Recycling Rosie: Making a 1940s Air Raid Suit...From Towels!

This pattern was a long time goal, but of course I had to add a twist! This is the Phyllis 1940s Air Raid Suit by Wearing History, with some of my own modifications to meet my own requirements (and those of my fabric). Also called a “boiler suit” or “siren suit”
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📸 The 'Gram: / making.seams.meet
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🧵The Pattern:
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In this video, I sew my very own Rose the Riveter Air Raid Suit from World War 2. This was a style of onesie (or one-piece suit) that was common during WW2 during air raid (hence the name "siren suit") because it could be put on quickly over one's pajamas as you rushed to your nearest air raid shelter. Winston Churchill really helped make this look famous with his luxurious, tailored siren suits -- really just a redesign of the “boiler suit” -- and it was also pretty famous as the look of "Rosie the Riveter" although if we're going to be true to history, the iconic Rosie image is not actually Rosie the Riveter, but rather the Westinghouse Electric Woman, but (as often happens with history), things have gotten a bit muddled over time, and most people now relate the iconic "We Can Do It" image with the name Rosie the Riveter.
Anywho, back to the point: following a similar path as the boiler suit, siren suits were convenient attire for World War II. They were loose-fitting and comfortable with pleats for easy movement. They also had large and accessible pockets, and were secure with belts and zippers. Churchill originally did not directly associate the siren suit with German air raids and, instead, called them “romper suits.” Churchill wore his romper suits regularly and after the British public caught on, they associated the suit with German air raids because of how easy they were to put on over everyday clothes and how comfortable they were when hiding in air raid shelters. I have an entirely different purpose for mine, although the mobility and comfort factors should come equally in handy here! I’ve also seen them called boiler suits!
#boilersuit #sirensuit #rosietheriveter

[@ruthkirkparick3535]

OK -- got to the reveal... and I love it. Given the rationing during wartime, I think the "hodge podge" is not only well planned and looks great, it's absolutely appropriate for a war era garment.

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you!! The comments section seems pretty split between loving it and... well, not... but I actually really like that it makes the shape of the pockets stand out. I feel like it kinda highlights them, and I like that effect, plus I agree that it feels very in the spirit of war-time rationing!!

[@TealCheetah]

That happy muddy corgi was a treat

[@ShannonMakes]

...it may have been my favorite part to edit XD

[@brigboss]

Well.... so, no more muddy corgi ? No more wandering on rainy days ?

[@SnappyDragon]

I love how the reveal is basically "hey, everyone admire Shannon doing cool athletic things!"

[@ShannonMakes]

And I will absolutely pretend that that's an artistic decision rather than an absolute lack of time to film anything/anywhere else XD

[@TealCheetah]

Towels were an interesting experiment. "Shannon, you're so cheap" That made me cackle

[@ShannonMakes]

oh goodness, you should have seen my reaction in real time... I almost died of cackling (my boss knows me well, and meant it with very good intentions, so it was taken very light-heartedly and in good humour!)

[@SewBiased]

Fun fact, serging is a totally valid, historically accurate technique, has been around since the 1890s, and was used a lot in the 1940s to save fabric!

[@ShannonMakes]

Nice! Yea, I guess my desire to redo it but following the instructions was also just from a feeling that, by serging it, I took the shortcut/easy way out, and that it'd be fun to try some more complicated techniques... but for this project, that serger saved my life, and I feel no shame for using it to Get The Thing Done XD

[@kieraoona]

Muddy taptap feets, sewing content, reusing fabrics for a cozy look...10/10 awesome video!

[@ShannonMakes]

Muddy taptap feets (and accompanying ASMR) are literally my fav part of this project!! Thanks for watching

[@kieraoona]

@@ShannonMakes Thanks for the inspiration! Once I can get back to sewing by machine (I can't sew at the machine for a bit due to a shoulder injury so I've only been hand sewing), I might make one myself (maybe not out of towels but I definitely have enough cotton)

[@haakdraakje]

Nice touch, ussing the selfedge of the towel! 👍

[@ShannonMakes]

Yes! Thank you!

