Making a Femme Fatale Summer Dress // Black Cotton Sateen Dress

[@kaytiej8311]

Watching you redesign from your block pattern is mesmerising, like watching a conjuror; you make magic just happen!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kaytie! ❤

[@pennysnark]

A vote in favor of "messy" videos! It really is helpful as a beginner to see that everyday, imperfect sewing can still create a stunning garment & to learn which parts are ok to be "good enough" and which need extra attention.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Penny ❤ Sometimes I just can't bother myself do do things perfectly...😅

[@marinary1326]

Me, looking at my mom's high school yearbooks: why would anyone think shoulder pads were a good idea? *Femme Fatale Bianca appears* Me: ...ah, that would be why There is no such thing as too many black clothes! Especially when they're this pretty. Honestly the extra stiff sash just goes perfectly with the extra big shoulders, it feels balanced. And intimidating :P My first thought for where to meet people was the library, because I am both an introvert and a complete nerd. On the plus side, because I'm friendly with half the librarians I haven't paid an overdue book fine for years. Indeed, I always want to spend my vacation at the library! ...Avatar references are timeless, because I said so. And no apologizing for being weird and messy, that's what we're here for! Enjoy your time off, get some rest, write words instead of being like me and just thinking about them too much.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Marinary! ❤

[@jgirvin5460]

You look like trouble in that femme fatale dress! The high neckline, the strong shoulders, and the asymmetrical sash look so 1946-1947 (the same years for the highest number of film noir releases!) I'm so inspired by your projects I'm going to make a 1947 dress for myself - I even bought a bedazzler so I can add some nail head embellishments around the neckline.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! There were so many great studded things, I'd love one of those fully studded Fred A Block suits one day 😍 www.pinterest.dk/pin/306807793349829036/

[@xfrelinx]

An old tailor's trick for removing iron shine: wet a piece of horsehair canvas, lay it on the shiny spot (on the right side) and hover about 1/2 inch over it with a hot iron. Works wonders!

[@Saxinful]

That's amazing! Any idea why it works?

[@xfrelinx]

@@Saxinful I think it's mostly to do with the intense steam, but the canvas does something too. It doesn't work as well with a cotton press cloth. Not sure!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Keeping this in mind for when disaster strikes!! Thank you!

[@ShadowsOfMoonlight]

@@xfrelinx I would guess maybe the horsehair is reintroducing texture to the fibers? Iron shine happens because the iron is too hot and melts the fibers down smooth which is what causes the shine, right? Or overheats them so they conform to the shape of the smooth iron surface, for fibers that aren't so prone to melting. So horsehair + the steam probably helps make the fibers conform to the textured horsehair, which would make it more matte/make it matte again.

[@chermarano]

As for finding friends as an adult without children, and being an introvert, have you thought about joining a book club, or other club? My wife is an extrovert, I have gained friends through her. The dress is amazing. I love your voice overs.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Cherre! I have never considered joining a club, because that sounds like a very extroverted thing to do ha 😂

[@ReneePowell]

My spouse is my pet extrovert. I take him to social events, and he just magically makes connections, some of whom end up becoming friends.

[@artemisiaabsinthium1794]

My most successful method for finding friends as an introverted adult was to join a knitting/stitch-and-bitch group. Knitting provided the topic of conversation when no other could be found. You can always just focus on your work when you can't think of anything to say. Meeting in a pub helps.

[@mycharliequinn]

I mean I made friends as an adult by finding a cafe near me that did small little artsy live gigs and treating their schedule like an old person treats a cruse ship activities list and just going to stuff.

[@maryblaylock6545]

Excellent idea! I invite neighbors to the local cafes. My treat!

[@Kat-mh5kj]

sounds so hard...

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Unfortunately I live in a very sanitized suburban area where there are no independent cafes, but that does sound nice 😂

[@LtSarai]

How to make friends as an adult: talk to people. Bianca: shit.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Wait, I have to what?! 😬😅

[@peggyriordan9857]

@@TheClosetHistorian OMG!!! LOL!

[@brigidscaldron]

Ha!

