The (Mildly Chaotic) Making of a Victorian Petticoat

The first 1000 who click the link wiIl get 2 months of Skillshare Premium for FREE: skl.sh/bernadettebanner4
Books mentioned, including ‘Authentic Victorian Dressmaking Techniques’ and Bertha Banner’s ‘Household Sewing With Home Dressmaking’ can be found on my bookshop.org list of suggested dress history book recommendations: bookshop.org/shop/bernadetteb....
Please note that these are affiliate linked, so bookshop.org give me a commission for orders placed through here.
Bertha Banner’s ‘Household Sewing With Home Dressmaking’ is also available free electronically on Google Books: play.google.com/books/reader?...
Agnes Walker’s ‘Manual of Needlework and Cutting Out’ (free electronic copy): archive.org/details/krl003663...
MATERIALS USED:
Silk taffeta (3 yds): Burnley & Trowbridge in color ‘Ivory’: www.burnleyandtrowbridge.com/...
Insertion lace (2.5 yds used, 4.5 yds needed): Mokuba, NYC
Hem lace (4.5 yds): Mokuba, NYC
Silk thread: Steinlauf & Stoller, NYC
Hooks & eyes (x3 pairs): Steinlauf & Stoller, NYC
Useful Tools for Those So Inclined:
(Please note that these are affiliate links)
-Clear 18-inch ruler: amzn.to/2DIdRrh
-Steel-headed straight pins: amzn.to/2ByJUaQ
-Every size & weight needle you will probably ever need: amzn.to/2Sd76R7
-My most favorite (& stupidly fiddly) #10 sharps, the tiniest needles: amzn.to/2SaZEGf
-Ye Trusty Olde 8” shears (tartan ribbon not included): amzn.to/2DXkUft
-Those wee bird snips that literally everyone seems to have: amzn.to/2zu9vzY
-(But I’ve also just found these that are a unicorn and I am severely tempted; I should not be trusted with Amazon: amzn.to/2KvXGgX)
-Pattern paper: amzn.to/2DjwEbj
-French Curve: amzn.to/2RWzWVJ
-SHEARS OF DESTINY: amzn.to/2mJywE1
Want to get started with hand sewing?
🧵
🕯Check out my Skillshare original course, “Hand Sewing Basics: Working Wonders with Fabric, Needle & Thread”. To sign up for a free trial and take the class, visit skl.sh/bernadettebanner4
This channel is made possible through the generous support of Patreon members. To become a patron, visit / bernadettebanner (although videos will remain free for you here regardless).
Beyond KZbin:
IG @bernadettebanner / bernadettebanner
Management contact for business enquiries:
[e-mail]
bernadettebanner.co.uk/
Music:
‘Secrets of the Earth’ by Lama House, epidemicsound.com
‘Progressive Progress’ by Howard Harper-Barnes, epidemicsound.com
‘Gentle Waves’ by Francis Wells, epidemicsound.com
Prelude No. 7 by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: chriszabriskie.com/preludes/
Artist: chriszabriskie.com/
‘Hoards’ by Jo Wandrini, epidemicsound.com
‘What Might Have Been’ by Francis Wells, epidemicsound.com
‘Tranquility Sphere’ by Francis Wells, epidemicsound.com
‘The Hot Seat’ by Philip Ayers, epidemicsound.com
‘Charmed Encounter’ by Arthur Benson, epidemicsound.com
‘Meet Me in Montmartre’ by The Fly Guy Five, epidemicsound.com

[@wanderingcastles6586]

Do I historybound? Not really. Do I feel the overwhelming urge to make Victorian underthings now? Absolutely.

[@bernadettebanner]

Victorian underthings are a 10/10 necessity.

[@hummingmostbird]

They make great summertime pajamas! Maybe not petticoats, but slips and combinations are great and super light

[@lkmcclellan1246]

I had not thought of pajamas... now I have justification for making frilly lacy Victorian underthings... happiness 😃

[@rosequill7925]

I rewatch the combinations video over and over again for this exact reason

[@wanderingcastles6586]

Ohhh.. dreaming of victorian nightgowns now, don’t mind me.

[@OnePaperPlane]

As a man i feel the need to add all the floof to my sewing projects now. I don't care about gender, I want a beautiful victorian gown with proper combinations, corset, and a lacy pettycoat underneath. I'm gonna do it.

[@talosheeg]

DOOOO ITTTTT

[@plethaid6860]

"dewit"- Emperor Palatine

[@pinkwings8036]

Become as lace, floofer of worlds.

[@daphne-bai]

The floof does not discriminate. ;)

[@themissindependent97]

As a fellow man, same.

[@haileydixon7239]

Bernadette: I love to hand stitch 3 yards with the smallest stitch possible!!! Also Bernadette: if I have to sew closures I’m gonna kms

[@imacardboardbox]

Bernadette is a huge mood

[@maggieholland8202]

Thats a big mood

[@emiliesmith9917]

I am the reverse- I love closures because they mean I’m done, lol

[@thevoid1858]

It’s just true! Closures are the devil!

[@andreagossmann1898]

😆😆😆😆

[@veronicav6008]

Bernadette when sewing: "this will be seen so I'll finish it by hand" me (someone who has no idea how to hand sew nicely) when sewing: "this won't be seen so it's ok if I hand sew it"

[@goldengryphon]

She has a fantastic video on doing seams by hand. It helps a lot for long car trips, or doing that minute fixing job before you show up at wherever you're going. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWqmkKKPhcyHprs

[@goldengryphon]

@@dragonfae2753 I feel that. My old sewing machine repair place closed, so I need to find new one. I have three machines that need something or other done to them. But, I'm okay with handwork it takes longer, but I always feel exceptionally good about myself when finishing a project.

[@Tina06019]

My problem with hand sewing: needing to take apart a hand sewn seam when I have sewn the wrong pieces together. Argh! (And unlike Miss Bernadette, my hand stitching is only about 6 stitches per inch, not 12+ stitches per inch!) My love of hand sewing: finishing projects in the car on long drives. I have found that hand sewing a long construction seam results in a beautifully strong and supple seam, but I simply cannot sit still long enough to sew that way.

