What I've decided to stop sewing and my revelation

[@janellvincent8046]

I’m so sorry that this didn’t work out for you! Thanks for sharing your experience. I look forward to seeing your own patterns.

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching Janell!

[@kellymccaffrey3939]

ooh I'm here for your pattern making!

[@SewSewLounge]

Yay!! Thanks for letting me know ☺️

[@patriciac4562]

I can hear the frustration in your voice! Yes, please create patterns and turn that beautiful fabric into something wonderful!

[@SewSewLounge]

I’m just glad I wasn’t so frustrated that I ripped it apart before coming up with the idea for this video! I love the fabric too much for it to go to waste. It still has potential to be something beautiful ❤️

[@brendastevens8325]

I would love to see a video of you making a pattern I think that would be super cool

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks Brenda! It’s going to happen for sure ☺️

[@eonarts]

I was always trying to modify patterns having never taken a pattern class and was very frustrated. Finally I took a pattern class and then the next one. The first thing the teacher scolded me about was just add/subtracting from the side seam. She had to tell me more than once that no more than 1/4” or I had to do it the correct way. This always involved opening and closing and moving darts. The summer after the first class I created my first snug fitting bodice block! It fit like a charm!! I was making my own jacket pattern from a block after my 2nd class and the muslin was just not fitting (like strangely not fitting.) After 2 months I gave up, bought a McCall Jean jacket pattern that was almost what I wanted and now I’m creating pattern bits (all about pockets). I’ve only finished sewing 60% of the front muslin where all the added bits are and it looks great. My problem is my back is 2 sizes smaller and on the first fit I did have to take in the back 1/2” on each side. I took it in at the princess seams and not the side seams which are part of the back dart so I should be ok. I did measure the front armhole and back armhole and compare it to my jacket block and the pattern was in range. I’ve learned from watching KZbin that ALL pattern’s should be measured and checked. Some KZbinrs bought patterns where the side seams didn’t match or the shoulders, etc. I’m not yet at a 100% checking other patterns but I’m getting closer!

[@SewSewLounge]

I think to comes down to finding out which patterns work best for you. Simplicity always fits me well with minor adjustments, while Butterick is my nemesis 😂 I learned to draft patterns from scratch in college when I studied textile and apparel design. But that’s a long process, as you know, and sometimes I just need a quick sewing fix!

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for sharing your story Erin! It’s all a process and figuring out what works best, especially when you’re trying a new type of pattern for the first time. Good luck with your jacket!! Let me know if you have any questions-I’m happy to help if I can 😊

[@craigharlow2271]

I’m newer to your channel and am enjoying it greatly. I relate to your frustration with the fitting issues. I recently purchased a shirt pattern should have been an a no issue straight forward sew sadly it was not.

[@SewSewLounge]

Yes that happens more often than people admit. The funny thing is that the second book from the same author had scathing reviews about fit issues; that’s why I got the first one. 🤦🏽‍♀️ Welcome to Sew Sew Lounge! Thanks so much for watching ☺️

[@conniesmith9989]

Hi from Texas. I totally understand. I was wondering about the book. However, I would consider it a learning process. This Too Shall Pass. Life is a journey. Thank you...

[@SewSewLounge]

Connie, where are you in our great State? I’m in Houston! Total learning process I just wish I would have stopped messing with it sooner and made my own pattern! The book will be used for inspirational purposes from now own 😂

[@bottle-capjack1778]

Put your top experience behind you. Most of us have been there. It’s hard to give up when you have invested so much time and effort but, you need to jump back in and make something simple or that you have already sewn to give you that good feeling of accomplishment. Designing your own pattern sounds wonderful! I would be interested in watching you delve into pattern drafting. I am good at copying or, duplicating clothes that I already own but, never attempted drafting my own pattern.

[@SewSewLounge]

I’m planning to sew with some commercial patterns in April to get have something to show for my efforts! But I am going to make a pattern for this top and I’ll definitely make a video about the process. It’s actually fun.

[@Acapulc941]

I was concerned throughout this video that the fabric, which I have liked since I first saw it, was wasted/useless. So yes, I would love to seesyou magically turn that fabric into something useable.

[@SewSewLounge]

Not to worry! I’ll figure something out ☺️

[@janfranklin2114]

I struggle with Vogue patterns, I have sworn off Vogue. We all know if Grandma can’t fix it don’t go. Glad you can salvage that beautiful fabric.

