I MADE a dress that looks slimming! Pattern hacking made it perfect on me!

[@ZeldaSews]

I suffer with chronic pain so I understand what you are saying. If I sit for too long, it takes me a while to get back to moving again...and then when I move a lot, I get sore again and the cycle continues.

[@Iamgone1961]

Just saw your thumbnail, you look the bomb in this dress, absolutely gorgeous 👏👏🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺

[@sewquirkymakes9045]

Well done! I’m so glad your desire to sew came back. You look lovely in your dress, it really suits you. I know it’s a pain for you having to do all those adjustments, but it’s good for your subscribers because you pack a lot in and we learn a lot. 👍💕👗

[@Penguinandpear]

That’s good to know. I always want to give value so it helps to know the indepth videos do that.

[@jenniferrobini7500]

This dress looks very good on you. It might have taken a bit of time adjusting but come the summer you will be able to whip one up in no time. We'll done.

[@nyssac2914]

“I would hang it, just for a day or two”… so not the 6+ months mine have been settling for? 😂😂 Thanks for your video, learnt so much about pattern adjusting! (In the past I’ve been making it up as I go, unsuccessfully, instead of taking the time to learn properly).

[@sharoncampbell9022]

Ooh, I had never thought about using masking tape to hold my floaty fabric down! It’s a revelation to me -thank you!

[@tashacano3324]

90% of sewing is the prep work lol. Thanks for sharing your fitting journey with us

[@Angie_grimes1981]

im a 5'11 large woman but i have all belly and no bust lol so somethign like this would be great for me ive always wanted to learn how to make my own clothes but being a bigger woman was always afraid i would make something resembling a tent i think this video has given me the confidence to actually take the plunge and learn to make my own dresses so i no longer have to hide in leggings and baggy tees

[@Penguinandpear]

You can do it! Just to reassure you, being tall is one of the easier adaptions you will need to make. Good luck!

[@elizarock655]

The dress is amazing, the colour and style suit you so well. Love how honest you are about stuff like the seam coming loose. Enjoyed this video thanks. I would love one of those tables.

[@patriciaufferman1533]

I so relate to what you said about how much more you would sew if you could just open a pattern and start sewing. It’s so much work to get to the fun part.

[@kathygann7632]

When I was in high school, I wore a size 12 pattern. My mom was amazed I didn’t measure or fit anything. I just made the pattern as printed and the only thing I measured was the hem. I didn’t appreciate how amazingly wonderful that was. At the age of 73, it doesn’t work anymore.

[@Sososewist]

So glad you came back to sewing. This is a great video, really helpful to me. I love your happy dance when you modeled the dress. Looking forward to more of your videos like this

[@Penguinandpear]

Thank you. This is one of my older videos. My production has evolved since then so have a look at my newer videos for a better idea of what to expect moving forward

[@karenannesley7840]

I just learnt how to make changes to a pattern I have so it will fit me better next time I make it...Thank you.

[@elaineforan4751]

Its amazing to me how half an inch adjustment on the pattern can have such an impact. More inspiration for me.

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

I'm a tall, plus size, large busted woman with a fairly rectangular body shape. It take SO MANY adjustments to get to just the toile stage! It's a lot of frustrating work to get to a finished garment so I really appreciate all the effort of this video. The dress turned out wonderful and the colour really suits you. Congrats on the table, if I wasn't as poor as a church mouse I'd love to get an adjustable table. Being tall with a big bust puts a lot of strain on my back bending over standard height tables.

[@heatherthrone9999]

I don't know what the legs of your table are like, so try this 1. Decide how high you want the table to be. 2. Measure the circonférence of its legs 4 to 6 inches up from the floor. 3. Go to the PVC pipe section of a hardware store (ie Home Depot) & measure the ***inside*** circonférence at the point you think will be the most stable for your table. Ie.- leg 4-6" circonférence 5" + table height required = to the amount from the top of the leg to the floor 40" and you'll get the lenght of each pc of pipe cut needed to elevate your table. ****Most important is the size of overlap of the table leg bottom into the pipe more is best for stabilty. **** I used this method on a card table as an extension when cutting out long pcs of fabric & it worked. Good luck.