[@FantasticalFolliesCostuming]

Fun! I love watching you problem solve. Battle of the bulk, indeed. Despite the pitfalls, it does look rather comfy! And the logic behind using terry for warmups is solid. Also, you make me so ashamed of how bad my splits have gotten since I stopped teaching dance 😳😂 I need to rectify that.

[@ShannonMakes]

Yes, I think this project was both a triumph and full of lessons to be learned - not quite a outstanding success, but far from a failure too. And hey, it's super comfy! Now just cross your fingers that I have enough weight in my luggage to carry it back home at the end of the contract!

[@anthonygeorge3689]

This is extremely cute, and I'd imagine it could also come in handy at the beach. The contrast is really well done. I might have boo'd at the puns in this one, in the midst of laughing 😂😂😂

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you! It's funny that you mention the beach, when I was much younger I sewed myself a pair of towel pants to be worn after getting out of the pool/water, and while it was kinda a good idea, the problem is that, inevitable the butt gets quite soggy from sitting down, and then you can't just shift the wet spot around like you can a normal towel, and you're stuck sitting in a perpetual wet spot 🫤

[@taytribe806]

Now I want to make a (much simpler) variation of this to replace basically all my current uses for towels 😂😂

[@bonniecolleenpappin8807]

Amazing! Too bad it's so heavy. I really like the back pockets and I think the whole thing works pretty well. Congratulations! And thanks for sharing.

[@ShannonMakes]

Thanks so much! The good thing about it being heavy, at least, is that it helps with the warm up!! Thanks for watching

[@TinaSpencer-mr1cp]

Ha! Cheap = creative and resourceful! 😁

[@nathalieslachmuylders]

Yay flightsuit!!!!!!!!!!!!! Double yay, you're possibly going to make this pattern again! I loved the mockup as soon as I saw it: it works really well on you. 10/10 for thinking out of the box and the interesting facts you've brought into the light about towel sewing: Ikea/bad - creative bulkresolutions - weight etc. While it has a soft onesie quality and not the tough and crisp character of a flightsuit, but due to colour and your considerate construction (lapels, buttons, very successful shoulders) and I think even due to the contrasting belt and pockets and collar: I do still think it looks more relaxed Rosie than furry animal onesie. The ribbed texture on the back looks very cool. I wonder if this pattern works well on multiple bodytypes: I am thinking of making this pattern too but am very hourglassy and short torso-ed. The video is so well set up and the premise so creative, you're honestly up there with the best!!

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you for such a thoughtful and complimentary comment! I do definitely think, the more I wear it and look at the photos, that I actually like the contrast, because I like that it highlights those features (belt, pockets, collar), and otherwise they might tend to blend in a lot and be overlooked. Re: the pattern looking good on a more hour-glass type figure, I'd say to look at what features of clothing you like the most in your own wardrobe/makes you feel the nicest, and see how to incorporate that into the jumpsuit - play with where you place the belt, how much it cinches the jumpsuit, does it have long sleeves, or is more of an over-all style pattern, do the legs start baggy and then taper down, as in the original pattern, or is more of a straight line all the way down more appealing to you, etc. I'm glad you're enjoying the channel, thanks so much for watching

[@haakdraakje]

I defintely would embellish the mock up and weer it.

[@ShannonMakes]

It would need some serious embellishment at this point (and a good washing... it still smells a bit like cigarette smoke from it's previous owners 😶‍🌫️)!

[@dusteverywhere2665]

THIS TURNED OUT SO CUTE!!!! i recently bought something similar with short sleeves and i wear it every chance i get

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you! And I definitely think a short-sleeved version would get a lot of wear from me too, especially in summer months

[@ShannonMakes]

What do you think? Creative color-blocking, or mismashed color eyesore?!

