My 5 Handmade Essentials - Thank you to

[@sarahodonnell6957]

Great choices. I love your glasses pouch fantastic idea I might steal that one. 🙌❤️💚💙💜

[@socarole66]

Oh please do copy that idea if it will help you, it is definitely one of the most helpful things I've ever made! Thanks for watching. 😊

[@annettecowburn-sz8cq]

Keeping it real Carole! All your choices are what you wear on a daily basis. Brilliant 👏

[@socarole66]

Ha ha, always keeping it real Annette 🤣. I can't pretend to be anything else, my family would call me out on it! Thanks so much for watching 😊

[@Lorij83]

I love that you stuck to essentials. I think that’s the best idea. I was surprised you didn’t share an essential for your grandsons.

[@monicas.7552]

Great essential patterns. Love the glasses bag 😊

[@socarole66]

Thank you Monica 😊👓

[@annsheldrake3554]

Super idea. I think I must make a little glasses bag.

[@socarole66]

Glad you like my little bag! Thanks so much for watching. 😊

[@idahernandez9362]

Fantastic idea for keeping the glasses nearby ❤

[@socarole66]

Thank you, it is really handy and I thoroughly recommend! 😊

[@robynlaszlo6128]

I agree your basics are the ones you reach for most of the time love the swing

[@socarole66]

Yay, someone likes my swing! My hubby just hates the fabric but there is no way I am recovering it 🤣. Have a great week 😊

[@bridgetwhite5547]

Great video. 5 real essantials. Thank you 😊

[@socarole66]

Thank you for watching! I did enjoy making that video 😊

[@AndraMakes]

Enjoyed it, Carole! And, I love the swing! 😘💗

[@socarole66]

Yay, another vote for the swing! Chris couldn't believe I actually filmed myself on it 🤣. Thanks for watching x

[@carolhornett9605]

Amazing thank you. I have to make the glasses bag tomorrow for me, my husband and all my girlfriends - what a fantastic idea!

[@socarole66]

Oh thank you so much for taking the time to watch and comment! Honestly, that bag is one of the best and most used things I have ever made. 🧵😊

[@knottygnome]

thank you for participating in the tag! that glasses case is genius. it's been so interesting to see what everyone considers to be essential to them.

[@socarole66]

It's been a pleasure, thank you so much for creating this challenge. 😊

[@SewAndTellwithDori]

Hi Carole! I had been wondering what sewists do with their leftover stretch fabric pieces. Quilters always make scrappy quilts with their cotton scraps, but your idea for making knickers/panties is not something I've ever seen or heard of on a YT sewing channel before. Brilliant!!! Thank you so much for this wonderful idea and where to get the free pattern. Love your bedpost glasses holder. Very smart idea! I won't need to make one of these for myself, but it's a nice idea to make for someone that has your similar eye sight situation. My guess was that your Wildcard was going to be pajamas. 😂 I only use reading glasses ("cheaters") and have them laying all over the house in a bowl or dish with a cleaning cloth. Get out with the dog and enjoy your wonderful weather while you can. 🌞

[@socarole66]

Hi Dori, I must admit I am always very nervous of talking about my underwear on KZbin but I am happy to do it if people find it useful! It is funny but I have been meaning to make a bed post bag for my daughter for months and never get around to it, I really need to as she has the same problem as me 😆. That is so funny you said about PJ's as I really wanted to put them in as my one piece but knew it wouldn't qualify 🤣. Well done for keeping a cleaning cloth with your glasses, I always end up having to use whatever I am wearing, despite having many cloths in drawers around the house. Maybe I should make some to attach to the glasses, now that would be funny! Have a great week xx

[@nancyhilborn885]

❤ how you stuck to the brief. Excellent patterns and it was easy to see why you chose them as you held up your multitude of each 😊

[@socarole66]

Brilliant 🤣, that did make me laugh! Thanks for watching 😊🩲

[@jacqpot9413]

I loved your choices and sharing them with all of us.

[@socarole66]

Thank you so much, it was such a fun video to do and I've loved watching all the others. 😊

[@carolwampler1764]

Thank you for sharing your 5 essentials.