[@katieblasingame4664]

Join a group of whatever activity you like. There’s tons of writers groups, stitch n bitch, gaming, anime, etc. but will require talking to people but at least you know it’s people who like some of the same things as you.

[@JenInOz]

@@katieblasingame4664 i would LOVE to find a sewing group near me to join. There was one briefly but it dwindled down to just me & the organiser before closing down... most of the other attendees were beginners too which I am not.

[@sharpduds]

I don't know how adults make friends either. I suspect college, church, murder-for-hire schemes, but I think I'll try a chill route and join the Society for Creative Anachronism

[@catherinerw1]

Choir is a good one too (but mine is a church choir).

[@maryblaylock6545]

@@catherinerw1 How about barber shop quartet? Or local musical theatre!

[@altitudeiseverything3163]

I’ve never considered the “murder-for-hire scheme.” Is there a Meetup group for that? 🤔 TBH, it *does* sound more interesting than church! 😂

[@sharpduds]

@@catherinerw1 we have Shape Note Singing, and contra-dancing, so who knows

[@sharpduds]

@@maryblaylock6545 I was in an amateur production of A Midsummer Night's Dream - my performance was breathtaking, in the my-word-that-was-satirical-right? kind of way

[@marimba26]

Beautiful dress! And now I've gone and signed up for your Patreon. Watching your patterning skills has convinced me that I could definitely benefit from more videos like that. You make it so much clearer than the books do. So, Patreon it is. And re: making friends as an adult, I tend to make friends on online Sci-fi groups that become off-line friends. I'd say the best advice I have is do what you love, just try to do a little more of it in a place where there are other people doing the same. Then it's easier to meet people with similar interests. I tend to be more cautious these days until I figure out what viewpoints people have regarding certain issues, but I do still meet "good humans" too. If you have a local craft store you like that has a group night (they may or may not be restarted yet), then I recommend going. And go regularly, different people show up every week. So the other advice I guess is don't give up. And now that I've written a novel...lol.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you so much for your support! ❤

[@vivienneandersson6019]

Bianca, I ask the same question about making friends, I work from home also and vere toward reclusiveness at the slightest encouragement and rarely leave the house, I'm amazed that weeks go by without going out!

[@nicoleandtime]

My friend used to always try to remove my shoulder pads it took years for me to convince her that it was the silhouette I was going for and not a mistake

[@maryblaylock6545]

Shoulder pads make me look like I have a waist!

[@kosmosjk]

Hi Bianca, stunning dress, great shoulders (nothing wrong with a good set of shoulder pads) Love the final look :-)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Julia!

[@robbiecrafter]

To find a good cleaner, maybe there is an organization, in Denver, whose mission would be concerned with both care of textiles and the environment. When I lived in Washington, DC, I think it was the Art Deco Society that had a list, or maybe it was the National Opera...I can't remember, exactly. My 1920's tailcoat was abused by a bad cleaner once, and it was heartbreaking. Now I only brush, steam, air and spot clean my vintage suits.

[@lesleyharris525]

I made a nice little side income because of bad dry cleaners, I lived in Cornwall and summer balls( formal dances) were dress whites and I ended up washing and drying and pressing a lot of dress whites. And no I don't like ironing 🤐

[@maryblaylock6545]

For me ironing is kind of a Zen thing. My mother started me ironing by having me iron my father's handkerchiefs. I wanted him to look good so I took my time to get the folds right. I even vacuum the carpet before I set up the board now!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

It's scary! I'm like me and my steamer might have to do pals eek!

[@caoimhenimhuireadhaigh1303]

I'm very impressed with you remembering to use your clapper! 😂

[@marcco44]

another stunner! time for a new 'film noir' look book! enjoy your time writing, and remember you have tons of friends here on your channel!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Marcco!

[@hollybauer7123]

A few things: I love that you refer to yourself as "kid" when chastising yourself. Also, I think you could be the villain on an episode of Murder She Wrote in this dress. Finally, I hope your writing break is very productive. (I haven't forgotten that sneak peak at your writing you provided (probably last year now) on Patreon. I hope someday you'll be published.)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Holly! ❤ Not as productive this time as I would have liked, but a chapter and a half is not too bad I guess 😅

[@vintagecameragirl]

I have this theory, that the seasons and nature do effect us much more then we think they do, and astronomy is just personality profiles of people born at certain seasons...so they do make a little sense.

