Motivation for Alterations | Fixing my Corsets & Stays

[@remarkablestitches]

The light on top of the pile of trash is so, so relatable. This was a great video, thanks!

[@DixieDIY]

glad I'm not the only one, thanks!

[@michellecornum5856]

Old pictures proved that my house got messier with every child. It is magically getting cleaner because they are all getting older . . .yep. When it rains, it pours. Get well soon. It's a relief to whittle down the fix-it pile. Love your videos.

[@DixieDIY]

Thanks, yes the mess is a little out of hand sometimes but we just retired the highchair and put away some old baby gear which cleared up space and reminded me that she's growing up and it won't be this messy forever.

[@benitastory8213]

"...judges her self-worth by her productivity..." I suspect a lot of us feel this way. I know I sure do!

[@tdorn20000]

Such a wonderful idea to keep creative momentum and I admire you for being able to sew with a tiny human under paw. I always try to work with my 3.5 year old small human but his favorite game has always been "hide the floor". I try to enjoy the chaos.

[@StitchAndNine]

Thanks for your motivating and comforting words about protecting your creativity by knowing when to push and when to rest. I have chronic illnesses that mean many days of “wanna” but physically can’t, and some of “could but meh” so I really needed to hear someone say “it’s ok to not do it sometimes.” I hope your health improves soon!

[@DixieDIY]

thanks you! glad it helped. :)

[@melissamybubbles6139]

I struggle with that too.

[@TiredRi]

I subscribed when she said, "I look and feel like a literal bog witch."

[@DixieDIY]

😂 thanks!

[@misscatalina711]

Thank you for this. I’ve been emotionally down and kind of disinterested in things, yet my inability to “do the thing” has gotten me more down. I’m staring at “ the thing” now collect dust in the corner of my room. I’m going to get off my ass and “DO THE THING”!

[@DixieDIY]

thanks, I hope inspiration strikes and you're able to do the thing!

[@maryroyal5138]

I remember sewing with kids under foot. Always a challenge and sometimes tremendously funny.

[@Samanthasnow]

I usually find if I haven’t sewn for a while I have to force myself to sit down at the machine. I usually have several projects going on at once so I have no lack of things to work on. As soon as I make that first line of stitching I don’t lack motivation anymore. I just have to remind myself that I really enjoy it more than scrolling Facebook.

[@DixieDIY]

sometimes just *starting* to sew is the hardest step!

[@beth7467]

I hear you on needing "the easy win." Feel better!

[@DixieDIY]

thanks! doing better now

[@woodenkat8971]

Battling a cold. It is so comforting to know I'm not the only one! Sad to hear you are sick too! I feel your pain.

[@emilysmith2784]

I can totally relate. After multiple failed corset mock ups I needed to make something none clothes related to avoid more potentially fitting issues. When I feel like that I tend to turn to crochet projects or making decorative things for my home.

[@DixieDIY]

i like the idea of pivoting to an alternative creative thing when your first project isn't going well. hope your next corset mock up fits perfectly!

[@MsBlulucky]

I hope you get better soon 💕

[@DixieDIY]

thanks! almost back to 100%

[@annewrites...8385]

Babies are exhausting. This is great advice for creative mums. Big hugs xxx

[@nicolawebb6025]

Thank you for your encouraging message today, it really helped. I'm two weeks with covid and I work from home as a designer/maker, so I should be working but my brain has been mush. I've done some small easy bits and pieces just to not feel totally useless but it's hard. I take comfort and reassurance from your words, thank you

[@morganbaldwinmiller]

Love the message of this video.. It's really important for us to remind ourselves we don't have to be productive 100% of the time or making something New and Exciting every moment we have spare time. Plus, it's nice to watch some sewing while I'm being reminded of that. Get well soon!

[@DixieDIY]

Thanks, and I agree!

[@laureneliset]

Ahh I really can’t imagine taking apart anything I’ve made to fix it even though there’s definitely some things I should

[@kentario1610]

You did the things! I know I do the same, with stuff that needs doing but less thought that I can do when my creative energy is down but I'll feel horrible when not doing anything productive. Online communities really are good for this sort of thing, Again, you did the thing!!