[@SewSewLounge]

I’ve only made one Vogue pattern to date. It wasn’t a problem like this pattern!

[@kimberlyokeeffe5360]

Being mainly a knitter, I can attest to the frustration of Vogue patterns. The only thing that I ever made from one of their knitting patterns that I loved was when I used the stitch pattern only. Everything else - shaping and size - I figured out myself. This has made me run far, far away from Vogue sewing patterns.

[@Rima-vj5tp]

Thank you for sharing this 'adventure' with us! 😂 Bad patterns make sewing and fitting a heartbreak. I realized a couple years ago I had to make my own patterns and I have slowly begun the process. It has been interesting to learn how to do it. I would love to see how you make this lovely fabric into something wonderful.🎉

[@SewSewLounge]

Aww thank you. It’s always an adventure of sorts 😂 I love this fabric too much to let it languish in the unfinished project pile!

[@Upcycledbaglady]

I would love to see a tutorial on how to make your own patterns. I have the tools, but haven’t done much with them other than adjusting pre-made patterns.

[@SewSewLounge]

I’m so happy to hear that!! I’ve got all the tools too 😂

[@tanesiaapodaca569]

That is a great idea and I would like to see you transform this into the more wearable shirt.

[@SewSewLounge]

That is the plan. The original pattern was awful!!

[@amikrenzel5788]

I would love to see how you make your own pattern.

[@SewSewLounge]

Awesome! Thanks for letting me know. That will happen before the end of the year ☺️

[@amyd4462]

You are absolutely correct. That pattern is horrible. It may have something to do with the fact that the author of the book doesn't sew.

[@SewSewLounge]

Finally, someone who had the same experience with this book! I got Everyday Style instead of her newer one because ALL of the reviews on Amazon said those patterns were unusable.

[@sewlovelywithgrace]

I've been in that situation where I tried to fix and put much more time into a pattern than it's worth. When it gets to a point where it's no longer fun, I stop. I start a new project with a new pattern and new fabric and keep it moving. Sewing should be fun and fulfilling. There are so many more patterns out there that can be enjoyable. I don't have time to get stressed. It's my happy time. So I agree with you that you stopped. Make your own design if you want to! 😊

[@SewSewLounge]

I’ve learned my lesson! My time is better spent making my own patterns for sure 😉

[@Suzeequ]

I would love to see you create a simple pattern!

[@SewSewLounge]

Awesome! Thanks for letting me know ❤️

[@wisecanadianwoman]

I recommend the book "Pattern Fitting With Confidence" by Nancy Zieman she even talks about ease. Not saying that some things you just have to drop otherwise one loses faith in sewing at all.

[@SewSewLounge]

I have that book! I don’t think it would have helped with this particular pattern 😂

[@julia-nc6ox]

no drape to the fabric?

[@SewSewLounge]

My fabric is a stiff waxed cotton and it just sticks out. Probably not the best choice for the pattern…

[@julia-nc6ox]

@@SewSewLounge I would try to recut to follow more a fifties style brocade top. I think where the side seams come down straighter to the hip but with ease around bust and the hips and lots of ease at the waist. Very fun material.

[@daxxydog5777]

I remember having doubts about this shirt before, lol. Sometimes you just have to face the fact that some patterns just make ugly clothes. Sometimes the fabric being drapey helps, but if I try to make a tank style shirt with a woven stiff fabric, I look like I’m wearing a grocery sack from Publix. It’d make a pretty pillow! I’d love to see you make a bodice block. I’ve copied some existing garments successfully, too.

[@SewSewLounge]

Yes I think you did, and you were right!! 😂 it’s just not a good pattern for me and I need to remake it so it fits. You must be in Georgia! I used to shop at Publix when I lived in Savannah.

[@daxxydog5777]

@@SewSewLounge Close! South Carolina. I do love my Publix. 😁

[@SewSewLounge]

@@daxxydog5777 ah, so close! Publix was so much better than the Piggly Wiggly 😂

[@GayleHallAZ]

How about basting the side seams together again, try it on , and pin in some waist darts toward the bust apex to remove the extra fullness?

[@SewSewLounge]

Good idea! That might have worked, but I ended up taking it apart and recutting the pattern.

[@lynnhart3712]

Pattern fabric recommendations followed? I draw the line at tracing patterns. Lol. I know I don't have the patience.

[@SewSewLounge]

I believe that “cotton” was a suggested fabric, so technically, yes I did use a recommended fabric. The fact that I had to cut down the armholes to accommodate my arm was another red flag with this pattern.

