SLAM SEWING: 9 Tips & Tricks to Success!

[@marisoldominguez438]

I feel you are the Bob Ross of sewing. Positive and chill.

[@handmadeharriells]

I LOVE THIS!

[@deborahpenner4970]

Yes, exactly, the Bob Ross of sewing. Your voice and presence is a comfort.

[@kayenjee]

Agreed 🤩

[@joonmade]

I may have shouted several hallelujahs during the course of this video. 🙌

[@vzmkitty]

This comment hits it head on. Her videos are such a pleasure to watch!

[@solschuller]

Something for a beginner sewing pajamas.

[@hey_virginia]

You helped me realize that to get more efficient with sewing as a newbie, it will pay off to look for patterns that have the potential to become TNTs. Another reason to avoid shiny object syndrome with new patterns 🤪 Thank you for this set of specific tips and examples!!

[@handmadeharriells]

Well said! But of course, it’s a lovely treasure hunt to find the patterns that have staying power. So much sewing to do along the way 😍

[@joleenphillips2415]

As my Dad and Granfather always told me, "Measure twice, cut once." Making sure you are CERTAIN that you have the right size, you won't need to worry about wasting fabric or time

[@TwixyNo]

Hello! I have missed your fantastic POV and encouragement. I almost want to run into the other room, yank out the Bernina, and have my way with pattern and fabric. But then it passes and I meet a pal for lunch.

[@handmadeharriells]

🤣🤣🤣TWIXY! Make today the day you have lunch with your Bernina!

[@lisahodges8299]

Smiling all the time watching this one! Birdy

[@PAronson]

You sassy girl, teasing those zero-waste (or more accurately zero-waist) devotees. I love you all the more!

[@handmadeharriells]

😁😁😁I mean to each their own!

[@lorrainesquiltingandsomuch3582]

Just finished batch sewing 5 pairs of shorts. Ready for summer.

[@handmadeharriells]

Aw YEAH! Batch sewing for the win, I’ve got some batch sewing on my plate soon!

[@bienjour]

10:05 when you broke out with the mini mic 🎤 made me roll over laughing 😂! Thanks for your excellent suggestions to a sewing style i haven’t considered ❤ feel the love 💕

[@deborahpenner4970]

Amen about being wasteful! It is necessary!

[@handmadeharriells]

RIGHT?

[@yolandahsiao1969]

Those print tips were so helpful! Never thought about the patterns that way before, and it makes a lot of sense. The buying more yardage is also a really great tip that sort of helps keep purchasing at bay. More yardage is more money and more storage so maybe I don’t need EVERYTHING in the cart to come home with me today 😂

[@handmadeharriells]

Haha! I never thought of it that way-buy more to buy less!

[@rmorine6394]

I love that these are great tips for non-slam sewing too!

[@handmadeharriells]

They do work well for a slow sew! In fact a lot of this prep work is great for when you just want a chill session 😎

[@rachelleross7914]

You are on point with everything that you're teaching. I wish I would have watched this yesterday, because I put together Simplicity 8549, a bralette and I completely forgot to look at the finished measurements on the pattern. I remember you saying this in a past video and I looked everywhere on the envelope except on the pattern itself. Sadly I had to toss 3 hours worth of work and committed to drafting my own pattern today, but I held off. I'm glad I did. You renewed my resolve and I'm going to try it again. Thank you, thank you. You know we love you here in Miami 🌴 ❤ Best to you and hubby!!

[@handmadeharriells]

Ooof and it was a bralette… that’s a definite FGM moment! I’ve heard they’re going to start putting those digits on the envelope-of course, that won’t be retroactive for the 3,000 envelopes we already have in our stashes 😂 But now you’ve run through the pattern once and the next pass will be that much easier!

[@SewingDee]

Thank you so much for making it clear that fast sewing can only be done successfully on patterns you already know and have previously fitted to your body. The Great British Sewing Bee (and other similar programmes) appear to promote fast sewing (because it’s necessary in order to make a tv programme) but don’t really make it clear that it compromises on quality and shouldn’t be the way we sew at home without knowing the patterns.

[@handmadeharriells]

So true! I feel like people realize bakers can’t do their best work in those quick challenges, but not enough folks know about sewing to know just how long it really takes. We’ll teach em eventually!!

[@solschuller]

Love all your videos and bubbly personality ❤!

[@Musicwarmsmysoul]

This is a good list and different from other lists like this. The one thing I'd add is a step that builds on fabric print choice/ prepping: go with fabric you've sewn and prepare that fabric as you always have before sewing (e.g., if it's washable at least rinse it as you would and add a towel with it in the dryer if you are super short on time). I didn't do that with the fabric I am currently using and yes I'm kicking myself for it! 😅

[@handmadeharriells]

Yes! Though I’ve been going the RTW production route and eschewing a pre wash 🤫 I like that towel tip!