[@craftingweirdo6498]

There is studies on this topic! There are even some youtube videos for easy access! Search for "how your birth month affects your life" or similar

[@maryblaylock6545]

I was reading a biography of a famous actor and discovered that we had a lot in common. Turns out that we shared a birthday.

[@vintagecameragirl]

@@maryblaylock6545 my grandfather's birthday is 3 weeks after mine. He was a painter...I went to art college. I never met him.

[@tarynsiegle7894]

Beautiful as always! Tip about the oil stain from someone who worked in a bridal shop and had to get machine oil out of silk: dust baby powder or baking soda/powder on it. Wait 15 minutes and then dust off with a clothe or rag. Repeat as necessary. The powder absorbs the oil and is easy to brush off.

[@linw7320]

100% Corn Startch (?) powder

[@tarynsiegle7894]

@@linw7320 would work as well. Flour too in a pinch! I recommend a test spot first.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Taryn! I'll have to try it! The stain was from candle wax really, but I think the oil in the wax is the only issue now grr...

[@kathyjohnson2043]

finding adult friends: arrange a meet up with someone who watches your channel and lives less than an hour away. They will already feel like they know you.

[@stephaniehight2771]

I wish that was me, but Colorado altitude doesn't agree with me.

[@kiarakeeper2154]

Parasocial relationships can be very dangerous, and extremely one sided. The reward in friendship can be getting to know someone, but it might be hard to get to know someone who already feels like they know you

[@nerdisaur]

We love to see a writing/mental health break! I firmly believe that if you don’t take a break, your body will force you to. Glad to see you prioritizing yourself

[@andreakhaid]

Yes! I'm glad she's taking a break from making videos to focus on writing, a thing that she often says makes her happy :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! ❤

[@coreygilles847]

The constant struggle between getting enough rest vs finishing a project one is passionate about completing…

[@MrSludov]

This is really really elegant. You look gorgeous. Congratulations!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@deeg.8487]

The way the sash sort of sticks out away from the skirt is so 🖤🖤s c u l p t u r a l🖤🖤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

That's the magic of cotton sateen 🥰✨

[@brennerc180]

I love shoulder pads! Back when I was a corporate sort of person, I used to keep very high heels under my desk for when I had meetings where I was the only woman, which happened quite often. As I am a fairly tall woman, I loved the additional height from the heels and breadth from the shoulder pads. Or maybe it’s that I’ve always wanted to be Amazonian. As for friends as an adult, I’m always on a quest. I’m on a couple of community boards and belong to some other groups, and while I’ve made friendly acquaintances no real friends yet. I live in hope, however!

[@maryblaylock6545]

Always live in HOPE! I wish you the best in your quest for good lasting friendship.

[@octette]

as always, it is such a pleasure watching you work. i hope your writing is going really well! i can't wait to buy a book by you some day. -ivinenn

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! ❤

[@yezzyjames]

How to make friends as a reclusive adult; accidentally. That's how I got the last two of mine. :}

[@hailtothefire_]

“I don’t need another black dress, but I’m always going to want another black dress.” SAME. 96% of my wardrobe is black. I like color but I don’t necessarily like wearing color haha So every time I buy a dress it is usually black and lord knows I don’t need another one but I will always keep buying them. It really is hard to make friends as an adult. Shame that I don’t live in Colorado anymore, I bet you and I would be really good friends. I also don’t plan on having children and the only friend I have is my boyfriend, who lives like 2 hours from me, and I’m also very much an introvert. 😩

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I'm fully ready to agree that every black dress is totally necessary 😉

[@Grace_x68]

"When exceptable humans come along...." 😂😂😂 Stunning FFD.