[@socarole66]

Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment 😊

[@beckysonnier6369]

Love the little glasses bag 😊

[@socarole66]

Thank you, honestly it's invaluable to me! Thanks for your comment 😃

[@alisonkemp1671]

Glasses bag is genius 😊

[@socarole66]

Oh thank you! I can't believe how many people have liked my simple idea. 😊Thanks for taking the time to comment

[@annscott4031]

I had a feeling that your essential top would be a tshirt. Interesting fact that these used to be undergarments. In winter that’s exactly what mine become. In summer not so much except on cool days. 😃

[@socarole66]

Oh dear, you know me too well 🤣👚. I suppose they are just too easy just to pull on aren't they, maybe I should up my game in the wardrobe department! I remember watching Mad Men and they all wore white T-shirts under their shirts, to save the shirt getting sweaty?! I don't know 😂. Thanks for watching.

[@annscott4031]

@@socarole66 I agree with you. In my wardrobe T-shirts are an essential too. I’ve made quite a few which came about due to covid and me wearing out my bought T-shirts. My staple daily clothing is T-shirt and jeans, although in summer it could be shorts.☺️

[@karolmolpus9536]

I'm so surprised about the underwear 😮.....never think about it!

[@socarole66]

Well, it is kind of an essential bottom.... for most people I think 🤣

[@jankerslake5813]

Great 5 essentials Carole. I’ll definitely be taking a look at the pants pattern and keeping your stretch jersey scraps to make them is inspired. Thanks for the vlog.

[@socarole66]

Oh I do hope you have success with that pattern as I have. I do use the 5cm lace at the top though as I like them to come up a bit higher, plus it looks prettier. You will have so much fun making them in different fabrics I promise you! Thanks for watching 😊

[@lynnshepard7485]

Hi Carole, I’m very happy to see that you showed undies as your essential “bottom” pattern. That’s mine,too,but I use a different free pattern. What could be more essential? 😂 I cut my scraps into the various pieces as I’m cutting my main patterns and store them in bags marked with the name of the recipient. I have a boxer pattern, too, so I make panties and boxers for most of my family. Once I started making my own I never bought another retail pair! I buy fun panels at Christmas to make “special” ones as gifts. Some are rather racy and they don’t get posted to IG. Recently I purchased a new-to-me woven shift pattern from Love Notions and plans are to make lots of summer versions for me and my mid-twenties granddaughter. We’ll see how the first version works out very soon. 😊 It’s so very hot here in South Carolina! I’m enamored with your glasses bag creation. My little dog sleeps under my bed and likes to chew whatever falls to the floor. I’ve had more than one pair of readers chewed up or lens dislodged, so I never take my prescription glasses to bed to read. Haha. Thank you for a great video this morning! 💕 PS Why is that dress controversial?

[@socarole66]

Hi Lynn, oh yes they probably are the most essential item to be honest! What a good idea to have them cut out when you make the main item, so much to sew up when you have the time. I do make boxers for Chris as well which he loves but they take more time than ladies don't they and lots more fabric! Good luck with the new Love notions patterns, you are always sewing for others aren't you, that is wonderful. Sounds like you need a little bag to me with that mischievous pup 🐶. The dress was controversial as nobody liked the two fabrics together when I originally showed the dress and yet I went ahead and made it 🤣. Thanks for watching x

[@sbrickett]

I love your little glasses case, it’s genius! It’s just the thing to keep those glasses from going walk about. I use reading glasses and if I didn’t have them on a cord around my neck, I would be forever searching. Very interesting video.

[@socarole66]

Thanks Sue, honestly that little bag has saved me lots of times. When we have the grandchildren staying and they call out, it saves me wasting time looking or running in blind 🤣.

[@annerobinson647]

Brilliant! Great choices.I really need to make some of those glasses cases😂

[@socarole66]

Thanks Anne, I know they aren't too exciting compared to others but definitely reflects my lifestyle 🤣.

[@KathyinKentuckyUSA]

Hi Carole, I want to complement you on you and your channel. You are really to the kindest and thoughtful creator. You are a prolific sewest and always have interesting content. Keep up the great work! You make it look easier than it is to be a content creator. My non fancy life is almost identical to yours only less travel :( and no channel any more. We live a good life!, right? Regarding your cardi, I love that pattern and never heard of it. The arms look more relaxed than the one I have used. I too prefer a cardigan to a blazer, they are just to comfortable.

[@socarole66]

Thank you so much Kathy, that really means a lot to me as I know you know how hard it is to film and edit! I really do miss your channel but I love seeing you on Instagram. I do remember your life being the same as mine actually, I suppose we travel a lot as we are British and we just love to escape our little country! We certainly do live a good life, especially as we are lucky enough to have grandchildren 🥰. You can't beat a comfy cardigan! Thanks again 😘

[@yvonnegoodall4511]

Love the glass case idea.

