Making a Temu Dress because I refuse to shop at Temu (just... don't.)

The first 500 people to use my link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare! skl.sh/withlovekristina01241
Hi friends! Happy New Year, let's talk about something controversial: fast fashion. Now, I want to make it very clear that I will NEVER shame individuals for purchasing what they need where they can afford it. However, I will also say nobody needs Temu (or Shein.) Walmart, Target, Thrift Stores, Mall Stores, there are hundreds of other options to get affordable clothing that don't involve places proven to steal your money and data while employing slave labor.
So while I make this dress, which I saw on Temu and happened to have fabric to match, I wanted to chat a bit more about my stance on these billionaire websites that have joined hands with the culture of instant consumerist hauls, and talk about why I've stopped buying fast fashion entirely... and how I own higher end items even as a low-income individual. And maybe you can too!
If you want to start your own sewing journey, I've made a sewing section in my Amazon Storefront which you can find below. You absolutely do not HAVE to purchase from my storefront, but you can look for these things to start your own journey. Secondhand? Even better!
What are your thoughts? Do you think fast fashion has its place? Or should we all band together, quit supporting predatory websites, and do our best to edge out cheaply made garments for good?
*I will delete blatantly bullying or harmful comments.
xo
Kristina
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Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/withlovekristina
Amazon Storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/withlovek...
This video is very kindly sponsored by Skillshare, but as always I strive to work with brands I truly believe will be better for us all and my opinions are always honest. Any shopping through my links may earn me a commission to support my channel. Thank you!

[@KathrynsRavens]

I think when we're thinking of the cost of garments thinking of the environmental and human costs also needs to be taken into account. Ultra fast fashion is so harmful to the environment and is so awful for the people making these garments. I've been buying second hand online recently since I really can't thrift in person for a variety of reasons. I've also been mending my clothes more and that's really empowering to ensure things last and to add a little flare to my stuff!

[@MegInASheathDress]

Chinese workers have a higher standard of living than amerikkan workers. Chinese wages have risen faster than amerikkan wsged, and China has higher % of homeowners per capita than amerikka. Don't be a sinophobe.

[@KathrynsRavens]

@@MegInASheathDress first, I didn't call out any particular country. Second, do you have a source? I'm curious to know more!

[@ROZWBRAZEL]

@@KathrynsRavens ...It's probably fair to say that they do not.

[@KathrynsRavens]

true@@ROZWBRAZEL, I guess I shouldn't feed the trolls

[@berniceaguilar5675]

I have 40+years of sewing experience. Vintage patterns can be challenging. You did a wonderful job with this dress, especially matching up the lines on the neckline. You should definitely be proud. Well done 😊You get better every time you sew especially if you make the pattern several times 😊

[@melindawolfUS]

I'm a textile designer: If you don't mind using a little bit of new fabric on a project, I'd love to collaborate with you on re-creating a vintage fabric design in custom colors :) So many people still don't know this is an option or how to work with a textile designer to do custom. I think you could do a great job of showing how your personality can be put into your fabric instead of being limited by your local fabric store prints!

[@WithLoveKristina]

Can you email me? I would LOVE to do this!

[@melindawolfUS]

@@WithLoveKristina Yes! I'm on it ;)

[@StephanieCanada]

I am HERE FOR THIS RANT, I mean video. First, I am so proud of you for pushing thru on this project. Second, I completely agree on not needing anything from these websites. I understand that lots of folks don't have the time to thrift, but Temu should never be the next stop, IMHO it shouldn't even be on the list. Proud of you for speaking up and making a MUCH better dress than what was offered on that trash website.

[@katwitanruna]

Watching this wearing a hand sewn medieval gown made of polar fleece because winter.

[@sunnyadams5842]

Love THAT!! 😂❤

[@katwitanruna]

@@sunnyadams5842 Polar fleece was on sale last year when I had some extra money and I got teal, blue, maroon and rust. One of them I set the pockets too low so I might redo that one but I love them!

[@CrissyMoss]

Now that's a vibe I can get behind.

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

That's so wonderful!