[@gloamishvonsatyrburg4635]

Am I seriously the only one who saw you finger press a seam with your finger and an IRON!!!???? 😲 omg...your a goddess indestructible by heat or iron

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Don't worry, I burned myself on the iron AND stabbed myself with sewing scissors this week, so...I am indeed only human 😎 (both very minor, I'm fine 😅)

[@sherrysenf-mcginn7693]

I love the dress. You certainly look like a femme fatale in it. I hope to make one for myself as soon as I figure out how to make a block pattern for my extra curvy figure. Your being sleep deprived and talking about it was cute and I totally empathize with you. Being a cancer and having insomnia myself. I am feeling pretty giddy today. Have a great day. Love all that you do.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sherry!

[@maleahlock]

Please do use a fog machine! Your dress came out beautifully and the dart manipulation was, as always, masterful. Thank you for the video. 🪲

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Fog machine only comes out for special occasions 😂

[@diamondtrinket]

Wonderful, Bianca is on the tube.. Hurrah!

[@believeinfaeries8713]

As an introvert, making friends once you are out of university and if you leave the “normal” workforce is really hard. I’ve really had to push myself to find friends. And I’m not saying I’ve found a ton, but I have found a few. One of my best friends and I met through her fan fiction writing (we still laugh about it a decade later). You never know what interaction will result in a friendship that will last.

[@aliceadler4569]

What a stunning dress!!! It would look great with seamed stockings!!! It was great!!! Thank you for sharing with all of us!!! I hope you get some rest & sleep. I also suffer from insomnia. It is not very pretty at all. So sorry and wish i could help!!! If I lived nearer to Colorado, I would love to have you as a friend to go out with for coffee or whatever!!! ♥️♥️♥️💐💐💐

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Alice!

[@rubystar90]

The more I watch your videos the more I Iearn. Thank you so much for your educational and "lazy" approach ❤️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! ❤

[@india1422]

As of Monday it will be two weeks since my second Covid vaccination. If I was inclined I would do a thrifting road trip inspired by you except I don’t have a car and I don’t know where the secondhand shops are.

[@maryblaylock6545]

Try asking. Google for thrift stores in your area. I just did that and it gave me six stores!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Congrats on the vaccination!

[@theophania10]

A masterpiece! Absolutely gorgeous, Bianca! :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@margeholmes07]

Another amazing creation!! Your skill is a wonder to watch .. the final dress has a strong style and fit's you perfectly .....x x

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Marge!

[@jimahalangel]

I feel like the trouble with making friends as an adult is finding common ground so that you know you'll have something to talk about. I think that's why is easier for people to make friends with people they work with or go to school with; there's the fallback conversation topic of work or school (or your children of you're a parent). For those of us who aren't in a classroom or work environment that allows us to meet people (like online classes and/or working from home) who also don't have the foot in the door that is a mutual friend it can be so incredibly difficult to find a shared interest with a complete stranger. Where do I even start? How do you approach a stranger online or in person and say, "I'd like to be your friend," and have that go well?

[@maryblaylock6545]

It takes chutzpah! Gall, guts, daring, affrontory!🐧☠🐱👹😨

[@waterbitten]

Just out of curiosity what would be the video you recommend people watch first..if you could recommend. Ofcourse the dress is a stunner and the shoulder pads are appropriately lethal! 👌🏾

[@penelope-oe2vr]

You should probably start with making a bodice block, and then expand from there. Sleeves, skirt, etc.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I think perhaps one of my lookbooks because they take so much time for me to make, but are also relatively short for the viewer in the end 😅

[@rorykerr2120]

i agree about nonsense by zippers!! I just used a vintage pattern that had a 4 darts a kick pleat and 2 inches of wide seam allowance right were the zipper was... it was hell.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Zippers are enough trouble by themselves, no nonsense can come close to them 😂

[@deanalovessewn6117]

Hi Bianca!! Your dress is absolutely stunning on you.. Love your accessories too.. Making friends is rough to do…. 💜💜💜🧵🧵🧵

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Deana! ❤

[@chrisdrummond8893]

You wear the female hairstyles of yesteryear brilliantly.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@talosheeg]

Is it bad that I made an entire a line skirt while listening to this?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

