Making a Shirt Dress Bodice // How to Draft A Basic Collar

[@winnievaughan]

You’re serving invincible museum curator vibes today, honestly aspirational

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! ✨

[@hollybauer7123]

You know what's fun? Watching your videos when not fully caffeinated. Because your voice somehow is just relaxing and familiar and even though I have no plans of making a shirt dress today (perhaps ever) it's just a nice compliment to my chai latte! Cheers!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Holly! I love a chai latte myself too ❤☕

[@shortsweettoo]

I think you are one of the best acts on KZbin today. I look forward to your videos with anticipation knowing I will learn something during each and everyone of them. Thank you. Truly.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Debbie! ❤

[@JadeStrawberry]

You could almost wear your mockup out and about it looks so good. You explain sewing so even non-sewers can understand.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jade!

[@patriciajrs46]

I agree with this. You could wear the mock-up just the way it is.

[@Ellaodi]

Searched forever for what I wanted and shouldve.just checked your channel first. You have the bets drafting methods, and you have EVERYTHING

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Laura!

[@0threnody070]

Your videos are so informative, I feel like my drafting abilities have greatly increased since subscribing. Unrelated, but your voice is so soothing, I love listening to you speak Edit: KZbin says 1 view, 1 comment, so I believe I am, as the kids say, first

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! ❤ First indeed!

[@karenhjort]

I loved seeing your machine as I learned to sew on one just like that! Mom's black Singer in the fifties. Thank you for wonderful videos!

[@sayuritube]

You're going to be one of those people who can look back in their 90s and say hey, I helped people. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sandradelvecchio6894]

The more I’m getting back into sewing (at 56) and I watch you the more I realize how much my grandmother taught me as a girl. She had babies during the depression. She didn’t have patterns, she had whatever fabric she had. She taught me to draw what I wanted and what the shapes looked like, taught me the attitude of of course I can do it. Unfortunately she also taught me sloppiness. That I’m unlearning. But I realize I’m very far ahead of the game. I actually just bought two treadle machines and have rehabbed them and am loving them, and I seem to have made shirts like this when I was maybe 9 or 10, this is very familiar!

[@pipernell]

I would be SUPER interested in a vintage buttonholer attachment video, as a vintage machine/mechanical engineering enthusiast!

[@lizcademy4809]

I come from a long line of engineers (men and women), yet that buttonholer blew my mind too. I think this is the video that convinced me I need to fit a block pattern. I love shirt dresses, and have wanted to make a "camp shirt" for ages, [For anyone that doesn't know, a camp shirt is a button front short sleeve shirt with a convertible collar.] Now I know how! The collar is much easier than I feared.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

The collar was easier than I remembered too, I had been putting them off for ages 😅

[@patriciajrs46]

How cool.

[@penyginger]

I'm extremely late but I would drool over a whole video of just your antique sewing attachments and other niche old things that I didn't know existed! That button holer thing is what dreams are made of

[@sandihj]

I always loved the clickety-clackety sound the buttonholer makes. I agree it’s a magical device.

[@catherinebailey2131]

I have the same buttonhole machine; I use it with my Singer 404, dated 1957. My father bought it new for my mother when they were first married. She sewed her own wardrobe with it in the sixties and seventies, including several gowns for formal events. She made many of my clothes as a child, and even ran up some mommy-daughter dress sets for us that were popular then. When I was a teen, I learned to sew on it. Eventually, she passed them along to me and I use them to this day. I love my 64-year old workhorse. Seeing you use the buttonhole machine brought a smile to my face. Thank you for a lovely video!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Catherine! Can't beat these old machines, I wish I had known earlier that they are the only way to go! I couldn't go back now 😅

[@goldogwolly]

That buttonholer is GENIUS!

[@Susanfuzz]

I’ve used a brooch for the top button, that way the shirt is customized to your outfit or mood.

[@valeriewade3688]

Talk about 2 birds with one stone. I am petrified of buttonholes as they are so unpredictable even with a machine that makes "automatic" ones (when there is a Z in the month) I have a 1919 hand crank Singer (Betsy as she is called) and a Buttonhole attachment. After watching you, I put them together and was DELIGHTED to say the very least . No longer do I hanker after a computerised machine. My dear Betsy has blown that idea out of the water. Why did I ever doubt her capabilities? Her buttonholes are sooooo much sturdier than the fancy ones on my other machine . Plus, you have covered the very topic I was musing over Drafting a collar is not as intimidating as I had imagined . I can now tackle a button front bodice with a lot more confidence With a self drafted sloper and your tuition and inspiration I am going to disappear under a mountain of timeless style dresses and separates Thank you x 2

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Valerie! I'm glad Betsy was up to the buttonholes! ✨🧵

[@christyogle_thedinnerbell]

I've probably said it before but I can't thank you enough for your drafting videos. I have learned SO MUCH over the last couple of years!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Christy!

