Do I Even Like Peplums? // Some Summery Sewing

[@chaeburger]

The peplum looks great! And I love how versatile this top is so you can do with or without the peplum. Can we talk about the fabric??? 🤩🤩🤩

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I know this batik is too good 🤩

[@doloresgreen1563]

Yes, the longer peplum is a wonderful addition to finish out your silhouette. What an intriging color pattern !!! Awesome Job !!! 👍😻😻😻👍

[@wilderchilder2901]

You look great in the peplum silhouette. I particularly like the skirt on the bias with this batik print. Well done Bianca!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@2020Dumpsterfire]

I like the peplum but silhouette wise I think you should raise it just like inch and a half to two inches just to give like a little bit more length to the legs. In general I like peplums but I feel like they're deceptively tricky, like it really depends on where it falls and the exact shapes of people. Edit: looking again maybe 3 inches? I think then it would emphasize the hips and then draw the eye to the slim fit of the pencil skirt under it

[@cherylrosbak4092]

I agree. A shorter peplum is great, this one is a bit too long compared to the skirt length. Horizontal lines are too close together, maybe?

[@yobespierre]

agree. like, 3" shorter i think would be great and would definitely emphasize the hourglass shape.

[@slavetobloodcomic]

A hi/lo peplum would be a good compromise, I think.

[@Miausan14]

29:00 I love the peplum on you! I think the best part is that it is perfectly at your waist and flares to your body. If you were to purchase a ready made peplum, they can be too low or two high, but this top is almost like a skater skirt look, and super flattering on you! Just look at how tiny your waist looks! Also, when peplums were in style, in the early 00's, I feel like they were used to hide the muffin top that low rise jeans gave. Here it is much more justified!

[@TheAquaYoshiDingbat]

That peplum over that pencil skirt silhouette pleases me to no end! I am a full circle skirt kind of gal and I honestly have never worn a pencil skirt in my life but this has really inspired me to try this look for myself! Thank you so much for sharing your sewing adventures! I greatly appreciate you!

[@asquaredmorrisdancer]

I use miniscule stitches when I'm approaching a curve or point that I know needs to be heavily trimmed/clipped. Things like godet insets, and weird acute pointy shapes.

[@lynn858]

Exactly! And they can also be used in situations like the end of darts, as a "no back stitching" method, as an alternative to tying off. But basically, it's more like securing/stitches than sewing-stitches.

[@dawnvickerstaff]

I think that peplum adds a certain You pull it off beautifully as always. I'm learning so much, not only about fashion but about sewing techniques and the power of being yourself. Thank you.

[@madame.banoffee]

The nightgowns, bed sheets, table and dish cloths I owe from around turn of century 18/1900 are all very high thread count and sewn with very short stitches. I guess that’s the secret of incredible quality- all used, worn, washed, ironed for 4 generations. My grandmother showed me how to sew this way, you need good thread as well. The fabric of the oldest pieces thins out at places but not one of the seams, which are mostly french or flat felled. My daughter is using some already and knows, no fabric softener, no dryer.

[@SewingBoxDesigns]

Agreed! Dryers are murder on fabric. When I started work and didn't have time to do anything, I started using the dryer in our apartment complex. I was shocked at how a pair of wranglers that used to last my husband five years lasted six months. Stopped using the dryer after getting myself organised, and the same brand went back to lasting five years. Nothing we love goes in the dryer.

[@myrrhfishify7743]

I hand wash all my work clothes, workout/athleisure, and even some of my about-the-house clothes, whether I got them at a fast fashion place, made them, or if they are high-end. Even a cheap shirt will last longer if the fabric is well treated. By hand washing and hanging dry (or flat dry), the fabric lasts so much longer, pilling is kept to a minimum, and the garment does not lose its shape. Glad your have taught your daughter how to keep her fabrics. So many folks may love their stuff, but then throw it in the machines.

[@lynn858]

Even the simple ones, I still notice something new that will come in handy. The choices about how to position the batik made a big impact.

[@laurenschiller1804]

As someone with a lot of "muchness" in the back, I kind of like having flowy clothes that enhance it because it makes it look like an intentional fashion statement, it's like a mini-bustle era or Edwardian pigeon butt thing

[@aprildriesslein5034]

Likewise! Sometimes you just have to lean into something to make it look good.

[@agi2711]

I love peplums. In the reveal I liked it even more with the contrasting Shirt.

