My worst sewing makes of 2022 | What went wrong and how I plan to improve next time | Handmade

My worst sewing makes of 2022 | What went wrong and how I plan to improve next time | Handmade
Everything I mention in the video are listed below where possible but please do ask if I’ve missed anything.
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You can watch my video sharing everything I made in 2022 and my favourite makes here - • Everything I made in 2...
Lengthened Jarrah
Plum sweatshirt fabric - tidd.ly/3CpdVrE
Jarrah Sweatshirt by Megan Nielson - tidd.ly/2PbvYfP
Swimwear
Megan Nielsen Cottesloe Swimsuit pattern - tidd.ly/35tl1P8
Blue swimwear fabric - sewmesunshine....
Swimwear lining - sewmesunshine....
Gingham swimwear fabric and lining - www.tillyandth...
Mandy Boat Tee
Mandy Boat Tee Free Pattern - www.tessuti-sh...
Fabric - sewoverit.co.uk/
Sewing the Mandy Boat Tee video - • A day in my life | New...
New Look Tunic
New Look pattern 6298 - tidd.ly/3AaJ7cE
Floral French Terry Fabric - tidd.ly/33FYzkR
Billie Sweater Dress
Billie Sweatshirt Billie sweatshirt - tidd.ly/3aujXcA
Cream Glitter jersey - sewmesunshine....
Pink glitter jersey - sewmesunshine....
My Sewing Set-up
The sewing machine I use is a Janome Atelier 6 - amzn.to/2R1l7qg
My cutting mat - amzn.to/3f7Mp7C
My rotary cutter - amzn.to/3vdZ6DE
My fabric scissors - amzn.to/3wsyvTc
My overlocker is a Janome - www.sewingmach....
My Freelance Writing Work Threads Monthly - threadsmonthly....
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Sew It Yourself - blog.siysewity....
My camera and filming set up For stills Olympus Pen PL9 this is a more recent model - amzn.to/38rMKl5
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Music - share.epidemic...
Thanks so much for watching and for your support! Sally xx
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[@AnEditedLife]

It's always so difficult to predict how a garment will turn out because of how the fabric behaves but I think it's really lovely that you have also shared the not-so-perfect makes because it's realistic and recognising this just helps us grow even more! Thank you for sharing!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

This is true you really just don’t know until you wear them do you! Thank you for watching I’m glad you found it interesting I enjoyed looking back and thinking about this 😊 x

[@janetlink9756]

Thankyou for showing your fails. It isn't just me who has them.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Definitely not! Thank you for watching xx

[@gayezimhuycke]

I’m still a beginner and don’t like most of what I’ve made. Thanks for this video, it’s was encouraging to realize it’s part of the process and to keep trying. Getting things to fit is tricky!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

It certainly is and it’s important to go through the bad makes to get to the good 😉 thank you for watching xx

[@sewninsuffolk]

For stains - even greasy ones I absolutely swear by Vanish oxi spray, even if you need to wash it twice the stain should come out.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! I don’t think I’ve tried that one yet 😊 x

[@2siameezers]

What a crazy coincidence! I made the dress length Billie sweatshirt yesterday and the exact same thing happened to me. I’ve made many Billies but this time I put the neckband on backwards. After I ripped out my overlocked neck and cut a new band, it all went smoothly from there. I wore it in the evening and noticed that it was dipping down in the back, almost like I made two front pieces. I made it in an Elvelyckan French terry with whale sharks and manta rays which I am in love with. I am going to try and tighten the back of the neck somehow. It was surreal; in the back of my mind I was trying to figure out how to fix my stretched out neck while watching your video and you described your mishap. I enjoy your videos very much. I appreciate the care you take in sewing and your calmness.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Oh how funny haha! I hope you manage to save the Billie then especially if you love the fabric 😊 Thank you for watching xx

[@janicecalouro9497]

Maybe the blue flowered dress could hav a cuff added to it to make it longer in the sleeve

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

That's a possibility - thank you and thank you for watching xx

[@cschwab2969]

Thanks for sharing your items that didn’t quite live up to your vision…we’ve all had them, and you never know when someone else will have an idea that tickles your fancy. A suggestion on the Billie jumper pattern- if it feels like it is pulling back on you, it’s likely that you need more room in the back, more back length, since if you need more fabric back there it will steal it from the front and pull back. It is sometimes referred as a rounded back adjustment. I am not sure there’s a good way to adjust something already made (besides cutting off the current neckline and lowering it, if you have matching of coordinating fabric for a new one), but if you are game to try an adjustment, if the back pattern piece is cut on the fold, you start at center back around the shoulder blade area and cut across to the armhole, stopping before the edge to create a hinge. You then spread the pattern to create an added dart of fabric…you can try an inch to start (sorry, American). The little dart will look like the back is now crooked, but you can really just put it back on the fold…can add a wee bit at the armhole edge if you think you need that extra bit of space across the shoulders. This adjustment changes the angle of the garment to be potentially be more in line with the depth of your body…. Meaning that the pattern isn’t right as it is for your situation. I learned the technique from watching Peggy Sagers at Silhouette Patterns…you can search for her stuff here on YT. Best wishes….

