how to draft sleeves for a sleeveless pattern", as it seems there are many blog posts on the subject, and visuals would help of course!

[@shirleydrake1602]

I need some “Aunt Bee” dresses. I’m built much closer to her shape then to the wonderful hour glass shape you have! We used to own dozens of patterns for dresses for my grandmother. She was heavier then me, but you get the idea. Also the green dress worn by Lou Gehrig’s mother in the early part of the movie The Pride of The Yankees was great. She wore it with a nice white apron.

[@knittabhavana]

Beautiful and fascinating! I have a couple of suitable vintage cropped jacket patterns so will be attempting my own version of this lovely suit. Widows of Culloden remains the all-time high-point in catwalk shows imho: RIP Lee McQueen. Thanks Bianca for another great vid.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Alix! It's the show that made me fall in love with fashion so it will always be special to me

[@nataloves]

Haha sewing over pins is like unsafe sex to me, lazy and careless tonight, crying and running to the repair shop tomorrow. 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I guess since I never hit them that makes me sterile in this analogy? ;)

[@JosieAreSee]

This video was worth the wait. It took me a few times to finish it because I'm sick... Doesn't make sense 😂 I kept falling asleep because of my meds. Also, I don't mind your chatty moments. That's one of the reasons I like your vids!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Josie!

[@Roxestar]

Say "Sew with Slippy Silk" three times fast 😆

[@theladyisavamp]

Inspiring me to do my own 🖤

[@sblouse]

Love your videos, so much that I have just signed up on your Patreon. Sorry it couldn't be for more.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you so much Anna! ❤

[@Laurabeth9999]

you might want to take some over the counter melatonin, helps with sleep and makes it a better nights sleep.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I have tried this and unfortunately find it gives me weird dreams so I try not to take it!

[@billiev8705]

For me, it's not that I can't fall asleep, but more that I stay up too late sewing (or watching videos about sewing... it's past 2am here. Oops.)

[@josie8581]

This is so great! I love watching your sewing videos, it's like I'm hanging out with a friend. 🙂 If it's not already something that you're planning on doing, can I suggest a video on sleeves? Drafting, fitting, something to help them make sense? (I'm always a little hopeless with sewing sleeves)💙

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Josie!

[@olajordan9951]

Sleeves are my biggest issue. I will not go sleeveless and always wear them full length. My upper arms are heavy so sewing them terrifies me. I need a good, common sense tutorial, and I’m thinking you would be the perfect teacher.

[@crowfaerymori]

I love how you explain everything! Definitely helps me understand, even if I'm not yet at this sewing level!

[@minettegrocott4018]

As usual this is such a well put together video & the finished product looks amazing

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@woochles]

Hairy armed ladies, unite!

[@christyogle_thedinnerbell]

Oh my god do I love this look! Time to settle in for my evening viewing 🤗🍿

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Christy!

[@navahx9406]

I love a project where i can modify patterns I already have! The skirt is my style for sure. Something I should try. I just gave up on a skirt that length because of where the seams were, just like you were pointing out in the beginning! You're an absolute bombshell in the set. And your skill and style and video editing: straight up triple threat girl.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@louiselill1528]

I adore this suite and I love colour grey too . Have you considered getting a clapper for the seams assuming that you don't have one only suggestion because a new iron maybe a lot hotter and they are a fantastic thing to have

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Louise! I indeed do not have a clapper, I need all new pressing things in general I suppose!

[@olajordan9951]

I also suggested this. While you’re at it grab a piece of 100% Silk Organza for your pressing cloth. It takes high heat and is by far the best press cloth. Learned this from my mama.

[@thecrazyrealvintagethrifte3508]

absolutely fab as always a great video the instruction clear concise thank you

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@caitmcg4382]

Love the chatty voiceover! On sleep: I recently made myself go from averaging about 6 hrs a night to about 7 hrs a night and I cannot tell you what an *unbelievable* difference it has made in how I feel day-to-day; highly recommend. :-) On recently watched movies: I finally got around to watching two classic "foodie" movies, Babette's Feast and Big Night. Both fall into the category of, I'm glad I watched them, and each had a really excellent scene or two, buuuut they weren't personal favorites. Next up on my to-watch list is Hugo, which I've heard good things about.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Cait!

[@neldahargo29]

hope you don't mind my picking out a few ideas I can use to fit an already existing garment. you have so many good ideas, you won't notice my newly shortened sleeves will fit better around, too.

[@sarahlongshore2605]

I swear I learn more from your chatty videos then I do from other tutorials. I truly enjoy them so much. Beautiful suit!!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sarah!

[@irishflutegirl9022]

“Take peoples eyes out “ your hilarious 😂. I will be careful with how high I raise my darts to the apex , Thank you ! Love your vids . 💯♥️👏🏻👍🏻😊🧵

[@frazzledhaloz3184]

Beautiful! Thank you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@lauralake7430]

Ive never been able to wear a pencil skirt. Too tight and uncomfortable. This might make the difference. Very charming!

[@elainebye9090]

Very interesting and instructive. Thanks. (I always sew over my pins, too. Always have-only a couple broken needles over 50ish years of amateur sewing!)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Elaine!