[@amandalehnertz7319]

I have felt so discouraged when I spent time sewing a garment just to try it on and not like it or it not fit properly. It always feels like such a waste. I loved your message about it not being a waste because you have gained more skill and experience sewing. Thank you for those encouraging words. Love your videos, you are so relatable. ❤🧵

[@looloo4029]

Have you ever considered making a toile first? You can use a thrifted sheet etc. It’s a cheap way to find out if you like the pattern on yourself before cutting into expensive fabric. ❤

[@mon201074]

Wow what an amazing voice! You sing so beautifully. The dress looks so cute and so much better than fast fashion. You also have the pride knowing that you made it. TFS

[@amityjoy3732]

I KNOW I JUST CAN'T BELIVE ITTT!!! In a good way obviously lol

[@vintagehomemaker9338]

A good source of fabric can be a thrifted bed sheet.I think there is an online site of dresses made from vintage floral sheets. Repurposing thrifted clothes can be used for fabric. A large man's white dress shirt would have a lot of fabric for collars, cuffs, or other embellishments on a garment. I remember as a little girl (1960's), my mom took apart some of her old dresses from the 1940's that had huge long full skirts and made dresses for me!

[@VerbenaComfrey]

I love bedsheets for sewing, especially for making muslins or linings!

[@jennbidwelledwardson2885]

Your dress is beautiful, and I love seeing you replicate the fast fashion look. Like many others, I have purchased fast fashion, but in the last 10 years, I've shifted toward slow fashion and thrifting my wardrobe with an eye towards classic pieces. I appreciate how you are not shaming Temu and Shein shoppers, for some, it's all they can afford. My Temu moment came when a creator shared a Temu ad with a replica of their product and selling it for a fraction of the creator's price. That total lack of ethics will keep me from shopping there, no matter what I need or how badly I need it.

[@almostheavenhomestead1680]

PRO TIP: iron your fabric before cutting your pattern for better accuracy.

[@keaghank]

Yes please do more sewing videos! I have so many projects planned (patterns, fabric, and notions acquired) but procrastinate. These videos get me up and moving!

[@janetsplanet4161]

First you have a beautiful voice, I totally agree everyone should steer away from these big box stores and corporations. I like to shop second hand to support individuals who are trying to earn a income. We frequent thrift stores who donate their profits to charity or we will buy classic items that last awhile. Love your videos and content.

[@katherinejohnson3516]

I used to hate to cut out and mark patterns until I began using my rotary cutter. It was cut out is one third of the time. Seriously. There is a learning curve but I found that when I went slowly, I was able to do it. If you don't have one, I have an extra one and will event through in a blade.💕

[@AWanderingEye]

I am on the fence. I own a sewing machine but am intimidated by the machinery of it. I have on my list of things I'd like to do is to haul that machine to a class to get educated on tuning it up, learning how to adjust it, etc. It isn't a fancy machine but I haven't touched it since my dearly departed dad showed me the ins an outs (several years now). So in the meantime, I yearn for a vintage hair cut, modify my seasonal wardrobe into a capsule and spend my money on things I'll never be able to make (like shoes, coats, purses, jewelry). I am so happy that you are here to demo what future me would be very happy doing. I think making things ENHANCES human life. Takes us out of the consumer hoard and gives a chance to develop our creativity muscles (which news to the world we are all born with). That's my mini rant and thank you for popping up in my feed today!

[@twinnish]

Right now I really need reinforcement to not shop there, because I cannot find what I need here in Saudi Arabia and they keep advertising temu/she in. I do not shop there on the principle of the thing, but for entirely different reasons I am very tempted. I need positive reinforcement occasionally. Pretty much every creator that I follow is of a like mind. Shipping is so expensive for most things that it’s honestly tough to resist but I am. I’m gonna say it as many times, as I have to to keep myself aware. Good for you!!! I love parch pockets. If you can’t make that collar how you like it, you can just turn it into a really cute skirt..

[@christined4842]

That’s a great idea. A skirt would be cute

[@maramakesjournals2319]

I’m 71, so to be honest, I’ve come late to the “slow” party. Now I’m proud to wear clothing until it dies. I recently wore a cute polo shirt I’ve worn for more than thirty years. I’m proud to darn socks again. I want to retro-fit my husband’s flannel shirts into cute things I can wear. I want to embroider or otherwise stitch on my clothes, maybe cover a stain or tear. There’s SO MUCH satisfaction from making. If you don’t having a sewing machine, you can hand sew. I watch Marion’s World on KZbin. She makes do by being creative and handy in 1000 ways. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her in anything store bought. She’s changed my thinking completely. Kristina has the same mindset. Being creative and shopping creatively makes me SO HAPPY. Good luck to you in your path forward. 💜💜💜

[@sarahlarson8335]

I see my sewing time as an investment in expressing my creativity. When I'm not fiddling with a difficult spot it can be extremely relaxing. My struggle sometimes is that I don't feel like I deserve to take sewing time when so many other things demandmy attention and time is valuable. I need to remind myself that my sewing time isn't wasted time I should've invested in something else, like cleaning. We all need breaks, and a creative break that results in something useful is far better than more mindless screen time.