[@goldengryphon]

@@Tina06019 Most of my hand sewing is some form of "I'll finish it in the car!" While we're on our way to a RenFaire or SCA event. Or I'm doing a super quick invisible hem for karate uniforms. Or sewing on patches, ornamentation, buttons, skirt hooks, hook and eyes (The tapes are much easier, though I get a thrill out of sewing a row of hook and eye fastenings. ), or some other small thing. I use crochet to keep my hands busy in the car - it's much easier to frog a few rows than to take a seam ripper to a painstakingly sewn seam. Much less frustration and anger, too.

[@amypattie7004]

This is so relatable it hurts

[@beccadaviiidd]

Don’t tell my boyfriend, but Cesario is the love of my life

[@queenWillowwww3893]

Your secret’s safe with me

[@melimsah]

I mean, Cesario should be the love of his life too. He's the love of all our lives. (don't tell my cat. She won't understand)

[@allyfintikis2423]

Meeee

[@MossyMozart]

@@melimsah - I fear that my cat would LOVE to invite Cesario over for lunch.

[@austintackett8603]

I’m a married man but I have come to the same conclusion

[@angelicraver]

I am a Native American seamstress and this skirt is EXTREMELY similar to the Apache and Navajo camp dresses! Every single technique you highlighted in this video is very much alive and well in the Native American community. I was actually surprised to hear that this took so long to make, we can usually knock out a skirt like this in about 5 hours. BUT I do want to point out a couple of differences, we don't move the needle in our hand, we move the fabric and we throw the fabric on a taught thread to spread the gathers and it's all muscle memory to figure out how wide to make the stitches. SOME of the older fashioned Pueblo tribes use a double needle technique that just spreads gathers like nothing else. it's so Gorgeous! I use it in my O'odham clothing when I decide to gather. Hmmm... Now I wonder if I should use my skillshare account to figure out how to film the Indigenous twists on old Victorian techniques and put it on youtube??

[@ragnkja]

I hope you do!

[@maryblaylock6545]

Wow! I would deffinetly watch THAT! I watched a film on Native American costume making on Twin Cities PBS years ago. It was wonderful!Blessings on you and your family and friends.🕊🙏🖖🤗

[@MalteseKat]

That's so interesting!!! You must share this. Double needles? Please please share. Find the knowledge to do it. ❤️❤️❤️ Ill be searching the cyber space until you do.

[@angelicraver]

@@maryblaylock6545 we don't wear costumes. that's a HIGHLY offensive term to use in regards to our traditional clothing. Fuck your racist terms.

[@bernadettebanner]

Do it!!! I've definitely heard of traditional kimono makers who use the same technique of moving the fabric rather than the needle, it's so interesting to hear you do the same. Do please let me know if you get to making that video! x

[@noegiard494]

Well here's a strange thing: You call those seams "French seams", while we, French people, call them "coutures anglaises" which translates to "English seams". Why, history? Why?

[@chvredstone5752]

because no one likes them and each country blames the other for their existence

[@Lucia-nv9yk]

In italian we call them english seams as well

[@cincocats320]

@@chvredstone5752 well...I do like French seams when someone else has suffered the agony of sewing them. But I definitely hate sewing them myself 😸

[@clockworkkirlia7475]

Ah, curses! I learned about these linguistic reversals recently; there are a few such examples but I can't remember the name of the phenomenon.

[@xxweirdofromspacexx1119]

Why, just, why?

[@stefaniegeoghegan5210]

sees words "Mildy Chaotic" and "Victorian" in the same sentence *Click*

[@FiSH-iSH]

y e s

[@madelineb5184]

Hahahaha DITTO

[@Bee-kv5tx]

Honestly that describes everyone in the vintage community

[@terrihoerncheno7284]

I had the same thought process

[@elisabetfinlayson8539]

When you really need a petticoat, and the Queen and his Lordship drop a new video. Also "ye, olde, olden days before the plague," made me smile. No idea why. Dark humour? Probably.

[@loulelou]

I know it's tragic but also, what a time to be alive. I never thought we could all say the phrase 'before the plague' and mean it in this lifetime.

[@ShecallsmeSusan]

The way she turns a phrase, just amazing

[@lhzook]

If your petticoat was showing, my grandmother would ask if you were looking for a husband. Apparently, that was a thing!

[@darklordoftheuniverse7803]

Dark humour is quite lovely 💀

[@ravina6686]

Lol its because before the old days were the plague and now the old days are before our plague ;-;

[@smallishkae]

Video: *fades to black* Me: Pig? Video: *happy pig time* Me: Yeeeeaaaaahhh-

[@manuelwyeth9380]

Yay 😁

[@Lolz172]

YESSS!

[@mrs.knecro7044]

I was like oh sad no piggy update. He’s so cute.

[@medicwebber3037]

I almost missed it, myself!! lol

[@makennapagniano]

That was my Exact reaction!

[@hannahscarbrough5048]

When you tried to use your dagger shears, all I could hear in my head was my architecture professor holding up a foamcore model saying "Did you cut this with your teeth? Are you a mouse?!"

[@spacewolfcub]

I didn’t realize there was a Ramsey that went into teaching architecture! 😂

[@Luubelaar]

My husband is studying architecture (almost finished!) and he totally related to your comment. He also said "Foamcore is a bitch of a thing".

[@DefinatelyNotAFireBender]

I actually thought it was a sword at first glance

[@arianewinter4266]

Reminds me of a thing my master said after vitnissing how someone else worked with a tool pointing towards them: "If I see that ever again I let you finish the work with your teeth like a beaver!"

[@beck9365]

do y’all ever wonder if victorians would be interested in historical clothing even before their time? like some victorian lady making a medieval dress or smth y’know?!

[@FiSH-iSH]

its an interesting thought to dwell on tbh

[@TheAwesomeNatta]

Past generations were just as inspired by the past like we are - for example, in the medieval times they were very interested in the ancient greek and roman culture, especially their art. The victorians themselves had a special fixation, I'm pretty sure, but I can't remember what it was. Edit: I don't remember every parallell between medieval and ancient greek/roman stuff but look for example at their siluettes, easiest with women - flowy skirts, empire style busts, etc.

[@FiSH-iSH]

@arqanai oh yeah, almost forgot about the renaissance.

[@maggie1711]

Well I can't remember if it was the Victorian's or the Edwardian's but I know one of the eras unearthed some ancient Egyptian tombs and then there became a huge fasination with ancient Egyptian fashion and culture. Sometimes they would even throw parties with real mummies so they could show them off and examine them. (Definitely not cool nowadays) but just goes to show as people we are always curious as to how others did things. 😊 Edited after some quick research it was the Victorian's and from what I gathered its called "Egyptomania" I believe.

