Making a Mid-century Inspired Sateen Dress // A Sewing Diary

Welcome back to my sewing room, where today I'm making a mid-century inspired dress in black cotton sateen!
This dress is an updated version of a similar design I made earlier in the year for my adventure style lookbook. In today's video I explain where I think my last pattern went wrong, show how to make the pattern again from scratch from my basic bodice block, and sew up the updated design in my favorite fabric. I also show you how to turn a pencil skirt pattern into an A-line skirt shape and a fun new little twist on my usual puff sleeve.
Music from Epidemic sound.
And as always, yes I sew over pins, yes I am kinda sloppy with lazier zippers--I'll sew my way, you can sew your way, and we will all make cute stuff mmkay? Mmkay :)
More from me?
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Thank you for watching!

[@MarahScott]

I love the long version but I agree that both long and shorter versions will open your audience more here on KZbin

[@sheamonieux3409]

I really enjoy the long ones. When I come back it might be nice to quickly be able to get to the part I need. Maybe do the long ones and put time stamps in the description area of pertinent points?

[@persomnus]

Wow that's a yonic profile pic

[@sheamonieux3409]

@@persomnus Girl Power!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Shea!

[@enchantedluna111]

I love the long videos. It's like have a friend and company while doing some crafts myself and learning new things ^^

[@yamilahassan9675]

Feeling the same here!

[@fawntheresa5338]

Definitely what I was going to say :) why don't more of us have real life sewing friends?

[@renee777ful]

Absolutely!

[@chaeburger]

I value your rambling so much please don't stop the long versions but I would absolutely still watch the TL;DW version!

[@meme-sw1pc]

If you watch a sewing channel it annoys me when they don't show the actual sewing, I have learnt so much by watching the sewing. Your effort is very much appreciated.

[@samantham6367]

Please never stop making these rambling, detailed pattern-drafting and sewing videos! I'm almost never able to watch as soon as you put them up, instead I save them for Saturday breakfast in bed

[@elizabethross6895]

I would LOVE both long and short versions of your sewing videos! There're some of your projects that I know I don't want to actually sew myself but I'm still interested in the process. For these, short videos are accessible and interesting. However, some of your dresses I know I definitely want to make and for these the long videos are essential! In any case, thank you for making more sewing content on your channel :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Elizabeth!

[@kathyjohnston4337]

Oh no, please don’t shorten the videos no no no. You’re absolutely wonderful. I love every minute every second. Thank you, thank you thank you!!!

[@Pouick]

Short version first and then long version for those who want more details and the rambling. :)

[@Gandellion]

The artist @markcrilley does this, it's really useful!

[@teresasaynerart]

There is a current trend to water things down, your videos don't do that they are a learning asset. You do you so well, don't follow the trend, just continue to be real. These long videos are fantastically informative.

[@mizzworthy]

Please dont cut ANYTHING out! I learn SO MUCH from your videos... if you're worried about the algorithm maybe break the vid into "chapters" like part 1: drafting... part 2: sewing the bodice etc etc...

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@franziskaibes6265]

Me too.I often review the Videos,especially for the patterning parts. Bianca,you explain so well. At least my brain seems to work similar to yours

[@lynnekingham8754]

Please never stop doing the long videos. I've learnt loads of sewing stuff especially about pattern drafting. Like everyone else I like the rambly style and listening to you. The dress is fantastic, I loved the white one too.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lynne!

[@ProfoundConfusion]

I think there's no harm in experimenting with different formats. You really don't know what works until you try. If it ultimately results in more people finding your channel & enjoying your videos, I'm all for it. (Your videos are all excellent & it's hard to imagine you going wrong, no matter what you try.)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Ashbeazil]

Don’t cut them down! I love how long these are. I learn so much and your voice is hella soothing

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@kendal4452]

Don't change a thing, I learn so much listening to the long rambling. So keep rambling. 😄

[@mandylavida]

I love your mini rants! Where would we all be without weird neighbours? Ours chops wood in his basement, which is the other side of our lounge wall, at 9 - 10 at night, on Sundays. Yay!

[@emayaych]

I adore the longer videos because following the project from start to finish is quite satisfying. I can see how shorter videos focusing on specifics like making a pencil skirt into an a-line skirt or fixing a fit issue from one dress to another, might appeal to some as a way to quickly reference particular aspects of the process. You’re very knowledgeable and explain things in a way that makes it plain and practical to the most novice of your viewers (speaking at least for myself). I think I didn’t answer your query but please don’t stop the longer videos because I enjoy them immensely. If anything, just add the shorter ones.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I won't stop doing the long ones I promise!

