Top Tips on getting your sewjo back!

[@badkitty13]

Great video. I'm only in my 30s but suffered a mini Stroke early last year so couldn't sew for a while, then when i recovered my confidence was completely gone and I felt too scared to try again for ages. Nothing in my fabric stash inspired me anymore. Then I started watching sewing vids on KZbin and that helped so much, my young children watched a few vids with me and started making lists and lists of what they needed me to make for them and seeing them so excited got my sewjo back. I absolutely love the jumper you're wearing in this vid, fabric choice is stunning xx

[@sosewmad]

Thank you Leanne, it's great when a fabric or pattern inspired you. I love the idea that your children are motivating you, that's super. I'm sorry to hear about your stroke, that must have been very scary.

[@joanneblair2087]

Excellent vlog. I think we all need a sew jo pick me up once in a while.

[@sosewmad]

Thank you Joanne, lovely to hear from you

[@annerobinson647]

Thanks Cara Really great inspiration 👍🌞🤗

[@sosewmad]

Thanks Anne

[@fay8233]

This was brilliant. I realise there are some key pieces in my wardrobe I'm missing

[@sosewmad]

Thank you, it's lovely to hear from you

[@whatbecsews]

What a fabulous vlog… I think this is brilliant advice for when you lose your sew Jo, I am looking forward to seeing you recreate looks you find as well 😊

[@sosewmad]

Thanks Bec, I really appreciate that

[@carolreece9950]

Thank you. Great advice, very helpful

[@sosewmad]

Lovely to hear from you Carol, thank you

[@theyorkshiresewgirl]

Great advice Cara! I just try the Nora pattern. It keeps catching my eye!

[@sosewmad]

Thanks Ruan, it's a great pattern

[@sallydingle321]

Brilliant 👏👍😁💝😘

[@sosewmad]

Thanks Sally xx

[@katherinebrockhoff8476]

Great video and underrated channel. Just found you and enjoying getting caught up. The 2022 recap was great inspiration and addressed the fact that not all sews are long term winners. And that’s ok! I get too attached to fabric and am reluctant to cut into the stuff I love. Hearing you keep saying that you can’t wait to cut out the fabrics you are excited about is the attitude I need to embrace.

[@sosewmad]

Hi Katherine, lovely to hear from you, welcome to my channel. I'm so passionate about bringing my fabric to life, I love being literally wrapped in what brings me such joy. Enjoy!

[@libbybennett3067]

You are so right about doing a clean up. I definitely need to do that. I think l loose my sewjo when my room is cluttered. Happy New Year to you.

[@sosewmad]

Thanks Libby, it's lovely to hear from you

[@libbymcculla2650]

Really good video Cara-very useful 🙂

[@sosewmad]

Thank you Libby

[@tracybarnes6608]

Great ideas thank you xx

[@sosewmad]

No problem Tracy, lovely to have you here

[@ruthlanwarne8978]

Such a helpful video. I feel overwhelmed at the moment but that’s because my sewing room is in a muddle. I definitely need to get rid of some fabrics! I think I can’t decide what to sew because I don’t need anything as in the Winter I just need warm tops so that’s what I would sew if I had the inclination. I get inspired by watching some vlogs too. It’s almost like I’m sewing when I see what’s being made. I need to get over the hump and just go for it sometimes, not over think everything. I also just need to cut into the fabric rather than fear ruining it. (I don’t make toiles) My energy levels are very low due to a major stroke 3 years ago ,so that inhibits me. Sometimes I just go for a small project for my little grandchildren, which I did just before Christmas. Sometimes there’s so much inspiration I just want to make all the things😆Btw I like your top very much but don’t have that pattern. I started wondering if I can find a pattern like it in my stash and just size up a bit. So you have immediately inspired me Cara. Thank you 😁

[@sosewmad]

Thank you Ruth, it's always so lovely to hear from you. You could open a simple destash page on Instagram? Hold onto those fabrics that you love. I know exactly what you mean about having too much. But also what it's like to not start, just in case it's not right. It's one of the reasons I buy very low investment fabrics most of the time. So I know then that I don't owe anything to the cost of my hobby. That's how my brain works

[@ruthlanwarne8978]

@@sosewmad Yes so do I. I rarely buy the really investment fabrics ,just try to get bargains and buy when there is an offer. I have set up a destash account as have a lot of Indie patterns I could part with. I’ve just got to bite the bullet!

[@janicecoulson5388]

I find watching vloggers of a similar body shape helps me. As I never know what style suits me. Karina from Lifting pins and needles is very good

[@sosewmad]

Yes that's a great idea, it's lovely to see what they make,

[@knottygnome]

great tips! i have currently lost my sew-jo in the new year so i will definitely keep some of your ideas in mind. thanks!