[@haakdraakje]

It’s oké but i think it would be nicer in 1 colour.

[@jackiejames4551]

I like the color blocking. I think it adds interest to the jumpsuit.

[@katecapek3116]

I like the blocking, but all one color would be more historically adequate.

[@ShannonMakes]

for anybody who'd like to see the closest extant example I've seen regarding use of color, the Imperial War Museum has an example that's dark blue with light blue trim/lining on the hood (yes, it has a hood!!!), the belt, and the piping!

[@FantasticalFolliesCostuming]

I don't mind the colorblocking! You've done it in a way that looks intentional, though maybe only two colors would look a little more cohesive. But they're warmups 🤷‍♀️

[@katecapek3116]

Sooooo. CYUTE! That said, I don't think I'll try that one just yet.

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank YOUTE! You can always use it as an eventual goal (or find simpler versions; I think Butterick has a similar pattern that I imagine is less complicated/directed at modern sewists)

[@ello_verity7667]

Heckin cute! But if it’s too heavy for working out, maybe it will have to find a different life as a house suit or similar 🤔 Great work and as always hugely fun to watch ☺️

[@ShannonMakes]

Yes, definitely!! And I was thinking about it, sometimes we actually end up in quite cold situations (i.e. a tent in Germany or Switzerland in December, or an overly air-conditioned convention center in the States), and it would be perfect for those situations - the weight would actually be a big bonus! So hopefully I have enough room in my suitcase to get it back home with me, so I can keep using it, cuz yea... I do really enjoy it!! Thanks for watching and commenting, I'm glad you had fun!

[@shelleymonson8750]

I think it turned out quite cute! I have been planning to make this same pattern, *with* the drop seat, but out of corduroy, and modifying it to look more like a different model of siren suit.

[@ShannonMakes]

Nice!! I have two different fabrics lined up to do this pattern again in two slightly different styles too! Green canvas and flowy lilac rayon :-)

[@elinor7175]

I think it’s hecka cute! And if it doesn’t work for warmups as you’d like, you could always wear it to walk and wash a stinkin cute muddy puppy! 😍 Also your boss 😂 😂😂

[@ShannonMakes]

Oooh, dog washing uniform... I love the idea! (and yes, my boss is a gem... he's genuinely a great guy)

[@musicandbooklover-p2o]

The Air Raid Suit, according to mum the only piece of clothing that can make a model look like a sack of spuds. She and her sister were given one each for Christmas one year - and mum was curvaceous and no more than a UK size 6 at the time [this was towards the end of the war when the doodle bugs were coming over, they passed over where mum lived] while her older sister and foster sister were no more than a size 8 at the time [both were older]. Yet all three looked like sacks of spuds wearing them and thought them hilarious. From memory mum's mother and sister transformed them into separate trousers and tops for them all which they wore for years afterwards when working in the potato fields or the garden.

[@ShannonMakes]

I dearly hope you're not telling me I look like a sack of spuds?! (even if you were, which I doubt, I don't even mind, this thing is so comfy, and I even find it kinda cute!!) That's a pretty neat story though, all joking aside, and it's lovely that the story has survived through the years (longer than the air raid suits, from the sound of it)!! Thanks for watching :-)

[@musicandbooklover-p2o]

@@ShannonMakes It looks good on you but both mum and her sisters were short - around 5' in fact - so anything like this does them no favours. And when worn by older women who weren't so slender after x number of kids etc really didn't look that great (nor did Churchill to be fair). I think they were originally designed to be comfortable to slip on over nightwear when they had to spend a night in the shelters [or the tube stations in London] and they would have been incredibly practical for this. Especially for kids but also for the parents to quickly slip into.

[@MonaSkovJensen]

I think it looks really really cool! The reveal was epic!