[@mariegarside8830]

The long videos are informative and full of details. I watch them more than once since they cover so much.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Marie!

[@michellecornum5856]

Yes, everyone needs a Halloween version of their favorite dress. I have one that started as a Thanks Giving dress, and dress two was Halloween followed by Peacock and wispy Summer dresses. Purple and Orange are nice suggestions -- and then you pushed me down a rabbit hole where Black and Purple are also nice, and so is Purple and Black with an Orange petticoat. So, now I'm off to draw purple and black and black and purple dresses with very orange petticoats under them.

[@jenniferg2771]

Please post pics!

[@michellecornum5856]

@@jenniferg2771 I'm sorry that it's taken so long to get back to you. The pictures are a little rough, this is my first time uploading. You can find (literally) a couple of pictures by searching Bdcornum on people on Pinterest. My board is And Finally, The Closet.

[@leslieannehill6880]

Short is good, like a Reader's Digest version, but the long ones are really helpful and like a class which is really amazing, so don't stop!

[@kimberlycosta6283]

Being a seamstress I learn something every time I watch the long versions. As you said there is value in the long ones, but having a short highlight version would be equally as valuable to viewers who may have more experience. That’s a long way of saying both.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kimberly!

[@michellestrickland7613]

I like the way the white one fits. It seems like it has it's own presence rather than just falling around your body.

[@444Raine]

I knitted while listening and occasionally looking up to this longer video so I prefer the long format. Thanks for the good company.

[@rpkent8884]

444Raine, I packaged up EBAY Sales for the post office, mostly listened, replayed if I missed something. Agree, its like a sewing buddy, a sewing bee, B for Bianca the Bee...

[@chaeburger]

I would absolutely love to have one of these dresses in every color, but black is obviously best.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Chae! Black dresses are the best dresses it is true :)

[@AdirondackRuby]

The algorithm is always more favorable to consistent content, which is why a lot of people do multiple short videos instead of long ones. I don't really have a preference, because both have their uses, entertainment/education-wise. Short ones are great, even for people who have already watched the long one, because they can find the content they want to rewatch or save without having to scan through a long video. So you could do these long videos and then, as you said, do a little Highlight Reel where it comes in smaller chunks. That way pieces from the longer videos that are particularly helpful, insightful, etc, can stand on their own. Yeah, some people would call it "cheating" to post the same content twice or whatever...but we don't care about those people.

[@daniellecharland-gruhzit1177]

Wouldn't it be less work for you, in gobs of editing time, to do the long ones in parts?

[@blackmirrorprisoners]

those sleeves look incredibly professional, i'm in awe of how they turned out!

[@merlin711oregon]

Hi👵 I'm watching this three years later and watched the long version! I'm 67 and loved it. Your extremely talented. I used to sew as a teen , then as a young mom for my family. Now I want to do it again. It's fun and practical. I loved creating my own designs. I'd watch any length videos but I think doing both might be good. I don't know. I follow a few other seamstress channels and I enjoy the longer ones with more details. But who am i?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Melinda!

[@zuzannowak]

I love the whole-process-no-shortcuts style of videos you do! I learned much more from these, than the "professional sewing tutorials" out there, that cut things and don't properly show the entire process

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Zuzanna!

[@LCtheCurious]

Another vote for the long ones! I watch them all the way through at least once. I sometimes even put them on again when I'm working on my own projects; it's like having a friend with my in my sewing room. :D

[@verdondamayes-cooper8532]

I love your videos so much that I would accept any version you chose to produce. The longer versions work for me because you show your problem-solving techniques and it's nice to watch you perfect your garments. Longer or shorter it's up yo you.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Verdonda!

[@laurenmwoodard]

Oh gosh don't stop. I just watched your summer suit video and you're honestly so much better at explaining the nuances that normally get glazed over and taken for granted than lots of other sewists on the platform. We love ya, keep doing your thing.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! ❤

[@PacakeQueen]

I like the tldr idea :) I had thought maybe breaking the video into parts and then play listing them would give a similar effect to one long video.

