I've recently achieved more than 60# of weight loss. I'm currently 11# from reaching my second goal in my journey. Soooo... I hope to get back to sewing garments having not done so since my Jr. High School days and taking up quilting instead. I haven't a clue where to start with patterns and what sizes to choose so my July goal is to research the best ways to choose and fit/resize patterns so I can get started sewing next month....my 61st birthday gift to myself!
CONGRATULATIONS ROSALIE🤩👏👏👏👏👏🎊🎈🎊🎈🎊🎈🎊🎈 I have been there and it's a wonderful feeling to take that control back.. for what ever reason. Anytime is the perfect time to invest in YOU❣ So, excited to hear what you figure out and do. I am doing pretty much the sane... lolol ok that too, the same* thing. But learning everything from zero lolol It would be so fun if we all could Get together and coffee, cut. Coffee, sew.. coffee and toss ideas around.. you probably get the picture. 🤣😂🤣😂😀 HAVE FUN🌺🌺🌺
Melissa F Saïd it well. You have temporary inertia! Please don’t put pressure on yourself to sew sew sew on your channel just to please us. As far as I am concerned you could come on an talk about smelly socks and I would still enjoy listening to you because I just plain like you. You have an awesome personality and a great sense of humour and I always feel perked up at the end of your videos so I thank you for that.Take a break if you need to and I think that you do. I’m sure that anyone who follows you would not mind. It’s hard work maintaining a UA-cam channel. We selfishly enjoy watching you without considering the time and effort you put into pleasing us.♥️🇳🇿
Aww Bernice, you are so sweet! And you made me laugh with the smelly socks line!! Thanks so much for your caring and thoughtful note. I think I’m fine to sew, I just needed a push. Reading all of these fabulous responses is beyond delightful.💕
I would love a video on the baby clothes you made for your children. Your videos are so refreshing and fun. You can read a grocery list and make it exciting and interesting. Keep up the good work.
Dear VivMom, I have been sewing for over 60 years but I never have had as much fun as I am having now. I never knew how pretty those “weird” fabrics could be when they are turned into a little dress or tunic. I have learned so much from you! Thank you so much! Your most devoted viewer.
Dear Garness, Your note is so wonderful! I am absolutely charmed to hear that you’re having fun sewing with interesting fabrics - and that you’re my devoted viewer!! Thank you! Consider my day made because of your message! Keep sewing and we’ll talk again soon. xo - Viv😃
I have more to say. Firstly, I've been wanting to comment for over a month about how happy I am to have found your channel, Viv! You are truly delightful! I was instantly addicted to you! I love your fresh, genuine, optimistic enthusiasm! I binge watched everything you've uploaded, then watched everything a second time while I waited for more videos! Best of all, it is because of you that I took up sewing again after more than a decade! On that note, I want to define my July goals because I was so vague in my other comment. The three items I am working on will require some persistence as they are not fitting right and I am determined to view (and enjoy) this as a learning experience. I am picking out seams and watching lots of tutorials on fitting and adjusting. I am making two tops: a woven pullover V-neck T-shirt made out of a gorgeous peacock print from Simplicity 8061, and an older pattern, Simplicity 4076 view D out of a very lightweight knit. The last item is a tiered skirt from New Look 6565 view B. I have made it out of gauze before and am trying it out of a bouncy, olive green jersey knit which happens to go with many other fabrics I've purchased, including the peacock print! Thank you all for enduring my long comment!
Vivmom…. I found your comments about a month ago and have wanted to write to you ever since. I love your channel … I many times binge watch so many of your videos. You inspire me to return to my love of sewing. My mom always sewed clothes for me... sometimes with a pattern and sometimes not. I started sewing as a teenager. I am one of 8 kids and one of my sisters, Robin, and I learned on our mom's basic Singer sewing machine. Then she bought a new machine with decorative stitches (unfortunately, it was so "new fangled" that it took her about 10 years to ever go back to sewing) I made most of my clothes for years; made clothes for my boys when they were little; made fancy Halloween costumes for them - including an elaborate ET costume when that movie first came out; I've even made bridesmaid dresses for 4 different weddings. Then, somehow I got busy and my sewing fell away. Finding you here on UA-cam has encouraged me to return to my love of sewing,,, the thrill of creating something... Thank you, Viv, I'm making this public so I can be accountable....
I thought it was just me, feeling sort of blah about my hobbies (much less my daily obligations, like exercise, cooking, cleaning, etc.). Instead of being "productive", I've been reading a lot the past month and of course, lurking here on UA-cam. Very lazy days, but you're right: it's that time of year. Back when my kids were young and still living at home, we'd be at the pool where I'd hide in the shade with a book. I love your videos and your projects -- you always inspire me, especially when you show us fabric hauls and your plans for them. Currently I'm working on a ruffled-sleeve top in a light blue floral crinkle cotton. I hope to finish it in time to actually wear THIS summer, instead of next!!
Hi Viv, Love your plan, but you are awesome whether you sew or not, I get inspired by listening to you. I went to Hobby Lobby today and in their sale bin i found the cutest fabric. A light teal background with whimsical fish in bright colors. I would not have given it a second glance but have loved all the whimsical fabrics you use. I bought 2.5 yrds and spent the afternoon sewing a really cute dress. I also did away with the bulky, wide facing in the pattern and edged the neck and arms with home made bias strips-so much easier and nicer looking! Thank you for your whimsy and fun sewing ideas. Thanks for the binding tip! I am having so much fun sewing clothing again!! If I could figure out how to attach a picture I would!