[@katelafontaine7119]

I'm making an all-in-one shirt right now, and I've been stuck on the collar for so long. I have such a difficult time following written instructions, so seeing it in video and hearing it explained in a simplified manner is just massively useful. I can finish my project now!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kate! I'm glad it was helpful!

[@elises.1588]

Oh, and I say "yes" to a video about the magical button making machine! :o)

[@silaslizzie43]

Quickly becoming one of my favorite channels. Your timing is perfect. I was looking into changing collars to be more consistent with the 1940s just today. Thank you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@marieokamoto8791]

Two quick things 1. Hair looks fab! Love the undercut. 2. Yes, to seeing a video just on the buttonhole attachment! It looks so interesting. 3. Thank you for the informative vid.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Vanessa!

[@SewTexas]

Another homerun bianca for those wanting to design your own blouse, shirt waist, button down floor length dress. Great talent.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Renee!

[@dianmoffatt9915]

Thank you so kindly, for so much. Because of you, I have the ability to sew practically anything I like and modify an existing pattern to better fit, or create my own. I so love vintage styles and quality fabrics. Your buttonholer demo encourages me to use my own (on my treadle). Thank you I've heard about Cleo, I am sincerely so sorry your loss. They always carry a part of our hearts with them when it's their time to go.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Dian ❤ I'm so glad to hear you've been having a great time with sewing!

[@albinocavewoman]

Oh man, I have so many of those buttonholers with complete sets of cams that I've collected with various machines just sitting around. They really, really work a treat. Like I would pull my hair out if I had to use a modern machine button hole function ever again!

[@NoDecaf7]

I love listening to you talk, today was rough and you are soothing. The bonus is the education I receive 🙂

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Rebecca ❤

[@soniahinson6372]

Excellent video. I could watch your channel all day. I have been sewing for 50 years but have never had the confidence to venture into pattern drafting before. The way you explain it gives me the confidence to have a go. It is a shame that I live in NZ as I have my mother's 1950's singer box with attachments and instruction booklet that you could have, if only I lived closer.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sonia!

[@FanGyrlX]

Thank you SO much for this video!!! Attaching collars has completely stumped me, and I've tried following instructions in patterns. The written steps just didn't make sense and the other videos I've watched by other creators skimmed over the parts that confused me. Your overview was detailed and filled in the gaps for me. Really appreciate you making a video to demonstrate it, even though it's not your personal style.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I'm glad it was helpful ❤

[@sethmartin7377]

Blessed day! Your sewing and drafting videos are one for the most informative things I’ve ever watched about sewing

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Seth!

[@ShellyParchman]

Woot! Exactly the video I needed. Dreaming up a Halloween costume and I want a long, wide, 1970s would be envious pointy collar. And yes, do a video on the button holler. I had no idea it worked so easily!

[@jillstedtenfeldt6799]

Beautiful! Sooo impressed. It's magic really how a piece of white fabric can be transformed.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jill!

[@christinemartin9449]

Hi from England. I have learnt to much from these set of videos. You have made things from actual patterns so much clearer as well the drafting lessons. Thank you doing theses.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Christine!

[@waterbitten]

I love, love, love your undercut!!

[@jessicabasciano4200]

Yes on the buttonhole video. My spouse found one for me with a bunch of the dies and they are the best buttonholes I've ever done. I also have doubles, most are the plastic ones but i do have the metal set that you showed.

[@stacyknighton557]

Yes, pleased make a attachment buttonholer tutorial in the future. Watching that lil thing work was so cool! I would enjoy learning more, if only because I love tiny mechanical devices.

[@denysia8183]

I’ve been following you for about a year now, I am so enamored by your sewing and instructional abilities. I think this take on the shirt is probably my favorite (at least in the top 10). I feel like I can now take on a shirt dress project. Thank you.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I've got another shirt style coming up soon hopefully!

[@adamreynolds9816]

Thankyou for saying that about the collar length. I have had the same problem, but not the experience to know how to fix it…. Let alone use it as a given. My collar were always short. Thankyou.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

The measurement for where the collar gets sewn to the neckline is actually 1/2" (or whatever the seam allowance is) down from the edge of the pattern, so measuring the cut edge of the pattern is still a good gauge for the length because it has the extra seam allowance from the shoulder seam and somehow it all works out 😅

[@carriemarks]

I am loving this new set of drafting videos that are coming out! I’ve wanted to try this collar for so long but haven’t really understood how to sew it together so have just kept putting it off. Thank you for showing this in such a simple, easy to understand way! You’re videos are invaluable!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Carrie!