[@Michagoose2003]

👏👏👏 I am starching and ironing pattern pieces that I have cut from a thrifted bed sheet (that is almost all cotton) nodding my head saying yes girl yes!!!!

[@WithLoveKristina]

WAIT this is a great idea to cut patterns from a starched bedsheet!!!

[@ariettasvintagelife]

I love the message you are conveying and the dress you created! I don't buy fast fashion and I sew my clothes not only because it's sustainable and cost effective, but also because sewing is creative and fun! Happy new year! 🥰🥰

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

The other thing that is really helpful for being able to purchase slower fashion is learning how to judge what kind of fabric you're looking at. And that comes just from going and looking at clothes and reading tags and in time you get to where you can tell the difference between polyester versus natural fibers. Old Navy tends to use a lot of cotton and linen and I have gotten so good at it that I can practically spot them at savers just by looking and then the other thing that I really look for is wool and cashmere specifically. Most of my wardrobe is secondhand or me made. When I do buy things new I look specifically for natural fibers because my personal body and my personal sensory system can't handle polyester. But that's my biggest tip… Learn how to spot the kind of fabric that you like and keep looking in places like savers/Value Village or other thrift stores.

[@geelizzie]

You can always take the bodice off of this dress and turn it into a very cute skirt. I used to make almost all of my clothes and a lot for my children but that was back in the 70s and 80s when fabric was very inexpensive and fast fashion wasn’t as much of a thing. If we wanted the latest style as seen in Seventeen magazine we would go scour the pattern catalogs at the fabric store and pick out some fabric to create our own homemade version for a lot less money.

[@maramakesjournals2319]

Me too!

[@aylaerdmann]

I also hated cutting out pattern pieces, but my husband got me a pair of really nice fabric sheers for Christmas. I don't think they were very expensive, probably under $50. They're nice and sharp and balanced in my hand. Definitely treat yourself to a nice pair of fabric scissors and keep them sharp

[@ObsidianxAlice]

The dress turned out really good! And I love the increasing discussion around fast fashion, slow fashion, the ethics around it, etc. It's a great conversation in any circle to have. Thrifting makes home sewing really affordable if available, but i also think there's something to be said for it being okay that home sewing may end up costing a little more - it's an investment, and it's a worthwhile one. If you touched on this, I missed it, but to buy the fabric to make something pretty nice, of quality fabric, that's exactly the color, etc, that I want will probably run a higher cost, but will also have a much higher value to me in the end because I got as close as I could to the very thing I saw in my head. Like you said, it's a skill! And practice only improves it.

[@tracybingham7739]

Hi new sub here! Besides sheets, curtains and clothing that is typically larger than my normal size (so I can get as much fabric as possible), I am always on the lookout for blankets at the thrift stores. There are usually fleece, Sherpa or flannel blankets that I love to snag. I’m making a Shacket now actually from one. Plus there’s tons left over for plushies and even a little coat for my dog!

[@velvetvert9431]

I've been super poor and no, I couldn't have saved up for clothes. Couldn't save up for shit; there was always an emergency or having more than one meal in a day. However, I also wouldn't have been able to buy fast fashion so that's probably a moot point. But to hear "you can just save up" is like. Ugh. It's not always about willpower. I do agree that the culture of hauls and the culture of fast fashion is awful. It's predatory and the 'buy now pay in installments' are all scams that really do prey on people who are really struggling. BTW your cats are so pretty!

[@WithLoveKristina]

Oh i absolutely understand ❤️. I used to hate being told that I could save up for things because it did feel like we were just going from need to need to paycheck to paycheck with no real break. We are still very low income. What people consider poor. But I have definitely made some personal changes that adjusted other things. I was spending money on that I didn’t really need or want and my focus on my wardrobe is much different now. I think part of it was realizing that even if it’s $10 a month… I deserve to put aside a little bit of money for myself to get something nice no matter what the emergency is. Being poor does not mean you do not deserve something nice once a year, you know? But in times when we were food bank reliant, I wasn’t saving up, nor was I even thrifting or buying fast fashion. So I 100% understand from a place of having been there. And just because I am able to squirrel away money doesn’t mean i expect everyone to make that a priority or even be able to do so right now 💖 For perspective it took me about 2-1/2 years to have put aside enough money to buy from one of my favorite slow fashion brands.

