What's Been Sewing On | Ep. 1

[@lat64eece]

I loved the fabric of your swimsuit…it can be saved by taking it in and changing out the elastic or making it into a 2-piece. As others have said you are working with negative ease, which is a different mindset. I have had more success with self drafting a swimsuit than using a pattern. Another resource is watching You Tube videos, my favorite is from Ohhh Lulu, she is very thorough. I enjoy watching your sewing videos…

[@thecuratedcurvy]

Thanks so much for the tips! 🥰

[@momontheball2970]

Love your interpretations of vintage patterns. The first dress is so fun and whimsical!

[@thecuratedcurvy]

Thanks! Seeing it on camera it really comes through, I was unsure initially about it but it really does make me happy when I see it in the play back. Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and comment!!

[@lolawall3561]

I love the play on the wedding dress pattern. It really elevated a regular blouse. So cute!

[@thecuratedcurvy]

Thanks! I was telling another commenter that that pattern in particular definitely has me wanting to dig through my other vintage patterns and find more unique designs to play with!

[@velvetvert9431]

You look gorgeous in everything in this video! But I think that white slip dress is the best. Fit and flare look lovely on you, but there's just something about that simple line that is so cool and refreshing. And I am a big lover of prints and color so it's unusual for me to like something that restrained.

[@ibelieveinpandas]

The white dress is my favorite, you should try that silhouette again :). And the fabric for the swimsuit is so pretty! I made a tankini for my daughter in a floral with white background, and lining it with white swimsuit lining worked pretty well. I think it's worth it to order some white lining and swimsuit elastic for your next make. And you will have a little more practice under your belt.

[@thecuratedcurvy]

Thank you! That silhouette has definitely opened my eyes to trying different shapes and looks. I love the idea of a tankini! You’re daughter is *so lucky*! And honestly I agree with you on going ahead and buying the proper lining and elastic. Even if the next make isn’t a home run at least I’ll know it’s not the fault of the materials AND lack of experience 😆

[@maxinekershaw9756]

You speak well. And slowing down is perfect.. I’m a speech, language pathologist by profession so articulation, diction and pronunciation is beautiful to me…and the sewing beautiful pieces are the cherries on top.. love all of it. Thanks for sharing🥰

[@thecuratedcurvy]

Thank you so much! I’ve worked closely with SLP’s in the past (former special education teacher) so I truly hold your comment in high regard! I’m trying to focus on pace in these videos as I have a tendency to speak REALLY fast lol. The feedback let’s me know I’m definitely headed in the right direction 🥰

[@dorisamstutz5888]

Love the blue dress with the ruffle looks great on you too

[@gwenhodge30]

Also those butterfly earrings are 🔥🔥

[@ThistlenStitches]

I’ve been waiting to see that wedding dress pattern with that fabric and it’s so cool!!!!!

[@lucyall1898]

Great dresses. Swimsuit is nice, your next one will be 🔥. Thanks for sharing .

[@dianbarnhart2745]

In the 70s and 80s we used "plastic elastic". It retains the stretch better.

[@thecuratedcurvy]

Noted! Thanks for letting me know 😊

[@vanessaknight7129]

Love the dress you have on. The high collar and V neck are unique

[@thecuratedcurvy]

Thank you! It's just an unexpected concept - definitely makes me want to give my other vintage patterns a look through so see what other fun details I can find.

[@karriesteel6191]

Many moons ago I sewed clothing for topless dancers... Everything was lycra\bathing suit material. I sewed on my regular machine... Use a cross stitch (_^_) stitch. ... I was instructed to fold edge over to create a casing ... Double stitch for strength and then we used cotton elastic and fished it thru.