[@socarole66]

Oh I'm so glad thank you. Honestly that has saved me so many times 🤣. Thanks for your comment. 😊👓

[@stephaniecruz8260]

The glasses bag is genius, I've got to make one for my husband 😂. Also the Megan Nielsen pattern is a great essential as well.

[@socarole66]

Thanks, honestly it may be simple but it saves a lot of searching around! I was really pleased with that Acacia knicker pattern as I had never made anything like it before and couldn't believe how well they came out . Thanks for your comment 😊

[@Sewingbearclare]

It is great seeing how you are all answering this question. What great and different answers. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@socarole66]

I know what you mean, I've seen so many different patterns etc and loved some of the wildcards! Thanks for watching 😊

[@patriciadoherty464]

Great video! Loved your wildcard.

[@socarole66]

Thank you so much! Thanks also for taking the time to comment 😊

[@geminigem599]

lovely n thanks 😊

[@socarole66]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment 😊

[@dizzyquiltsandsews]

I really like to you stuck to the “essential” part of this fun tag. I must be the only person in the world with fewer than 5 tee shirts. I just don’t enjoy wearing them that much. I still haven’t made the Acacia (I did get the pattern though) and really want to. Maybe in the fall when I have a bit more time for sewing. I absolutely love that you always seem to find a way to solve small problems by sewing something. The little pouch is a brilliant idea! 💞

[@socarole66]

Oh Izzy! Is is just me living the casual can't be bothered look then?! I do have some woven tops as well, but T shirts are my go to. I suppose I don't work in an office or on a camera so I don't ever need to look smart and when I do, I panic! Luckily now I have my Patina 🤣. I think I take after my Dad re inventing solutions, he is so good at that. The bag might be simple (and its dreadfully made!) but wow, it is a life saver. Thanks and have a lovely rest of the week 😊Don't work too hard! xx

[@elainemariesews2683]

I too live a quite casual life as well, I go to the gym, ride my bike and walk so I find that I mostly wear shorts, denim skirts, t shirts and some sort of jacket or hoodie. That’s just real life😍.

[@socarole66]

Snap! Yes we have very similar casual lifestyles by the sounds of it, hence when we do need to dress up we really struggle 🤣. Thanks for watching

[@elainemariesews2683]

@@socarole66 On the flip side I have a ridiculous amount of clothes (RTW) that I just can’t part with and I probably won’t, I’m not striving to have a fully me made wardrobe.

[@socarole66]

No I completely understand. I have RTW garments as well don't worry! Some blouses, dresses and tops plus many jeans. I never claim to be 100% ready to wear, I just got fed up of store bought clothes being the same where I live and letting fashion dictate what I wear 😩. Some of my RTW garments are in just amazing fabric, the likes of which we can never buy.

[@carolreece9950]

Loved your essentials. Apart from the nickers and glasses case my essentials are exactly the same. Love those patterns.

[@socarole66]

Thank you so much Carol for your comment and for watching 😊

[@nancyhurt7145]

The glass pouch was genius for me! I don’t have a bedpost but I’m going to make a version to hang on the side of my nightstand. I often drop them on the floor and have to feel around underneath the bed to find them. Great ideas on your post! Thanks!

[@socarole66]

Oh yes, when they fall under the bed 🤣. I am always amazed how far they can go underneath! I am glad it may help you as well. It doesn't have to be anything special as I proved. Good luck and thanks for your comment 😊

[@lavadajenkins2955]

I like all 5 of your essentials. I have the shift dress pattern but haven't made it! You have inspired me to get it out and sew it up.

[@socarole66]

Thanks Lavada, it is such a fun pattern to mix and match the prints. Let me know how you get on if you make it. 😊

[@carmensalome]

I love everything. The knickers are a great idea!!! I am very nearsighted if i put my glasses down in a new location i am lost....i need my glasses to find my glasses 😅 great makes and i am definitely searching for those new look and the kwik sew patterns. ❤ this has been such a fun tag.

[@socarole66]

Thank you Carmen, I know what you mean about glasses to find glasses believe me 😆. You are right, it has been a wonderful challenge and great to see everyone's choices. 😘

[@carolfuller2941]

Love your essential, I save my stretch off cuts to make knickers too. We have a swing seat, my husband also hates it 😂😂

[@socarole66]

Oh my, not only do we have nearly the same name, we both have husbands that hate the swing seat 🤣. I am so glad that someone else uses scraps for knickers, yes it sounds awful but the choice of patterns we get is fantastic isn't it!! Thanks for watching 😊

[@sewchidesigns4]

Great video. I have to make that little bag. I’m always misplacing my glasses. Great idea!