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share this it’s really helpful 😊 Thank you for watching too xx

[@janspenno2241]

Very interesting. Good to review what’s not good and learn. The Friday pattern Vernazza swimsuit has a tie front top . If you have a fabric which would go with your swimsuit bottoms, that could be an option? The Mandy boat tea is my least favourite pattern of all time. I feel like I should be pulling the sleeves up as they’re a bit batwing and the neck is wide and annoying. I’ve tried it numerous times and it’s not right. I like the look and simplicity of it but it’s not good for me. I have the Billie but have not made it. That’s interesting too as the neck may be good for me I need to try or or test it

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I have looked at the Vernazza Suit I do quite like it perhaps I could use that top thank you. Interesting about the Mandy Boat Tee it’s funny how people get on with other patterns isn’t it. I would test the Billie as I’m not the only one who finds that. Thank you for watching xx

[@jenniferewart]

As always an interesting vlog and good to hear that you are not always happy with your makes. I made two garments last year which were disasters, pyjamas for my husband which he doesn’t wear as it makes him look like a circus clown and a woollen pinafore dress for me which makes me look like a character from a Charles Dickens novel. I can laugh about this now but it has taken a while as they weren’t quick sews !! But onwards and upwards ......I've just completed a simple caftan which is a success so I suggest a simple sew is the answer 😍

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Oh what a shame but as you say it’s good to see the humour in it and learn from them. Thank you for watching x

[@threadtherapy251]

You could always dye the grey cable knit sweater dress x

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! I’ve actually never dyed anything I’m scared lol x

[@threadtherapy251]

@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress the Dylon washing machine pods are good 😊

[@sarahpatedaniell619]

Great video, it really was insightful and helpful. Thank you

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I'm glad you thought so, thank you for watching! x

[@cathmckeever2728]

Appreciate you showing your least favourite makes. We all have them & reflecting on why is such a helpful learning tool. My least favourite from 2022 was a Jarrah made in a fabric that was just wrong for me. Love this pattern & have several others that are some of my favourite makes. Fabric choice is a whole separate skill. I’m still learning. 😊

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah it really is isn’t it and sometimes you just have to have those ‘fails’ to know what works and what doesn’t. Thanks for watching 😊 x

[@aleciacope3503]

I wonder if you could overdye the New Look dress with a bit of gray dye to tone it down?

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Hmm possibly. I have never tried to dye anything that might be fun 🤩

[@victoriabennett4842]

If you wear nightshirts you could just use the blue flowered dress as that.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I had never thought of that thank you x

[@PsychicKathleen]

I really enjoyed your video Sally! I think it's difficult sometimes to face our disappointments. They can be painful especially when we are so emotionally invested in how it will look and feel when it's done and it fails to meet our expectations! I had a few successes and fails much like you! Last year I started working on projects or themes which I really enjoyed and have continued to do. Last year it was woven dresses that are floaty and comfortable to wear around the house and I did have a few really lovely makes. Now I'm working on sleeveless (Ogden cami style) dresses that I can wear over tees in the summer or even sleeveless at home on especially hot days. I'm also building a UPF "capsule" wardrobe for the summer. I always wear spf (being quite fair like you) but it would be nice to not have to slather it everywhere! So I have bought a few pieces (very $$$!) which is why making some myself will be much less expensive. I wonder if you have looked at Jalie patterns in Canada? You would love these patterns and she has a few swimsuits that are quite nice.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much for the Jalie pattern recommendation, I have seen a few of their designs but haven't looked properly - I will do. Your sewing plans sound very sensible and as though they will suit your lifestyle well which is always the best way to plan isn't it. Thanks so much for watching :) x

[@susankidd9963]

Hi Sally I love the pink sweater dress you made and thought you looked lovely in it but if it doesn’t feel right you probably won’t wear it and there definitely will be someone out there who would love it.I have found this year choosing fabric for sweaters a bit of a bind I never seem to buy the right stretch and some of them have been quite expensive but you live and learn.I just love all your makes.x

