SewVidEp15 - What I've Been Sewing

[@ruthlanwarne8978]

The cami sun dress is absolutely gorgeous on you. Also love your green Somerset pattern. I have never seen this but quite tempted now. Thank you 🙏

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you, the Somerset is destined to become a regular if you search the hashtag on Instagram all versions look great ❤️😀

[@margaretmonteiro8249]

Hello, I love the colors you are wearing in this video. They are spot on for the coming season and look gorgeous with your hair

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Aww thanks Margaret ❤️

[@juliesew_me_something699]

Thanks Alex lots of lovely newsy sewing content enjoyed with my morning cuppa great start to my day xx

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Ahh thank you, I do the same thing, coffee, KZbin/Instagram and a tonne of moisturiser 😁

[@susanroome5020]

Your vlogs are such a pleasure to watch! Thanks for sharing.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Ooh Thank you so much 😊

[@andieg3812]

Loving the Stitchbird dress. Downloaded and made this afternoon. Nice easy pattern and great instructions. 😊

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Yes, it’s nice and easy, did you get your pleat right?😁

[@andieg3812]

Alex Judge Sews I did after checking twice 😉

[@christinemartin9449]

More lovely makes. Have you seen Karin at Lifting Pins and Needles vlog about sewing silky fabrics. Rally good, no matter how experienced you are she always comes up with some new ides, great video. Thanks for foind these.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

👋🏻 I don’t think I’ve seen Karin at all, I’ve been away in the Lakes, now I’m back I’m planning a full sewing day tomorrow so will check her out, Thanks Christine ❤️

[@jounderhill6913]

Hi! So much loveliness! The yellow dress is just 👌🏻. I agree, Laura, The Specky Seamstress, is totally brilliant. You stay safe, too. 💜

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Me stay well! Ya dafty ❤️❤️❤️

[@lynnbrown5397]

Know exactly what you mean about scanning pattern instructions. I know I do it and you'd think I would have learnt after 50 odd years. Not a bit of it, I do still try though, sometimes it works! I totally agree with you about the age range I have just turned 68 years and my attitude is if I like it, so what. Must also say that I love listening to your channel, you are honest and talk allot of good sense. Thank you x

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks Lynn I think it’s a case of more speed less haste for me 😀. Let’s hope attitudes will begin to change, I’m certainly going to continue wearing what I like, good to know I’m not the only one. ❤️

[@joli43]

Oh my word you gave me a great laugh at the very end. Thank you for showing your pleat!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

What a numpty I am, I’ve made it the correct version yesterday and it was just the wrong way around ie. the pleat was on the wrong side 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@catrionacurry8674]

lovely makes Alex, up to your usual standard. Laughed out loud at your fabric buying confession! - One day at a day time....!!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I should have known better! I even spent extra so I ‘couldn’t’ buy fabric, but where there’s a will and we don’t really need to eat do we?

[@vickifenlon6279]

Love the camo sundress

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@karenlowes7802]

Shirring...something I do want to try. Thank you for sharing your dress. It is lovely! Also love that yellow sheath.😍

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you, I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to try shirring, it’s not as tricky as I imagined - hooray 😀

[@noeleengayjess8416]

Hi Alex great video as always. I love the shirt from Dee and Do. I looked at the pattern on their site and the short shirt does the same as your shirt.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you, yes I noticed that too, it looks like there’s a solution - phew 😅.

[@carolehack226]

Super makes, I especially like the shirt. Thank you for filming it.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you so much 😊

[@leishabgc]

The woes of the fabric addict - I’ve gone without food for fabric and never regretted it! You look beautiful in the Somerset and dress (that skin and hair 🤩). Indeed you have kinda become sewing style icon 🙏🏼🧵✂️ 💖 I am drawn to block colours and coordinated prints, and you consistently choose beautiful, high quality fabrics and patterns that suit you. Anyone thinking of making the Somerset, I second that the pattern is great!

[@theresashingler4345]

That's blue camo dress is glorious, it looks wonderful on you. I love the juxtaposition of typically feminine and the camo print, it's so clever.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Oooh what a lovely comment to read, you’re very kind 😊❤️

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Also I may have overspent this month now 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you, I love the word juxtaposition it always reminds me of my art exam at school, none of us knew what it meant 😁

[@theresashingler4345]

@@AlexJudgeSews lol, no I wouldn't have done then either!