[@allclairesbears]

Don't apologise for changing as a person. You've done a great job of explaining your position. When other people feel that your choices invalidate their choices.. they get their knickers in a knot. That is their problem, based on their own insecurities and their need to believe that what they are doing is okay because everyone else is doing it.

[@Koolala75]

Your sponsored commercials are so adorable 🥰

[@francesmalzahn9994]

I really appreciate this video! Although I didn't inherit my mother's ability as a seamstress, I enjoy watching you sew. I find it very relaxing. The overall point of this video really hit home as the majority of my wardrobe is thrifted. I am completely against companies like Temu and Shein for their shady business practices and the slave labor used to make their products. The way you communicated your feelings regarding this was excellent! I also enjoyed seeing your "helpers"......the kids, the cats 😄 Your dress turned out beautifully, Kristina!

[@marilynhylenski9948]

I am a first time viewer and I must say I have learned quite a bit from what you said. My own experience with Timu was not good. I will never buy from them again. And now I will be much more diligent about where I buy fabric. I do buy fabric and patterns at Joann when they are on sale, but now I will look more carefully at thrift stores. I have been a fan of Stephanie Canada for a while now and have purchased some things from her store. She is so much fun to watch. I have been sewing since I was in 7th grade and now that I am retired I have the time to do more. I am a home sewist and by no means near a professional level and I like your attitude! I have subscribed and will continue to watch you. Hope you and your family have a happy, healthy and safe 2024.

[@fuschiaflower7643]

You did an amazing job on that dress! It’s beautiful on you! I totally see your point regarding fast fashion. When I was growing up, my Nana made all of my clothes on a 1951 Singer sewing machine that I now have. She would let out my hems on my dresses, and then I would wear the dresses as tops when those hems couldn’t be let out anymore. Those dresses would then be handed down to younger children in my church. Back then, it was so much cheaper to make your clothes. It was a big deal when I received a new sweater from JCPenneys for Christmas one year, I think it was 1979. I remember the price tag read $49.99, that was really expensive back then. I sew some. I prefer to hand sew my garments now. It’s very relaxing and cathartic for me. ✌️💕

[@maramakesjournals2319]

Excellent! 💜💜💜

[@katwitanruna]

Given how much I enjoy sewing when not in hideous pain, well worth it especially since it will be just how I want it.

[@katwitanruna]

Pockets, how I adore thee!! 😂😂😂

[@Hannaheh94]

Loved this video Kristina, the aesthetic and the very important (and compassionately-stated) message! It amazes me how you make such unique, high-quality content all while taking care of your five little ones

[@bearcreekgirl6967]

I have become the local zipper lady. Everyone seems to come to me for zipper fixes.

[@FloridasYesteryear]

I use thrifted thread for basting and marking since basting isn't meant to be permanent so if the thread breaks isn't a big deal.

[@mrsclark78]

I’ve been seeing that dress from various sellers on Amazon for a couple years and every time I’m tempted, it’s dreamy🥰

[@nikkole9951]

I’ve heard so many bad things about Temu so thanks for spreading awareness. I love your style and you’re so talented to be able to sew like that. I can’t even thread a needle. Lol. Love your videos!

[@vintagehomemaker9338]

I'm not sure where my husband got these words of wisdom... he said the best way to start learning how to sew is to make pajamas. You're only going to wear them to sleep in (hopefully!), so no one will see how many mistakes you made!

[@jennadimuccio4787]

Shein totally screwed me I ordered some old vintage pictures and they were so small they totally lied about the size. And there's no way they will return them. There's no way u can even b push a button for a return. Wish is even worst they sent me the wrong sizes and colors and you have to wait a few days for someone to respond to your complaint and they say it's your fault! Do not shop at wish hunnie.

[@Jennifer_Lewis_Beach_Living]

You definitely missed your calling as a singer. You have a great singing voice. I’m glad you did a recreation. I would bet that your dress is of higher quality than the junk that’s on the ultra-cheap fast fashion sites, and since it’s already fitted to your figure, it looks 100 times better than the junk dress.

[@cherimertens775]

I understand your point on slow fashion. Ten years ago, I spent a year (averaged an hour per day) weaving a length of fabric to make myself a blazer style jacket. I love the piece, made mistakes no one else knows about and still smile when I see it in the closet. Worth the time and effort!

