What Sewing My Own Clothes Has Taught Me | My Me-Made Wardrobe

What Sewing My Own Clothes Has Taught Me!
This week I made a point to wear at least one thing from my handmade wardrobe. I love sewing clothes that I can confidently feel myself in and throw on any day of the week. Along the way, I've learned so much about sewing my own clothes -- I'll share that today with you!
What has sewing your own clothes taught you?! I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Patterns I'm Wearing:
Billie Jacket: rooneyclothing.com/products/b...
Ola Blouse: rooneyclothing.com/products/o...
Betty Wrap: rooneyclothing.com/products/b...
Overalls: Pattern I am testing!
Ada Lounge Pants: rooneyclothing.com/products/a...
Sewing Machine Recommendations: rooneyclothing.com/sewing-mac...
Eyelet Fabric: farmhousefabrics.com/
Stripe Linen Fabric: bit.ly/3ZkSxOr
Olive Green Gingham Linen Fabric: bit.ly/3WrcZuV
Charcoal Linen Fabric: amzn.to/3Jc7zk8
Quilted Fabric: bit.ly/3SQnSWP
Plaid Billie Jacket Fabric: Joann Fabrics
*some affiliate links are used to support this channel, thank you for being here!

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

What has sewing your own clothes taught you?! I'd love to hear your thoughts!

[@crashofthemoons]

I’ve been sewing since I was about 10 years old. So about 20 years. I have only recently (past 3 years) started making my own clothes. It’s taught me that I can do anything I put my mind to. It’s taught me to appreciate quality. To create things of quality and value

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

I love this, Jennifer! I totally love the confidence boost that making can bring. Quality and value are amazing things to focus on :)

[@DGUTUBE]

Very impressive. But the best part was seeing the pure joy on your daughter's face when she put her jacket on. So precious.

[@thegirlwithdustonherface]

Sewing my own clothes has taught me that I have a power of sorts, a power to make whatever I want to wear!

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

I love that!! 😊

[@madelinegrudens]

I have made my own clothes for the past 14 years and I love the fact that I can whip up something in an hour because I use mostly knit/stretch fabrics with no closures and very simple styles but with an interesting detail so it's not blah and I try to find special fabric that will last a long time... I still wear an outfit I made about 8 years ago, all the time and the fabric just never wears out... I hate disposable clothing... Congratulations on your two year milestone and I just love all of your makes, aesthetic and calm, peaceful presence!!! And you have the most adorable daughter and not to mention gorgeous hair!! I know whoever gets the patterns will be very fortunate!!! I make my own because I have a tough body type (full bust) to fit so I'm pretty picky with what works for me (can't wear loose styles). Thanks for sharing your journey, it's been amazing to watch you grow 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

Wow! 14 years is amazing, I'm inspired by you, Madeline. I love hearing that you have clothing that has lasted you so long. Also, thank you for the kind words. I'm thankful you are here!

[@jessicahorth5401]

I love the intentionality that goes into creating clothes for others. Watching my boys wear the clothes I’ve made them not only makes me smile, but also a way I can show them that I care, and that I took the time and patience to work on something for them! I’m excited to start creating a wardrobe for myself! I’ve been inspired by your videos and helpful tips on choosing fabric on a budget!

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

I love hearing this, Jessica! What a special gift not only to your boys to wear the clothing you made, but to yourself to have that space to create :) I'm excited to see what you create for yourself! -Courtney

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

Thank you for sharing & entering our little giveaway! I did a random generator and you were one of the winners! I'm going to reach out on IG and get you a pattern of your choice 💛

[@kaygee4691]

Sewing my own clothes has taught/given me patience, and a calm that comes from knowing my own mind and being sure of my sensibilities. I love garment sewing, it has made me self-reliant in that I don't worry about what retailers have to offer, and whether or not I'll be able to find something to my liking. I can just make it myself. Whether it's a super simple silhouette, or a complicated sew, like a tailored jacket or coat. And also joy and gratitude. Sewing my own clothes is just super fun! I'm so grateful to have this skill. Also, just want to compliment you on your aesthetic. I really love your choice of colors both in your sewn clothing AND your decor. Those are things I'd pick. Now, I much older than you, so your silhouette isn't my style, but it suits you, and you look SUPER great in everything you wear. Kudos, kiddo.

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

Thank you Kay, that is kind of you to say. I love hearing that sewing brings you joy and gratitude -- it sounds to me like you are an avid seamstress and really know your stuff :) I hope to be like that one day! And thank you for being here, I love hearing your thoughts! -Courtney

[@creativeeverydaylife]

Sewing (and knitting) my own clothes has taught me not to think too much about other people's opinions about my clothes, and therefore I wear more what I like and less what "the fashion says" you should wear. It has also taught me to love natural materials, and I have found a greater love for the clothes I wear than the ones I could buy cheaply that fell apart after a few uses.