[@bohemiansusan2897]

I hope that you heal and fully recover quickly. This video is givi g me a very badly needed pick me up. Thank you!!! I been in a sewing and crafting blah for quite some time and haven't been able to get out of it unless I'm being paid to sew. Then there's no guilt about the very few hours at work. The mess pile looks is so familiar and these days caused by a cat. I just got my mess sorted out and tidied up after ages of procrastination. Now its back to the huge pile of alterations, when I want to do something else. However if it doesn't get done, then I have no clothes to wear.

[@DixieDIY]

thanks, I'm feeling better at this point. needing to clothe yourself is good motivation to sew. hope your alterations go quickly!

[@silversagapatterns]

Thank you talking directly to me about motivation and creativity. It was beautiful. I wish more creators were this honest because I know we’re not alone ❤️

[@KimHazer]

Love the playing baby shot! My little wants to help sew & cut & do all the things lol! Feel better soon!!

[@DixieDIY]

thanks! i mostly sew while she's asleep but sometimes she plays in the room while I work.

[@mandylavida]

I love your corsets. It has inspired me to try making my own. Please consider making some 1910 undergarments for the Rilka as I am going to mske a 1910 straight skirt from TV for a wedding, with a steampunk coat!

[@rebeccaharden2196]

Thank you. I love your outlook on the energy! So very true.. great job with everything.

[@terriannswallow4948]

This was a wonderful source of inspiration - thank you for sharing it with us and I'll send you some feel well soon vibes till we next see your face 💕

[@jkabholat]

Lovely words and thoughts.

[@melissamybubbles6139]

Thank you. I needed this. I've been really depressed and fatigued lately. Nothing has been getting done. This might have to do with not spending time outside, thus messing up my circadian rhythm. It might be because of having two periods in a row come early, and the last one being heavier than usual. However, today, I got outside for a bit and I made a cloth menstrual pad. Over time, the hope is to save money over time up cycling stuff into cheap pads instead of using disposables. It doesn't look good, but it should work and I'm proud of my effort. Now that I'm more clear headed, I can actually fill out my ballot. I've been worrying about it because I was not thinking clearly enough to fill it out correctly or drive safely to the drop-off point.

[@DixieDIY]

All those things would make me feel pretty crummy. Sounds like you're turning a corner. Glad you could get some small but very useful projects completed. ❤

[@melissamybubbles6139]

@@DixieDIY Thank you. 😊

[@Griiisetryne]

Such an uplifting video, I needed this ^^

[@zerpentinefire]

I needed this today, thanks! ✨

[@lorisewsstuff1607]

Oddly enough I'm battling a stomach virus as I watch this. Hard to be productive with that. I'm just watching documentaries and how-to videos. In my mind learning stuff is productive. Close enough.

[@danalou7484]

This video makes me so happy! I have been struggling and trying to force myself and it is not working. Thank you!

[@DixieDIY]

yay! sending some sewjo your way

[@LauraIngallsGunn]

Oh, feel better soon Dixie! I have included time in November for alterations. One has been on my list for two years. Me, putting the PRO in procrastination.

[@DixieDIY]

Thanks, feeling much better now! If I could get some of my alterations done within two years I'd consider myself successful 😂

[@marinalenzi3150]

I’m so glad I found your channel. I love the sewing as much as the general life advice. Hope you feel better soon!

[@DixieDIY]

Glad you're here! feeling better now thanks

[@CraftsyPenguin]

The results look so pretty! Thanks for the talk, it's good to hear such stuff. Our baby is 10 months old and I still struggle a lot... First things when he's asleep? Feed myself, go to the loo and take a bit of rest. Creative things were pushed aside, though I am still able to do a bit, and I am frequently sad because of it. I promise myself I'll have enough time when the beb and a potential second one are bigger.