[@MacJess]

1st You have a lovely singing voice. 2nd I agree with you. Since getting into vintage, which is now approx 3 years (OMG, didn't realize) I am sourcing my own clothes 2nd hand were I can and mending our families clothes more and more. My Kids stuff has always been a mix of 2nd and 1st hand stuff. 3rd Happy New Year 🎉 Our holidays were blessed as my husband came out of hospital for Christmas. Our little miracle. With that I wish everyone here, and especially you Kristina, a wonderful year

[@coolbetty22]

I legit screamed “ooooooh”❤ for the reveal

[@katwitanruna]

That mug is adorable!

[@alyssacole8543]

I relate to you so much! I hate sewing collars! I also grew up sewing, but haven’t much lately except for simple simple patterns for my little girl. I think I have that pattern too, but haven’t tried it yet. I try not to buy fast fashion sites, but I will buy necessities from Walmart or Amazon. I try to get most clothes secondhand. Last summer I was pregnant and really wanted some summer clothes that fit. I saw some advertised on instagram and they got my money but I never got the clothes

[@susanhayward2063]

Further to my earlier message, re the fast fashion, I have a professional seamstress who creates my dresses for me as my skills are not good. It's a bit costly but the fit and feel is worth it. Now I've watched this video I feel inspired to try again to create a dress for myself. My preferred style is full front buttoned and full skirted sleeved dress, a shirtwaister in other words. Like you I don't buy from the ripoff merchants online. Thanks once again.

[@obsidianrosestudio2663]

I have sewn for many years and within the past few years have noticed I have purchased fewer and fewer garments outside of necessities. But even those I can make. I even find I am wearing fewer of my clothes and been culling every season. My goal this year is to replace items I no longer wear with made items that I love, even if it takes a couple tries. I also want to decrease my wardrobe in general, but that will be tougher with the amount of beloved vintage I have 😊

[@luizahundt]

I wish I had good thrift stores where I live!! We have some flea markets that are great for home decor items, and some shops that sell old furniture and also decor, but nowhere to thrift fabric or sewing notions. It does make me dependent on buying new fabric online (the one store that sells fabric here is ridiculously overpriced)

[@marybethmartin1476]

I recently started sewing again. Made my first vintage dress and it came out too small......back to square one.

[@mizzhops]

The collar frames your face in a very nice way. The design looks good on you.

[@sadiebeast97]

I am soooooo glad you talked about thread!!! It is so important to have fresh thread. I learned the hard way when older thread I was using caused problems in my sewing machine.

[@sofiawannemark6858]

Good job! 👍 When it comes to buttons, I always try my mom’s button collection first. Completely free. 🙂

[@MichellesCraftsandMore]

I am not quite ready to attempt clothing again, so I am working on other projects to get back into the swing of sewing again.

[@dianemontavon5670]

I follow Stephanie and Haley. I think I found you through one of them. I dislike TEMU, bought from them one time and that was enough. Great make, super cute. What do you have on your head in the reveal? Do you have a video showing how to make it??? I like it.

[@danamurray2542]

I love the collar on your dress. The contrast between the white and blue is striking, and the white lapels do a wonderful job of framing your beautiful face. Thank you for persevering. Your creativity is appreciated.

[@ferson8734]

The worst part about this is i got an ad for temu on this video...

[@lynnwales2937]

Kudos for sewing with a baby on your lap! And double kudos for not being another temu haul (I avoid those videos like the plague, but they keep popping up in my feed- ugh)

[@EarthToBlair]

it turned out so cute! finding vintage patterns in sizes larger than 6, is HARD. It would be so amazing if you would consider tracing your patterns to share :)

[@WithLoveKristina]

I wish I had the time and resources to do so! But I believe there’s a pattern seller called Mrs DePew who does this ❤️ and if you follow Stephanie she often has 38+ bust patterns in her store ya just gotta be quick because they sell fast!

[@pixiebride1]

Love how it turned out! I can see why you might not care for the collar but I think it’s adorable. I completely agree about SHEIN, Temu, etc… I just had to say that when you were singing about how you’re only doing this for yourself you reminded me so much of Dinah Shore. That was such a delight to hear!

[@sarahinnis7364]

Omg you have a pretty singing voice too! ❤ reminds me of Jolie Holland. Lovely!