[@aileenmozug7562]

So well said. Thank you, Marcy

[@MaryanneNZ]

Such wisdom. I'm so tired these days I will mess up something new more easily. Had a couple of gorgeous successes lately that have reinvigorated my sewing though so yay!

[@handmadeharriells]

A sewing win is ALWAYS a booster, like a nitro brew coffee for the sew-Jo 😅

[@magalysenecharles1901]

Thanks for sharing.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@ivyseabreeze]

Thanks for using the word cacophonous; I learned a new word today. I had to look it up. I love the word cacophonous. It is so sensory and I love. Thanks

[@handmadeharriells]

Isn’t it wonderful? I love words that sound like what they mean 💗🤓

[@mw143sw]

You can interface your patterns to help preserve them

[@jacquelynjohnson8227]

Thank you for another great video!

[@alexandrawellington8028]

Great tips!! OOOOOOO those fabrics are yummy xxxxxxx

[@jcampbell100]

Thanks

[@makeitjoyful]

Such great tips! Thank you!

[@Farmerbettyboop2]

Always enjoy watching your vids. ❤️❤️❤️

[@handmadeharriells]

🤗🤗🤗Thank you!

[@shettikkawoods3248]

Awesome ❤😊

[@hartsarah12]

I just picked up some fabric today. I am trying to add to my summer wardrobe. I brought it to my room and pulled out a new pattern that I knew was complicated. I even looked and took a breath like I do not want to get into this. After watching this I am going to a simpler pattern that I've done before. Also, less peices. Now I know I will get it done in time to enjoy. Thank you! 😊

[@handmadeharriells]

That is EXCELLENT! And that complicated pattern will be there when you’ve got a few new summer wardrobe wins 💥💥💥

[@LovingHandsDesign]

Awesome tips!!!! 😊 You gave some of the best tips I’ve ever heard, some I’ve actually used, others I will definitely use. Thanks again for sharing.

[@handmadeharriells]

That’s awesome, thank you so much!

[@margarethall1625]

Love these tips. Even so I'm still going to stay my same chaotic self. I'm not sure what you mean by leftover fabric since my sister and I always use up every useful piece of fabric.😂 You are always amazing!!

[@handmadeharriells]

Hey chaos looks good when worn correctly! Sounds like I’d enjoy you and your sister 😁

[@margarethall1625]

@@handmadeharriells we'd enjoy you. You'd probably even enjoy my local yarn fabric craft store called Harmony. It's very bright and colourful just like you.

[@dawnecamacho2601]

Awesome video. ❤❤

[@handmadeharriells]

Thanks Dawne!

[@robertlogan6379]

A mom who likes to create beauty! Well doh! I have eyes. And her creation, Marcy Appleseed, is joyfully sowing sewists (see what I did there) across our nation. No one ever has to look meh.

[@handmadeharriells]

WELL DONE 💥 And I want “no one ever has to look meh” embroidered on a pillow.

[@MujerKoala]

A Slam Dunk, as usual, with your tips and tricks! Thanks.

[@handmadeharriells]

🤗🤗🤗

[@tamarabuxton2516]

I love the tip's on the washable fixatives that assist with the slippery fabrics.. they tend to get away from me. Love your voice and channel.. Thank you 🤟🇨🇦

[@handmadeharriells]

I’ve yet to try wash away stabilizer except in machine embroidery! I’ve go to give that a go. 💗

[@tamarabuxton2516]

@@handmadeharriells Awesome! 🤟🇨🇦

[@vicki9298]

I thought I was the only one who almost always bought 3 yards!! I just never know what I want to do....lol I love ❤️ you

[@handmadeharriells]

You gotta have options!!

[@1960genius]

This was so helpful, fun, and informative! Thank you ❤🎉

[@handmadeharriells]

You’re so welcome, Tina!

[@smallfootprint2961]

Hi Marcy. Great tips!

[@handmadeharriells]

Thank youuu! 💗

[@barbarameeker7986]

Great advice. Right on and you are just too cute! 😊

[@SewSoUnique]

❤❤🎉 love ya channel!!!!

[@handmadeharriells]

Thankya!! 💗🥰

[@redhotsweetpotatoe]

Please, feel free to send even your small remnants to me, they'd make gorgeous quilts.☺ I love your style, flare and creativity and lack of fear with colors. Gorgeous work!

[@handmadeharriells]

😁😁y’know, I save all my wax print remnants with the idea I’ll do a quilt!

[@gwendearling4139]

Great video, thank you! Love Kenneth Kim, I always learn new techniques from his zoom classes on Sewing Pattern Reviews.

[@handmadeharriells]

He is endlessly fascinating, isn’t he? I heard him lecture on working with leather, and it made me want to sew everyyyyyything.

[@nancyring8104]

As always, great advice!! ❤️

[@handmadeharriells]

🤗🥰🤗

[@meganschweizer6697]

New subscriber and I love your videos!! Where do you find all of your glorious fabrics?