New skirts are always a good think in my book ✨

[@PeacefulMaelstrom]

The first video of yours I watched was one of your hauls (late 2019 at a guess) I was looking for a dose of second hand retail therapy. 💜

[@EnchantedForestArts]

Love how this turned out! The asymmetrical sash is fantastic. I've been having the same insomnia issues, hoping whatever that is goes away soon 😬

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Me too 😴

[@alshirley3444]

Avid reader of fiction. Please tell me I can fine your writing online. Love this dress. Would love it in emerald green or teal Meet friends by joining a class (online or in person), join a church, check out your local library and see if they have book clubs.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Alexandra! I haven't published anything yet I'm afraid, hopefully one day!

[@vanessacooke8146]

I love to watch these longer sewing videos as I am sewing too. I’m literally making a black velvet batwing collar for a Victorian inspired jacket as you were talking about making tight pointed corners. It actually turned out pretty good. You look beautiful in the dress, as always.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Vanessa! Points in velvet sounds extra tricky indeed!

[@tracieeaton1082]

I lived the 80's as a young adult and the bigger the shoulder pads the better. They were always attached with velcro for ease of removal and more so, cheaper for companies to make them this way.

[@catherinerw1]

Black cat fur still shows on EVERYTHING! (I have two black cats...)

[@maryblaylock6545]

Ditto!

[@penelope-oe2vr]

Yes it does! I have an 18 pound black mane coon/Persian mix cat. His hair shows on everything!

[@amyjanefrater1447]

YESSSSSSSS asymmetrical skirt! Love that bug blouse on you. I made it/love it.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Amy! ❤

[@lynn858]

I was chosen, by what I initially thought was a nearly-all-black cat. Great! I thought. I have a mostly black wardrobe! That’ll be a nice change. Hahaha! When she basks in the sun it becomes quite apparent she’s not black with a couple orange spots. She’s a tortie with black tipped fur and an orange brown under-layer. When she got comfortable enough to show us her belly, we discovered it’s white. And even further along that she demands to be held so she can rest her paws while peering over your shoulder, shedding white belly fur all over the bust of my black clothes. I adore her. But the less cat hair on my clothes bonus didn’t remotely work out.

[@draughtoflethe]

20:11 I *totally* feel you on this. Astrology is BS, our personalities are largely shaped by our experiences with maybe some genetics thrown in, the stars don't even line up to the Zodiac signs that the different date ranges are supposed to correspond to anymore... but I'm *such* a Leo it's kind of ridiculous. It makes no sense, but there it is. How to make friends as an adult: I recommend Dungeons & Dragons.

[@bridgetthewench]

That comment about finishing levels in sewing. I do lots of fancy finishing (French seams, handsewing, etc) because I absolutely love the process of doing it and enjoy putting a lot of time into my garments. However, I would never poo-poo someone's decision to finish with a serger - we all make our garments how we want to, and in the manner best suited for our needs/wants. Some want the item finished quickly so they can just wear it already, which is just as valid as me wanting to take my time and enjoy the process.

[@saphirephoenix1173]

Basic black is always in! Your coloring would definitely support a deep claret or garnet red, blackberry purple or a licorice green, You know: in case you would like add colors to your wardrobe in the 'Goth' pallet. You could try to see if there is a crafting or sewing group in your area? Maybe see if there is anything on your community board?

[@bohemiansusan2897]

I meet new folks in a few different ways. First from social media and meet local folks a few times in public before going beyond acquaintance. Secondly from church and it gets fun to meet new folks to my ward as few ever anticipate meeting a tattooed middle aged Goth at church. Thirdly club meetings like sewing, gardening or card games. Lastly I go regularly to a coffee house and drink pop while doing research, drafting patterns, hand sewing or reading a book while on the sofa.

[@fluffydragon84]

watching you rotate darts was a little scary at first but now that I've seen how you do it in several videos now, I'm feeling a lot more interested in attempting such a thing. I really appreciate all the descriptive voiceover, you're a good teacher.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kimberly!

[@amb163]

I often knit whilst I watch your videos, and your voice is so relaxing.