[@mariekelley7557]

I agree completely with all your thoughts here. I still shop at Amazon occasionally, but only if I’m willing to wear it for the long haul and/or a sustainable alternative isn’t findable. But I’m also chronically ill and can’t thrift anymore (I do ThredUp once a year, but that’s it); I didn’t shop on Amazon until that happened. I love that you’re bringing attention to this! 80%+ of my wardrobe is slow fashion, and it really is worth the time to make it happen. And I loved the sewing video! I find it very inspirational; I have everything I need to learn to sew, but I find myself scared to start! If anyone needs it, there are slow fashion, American brands on Etsy that make vintage inspired clothing. Vixen is another good one that’s not Etsy.

[@maramakesjournals2319]

Don’t be afraid. Be brave! You will make mistakes, but you will learn. When I was a young teenager in the 1960’s, the first dress I made was with plaid fabric (don’t do that). I did a good job with matching the plaid patterns, but put the left sleeve on the right armhole and vice versa. I had to rip them out. All these decades later, it’s still a vivid and happy memory. You could begin by making a quilt, or a purse or tote bag. Good luck! 💜💜💜

[@mariekelley7557]

thank you so much!! @@maramakesjournals2319

[@tisa6193]

I love the dress and it looks beautiful on you! My rant is that here on the east coast thrift stores price like their selling new!!! I've thrifted for years but in the last couple of years their prices have gone up so much! I've even seen dollar store crap 4x the price?!? I've not seen in years and I wasn't the best but maybe will try again.

[@WithLoveKristina]

I live in the PNW and thrift prices in chain thrift stores (Goodwill, Value village, etc) are also ridiculously high. But there are a few hole in the wall thrift places here that are lucky finds.

[@katwitanruna]

Pro tip. Get an organizer and put your buttons in it so you can find the style you want easier.

[@tracybingham7739]

What a great idea! I have a huge lemon aid dispenser that I keep my buttons in and I always have to dump it or take handfuls out at a time. I might have to color coordinate them so it’s easier to find matches too.

[@katwitanruna]

@@tracybingham7739 I got a haul off eBay from a Hollywood designer. Huge bag and I had two of the multispace organizers that were customizable. Oh wait. I think I had three and I was willing to sell from two of them. I sorted them by color, type (especially how many holes because I did historical garments), material and so on. I tried to keep buttons where I had multiple sizes beside each other or in the same space depending on how many I had.

[@kobaltkween]

Thank you for talking about the value of sewing something dissatisfying. You can't learn anything without failing. Learning and practicing a skill you value is always worth it. An experience is often more valuable than a possession. But it's easy to forget all that when it comes to making clothes.

[@christiana_mandalynn]

Oh my word you have a LOVELY voice!! ❤ And thank you THANK YOU for the spotlight on why to avoid Shein, Temu, AliExpress, etc. I am so sick of seeing people shop there! No amount of instant gratification and cheap imitation is worth the Chinese sweat-shop, child slave labor and wage-slave labor.

[@amythompson7700]

I’m not sure about the bow detail on the pockets, but this is Very Nice dress and you look great!

[@melindajoy779]

The yellow floral dress and braided up do…sooo cute! I would love to see a slow day video just doing things to music. Happy New year, May 2024 be everything your heart desires!

[@clairepook2703]

Really cute dress love the pockets as a low income single mum i have been buying a lot of dresses on second hand sites and love thifting x

[@julietokumaru3855]

You are doing a great job! Sewing is hard to get right sometimes. It really helps if you have someone who can help you fit your clothes. It is really hard to get a great fit if you don't have another person and the knowledge of what to look for. I think if you tweek those bust darts a bit, have them point toward the apex more, you will be much happier with your work. I always try to angle the side bust darts upward. Put the base of the dart lower in the side seam than the apex. I hope that makes sense. I have had to learn this the hard way. I have always had a large bust and I am short waisted so the darts were always in the wrong place for me, in patterns and ready made clothes. Your sewing skills are solid. Keep up the good work. I enjoy watching you sew, I am learning from you. We all have different skills and talents. My kids took me shopping Downtown to the garment district for my Holiday gift. It was heaven! I love my kids.

[@FloridasYesteryear]

I love the bow pocket detail. So cute!

[@kariconant3488]

It turned out really cute. I've learned a lot about fast fashion from you, thank you.

[@amandaglidewell8451]

Moral sustainability and ethical treatment of workers aside. When you shop at places like Temu, you are purchasing an item that is designed to be thrown out. I have shopped with them, but I only purchase things that are consumable; because the few clothing items I’ve purchased were worse quality than a Halloween costume from the dollar store.