[@ClockworkChainsaw]

There were also mummy unwrapping parties, and all sorts of things were made from them, like the paint "mummy brown".

[@antonelabogdanovic9584]

Came for the petticoat and exceptional sewing skills, stayed for his lordship.

[@elf6460]

Yes exactly! I did as well.. All hail his lordship!!!!! May he reign forever!

[@chrysanthemum9484]

Normal people: Messy stitches. Bernadette Banner: Stitches so fine that they are finer than silk.

[@madelineb5184]

They’re basically nonexistent You would think she’s actually from the Victorian era and has been hand-seeing her clothes her entire life

[@semoremo9548]

Bernadette: if that makes sense Me: No it doesn't because I don't know shit about sewing and costume making, but I still sit here and enjoy it

[@courtneycherry5582]

Same

[@SuperCloudBerry]

can relate ^_^

[@riograndedosulball248]

This is a lot like armor smithing, where nothing looks like it should be something, until it does

[@superhpfan00]

his lordship is looking as magnificent as ever in this time of quarantine

[@designdoctor247]

Yes! Those last few seconds 😍 love love love. The 🎶 music, the editing, the cuteness factor and aaaahhhh the peace that watching him brings 🌟 ⭐ 🌠 💫 🌟 She could make a couple you tube "shorts" of him. They might go viral!!!

[@williamafton2203]

His?

[@saxamachick]

@@williamafton2203 Cesario, her guinnea pig at the end! :)

[@lifeontheledgerlines8394]

@@williamafton2203 the guinea pig lol, his lordship

[@verrenyeux]

"and stupid hook-and-eye closures" I feel that SO HARD. I can never get them to sit right no matter how many times I rip them out and resew. Forget sleeve hell, I know who the true demons are and they are tiny and made of wire.

[@vhehl698]

Yes! It's so annoying

[@KelseyDrummer]

They NEVER look nice for me.

[@NeobahamutZero]

Safety pins FOR LIFE!

[@C4TC4T]

I know right?!

[@Luubelaar]

@@SB-iq6mh - but that certainly makes Zippers the devil. AMEN!!! They are the spawn of hell. I HATE putting in zippers. (but they're really great in a garment once they're in, so I persist with them. Ugh.)

[@Agnessa92]

free digitalized copy of historical sewing book. No I no longer have an excuse to NOT try sewing

[@BrooklynneMichelle]

all my blouses have thread loop closures because "they are more delicate" and DEFINITELY NOT BECAUSE BUTTONHOLES ARE THE DEVIL!!!!!

[@Saskatchetooner]

I love that! 🇨🇦🤣🤣🤣 button holes are not fun.

[@144jodie]

I read this as buttholes :/

[@DrCandyStriper]

I'm not ashamed to admit that even in my historical sewing I use an automatic buttonholer for that reason.

[@arianewinter4266]

. . . Yeah . . . I have a thing for buttoned throusers for I simply distast even just the concept of zippers, also I just love the asthetic. And buttoned blouses and adressed with cuffs. . . I do not look forward to that part of those projects . . .

[@angelwhispers2060]

Roflmao Using my electric sewing machine I don't mind making buttonholes but this still made me laugh. Because I have never been able to get thread Loops to look nice and hold up for very long. Would be very interested to see a video on your method if you ever feel like making one

[@Euphonium21]

"Think again my friend the internet is lies." Probably a top contender for best quotes so far from Bernadette Banner. I think alot of what makes it awesome is in her delivery 🙂

[@samatiesse]

I laughed so hard at the failed last snip with the Shears of Destiny. Also, doing the math 5 times and not getting it right in the end is my life. I can't understand how I can be so good at math at work and a complete mess with sewing math.

[@jackiejames4551]

I clapped and cheered when the final snip happened with the Shears of Destiny.😄

[@joannecarroll5504]

So many American crafters have trouble with Mathematics imho because the unit of measurement which has been inflicted upon you is ridiculously archaic, requiring the frequent conversion of irregular fractions; whereas The Metric System requires only simple arithmetic (as v few fields require measurements of less than 1mm & even then, they're in decimal). Everyone, & not just creatives, would have a far easier time if "the old white men, afraid of change" had adopted The Metric System with the rest of the planet over 50 years ago.

[@mrs.knecro7044]

Oh gosh I laughed so hard at that but also was internally worried that it was going to damage the fabric or something. I struggle with scale maths... I was trying to plan the layout of my first project last night and decided to blame it on the dotted paper not having enough dots and went to bed.

[@maryblaylock6545]

@@mrs.knecro7044 Sometimes, well most of the time, when you reach the point where you find that your fingers are entangled in your hair and you are pulling on it, not so gently, then it is time to step away from your 'labor of love', make a nice pot of tea, eat some chocolate and go to bed. Truly the most sensible thing to do. You are a wise woman!

[@kanashiiookami6537]

@@joannecarroll5504 Canadian who uses inches and feet and apparently forgets logic. That would have made my pattern drafting easier! I keep forgetting that's an option even though I'm constantly flipping around my double sided tape measure to get the inches. Yup. Gotta remember this for next time. (Because I suck horrendously at math)

[@surabhiagrawal9936]

Bernadette, 1. what would we do without your constant, necessary reminder that The Internet Is Lies? I feel the not putting closures into clothing attitude to my bones. Instead of actually altering loose clothes to fit me, I just add in safety pins. And, 2. your character text adds so much character to this video! The metal eyelet keyboard smash conveyed even more emotion than the Fabric Shopping Video New York Loud Street shopping Cart Noise Keyboard Smash with the semicolon! (I feel like I just wrote a wish item description with that long, choppy, repetitive description of the keyboard smash 😂)

[@bernadettebanner]

Ah yes, the nuanced language of Keyboardsmash™.

[@bridgetthewench]

Closures are the bane of my existence as well! I want a 1940's/1950's wardrobe, and the main thing keeping me from making it is those darned zippers. I *can* do them, I just don't *want* to! I'm not fond of buttons either, but they're tolerable when the alternative is a zipper!