[@stevezytveld6585]

That print you're going to be working with is Everything. Well done, you. I've done slam poetry, but I haven't tried slam sewing yet. Mostly because I'm still working through my pattern selections and have yet to circle back to any of them. Yet. Thanks for the tips. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi

[@handmadeharriells]

It was a gift, I thought I’d packed it and was tearing the house apart trying to find it! 😅Hope you’ve circled in on a pattern 💗

[@stevezytveld6585]

@@handmadeharriells Next 2 projects are the ones I'm going to be making multiples of - a little bustier and a pair of shorts from the 1950's. Just in time for summer...

[@mirtaPR]

🤣🤣👏🏼🥳 Marci Marci ur hilarious 🤣 n smart love your tips , your a fabulous seamstress and smart .👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🎉love your Videos n Rob 🥰👏🏼

[@handmadeharriells]

💗🤗well thankya Myrtha!!

[@solschuller]

Si you have any videos on sewing pajamas for women? My daughter wants me to see her some but, I need something simple. Please! Thank you. I love your videos! Hope you let me know. I know you have alot of messages, but I'll keep checking. ❤😊

[@luzUpcycles]

Love the fabrics you use, I love wax prints, how do you make the fabrics a bit less structured?, the ones I get are so stiff and me being bigger it makes me look even bigger and I don't like it. Thank you for your videos, I really enjoy them.

[@handmadeharriells]

Thank you! I usually wash my wax print on cold and tumble dry low to remove the wax; but if you’re feeling adventurous, a hot wash & dry will soften it up even more. It’ll definitely shrink the yardage down some tho!

[@luzUpcycles]

@@handmadeharriells Thank you, I love wax prints, I live in Amsterdam the Netherlands, so in the markets you get some stunning ones!. I am from Spain so sometimes I feel I shouldn't be wearing African wax prints, but I have a couple of skirts and I get compliments every time I cycle with wearing them!, I will try your method. thank you.

[@melaniejurgovan]

Marcy-when you trace the piece on your fabric using the heavier paper…..do you pin the paper or do you weigh it down? Would you show us a little snippet video? (No pun intended - lol)

[@handmadeharriells]

Haha! I love a pun either way 🤓I weigh it down with metal washers, I find that pins throw off a true cut! I’ve got an upcoming video with these sort of tips on the way 💗

[@melaniejurgovan]

@@handmadeharriells thanks Marcy! I like the washers idea - effective and economical

[@margaretgorski7947]

Thanks! You're great! But you alreadly knew that😍

[@handmadeharriells]

😁😁oh I don’t know, it never hurts to hear something nice 💗💗💗

[@janetlink9756]

Thanx for the permission to not worry about using every inch of the fabric.

[@handmadeharriells]

There’s far better things to worry about!

[@dawnvincent899]

Any chance you know where you got that wax print with the purple leaves that you brought south with you? I know it's a long shot as it's probably been in your stash awhile, but it's very eye-catching.

[@handmadeharriells]

That was house of mami wata!

[@kjmav10135]

Luuuuhve me some Kenneth King!

[@beth12svist]

That went by fast, I lost track of the number of tips as I basically nodded along like "yes, exactly". 😃 Yes, exactly, that's why I rarely sew fast. 😂 Leaving notes to future you is super-important even outside of slam-sewing, though! 😊

[@handmadeharriells]

Going by fast! On KZbin that’s a compliment! 😅 I may try leaving myself notes in general. Drink your water; go out for a walk; that sort of thing…

[@beth12svist]

@@handmadeharriells Yeah, I'm not terribly good at it, either... 😅

[@daxxydog5777]

I am forever going to refer to adjusting a new pattern as dealing with “Stranger Danger” 😂 It took me forever to find out to base everything on FINISHED GARMENT MEASUREMENTS and not on the lying pattern envelope. Dirty little lying envelopes…

[@handmadeharriells]

😅😅I was pretty proud of that little quip 😎

[@hey_virginia]

Reminds me of my dating days - my initial reaction being "oooo cute!" but even with the best relationships there's some time required to get to know each other - and the more experienced I get the more I know about how to spot reg flags in advance 😅

[@loukalicious]

Truths!! If you packed it and don't use it you have failed. 🎉🎉

[@handmadeharriells]

Same with packed it and didn’t wear it! Some trips require several costume changes on the last day 🤓

[@loukalicious]

@@handmadeharriells hahaaa! You gotta do what you gotta do. It's the law. I am the one they make jokes about with my light packing. But I know the law.

[@mariebarjon8135]

be blessed! PRAISE THE HOLY SPIRITN IN JESUS NAME THE GREAT DESIGNER

[@risenfromyoutubesashesagai6302]

Does your name happen to be Butterfly?

[@handmadeharriells]

HAHAHA! I love a QT butterfly spotting! 🦋

[@conniesmith9989]

Wow, that is a scary thing in regard to measurements, ha.ha. I think it is called, A G E. Thank you. I enjoy you...

[@handmadeharriells]

Hahaha! Measurements are just digits 💗💗💗