[@YarnReader]

I like the long videos, I find it easier to watch without having to keep clicking on another video to get to the next step.

[@amiehamilton1840]

I love the long videos. As a brand new sewing enthusiast, I find it incredibly helpful to have you go through everything step by step. You are literally teaching me everything I know, haha!

[@gladdy2104]

I love both. Long an short videos. Because it's made by you! So gorgeous content! Yesterday I watched a bunch during I worked at my brown table of doom... 😂😂... I did your basic bodice! 👍💪 Now watching a bunch more, during my mark up! 😊😊...

[@debra333]

I adore your rambling, long videos. I think, however, whatever you feel would benefit you most, please do! 🤗

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@3porters]

Please don't ever quit your longer videos. I've been binge watching your channel since I found you. I love your style (s), personality, and sense of humor. I am excited to learn there's a blog to check out too. I really enjoy you, thank you for a!l your hard work!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Allison!

[@karenbehymer3634]

Love the long versions of your "sews". Now I have no fear of making my own patterns!!! You're also like a friend and are so informative on Vintage.styles.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Karen!

[@musikkfamilien]

What a wonderful dress! Suits you just fine!😊👏👏👏 Lovely neckline! Both front and back. They knew how to do it in earlier days.

[@judimoss3250]

The long videos are fabulous; your musings, the process and your thinking around what you’re doing, hints and tips and of course the finished garment are great for us sewers. If short versions capture more viewers then great ; both is good 👍🏼🌸

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Judi!

[@harrietlucyblack6057]

There definitely is a lot of value in the very long, rambly process video that lasts hours. Not only is it informative and interesting, it's also good format to watch when i'm hand sewing or doing tiny fiddly work, it makes me feel less lonely. yes, i can binge watch the short videos, and i often do, but if i have to concentrate on what i'm doing, it's hard to switch over to a new video every 10 minutes. Not that i don't enjoy those videos a lot, because i do

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Harriet!

[@liznotslow]

I love these long form videos. I learn so much. I can't always drop everything to watch a 1.5 hour long video. It might take me a few days to find the time to watch it. But when I do? Love. ❤️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@sharontownsend-thompson9505]

Thank you for continuing with long versions. 👍

[@dyanalayng5507]

Well, the longer ones give us the illusion we're friends visiting while you make the project! And this one is so helpful, especially with your musings about the yoke shape around 21:20 - what about this, how it would veer away to more like a country detail etc. And the long ones are so interesting to listen to, like an audio sewing book chapter, while I ramble through washing my dishes. Thanks for the help keeping my mind engaged while I tackle this mundane but necessary work!

[@erinnieves2256]

I enjoy your longer rambling videos. I learn so much. I'm a self taught sewer and have gotten more into drafting my own patterns since watching your videos. I can not wait for you to do a self drafting body block/sloper video.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Erin!

[@howarcynthia66]

I enjoy the long videos because you show all the details and I don't mind the ranting it help my day go bye since I have no where to rush of to and also I'm learning to sew so I watch all things sewing

[@Nyaabird]

You could do a sewing video in parts - pattern drafting in part 1 and sewing in part 2, etc. That way you aren't removing content that people love just to make a short video.

[@bobbie9066]

Oh wow. Can I just say your makeup in the reveal shots/outro is just *fantastic*

[@figmint77]

While I enjoy the long videos, I can definitely see the value in a Cliffs Notes version in addition for those people who want a more "instant gratification" video. You could always link to the longer version for those people who (don't know what they're missing) need more detailed instruction. As someone who can barely sew, I GREATLY appreciate the amount of detail you give on these videos. Will I ever sew something so intricate? Perhaps not, but seeing some of these things done does give me the confidence to at least try.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Tricia! I'll definitely be keeping the long version too no matter what I end up doing in addition

[@tracyeaslon8902]

I too love the long videos that you make you keep me company while I sew , they inspire me to keep at my project

[@klairesoper6685]

I love your ramble. They can always speed up if they want or move to time stamps.

[@MsDianne1951]

I, too, much prefer the longer versions of your videos! Thanks so much for all your work.

[@katefromantikanueva4629]

I'm watching a ton of videos during lockdown, and I am really fond of the long form-- I learn little odds and ends all the time that helps with my sewing.