[@paulamattsson8583]

Lovely makes and that yellow dress : nobody knows 😉 it looks very smart 👍👍👍

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you, I made the correct version yesterday and it’s just the wrong way around, so the correct pleat was on the wrong side 🤦🏼‍♀️ but as you say, no one will know 😅

[@cjhines726]

Your Maven top is lovely-that shade of green is so flattering on you! The camo sundress with the shirring is adorable-I love it! What a great idea to combine that.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks, I’m so pleased with how they turned out 👩🏻‍🦰

[@gaylehegarty9161]

Loved this vlog. I think expecting you to go into that shop for buttons is like asking an alcoholic to go into a pub to buy crisps! Tricky! I particularly liked your shirt and yellow dress.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

🤣🤣 Exactly, I should have known better.

[@kathymcconville6428]

Every one of your makes is beautiful, Alex. I'm sorry you are disappointed that you fell off the no-buy wagon but I think the inspiration we get from buying new fabrics is what keeps us motivated. Question: what does get your coat you're pulled mean?

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you, it’s true what you say, but I do have plenty of ‘inspiration’ at home already 😀. Get your coat, you’ve pulled - from the Urban dictionary “When someone who you have been talking to rather suggestively gives in and asks you back to their place there and then for a good ****ing” 😁😁

[@kathymcconville6428]

@@AlexJudgeSews Hahaha! That's not even close to what I was thinking it meant!! Perfect.

[@katehampshire8410]

Love your makes. I wasn’t going to buy fabric either but there are quite a few sales about and.........

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you 😊. Soo many sales, Lulou designs are doing 20% off now and they have lots I like. It’s almost like they know 😁

[@8531022]

Wow I’m crazy about the contrast between the camo fabric and the traditionally girly dress bodice. Bravo!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you, I’m really pleased with it 😊

[@ItisJosie]

I love all your makes, Alex and I love that camo dress you made. It looks like the Jessica dress without the shirring. I knew you could not resist buying fabric. 😂😂

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks Josie and huge congratulations on passing 1000 subscribers 🎉. I really am a woman of my word, just not when it comes to fabric 😀

[@thesewingrevival506]

A great video Alex....and I did have a good giggle at your new version of the Stitchbird Dress! Maybe I should add a "View C" with box pleat ("the Alex version").....I always like to ensure sewers have plenty of options! Looking forward to seeing your new linen Stitchbird -it seems you have the perfect weather for cool dresses at the moment. Staff safe over there. Janine

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I’m sorry for being bad and not properly paying attention to your instructions 😁. I made the real version yesterday (so quick!) and realised that I just had the pleat on the wrong side - I still like it though 😁. You never know with a British Summer but in theory it’s summer ❤️❤️

[@TheSpeckySeamstress]

Loving the makes Alex! Do you know what I was petrified sharing my pants pics and now I love a knicker photoshoot! 🤣 Re: Melilot cuffs, there's a great blog about "drafting " different cuffs basically following the shape of the long sleeve head - I'll tag you in my post where I reference it 🧡.

[@claireabelle4821]

Please can you tell me where to find your post re the cuffs? Thank you 😊

[@TheSpeckySeamstress]

@@claireabelle4821 hey! It's on Made by Meg blog if you Google made.by meg melilot you should find it!

[@claireabelle4821]

Thank you 😊

[@AlexJudgeSews]

That’s so good ❤️❤️ you’re totally inspiring and you look wonderful too! Thanks for cuff info, I’ll have a look 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@smurgoa]

I saw another video where the stitchbird dress had the same backpleat. She found she had just done the pleat inside out

[@AlexJudgeSews]

smurgoa after this video I realised that’s exactly what I did too 😀. I’ve just posted my recent makes including two new Stitchbirds .... with the correct pleat 🥳

[@kristenbradley5737]

Fantastic makes. I absolutely love your choice of prints 😍

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you ❤️❤️

[@debbarber1890]

Love the twin needle effect, great job

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you 😊

[@ruthlanwarne8978]

Maybe you could query the rainbow fabric with the Flamingo store. It is misrepresentation and should have described the fabric to let you know it didn’t have glitter on in, just a picture of it.🤗

[@judithaltoft4690]

Your yellow dress looks lovely, i would love to try that one

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you, it’s nice and quick too 😀

[@jennetthamilton7942]

I'm sitting in my compfy on my front porch, my arm is strapped into my physical device, last 30 minutes of the second 90 minutes session of the day (2 more sessions to go), pot of tea almost gone, lovely smells from someone in the neighborhood barbecuing, and watching sewing vlogs. I love that green on you! OK back to your vlog which I know I'm going to enjoy. Then it's inside to my sewing machines to make person protection garments for the daycare I work at. Well I actually haven't been there for almost 8 months but I can still contribute my sewing for work.