[@melissakeating5736]

Me: cussing while hand stitching a tiny rolled hem on the bias neckline of a chemise in fiddly fabric. Bernadette: HOLD MY FLOUNCE

[@Saf333]

Me doing exactly this right now...

[@loraineleuschke4186]

My sewing goal in my 69 years, is to have handwork in my quilting as sumptuous as yours’. I am jealous of your nimble fingers. Mine are painful but I refuse to let go of something I need in my life to be whole. I am sure you understand as you have a gentle way about you. Be well and stay home. My husband and I are doing everything we can to be safe and well. My friends are different in this strange time. Some miss shopping, or visiting or sewing with each other in a small group. Others do not worry and love being quiet at home, alone and just visiting across a patio from each other every now and then. We all keep in touch because I find that as women age, their female friends become closer than family as we share spaces, hobbies, and life changes. Be blessed child and go forth with gusto. Life is still too short to do otherwise.

[@jpm74]

This will be perfect for His Lordship's Inauguration Ball too.

[@masony9226]

Yes. Im sure his lordship shall love it

[@maryblaylock6545]

I'm trying to picture Cesario in a frilly Petticoat and the mind boggles.

[@masony9226]

Mary Blaylock my goodness that would be amazing

[@maike__-]

@@stevezytveld6585 I believe His Lordship would make a dashing figure in any garment he would choose to wear.

[@courtneycherry113]

Just in time

[@sarahsstitch2491]

"At least it didn't have sleeves"😂😂😂 words to live by

[@jeanblythe1595]

I once sewed a sleeve on pointing up instead of down. The ignominy that people can look at my hand-sewn gowns and never know while they whisper, "The perfect delicacy!" is too much to bear. Costubers, and all fine sewists, forgive me. It was so nicely gathered only at the armpit, too! *shudder*

[@bridgetparmenter9563]

The way you talked about closures was super validating. Me: spends hours painstakingly hand-sewing a garment Me: if I have to spend five minutes putting hooks and eyes on this I will tear it to pieces in rage

[@abbeyv4148]

Every time she says “quick” and “felled” together, my soul internally laugh-cries.

[@jennajujube4767]

I’m waiting for someone to find this hundreds of years later and conduct thorough research into this “ye old plague” and be delighted to have more research on people living through this pandemic

[@arsey1833]

Sorry to burst your bubble but the feeling of researching the early 21et century will likely be nothing like what she’s doing. Everything is digitalized, even some of the books she uses to reference. If you ask me, historical fashion research for our current times in the future will involve a whole lot of tech. Like a WHOLE lot. Unless y’know, the world ends before we even become historical.

[@jennajujube4767]

Arsey I never meant that someone would physically have the petticoat that she is sewing, but much rather the digital video, lol

[@cxsmicking17]

Arsey you sound like fun!

[@loveaubreyxo2357]

Arsey why are u so serious- 😭😭

[@debra333]

I will never make a petticoat. In fact, I don't sew at all. Yet I consume these videos with rapt attention. The editing, music, and photography are brilliant. And Bernadette is so charismatic!! 🤗

[@somebodyelse138]

"I will never make a petticoat." That's what I thought. Until I started watching these videos. 3 Months later I'm about to start on the mock up (because I have Ms Banner's voice in my head telling me I must make a mock up first) on a shin length, cotton waist slip. I cannot wear nylon and all the cotton ones only just reach below my knees, so I'm about to attempt my first garment since I left school last century. In fact, I believe my sewing was so bad at school, they never let me make a garment.

[@MossyMozart]

@Debra - I think that Ms Banner's skills at videography and editing rival her historic costume skills.

[@occo9072]

@@somebodyelse138 Good for you! Practice and time sewing more things for you will increase your skill level. Don't get discouraged though - it takes time and patience to make a masterpiece.

[@arianewinter4266]

She is like one of the most adorable and inspirational beeings on earth ^^

[@sallymartin737]

When Bernadette got out the golden shears I was simply reminded that she is my favorite of all time.

[@violet2048]

She is so refreshingly adorable.

[@kk5838]

Victorians: you have to do felling stitches backwards and towards the body! Me, a lefthanded person: hold my beer.

[@neonxvices]

i’ve pretty much given up on historically accurate felling because i don’t have the reasoning skills to figure out which way they should go

[@KatT2006]

I'm waiting for the day that she says "yeet" casually

[@frankiemillcarek6976]

I swear I've heard her say yeet at some point.

[@notquitechaos6705]

that would probably be the comedic highlight of my life. now imagining bernadette saying "i shall now yeet myself over to the sewing machine" in her polished britishy voice

[@lunasmum6869]

@@notquitechaos6705 It is interesting how we hear people speak. I had a friend who was Scottish and, to us in England, she sounded very Scottish. When she went home on a visit everyone said that she sounded English! I can't hear any English in the way Bernadette speaks. She sounds American to me.

[@mikikiki2259]

@@lunasmum6869 She sounds english to me. Granted, texas isn't a good place to ask about American accents. We all talk like we've never been to school.

[@lunasmum6869]

@@mikikiki2259 But I expect you aren't in England.

[@sallys.2707]

Me : this is wonderful Bernadette * begin to convert inch in yard * Me * crying in decimal system *

[@celestialchord]

*crying in engineer* I feel that

[@lilykiss1145]

Me too ! I was really confused by all those 3/4 of an inch thingies. It looks really really complicated to someone raised with decimal system !

[@SuperGoldhacker]

Me too, I cannot do imperial :/

[@chevronlily]

I actually really like working in imperial despite using decimal my whole life. Its a base 12 system which once you work that out is simple to use and 1 inch is much more useful than 1 cm. ditto 1/8th inch to 1mm! also because fabric widths are inch based I don't have to fiddle around with 113cm width math.

[@melda92TRS]

It is soooooo much easier to do sewing math in the metric system. I was raised using the imperial and then studied abroad and forced to use metric and now I cry when I have to deal with the fractions. As long as you do the original measurements in metric you are golden, however it's probably not accurate to the period and there would be a lot of converting measurements from her books

[@Webster020]

Time to claim our “Before 1 million subscribers” card.

[@FiSH-iSH]

lolk

[@lizthedisjointedzebra692]

IT's honestly a crime she doesn't have five million subscribers. Her videos are just pure delight and complete historical dressmaking eye candy.

[@Webster020]

@Lilyana Barnett Woooooohoooo!