[@ShannonMakes]

I'm glad you enjoyed it... it was a bit of a last-minute, time crunch-induced reveal, so I'm glad that it was entertaining :-D

[@jenniferh8693]

I love this pattern, especially the collar, shaping and action back. It looks great! ❤

[@janinemeier7201]

I was seriously skeptical about the bulkiness of the fabric. I knew you would make the placement of the blues work. The end result is adorable. My respect only grows with each video and you have inspired me to try some new techniques.

[@ShannonMakes]

🥰🥰

[@KHomestead]

Oh dang! I'm sitting home sick with flu and now really want a towel jumpsuit to lounge in 🤩

[@ShannonMakes]

Oh, noooo, that's no fun! I agree that a towel jumpsuit would be perfect for you right now... hope you feel better soon!

[@LisaOuwersloot]

I love it. And it looks like a siren suit too (the pjs women wore to the air raid shelter at night). I think it’s fun, clever, and it looks cuddly too.

[@susiesernaker2180]

I love how it turned out! It’s very flattering, too! Off to add another pattern to my shopping list 😁

[@ShannonMakes]

Yay! Thank you! And yes, can recommend this pattern to your shopping list (with the caveat, of course, that it's a best for intermediate or advanced sewists/seamstresses)

[@maryjanebaxter7767]

I think it looks really fantastic - your patience is admirable! I like the way that the paler pockets almost look like a skirt or apron. It's a win!

[@jeannechapman2696]

The color blocking looks great! Perfect example of wartime rationing. It's very figure flattering too although that was not a goal.

[@ShannonMakes]

Totally agree! Thank you!

[@hepcatliz]

that stretch at 6:18, it made all of my muscles tense, but oh wow I bet it feels amazing! 😅🤔 eta: now THAT is a leisure suit! it turned out great! makes me think of long weekends out at the lake, very cozy

[@ShannonMakes]

hehe, thank you! And yes, definitely very cozy 💙💜💙

[@cherylhuot4436]

I find it amazing your seams are so flat and the garment has the squared off look it’s supposed to have, using TOWELS! Well Done! I understand your frustration with the bulk of the tucks, darts and such. As for the color locking, that totally a personal choice. I think it turned out fantastic but agree, doing it with a proper fabric is a good idea.

[@ShannonMakes]

I see you fully appreciate the challenges that came with this project! I already have the fabric for two more versions of this (sneak peek in my Fabric Warehouse tour and fabric haul), and I’m excited to see how the three garments compare!

[@judithcjames5316]

YOU R Innovative, creative, economically efficient, recycling responsible, effectively reducing waste!🎉🎉🎉 VS cheap !

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you 🥰🥰

[@gnviev]

It is so nice on you. You are so talented.

[@ShannonMakes]

Merci bcp d'avoir regardé! 💪💪

[@jerrycratsenberg989]

Wow! and Yikes! I was trained as a tailor/seamstress from he age of almost five years old. My grandmother made her living as a seamstress for her entire life. There were no granddaughters, so being the oldest grandchild, an "unruly, impudent, saucy" little boy, (my grandmother's words) I was all that she had to work with. I came to idolize my grandmother. I sat by her side nearly every day for two and one half years and nearly every day I learned something new. She was going blind from macular degeneration (a genetic malady that I inherited from her, but today there is treatment. There was no treatment in 1951)and I began just threading needles for her. By the time I was seven years old I could sew, completely by hand, an entire suit of clothes for a woman or a man. When you showed the towel fabric you would be using for this pattern (to my knowledge, my grandmother always cut her own newspaper patterns from sketches she would make), I almost screamed NO! However, you did a remarkable job with the materials at hand and I even think that my grand mother would be impressed. Thank you for sharing bits of your adventurous life with us. As a somewhat coincidental identity with you, when I finished my stint in the Army, in the 1960's, I worked for a while making putting my sewing skills to good use making old school canvas Bog Top circus tents. Thanks again!

[@thizizliz]

Just a thought; canvas painter's cloths (very affordable) would also work. This looks great for winter though and it's super cute!