[@The_Crafting_Gamer]

I know that the videos are 2 years old but at the moment I binge them and love your long videos especially the dart changeing ones just love the way you make your videos

[@seestellysew8472]

I really enjoy your longer diary type videos. It’s good to see the process and to hear the decision making. It helps when I’m trying to copy your work, as well as when I’m working on my own ideas, or versions of your ideas. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Estelle!

[@parrisrobertson3758]

I love the idea of 2 videos! While listening to this long one I was able to work on some knitting projects.

[@mariejenkins8971]

Love this dress. I don't know why I haven't seen this video before. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent, I learn so much from you.💕

[@jimnnobody]

Ramble away. It’s entertaining, and expresses your charm. Keep rocking it.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@shirleydrake1602]

My opinion, your fans like and watch your videos for the content and the personality of maker. Don’t change it.

[@monikita777]

Love the long versions, time stamps would be awesome. If you could do long and short that would be great too. But I do love the long videos, excellent detail

[@hyperactivefreak1]

I enjoy getting them all in one chunk. Most of the channels I watch would do the same length and detail but cut it down in to 4 or 5 videos which they’d release separately.

[@laurabonk3821]

I also really like your long videos and especially the way you explain what you do as well as your tangents and notes about everything. I think short technical videos about e.g. tricky neckline solutions or other special techniques would be something to benefit from. Then you’d have the nice distinct keywords in the title the algorithm can grab and also for easy reference for your longtime viewers.

[@amydunlap4018]

Love the long videos and how you explain every step of the process! Very inspiring! Also, that finished dress would be so cute with a bright belt and jewelry! So versatile.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@ruthnelson1783]

I am now watching your older videos, and the change is impressive! You are much more organized and lucid now, but still enjoyable to watch your process from back then:)

[@rodentary]

I love the long videos. Short videos only work for specific things. Like a short video on hand stitching. Long videos are awesome.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@aketcham4749]

Xmy two cents is that if you do both then do the short one first - like a teaser for those who love the long ones but would feel less like a repeat😊

[@timgilbert346]

I like the long version. It is nice to see your process.

[@averyt9600]

As a relative newcomer to self drafting patterns, these longer videos are invaluable!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Avery!

[@Pke6853]

Love the long versions, they are so detailed and it makes it easy to copy and make don't change please. Love all the styles, thank you for putting in such a huge effort for us I for one appreciate it and have learnt heaps from your videos. Cheers Tricia.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Tricia!

[@redstranger07]

I really love your long form vids, they are great to learn from and then I'll put them on over and over to listen to while I also sew!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@shetania]

I like the long versions. Short ones would be handy too. But I get so much information from the long ones that it worth it to me. Thank you for sharing your skills!

[@bobbie9066]

I love the idea of both long and short videos! I sometimes feel like one, but not the other and I may well watch both anyway. Plus I feel like enough work goes into sewing that the least you could do is get a couple of videos out of it!

[@li-ly-li]

Your complexion looks so bright and even - I mean especially so rather than suggesting it wasn't before. Wow, what a minefield.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Ha! Thank you Lily! I have had a couple of good skin days recently, usually it's quite acne prone

[@RebelBart67]

I just started watching you on KZbin, I like the long, detailed videos.

[@miapugh8217]

I prefer longer video because of my style of viewing. Thank you for all the work you put into the videos you provide!!

[@Drgn8DDragonsDungeon]

I know this is a fairly old video at this point but, I very much enjoy the rambling and meandering conversation that you add to these videos! Sometimes I put on your videos in the background to listen to while doing my own projects, but all the explanations when I'm looking for a specific technique are super useful! ❤ Please keep doing this style of deep dive info dump :)

[@joannecarroll5504]

I'm always going to choose a long video over a short one. I see many people online asking for short vids but I'd rather spend my time actually viewing than wasting my time searching & figuring out what to watch. Some sewing channels break 'long' projects into episodes e.g. the design, the pattern, sewing, etc., but I figure if you already sew, you know things take time to make & expect the process to be long. If you don't sew & you don't learn to apply some patience, you'll never learn how to sew.

[@karenrussell7734]

I love the long detailed videos so please don’t stop making it this way

[@vintagelife5195]

Good job! I really like the pointed area on the front and back of the neck, and the sleeves.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@susandreyer9019]

Love your rambles. Value added in long form.