[@cor3944]

I am jealous of your high collar swan neck dress. You inspire me. Thank you for the pattern ❤ like always - great fabrics

[@thecuratedcurvy]

Thank you so much! It's such an interesting detail, I'm so glad you liked it 😊💛

[@rochelle.handmade.designs]

Julie, great makes... hunny that Vintage Simplicity prom dress... you made me get up out of my bed to grab my laptop to comment on the video. Yes, girl!!! I need that pattern in my life. Also, the hack of V1723... I knew I had it right. That pattern was definitely made for you. B6939, the playsuit... that suck it did not work out for you. I'm thinking of making that one when I get time. I'm loving that Know Me 2016. I haven't made it yet but it's coming one day. Great video!

[@MyEmbellishedLife]

Wow. That first dress is 🔥. I would definitely make that.

[@thecuratedcurvy]

Thank you! It came together so well, I’m actually thinking of making another in just a solid color.

[@mzneti8467]

Love your channel and enjoy all your makes. Keep em coming. . .

[@MsSavvy9]

You had me at wedding dress pattern! I am obsessed with gowns. I want to wear a gown everyday like miss Havisham, but like yours, not bridal white. I'm in. I love it.

[@thecuratedcurvy]

We are definitely kindred spirits!!

[@galoreofbooks6216]

Love the first dress !!!! Would be so lovely in a block color too. Feel like you could make heaps of dresses with this pattern. Soooo beautiful! I need this !

[@thecuratedcurvy]

I can totally see it too! In a perfect world, I'll go back and really get into the mock-up phase and prefect it but then again, I can get really squirrelly 😆

[@galoreofbooks6216]

@@thecuratedcurvy I don't have the patience either to fiddle around adjusting. Are you using the pivot method to adjust these ? I really think though this is my all time favorite I would say number 1 .

[@cleanqueen75]

The pink dress is so cute. The color is gorgeous on you too. I have never found a thrift store that has fabric.

[@thecuratedcurvy]

I totally understand that! This is the first area I’ve ever lived in where I can find thrifted fabrics. Thanks so much for watching and chatting 🥰

[@rachellynncreates2703]

Sooooo about your swimwear. You should use swimwear elastic because regular elastic degrades in the pool. Also, I disagree you learned something so it’s not a fail. I also think you should uses a lightening or 3 step zig zag stitch or a regular zig zag. I put all three because it depends on what you machine does. And last your dresses are all super cute. Especially the self drafted one.

[@ZeldaSews]

I don't like snug fitting clothes either. I love the dress you have on and the makes you have made.😊

[@thecuratedcurvy]

Thank you! There’s something really freeing about non restrictive clothing that I feel really drawn to at the moment. 😊

[@Reggiespaghettismom]

Wow! The self drafted dress looks so good on you!

[@thecuratedcurvy]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰

[@LisaFaiss]

I cheat on the fitting by measuring clothes I own and like fit of and compare against the pattern pieces. Love the Know Me pattern on you. The white dress looks nice and summery…very cute, like the tie.

[@thecuratedcurvy]

That's such a great tip, thanks for sharing!!

[@Manecoarse]

Wow. You have so many beautiful dresses. I love the one you’re wearing. The fabric is so fun, and the Know Me 2016 Dress is really pretty too. I love long dresses, and I also like to lower necklines when I remember to do so. Didn’t realize the Know Me dress called for a lining. I have the pattern and didn’t realize that. Thanks.

[@thecuratedcurvy]

Thanks so much for watching! The know me 2016 is a really good one! I'm hoping I can get in another one sometime soon!

[@tamara3838]

I love the vintage wedding dress and fabric choice!

[@thecuratedcurvy]

Thank you!

[@rebeccabergman7718]

Great job! Adorable

[@Northandsouthsewing]

I made the Ipswich from Cashmerette. It turned out fantastic. I did line it and will probably do that every time. Love the compression of the swim lining. I did use swim elastic as the pattern recommended so I don't know how it works without. My mom did make bathing suits with regular elastic so I know it is possible, probably just making sure you give it some good stretch at the curve points.

[@kennethiacgilliam]

Love the video and a your makes are wonderful hun!❤

[@Sawsan351]

I love the pink dress!!😍😍

[@thecuratedcurvy]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@conniesmith9989]

Hi. Adorable dress and fabric. Thank you for sharing.