[@kathysunshine699]

It looks perfect for a cold winters day, inside and still be able to work!❤

[@ShannonMakes]

Yes, totally! It really is!!

[@cherylf7333]

I think this works! Though I can definitely also see like a lightweight/chill at home version in like a rayon/viscose (my first thought was linen but those wrinkles...). I love seeing all of the backstage bits and I'm so curious-does your theater have a full sewing setup because your show has costumers on staff? or do people make their own costumes? Also how much of your night do you spend "waiting" vs time you're actually on stage?

[@ShannonMakes]

Yea, I think a slinky version of this would be stunning (I've seen period versions that have a hoodie too, which are super tempting!!) So our theater has a head costumer who does all the costumes for our cast as well as the cast of at least 2 other productions under the same umbrella company. She is full time, and brings in other people to help her when she is doing the costumes for the next season's shows (which, coincidentally is right now).

[@infamoussphere7228]

@@ShannonMakes I'm also curious as to what your general daily schedule is! Just roughly - if your shows are at night that presumably could be a very long time staying awake! Do you get up late? When do you go to bed?

[@ShannonMakes]

@Infamous Sphere and @Cheryl Fitzgerald I feel like both of you would enjoy my monthly vlogs, because that's exactly the kind of stuff that I will be slipping in there - a bit more personal stuff/backstage glimpses, and what goes into the performance side of my life! But in short, the amount of free time I have backstage varies between some small chunks and one longer chunk. And on workdays, I don't get home until after midnight, usually get up around 6:15 am, and often take a nap... but when I don't have work, I go to bed at 10 pm like the grandma that I am deep down in my soul XD

[@Emmajen]

Such a cool project haha. So amused by your towel flight suit. Maybe bring it to the pool/beach? 🤣 Also your voice is really lovely to listen to. 😊

[@ShannonMakes]

Thanks so much! 😊 The thing about towels as beach wear (coming from someone who made towel pants as a child for exactly this purpose) is that it seems like a good idea, but the reality is that you end up walking around with a permanent wet spot (usually on your butt) that you can't just, like... shift the towel around to a different, dry spot. So in reality... not actually great for pools and beaches 😭😭

[@tiffanytomasino335]

I think it turned out well. I’m a fan of color contrast and the pockets add depth I think, instead of the alternative which would have left you a giant blueberry. And, should you ever be in need of a warm garment sans outside heat source I think you’re covered! I kinda love that you’re boss wanders in to just see what you’re up to. Like: time to head home but let’s investigate shenanigans (Shannon-igans?) first. Thank you for sharing!

[@ShannonMakes]

I mean, I like giant blueberries, but I agree that I'm actually a fan of the multi-colored option! I kinda like that the pockets especially pop! (also, yes, everyone says Shannon-igans in my family :-P )

[@bethanyhundleyornjklloojjj3654]

I think the colors look great. I try to use recycled materials too (sheets being my favorite), so I'm always dealing with creative pattern placement and fabric shortage.

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you! Nice to meet a fellow upcycler 😊💪

[@roxanneash4091]

Why do I have so many towels?.... Dog montage that every dog owner can relate to. 😂 🤣🤣

[@ShannonMakes]

Omg, right? She the smallest corgi ever, and yet most springs, it feels like there aren’t enough towels in the world… 😂😂

[@BethAge95]

Love the idea and the execution! Think the suit looks really cool and comfortable! Sparks new ideas for making lounge wear out of old towels instead of just using them for removing make up :)

[@ShannonMakes]

Yes! Thank you, glad you enjoyed it, and it's literally one of my fav garments in my wardrobe (even if it has a very specific use case)!!

[@SandExperiment]

I want more towel experiments now 😂

[@ShannonMakes]

Right!?! 🤣 I guess that means it was a successful video!

[@ingeniouspixie]

I LOVE this jumpsuit and always have!! The colour blocking is perfect and i think the idea of using towels was brilliant. Although I can see how using the thinner terrycloth version is a better idea for those of us who want to recreate your vision! Such a fun video. Thanks! ❤

[@ShannonMakes]

Thanks so much! 😊 Definitely a thinner terry cloth would make for an easier reproduction process!