[@christineklum4047]

I find joining a club or hobbie classes are good ways to meet new friends and also maybe learn or sometimes teach others about ur hobbie or passion with people who also are like minded and it also works with busy schedule as most are a 1-4 day commitment for 2-4 hours in a monthly schedule

[@petapendlebury9024]

Loving the power shoulders - I remember them well. I still have a fabulous long gabardine coat from the 80s that now does 40s 💙 😀

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! '80s coats are an excellent resource for '40s coats 🖤

[@skubbafication]

Me handstitching a skirt hem as you talk about how you have strong feelings about machine hems on skirts 😎

[@an-enby-panda7840]

I (adult) meet friends in online communities. The downside is that they all live far away though. have a nice break! ^-^

[@bookhoarding]

Watching your video gave me major inspo for some fabric I've had laying around the house for a year, so thank you! Regarding the ever tricky "How to find good people" question: I have found good people through local sewing and costume groups. Sometimes we hang out. It's fun. In non-panini times sewing circles or swaps are fun too.

[@maryblaylock6545]

I love your title. I come from a long line of teachers, librarians, humorists and BOOK hoarders! When I visit someone's house and I Don't see ANY books I feel very sorry that they weren't raised in the presence of good books. I even love the smell of books! I understand that there is a candle that smells like a library. WOW!

[@bookhoarding]

@@maryblaylock6545 Books are the best! My dream is to move somewhere with built in shelves one day.

[@eleanorschille-hudson4338]

I make friends by talking to people at Joann’s who look more knowledgable than me 😂

[@Diana-ux9dg]

Amazing dress ❤️ Where do you buy your shoulder pads Bianca?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I've been getting some from Mood that are cotton, which is so nice compared to the foam ones, but for this dress I actually made these ones off camera (bad me I know!)

[@Diana-ux9dg]

@@TheClosetHistorian how terrible!!! 😂 thank you for responding, have a great week 💕

[@tiamatmichellehart6821]

Oh good! My 1980s suit jacket pattern has padded shoulders, and it's great to have some video tutorial for that part, too! Gorgeous dress, btw!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@peggyriordan9857]

The dress is wonderful! You really are an artist and fabric is your medium. I love how you move darts around like they are pieces of a board game. Each time I watch you do that, I am in awe. I can completely relate on the insomnia issue. It's been going on with me for 3 days in a row. I just seem to go in cycles. It's maddening. I hope it stops for you soon. I hope you are having a good writing session. I just started a writing class myself and love it. Take Good Care!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Peggy! I hope writing class continues to be fun!!

[@thebeatisdead]

At 20:30 you starter talking about your insomnia and I felt that. I was up at almost 6 am in the morning and slept until about 11:20. I guess we're insomnia buddies. On a better note love the look of Femme Fatales. They're the great-grandmother of goth fashion.

[@estherjohnson6502]

I too dream of poking peoples eyes out with my sleeves

[@crochetemporium]

How very Barbara Stanwyck........love it.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@michellecornum5856]

No halfway decent femme fatale worth her salt is up at 8 in the morning, even if she IS living in Colorado. {Happy writing!!}

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I can promise I am indeed never up at 8am 😂 I am a night owl!

[@MeMe-Moi]

As far as making friends goes, I was adopted by several extroverts who ensured I was introduced to everyone else they knew, eventually resulting in my magically having friends myself. Other options: find a class that interests you at a local college or online that has live (virtual or in person) classes, sign up for a martial arts or fitness class, find a cause or charity to volunteer with, or anything that gets you out of the house. This dress is lovely and I have now added the angled darts to my list of style elements that I want to incorporate into my own designs. As far as shoulder pads go, I love the look they give but I severely dislike wearing them myself. I find them uncomfortable. Enjoy your break. Breaks are a necessary thing for both physical and mental health (personal experience speaking here).

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! It has taken me a looong time to understand breaks are essential 😅

[@olliejones3302]

You look very Bladerunner in this dress! Somehow I've managed to make friends during this panini, although they are all online. Be Queer Make Stuff has an excellent community discord with amazing people and amazing cat photos

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ollie!