[@sosewmad]

Thank you, it's a funny time of year in terms of knowing what to do next, glad my video has helped a little

[@carolgardiner7983]

Excellent advice and very helpful reminders. Apparently I'm not the only one who need pajamas. ☺ Thanks for sharing.

[@sosewmad]

😊 yup I definitely need to crack on and make some PJ's!

[@laurajones4088]

This is such a brilliant video! I love your unique approach and your helpful tips. I do find inspiration in watching sewing vloggers. My sewjo hasn't really evaporated atm, but I realize that some organization and clearing out of fabric/patterns would probably further motivate me. Thank you, Cara!

[@sosewmad]

Thank you Laura, it's lovely to hear from you, I hope you're keeping well

[@thesewingtrolleydolly7736]

Hi Cara, my sewjo upped and left a while ago. I'll start with organizing my little corner sewing space and once that is done start sewing from my stash. I don't need any more fabric and have had to cancel a subscription box as it was becoming too much. Thanks for the great tips.

[@sosewmad]

Hi Denise, I hope you're keeping well. It's a great idea just to keep on top of what you have already, take care

[@thesewingtrolleydolly7736]

@@sosewmad absolutely! I'm keeping very well and busy with work. Hope you're well too. It's quite easy to be swept up in the latest trends and patterns. I shall be shopping my stash for patterns and materials this year. Thanks again🙌🏾❤️

[@lynnemckenna8053]

I related to your introduction so much. I have lost my sew Jo, and your tips make so much sense. Many thanks. Lynne xx

[@sosewmad]

Thank you Lynne, I hope you get back into it soon, it'll come, don't worry

[@michellestrange4716]

I am so not in the mood for sewing. feeling over whelmed by the scrap stash and stash in general . so going to take on your advice and choose a top that I like wearing and make another. been sewing for others since christmas so it is back to me

[@sosewmad]

That sounds like a great plan Michelle!

[@suzannehill3795]

Such good ideas and I really need pyjamas so that is a priority both summer and winter ones

[@sosewmad]

Yes me too Suzanne!

[@sewlittletime]

Good tips Cara! I'm taking a different approach to my sewing this year, in that I'm not making any solid plans, no make 9 list. I'm just going to go with the flow and make what I fancy when I fancy and to shop my stash and use patterns that I've already got and to try and not get swept away with new patterns. I also did a wardrobe swap around this year as I can't physically fit all my summer and winter clothes together in the wardrobe anymore and it showed me that I'm lacking warm sweaters. I'm in desperate need of pyjamas too!! Plus I need a few dressy items as most things are casual xx

[@sosewmad]

Ooo I love a wardrobe swap around, I have done that for the past few years. I have sooo many clothes! But I do genuinely wear them all. It seems loads of us need PJ's, how funny xx

[@cecilehoare3053]

A great way for me to get inspired to break the sew no-jo is to watch awesome vloggers like you! I've tried many patterns I wouldn't normally have bought or tried after watching your videos! The other way is for me to look through clothing store websites and try to match things I like to patterns that I own or that are up on sale!

[@sosewmad]

Thank you Cecile, you're so kind. I hope you had a great Christmas and a happy new year xx

[@lifesbanquet4501]

Very practical approach.

[@sosewmad]

Thank you, it's lovely to hear from you

[@susanpearce4416]

Thank you for a positive and inspiring video to start the new year. You have made some beautiful clothes over the last year. I want to sew, but delay starting because of whether what I make will suit me and getting the proportions right for my shape. I love making for my family, but hesitate when making for myself, if you know what I mean. Looking forward to you next video.

[@sosewmad]

Thank you Susan. How lovely that you get joy out of making for other people. I wish I did, then my wardrobe wouldn't be so full!

[@nicky-Sewandsnip]

Happy New Year lovely lady. Great ideas for boosting your sew-jo, mine however seems to be in overdrive, I have so many ideas & plans come together that I’m trying to slow myself down! Just cut out a Nora but hacking to be longer & have a hood so it’s a sort of coverup for getting out the hot tub on chilly evenings. This is a Minerva ambassador make so has got prioritised as I really want to be cutting out The Atlas wrap dress😂. Just finished a chambray Saguaro Set in hope of booking a last minute winter sun break next month. Look forward to seeing your 2023 makes

[@sosewmad]

Hi Nicky, great to be in full flow of creation! They all sound fantastic xx

[@dialuario514]

Hi Cara, wonderful advice that everyone can use at one time or another! I definitely need a clear out of my craft room soon. That always does wonders to clear my mind.

[@sosewmad]

Hi Diane, a good sort out is definitely good for us!

[@nancycraig8483]

Great tips, like you I feel having too much fabric can bog you down so try to keep only a small stash and clear out regularly

[@sosewmad]

Thank you Nancy, it's lovely to have you here

[@clarerahemtulla4361]

Hello Cara Thankyou for making this. I can identify with this!! Please tell me which top you are wearing- it’s lovely - I have some similar jersey fabric. Also any pyjama recommendations?