[@godevarcooper9366]

long videos are complete and we dont have to look forf a part 1. 2. 3 ,.,,,, etc . you are very good

[@TheZeyre]

Will double back to this vlog over the weekend so I can thoroughly appreciate the content. Thank you. Lots of crazy people selling drugs in my neighborhood ...so yard work is a step up. 🌎

[@sierraestrellita]

I saw the long video and immediately thought, “fantastic! I needed some company while my hair sets!!” I love your long videos they are very very cozy! However! I love the idea of a tl;dw option for when I’m in a rush or for those who don’t particularly love the long video format! Whatever you choose to do, love, I’m sure I’d adore!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@heidizabel3180]

Your rambly detailed pattern drafting then sewing is so great. Don't give in to the man!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Ha thanks Heidi!

[@MissMVintage]

I love these videos so much! I learn so many little time saving tricks. The way you think through problems is great too. It's nice to know that sometimes things need the 'proper fancy fix', and other time you can just wing it. In addition, I often have these videos in the background while I am sewing. It's nice!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I like explaining why I do certain things even though it ads a lot of length to these videos because I want to help new sewers learn the thought processes behind stuff without having to go through several years of trial and error like I did ha!

[@__JillSt.Clair__]

I don't sew, so I watch as entertainment. I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I like the long version because I turn them on as something to listen to while I get things done. (Cleaning, making dinner, doing laundry...boring stuff) I pick up little sewing tips and tricks if I ever decide to break out my sewing machine, and feel like I have a friend hanging out while I'm doing chores.

[@PaleLady]

I would definitely watch both long and a series of shorter clips of the same video! I love your personality and intellect so much

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@jennifergraffam35]

Thanks for all the pattern drafting on your channel. It's very educational to watch your process.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jennifer!

[@darnelleechols8556]

I'm generally not a fan of long videos, and I do hesitate before clicking on your long ones but I enjoy listening to your ramblings. It's like a tutorial from a dear friend. It feels more personal. But I'm certain if you do shorter tutorials there will be an audience for both versions.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Darnelle!

[@tinajohnston8139]

I really like the long videos, and I hope you keep making them. I think it's totally reasonable to make shorter versions for people who prefer that too.

[@mollymaisie9203]

i enjoy the long vids. i love that you don't leave out any details which is awesome. i'm learning so much by watching so please keep them going xxx

[@kellyhayward4113]

LOVE the long detailed. Cliff notes would be wonderful after the long one

[@josie8581]

Yes! This dress is so neat! I love it! For the long vs short video debate, I enjoy the long videos (but if you want to make shorter videos for those who want them, go for it, I'll watch those too) because I can put them on in the background while I'm doing other things (mostly sewing, sometimes dishes, ugh) and each time I listen or watch them I notice something that I didn't before, and it's neat because I'm always learning. In a way it's like listening to a recorded lecture over and over to really learn what the professor is teaching, except I really enjoy this class! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Josie! More and more I think back to my pattern drafting classes myself and hope to infuse a bit more of a drafting professor vibe into the videos if I can, I have to learn how to teach instead of just ramble ;)

[@josie8581]

@@TheClosetHistorian the rambling is helpful too, it's nice to hear the thought process as you go through it. 💙

[@aprildriesslein5034]

I love the long videos! I am wanting to get into drafting my own patterns so these are tremendously helpful.

[@fawntheresa5338]

I love the long ones, the music choice with this one was fun!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Gandellion]

I think the long and short version sounds like a good idea!

[@gemmaghoukassian5350]

I like seeing your whole process from A to Z, but I do prefer these sorts of videos to be cut up into parts 1- whatever so that I can watch each part when I have time (aka during a study break). The long videos I want to see in their entirety but I rarely have a full hour or so that I will devote to one video. Either way, I truly appreciate you taking the time to post these projects. As another vintage amateur dressmaker I love seeing how others work through the design process to construction.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Gemma!

[@neldahargo29]

I think most of us are smart enough to pause a video and restart when we are ready to watch more. keep the length and we will be independant .

[@persomnus]

I love these long videos! Its great to watch whole I sew :) Short versions might be really useful too tho, especially for people newer to sewing and intimidated by long videos

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@anieth]

Speaking from another rambler, these are great. Don't worry about it. It's a style, more Irish. People get so used to the sound-bite thing. It's not like they can't pause. But it's important to see the whole process. You're lovely, don't worry too much. I love rambling... The fit issues are the length of the bodice.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!