[@elainebye9090]

I love how the overall turned out! It looks plenty cohesive, not chaotic. However. I can see the a more conventional fabric would be easier to wear. Great video!

[@ShannonMakes]

I totally agree! Thank you!!

[@theplussizecostumer]

It's so stinkin' cute! I love it!

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you! 😊 I'm pretty darn happy with it too, despite some struggles XD

[@conniesharrett2056]

And it turned out super cute!

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you!!

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Looks great. Good to see that you can work out in it. I really need to do more stretches my flexibility is horrid!

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you! Yea, it's super comfy to move in, the only thing is that, since the crotch of the pants is lower than the anatomical crotch, when doing things like leg kicks or splits, the pants get quite shortened and reveal a good chunk of the ankle, but I usually wear socks anyways, so it doesn't really bother me!

[@nadinewagstaff9854]

❤❤❤love ur work and girl u r brave thanks so much for sharing

[@lesliemckinley9615]

What a challenge! Well done.

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you!! 💪

[@bowerbirdstyle7661]

I love it The colours highlight the construction. I'm tempted to make a version for around the house in winter - I have 5 thin navy blue towels.

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you, and yes, definitely go for it!! Very comfy!

[@p0etrygh0st]

So fun and a bit crazy

[@glendasmith7507]

You did an amazing job on this!

[@lizzaturnbull]

Well done! I have to admit, when you said you were going to use towels - I did wince! I could just imagine trying to wrangle all the bulk! You managed it really well though! I have made the Wearing History Overalls out of curtains recently - they are very well written and easy to follow patterns 👍🏻👌🏻🥰

[@ShannonMakes]

Oooh, those ones are super cute too!! 😍😍💪

[@fannyduvillage]

Love the pattern and your way of using towels. I am curious what fabric will come next. A big whoof from Miko to you and Canelle!

[@ShannonMakes]

well there are some upcoming projects that might demand specific fabrics, but regarding recycled fabric, I must follow the whims of the dumpster gods XD (and hiiiiii to Miko, the Goodest Boi)

[@Krise343]

Adorable!

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you! 🥰🥰

[@cherylrosbak4092]

Right now cheap goes hand in hand with socially responsible, so go you! I actually like the hodgepodge nature of the colours and textures, and if I ever get around to making this one (I need a coverall for woodworking) I might take some inspriration from yours. Not the towel, part, though.

[@ShannonMakes]

Yea, agreed that the towels would be less than ideal for woodworking! BUT the pattern itself is pretty nice, would recommend!!

[@jenniferchristiansen2040]

That was great fun to watch! Thank you.

[@ShannonMakes]

My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it!

[@dawnjohnson8739]

I think you are simply awesome!

[@ShannonMakes]

Wow, thank you!! 💪💪💪

[@er66an]

Beautiful

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you!

[@beatrizmedina_mabe]

I loved the final result. And I also love to see Shannon "doing cool athletic things" as SnappyDragon says!

[@ShannonMakes]

Awww, thank you!! 🥰🥰 Did you come over from her "corsets weren't torture" video?!

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

After seeing the finished product I'm kinda tempted by this pattern, not gonna lie. I absolutely destroy my clothing at work (I'm cheap too so I keep patching my work pants till there's not enough left to hold the patches together), and since I don't seem to have much of a waist anymore maybe this might work either for workwear or if it's comfy enough, home lounging (I love my polarfleece pj pants but I would like to start using more environmentally less disastrous fibres).

[@ShannonMakes]

I have fabric already lined up for two more versions of this because I live the pattern so much (just need to find time to make it🤣)!! Highly recommend!

[@lafken2]

I think it looks great, tbh. Hopefully you can still get some athletic use out of it in the colder months? If not, at least it looks like a fantastic option for lounging around with full range of motion 👌

[@ShannonMakes]

It’s actually on contract with me right now!!