[@jessicabraud3307]

"Ye olden days before the plague." Ah, how I do miss those days

[@violet2048]

LOL! 5*****

[@mkt7301]

me, engineer, watching fabric math with fear in my heart: thank god for the metric system

[@RobbyTheMuffin]

Gosh, I know. I just can’t imagine calculating anything in the imperial system. Too many fractions.

[@ragnkja]

RobbyTheMuffin And too many different conversion factors.

[@katherinemorelle7115]

Even though I grew up in the metric system, I do occasionally use imperial in sewing. But- only if it’s whole numbers, and usually only because I’m following an American set of instructions and I can’t be bothered to convert it over. I am very grateful that we teach metric to children. It makes so much more sense and is so much easier! It’s also much more precise (not surprisingly, a millimetre is much more precise than an 1/8th of an inch), and so where precision matters, even Americans use metric- like NASA. So why they haven’t all converted to the far superior and easier system, I just don’t know. The poor things are torturing themselves with maths that is much more difficult than it needs to be!

[@m0rganosity]

Me an American engineer, teaching myself to sew clothes: "is math real? When did numbers become fake?"

[@ragnkja]

Morgan Boyd I see you have stumbled across one of the biggest philosophical debates in mathematics.

[@NeneChan203]

I understand nothing of what Bernadette says when she explains the whole sewing process, but I watch her videos anyways because I love everything she makes.

[@phadenswandemil4345]

Sometimes I stop the video halfway to consult a dictionary. And they said KZbin won't make me smarter...

[@NeneChan203]

Alexandra Viro haha i'm glad i'm not the only one! watching her do her magic is an absolute delight :-D

[@NeneChan203]

Phaden Swan DeMil right! I'm so grateful for Bernadette, I learn so much from her. :-D

[@phadenswandemil4345]

Seems like Bernadette is so passionate about what she does that we can't help but be invested in her projects as well

[@7Nine7]

Hahaha thats sewing yt for me. I am not a native speaker, but somehow i found myself in english sewing. XD

[@tealgermaine4198]

I love how her solution to boredom is fancy shears. I wish the toddler in my brain was that easy to please XD

[@Zeldur]

Maybe when things become a little safer, you can get in contact with someone to sharpen your dagger shears?

[@caitlinhanson8631]

*shears of destiny 🙃

[@vb7794]

You have to call the entire project "The plague dress project" 😂

[@nodarlingart]

You know, I really don´t understand how anyone could think girls or woman back then did not need an education in math or would not be able to do math when it is so clearly necessary for such a basic thing as dressing or managing a houshold in general. I could not do even a fration of all the math you do for that petticoat, wich is as unmanly a garment as garments go, and it is obviously a piece of work in its owen wright. Not loud and noisy and physcally hard work, but really complicated and not at all a "little useless female skill", which makes the unequal stand between man and woman in that period of time much more unfaire then I realized.

[@starsun6363]

Most woman (At least in the later vivtorian period.) probably did know maths. Especially as going to school became more common. Sometimes the girls would go more than the boys since they were working on the farm or just working.

[@EH23831]

It occurs to me it would be a WHOLE lot easier if she used metric!! All those 5/8th inches etc...yikes! 😖 Set yourself free, Bernadette and use metric system! 😊

[@lunasmum6869]

@@EH23831 Oh no!! We are all different I know but 5/8 of an inch makes perfect sense to me. I hate metric because we were forced to use it here in UK. Imperial measurements are not difficult. And, of course, Bernadette is sewing a garment from times when everything was measured in inches. She is correct.

[@lizcademy4809]

Math for pattern drafting, mechanical engineering for dealing with a balky sewing machine.

[@Megan-nr7xe]

@@lunasmum6869 just because she's sewing a garment from that time doesn't mean she has to use the measurements of that time lmao

[@999Giustina]

"We haven't gotten dressed in 2 months"...on that made me laugh! It's soooooo true! I don't turn on my video camera for zoom meetings and stay in my Mickey mouse pajamas. Now I'm inspired to make some frilly Victorian underthings for the hot weather. Love your videos!

[@paulagebhardt6018]

"Stupid hook and eye closures" is absolutely my mood every time I see a burlesque costume.

[@violet2048]

My grandmother taught me to apply them by using a button hole stitch to make the lay closer to the fabric. She was a seamstress and made Gibson Girl clothes, and hats to go with them. I'm in my 70's so you can calculate how long ago that was.

[@CELERITAS-BONITAS]

I'm glad there's another creative who says "is that math?" I felt that in my soul.

[@BlitzsieLDiscoLSnow]

To be fair, that's partly because of the imperial measurement system that the US uses. In other countries with the metric system it's more straightforward. I mean. 1 meter is 100 centimeter is 1000 millimeter. Doesn't get much harder than that. I die a little bit inside every time I see inches and feet and yards and tablespoons and cups and fluid ounces (what even are those?...) because it can be so much easier with meters and grams.

[@maryblaylock6545]

@@BlitzsieLDiscoLSnow Having had to translate metric to Imperial I'd say we are even. I bought a small conversion chart printed on metal with a magnet which abides on my refrigerator. LOVE that thing!

[@ragnkja]

Bellaen Teaspoons and tablespoons are easy enough, because we can approximate those as 5 ml and 15 ml, respectively, but two different kinds of ounces that are sometimes used to measure the same thing? That _has to_ lead to errors.

[@CELERITAS-BONITAS]

Yknow changing to metric would make sense and be easier.... But this is the same country that implemented Common Core math 😠 if you don't know the horrors, short answer is it is convoluted and extra work. We can dream tho!

[@waterartdragon]

@@CELERITAS-BONITAS there have been movements to switch to metric for quite awhile in the U.S. they always seem to fall through.

[@Operanut1972]

You are, my dear Lady, a virtual goddess in the use of understated sarcasm. Long live the floof.

[@SuperGoldhacker]

Since I began watching Bernadettes videos a couple of weeks ago I've felt inspired to pick up my needle. I've actually started sewing again after taking a break for a few years, and it's all because of Bernadette.