[@laurahi3468]

You look stunning with a peplum! I mean, you naturally have a great hourglass figure anyway, but the peplum even accentuates that further! And Ooooh myyyyy this fabric!! I am so stunned every time you pull off a fabric that is just beautiful but I would have never imagined it to work well as a dress! You have such a talented eye for this!! 😍

[@cdeg1964]

I think the peplum looks great. I agree maybe a hint shorter, but overall it is great. I like it much better with the black skirt.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@AquaSwooshie]

10:58 Oooh I know something sewed with a wildly small stitch length -- The seamstresses who sewed the Apollo astronaut suits were sewing at 24 stitches per inch! [according to How We Got To the Moon, a book I read earlier this week]

[@Arcanist_Gaming]

Tiny stitches are great for things you never want to come apart for as long as you will live. I stitched a back patch onto a punk friend's jacket like that and it's _never_ coming off, which he was surprisingly pleased with. I forget I even put it on there when I see that jacket lmao

[@SabethRavenwing]

As far as I know the very short stich length is used on very fine/ sheer fabrics sewn with a light weight thread, especially on curves.

[@mymziey8679]

The peplum looks good, especially with the narrow skirt, it almost give you a villainous vibe

[@KenZchameleon]

I think the peplums are flattering in this fabric/pattern. The geometric/mosaic keeps the eyes moving along the fabric, so it feels dynamic, not static like a solid color or "quieter" pattern. Well done! Gorgeous (as per your usual).

[@thirza9508]

I use the tiny stitch length on my antique machine for corsets, since that needs tons of strength.

[@auntmaggiesattic]

In quilting, we use very short stitching for piecing. The shorter the stitch, supposedly it is stronger.

[@bridgethuggett1052]

We would welcome you in our dreich Scotland!

[@sharonshields1482]

I like the peplum. It suits you and your vintage style well. Thank you for sharing your work.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sharon!

[@SandraL489]

On the topic of proportions and silhouette - could you please do a video on this? I picked up bits and pieces of it thanks to KZbin and now the hit and miss ratio of how many of my me-mades I actually like has risen drastically. To me the longer peplum makes the legs look way longer, but to me the combination of those huge peplums with the shoulderwidth of the all in one sleeves makes it look too-heavy. I would go sleeveless with such massive peplums but that would mean leaving your favorite silhouette, right?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

The 1940s and I agree, the wider the shoulder, the smaller the waist looks 😂✨

[@moonbasket]

I understand why you are uncertain about the peplum. It gives a much more vintage silhouette and one that isn't often imitated by modern fashion. It reads explicitly 50's, not as much 50's inspired as your usual fare. However, I love it. I think mixing up modern silhouettes with distinctly vintage or antique ones is the best part of making your own clothes. It looks great on you and adds an interesting length to your hips that isn't done in modern clothes. It also evokes the Vogue New Look style really simply and well. Side note: I've been watching some of your other videos and you complained about makeup irritating your face a bunch. I love the vivid makeup looks you do for your intros. Have you been able to find make ups that dont irritate you? I'd hate if you were dressing up for intros at the detriment to your health. Although I understand suffering for fashion. 😁❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Alas I simply suffer through the eye irritation yes 😅

[@marilyny6958]

The tiny stitches are for when you're making a v neckline or any pointed areas like points on a collar. About 3/4" or so on either side of the point you switch the stitches to the smallest Stitch so that when you turn it and clip the materal, the tiny frayed material won't sneak out between the smaller stitches.

[@sarahlongshore2605]

You can definitely wear a peplum!!! Loving that fabric!!! ❤❤❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sarah!

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

I love the print of the fabric and the versatility of the matching peplum top. You're gorgeous anyway and I think the peplum looks fab on you, but it's up to you to decide what you feel good wearing.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Natalie!

[@williamhenshaw5338]

Love the look of the dress and the peplum top over it is stunning. You have a classic look and peplum style is great on you! ❤😊😊

[@BlackFrostQueen]

The longer peplum looks fabulous on you! And the dress is stunning!

[@jillbarker9895]

I like them both. The longer peplum looks great! I especially like it with the black skirt. Great project

[@gingersnaps997]

I think both look amazing, and I love a peplum dress and/or top. That dress fits you perfectly!!!!

[@damogranheart5521]

I like a peplum on me because it makes it look like I have a real waist! I really like the versatility, dress, matching peplum, and coordinating skirts or leggings! It looks lovely on you! Most Excellent! As for the "Older but wiser," I believe in my case it isn't so much "Older but wiser" so much as it is "Older but wider!" Although I have been losing some weight.