[@meamela9820]

First I was like "nah, I have done collars before", but I did get two aha-moments today and that was really useful. Thank you! Now I will struggle less with the seam allowance of the bodice that extends past the collar. I think why you use the shoulder seam allowance in the drafting is because the curve you measure is the neckline with seam allowance and the neckline without a seam allowance (as it is curved) is bigger. But it is cool that the shoulder seam allowance is the right size to make up for that curve just like that. Seems much easier to measure it like that if it works as well.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Yes you are totally correct 😂 It took me several viewings of my own dang video while editing to notice that was what was happening with the neckline measurement!

[@someone3011]

you look so beautiful and elegant even in mockups! I think part of it is because of how wonderfully the drafts fit you on first try, so thank you so much for teaching us how to do the same!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Tjirs]

Such a good explanation and showing as you went along, thank you. I have been looking for a good pattern for a shirt with an open collar like this, but being heavily dyslexic I need something I can figure out with out having to read the instructions and a video showing what to do is always the best. I dress dapperly in suits and shirts most days and as much as I love a button up with a tie or a bow tie, the more open collar is just a bit more casual. I’m gonna get started on a mock up of this immediately, thank you ❤️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sara! I'm glad it was helpful ❤

[@mimzyriepensell1423]

Timing on this is fantastic...I just bought a vintage sewing machine as a gift for my sister and it has a button hole attachment and I never used one....I sent her the link to this video....as I said perfect timing...

[@BethAge95]

Not planning to make anything like this any time soon, but I just like to watch you make and explain stuff. Inspiring and calming at the same time :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Kelli.Hicks.5]

I find collars, buttons, and darts so intimidating, but you've made everything so accessible and easy to understand. Thank you.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kelli! So do I honestly, which is why forcing myself to make these videos is actually super helpful for me too to get over the fear!

[@theycallmehotrod1940]

I have one of these button hole machines! Never actually knew what it did until now. Thanks for educating me!

[@ea773]

I have been sewing since I could thread a needle. When I was young, for my Barbies, as I got older for myself, and then for my children. The only guided instruction I got was when I took Home Economics in high school many moons ago. The rest I just picked up from practice and observation. I can remember making button holes with that same kind of button hole maker and with a sewing machine not much newer than yours.. They make such beautiful button holes. All this to say, that I really enjoy watching your videos and learning new tips from your expertise.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Connie!

[@123diane456]

I am so glad I found your KZbin channel.everything you do is explained so well making it great for beginners. Thank you so much for your videos.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Diane!

[@fluffydragon84]

Thank you so much for showing the collar/neckline attachment. I have constant anxiety about that point where the collar meets the front edge and this helps immensley.

[@amysullivan2414]

Those old attachments for sewing machines look terrifying but once you use them it’s very hard to go back. The engineering is amazing!

[@VerbenaComfrey]

I am so excited to perfect my block and start making things that actually fit!

[@susansmith8602]

Bianca, you are a sewing genius! You make this look so easy and it so isn’t! You have a gift for teaching for sure!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Susan!

[@panacheluxury4262]

Very nicely done, Bianca! This top could very easily be worn out and about. Since, you mentioned it, you should do an entire series on various shirt dress bodices and collars. This would be such an asset for beginner sewers. I just love the old sewing machine attachments. I too marvel at the ingenuity that went into creating such masterful pieces.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@panacheluxury4262]

@@TheClosetHistorian, You're welcome!

[@juliemeanor6531]

Great video as always. You have inspired me to get back to garment sewing. I just finished a summer dress from fabric that has been in my stash for 13 years! I have been downsizing and decided the time had come to use the pretty fabric. 💐

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Julie! I just used a fabric recently that surely I'd had in the stash for at least 8 years or so myself 😅

[@sarahjocker5059]

Wow Wee that is a lovely collar. You are so good at drafting your own patterns to suit you I love it and I will continue to watch and learn how you draft and sew garments of your choice. Bravo and thank you for sharing Bianca XXX Happy Sewing

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sarah!