[@sosewmad]

I'm wearing the Nora top by Tilly and the buttons. I'm likely to make an Emma top and safyia trousers I reckon as my pjs 😅

[@karenbensdon4643]

Fabulous advice, and not just for getting inspired but also for making for others. Not feeling the weight by keeping tidy - words to live by. Thank you for this.

[@sosewmad]

Thank you Karen, it's so lovely to hear from you, great to have you here

[@Craftytutu]

Happy New Year Cara! I’ve lost my sewjo atm but I’ve been cutting out paper patterns the past couple of days and it’s helping to get my sewjo back. ❤

[@sosewmad]

Sounds like a great plan Sharon, I love the prep part too, I need to do some myself 🙂

[@quiltygal6981]

Great tips, I'm having a sort out in my sewing room atm. I Quilt as well so it's a double whammy of too much stuff! I haven't done any garment sewing for months as I'm making baby quilts for expected arrivals. I do desperately need some summer clothes though so need to get sewing.

[@sosewmad]

I've never got into quilting, but I imagine it's just as addictive! Good luck with the quilts, that's very exciting

[@cjane51]

Cara, you inspire me all the time. Thanks for another great video. Which pants would you recommend to start?

[@sosewmad]

Hi Claudia I hope you're keeping well. you're so kind. If I had a ponte fabric I'd definitely make more Metra pants by Sinclair patterns. I absolutely love them! But I also love the Persephone trousers by Anna Allen, they fit really well. What options do you have in mind?

[@cjane51]

@@sosewmad I’m fitting using 5 out of 4 Chelsea chinos and making them with a medium weight red cotton. I have some dark purple ponte and and plan to look for something with an elasticated back and straight front. I have an old lady tummy that sticks out and most “real “ trousers have pleats. Not sure if that would be good or bad. Any thoughts?

[@sosewmad]

@@cjane51 I'll have a think. My favourite safyia trousers are elastic back and flat front from Tilly and the buttons, I haven't made them in stretch but I couldn't see why you can't. I think Anna Allen also has a flat front elastic backed trouser pattern.

[@lindamain6355]

Thanks for the ideas Cara. love your top. which pattern is this one?

[@sosewmad]

I can't remember! If it's a floral jumper then it's the Nora by Tilly and the buttons

[@lindamain6355]

@@sosewmad I haven't seen that one. I t looks like it's nice and loose around the neck

[@donnabrisbois7714]

I just finished the Olo set by Named Clothing as I need pjs also. I always have good luck with their patterns. And I love pants for pajamas that don’t have a side leg seem. I will say though if you ever try this pattern I am 5’8” They draft for that height but the pants were very long on me and I had to remove a few inches before hemming them. Otherwise perfect fit. I did the V-neck version top and I’m not sure if it’s because I used a rayon knit but the V-neck is very very low so I have to try to figure out how to adjust that by taking in the shoulder seams maybe. I will definitely modify the pattern next time I make it to fix that…maybe just change it to a scoop or crew neck which would be warmer too.

[@sosewmad]

Thank you Donna, I'll certainly check out that pattern, a brilliant recommendation and advice great to hear from you

[@sarahblack8913]

Hi Cara, thank you for some fab advice. My sew-jo is a bit lacking at the mo, due to a mix of too much fabric/patterns to choose what to do first and having made quite a few things last year that I just don't really wear (e.g. TATB indigo but I don't like the high neckline, TATB Lyra dress in bright pink fabric but I feel wierd wearing something sooo bright), so I'm nervous I'm going to waste more fabric I'm definitely going to look at what I need first - I tend to just make whatever I fancy at the time then don't have anything to wear it with x

[@sosewmad]

Hi Sarah, lovely to hear from you! It's definitely easy to get swept along with popularity. I feel your pain. With the indigo why not take the facing off, adjust the neckline and finish with hidden bias binding instead of a facing?

[@sarahblack8913]

@@sosewmad thank you for the reply - I would not have thought to try and change the neckline, the dress would probably have sat in my wardrobe forever 😅 thank you so much for the advice I will definitely give it a go!

[@sarahblack8913]

@@sosewmad oh you've really got me thinking about alterations now! Makes me wonder why I never thought of them before! Like maybe I could take the skirt off the pink Lyra dress and have a blouse and skirt as separates that I could wear with something less bright to tone it down a bit :)

[@sosewmad]

@@sarahblack8913 definitely! Go for it

[@jennyturner6399]

The new stash hub app is a good way of ‘seeing’ what you have in the way of fabric and patterns. The problem with fabric scraps is because not many online shops allow you to buy the amount you need for a particular project and we end up buying too much. 🧶🌈💙🍓

[@sosewmad]

Totally agree Jenny, I love the stash hub, I should have mentioned that! I clearly haven't logged all my fabric, I should. Great idea