[@LeighIR]

Aunt Ida was born in 1882 and was a seamstress/tailor for the family and a few ladies of the town. she taught my Mother to sew, who in turn did her best with me. Now I know why Mother kept stressing that "stitches shouldn't show"! In high school home ec(1988), when we had to hand sew cuffs to our homemade sweatshirts, I remember taking my sewn on cuff to the teacher for inspection. She kept turning it over and over, looking inside and out with a weird look on her face. "I can't find the stitches." Me - "I'm sorry, did I do it wrong?" Her - "No! I...I just can't believe it. How did you do that?" Me - "I don't know, that's how Mother taught me." I don't sew (too stressful), but I appreciate the skill of others who do so.

[@beth_winegarner]

I was told throughout my life that my math skills were subpar until I realized just how much math I do in the fly in sewing & baking! Hrmph. Pintuck math is serious business.

[@starsun6363]

Lol. Like, maybe I can't do qudratic equations but I can multiply fractions like nobody's business.

[@spacewolfcub]

I just use metric. Is that cheating in the costuber community?

[@Knotted321]

I had a math teacher tell me I would never succeed in life because I couldn't do a simple math test, and then for my final exam in art I made a custom dress from my own design, did all the math in less than a minute. The invidulator timed me.

[@hristinaklincarova6976]

Who else spend the whole section where she explained the math calculations in yards, glad to be born elsewhere because ...metric system :D

[@medicwebber3037]

WE USE IT HERE IN SO MANY WAYS AND FOR SO MANY CAREES--WHY NOT CHANGE?!?! Some day, USA.... some glorious day....

[@texaspoontappa2088]

Even though I live in a country with the metric system, I keep sewing with imperial. I mash them up in weird ways. I don't like seeing big numbers like so I use inches to make it seem like I'm using less fabric 😅. I've been avoiding those weird conversions though

[@maike__-]

@@texaspoontappa2088 I mix them, too. I never actually measure things like seam allowance - I just draw what looks like it's enough. If I'm feeling _really_ precise that day, I'll place my thumb down and use it to "measure" the width - yet somehow "an inch of seam allowance" is more comfortable for me to estimate than "2,5 cm"... And I grew up with the metric system too. But every time I hear somebody (try to) calculate numbers with 5/8 of an inch, I'll be thanking the sewing gods that I don't have to 😂

[@lynn858]

I might have been able to sew in metric - 🇨🇦 Canada tends to try to appease everyone and provide both measurements in most fields, but having started my sewing endeavours with quilting, which in North America is most DEFINITELY in imperial, and grid rulers and cutting mats with inscribed measured grids being so important, there’s little chance I’ll convert myself to metric, with it’s handy math, for garments. Crap.

[@wickedpissa25]

"My car gets thirty rods to the hogshead and that's the ways I likes it!"

[@JustTytee]

When she flicked those scissors. I said “Lady Banner the sass , mind your manners.” 😱😹😹.

[@PeaceLoveGirl98]

Honestly, I don't sew. I have no clothing making abilities whatsoever. I just like hearing her voice. I don't understand half of what she's saying but listening to her makes me happy and calms me down. So thanks for that Bernadette!

[@candlewaywriting8832]

Also can I just say... how fun would it be to have an “after hours” party after that ball, wherein everyone just wears their historically accurate or inspired underwear? Because... damn! 😍😅

[@lilenwasnothere6867]

@@floschad9771 pathetic. i might show my knees...

[@Duckie313]

The hardest part of hand sewing is getting the blood stains out of the fabric. :P I stab myself so many times with the darn needle when working with double layers of heavy fabric hehe

[@Ninacska93]

Don't worry, I always say that no projct is complete until a sacrifice was made to the gods of sewing. In the ten or so years I've been sewing there was not a single garment I hadn't bled on.

[@dcinrb8538]

My apologies for sounding uncouth. I utilize my saliva to remove tiny blood spots from pinpricks while hand quilting cotton.

[@j.kaimori3848]

@@dcinrb8538 this works due to your digestive enzymes breaking the blood proteins down. Ironically if you spit on your cut it helps it clot and heal faster.

[@ragnkja]

Especially true if you’re working with white fabric.

[@MalteseKat]

Hydrogen peroxide. I'm happy with that, I never thought of saliva...which makes perfect sense.

[@paulbundy9061]

She’s going to rustle like ivory silk taffeta pile of leaves! It’ll be glorious !

[@mrhyand6258]

Yes, that glorious rustle is missed in today's clothing. I am surprised you mentioned it. Thanks for the memories!

[@paulbundy9061]

@@mrhyand6258 It's that little extra something isn't it?

[@sarahlambertfr_]

Hi, I just wanted to say something about the French seam. Here in France we call it "la couture anglaise", which means "the English seam" ^^

[@aaliyahdailey31]

*hasn't seen the Shears of Destiny for the past few videos* *keeps eyes peeled for them in this video* *almost makes a post about not seeing them* Bernadette: DRAMATICALLY INTRODUCES THE SHEARS OF DESTINY LIKE THE QUEEN SHE IS Me: *excited ewok squawk*

[@allikillion3733]

My parents have grown increasingly aware of my love for historical clothing. I am now a proud owner of my own pair of Shears of Destiny.

[@jlhidalgo]

"...at this point, I realized I was unnecessarily succumbing to mundanity..." 😁.

[@deborahlarson1606]

Ok, so I have been watching your channel so a few months now. Love it! I am fascinated by your work, your descriptions, your methods, everything. Now I am 70 year old woman. I have done a bit of sewing in my life but I was never good at it. So I was feeling inspired by your demonstrations. I just tried to hem a bit of cotton by hand. You make it look so easy! Now I am even more impressed! Oh, the hem is a disaster. Trying again tomorrow. Practice will improve my skills though I know they will never rival yours. Thank you for your entertaining and informative videos!!

[@violet2048]

I'm in my 70's too, and just stumbled in this today. I'm very excited about it. Hand work is rough on arthritic hands, but that's how my grandmother taught me. First hand work, then she gave me her old Queen treadle machine, then mom let me use her electric machine, and the rest is history.

[@rossjames271]

i must admit, I released the most u n g o d l y screech when you said “stupid hook and eye closures” the struggle is real girl, the struggle is real EDIT: THE ENDING WITH THE EYELETS I HAVE TRANSFORMED INTO A BANSHEE AND MY WAILS ARE INCONSOLABLE

[@olyerem8517]

I felt that, just yesterday I literally poked a hole down a shirt with a skirt hook.

