My Response to the

TW: Content warning- discussion of mental health disorders and body image, inc. diet and weight.
Here is my entry to the #SMYLY2018 challenge. I know I'm late to the party but not TOO late, luckily (ends on Feb 28th)! It's been a great challenge, thank you to everyone who shared their stories and to the organisers.
The organisers of #SMYLY:
Athina Kakou -
Instagram: / athinakakou
Blog: athinakakou.co...
Hattie Van Der Krohn-
Instagram:https: // hattie_van_der_krohn
KZbin: www.youtube.co....
Lisa Kisch-
Instragram: / lisakisch
KZbin: / andsewon
Info about the challenge: athinakakou.co...
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Website
www.craftwerk....
Instagram
/ craftwerking
Pinterest
www.pinterest....
Facebook
/ craftwerking
Email [e-mail]
Music by Wood Cabin: woodcabinmusic.com
ACCOMPANYING BLOG POST: www.craftwerk....

[@marlenelaban1961]

Dear Ruthie: Like everyone else who left a comment so far, I too appreciated your vlog, your comments, your lovely new shirt, your forthright attitude and your courage in sharing. I've been sewing since age 9 and I just turned 70 last November. I don't remember the last time I purchased anything to wear, other than outerwear and shoes, in a shop. So - it's been kind of "routine" for me. However, turning 70 (did I say I'm a "young" 70?) changed many of my own attitudes about myself - unhappily, causing some fears and anxiety among them. I have no sewing friends here in the US. My husband sweetly puts up with my tales of making things (it helps that I make shirts for him which he loves), but he's all I have to share with. Imagine my absolute delight and amazement when I looked at You Tube for some reason not too long ago and found - ALL YOU WONDERFUL DARLINGS IN ENGLAND. I thought I'd lose my mind with joy . You have all unknowingly become my sewing circle and I could not be more grateful. My sew-jo had dropped to an all-time low recently - actually beginning to feel older in my body, lacking sleep due to anxiety, etc., etc. I have been watching you ladies every possible chance I get and WOW, has my life changed. I'm happily sewing again and having great successes with indie patterns from parts far from home (Albuquerque, New Mexico) and I'M BACK. Thank you so much for your frankness, your courage and your sense of humor, to name a few. I'm a happy girlie again. Much love and thanks from Marlene La Ban (Queen of Albuquerque)

[@CraftWerk]

WOW, thank you so so so much!! That's amazing to hear that mine and others' vlogs have helped you and I can totally relate. I work from home because most of my work is freelance and it honestly gets so lonely (even with my lovely dog), but the online sewing community keeps me company throughout the day when my partner is at work. I also don't have any sewing friends 'offline' although that's a bit daft as I live in London- I get extremely anxious about meeting new people or attending events and socials when I don't know anyone else (or even when I do!). I am determined to change that asap though. I am thrilled to be part of your sewing circle, thank you 💜💜💜

[@kelleyspoerl2138]

Loved this video and as so many others, adore the shirt - sooooo flattering, bright, and cheering. You look fantastic. Still the most honest sewing blogger on the Internet and us newbies really appreciate it. I read that you make jewelry too - maybe a video or blog post about that some time too?? Thanks again for another great video.

[@CraftWerk]

Thank you so much!! That's so great to hear and means so much to me 💜 Yes, thank you- I need to do some jewellery videos soon, thanks for requesting so I actually get round to it! 😃 Thanks again for your lovely words x

[@Tuskenknits]

Your videos are always my favorite to watch and listen to. And your shirt...it's absolutely perfect for you!

[@CraftWerk]

Ah thank you so much, that's really lovely!! 💚

[@lauracarlson5353]

Wonderful post, thank you for sharing....really loved the vlog about sewing challenges too! Thank you so much for being real. Your thoughts about this craft really resonate with me.

[@CraftWerk]

Thank you so much! That's so good to hear and means a lot to me ❤️

[@stitchtovictory5356]

"Sewing is an act of self care" - great motto!!! Love your shirt too. Thanks for sharing. I've totally loved this #SMYLY2018 challenge and taking part in it was a privilege. You go, girl!!!

[@CraftWerk]

Stitch To Victory ☺️☺️☺️ thank you so much! ❤️ it’s been a fab challenge!

[@mellie4174]

omg! Ruthie! I haven't commented much but I am new to your videos and I love them. And I have to say, I LOVE YOUR SHIRT! I am soooooo jealous! I wish I had some of that fabric! Thank you so much for sharing! And no worries for the truthful bideo about sewing, I think most people have experienced those things and your sense of humor made me laugh out loud :)

[@CraftWerk]

Mellie thank you so so so much! So nice to hear you’re enjoying my videos- that means so much ❤️☺️

[@katrinaharborne5796]

So true - I recognised myself so much in the things you said in this. Idea, particularly about high street sizing. Love your top - such a happy fabric! Keep up the good work 😊🙌 xx

[@CraftWerk]

Thank you so much! Ah that's so good to hear that someone else can relate 😄 Thank you! 💜 xx

[@janicek6399]

You've gained a lot of wisdom and knowledge since you started sewing, thank you for being so articulate 😉. Your shirts are both wonderful and you ARE a beautiful young woman. Keep working on that positive self image. 😉. All relationships have ups and downs, including fabrics, patterns, and people !