[@DixieDIY]

I feel you, trying to balance sewing with baby has been challenging. When she was younger and now crawling I'd let her do tummy time in the sewing room with me. I've been lucky that she's been a decent napper because now what shes 1yr+ she prefers digging through drawers more than playing with toys so I can't often sew when shes awake. I imagine if we have a 2nd I'll need to take a sewing sabatacle for about a year! I just try to remember she wont be this tiny and cute forever so I'm going to enjoy spending time with her while shes awake.

[@CraftsyPenguin]

@@DixieDIY yeah, I have to remember that too and try not to get bothered by the stuff I was used to have time enough for before... But thinking of it now as a sort of holiday or a sabatical is also a good idea! Thanks for keeping it real and sharing this part of the story :)

[@kathrinelovell4025]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@emma-9618]

Needed this today

[@DixieDIY]

❤

[@jackiejames4551]

Hope you're feeling better soon.

[@DixieDIY]

Thank you, I'm at like 99% now

[@ChriaraCass]

I loved your frustrated comment about not being able to buy elastic because everyone was sewing masks LOL I swear I’m so over sewing shop customer service telling me “oh you want x? You and everyone else!” I was sewing before Covid too you know!!!!

[@DixieDIY]

Yes! I feel like I have to defend myself to the store employees, like, I'm a legit seamstress. I didn't just suddenly start sewing masks!

[@laurahi3468]

Oh my, the freakin' alterations pile... I admire you for tackling this! Mine is larger than the UFO one, too, but I am not at all positive that I will start changing this anytime soon 😅

[@skaterbakes]

Thank you for this video!! I have moments like this too and it’s nice to know I’m not alone and can do something about it when I next face it. I love your channel, and get well soon! Xx

[@DixieDIY]

thank you so much! and I'm much improved at this point

[@giovanninasuluh]

This showed up in my recommended today and all I can say is that I needed the message. Also, MRSA sucks. I had it a decade ago and it was awful.

[@mariebray9831]

Oh I'll just sew that button on. Oh the button rolled under a book case. Oh I'll use the broom to fish the button out from under the book case. The button isn't there? I have no more buttons that match. Walked the dog. Found the button. I'll just sew that button on. 😀

[@rebeccaharden2196]

I so hate to go back and do! If I stop. Well let’s just say it’s better to put into trash. I WILL not go back and work on it EVER!

[@DixieDIY]

This. Ugh, why are alterations so hard to do!?!?

[@tinagriffith841]

Hi there. Oh don't I know about trying to get motivated on projects. Speaking of alterations, would you have any advise or actually do a video on how to alter a pair of manufactured stays? A few yrs back, I bought a pair of stays from a historical outfitter. The silly things would ride up when I sat down and by the end of the day, they were digging into my armpits. I'm thinking that they are too long for my torso. So, with that being said and not willing to fork out more money for another pair and too chicken to make a pair, how would I just fix the ones I already have?

[@DixieDIY]

Oooh that’s tricky. I’ve never worn a pair of stays made by anyone else but it sounds like they are too long. The easiest way would be to cut down the top edge of the stays and allow them to ride up until the smallest part of the stays sits at your waist. This may change the fit a bit and you might need to loosen the lacing to accommodate the different fit in the bust. This could still involve a lot of work - taking of binding, shortening bones, reassembly, etc…

[@tinagriffith841]

@@DixieDIY thank you. Looks like I may just have to just give in and make a new pair. Well, it's mock up time!

[@TorchwoodPandP]

Um, seen a proper medical eye Doctor for your eye? Something there can be quite serious? So please don’t ignore. Also thank you for the motivation! P.S. could that be where the expression squeaky clean comes from?

[@DixieDIY]

Don't worry, I saw a doc (for both the eye and the fever, that's how I got a covid test) and got meds for the eye and that cleared up pretty quick.

[@ninad205]

Looks like I’m off to alter my 1860s corset. I gained some weight during the quarantine and I think the extra lbs are here to stay... now I need to let out some of the back gores. You’ve inspired me to get it done!

[@DixieDIY]

Thanks, I think the only thing that's keeping me from re-doing those hip gores on my regency stays is knowing I'll have to take off and re-do the binding. Binding is always annoying. Good luck on your alteration!