[@MossyMozart]

@Ross James - I have a skirt with an hook and eye at the top that was poking me something fierce the other day. When I got home, I found that part of the hook part had broken off somehow and a small pointy metal barb was sticking into me. I was ambushed!

[@FiSH-iSH]

kinda reminds me of that one time that i broke the tip of my exactoknife and spent the entire rest of the day not knowing why my sock was so itchy (spoiler alert its because the tip of the blade somehow managed to get into my sock)

[@restezlameme]

X-Acto struggles are real, my friend.

[@miawong3411]

there really is nothing better than a new bernadette banner video on the morning after two days in the pits, to keep me company as i press masks and trim threads :") thank you for your incredible talent and beautifully inspiring work in these strange times

[@lachimiste1]

Me: *works on current tatted lace project while watching video in Ye Olde Handicraft solidarity.* Also me: I MUST DROP EVERYTHING AND TAT PRETTY INSERTION LACE. That insertion lace really is beautiful. I hope you’re able to find more of it!

[@julianfantasia9033]

The magic of editing is that the clip of the fancy scissors failing to finish snipping through the silk made me chuckle out loud

[@melimsah]

12:00 in, music gets epic... Me: "Huh that's an interesting choice for mus-" Bernadette : "oh no I'm succumbing to mundanity! But never fear!" Me : GASP SHEARS OF DESTINY TIME?! Bernadette : BEHOLD THE MAGICAL SHEARS OF DESTINY!!! [struggles to cut] Seriously, The Magical Shears of Destiny is my favorite costar, next to Cesario. :P

[@oliviabh.3989]

Do I have any idea what you are talking about when you mention technical sounding sewing terms? No. Do I watch this video anyway? Yes.

[@Ale-nu1ib]

same

[@andreaharmon8931]

Same here.

[@isaaksimmers7678]

Man I don’t sew, I don’t wear fancy clothes, and I’m not even that into history but I love this channel 😂🧐🤷🏻‍♂️❤️ I wish I could afford to have quality clothes made for me!

[@violet2048]

It's OK for men to learn how to sew. I had a male student in one of my classes. He built a beautiful bed for his wife and wanted a quilt for it. When he asked her to make one, she basically said not a chance. So he came into the shop and asked how to make a quilt, I invited him to take one of my classes. I mean he even wanted to know what kind of sewing machine he'd need. Long story short he took on the project, and him being a wood worker was used to precision, made his quilt in record time which made it seem like he had done it all before. He was very gifted. All it takes is desire and determination. Give it a thought, you might enjoy the challenge.

[@angelwhispers2060]

It is a completely reasonable life goal to obtain the level of Financial Security necessary to have clothing custom-made for you. Just remember just because she chooses to hand so basically everything doesn't mean you couldn't make perfectly acceptable modern versions of this with an electric sewing machine if you choose to take up the hobby 💛 Men's fashionably fluffy things kind of peeked around the reign of King Louie the 14th in France if you're looking for some historical inspiration. Menswear is comparatively easy 2 history bound because you can literally just wear modern boxers under it. The one portion of the 14th century Garb I must highly warn you away from taking the time to make is the codpiece just sew your breeches together and be happy. Everyone will be sufficiently impressed and possibly confused without the unnecessary padded penis of embarrassment and awkward conversations. Check out some of her earlier videos that are modern adaptations of Victorian clothing to get a better idea. Also the Ulster coat which is part of the Sherlock Holmes series is basically identical for guys accept that you don't need to fit the chest area of the coat in quite so tightly.

[@rtyria]

"No matter how many times I do it (Math) I'm always incorrect!" I feel so much better now. This is the story of my life.

[@c.wright3750]

That’s me. I’m looking thinking she wants 2 1/2 times the circumference but she said 1 1/2 so I’m like maybe. What do I know I failed every math class I was in.

[@nightburststudios2142]

Every time Bernadette says “anon” my day get a little bit brighter

[@lesliemoiseauthor]

Same

[@runvidr]

This one made me giggle in so many places! And good heavens, silk taffeta underclothes!

[@maryblaylock6545]

For the woman who is truly 'Worth' it.

[@catzkeet4860]

Mary Blaylock I saw what you did there ;)

[@maryblaylock6545]

@@catzkeet4860 Bless you! Actually, we are all 'Worth' it. And we need to remember that! I will now get down from my soap box!

[@taylormarie14]

I’d be perfectly fine with the United States becoming a monarchy if His Lordship was the reigning monarch. Long live King Cesario!

[@E_FoxSnowspirit]

I love that she kept the petticoat she made when she was younger!!! It shows that the interest has always been there and the skill has improved so much

[@Chibihugs]

Alas, sometime the pretty floofy things are well worth the math needed to make them. This petticoat is indeed worthy of math. As is that dreamy lace.

[@philouesterenn8660]

I love the fact that your petticoat has a little hint of "ye olde plague" with the lack of insertion lace ^^' i finished an embroidered canvas during lockdown with all the old threads i had and well, somme colors are not the best choices and i could have riped off everything after lockdown was over in France but ... I kinda like it, like it will keep the memory of this moment of History we lived ... But, anyway, i wish you'll have enough insertion lace in the end ^^

[@MossyMozart]

@Philoue Sterenn - Hello, France!

[@philouesterenn8660]

@@MossyMozart hello, Mozart, its an honor :p

[@frankiemillcarek6976]

The challenge that historians face when figuring things out from extant garments and documents is confounded by times like these. Did Frankie sew this in 2019, 2020, or 2021? 2019 was a year of personal struggle for the lady, 2020 was a year of lockdown and materials shortage, 2021 was a year of the lady's descent into madness from moving back in with her mother and away from her friends. Was the garment made with 5 different types of thread because she was too ill to leave the house, because there was no thread to be had, because she had lost her mind, because she had a lazy personality type, or because this was a growing trend among makers in this decade? This is why historical accuracy is never entirely accurate 😭.

[@cinemaocd1752]

Bernadette: actually enjoys doing lace insertion and pintucks. Also Bernadette: has the same level of vendetta hatred of hook and eye closures that most people reserve for someone that hurt them in childhood.

[@auntybecca9603]

I love the fact you explain the occurrences where things don’t go as planned but you continue on. Such a metaphor for life and for the garments that adorn us as we go about life in these unsure times. Continue on, beloved time traveling seamstress.