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

@@heatherthrone9999 thank you so much! This won't work for the tables I have (hand-me-down antiques with very curvy legs from my grandma) but if I can scrounge up a simpler table I'll give it a go. Great idea!

[@marieg2815]

I got risers from the hardware store. They are meant to raise a bed higher so you can store things underneath. One goes under each leg. I raised my table 8 inches/20 cm. They’re very sturdy.

[@mellie4174]

i'm short triangle plus sized and i never do toiles. I do tissue fitting. I cut out the pieces on tissue paper, cut them out, pin them together and try it on. I make the necessary adjustments and then usually just add in a little on the seams so that if it needs to be bigger somewhere there is fabric there to let it out. You can always make something smaller but not larger. I have never once made a toile. however i do have some super expensive waterfall silk and for that, i will definitely be making a toile. If i had a super complicated dress to make, i would make a toile and i would probably make a toile for pants, but I've never made pants.

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

@@mellie4174 thank you so much! I will try using tissue paper for my next project.

[@valeriebishop561]

Please wear the dress! It's lovely on you.

[@judyhansen6237]

Yay 👊so glad you got your sewjo is back! Also happy that you got a new serger. 😃 If I may give you a few suggestions to make your life a little easier. I noticed there was 3 threads on your serger. So to ensure your seams don’t rip use 4 threads. It’s like sewing the seam then serging. The second is have you heard of tissue fitting? I took a class from Palmer and Pletsch. They also have YT videos and the book that goes along. I can’t tell what an amazing technique that you will no longer need to make toiles. It’s essentially cutting the pattern to your size then pinning it at the seam allowance. Then fitting it to your body like it was a toile. Make adjustments if needed. Then after cutting your fashion fabric pin the fabric to your body and make the necessary adjustments. And no worry you will always have enough fabric for the adjustments as paper is stiff. Then sew it up. This has sped up my sewing tremendously. And now I don’t loose my sewjo since I don’t have to be making so many toiles. Oh and more thing when using slinky fabric spray the fabric with heavy spray starch and your fabric will sew like you’re sewing cotton! Hope these tips can be helpful to you! 😘Your dress looks amazing 🤩

[@Penguinandpear]

Thanks for your tips 1. No I always use four threads - the serger was playing up and one of the threads had broken off without me noticing (I later had to redo some of the stitching). I agree, never use .3 threads for sewing. 2. Yes I’ve tried tissue fitting and didn’t get on with it at all. It’s very hard to do on your own and I get better results with a toile. I used to have the p and p book but recently sold it on as I don’t use it. 3- yes I always use starch spray. I did use it on this fabric but just didn’t mention it as I’ve mentioned using starch spray in lots of other videos. It’s a total game changer.

[@mariontilton8494]

Thank you Claire. I know it's a lot of work & stress for you to do these videos, but you did a great job & the dress looks fabulous on you. Your adjustments were easy to follow & seem to be easy enough. Love the dress, colour & style on you. I loved the black one as well. Thanks again.

[@juliefearnside3104]

I’ve just started sewing a month ago and found you in the midst of learning new things, love your videos, love your dresses. I too suffer from chronic illness so you’re fabulous to watch and inspire me too 🥰

[@annettebroomhall8617]

You need to make yourself a well fitting basic block pattern that you can change to any design you fancy. Cut it apart, add seam allowances to any cut you make and you know it will fit. A real game changer for those of us that don't fit a standard pattern without lots of alterations and toiles. Then when you next get a desire to sew, it is straight to the lovely fabric knowing it won't be wasted

[@Penguinandpear]

Yeah that’s a good idea. I do have plans to try that next year but for the channel my viewers need to see how I adapt patterns out of the packet. Sewalong Videos that don’t involve patterns don’t do very well on my channel and I’m a business so have to do what works.

[@annettebroomhall8617]

@@Penguinandpear True. I was thinking more of you and not about your business. Good luck with everything, health most of all

[@mellie4174]

on fabrics like that, i always do french seaming. it just makes a sturdier seam

[@Penguinandpear]

Although it’s lightweight the fabric is not lightweight enough for French seams. They would add too much bulk.