[@cathypickard4615]

Love this design. I wonder though why you couldn't have put the zipper in on the left side even though it started to flair out at 7" and you were putting in a 9" zipper? Seems to me like it wouldn't make a big difference? Just curious. Cathy from Alabama

[@galex03]

I always learn so much watching these videos! Thankyou for doing them!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@olajordan9951]

Just found you. I have longed to make a bolero jacket and hope to do this. Your twin darts idea is exactly what I need for my DD girls as well and the pleated sleeve is genius. Plus, the lining is great. Question: I have large upper arms and always worry about sleeves. Any tips? Also, I cringe when I see you sew over so many pins. One broke my needle and the broken point flew off and just missed an eye. My friend says even if it doesn’t break it ruins her needle. And this sewer’s friend will change your life: it’s a wooden 2- pc Tailor’s Point Press Clapper. I use the “clapper” all the time. After steaming your seam you just clap it down to immediately dry the area. Leaves a perfectly tailored look. I love mine, purchased from Amazon. It’s a bit pricier than the other clappers shown but it does so much more and since it’s wood it’s indestructible. Give it a try and you won’t look back. That’s my thank-you for this marvelous tute. Now I have to search your channel for more...and then find some suiting fabric....

[@minad6224]

Thank You!! I learned so new things about maneuvering darts!! Great video!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Mina!

[@india1422]

Horror story. Lady who Sews kept putting them in her mouth. She inhaled a pin. It’s lodged in her lung. Doctors cannot remove it and it causes many problems. Of course you can do what you wish, now you are just a bit more informed about the results. Love your sewing and explanations of pattern drafting

[@CarolLiege]

Craftsy.com is offering a couture tailoring class for cheap (October 2020 and beyond). If you really want a class, check it out. Their classes are pre-recorded so start anytime. You can submit questions and the instructors answer pretty quickly in my experience.

[@Sarahz1815Rokicki]

2 years later, I have a movie recommendation! You may have seen it, but I just saw for the first time “But I’m a cheerleader”. It’s good, and fun to watch.

[@minerva5025]

Beautiful. And do chat away Bianca, to me is kinda who you are and it just would be missed were you to stop talking, that's what I think anyway. Keep up the good work.greetings from Holland

[@susancollicott7473]

I learn so much with every video. I have been bingeing your videos for a month, and I am learning so much and making my own garments. From all I am learning, each one is so much better than the last. Thank you for making it make sense ❤

[@xingcat]

Fabulous suit! It looks like you should wear it to spy across enemy lines!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@CarolLiege]

Here's another idea for a tailoring class (sort of). Gertie has a KZbin channel and Patreon that teaches tailoring with garments that seem right down your alley. The first in her series, which kicked off last February, is tailoring a short jacket similar to your summer black twill. Here's a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXexqI2jf6iheNE.

[@india1422]

I bought a Laurastar iron. It has a water tank that sits on the floor and all-in-all it’s a nifty little thing. The top range system has an ironing board like the deck of the Starship Enterprise - it uses vacuum to suck the steam through the fabric. Or it blows sit up to help with some kind of ironing, allegedly. It’s very expensive

[@susannemallmann2018]

Yes! Do get a new iron! A good one helps so much. :)

[@olajordan9951]

ROWENTA all the way! Get one with a larger steam tank. Use with a clapper and your seams will love you

[@billiev8705]

Ola Jordan Thank you for the recommendation - I'm also in need of a better iron. Pre-sewing, I NEVER used my iron, so I've had it for at least 20 years without complaint. I've been sewing garments for maybe 4 months and I'm frustrated with it.

[@ScarletFlame666]

I add my side zips on the left as I have right side weakness. Can’t always grip the zipper with my fingers. ❤️

[@crowfaerymori]

Watching the bolero be turned right side out through a tiny hole is like a surrealist film. Maybe I'm just really tired. I don't doubt you did a blood pact never to hit pins while sewing!

[@sharonhogan935]

I'd love to see you make some shirtwaist. Great to watch your videos patterning seems to come to you naturally

[@annadewart1973]

Very cute suit! I also build in the Sims 4 Dewart1973 is my gallery name.

[@yvette56]

If you ever wanted to sell merch for your patrons a shirt saying "lots of pins, lots of danger" would be perfect

[@india1422]

Btw it’s possible to buy a ham holder. It definitely isn’t essential but now I no longer burn my hand as I try to hold a curved seam on a balancing ham

[@india1422]

I sew on Berninas I would love to just sew over the pins but the specter of the machine timing ending up out of whack had me cowed Into submission.

[@Shannon-Townsend]

Freaking love this!!! I have some puppies tooth that I think would make and adorable balero jacket!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Shannon!

[@lindakiefer9865]

Yes you are correct, you are to the shoulder seam for a shoulder pad. Add half the amount to the front and back. Angle the shoulder seam to nothing at the neck edge. Add the same total amount to the sleeve cap by cutting across the sleeve cap and adding in that amount. To eliminate a shoulder pad amount reduce at the shoulder seam and lower the armhole.

[@india1422]

I didn’t understand that but about the tuck and the drape. If you could show that on a little sample piece or fabric that would be most appreciated

[@nanamania6085]

Don’t you adjust the ease and armcye dept of your patterns? I do not seeadjusting this when using your patterns

[@hellothere274]

Super cute!!! First time to your channel and know nothing about sewing but your skirt "flare thing" is really flattering and interesting and you explain things well. Thanks for the fashion inspiration!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@meme-sw1pc]

In the original movie of Blithe Spirit one of the actressess wears a suit just like this. It is before she becomes a spirit.

[@DAYBROK3]

another variation you could do is pleat the flared bit, if it was a fabric that was the same weight but a contrasting colour it could be cool