[@thecuratedcurvy]

Hey! Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to leave a a comment 😊😊

[@robina3443]

Ode to Summer Dress and your Self Drafted Dress are both so pretty! All your makes are cool though! 👍🏽😎🎉

[@thecuratedcurvy]

Thanks!! That cherry on pink print is just so summery! Watching it back has me wanting to make more but the 'to-sew' list is every growing 😆

[@sewonsister]

I have not sewn swim wear yet, but I have heard a lot of sewists use power mesh as a liner in their swim wear. Love your dresses!

[@WorldOfWonder66]

Everything is so beautiful

[@thecuratedcurvy]

Thanks so much 🥰

[@kiraph]

Hello! Lovely makes! :) I've sewn lots of lycra! Definitely line that fabric - regardless of the support factor, a white base fabric will be on the sheer side. Standard elastic does tend to go wonky in stretch situations, so you will definitely benefit from using a swimwear elastic. And with the gaping - sounds like you need more negative ease along the back of the neckline - also look into the pattern. You can easily add a seam there to give more shape which might help with the gaping situation as well. There are adjustments that you can do which I'm starting to experiment with that add more to the pattern in the booty area which can be a cause of gaping as well. There are some youtube videos of a costume designer (travis Halsey, who has passed away) doing pattern drafting for stretch. Very informative. I like to sew seams with an overlocker (serger) and then do my elastic with a zig-zag stitch on my regular machine. I will sometime finish with a triple step zig zag and sometimes with a twin needle. Just depends on the look and how bothered I can be chaning needles! haha! I'm dreaming of getting a coverstitch machine but I need to save up.

[@thecuratedcurvy]

Thank you!! Adding a seam down the back and more negative ease is just brilliant! I am also definitely going to go ahead and get the proper lining and elastic as that seems to also be a big difference maker. Thanks also for the tip on the KZbinr. Side note: it’s kinda awesome how technology allows us to someone live on. I can’t 1000% relate to my mood determining how far I’ll go as far as finishing and techniques 😆

[@rmorine6394]

LOVE the first dress that you are wearing. You look stunning in the style and the color!

[@thecuratedcurvy]

Thank you so much!! It's different but it's pretty cool 🥰

[@lz738]

Love seeing your makes and hearing about your sewing experiences. We have similar sizes and style so it's very inspiring for me. :)

[@thecuratedcurvy]

That's so awesome to hear, honestly that's why I started sewing and then my YT channel. It's so important to see your clothing inspirations on like bodies!

[@masuahkokro8957]

I always look forward to seeing your videos. Love your makes

[@thecuratedcurvy]

Thanks so much! I always look forward to your comments 🥰

[@xinachase8898]

Hi I made the KnowMe pattern out of an Ankara fabric. I made a v neck because it was way too high for me. I usually just insert a regular zipper but I did use an invisible zipper, I also added a sleeve band because I don’t like elastic. I would love to make it again but the gathers were a little daunting.

[@thecuratedcurvy]

Those gathers were quite the task!

[@CreativiteeByT]

Gorgeous makes! As for the one you’re wearing, I love the neckline detail. Love your Beaute Jadore dress!!! I plan on making a swimsuit in a couple of weeks! I hope it works out! 😅

[@thecuratedcurvy]

That neckline is what sold me when I saw the pattern on ebay. It's so different! I think you are going to look so lovely in the Beaute J'adore dress, and it's a fun one to sew. I'll keep an eye on your channel for a swimwear make in the future 😉

[@gwenhodge30]

Your makes are so cool and unique. You made that vintage wedding pattern come to life. The KnowMe came out really nice, I have it but haven't made it yet...and the last dress was totally me..love that abstract print. As far as swimsuit tips, I've only made one, but yes, you can self line it for more coverage, but you can also use a more compressed lining for support (I had followed a Mimi G tutorial when I made mine, she talks about that Spanx-like lining for knit dresses too.) Swimsuit elastic might be better , it's probably made to be more durable for the water elements chlorine/salt. For the elastic application, I had folded it in and zigzagged so it was one stitch and finished, but I'm sure there's many ways. 😊