[@socarole66]

I am so glad you liked my idea! Let me know if you make one and it helps you. Thanks for watching 😊

[@thesewingpastorswife]

YAY! I've been waiting to see your 5! That glasses case is so cute - I need to do the same. I don't have a bed post to hang one on, but I just looked up patterns for bed caddies and now I want to make one of those. I knew you'd have ideas I'd want to try but I certainly wasn't expecting it to be something like that. 😂🤓 Also, I have thought about making underwear but was afraid it was too complicated. I've got plenty of scraps so I need to give it a go!

[@socarole66]

Thank you! Oooo a bed caddy sounds wonderful, I have seen those that hang on the side of your bed. Honestly, making that underwear was so easy and I couldn't believe how good the results were compared to store bought! Hope you give it a go. I have made some boxers for Chris and he loves them but that is much more effort and a lot more fabric🤣.

[@stellaunger8568]

New to your channel, loved it. Going to the others you mentioned ❤😊🌹

[@socarole66]

Thank you so much for finding me and being so kind with your comment 😊. Looking forward to chatting with you more in the future. 🌸😁🧵

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

I love an outside swing! How fun 😊 I haven't made a pair of knickers yet - but maybe you've inspired me to give it a shot! 🧵You've got some great picks Carole - I love that you stuck true to the definition 😊

[@socarole66]

Thank you Michelle!!! I love that swing, in fact we all do. Chris would love me to recover the cushions, no way!!! That is way too much like hard work 🤣. Oh you need to give knickers a try, honestly they turn out so well and imagine what fun you could have with colours 🥰.

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

@@socarole66 I'm gonna give the knickers a try this weekend!!

[@noemir8262]

I started looking up your essential patterns but then stopped and reminded myself to look for something similar in my stash.😂 I too strive for comfort, however I have the bad habit of making complicated stuff that I end up giving away to my sisters. I do learn new skills but for myself, I need to wear what's practical for my everyday lifestyle. Definitely need more Acacias too. I've only made one but they wore out because I wore them to death 😂

[@socarole66]

Ha ha that's so funny! I know what you mean when people review patterns, as you say, so often we already have something similar. It's ok every now and again to do complicated things and like you, it's always for someone else and never me! Oh you must make some more Acacias, mind you that reminds me I need to replace a few as well 🤣.

[@lynngates1662]

Hi Carole! I've got that (for the top) New Look pattern and have Never Used It 🤨 What's wrong with me? haha I must have gotten it when it was new in 2016 - It's got the rack number on the envelope. BTW one of my most-worn summer bottoms is also in a New Look separates pattern, 6351. All the pieces have been good, and It's out to do again; and one you may already have😉 Thanks for your 5!

[@socarole66]

Thanks Lynn, I can't believe you haven't ever used the pattern 🤣. I also have 6351 and have only made the trousers (which I loved) I must make the top this Autumn! You can't beat those new look patterns can you 😊

[@InAgatasCottage]

Lovely video. Great pattern suggestions I love acacia panties too, although recently I "cheating " with hight waisted panties ;)

[@socarole66]

Thanks Agata, I do also like my knickers a bit higher which is why I use Andrea's 5cm elastic on top! Glad you liked my 5 essentials. 😊

[@ChristineSewsALot]

If your dress is controversial you are living a good life 😂😂😂😂. Love the practicality of your wild card.

[@socarole66]

Ha ha that made me laugh so much Christine, yes I'm not that brave am I 🤣

[@DebsWay]

Great video, Carole! You have a full wardrobe of wearable clothing and it all looks so nice! I am striving to add more items to my wardrobe over the next year and it would be great to be able to find a decent pattern for undies! They are so expensive in the shops anymore -- well, isn't everything? Anyway, really a nice show-n-tell video.

[@socarole66]

Hi Deb! Lovely to hear from you and thanks so much for watching my essential essentials! Honestly, I originally made a pair of knickers for fun but was completely hooked by making them. It is a tradition for most people in the UK to buy underwear from Marks & Spencers (have you heard of that shop?) but they were getting worse and worse and over the pandemic they didn't have hardly any patterned ones available. That is when I gave up and made my own! I am a Gemini, I like a different colour pair every day 🤣. You are right about everything becoming more and more expensive and have you noticed the quality of everything getting worse or am I getting older! Have a wonderful week xx

[@DebsWay]

You know, I actually preferred shopping at Marks & Spencers rather than Harrod's. Harrod's is nice but so big and some things are sooo expensive. My friend in Bournemouth did a lot of shopping at Debenhams but I understand they're closed now. I believe that around our birthdays each year we all think about how old we're becoming. I can't believe I'm as old as I am but I'm glad that I am. Know what I mean? I'd rather be getting older than NOT getting older. But just look at it this way -- age is just a number and a number doesn't define -- or confine -- me. LOLOLOL... Take care now!