[@andieg3812]

I think your pleat version looks lovely, my next make I think 😁

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thanks, it’s one of those dresses I know I’ll get lots of wear from (even with the wrong pleat) 😁

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

I LOVE the fabric you've used for the Melilot Shirt!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Ooh thanks, I couldn’t resist it 😀

[@mairead5891]

How fortuitous! I was looking at the Stitchbird pattern only yesterday and thinking what a simple, stylish dress it was. I'm somewhat curvy, and generally at the top end of pattern sizes, so it's good to know that the shaping and cut are elevating it from looking too voluminous! Now to buy the pattern and find some suitable fabric to make a wearable toile. Thank you!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I don’t know how it’s done, but it’s definitely falls into comfy without being completely shapeless. I made another one yesterday and it’s was mega quick (pleat correct) 😀

[@emma__sews]

Me too...

[@Hide_and_silk]

Many thanks for the shout out! Love all your makes. Your blue dress with the combination of pretty sun dress and camo fabric is brilliant. The Melilot shirt is fab and the fabric is gorgeous. I have the same issue with the sleeve cuffs on the Melody Dolman (Love Notions). Your pleat 'issue' made me smile! That crossover pleat detail seems really popular at the moment. It was in Burdastyle a few issues back and in Julyy's Knipmode. Xx

[@AlexJudgeSews]

👋🏻 Thank you Kathie, I keep hearing about love notions and haven’t checked them out, I must have a look. I also saw the Burda pleat, but grr those lines 🤯

[@micheleallen1327]

Love your makes. The sundress style/fabric juxtaposition is very effective. Great fabric on your Mellilot. I too am put off by the fall of the cuff on some short sleeve shirts; I hope someone offers a pattern change suggestion. Love your pleat hack on the Sewing Revival dress.😉😘 Thank you for sharing!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Ooh thank you, Lucie has commented above about the short sleeve cuff so it looks like there is a solution 🙌

[@jennetthamilton7942]

I feel like you were listening to my thoughts from the past week. I'm 62 and love to be fashionable but unique which is why I love sewing. Older doesn't have to be frumpy! So many women i know my age just dont seem to want to be current and fashionable. I was thinking of making some t-shirts but wanted something different and there you are in the lovely Somerset T, exactly what I want. It didn't work out for me to join in with The Sewing Weekend and because I live in Canada I won't be attending one in person, I really hope they do it online again next year. I loved all your makes and actually like the darts in your dress better than the originals. And speaking of underwear I want to draft myself a pair but with bikeshort legs. I was wearing a sundress over my swimsuit bottoms which are similar to bikeshorts or short yoga pants and discovered how comfortable they were especially on my thighs. A few years ago I made a New Year's resolution not to buy any fabric or magazines and I did it! My husband is always shocked when I go into the fabric stores for basic supplies and come out fabric free. It takes a lot of will power for sure!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Yes, yes I bet there are lots of us who feel the same. The teenagers of the 60s, 70s & 80s are the over 50s now, at what point were we supposed to become old fashioned? There were people attending the sewing weekender from all over the world on the zoom call who’d got up in the middle of the night!!! Also, You’ve inspired me to make some shorts for my daughter so wears them under dresses in the summer to stop the delightfully named 🙄 chub rub - I don’t know why I hadn’t thought of it before, so thank you ❤️

[@sewvintageglam]

😂 Yeah I wasn’t planning on getting anything other than some plain viscose to match some prints and I ended up with a check Boucle and more print viscose! Beautiful linen. Next time you’re shopping for fabric in Manchester let me know - I’m up in Burnley so not far from you. :-)

[@AlexJudgeSews]

So easily done 😁. Burnley! You’re almost a neighbour, hopefully we’ll have a Manchester meet-up of some sort soon 🤞🏻

[@sewvintageglam]

Indeed. Well if you want a virtual Meetup join Sewing In the UK - Lancashire as I’m about to set up another online Meetup in the next few weeks. 👍

[@alexandrawellington8028]

That green top is just perfect.Did you remove the shirring from the cuff after insertion of the band? Love the juxtaposition of camo with a girly dress. With the cuff on your gorgeous shirt, I am trying to think whether it was Karina at Lifting Pins and needles or Laura who had a way around it sticking out...I know that someone on youtube had something to say about it...sorry that is absolutely no help LOL. Janet Clare is the quilting cotton designer with the origami shapes, she always works in blues and neutrals and subtle shapes. The yellow dress looks very comfy. So very disappointing to spend so much on fabric that is not up to par. The blue stripe linen would look fabulous in the Montrose dress playing with the direction of the stripes. Cannot wait to see what you do with it. xxxxxx

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I think the shirring is in the seam allowance on the cuff. Looks like between Laura (specky seamstress) and Lucie they’ve found a solution to the perky cuff, I love that there’s always someone in this fab sewing community who knows the answer 😀❤️

[@alexandrawellington8028]