[@1wolfpup]

You do such a fantastic job of explaining how to do things. It gives me the confidence to try new things. Thank you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@penny7b]

OMG. Thank you so much! I have a lovely vintage shirt pattern that I like very much, but the instructions literally just say "finish the collar in the usual way". This has been an enormous help. Now I'm going to go back and make another version of that blouse with a collar and placket facing that actually works properly and doesn't look weird from my feeble attempts to figure it out on my own. Also, I love the way you've cut your undercut to have spikes shaved into it. It's super cool.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Ah those vintage patterns with their" do it like it's supposed to be done, anyhow moving on..." 🤣

[@jacquelinelc2843]

I am really enjoying your series on pattern drafting. It’s like magic watching you transform a paper drawing into a wearable garment (or mock up).

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jacqueline!

[@believeinfaeries8713]

I've been trying to figure out how to sew these convertible collars! I've read through the drafting manual but couldn't figure out quite how it all got put together. Now I understand! Now I'm off to sew a bunch more shirt dresses! Huzzah!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Happy I could help! Explaining how to move and flip and turn things in text is nooot easy

[@dianadivadiamond]

That mock up looks wearable. I'm also fascinated with your buttonhole attachment. I've enjoyed your technical abilities as to showing how to do these tips and tricks of sewing. Love your hairstyle too. Thanks so much.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Diana!

[@erinmotta3833]

Thanks, Bianca! You break down the drafting process perfectly!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Erin!

[@waterbitten]

Your voice is the most effective sleep aid as a result this is my 3rd time watching this video and the first time making it all the way through.. anywho staying on topic! 1) I'm so jealous of how easy it is for you to switch out your bobbin 2) yes, thank you to demo/technique videos! Shirt dresses aren't really my thing but the ability to add a collar to a blouse is a useful skill!! 👌🏾

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I wish they were as effective a sleep aid for me, I get insomnia pretty bad 😂 I love the easy drop in bobbin on this machine indeed ❤

[@waterbitten]

@@TheClosetHistorian godspeed in finding a TCH of your own. Here's to consistent sleep ;)

[@caoimhenimhuireadhaigh1303]

Ahhhhh I'm so excited!! I live in shirt dresses!

[@drhelenloney1426]

that is one of the most useful pieces of advice on attaching a collar I've seen! Thank you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Helen!

[@caraid9263]

awesome, I'm going to use this to make some more shirts! thanks to you I've just started learning to draft- I made an all in one sleeve blouse with you're tutorial and I added an awesome shawl collar using a tutorial from someone else and it looks amazing!! thanks so much for your tutorials!!

[@aliceadler4569]

That little jut out from the collar that would show the most would get me. You, however, manage to make it look smooth & easy. I know better!!!! Oh my mom had a button holer just like you have. I remember her using it. Your blouse looks great on you!!!

[@bohemiansusan2897]

Love the buttonholer. I bought one brand new in the early 80s for my secondhand Richard machine. Later on I Jerry rigged the machine to work as a treacle machine. Its the best buttonholer I've ever used. Got lost in all the moving over the years. Looking to buy another one.

[@juliabetts9801]

That looks amazing and I’ve never seen that button hole attachment before brilliant 🤩

[@AngelaMcCullagh-vm9uu]

You are awesome! Thank you! I have watched loads of collar videos, yours made it crystal clear! (I didn’t understand the instruction in my dress pattern, but figured I don’t HAVE to follow it 😂)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I’m glad I could help! ❤️

[@sarahlongshore2605]

I love that buttonhole maker!!! That is awesome! !! I do struggle with collars!! But you just made it a whole lot easier!!! And vintage machines are so much better!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sarah!

[@sarahball1683]

Very timely! While I was watching this I was sewing my 4th mockup for a basic bodice block and my first real-project goal for it is to make a button up shirt. : )

[@raraavis7782]

That buttonhole thingy is seriously cool. The buttonholes look very neat, too. Better in fact, then the ones my expensive computerized machine makes.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I think they are better than the ones my Bernette makes, so the old Singer is still winning in this sewing room 😅❤

[@sewfarfromtheeveryday7299]

Feeling super spoiled with all of the drafting videos! They've all been fantastic, and a smart shirt dress has been on my list for ages! (I have a black Rayon one I bought years ago, but now I could make them in all the colurs!)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Dart manipulation is next ✨

[@adventurousme7372]

Okay, this video officially sold me on my making my own block pattern. I LOVE t-shirt dresses and am tired of having weird fits with patterns! Thank you!

[@msamios.321]

In the 80s, I had a blouse like that with large buttons below the open neckline, then a small button and button hole at the neck. Oh, how I miss that shirt!