[@thecuratedcurvy]

Thank you!! The know me pattern is a really good one, Beaute J'adore is also AMAZING when it comes to her tutorials. The last one is so fun, the print manages to be both gaudy and girls somehow. Love it! Thanks for the swimwear tips. I'm adding them to my swimwear notes pages, what you said about folding and then stitching makes a lot of sense though and I'm going to be on the look out for that spanx-like lining!! Also, the hoops! so cute right?! I usually can't wear them because they'll get caught in my hair but I am properly obsessed with them LOL.

[@stephanieburiel3470]

I love your dress (the one you're wearing)! I'm gonna try to dip my toe into sewing clothes.

[@thecuratedcurvy]

You should definitely go for it! There’s a learning curve but you can learn so much here on KZbin! 😊

[@ShereeThomas30]

I have made several swimsuits and I always line the swimsuits this will absolutely help with compression and you wont have to worry about anyone being able to see your nipples. Last year I just lined the swimsuits with the same fabric that I used for the outside. I found that to be more compression than using power mesh. Also, Lycra is not always for swimwear. I have purchased some online that wasn’t right for swimsuits (not knowing) and they definitely were loser on the body. You want to make sure that the description says that it is for swimsuits, not just active wear. This summer I have sewn 2 new swimsuits that I love and I actually purchased swimsuit lining from Joann that made a huge difference in the finished result of my swimsuits. I also sewed bra cups onto the swimsuit lining and I love the support that I get from that. When it comes to elastic, you definitely want to use swimwear elastic instead of regular elastic. It seems tighter in my opinion and it wont break down as quickly from pool or ocean water as regular elastic would. I buy my elastic from Fabric Fairy. They have really great pricing for their elastic. I actually learned how to install swimsuit elastic by watching a KZbin tutorial for the Made for Mermaids Almafi swimsuit. Made For Mermaids does a wonderful job of explaining how to sew swimsuits. Really beautiful fabric, I hope that you can figure out how to adjust the fit of your pattern so that you can try again. Sewing swimsuits is not easy. Your swimsuit does look great though, maybe you can gift it to someone. I really love your denim play suit/jumpsuit I can’t wait to see it finished.

[@thecuratedcurvy]

So much good information Sheree! Thank you so much!! I bought the Lycra from a local shop in FL, and I get the sneaky suspicion that it’s probably meant for active wear. I’m thinking I give it a go again but apply all of the tips here especially using a proper lining instead of self lining it. It can only go up from the original make LOL. Sewing in the bra cups of also ingenious. My favorite swimwear has cups in it so I don’t know how that one escaped me!

[@sheryllawrence6639]

Could you use it as a bodysuit?

[@kathrynmccarthy]

I've done one swimsuit so far, but a lot of lingerie which also uses stretch fabrics, so I'll give you my tips in case they help! Also for sewing tips I would take a look at Liz Sew's older videos where she's sewing lingerie because the processes for sewing underwear and sewing swimsuits are very similar. 1. I wouldn't use the regular straight stitch on your machine. Either serge, do a zigzag, or there may be an option for a double needle stitch but I haven't explored that yet. 2. There is special swimwear lining fabric you can use to line your suit. I got my swimwear fabric from The Fabric Fairy 3. Definitely use rubber swimwear elastic rather than regular elastic, since rubber elastic is more resistant to chlorine and salt water. I found a blog post for when I was learning about making swimwear that was really helpful linked below! edgewaterave.com/pages/swimwear-elastic-everything-you-need-to-know

[@thecuratedcurvy]

Thanks so much, I definitely will be saving ALL of this. Also, thanks for the lining tips. I was planning on self lining it but it makes sense that there is a fabric out there specific for that. I believe I've seen a Liv Sew video or two in the past and I remember finding her enjoyable to watch so I can totally see myself diving back into her content to begin to better understand the construction of it all. Thanks again, I really appreciate you taking the time to help me out here 🥰