[@rd6203]

2:45 face is life 22:10 is also Life

[@rd6203]

28:52 😄

[@rd6203]

29:08: 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@ShannonMakes]

what I'm getting from this is that you'd probably enjoy our "Weekly Walk" segment in my monthly vlogs 😆🐕🌲 All the bonus Corgi Content™ one could ask for!

[@ShannonMakes]

also, not sure if 29:08 refers to the very last clip, or the one before it, but if it's the very last clip, that's me rocking out to Eurythmics, which is the set that is on-stage as I warm up XD

[@moniquemartel1]

Merci beaucoup j’aime vraiment tout les détails que tu donne 😊

[@moonbasket]

I love the color mixing. It's very fun. Also I'm so jealous that you get to take your dog to work. She looks so happy.

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you! 😊 I am pretty happy with the results too! And yes, we always bring Cannelle with us to work 🐶🐾

[@karenavey2183]

Cheap and frugal are not the same!

[@ShannonMakes]

Sorry, this video came out years ago, so I have no idea what you’re referring to!

[@julien2912]

I like to sew as I mentioned in a comment on an different video, but I am not good at following patterns. I need some basic training on the instructions on how to follow the directions and parts of a pattern. Have you ever done a video to teach the basics of patterns? I really loved the final product of this Suit at the end of the video. Now I understand why you call it a warm-up suit!

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you! (no, I don't do tutorials)

[@cailinanne]

This is beautiful ❤

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you! 💙💪♻️

[@SocksnGreys]

Back in the 70s (hey, vintage!), my mother made the entire family caftans from towels. Burnt orange and black towels. With a large fleur de lis-based pattern. I was absolutely devastated when Mom sent one of my friends home (after she got pushed down by a larger neighbor kid into a mud puddle) in mine and I never got it back. Is this a sign I should recreate said caftan?

[@ShannonMakes]

I think it's ABSOLUTELY a sign you should recreate it!!! 🧡🖤⚜️

[@karenpeck4344]

Harley Davidson jackets have the same back shoulder pleats. Now I'm considering making one from towels!

[@ShannonMakes]

A jacket or a Rosie onesie?! (either way… nice!!)

[@Emmajen]

The little muddy puddle tippy taps 😭 so cute

[@ShannonMakes]

Right?! The best!!

[@dinahfromkabalor]

I like it!

[@ShannonMakes]

thank you! 💪💪

[@gkseeton]

I like it. A lighter terrycloth might be perfect.

[@rodentary]

Omg i love your circus makeup. Is it possible to talk about it? I need tips for makeup that wont move when sweating 😊

[@ShannonMakes]

I am very much the wrong person to talk about make-up, I do as little as possible and with zero knowledge... I'm sure there are a zillion tutorials out there on the Tubes that'll give you good direction!

[@whodapole]

I love the look, and it reminds me of a jumpsuit my mum used to have.. but I would have gone with the more grey options for a contrasting pocket etc - the light blue is just a touch too bright. Looking forward to your remakes, this looks Iike a super comfy lounge suit!

[@haakdraakje]

Well, that has been some time ...

[@ShannonMakes]

hopefully a good time?!

[@haakdraakje]

@@ShannonMakes not since i watched your channel but since i was the first to react. I just dont’t like shouting "first".

[@chaotic_crafter]

❤

[@lorettavalmorbida7793]

You look darn cute. Well done.

[@ShannonMakes]

😊 thank you

[@kieraoona]

Also forgot, if you make another one, are you going to make it with glow in the dark buttons for historical nod to air raid suits?

[@ShannonMakes]

Ooh, that is a genius idea! Maybe for my slinky, lounging-around-the-house version!?

[@kieraoona]

@@ShannonMakes YAAAS! That would be so cozy and fun I think!