[@ladyjo581]

I, too, reach for black garments. If it wasn't for you and mood, I would still always wear black... but you gave me the courage to try prints. Marvelous as always, B 💙

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jo! Those Moods prints...I just can't stay away! (I made palm tree printed trousers last week 😂)

[@fievollies8812]

Dear Bianca, I always love your makes. I have learned so much about sewing from your tutorials and am planning on making my own blocks. I just wondered if you have adapted your basic bodice block to have a separate sleeveless bodice block. Because I know the arm scye for a sleeve bodice is different than a sleeveless one. I also notices in your latest videos, like this one, that you sometimes put your pins in from the outside of the fabric to the inside but also the other way around. Is this for a reason or just becaus you like to do it that way? Thanks again for all your amazing videos. Sofie from Belgium

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I actually never make sleeveless things, so I don't have a version of my pattern for such, as alas my arms are my one lasting insecurity 😅 But you can definitely use the standard block as it is with a facing/lining/or bias hem to finish the armscye, or you can adjust it in many ways, bringing it closer to the neckline as desired. The pin thing however...is just at random and has no explanation 😂

[@Maellen]

Ohhhhhhh! I need that!

[@crystal8160]

Holy cow I usually think the artwork is prettier than the finished make but wow that dress is amazing and the drawing didn't do it justice!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Crystal!

[@morganbrittingham7218]

1- For some reason, when you said “mark your darts,” today of all days my brain registered “mark your territory.” And my next thought was “yes, obviously, that is how Bianca would mark her territory- with darts (somehow).” 2- How to make friends as an adult? What if you considered a monthly Zoom with your Patrons, like Caitlin Doughty does with hers of a certain tier? Just a thought.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I mean I am one of those millennials who hates phone calls, so zoom calls are just extra anxiety inducing for me 😂 I don't even know how to face time on my phone 👵

[@JessicasCreativeSpot]

13:46 listening to you talking and my brain went: Bianca D'Arc. If you make your writing available to read, could you please link to it? I'd love to read some of your work.

[@sandiemable]

WOW! Killer dress, Bianca. You make it look so easy. Instead of having to re-sew the shoulder pads try using tiny safety pins. Making friends is hard work. I live alone, and I no longer work; this makes things a bit harder. I have to make myself leave the house for a while, and once done, I feel much better. Here is what I do; I go to the fabric store or any little place of interest and pick things up and look at them. If you see someone walk over and say "Hi, mind if I ask your opinion on this". I have had a ball talking to so many lovely people that way. I knit, and I love going to my local yarn shop just to chat with the owner and the other ladies for a bit. Give it a try. Have a great 4th, xoxo's Sandie

[@Msmeohmy52]

Lot’s of good clothes in the 80’s came with Velcro attached to center of shoulder pad( rough side) and soft side (collects less lint in washer) attached to shoulder seams! I kept all my spares in a shoe box as some fit better than others. A especially interesting pair of shoulder pads I bought in a small coffee type can ( to hold their curved shape) we’re simply unlined beige foam. They stuck to sweaters beautifully. I wore them 1 day under a silky blouse and When I returned home, I only had 1, what a crazy thing to find out about town! And Sandie, it’s all about the Art of Conversation!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sandie!

[@kathrynmccarthy]

1940s boss! I love it. Such a strong feminine look. 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kathryn!

[@Offroadkartplans]

How to make friends like an adult? I thought Mary Wollstonecraft already covered this.....?

[@gailpatenaude9600]

Ref ... your comments regarding DARTS. Re-reviewing this vlog, I suddenly realized that I'd never before realized how much the darts were so responsible for stylizing a garment.

[@genevotefeseresse3268]

I made friends when I joined the SCA (society of creative anachronism). It's pretty full of fantastic people. But... yeah, you've got to at least occasionally talk to people.

[@mohmeegaik6686]

Thanks TheClosetHistorian. I always wondered how to draft people with your shapely figure.