[@kathyjohnson2043]

My vote: peplum is perfect, including length, I especially like it with the match dress but I would love to see it with black cigarette pants too.

[@susansmith8602]

The peplum looks fantastic on you. The fit is perfection.

[@debraking7412]

Hi Bianca, I think the longer peplum is very attractive. It looks really good on you. As my late father would have said “you could wear a west of England corn sack and still look stunning “. I love the fabric choice too. xx

[@sarahduffy6964]

That looks so comfy. You’ve got an amazing eye for visually interesting non-floral patterns

[@cindycash1772]

Love how the peplum looks on you... I had my doubts for the longer lenght but I do like it... all your clothes are beautiful n the silhouettes are so you but this one gives you alittle change up... combining the 2 are gorgeous but for myself it would roast me... lol... love the black pencil skirt... I want to make 1 so bad but I have a mum Tum n can't keep it under control without shapewear n it's simply too hot... lol... this might have been a simple video but no less brilliant in showing us the why n where for of pattern drafting... I can watch that for hours... thank you !!!

[@rachelvancamp6982]

I agree with the person who said she would hem up the peplum a couple of inches. Otherwise it is perfect and looks great. I had a red dress with separate matching peplum in the fifties and loved it. Will be making more peplums this fall. Thanks for reminding me how much I like that look. It's such a striking and feminine look!

[@samwhyatt8685]

You ROCK the peplum! Accentuates your already stunning figure. My hubby happened to come into the room as I was watching the Reveal portion of the video. His comment was 'She really is very beautiful'. He's right!

[@Eliza-br2so]

As a new englander, I will say, don’t set your hopes TOO high for a super chilly climate. That’s my favorite weather, too, but in recent years, we’ve had super mild winters and loooooong long summers. Global boiling comes for us all

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I will end up in Scandinavia before long 😂

[@judyblum7597]

Small stitch length is often used in quilt making when doing foundation paper piecing. Or when making a strip set and sub cutting that strip set into smaller shapes. And you look marvelous in a peplum!

[@bethliebman8169]

I think the peplums is good on you--enhances the silhouette. Very nice print you used. I feel the same way you do about heat. Bianca may your weather always suit your wardrobe.

[@TheCatmyers]

Love it. If I made any change it would be to shorten it just a bit. Short stitch length works nicely when doing welt pockets and bound button holes too. No back stitching necessary at beginning or end of seams and less thread bulk.

[@generalcorgi]

The absolutely tiny stitch length is probably for seams that you don't want to come apart ever. I've got a treadle from 1913, and the smallest stitch pretty much just turns the seam into one sheet of fabric again. It's insane

[@sherrillsturm7240]

I've seen smaller stitch length recommended for tight curves, too. Makes sense.

[@michellecornum5856]

I LOVE this silhouette!!!!! This one, the V-neck, the long peplum, putting it over a skirt or pants -- the whole thing hits a weak spot for me. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

[@Kelli.Hicks.5]

I second the montion. 🙋‍♀️ The peplum looks great.

[@Drgn8DDragonsDungeon]

Peplum is such a fun word to say / hear. For some reason my auto queue will replay several of your videos but skip others, and I feel like this one got skipped. So sad, because Peplum is such a fun word and I enjoy hearing it so frequently 😂

[@CharredFibers]

Yeah I like the peplum. Love that fabric too!!!

[@Downhomeherbwife]

The peplum looks great (and very vintage) on you! Nice length. Great fabric!

[@helenversteeg4516]

The peblum looks amazing on you. It gives you a very sofisticated silhouette

[@sonjadalglish6544]

Yes, yes, yes. The peplum looks great 😊

[@traciakierman1]

Great video as always! In regards to the tiny stitch length...I was taught to switch to that stitch length for the top 1/2 inch of the dart as you approach the point, with the last 2-3 stitches right on the fold. Don't know if it's really necessary but I was told it gets a nice, non-pointy end of the dart that way. 🤷

[@TheClosetHistorian]

That is definitely one of the dart tips I have heard as well!

[@laurielahr9401]

I really love both outfits on you. Both are exquisite on you. I also love how you've taken what you've learned and made your own way of doing things.

[@carsonlenore]

I think the peplum. I feel like it adds a dash of feminity to the outfit but in a tailored/structured way, and I like that contrast.