[@anncasseldine9673]

Thanks for the video, nice to see you sewing again. The dress looks good on you, it’s definitely your colour. I appreciate your clear explanations on how to make adjustments as well.

[@ZeldaSews]

You said you live with the day when you do not have to do those adjustments, but those adjustments make you better at making alterations and produces great looking garments! Have a blessed weekend!

[@anitahaynes6171]

Very happy for you. My Granny, and Mom did sewing on the kitchen table. My sewing space is my bedroom. I think the motivation comes back with wanting it back. Keep sharing .

[@Penguinandpear]

Thank you! I remember my grandmother sewing on the largest of a nest of three side tables. It only fit the sewing machine i don’t know how she did it!

[@gloriags7937]

Thanks for the interesting tips at sewing viscose like fabric! 💐

[@barbarawarner4645]

I spent 58 years sewing in the kitchen or living room. Finally at age 68, I got a sewing room. I’m not sure I like it better. It’s rather lonely..😂. I’ve known friends who sewed standing at the kitchen bar and loved it. I can see it as a back saving option. Glad you got a standing table! Nice dress!

[@Penguinandpear]

Thank you. I used to have a sewing room in my last place and loved it. I get frustrated as I want my lounge to be a lounge and it’s more a sewing room/filming room. Hubby will be wfh moving forward so that won’t change any time soon! I get what you mean about it being lonely!

[@Hagardashery]

I bought a Flexispot table a few months ago to sew on and I absolutely love it! Pain in my neck has virtually gone.

[@Penguinandpear]

That’s great to hear! They’re fab arent they! I feel so fortunate to have mine!

[@lw3396]

The dress turned out so nice. Love your instructions on altering it to your size. That is what I missed when I didn't see you for a while. I love the color on you, beautiful!! Thanks again Claire!

[@stitchandstylebynadia]

Beautiful dress, Claire. I really like seeing your process of adjustments and creating toiles. Thanks for the content. The table looks fab too!

[@Denise11Schultz]

Love this dress! Once again you prove that Know Thyself is the way to get comfortable in your own skin, and in your own dress. Well done!

[@rebawasswass3716]

That dress looks really nice on you. Thank you for sharing.

[@jgsawka]

That dress looks fab on you! I learned a few more fit tips today thanks to you! That table looks like a real back saver!!

[@julibeswick-valentine3690]

I am so glad you got a burst of sewjo. I feel your pain over having to make adjustments and toiles, it can hold me back too. I think that's why I often will make soft furnishings and quilts which are basically measure, cut and sew. Your dress had come out well, the colour and pattern really suit you. That table is a dream, do I need one yes, can I afford it at this moment in time, even at half price, nope. Never mind, I'll keep using my riser blocks.

[@joelphick]

Thank you so much for this video! I will be using it next time I try to make a dress. It looks lovely on you, very flattering and pretty.

[@happytofu5]

All the work was not wasted, the dress really looks awesome on you!

[@EileenR11]

So lovely to see you back making again. I think the dress looks lovely on you - it's a beautiful fabric and really complements your colouring. I think you should make a few more, now you have such a nice pattern. The new table looks great too.

[@Penguinandpear]

If I can find the right fabric in my stash I might! Thank you

[@joanneblair2087]

Love the color and the fabric design. The dress is lovely.

[@cynthiavirissimo457]

I hope you do this type of tutorial again, the information you shared was so valuable. The style of your dress is similar to a beloved dress of mine from 40 years ago ( wow, I can’t believe I just wrote that), and I’d love to recreate it . My body has changed quite a bit, if you can imagine, and your alterations will be so helpful. Thank you and happy 2022!

[@pb6224]

That dress is beautiful. I appreciate your tips using the frog tape for slippery fabric and blocking the fusible interfacing. The adjustments were also helpful as I also need similar adjustments. Thanks for making this video.

[@luvshus]

Love that you got your sewjo back. The dress is very flattering and the color is gorgeous on you. The little dance you did in the dress made me smile, so thank you for sharing your joy 😊

[@lauriepayseur5897]

I think the fabric is just lovely! I learned so much from this video. Thank you! And I’m so (sew) glad you didn’t lose your sewjo. 😍

[@superz1584]

The dress looks lovely on you. You did a good job.