[@CraftWerk]

Ah thank you SO much, you're so sweet! I am working on it, I promise 😘💜

[@sagepreaumx9903]

Thank you for sharing. I think that shirt is your style, it looks so good on you.

[@CraftWerk]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@sallydingle321]

Oh, wow Ruthie, I absolutely love your latest Kalle shirt.... I thought your last one was great but how bright and cheerful that fabric is, which is such a great things to have for spring and summer. It suits you so much and I have to say you do look 'beautiful' in it and your red dress that you made definitely made you look stunningly beautiful 😍. It's funny though, we don't see it ourselves do we, so I hope this helps you to perhaps acknowledge that you are a beautiful person inside and out. I'm not surprised that your subscriber numbers are increasing as your videos are great and I have learnt so much from you. I'm so excited to get my Kalle shirt through the post but a tad nervous to tackle it. I have looked at the sew along but I much prefer to see someone sewing physically so if you do get the time to do a sew along....even if it's just the yoke or the button placket....that would be such a helpful vlog👍. Take care and looking forward to seeing you soon 😘

[@CraftWerk]

Hi Sally, ah thank you so much for your lovely, lovely words. Can't tell you how much they mean to me! 😘 Ooooh I haven't done a sew along before so I'll definitely give it a go- I worry I'll do it wrong though! Yolks and button plackets are much easier than they look and the 'burrito' technique with the yolk is one of my favourite things to do! Thanks again Sally, always love reading your comments and I so appreciate your support 💜

[@joannewilliams9428]

Fab video, as always Ruthie; absolutely adore your shirt fabric.. ive been searching for some fabric very similar.. none to be found in the UK😢x

[@DevonThreadTales]

I know this video is a year old, but I've only just watched it. Such a good video, and I totally agree with everything you spoke about. Love sewing, helps me in so many different ways. Thanks for sharing x

[@FabricMagpie]

Congrats on reaching 1K Ruthie! Very well deserved, I love your vlogs. I totally got that your last one was tongue in cheek but it also made some very valid points. Thank you for sharing your smyly story with us. Love your shirt, can't wait to try that pattern. 💛

[@CraftWerk]

Fabric Magpie ☺️ thank you so much! ❤️

[@StitchedUp]

Ruthie I love your shirt, I wasn't that taken with the Kalle until I've seen both your versions and how great they look, I have the same viscose fabric but it a pale blue and it is lovely. You sound so full of cold!, hope you're feeling better soon, Rachel x

[@CraftWerk]

Thank you Rachel! I also wasn't taken with the kalle when it first came out but social media changed my mind 😂 ooh pale blue with this print sounds gorgeous 😍 Thank you, I'm definitely on the mend now! x

[@maureencandlish8292]

Hi Ruthie I’ve just discovered your channel and really like it. You seem very honest and very talented. I have never made anything but have a Ogden cami pattern and also Tilly’s Stretch book. I did attempt to make a blouse a few years ago but it had a collar and buttons etc and made a total mess of it so threw the pattern and fabric away. Looking back it was probably far too complicated for a total beginner. Watching your video makes me think that I wasn’t a failure as a person just that I had through the lack of knowledge picked a unsuitable pattern for me. I love your top you have made, you look beautiful. Anyway onwards and upwards for me I’m going to give something easier to sew a try. I’ve subscribed to your channel and going to watch some more x

[@marta_sanders]

I really like your vision and how you talk about issues with sewing. I agree that sometimes I struggle a bit with sewing because I have very little money to apend now and even less time so it's frustrating when I think about all the things I'd love to do. I love and enjoy it nonetheless so I can cope with that xD. Also I love that shirt on you, yellow really suits you and that fabric😍😍.

[@CraftWerk]

Thank you so much! Ah yes, I have all the plans, not enough money or time to make them happen... but it just means that when I do I'll appreciate it even more :) You know it's a good thing when the most frustrating thing about it is not being able to do it more!! 💛

[@KatherineMcG]

I can relate to everything you said and really enjoyed watching this. I love both versions of your shirt

[@CraftWerk]

Thank you so much!! 💜

[@empressnoel1661]

I truly appreciate your words! I feel exactly the same way about the feeling of accomplishment and being proud to say I made it myself. Thanks so much for sharing. Love your sincerity and your playful snarkiness when things aren't quite the way we want 😉

[@CraftWerk]

Ah thank you so much, that means a lot to me 💙 It's the best feeling isn't it?!

[@mindsetandmusic]

i love your shirt and loved this video xxx

[@CraftWerk]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@kristieprice8842]

So much of what you shared resonated with me. Thank you.

[@CraftWerk]

Aw that's great to hear, thank you 😘

[@ppuyle1]

Adorable Kalle Shirt! I think I’ll give that one a try! Might do a tunic length with leggings. Yes, sewing has its ups and downs for us all....but, what doesn’t? 😊

[@CraftWerk]

Thank you! A tunic with leggings would look so good 😍 Love a pattern with different options! Totally agree 👍

[@susanuvanni143]

Love your channel. Question: Do you choose fabric first or pattern?

[@CraftWerk]

Thank you! Good question, that really depends... In this case, I had the fabric for ages with only a vague idea that a cropped shirt would be nice but I bought it on a whim with no idea what to make with it. I will often buy fabric for a specific pattern but I also can easily get tempted by a pretty print and choose the pattern after! So a bit of both really 😊