[@1taffycat]

The "commercial" you did was so fun! Like so many others I love your voice but I really live what you were singing - how you're making that dress for you and no one will see the inside.❤ The fear of having to make something perfect or you might as well not make it stops me from creating a lot.

[@tamie4504]

My kids started going to a Waldorf school. The classroom for my younger one was 100% outside. I volunteered at the school 1 day a week. In the winter months, I realized that I needed high quality, warm clothes. I love love clothing that is made well and lasts long. My childrens clothes, I buy high quality and then all my children wear it. I have 4 girl children and 2 granddaughters. They all can wear the item if it’s made well. So much better value and then I donate it.

[@tamie4504]

The dress looks beautiful on you. So classy and stylish.

[@lisaevans4228]

Making a dress is creative. Creativity is very satisfying. Thank you!

[@theloveyourfacegal2773]

The dressed turned out lovely, love the white collar & how it goes w/ the belt & lace 💙

[@cynthiafisher9907]

I’ve never watched one of you videos before, but that Skillshare ad was genius!

[@amityjoy3732]

I love this video!!! Also! I have heard you sing in some other videos and man it is one of the prettiest voices I know!? Beautiful! Along with the dresses, I especially like the yellow dress you are wearing at the start! I do ballet and I got leg warmers and that was one of my favorite presents, along with some great acrylic paint so that was fun!

[@aroger2486]

So much more beautiful than the temu dress. I love it. You did an amazing job.

[@pearlinejones9693]

Beautiful pattern! You trying to sew and take care of your babes took me back over 65 years to my Mom, my sister and me. I now sew as well. Yeah, Mom passed it down to us. I love the dress pattern. Try making the dress a few more times, and each time it will get better and better until you will be able to make the dress with your eyes closed. 😊 Keep up the good work! I enjoyed watching your creative process. 🎉🎉🎉👋🏽

[@deenoekuekinjuhuujahaa1804]

Thank you so mych for this video! I agree on your attitude towards fast fashion and Temu specifically. I am going from earning barely above minimum wage to being on unemployment for 9 months (for work training classes that is not paid extra) until at least early November starting February 1st and I'm currently in the process of putting together my 2024 make 9. I will mostly be doing UFOs and using up fabric I already have this year because of my financial situation and I did previously spend a GOOD CHUNK of my income at fabric fairs and buying second hand clothes. Childless behavior, I know. I am fortunate enough to live in a bigger city in Germany with the Netherlands nearby, so FINDING fabric was never an issue but my main challenge will be appreciating skill building and using up what I have rather than spending spontaneously. Since I really love hand sewing, the cost was not really a priority over enjoyment of crafting anyway for me personally. That is not something many people understand. I have a hand sewn skirt I made from a cotton sheet well over 10 years ago that is still lasting and STILL a wardrobe stable. Looking at that specific skirt, I realized that upcycling and sewing something with a lot of care is so much cheaper than any fast fashion impulse purchase could ever be. I am looking forward to seeing more of your projects this year!

[@imapip6313]

I think the dress is cute. The collar takes some getting used too but cute too

[@maramakesjournals2319]

Bravo Kristina! You are 100% correct about TEMU, Ali, etc. And you are 100% correct about hand-making a wardrobe (except jeans). I’m going to switch from trousers to dresses and skirts. They’re easier to make. Your not-TEMU dress is cute and looks durable. Sew a snap at the collar overlap to keep it even, or cinch it up with a necklace or brooch. Or put the strawberries right there! I LOVED THIS VIDEO. Think of all the women you inspired and/or affirmed, including me. HAPPY 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣

[@ApacheBee]

First time watching a video of yours, excited for your dress. My highlight gift for Christmas was a Serger. I haven’t used it yet, not sure what project I would like to start and use it for ❤ But I am watching all the sewers of KZbin for inspiration. Thank you for your content 😊

[@elizabethapplebaum9245]

This was such a fun video! Love your dress, your "commercial" for Skillshare, your singing - absolutely everything. Thanks!

[@sparklesoflothlorien5985]

The dress turned out wonderfully and the message about thinking before buying is very important. I get frustrated on sewing projects too and hope you will reuse the skirt portion for something else that makes you happy. (Idea: if you want to tone down the white collar maybe cut out triangles of the blue fabric and sew it over most of the white. It would echo the stripes in the fabric to have some narrow white edges on the collar and maybe being more of a subtle contrast would help you enjoy your dress.)