[@confidencebykay]

I can't express how much I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! I have so many of the same adjustments (especially the arms and the belly) and being fairly new to this whole thing, your tutorials, and suggestions are priceless!

[@kimberlygray227]

Good job, Claire. I appreciate you showing how you make your adjustments. I would probably make it 2-3 times if I got that great of a fit.

[@Angela10226]

I tell you all the time how much I appreciate these types of videos because I learn so much from them however I don't want you to feel like you have to do more than you can in order to produce a video. That fabric is beautiful and I love what you did with the tape to secure it to the table I will be using that trick the next time I make something with viscose or anything like that. You're very lucky to be gifted a table like that I need one that goes up and down because of back pain too, but that is way to much money to spend even with that awesome discount., But I'm very happy for you to get it!

[@Penguinandpear]

Thank you!! Yes I consider myself fortunate to get the table. Nice to feel all the work of the channel is starting to pay off. Appreciate you saying to not do more than i can manage.

[@gwenethgeorge908]

I am so happy you got your sewing spirit back, there are times when I don't even go in my sewing room for months. You are an inspiration to many, keep up the good work and looking forward to more good things Happy sewing.

[@tmo.48]

Thought I was the only one. I don't feel so fickle now❤

[@Joy1957K]

Lovely ! You really suit that colour and style. Thank you. 🥰👍👏👏👏😙🇦🇺

[@kacoa532]

Claire, thanks for sharing the process you went through. Your dress looks lovely and I cannot wait to see the knit version as well as your test pattern garment.

[@karolmolpus9536]

You are such a great teacher! Thank you 💓

[@shelliehood1943]

Great video. Loved watching your process. The dress looks great on you!

[@laurafarrer328]

Hi Claire, loved seeing the alterations you made to your pattern. Very useful. This is a really good pattern and it looks great on you. I am wary of waisted garments (pronounced apple shape) but this dress works really well. Thank you, X😊 from Sydney

[@dianemontavon5670]

I love your showing us the adjustments. I love the green fabric and this dress is very nice looking on you. Very cute. Glad your back to sewing.

[@cherylp.3347]

A lot of work for you, but that was great to see how you made those adjustments Claire! I’m very similar in shape to you, at least to the waist so I need the same adjustments. You’re exhausted before you even get to fun part of sewing! What a beautiful fabric! I wore a green top and got so many compliments that day, I guess green is my color but I never buy green fabric. I need to change that. The dress is great on you, I’m considering getting the pattern.

[@Penguinandpear]

Green is very popular at the moment but it’s a great colour because it’s so bold.

[@valclements7092]

Hi Claire, all the changes you made to the pattern were worth the effort. That fabric is gorgeous and looks fantastic on you. Val❤️🇨🇦🇬🇧

[@victoriahannah1633]

The dress is really beautiful and it looks great on you. I find it frustrating too at how many steps I go through to sew something but I just tell myself that it’s part of the sewing process and I just try to enjoy it. The table looks awesome also. I’m finding I have to sit for sewing and ironing due to back pain. I do fine with walking but standing in one place takes a toll on my back. The tutorials on getting your pattern ready and sewing are much appreciated. I followed your tutorial on making bias tape & it turned out great. Happy Sewing .

[@Penguinandpear]

That’s great to hear about the bias tape. I’m the same with standing. I do find only eating natural foods reduces inflammation but so hard to do.

[@cathyswope5174]

The dress turned out so well, looks great on you!

[@charlenerogers4630]

Yes sewjo back. The dress came out beautiful. One of the reasons I quit sewing clothes is because they didn't fit and I didn't know how to make adjustments and toiles. Maybe I'll try again because of your making and showing how to do them.

[@Penguinandpear]

Thank you. Making garments fit can seem like hard work (it is!) but it’s worth it to feel confident in our clothes. Good luck you can do it!

[@sandrahaigh2976]

I wear maxi dresses in the summer, and this pattern looks good for extending into a maxi. 💞

[@terrivanharen955]

Hi Claire. Great video! I think that would be a lovely dress for Christmas 🎄

[@saraalicea3363]

Appreciate your tips, thanks ♥️

[@tmo.48]

That material truly is beautiful ❤. Finished product......adorable ❤

[@amandaslamm5703]

Thank you!!! I really like seeing your process. I learned a few things as I do with all project videos. I hope these type of videos stay a part of your channel - even if a smaller part. It is Thanksgiving here - so I will say that I am thankful for your work.