[@KelseyDrummer]

I like it! Shame about the weight! I'd wear it around the house after a shower. :)

[@ShannonMakes]

I mean, it’s not like wearing a weight suit, it’s just heavier than I expected, and more than if I had made it in, say, denim or cotton. Also, if you bought actual terry cloth fabric, it’d be lighter than mine, because some of my towels were REALLY dense!!

[@ruthkirkparick3535]

I love the top your wearing (4 minute mark segment), especially the piping on the shoulders and sleeves. If you made it, would you tell me what pattern you used?

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you, it's the blouse from my "Vintage Holiday Sewing: 1940's Jumper Dress and Blouse for Christmas" video, but the short sleeves version. The piping was my own touch, as was the funky sleeve fold-up thing (which I don't think we can actually see in this segment, but it's really cute). The pattern should be linked in the description of that video, it's a My Vintage Wish pattern I believe from Etsy!

[@conniesharrett2056]

I’m so curious as to where and how you learned to sew so well?!

[@ShannonMakes]

Literally just practice!!

[@lydzphens]

❤️❤️❤️

[@ShannonMakes]

💪🧵🪡

[@leesbees9412]

Hello! Like Ur Rosie suit alot. Ur use of Ur material's color was spot on. 👌 Bummer about the wgt of it. Do U use it? I wondered what the mockup was made of, I'm glad that ? was answered. CIAO AMORE

[@ShannonMakes]

I would say the weight isn't a huge downside, it was just a bit surprising. Yes I use it, and you can see some footage of it in my "Costuming in 2023: What Will the New Year Bring for the Channel?" video.

[@kalielee6416]

Athelete would prefer lightweight modern scientific fabrics (expensive) . Why on earth would bath towels workout pants appeal to you? Your instructions are wonderful!

[@ShannonMakes]

Had to read that twice to understand, but now I see what you’re getting at!! 😄😄

[@MsDeepAndDark]

Finally got around to watch this one) The onesie looks super comfy. Do you keep using it or found a more comfortable/practical option? I've sewed a bathrobe out of thrifted towels, so what I noticed is that you haven't mentioned one other characteristic of using them as a material - they shed after being cut) tiny pieces of thread everywhere) worse than pet fur)) Still worth having a cozy wearable towel though))

[@ShannonMakes]

It IS super comfy, I'm hoping to have enough room/weight in my luggage to bring it with me to my winter contract in Germany. I used it for all the rest of my contract in Copenhagen (much to the amusement of my castmates, many of whom really liked it and thought it was genius), but then we took the summer off to enjoy being back in Montreal, so there wasn't much reason to use it past then. And yea, towels definitely shed while they were cut (I dunno that I'd say it was worse than Cannelle's hair 😳), but that's why I serged the majority of the edges, and I haven't had any problems with it since!

[@MsDeepAndDark]

@@ShannonMakes glad to hear it proved very useful 👍 hope it fits into your luggage 🤞 A serger sounds like a good tool to have around when dealing with towels) I don't have one, so zigzagging it was. Same principle anyway)

[@ShannonMakes]

@@MsDeepAndDark I do love a serger... was lucky enough to have access at work, plus I have a little 4 thread serger here in MTL too that I got pretty cheaply secondhand, and I love it!

[@MsDeepAndDark]

@@ShannonMakes actually, your first videos served as a push for me to get a second-hand Elna sewing machine back in Denmark 😄 thanks for changing the world one person at a time! I should also thank the lovely historybounding discord and their monthly events which feature using stash, mending or upcycling quite often)

[@ShannonMakes]

Oh that's lovely to hear!! And I should definitely try to find the time to visit that Discord more often, as that sounds really nice... I'm just so busy 😭😭

[@kellybryson7754]

It is quite cute, but I can see. How it is a little too bulky.

[@ShannonMakes]

I don't find the final result bulky at all, like I enjoy the way it looks on me (can't be too tight, I need to move around in it!!) but yea, it definitely made the sewing process more challenging!