October Makes: Winning the Race with Slow and Steady Sewing

[@lisagoldring2838]

I think part of the reason the denim dress is such a favorite is because it fits you to perfection. You did a beautiful job with it. Congratulations!

[@denisedorsey2889]

I think 3 involved garments in a month is great! I certainly can’t get that much time in to sew. 😂. Your denim dress is gorgeous on you. The fit is perfect and the color & style suit you. Well done!!❤

[@knottygnome]

yes it felt like a bit of a slog but when i looked back i was pretty pleased with myself.

[@farmwife7944]

Gorgeous makes that were challenging for even the most experienced seamstress, good for you! As far as the instructions in the big 4 patterns, I have been sewing my own clothes for more than 60 years now and my 4-H sewing leader had us use those instructions along with her own guidance for various skills but we were also encouraged to get a comprehensive sewing instruction book to refer to, either from the library or to own. I learned sewing many years before I could access the amazing internet for assistance. I have a few respected sewing books to refer to, favorites are The Reader’s Digest New Complete Guide to Sewing as well as the Vogue Sewing book and I still refer to them when needed before heading to google. You do know that you can successfully construct welt pockets so you should feel confident in using the instructions you used in past projects rather than the ones that are in the instructions. The only issue with picking and choosing methods for constructing various elements is that you should examine pattern pieces prior to cutting them out because you want to make sure you have what is needed to construct something using different methods. With that in mind I keep a folder that has instructions along with pattern pieces. One folder I have is for pocket constructions in various styles and sizes, another is for fly fronts as well as side zipper waistband closures. Collar constructions and their stands have a bulging envelope of pattern pieces in various sizes. Having these pieces and instructions handy saves me from the frustration that you experienced with those pockets.

[@knottygnome]

thank you for the advice. 🙏🏼

[@kathyfaulk710]

Love the denim dress and the green jacket is the perfect color for you!

[@knottygnome]

thank you! that shade of green is one of my favorites.

[@LisaFaiss]

Fantastic makes. Really like the denim dress.

[@lindagreco6709]

It all looks awesome but the dress looks really great. Topstitching is very professional looking.

[@knottygnome]

i do normally love to topstitch. it brings things up another level.

[@nancyhilborn885]

All three look like winners but I ❤ the dress!!! I wouldn't want it shorter either. It's amazing as is. I think it would look just as fab with a ribbed turtleneck sweater under and boots or tights and loafers. You could pop a looser fitting Vneck sweater over it for a relaxed vibe too. A brown woven belt tied instead of buckled would be amazing on it too. So many styling options 😁

[@knottygnome]

ooh a woven belt sounds nice! i should look into getting one.

[@trudyberry3267]

Love your denim shirt dress, it really suits you Sarah and makes you look much taller. The top stitching looks very professional, great job on all your garments.❤

[@knottygnome]

always love when i look taller! 🤣

[@nanrussell6423]

I really like your denim dress. I like the top stitching, and you have gotten it to fit you well. I see many KZbin sewists who need to grade out for their waists and/or hips. Makes me wonder who the pattern maker's block actually fits! Even though the belt loops are for a wide belt, perhaps a skinny leather belt that matched your boots would look good? Anyway, the dress looks perfect on you the way you modeled it. Thanks, Sara.

[@knottygnome]

i will have to try a skinny belt, thanks for the suggestion. i've definitely read that big 4 blocks are still based on the days when people wore foundation garments and were therefore more cinched in at the waist (or just lucky enough to have an hourglass shape). i used to think that was silly but now i only care about them having a consistent block so that i always know what kinds of adjustments i need to make.

[@nanrussell6423]

@knottygnome That makes sense. Thanks.

[@rholt8800]

Love the denim dress and the green pants. I do think the jacket looks too big on your frame, yet if you are happy, that is what counts! I love your pattern reviews and you are a very talented seamstress! Happy sewing!

[@knottygnome]

i've tried the jacket on with thicker layers and i think it'll be even better in colder weather.

[@michelewegman2173]

I like everything you made for October! They all looks so nice on you and fit you perfectly! So, whenever any pattern calls for welt pockets I always use the itch to stitch instructions for the Upland pants.

[@knottygnome]

i definitely could've subbed in other instructions but i have this weird thing where i like to use the instructions as written b/c i like to try different ways of doing things. i learned my lesson on this one though.

[@michelewegman2173]

@knottygnome oh, good idea!!