[@thomascurb9006]

Beautiful! You look great in a peplum. Well done as usual!💯🥰

[@kymberlys]

That fabric is gorgeous! And I think the peplum looks great on you, really.

[@ReinaElizondo]

You can totally pull off a peplum 💖. However, it seems like you gravitate towards breaking up the skirt-feel of them in various ways. Either by making them asymmetrical or open/not coming all the way around or sparrow-tail. I think you could also experiment with trim, contrast panels and open high-low peplums - maybe even asymmetric, layered and square spikey shapes? There are some evil queen or Once Upon a Time themed McCalls patterns that come to mind (M6741). So you could go to the source and look at the character's costumes too. Lots of spiky/bat-wing peplums and curved open ones and split ones.

[@Zeldur]

I looove how the peplum turned out and the top detail of the non peplum. It reads very 70s villain with the sharp angles and it looks amazing

[@marciam7301]

Yes to the peplum, and oh my, that fabric!! 😍😍😍 In quilting, the shorter stitches would be used in paper piecing so the paper can be removed without tearing out the stitches. Even then, the stitches should not be too short; ripping out super-short stitches is a real pain!

[@venlafaxinequeen421]

I love your videos. I’ve been watching your videos for awhile and you made me realize that I could make a career in fashion design, so I’m now in college. Classes start on Monday, so wish me luck

[@aprildriesslein5034]

I like the fancier projects, but I always love it when you come back to your vintage dresses! That is, after all, what got me hooked on this channel. I'm not sure about the peplum either. I like the shorter ones you've done, but the longer one feels very 1980s to me -- but not in a good way. 😅

[@donnalewis4895]

The longer peplum looks nicer than a shorter one. Lovely on you as well. A long peplum suits you! Very nice print too. Hugs

[@cindiloowhoo1166]

Thank you for your zipper confession!!! I feel better now, those multi-Toothed little monsters terrify me.

[@patriciakellyadams134]

Definitely yes on the peplum.

[@Rhaifha]

That peplum looks lovely! And I love that fabric so much! I love a subtle rainbow with black. It's colorful but not too loud.

[@me1123581321]

Taking your advice and instruction, I just finished two sets of body blocks, for my two favorite styles of bodice - just in time for spooky season outfits!! Thank you so much!!

[@ravenbelote1801]

So beautiful. Looks great on you. Love the fabric print. Thanks for the video. Enjoyed it...✨

[@cynthiadugan858]

I do like the long peplum on you. It’s a nice change from the close fitting things you usually make. Yes, it broadens the hips but you have a long ways to go before the silhouette becomes too broad at the hip. It’s lovely.

[@moriahpainter]

I super duper love the peplum. It exaggerates the hourglass shape you like to go for and really emphasizes the curve. I think you look fantastic!

[@clairefrechette8278]

I'm not sure if this would've been common in that era, but nowadays, the tiny stitch lengths are commonly used for paper-piecing quilting (so there's a piece of paper behind the fabric) and the perforation is exactly the point. Quilting cottons are woven tightly enough that it won't damage the fabric portion of the quilt block, but it will perforate the paper enough that you can tear it away after you've finished attaching all the pieces to the block.

[@celticgoddess81]

Ok, firstly, the dress looks spectacular on you. Just the simple cut in that lovely fabric. Its just perfect. Secondly, I think I like the peplum the best with the black skirt. It really makes the fabric pop. Honestly you look fantastic in everything you make because its so well fitted.

[@darrenwilson7217]

You looked amazing in the outfits you put together at the end of your video. My answer is yes yes yes. You make everything look so easy but it takes incredibly talent and many years to develop such sewing and pattern making skills. Better than anything ready made in the shops.

[@maureenwilliford8985]

Great job! I like the peplum on you but, because it is such a busy fabric, I liked it better with the solid black dress underneath which showed it off better.😊

[@lynnewambeek2284]

Definitely the peplum suits you - both versions are just stunning 🙂

[@fikanera838]

What a lovely ensemble! Definite yes to the longer peplum!

[@mariannerady1137]

Love how the peplum looks with the black pencil skirt underneath! Wonderful video and project as always

[@ambercolby5527]

I used to hate batik prints, but I've been warming up to them a lot in the last few years. This fabric is gorgeous and definitely makes me like batiks even more. And can we just a minute to to talk about the awesome neckline on that dress? Eee! I'm dying for those super sharp points and now need to find some fabric in my stash that would look equally killer with that neckline. Oh, and yes! You can definitely rock a peplum. It looks devine over that pencil skirt and I'm sure would be great over a pair of black cigarette pants!