[@michelleross9782]

I would suggest you get an air filter machine for your sewing room to help you control the lint demons. Found an amazing hospital grade one on Facebook Marketplace once that's amazing & was dirt cheap!!!! It controls kitty litter dust, cat hair (I've got a Ragdoll who sheds like crazy), & lint. (Hint: ask if they have more than 1 because my seller had the big 1 & a small 1 for bedroom.)

[@theycallmehotrod1940]

I would love to be your human friend! I don't have anyone that understands sewing stuff so any time I get to talk about my "hobby" (aka spending all of my time huddling over my machine like some sort of troll) their eyes just gloss over. All I want is someone who understands and appreciates the art that is PERFECTLY aligning stripes, plaids, patterns, etc. That's all I ask...

[@feed8647]

Sometimes it´s not about the need, but the want. I never need more black clothing, but nonetheless I have in my wardrobe 6 black jeans. Do they look the same? Yes. Do I need every pair? Absolutely, YES! Same for dresses and shirts. Black is such a comfort colour for me an goes with everything. Makes accessories pop more.

[@india1422]

When I moved to Switzerland I realised the same as you - people make friends through their kids. My son is 34 and lives in the UK. Being an expat adds several layers of difficulty. I’ve survived the pandemic because I too am an introvert, had my husband with me and a well-stocked sewing room. But friends. Yes, that would be nice

[@katefromantikanueva4629]

Re: finding friends as an adult: in New England, we socialize almost exclusively in hobby groups. Whether you're into toy trains or ham radio, there's a group for it. I'm part of the poetry community and part of the Ren Faire community, and all the friends I've made as an adult come from those two groups.

[@maryblaylock6545]

Better today! I love that dress and you wear it with such panache! No doubt about it, I have to learn how to make my own patterns! As for friends, I introduce myself to my neighbors. You never know when your house will catch fire! I bring over things like cookies. I call or txt them at holidays. I have been known to bring over my tea pot with cups and saucers too. I volunteer Garden in my neighborhood. I work at organizing social events at my local church with the group of ladies. Don't give up! Libraries have different groups for reading things like Mysteries, poetry, history and romances and humor. Mine also has things like quilting, crafts, and discussions about social issues. I hope you try a variety of things to open your horizons and learn something new. I wish you the best on all that!

[@KristiChan1]

So it's not just me who's been struggling with insomnia. I've been averaging 4-5 hours this last week. If I can get at least an hour of deep sleep it's manageable, but I'm not anyways so lucky.

[@OliviaWood14]

For finding a dry cleaner, are there any vintage shops near where you live? They would probably be able to recommend one to you. That's how I got mine :) For finding friends as an adult, most of my newer close friends are from joining a sports club or societies (the latter online largely) and then meeting up with people from there that I like for (zoom) coffee or walks individually, but yeah still effort ^^'

[@kiarakeeper2154]

Join or start a sewing club. Or a fashion club. Or maybe look for other people who enjoy but taxonomy, which would likly be the most difficult but also most likly to meet interesting people.

[@nikkicafeina]

I also need to find adult friends, so I'm combing through the comments for tips. I'd also really like to have more LGBTQ+ friends but that seems ever harder to do when you're out of college.

[@FlybyStardancer]

I’ve made friends as an adult in two ways… first way requires already having one friend-on my case my BFF that I’ve known since we were kids, and my local friends I know through her, and she met them from her spouse. The other friend group I have I met online through fan spaces.

[@patmoh4204]

You really are so generous with sharing your knowledge & skill of patternmaking & sewing skills. Thank you & hope you will reach an ever-widening viewer circle. Bless you & keep safe.

[@april5801]

I'll be your friend! Let's wear vintage and vintage inspired clothes alone in our homes together 😂.

[@Dinuial]

Re: astrology and personalities. Pre modern people were not idiots. They were operating with the same capacity for observation, pattern recognition, and inference that we have today. They were missing a LOT of information we now have access to so some of their conclusions about what was causing the observed effect were off (e.g. they couldn't detect infrasound so the observed effect on physiology was attributed to things like ghosts, they couldn't map brainwaves so sleep paralysis was attributed to a class of demons many of whose names are the origin of "nightmare" in various languages) but the patterns and observable phenomena still exist.