[@SunShine-000]

Good point about wider leg trousers needing a deeper hem. I’ve seen many jeans with the deeper hem and they really do hang better! ❤😊

[@pollysews]

Oh my goodness, Sara! Absolutely gorgeous garments. I love that you sew so many different pattern companies and cool styles. I totally have sewing envy over your Know Me jacket. And the denim dress - Get Outta Here! 👏👏👏🏆🏆🏆

[@knottygnome]

thanks! i was actually kind of surprised when i realized that everything this month was commercial patterns. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@janfranklin2114]

The green pants , love but that denim shirt dress is perfection !

[@knottygnome]

thank you, Jan!

[@blufaerie]

That topstitching on the denim dress looks FLAWLESS! I love all three garments. Especially the jacket!

[@knottygnome]

Thank you so much!

[@CarolAReece-ii1ry]

Love all 3 makes Sarah, well done !

[@karolmolpus9536]

Always great makes!!!😊

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Those pants are fantastic! The jacket and pants are cute together and will be great as separates. Your denim dress is so flattering. The two wide loops on the front accentuate your waist. It is a perfect denim dress. The dress

[@knottygnome]

Thank you so much! ❤

[@SeamsLikeAGoodIdea]

All these makes are great! My favorite is the denim dress. You look stunning in it.

[@cedar0girl]

I'm SO impressed and inspired. I LOVE the denim dress too! It's classic, beautifully made, fits you to perfection and I'm sure will wear well for years to come ❣

[@knottygnome]

i hope so!

[@jammymommy]

Sara, Sara, Sara!!! That denim dress is SO good!! Looks gorgeous on you❤

[@lindarogers4188]

All your makes are amazing. I can't choose my favorite. They all look professionally done.

[@knottygnome]

thank you very much!

[@maryellenoneill9061]

Wonderful autumn makes. Over the past 5-10 years I’ve really embraced the process of sewing and have learned to enjoy the sew and make more involved garments. Not to say I still enjoy a quick make now and then. Thanks for describing your alterations to the pattern, you really understand your body and the way you want /need your clothes to fit. I believe for welt pockets the do a short self fabric piece on the back where the lining shows and attach a thinner bag below. Bummer about your shrinking garments, so frustrating after putting the time into making them. Happy sewing!

[@knottygnome]

that makes a lot of sense about the welt pockets. i will have to remember that for next time.

[@myinnermagpie]

I love, live, live the pants, jacket, and denim dress. Perfect for your frame and the fit on all three are wonderful.

[@knottygnome]

Thank you so much!

[@rewritingastory]

All are great makes. I particularly love the dress. 😍

[@granjan252]

I love everything you made, but the denim dress is a real winner. You did a nice sewing job and the dress looks fabulous on you!

[@knottygnome]

Thank you very much!

[@sheryllstarr7115]

Your 13:51 dress is so nice. I appreciate watching your channel and techniques. All of your garments are my favorite.❤❤❤

[@knottygnome]

thank you for watching!

[@cindywilson3273]

Sarah it's really hard to pick a favorite because I loved all three. Your construction looked fabulous. Good job on 3 classic pieces I am making several light jackets also but more of the barn style. You helped me want to get started right away.

[@knottygnome]

i'm tempted by the barn jackets too. there might be one in my near future. good luck with yours!

[@myralorraine]

Great work on all your projects! I love saving garments that would have otherwise been lost wherever I can too! Regarding those welt pockets, I think most people find them difficult until they find a process that works for them. It can take some time, but when you find a process you like, they turn out so beautifully! ❤. I say keep trying! Love your work!

[@knottygnome]

thank you for the encouragement!

[@Dianne-ut5vr]

I love your makes and the denim dress is just gorgeous. I don't think it matters how much you make as the things you are making are of really good quality and fit.

[@knottygnome]

i completely agree!

[@Lorij83]

You made three challenging projects. I love your denim dress. It looks very nice and fits you great!

[@knottygnome]

thank you!

[@mygoldencharlie2016]

Your denim dress is absolutely gorgeous on you.

[@knottygnome]

thank you very much!

[@mariontilton8494]

Love all your makes but my favourite is the denim dress. It looks so good on you. Well done.

[@knottygnome]

thank you so much for the kind words.

[@glendavizecky7581]

Beautiful makes! I like the dress the most! Thanks for sharing your makes!

[@knottygnome]

thank you so much for watching!

[@msebik4171]

Great makes Sarah. That denim dress looks fab on you!

[@Craftytutu]

Oh WOW! Your denim dress is absolutely stunning! All the topstitching was definitely worth the effort 😍

[@knottygnome]

thank you! yes, i agree--in the end it was worth it.

[@SewNaturalDane]

Sara these are some great pieces! The LOVE that shade of green for the pants and KnowMe Jacket. Welt pockets trip me up, so I tend not to do them - LOL. I'm definitely a person that prefer cropped or high-hip jackets, so I love how that jacket fits. I'm IN LOVE with that Denim Dress, WOW, I love the shade of denim, I love the fit and the buttons used. The length looks fantastic on you! Great video!