[@zen_ccg]

Bernadette uploaded mere hours after I submitted my university assignment where I referenced her twice. What timing I have!

[@dcinrb8538]

May I ask the topic of your paper? Bernadette Banner would make an excellent reference source. 💙

[@senoritasophs13]

I referenced her in mine too!

[@katiakitty]

"nothing to see here" well now i'm just curious.

[@ef8151]

I just wanted to say that your videos make me so much less lazy with my sewing projects. When I learned to sew, very little emphasis was put on finishing projects properly, and so I never really learned how to do it. Now, especially as I've moved from quilting into more garment making, I've just gotten so much inspiration from your videos on how the extra time makes loads of difference to the quality and wearability of garments. Thank you so much.

[@ANeverBird]

Bernadette, as always your particular brand of sass is absolute perfection.

[@thingswithcats7381]

the gap between how satisfying i find it to see your hand-stitching (very!) and how satisfying I find it to do hand-stitching myself (not at all) is a full galaxy 😂

[@debmacie1612]

When it comes to anything fractions I always end up with a headache. Why can’t life be whole numbers ? Your petticoat is marvelous. Bravo Ms Banner.

[@katherinemorelle7115]

It can, thanks to the wonder that is the metric system. Why Americans continue to torture themselves with fractions and things that aren’t easy to multiply or divide, or convert... it’s just beyond me. 10 is a lovely whole number, after all. Edited to add- if the measurements must be precise, American departments like NASA do actually use the metric system. Because 1 millimetre is much more precise than 1/8th of an inch, after all. And it’s all so lovely and easy for conversions up. 10 millimetres in a centimetre. 100 centimetres in a metre. 1000 metres in a kilometre (and all of the words mean what they say too- centi meaning hundred, kilo meaning 1000). The same cannot be said for imperial measurements. I have no idea how many inches to a foot, how many feet to a yard, how many yards to a mile. Because none of them make sense! I will always die on this hill- metric is by far the superior measurement system, and also much easier to use!

[@ashleyraujol2780]

17:20 Bernadette: "because if you know me you know I am..." Me: Aesthetic trash? Bernadette: "hype for learning all of the things about cinematic story telling." Me: Oh - I'll see myself out

[@Luubelaar]

Me: Aesthetic trash? That's me! Aesthetic trash checking in!

[@asaltyem0826]

I can barely sew myself but I’m obsessed with these videos they are so calming for me and are perfect company while I crochet. They also help me keep my patience as I constantly untangle unruly balls of yarn.

[@crafteeauthor8638]

Me: *wears neon three-piece women’s suits in mismatched patterns with glittery bowties and strongly dislikes any skirts* Also Me: yeah I would ABSOLUTELY wear this on a regular basis I should make it

[@ValeriePallaoro]

OhgodIloveyourstyle!

[@Noel.Chmielowiec]

It's so beautiful, I love this delicate lace with the silk taffeta. Now I can't see another fabric for petticoats :) Everytime that you said flounce I've seen 'My life as a background slytherin' comics with Snape doing 'the flounce' in my head and I couldn't stop laughing :D Also I adore clips with His Lordship at the end, he's so precious.

[@tonietteify]

Severely off topic, but did anyone else get the fates scene in Hercules flashbacks when she was cutting the silk?😂

[@MattPhonee]

Yup.

[@chrisg9196]

At 12:19 When she unsheathes the *Shears of Destiny* with the appropriate background music 🤣 Suddenly a feeling of invincibility and determination filled my heart. 😂 (I know as much about fashion history, tailoring or the seamstress profession, as I do about String Theory Physics. Nevertheless, watching her videos are entertaining and soothing.)

[@angel572]

I was SO HOPING that His Lordship would be featured at the end of the video, and Bernadette did not disappoint. Literally always here for the floof content. Both lacy and pet versions.

[@floveury]

"is that math?" is so relatable. like i don't know basic maths??

[@dcinrb8538]

I've been surrounded by math people my whole life, nearing 6 decades. But they don't sew....glue guns, electrical tape, staplers, paper clips and safety pins are used instead. We embrace our differences every Halloween. 🎃 🎃

[@ragnkja]

Even professional mathematicians avoid arithmetic when possible.

[@insertchannelname1223]

I'm rewatching these rn and in Sherlock's corset she points out that she missed the detail of tiny, invisible stitching and in this video she made sure to mention it(to stitch small as per Victorian standards) and that was just so cool to me💜💜💜💜

[@freyaegrey]

YES! I love the Guinea Pig action at the end! More of this please! His Lordship pleases his peasants!

[@melimsah]

Also the entire bit at 22:30! Seriously, Bernadette, as a video type person myself (though an animator, not an editor) I'm absolutely LOVING your creative choices in the editing! The text, the cuts, the music. So much of it is just SO GOOD!

[@maleahlock]

"Nothing to see here" hehehe. Love the sneaky notes. It's absolutely lovely Bernadette. Wonderful work! Thank you for the video.

[@bernadettebanner]

That stupid outlet was the only thing I could look at whilst editing the bum pad video so Something Had To Be Done. 😅

[@mortifera123]

This music has vague "how it's made" vibes and I LIVE FOR IT. Growing up, I always wished how it's made went more into garments. So that must be why I love watching making of sewing videos now :D

[@youmandyme]

There's just something so hypnotic and calming about sewing something by hand.

[@delanocarson7544]

I am in desperate need of a petticoat for a decidedly larger 1850's silhouette that I have been procrastinating on...perhaps the sheer magnitude of your project will be the motivating factor to actually make my substantially simpler one LOL

[@eflarsen]

me: does not enjoy wearing feminine clothing or want to wear dresses at all also me: watches every bernadette banner video as soon as i get the notif that it's uploaded

[@thatsdisco]

I consider mixing old-fashioned men's and women's fashion and make my very own style through that, since dresses also aren't for me

[@claire2088]

the meticulous care you take in your videos is so calming to watch (even if I suspect it's less than calming actually making these things sometimes)

[@wildmntflower]

That Makuba lace is so gorgeous. It's the kind of intimidatingly perfect material I would want to have in my life, but then be too scared to "ruin" with my amateurish attempts, so it would sit in my house forever... I am working on that, really I am.

[@angelwhispers2060]

Get some extremely passable synthetic version and practice on that. Then you won't feel bad about messing it up while you acquire the skills to handle the good stuff💛