[@lynnhart3712]

@@SewSewLounge If I recall correctly, did you say you used a waxed cotton? That's a completely different animal if so. I've never attempted that beast. Lol.

[@SewSewLounge]

@@lynnhart3712 it’s very lightly waxed. I wanted a structural look but this particular pattern had too much volume. Better to make my own!

[@lenac2022]

I love your fabrics, where did you get them?

[@SewSewLounge]

I bought this particular fabric at the Texas Quilt Museum shop. They have some beautiful textiles from artists all around the world. And they have a website to shop!

[@robyn3349]

When this happens to me I say, "Self, you have just had a lesson! Remember it!" :) Waxed cotton is very stiff, probably not good for that pattern and what you want.

[@SewSewLounge]

Lol. It’s not a heavy wax like some of the others I’ve used but that probably didn’t help the situation. I don’t think I would have liked it in a softer fabric either.

[@juliebaullo7334]

The best sewing patterns books are the Japanese pattern books. The are simple and fit well. Tge only problem being they often don't go big enough. I made my daughters wedding dress from a simple pattern in one of the many books I own.

[@SewSewLounge]

I have a bunch of Japanese sewing books too. I’ve made a Nani Iro cocoon dress because it would fit, but I would agree the sizing runs small.

[@ellengiller4589]

i recall the video with the skirt without ease. I like Lotte's textile inspo but will not try a pattern! seems frustrating and not worthwhile.

[@SewSewLounge]

Exactly!! Her textiles are beautiful and the books is inspiring, but leave it on the shelf when it comes to the patterns 🤣

[@davederrick9431]

After 45 years sewing, I don't make to many disasters. However, I saw a pattern for men's trousers on youtube, thought it looked great.and bought the pattern😢. I couldn't get them to fit no matter what! I should have modified my own drafted pattern that I knew would fit. Disappointing, as you say, a learning experience.

[@SewSewLounge]

I think the trick is know when to throw in the towel. I spent WAY too much time on this one trying to make it work.

[@marinelab]

I personally don't have time for retracing patterns, I would rather draft it from scratch at my perfect measurements. The fabric you used seems a bit stiff, maybe it didn't help. Pictures can be tricky, it may be as ill-fitting on the model but they took pictures with a certain angle/point of you in order to make it look decent. Sometimes it is good to step away from a project to reset the batteries of creativity. Maybe you could try to draft your own and then compare it with the pattern from the book, just to understand what's off. it sometimes help to understand where the issue comes from in order to put an end to the brain storm and frustration.

[@SewSewLounge]

As I was working with this particular pattern I had similar thoughts. Drafting my own would have been faster at this point. I think you are right about the pictures. It’s just disappointing. There is something wrong with the armholes and they need to be redone entirely.

[@KarenMcNeil-en2fn]

Don't blame you 😂

[@SewSewLounge]

I have since found another pattern and reworked this top to make it fit!!

[@eileenseal8245]

Not sure I liked that pattern anyway. Sometimes the trick is knowing when to quit.

[@SewSewLounge]

So true! I don’t think I like it either 😂

[@kathyhunter3424]

Opps...no sound

[@daxxydog5777]

I have sound.

[@SewSewLounge]

I’ve got sound too. Double check your audio 👍🏼

[@joseywales1150]

Ok so maybe my comment wasn’t appropriate but hopefully the info was an FYI. Answer Dress Form and Drape it and make a Flat pattern from the draping process. I’m so sure I’m preaching to the choir.

[@SewSewLounge]

I was just talking to my friend Jen about doing a draping video last night! But I wasn’t sure if anyone would be interested in draping then flat pattern. I will add that to the “to do” list in 2023. Thank you for the suggestion!

[@joseywales1150]

@@SewSewLounge Did I share the link about the future of home sewing???

[@SewSewLounge]

@@joseywales1150 you didn’t! Please do! I’d love to read about it

[@joseywales1150]

I am glad the the elite designers won't be sewing our clothes anymore. Why is it Milan California New York Paris and London dictating to us what style, what cut, what fabric and what fit my clothes should be or any woman for that matter. The home sewing industry is about to take the flip off and my retirement fund is thankful. Hope this info was inspiring.

[@kathyhunter3424]

Sorry... my iPad is ancient...like me

[@SewSewLounge]

No worries! Thanks for watching ☺️