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

What a great perspective! I love this, thank you for sharing :)

[@loveling55555]

Thank you for sharing your daughter with us, that was such a beautiful moment. She looked so happy and proud styled up in her moms creations 🥹🤍

[@lucillecooper3600]

I make my own clothes too and can relate to the focus of making the garment and the joy of wearing it...your little girl mirrors my reaction to my mother's clothes made for me as a child....could hardly wait to wear it and parade around in my splendour!

[@mariannakokoreva517]

Most of all I love to see my vision come to life and to get just the right silhouette.

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

Yes! What a beautiful thing to get to see your vision come to life in this way :)

[@makeanddohandmade]

I’ve learned to appreciate quality 💗 and to appreciate the time it takes to make something truly beautiful. I love finding handmade clothes at thrift stores because I know how much love goes into them.

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

Yes! So much time and care put into those garments. I love that you like to focus on quality - it is so important!

[@eclec-Tia]

Your clothes look beautiful and comfy. I've been sewing my own clothes all my life. I feel like the more love we put into making the garment, the more love we feel wearing it. 😊

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

Beautifully said!

[@ruthe8095]

How refreshing! Very much enjoyed and appreciated this video, thank you

[@cherylharris8632]

New Subscriber!! Love all the patterns…this video is an inspiration for me to realize that this is the year that I start making my own little wardrobe😊. I have been sewing on and off since I was 13(my mother and grandmother both sewed and made quilts)My mother use to sew her own clothes and I truly miss her. I can’t wait to get started on this journey!

[@bohemiansusan2897]

Sewing my own clothes has taught me patience and to push myself in order to obtain more skill. Some of my past favorites were horribly sewn but well loved. At 55, I have control over quality which is the most important to me. The arms in long sleeves are long enough and the biceps wide enough. Most of my sewn clothes are between 7-10 years that are worn and laundered weekly. Still in good shape and are a classic style that doesn't go out of style. I mix and match my outfits to have clothes for professional work, church, business casual and Goth/Punk. I use a lot of accessories and dress my clothes up and down. My wardrobe isn't very big. Most of all I have gained some confidence and self esteem from sewing my own clothes. I learned about body types and how to make clothes flattering for my rectangular figure.

[@rachelmade7837]

Omg those overalls are perfect Courtney! I love creating something functional out of raw materials- that magic will never stop being fun for me

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

Aw thank you!! I am excited to keep working at them and see them eventually turn into a pattern ;) You're right -- it feels like magic!

[@AshleyRJones8]

I love making clothes that match my aesthetic (so hard to find in ready made clothes) and I really love the process of making. Every time I make and wear, I learn something that I can apply to future projects...how to fit through the arms and shoulders for the movement and ease I need in my lifestyle...how wide of a circumference I like dresses to be...good pockets in everything...etc... Congrats on 2 years! I really enjoy your content and creating with you (from my neck of the woods 😉).

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

I love how you speak to your aesthetic and lifestyle, and make clothes to fit those purposes! And thank you for the kind words, I'm thankful you are here and always enjoy seeing your name pop up :)

[@AshleyRJones8]

@@RooneySewingPatterns I'm glad to be here too!🙂

[@megan6114]

I am always so inspired by you Courtney! I love to sew for so many reasons but the main one is probably because it’s my chance to slow down and be fully present.

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

You are so kind. Thank you, Megan! I love seeing for that reason too ❤

[@evivlas3402]

thank you for sharing your thoughts.....

[@TinaBambina]

These are all so cute, I love making myself and daughters clothes and the best thing it’s an original some of the time and no one has what you have made, it is a great feeling walking out in some thing you have made , you are doing an amazing job 👍

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

I love hearing that you like to make you and your daughters clothes! You are right, it is a great feeling :) Thank you!

[@Madhaddersewing]

I love to create because it has helped me feel better about myself, helps me feel like more than just a mom, wife, a homemaker. I’m a sahm of four boys. Identical twin 2 year olds, a three year old and a 12 year old who I homeschool. The babies nap-time is the only time I have to work on my projects. It’s like refueling when I sew since at times I can be mentally drained throughout the day. It was also walking thru a thrift store a year or so ago that really pushed me to pursue sewing. I saw a vintage dress that was handmade, hanging to be bought, and I envisioned someone sewing/making that dress many many years ago and how that dress could be a dress I make one day. ❤

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

Wow, I love everything you shared, Angelina. What a beautiful thing to take that time for yourself and refuel. I love how that thrift store dress inspired you that day! :)

[@Madhaddersewing]

@@RooneySewingPatterns thank you 💛 sewing (and crocheting) is truly my sanity many of my days, I’ll admit it! Mommin’ ain’t easy but we will sew through it right? Lol

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

It definitely isn’t easy! But worth it, and also so so helpful to have our own outlets throughout it ☺️🤍

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

Thank you for sharing & entering our little giveaway! I did a random generator and you were one of the winners! I'm going to reach out on IG and get you a pattern of your choice 💛

[@maryfields877]

I'm loving the overall pattern!!!

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

Ah thank you!! 🥰

[@kdbilo]

Love what you’re doing!

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

Thank you!!