@@AlexJudgeSews glad that you found a solution...now you can do a tutorial xxxx

[@luciejones764]

Hi Alex, love_lucie here! Thank you so much for the couple of mentions recently. Most appreciated! Regarding the Melilot I think the sticky out cuffs are a design feature but they look less sticky out with fabric with more drape. On my second Melilot, see insta, I took the top 2 inches from the top of the long sleeve head. It’s now flat although I rather like the original version ! Not my idea though, it came from Laura Speck Seamstress!!!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

👋🏻 Brilliant, I’ll have a look on Insta and Laura has commented below, so hopefully I’ll be sorted for the next one. Love making shirts, but you are the Queen 👸❤️❤️

[@SewingBunny]

I had the exact same issue with the glitter fabric! I bought ages ago what was called ‘gold glitter’ and when I got it it just looked like lots of little dots and looked more like sand, I suppose from a distance it looks good but I only bought a metre and at the time it was on offer so I was too lazy to send it back 🤣 I usually have no issues with flamingo fabrics but I stay clear of the ‘glitter’ fabrics for that reason. Honestly though when you were holding it up it did still look glittery so I think it will still be nice but I’m sure flamingo fabrics will offer a refund of your not happy with it xx

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I’m so glad it’s not just me😀. It’s a lesson learnt, I don’t think Flamingo Fabrics did anything wrong, I made assumptions and when I look back at the images I can now ‘see’ the glitter. I won’t ask to return it (I’m sure they would) my daughter has seen it now and loves a good rainbow 😁

[@maggiecawthorn5653]

Love the shirt. I’ve had the same issues with the cuff, so now I extend the sleeve slightly and leave the cuff off, I think it looks better! You should forgive yourself for the linen, striped linen is so hard to find and after lockdown visiting a fabric shop is an event!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

There are worse crimes than buying fabric 😀. I think your right about the cuff, seems like I’m not the only one not keen on the look of the original ❤️

[@JaqueBampi]

Love all makes on this video. I went to your Instagram to see them into detail, but I can't find the green nor the white tops there :(

[@JaqueBampi]

Oh! Found the white shirt but not the green top ;)

[@debsmadethis]

Hello, I wonder if your cuff problem might be due to them being on the wrong orientation outside/ inside seam . I had this issue when I was making my first kalle and had to unpick.!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I wondered if that was the problem, unpicked, double checked and it was the right way around 😬. Good suggestion though 😀

[@jennycollard1173]

Love the sundress. Do you think the shirring will give you “adjustment” room for losing or gaining weight?? I have a Mimi G sundress pattern that I would like to make and had been wonder8ng about add8ng a shirred panel. Also I couldn’t stop laugh8ng about the knicker drafting, I’ve done exactly the same class during lockdown and drafted pants to fit, am loving them. When 8 told a non sewing friend she couldn’t believe I was mak8ng pants, and said “ don’t put them on 8nstagram will you!”😂 ( not sure why i am typing 8’s either🤣)

[@AlexJudgeSews]

😂😂 pants that fit are the best though❤️. Not sure the shirring would give you too much adjustment because the waistline for the skirt section doesn’t stretch so unless you only gain across the chest and not the waist 🤷🏼‍♀️. It’s not going to help 👍🏻

[@jennycollard1173]

Alex Judge Sews aah, that’s helpful to know about the effect (or not) of the shirring...

[@lorainemunro7969]

🐯

[@janmiller1850]

💖💖💖

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Thank you 😊

[@suepratt2536]

If you go to lovelucie.org she found the Melilot cuff stood out and tried the the top of the sleeve pattern instead for her second shirt. I think this must be the same Lucie you mention!

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Yes the very same Lucie, I’m going to check out her version apparently it came from Laura/Specky Seamstress😀

[@robynjury4403]

Oh your buying “lapse” did make me smile. I used to work in an addiction service and you have experienced the classic “abstinence violation effect” also known as the “oh f... it, I may as well go the whole hog now I’ve started....” (I’m known to do it with cake or chocolate in the fridge....), maybe have a budget rather than a ban? Beautiful makes, I think the perky sleeves look ok actually, the only way I can think to make them less fluid is to make sure they aren’t interfaced?

[@AlexJudgeSews]

Yes that’s it! I’m also susceptible to the sweet stuff too 🍩 fortunately or maybe unfortunately I’ve realised it makes me feel very low so that helps me resist ((mostly😁).

[@anessaharris9947]

😀

[@AlexJudgeSews]

❤️❤️👩🏻‍🦰

[@emma__sews]

I'd send the fabric back if you're not happy with it.

[@AlexJudgeSews]

I’m sure they’d let me return it, but my daughter has plans for it 😀