[@rbrown6476]

Great dress - it really suits you. Looks fresh and smart, without being slavish to high fashion, cheap shoddy stuff. It will be good for everyday wear, even if you don’t absolutely love it. 😊 one day, you could unpick the collar and take the seam in, so it’s a bit neater. And, also, I’ve noticed that every time I made a mistake with my sewing, I learned something. Having learned a lesson and improved my technique, is priceless. I also never buy from those stores, and for the same reasons. If enough of us refuse to buy cheap clothes, then these companies will have to give up! Bless you and keep on keeping on. You inspire so many people - that’s also priceless. ❤

[@sharees.9173]

Hello, Love the message. I don't buy fast fashion either. I try to buy from outlet stores. Or buy them at really discounted prices. It's the same with the trendy furniture 😊

[@asheslaree1713]

Omg, your singing voice is amazing! I also don’t like to shop at those places either. I like to thrift a lot, and buy from smaller brands.

[@LottieSue]

You are right about Temu fast fashion. I buy house hold stuff for closets, kitchen sink, picture hanging, sewing an craft supplies, gardening supplies etc. at Temu. In comparison I find the same stuff on Amazon.

[@amberargall9251]

I love your channel. I’m totally with you about fast fashion. I’m guilty of buying from SHEIN, especially for swimsuits in plus sizes because they have so many options and they’re affordable. But I know better now and I’m trying really hard to break up with them.

[@ShopFoxburrow]

Squee!!! It turned out so cute and you did such a nice job with the pattern matching on the plaid. I love those big ole patch pockets with the bows.

[@WithLoveKristina]

I did zero effort to pattern match shhhh 😂😂😂 didn’t even think about it

[@ceegee1070]

You look stunning in everything you put on! Beautifully styled. Thank you for perservering on this sew. It turned out very flattering! I'm going to check and see if you have made a video about tying your head scarves.

[@user-in5qk4dq9u]

Great message and channel!

[@gohawks3571]

I'm sorry I'm not keeping up! I went from sick to so busy (relative to energy). Lol, you just answered my question 😁 So, for Christmas I got a season of Mythbusters (my favorite show! Hard to find). Thank you for this video ♥️ Be blessed 🙏✌️🥰

[@kitter381]

I get so happy when there are new sustainable fashion videos from you and Leena Norms.

[@lauracgc]

Love the edits in this video! The ad was so cute

[@victoriakr.0911]

I admire you. I never had and never will have a sewing machine, because I don't think I could do it. Sometimes, I alter some garnment by hand, but that's it. I shop a lot on Shein for more reasons than only money. I am on a weight loss journey (by myself, no operation lol) and so far I dropped 23kg and 3 dress sizes. About every 6 month, I have to change my wardrobe because I don't fit in it, so I sell it on second hand shop (vinted). It get another life, another use, I don't throw it away, and usually I have good use of my clothes even if it's cheap or "bad quality". But once I reach my weight goal, I plan to shop good quality and good things that will last for a very long time. But what is the point to have a good quality wardrobe if you know next year you will have to sell it because you lost weight? I was given a beautiful Dolly and Dotty dress for my birthday two years ago. I can't wear it anymore, and I can't stand the idea to sell it...... So what's the point :(?

[@JB-vd8bi]

Low key Christmas break. Had some pretty horrendous Summer storms. Very lucky we were ok. Love your channel

[@savannahtollison4425]

I love this whole topic! I am also wanting to or I should say have been wanting to begin sewing and I always feel so intimidated. I love watching videos like this. It’s inspiring

[@mushirahabib442]

Love your songs! ❤

[@virginiah7539]

My sewing skills are very elementary, but my daughters liked the heart shaped pillows I made them for Valentine's day. I made curtains for the spare bedroom and for a bathroom. I'm proud of my simple projects.

[@WithLoveKristina]

Oh my goodness heart shaped pillows sound delightful!

[@Foui555]

love love this video !!! I have just discoved your channel and am looking all your videos because I'm learning so much ! I have been buying and wearing vintage clothing for 15 years, and I completely share your sustainability values. I'm also low income with children and wow, its so wonderful to see a real life beautiful mama doing so much ! Thank you for sharing your tips along the way, its super helpful. I also wanted to say that you have a lovely voice ^_^ Cheers from Marianne in Quebec, Canada !