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! It’s hard buying online isn’t it I really wish there were more bricks and mortar shops selling fabric around x

[@cathtaylor2771]

With the lengthened jarrah you made, why don’t you do a extra wide shaped neckband, and for the grease stain rub some washing liquid into the stain and wash , repeat it necessary xx

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much for the tips I'll have to give that a try x

[@rhonddalesley]

I was going to suggest tacking the neckband in on an angle at the shoulder seams but think I like your suggestion of a thicker neckband more even though it involves the dreaded unpicking of overlocking which is the bane of my life 😫😂

[@gingerninja_sews]

The floral dress looks great on you but yeah I hate three quarter length sleeves. The grey billie maybe add a scarf to add a bit of colour could work (I've been watching Kittenush behaviour and the colour consultant) Thank you for sharing your makes are all beautiful x

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Oh that’s interesting I’m enjoying learning more about colour and what suits us at the moment. Thanks for watching 😊 x

[@julschristey3406]

I love both Billy s on you try a scarf with the gray if you feel colour is off white small tucked in or colours that brighten you xx

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much for the tip 😊 xx

[@hilda5455]

Great topic and great video- thank you for sharing! FYI: put Dawn dish soap on the grease stain and gently rub with an old toothbrush, then let it sit before washing, and your stain should disappear!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you for watching and thanks for the tip 😊 x

[@julieannemooreedwards9909]

Dawn liquid dishwashing soap for the (oil?) stain😉❤️ This was fun! xxoo

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much for the tip and thank you for watching xx

[@fionnualaryan7584]

Thank you. I had to add to the sides of the swim top

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Oh that’s interesting perhaps I should have done that x

[@jamilehbaadarani4740]

U can add a little drop of fairy pop in the washing and it will take the grease ,love that Color ❤

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you for the tip! 😊 x

[@angelanna5381]

I really love those Billie dresses .. might put it on my list for this year if I'm brave enough! Why not try dying the grey one?... just an idea. 😊

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! I'm rubbish at experimenting with dying things I've never dared try it. It's a good idea though. The Billie is a fab pattern if you're a beginner it's very easy to follow despite the fit issues for me x

[@beajannis2968]

Did you ever tried the Lutterloh patterns ? I wish there was somebody making videos of these patterns.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Sorry no I’ve not heard of that pattern x

[@foxeymoore]

So Carol has experimented with this method ,take a look at her videos.

[@girlnextdoorfashion]

I had success once using baking powder on an oil stain on a sweatshirt so that might help with your sweatshirt dress! I’d washed it dozens of times but the baking powder managed to get it out!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! Baking powder is good for so many things isn't it! Thanks for watching xx

[@tracyfrost]

Put baby powder on the oil mark leave it overnight and wash it in cold water.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much for the tip!! x

[@loreliemiller628]

Do you have Dawn dish soap in the UK? It takes out grease like magic!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ooh I’m not sure, I’ve not heard of it but I will look it up thank you xx

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

My worst make was an organic cotton jersey long sleeve tee I sewed for my mum. It has no elastane/spandex and no recovery. Within minutes of putting it on it stretches and grows into a sloppy looking mess, a really disappointing birthday gift.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Oh what a shame! Still, these things always teach us something don't they x

[@dianeovenden]

Hi sally put some cornstarch or flour on the greasy stain for a few hours then shake of excess then( you should have a little white splodge where the cornstarch or flour has soaked up the fat,wash as normal it should come out. 🙂

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much that’s a great helpful tip 😊 x

[@annitreplik2243]

As i'm watching your video I alter a Mandyboattee which is out of viscosejersey 😄😊 it was a dress and is now a tee with added cuffs at the sleeves, let 's see if i'll wear it again 🙄

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Oh how funny, well I hope you do get more wear out of it now! Thanks for watching xx

[@brenholmes4894]

I really like the dress that you feel is a bit too bright for you, but if you aren't comfortable in it, I think I'd cut it down into a top and use the cut off length to make cuffs for the sleeves to lengthen them. It would be be a shame not to wear it, as the colours really suit you. You lead me astray with your Southbank Sweater Dress; I purchased both the pattern and the fabric. Oops :-)

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you for the suggestion I hope I’ll change it somehow to get more wear out of it. Oh dear haha you’ll be hooked on that pattern like me now 😆

[@funkyneeniestuff]

A bit of Dawn on that greasy stain before you toss it in the wash next might work.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much for the tip xx

[@victoriaconstantine-cort3091]

xXX👍👍👍

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

❤️❤️