[@Sonal-ThankyouGod]

I like yur style... relates to me.. thanks

[@kellihanks-sk8vq]

I have always been creative and loved my share of crafts but sewing always seemed out of reach for my level of skill. It’s taken me years of stepping away and trying again and again for sewing to finally click for me. Over the years, I would attempt to make small alterations to help my clothes fit me better beings I always had a hard time finding something that suited me, along with repairing the occasional ripped jeans for my husband and brother. Now as a mother, I’ve not only been able to start making special pieces for my daughter using your patterns and watching your videos but sewing has also been the major way I have regained a part of myself after adjusting to motherhood. It’s been an outlet of slowing down and focusing while also being productive and making something I’m proud of. It has not been without its frustrations but with your encouragement and encouragement from my husband I have gladly been able to continue and create beautiful meaningful pieces. It has also helped me with my own changing wardrobe of moving to the country, maternity, postpartum and maternity again. Over the last year I have adjusted to not buying clothing for myself which has been challenging especially going through new motherhood in a new environment but the possibility of making my own clothes that I can be more selective of cut and fabric that are functional for my season of life has been something I really look forward to. Not only will I have garments I love but also that fit my lifestyle instead of feeling out of place in my surroundings. Thank you so much for your channel and your encouragement! You have helped sewing clicked for me and have help foster a new skill and something to work towards. IG: kellihanks

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

Wow, I resonate with so much of what you said. I am proud to hear that you have kept coming back to it and are seeing the fruit of that! There are definitely crafts that don't click for me and I tuck them away for another time. What a beautiful thing to have this outlet for the ever-changing seasons of life! I am so thankful for your words and really appreciate you sharing your heart and your story of sewing! -Courtney

[@01Camillag]

I love your style 😊

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

Aw thank you!!

[@Financiallyfreeauthor]

After making doll clothes for a while I made a shirt for my 7 year old son. He loves it so much!

[@freeleeTheBananaGirl]

what a beautiful thoughtful video, thank you.

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

Thank you for watching!

[@catherinecrowley7630]

I think you explained it perfectly why I love to sew. I always said it puts me in another world. As you say, it does force you to focus and get joy in creating. ❤ sunshinegirlcali

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

Ah yes, you said it well, too -- it puts me in another world! What a gift that is :)

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

Thank you for sharing & entering our little giveaway! I did a random generator and you were one of the winners! I'm going to reach out on IG and get you a pattern of your choice 💛

[@leximccartt8943]

i love your overalls in this video! are you planning on making a pattern for them? 😍 I love to create because I love the process of using my hands and seeing the final product come to life in my own way!

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

Thank you Lexi!! I am planning on a pattern for them, hopefully sooner than later but in due time :) I have so enjoyed seeing your work come to life! You are inspiring!

[@littlemaeandco]

Love the wooden rack! Do you have a link for that?!😍

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

Yes! This is the one I have: amzn.to/3OakiGj

[@aprilj3456]

Do you have a hair tutorial somewhere? Your hair is so pretty!

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

you are so kind! I don't have one anywhere but maybe I should do one on my IG soon? Thank you!

[@user-tw9cb4pf4q]

hello, may i ask? WHAT IS THE FABRIC did yu used at 1:37 gray jacket?

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

This is a jacquard fabric from Merchant and Mills

[@rachelcain5688]

Moms out there- how do you sewing as a SAHM? I have a 2 month old and I cannot imagine getting into a project any time soon.

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

Hey Rachel, great question...and I feel like we need more than just me to chime in ;) I would first say I don't think I even touched a pair of scissors or any project until I was five months postpartum. I do think having a small handcraft to carry around the house would have been beneficial to my mental health in those early months (like months 3-4). But once I made something when I felt like I had the space and needed that outlet, it truly helped me mentally and was exactly what I needed. Hopefully, this takes the pressure off to not jump in right away. I know it's difficult to want to put your hand to work on something early on, but every timeline is unique to each person. For a practical tip, I think remembering to break each project up into tiny steps helps. "Today I will prepare my fabric during nap time, tomorrow I will read through the pattern during nap time..." etc. And asking your partner or family for help so you have some me-time is important -- if that is an option! This video may also help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYXSqmNnqt-cZpY I'm cheering you on, these first months of Motherhood are difficult! Hopefully sewing, in time, becomes a restful place for you that you look forward to with the tiny pockets of time! -Courtney

[@IceCat143]

I like that clothes I make fit well and they last much longer with good fabric selection. It really bothers me when I think about all the fast fashion waste created in the world. Mountains of used cheap clothing is being shipped to the 3rd world countries as waste. Definitely don’t want to add to it.

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

I agree, fabric selection is so important and the care to this world through these choices is a big deal!

[@arielcherchio493]

Creating for me is all about appreciating what I have. Fast fashion can make us less mindful, less grateful, and obsessed with the idea that " we have nothing to wear." Creating clothes that fit and are high quality has changed my mindset for the better. @a.cherchio

[@RooneySewingPatterns]

100% yes!! I love this perspective, Ariel. Well said!