[@michellecornum5856]

YAY! SEWJO! It's a pretty dress. I've come across naughty fabrics like this before, that will ravel through a serge. Pesky. LOve the new table!!

[@julieottaway177]

I have never been able to use a pattern out of the packet so I draft all my own now it is so satisfying to create your own x

[@heatherthrone9999]

You look lovely in the color and design of this dress a product of all that hard work upfront. Yeah!

[@auntyv]

I love Style Arc patterns. Directions are easy to follow, they come in a big variety of sizes, the styles are beautiful, and the printed patterns are on thick paper that really holds up to some abuse. I've already made 4 of their patterns, two of them more than once - a hoodie in both fleece and Dbl-brushed poly.

[@Penguinandpear]

If you’re experienced, then I can see this but they’re not good beginner patterns. The directions are sparse and they are drafted really badly for plus sizes.

[@julieottaway177]

It looks lovely on you. You should wear it out you would get such lovely comments and that will boost your confidence x

[@angelikaminer8457]

I so enjoyed watching how you made the adjustments to the pattern. My measurements are exactly like yours. I also have a sway back. So now I have a much better understanding of how to make adjustments. You made it seem so easy. Thank you.

[@AnnSchuster-u9m]

The colour is gorgeous.

[@kateybug092]

I loved when it was just the top. It is so cute when you first tried it on!

[@vintagegirl68]

It's beautiful. I would wear it anywhere. It's so pretty and you look great in it!

[@katieg2161]

What a fascinating process! I’ve not seen grading and adjustments like that before. The work is definitely worth it tho. The result is fabulous!

[@patrysnel1392]

I'm a huge fan Claire! Thank you so much for the effort you've put into making this video.. I've learned a lot watching you're videos..greetings from South Africa 😊

[@lw3396]

I have that table, too, and I love it! also, the masking tape idea is great, to hold down fabric that likes to move on me. Thanks again!

[@TheWanderingSewist]

I just love this video! It's so good to see you sewing and making adjustments to a pattern. I am also plus sized and a beginner sewist so when I see you making these adjustments it really helps me in my own sewing journey. That new table is amazing! I don't have a cutting table where I can stand so I use my rolling office chair and a lower table and just roll around it as I'm cutting. It has been working ok for now.

[@jenismith466]

Hi Claire, I loved this video, and I learnt soo much,. I know it's quite an old one but I am newish to you tube and am an old dog learning new tricks, 🤣🤣🤣

[@felicitygee381]

I like that dress, it suits you really well and is the kind of thing I like to wear. If I can face the toile/adjustment stage and fabric fiddling, I would love to give it a try in the new year. Thanks for the demonstration. Also, hope you had a merry Christmas and have a happy 2022. Xx

[@pillfinken]

Great to see your videos again, totally understand your need for a break! Love your energy and happy to see your content again!

[@lesleyberry5000]

the table looks a good one. I shall tell my husband doubt i will get one though. I also love the frog tape tip,. i have to do fbas and add a bit too..im fed up always having to add sizes to patterns as well. i see a nice dress and it always comes 2 sizes less..most annoying...i love the dress and the colour .thankyou xx

[@Penguinandpear]

Check out my plus size patterns videos for inspo on companies that do bigger sizes. It’s very frustrating!

[@sharonwinter4004]

Fab dress great to see you back and looking so well.

[@melindabanning4497]

I do like this dress and I think color is beautiful. I like to simple alterations, it helps me keep learning.

[@karenclement743]

It looks LOVELY on you.

[@hollyhock4160]

Very well explained and demonstrated tutorial. It’s important to know when some adjustments need made then it can be done….. it just takes patience but then the pattern is always ready from then on! The dress looks really lovely on you; good color and style.

[@jenniferlindsay6227]

Wow! Love it. As someone else with an ample body you really inspire me 🥰

[@patgottshalk8808]

Great video showing your process. Dress looks great on you and the color is spot on.