[@socarole66]

@@DebsWay Marks and Spencer's I have to say is Number one for its food! Clothing is a different matter and in the last couple of years they now also carry other stores clothing which was a brave move. I think I've only been in Harrods once 🤣. You are right about Debenhams in Bournemouth, they are still online but no stores left now. Yes, getting older is a sign we didn't die young so let's embrace it and yep, it's just a number 🤣. Hope the puppy teething stage is ending in your house!! Thanks for chatting with me 😘

[@DebsWay]

​It has been over 15 years since I've had a puppy in the house but I'm remembering real fast just how to deal with this teething/chewing stage. We just keep the chew toys and the teething bones real handy to offer her in place of our hand or our arm or the foot or even the leg!! She's a really good girl and so smart otherwise. At the moment, she's sound asleep at my feet as I'm typing. She looks so innocent...HA! Oh, today while Bella had her afternoon nap, I ventured back into my sewing nook and managed to get some sewing done. I'm going to try to get my summer dresses to the point where I need to sew the shoulder straps together. That part has always messed me up. It's like you slide one end into the other and then slip-stitch them together. I've never done it like that but I'm going to learn how to do it properly in class. I saw where your Mickey had a birthday. Bless his heart!

[@untitled1234-n8d]

Loved this. Really enjoyed hearing the history of a tshirt

[@socarole66]

Thank you very much, you can't go wrong with a T shirt 😊👚

[@SewMyTime]

Great video and brilliant idea for the specs! Don’t get the t shirt thing though. Never have. I think I have 3 in total and one of those I have never worn. More of a blouse and shirt person but you always look good in yours and now we will always be wondering if you are wearing the matching undies 😂😂😂😂

[@socarole66]

Hello and thank you. Oh I do wish I was more like you with so little T shirts. I would love to be a bit more put together! I do have a few woven tops as well and I have just made the Patina blouse which i feel so fancy in 😆. Funny you should say about matching undies and it does happen quite often and by chance! Thanks for watching 😊

[@cindy7702]

Love all your choices.. Making a glass case this afternoon.. perfect

[@socarole66]

Oh I'm so glad that suggestion may help you, honestly it's a life changer! Thanks for watching 😊

[@prof_pudge]

Love the glasses case! Great idea.

[@socarole66]

Thank you so much. The simple things are the best aren't they 😊

[@maymewilkinson9093]

I'm so jealous, when #5 was panties, I've tried a couple of times but was a complete failure on maybe you could do a video?? Or at least explain the process.

[@socarole66]

Hi there, thanks for watching. I'm so sorry you haven't had success with knickers. There is a link to the KZbin video I initially followed in the description box to make the Acacia knickers, it is done by Andrea from Beyond the Pink Door and she makes it so simple and achievable. Let me know how you get on.

[@houseinnorthcarolina9439]

Carole, I tried to find the kwik sew cardi pattern. They have changed the pattern. The cardigan isn't in the pattern any longer.... Suzanne

[@socarole66]

Oh no! I know you could probably find one on Etsy or EBay. It's such a shame Kwik Sew don't do clothing anymore. Thanks for watching.

[@dianemontavon5670]

My sister had to search for her glasses each morning. Her kids and husband would hide them for fun, not funny to her. She ended up having Lasik Eye Surgery and now she only needs eye glasses for reading. She loves being free of wearing glasses all the time.

[@socarole66]

Oh my goodness how mean of them! If you can have Lasik surgery then it must be a game changer. I'm so glad it worked for her. I bet she loves her eye freedom as you say. Thanks for watching 😊

[@maryleigh3788]

Hi, trying to find underwear pattern and video?? Love your videos, as always.

[@socarole66]

Hi there. I did put the link to the Beyond the pink door tutorial but I forgot to put the link to the website for the knickers. I will add that now. Thanks so much for your comment.

[@karolmolpus9536]

No Indie pattern?

[@socarole66]

Do you know, I did think about the Scout T as I use that a lot but I have more of the New Look one so I was true to my roots! Thanks so much for watching. 😊

[@karolmolpus9536]

I cannot read my phone without glasses.... otherwise I'm fine...hastle.

[@socarole66]

Lucky you! I have both problems now, long and short sighted so I have very large font on my phone!