[@peggyriordan9857]

I generally stay away from turn down collars as they always seemed to splay open to far and look overwhelming. I like stand up collars either band collars or turtleneck type stand up collars. Seeing this though made me think that 'just maybe' I could make a collar pattern myself that would look good on me! Thanks so much for the inspiration! I remember your discussion of the haircut experience and the bangs look great!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Peggy! I need to do a collar with a stand sometime too!

[@danicourtnay]

I have the same buttonholer. They are so much fun!

[@DanielleStJohn]

Dude! Your undercut is SO CUTE

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I love having it 😅

[@WheezyCatLady]

SO helpful, thank you! P.S Watching your videos has resulted in me buying 'The Book'. Phew...it's a little scary but your videos help me go for it!

[@MisSiszY]

You are crazy productive! If you ever happen to want some instruction examples from vintage shirt patterns feel free to hit me up. My current fave has an all in one collar that folds over which is nice. They definitely end up super bulky at the collar because the facings seem to be huge!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! My nemesis is shawl collars...I need to try again and master them!!

[@judyharter8265]

Found this video to be perfect as I am in the beginning stages of learning how to draft patterns. I look forward to watching and learning from your channel. Thank you.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Judy!

[@Grace_x68]

Wow, even your mock up is lovely!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@kaytiej8311]

Another wonderful video. Just brilliant. It all makes perfect sense when you explain and demonstrate as you do. And yes, those early attachments are mind-blowing, I think. I was always fascinated by the gadgetry of mum's tin of Singer attachments. I think it was the reason I wanted to sew!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kaytie!

[@QOTCPcf]

Thanks for these tutorials! I've had the Armstrong book for a few years now, but sometimes its just easier to follow a video tutorial version :)

[@lilayogaom]

Yes! Please do a buttonholer video! ❤️

[@cynthiadugan858]

You are such a great teacher❤️. I really enjoyed the video today. I have to mention that I’ve been told I’m nuts because I’ll drag out my old vintage buttonholer every time … I’ve always thought it made much nicer button holes than a modern machine! It did my heart good to hear you love yours too. Hopefully you can build a full set of templates with the sizes you are missing soon.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Cynthia! I was able to snap up a few extra templates today online and I am especially excited to have a 1/2" one soon!

[@cynthiadugan858]

@@TheClosetHistorian yay!!!

[@tinajohnston8139]

That was really useful! I have ideas about Peter Pan collars and a jacket with tiny lapels and a collar, and this showed me how to do both of them! Thank you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thanks Tina! I'm glad it was helpful!

[@deanalovessewn6117]

Hi Bianca!! Thanks for your wonderful tutorial.. They’re so informative & clearly explained.. Love your buttonhole maker too.. I can’t thank you enough for all your hard work.. I deeply appreciate everything you do for us…. 💜💜💜🧵🧵🧵

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Deana! ❤💜❤

[@loveoffthedamned]

ohhh u have an undercut! it looks very cool!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@christinebarker9251]

That was great. Loved the attachment. Hope to see you use it more on your video it was just lovely to watch it work.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Christine!

[@aprildriesslein5034]

This is super helpful! I've been thinking about some fun button-ups but the only way I could have a well-fitted one is to make it myself. Thank you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you April!

[@bobbie9066]

That buttonholer!! 🤯🤩

[@janevacani6789]

Such an added treat to see you using the buttonhole attachment! I have one but have yet to use it, it looks so heavy to be attached to the presser bar. A very clever invention :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

They are fascinating and yet also a little scary yes!

[@CLEliasArt]

Thank you so much for sharing this information so generously. I also really appreciate your style of instruction.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you ❤

[@alexandraleigh]

I loved this I know it's just a muslin and the bodice of a dress but using bias on the bottom hem it would make a really cute blouse too

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Alexandra!

[@mountainsno]

THANK YOU I have one of those singer button hole attachments... and Im going to try it.

[@carolbarbee5653]

I try to avoid sewing complecated things like the collar. But you make this one look so nice

[@marcco44]

enjoyable and informative as always, Ms. B!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Marcco!

[@armedvsokord]

I have the kenmore version of this button hole and I love it! It is so cool how it works.

[@dianakidd5688]

What a fabulous video! I love everything about it ~ I have a Singer Feather Weight machine (from way back: old) and loved seeing your Singer vintage button hole maker accessory. Thanks again for an excellent tutorial!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Diana!

[@cherriesnhoney]

that is the best button hole maker!!!! great video, must try it...tfs :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@kdarcyjames]

Beautiful! Such a helpful tutorial, and easy to understand (also I love your hair in the video!)