[@dipsy552]

I know exactly what you mean. I also feel like the process to get to the actual sewing can suck your sew-jo. I have this cut out right now and 🤞🏾 because I did not toile 🤦🏾‍♀️. Lilli from frocksandfroufrou has made this in a knit and it looks great. I think she said it was a modern jersey....

[@Penguinandpear]

The Olivia dress pattern?

[@dipsy552]

@@Penguinandpear yes

[@Penguinandpear]

Thank you that’s good to know. Good luck with yours, it’s not badly designed I’m quite particular about how I like it to sit so hopefully you’ll be okay. Let me know how you get on!

[@dipsy552]

@@Penguinandpear thank you! I'm still new to garment sewing so sometimes I'm not sure what adjustments I need so I found this quite helpful. I didn't even realize I could lengthen the sleeves!

[@Penguinandpear]

Oh yes you can lengthen or shorten. How you do it may differ on the pattern but as there was hardly any sleeve and only wanted to add an inch I did it that way. If I wanted a longer sleeve I’d have extended it that was maybe 2-3 inches then created a separate rectangle to add onto the existing piece

[@vickirees4965]

I really enjoyed this video. I am very much a pattern as is dress maker, so learning how to alter the neckline and sleeve was very, very useful. Thank you.

[@deborahhemlow]

That dress looks fantastic on you!

[@debbiestuttgen1825]

Love the dress! I can't tell you how much your alterations help the rest of us. Just a thought, maybe giving yourself a pass on garment construction took the pressure off and therefore made sewing fun again. Just saying.

[@Penguinandpear]

Maybe it will just got to find time for it. My energy is very limited so need to focus my energetic time on the channel.

[@ritafairclough6470]

That fabric looks great with your black cardigan and tights. Well done I also have to change my patterns at least 3-4 times it such a drag

[@newcreations1064]

The dress turned out lovely Claire,so helpful to see how to do the alterations.Your new table is great,would help my back so much.Thank you for sharing.hugs xxJean

[@laurigiese8885]

I really appreciated it too and the neck arm gerth adjustment and reduction really helped me with my fit problems. The necks alway gape because I need a 44dd bust and then it's too sloppy . But if I size down and do a FBA the sleeves get to tight. Thanks for the great tutorial

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

New viewer here, from Lansing, Michigan, USA. I want to sew for a beloved friend with a similar shape to you. I will be teaching her to sew, too. What is Frock Tape??? I worked at JoAnn Fabrics for 4 years and have been sewing since1965. I haven’t seen green paper tape except painters tape.

[@tmo.48]

Same thing. I think she said Frog tape, which is painters tape❤

[@louisasmith3430]

You did well on making your dress. So proud of you. The troils worked. I would love to see more of you working on your troils. Thanks ☺️

[@Penguinandpear]

Thank you. I always try to include them because it gives a before and after to the process of hacking the pattern. I’m glad they’re useful. Check out my other makes videos to see the toile process in them. The remy raglan video and the Bardon dress videos are good examples. Happy sewing!

[@julieottaway177]

I wish I had the room for your table I live in a one bed bungalow it is very small all of my sewing is done on the table in my living room and moved or rearranged so I can eat on the plus side I live alone so the mess doesn't matter x

[@Penguinandpear]

My home is tiny also I’d love to have a cozy lounge. One day maybe lol 😂

[@kathygann7632]

Love the table. Thanks for sharing.

[@juliehale9491]

I made the Style Arc Montana pattern which I love. I made it with a woven fabric and then thought it would look good in a jersey so I made it in a viscose jersey nd I turned out great. No alterations were needed. So I think your going to like your dress in a jersey.

[@Penguinandpear]

Thank you that is good to know. I’m very low on jersey fabrics so hopefully Santa will pull out the stops! If not the January sales here I come!

[@gammayin3245]

Pretty dress - you look beautiful in it! Well done!!

[@EyeWYT]

Oh my gosh AMAZING video!!! So helpful!!! Gorgeous!❤️Thank you!!! 😻❤️🥰

[@marigoldmirror5194]

Beautiful dress! You look lovely as always.

[@neonbunny5249]

Love the dress! Thank you for being so honest.