[@squareroutevintage7590]

I think the peplum looks swell on you! It's not too long to make you look short. The proportions are right. Such a great project. Nice to see the process.

[@Anna-ou9dh]

Looks great on you as it is. Love all the looks and love the fabric.

[@Sew_Learning]

Yes, the peplum looks great! Love the fabric too! Stunning!!! Sending best wishes from Down Under 💚💚💚📖📚🐈‍⬛🐈🌹🌷🥀🌼🌻🌺🌸💐🇦🇺😎

[@wendyellis7814]

You look fabulous with or without peplum, you always know what suits your form, I love watching your videos. I have you to thank for being able to pattern draft my own clothes, thank you so much ❤️

[@gavannapatterns353]

That fabric is so pretty and just the dress looks amazing! Now about the peplum, I'm as unsure as you are. It doesn't look bad, but not fantastic either.... I'm thinking maybe more of a shorter and much more dome shaped could look really good on you? A bit more Thierry Mugler actually! That could definitely be a fun and unusual look to try😊

[@MeMe-Moi]

That blouse would also look quite at home over some 1950s slim slacks as well for a more "glam barbecue" vibe. Looks great and thanks for the explanations. Seeing you do this stuff makes the instructions in Helen Joseph Armstrong's book make far more sense to me

[@natnsj2923]

I do like the peplum on you! But maybe with some cigarrette pants? Can't explain why I think that😅. Anyway, loved the dress and the top!! And the fabric is awesome!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Kera.S.]

My honest opinion about the peplum, I went back and watched the end several times. Upon almost doing it again I realized I was answering my question, if I couldn’t decide which one I liked better on you then I think you nailed this! I think I’m extra digging this one due to the length if that matters. TFS ❣️👍🏻💙👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@kittymarch8455]

I like the peplum. I think they work better in patterned fabrics than solids. One thing, I’m a newer sewist and I have to admit I get more out of your simpler projects than the fancier ones. I do enjoy watching them, but please keep fashion sews in the mix. 😊

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

18:24 Oh my goodness can we be neighbors? In Scotland? 😁 Currently, I live in New England and it is pretty lovely up here! It's not really that much worse than Denver gets. It is more humid, but honestly when I lived in Denver, my lips and my hair were cracked basically the whole five years because it's so dry! So your mileage may vary on this. Lol I used to go sit in the rainforest exhibit at the botanical gardens because I'm from western Washington state originally (and that is a temperate rainforest) so I would go sit in there under the misters and soak up the moisture! Lol But I am with you! Given the opportunity, I would already be living in Scotland!

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

The dress is beautiful! You look GREAT with a peplum!

[@tiamatmichellehart6821]

I`m always glad that pencil dresses are your go-to so often; they are quite elegant!

[@dellymel9840]

Fabulous fabric and lovely outfit. The longer peplum suits you.x

[@lauraallen2046]

I really like the longer peplum on you! This is just stunning!

[@bohemiansusan2897]

Yes peplums look good on you. I was taught that small stitches stretch more, so I use it for seams subjected to stress. A pain to pick out though. My weight fluctuates a lot, hence alterations off and on over the years.

[@emilyrln]

I love the peplum! Although I would make it about 2" shorter personally. Also love the gold pin dish! I keep mine on a magnet inside a little fabric watermelon slice on top of my sewing machine 💕🍉

[@marcco44]

you look great Ms.B!! your tastes are always impeccable 👏👏👏

[@anthonyreed3421]

Gorgeous as ever! I just love your wrap back tops, oh yes, and I'd have to say not only can you get away but you nailed it with peplum looks great! :)

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

I love all peplums. I get a 1950's cocktail dress vibe from your version, and I love it!

[@marieokamoto5803]

To answer your question re the uses for smaller (more) stitches per inch. I believe the higher stitch count per inch is to be reserved exclusively for fiddly bits you'll need to unpick, expensive fabric, or fabric you barely have enough of (and will have to unpick as you can't re cut). A test to your patience and or a slow decent into madness.

[@TrixiaDK]

Gorgeous as always ❤

[@SherBear88]

The peplums look great on you! I really love this outfit.

[@anymoose6685]

The tiny, tiny stitch length- isn’t that for perforating sew on stabilizer so it can be torn away easily on patches and stuff? Also, I use the moderately tiny stitches to get cleanly around the corner on collar tips, bound buttonholes, and welt pockets.