[@knottygnome]

thank you so much, Nateida!

[@moira7083]

Love that dark green colour on you! ❤

[@karolmolpus9536]

Great green pants❤

[@nikkicruzan9901]

That dress is AMAZING. You did an incredible job 🤩🤩🤩. It looks truly tailored for you😍

[@knottygnome]

it's almost like it was made to fit me. 😆

[@clairebuchanan6199]

the dress fits you like a glove! bravo

[@knottygnome]

thank you!

[@cheryl3366]

Great makes, love the green color on you. It's a good color for you.

[@knottygnome]

it's definitely one of my favorites.

[@alannarhodes55]

Your denim dress looks stunning on you and the top stitching details you added are superb! 💙 that is definitely your perfect denim dress!

[@knottygnome]

Thank you so much!

[@whatnow8362]

Love love love that denim dress! That’s exactly what I want to make with some medium wash denim fabric I got at the thrift store for only $2.50. I will have to pick up that pattern.

[@knottygnome]

what a bargain! the pattern is really nice. it was a sew your view pick recently so there's lots of examples of it on IG.

[@kimwelch1113]

The cropped green trench looks really good closed on you.

[@pennyf9886]

that jean dress looks fabulous on you!

[@skyhowie54]

That denim dress is perfection on you!

[@knottygnome]

thank you so much!

[@chocomacchiato7596]

Sukienka jest extra :)

[@knottygnome]

Dziękuję!

[@MaryCunningham-u5j]

Well, you made two more garments than I did last month, and mine was an easy one (S3012, which I am so glad to say worked out perfectly for me). Your projects are all winners - practical, trendy but also timeless (guess that's classic, a little?), well-made, perfectly fitted to you and your taste - basically "bespoke" clothing. Hard to say which I like best as I love dark green but the dress really is incredible on you and oh, it better not shrink!!! Time for a project without topstitching, though, so you can relax a little!

[@knottygnome]

thank you! that hoodie looks very comfy. i am glad it went well for you!

[@dizzyquiltsandsews]

Beautiful projects - that dress is just stunning!!

[@knottygnome]

thank you! it's so funny sometimes how the unplanned projects can turn out the best.

[@threadtherapy251]

The denim dress is perfection! ❤

[@knottygnome]

thank you!

[@nathaliepalladino4128]

Omg I need to make it all! I think that an off white or cream colored linen short jacket would be great for you❤

[@knottygnome]

ooh, that sounds fabulous! i will have to add it to my list.

[@kimwelch1113]

That denim dress is a fantastic look on you.

[@knottygnome]

thank you!

[@Heyreneesews]

That denim dress is beautiful❤

[@knottygnome]

thanks, i appreciate it!

[@nathaliepalladino4128]

Darn great video! Thanks so much!

[@kimwelch1113]

If you have some of the fabric left from the white jeans you could add a cuff.

[@knottygnome]

sadly i do not. great thought though!

[@karolmolpus9536]

Do you pre wash and dry your fabrics?

[@knottygnome]

yes, always. but i recently had to start washing my clothes in hotter temps and a bunch of them have shrunk b/c of it.

[@karolmolpus9536]

That’s horrible 😮

[@robyn3349]

🥲

[@bohemiansusan2897]

Find a tailoring book with welt instructions you like and always do it that way instead of following the pattern. A lot less hassle and you get welt pockets you love. Am working on a white/grey/red/black striped button front shirt with big 70 collar.

[@knottygnome]

i could have done that but i usually like to follow the pattern b/c there are so many different ways to do things and i like to try them all. i won't use big 4 anymore though for this particular application.

[@moira7083]

I have M8139 in my collection but have hesitated making up and so it was really helpful to see how you have approached it. My reluctance is around the narrow skirt - it appeals because A line just makes my hips look enormous (😂) and the tapered look is much better - but is it too tight to sit comfortably in ? I would make it knee length and suspect I would need to just ease out the hip line to give a couple of inches more ease? Any thoughts? Ps love the trousers and as a set, you look very pulled together! Go for it! Thank you for your videos which are always really interesting 😊

[@knottygnome]

i can't really say because the long version having the slit in the back and being open in the front makes a huge difference in the fit of the skirt. this pattern was recently chosen for Sew Your View on IG, so there are a lot of makes that you could look at and compare different views and body shapes. just look up the hashtag #m8139 HTH.

[@carrieyardley822]

NOT TOO LONG

[@knottygnome]

well i haven't tripped yet so you're probably right!