Hi Amy! Feel free to email me at gramcan@juno.com It takes me a while to get back to folks, but I promise I will eventually! Would love to see your cute dress!😄
Hi Vivmom , want to brighten your day to say what an awesome teacher you are ! These little sewing tutorials have really helped me , I sewed a dress today with pockets 👏👏👏! I’m getting there hopefully with more of your videos i won’t feel so discouraged! Thank you
I have been watching your videos and wanted to let you know you have been such an inspiration to me. I have sewn back in the 70s and 80s for my daughter and son but stopped. I am now newly retired and want to start up again and sew for the grandchildren I am a cotton kind of gal and watching your videos have really taught me a lot about beginning to work with stretch fabric. When you say a fabric type, I listen. I just bought my first stretch fabric and pattern, pulled out the sewing machine I bought years ago but haven't used, and now can't wait to get started, Btw, your smile just brightens the screen. Thanks for sharing so much.
since I "met" you on youtube Ive sewn myself 3 cool summer blouses. Im working on a new very blue quilt now finished the Eyespy quilt. You inspire me thank you.
I cannot commit to the 2-week challenge due to my work schedule, but I know it's a proven motivator. I'm looking forward to your July Makes reveal on these dresses and the fabric you chose. August will be my make something/anything month. PS: You're in a funk and you're not alone. We all experience it.
I taught my husband how to sew and he sewed a little girl's dress to send with missionaries that go to Africa. I'm finishing up one I made myself. Also another apron with straps that go cross-wise behind your back because I hate ties around my neck.
Thank goodness it isn’t just me... I hate getting in these funks, I will go sew for a bit then realize my heart just isn’t in it. I spend my time watching you and other sewing classes and blogs on you tube...lol good luck sweetie I will try to finish up the two dress projects I have in process that has been in process all month.
Creative energy is a wavy line - mountainous waves! I take solace in this and know that when the old lethargy and discouragement strikes, it’s just a downswing. It will right itself. Sigh. Life. Just always throwing one curveball after another. Thanks for writing!💕
Well! I was just so inspired by this post And by some of your past sharings I decided to try making a pair of pants! I had immediate buyers regret upon returning home with my mustard linen and New Look 6517. I perservered however and am SO happy with the result! Classy slacks and a decent fit given that I have not sew clothing in years (I am a quilter). I really look forward to all you share and thank you for the inspiration!
Please don't put pressure on yourself to sew. I speculate with sixteen thousand subscribers (and we love the joy you bring with your videos), you feel a need to keep sewing for us. Sometimes you need to step away and do something else, even if that means perusing e-bay. Over many decades of sewing, I have taken breaks to embroider, macrame, garden, etc. and eventually get back to the machine. I have also been aware I make more clothes than I need. That said, my kids always seem to have requests for me to sew household items and I do enjoy doing that for them and that keeps me sewing. Now I am on a kick of reading one mystery after another and loving it and not feeling guilty about not sewing. Please do what is right for you!!
Thanks Nomad, for your understanding and wise message. I have picked up reading novels again and I missed it a lot. I keep in mind that people aren’t demanding that I sew, but I also hate to let people down. Life is always about finding balance I guess. I love my viewers so much!! You’re all a treasure.💕
Vivmom you have become my weekly sewing therapy! You are so real, funny and fun, I wish you were my neighbor! My sewing goal for the last days of July are NewLook 6560 and a PJ Masks theme pillowcase for my darling grandson’s birthday! You are addictive and you keep me sewing! Thank you for being you! Loretta in Pittsburgh
Aww this is so sweet, Loretta, thank you! I love hearing about sewing for grandchildren.💕I just sent some clothes off to my sister’s grandkids and will show everyone once I know they’ve gotten them. It was such fun to sew for little ones again! You and I would have a good time being neighbors. I would love to get ALL of us together in a HUGE sewing warehouse filled with machines and fabric and cutting tables. Wouldn’t that be a blast!! Makes for some pleasant day dreaming...but I need to get back to sewing!
I’ll finish the batik bathrobe that’s been sitting on my ironing board for two weeks. It’s cut out and ready to sew. BTW, just discovered your site and am so enjoying it. I’ve been sewing for over 50 years. Inlove your delightful personality, fabric choices and seeing what you’ve made with them. I’m ready to go......
As mothers and grandmothers we have so many goals it is probably impossible to meet them all. Goals for our aging parents we're caring for. Goals for aiding our adult children and our grandchildren. So give yourself a break and just do what you can do. I make my sewing list and put dates on it but it never happens. I just keep working along as best I can and don't worry about all the timing. Illnesses, hospitalizations, school programs all interfere with the timing. Just keep working. It will all come out in the end. Make the plans but realize there are always going to be interruptions.
Love your videos!! I've been following you about a month now, and have even gone back to watch videos you published about a year ago. I usually sew home-related projects (aprons, potholders, plus things for babies or pets), but haven't really sewn much in the way of dresses or clothing for myself in a number of years. But, watching you with all the cute patterns...and seeing all the lovely fabrics...hearing all your wonderful descriptions & overviews...and, of course, the exciting part....showing or modeling all the DARLING things you've made, I'm totally inspired to make some cute new things for myself! I just have to let you know that just this evening, I was at JoAnn's to pick out some Simplicity Patterns ($1.99 sale), and YOU came up in my conversation with another shopper. We had a nice chat and I just had to let her know that is was your wonderful videos that caused my renewed interest in all those adorable dress patterns! She wrote down your channel name so she could go home and subscribe! So, no pressure.... but, please keep those videos coming! Thank you!!
Oh, Chicka Boom, you’re a doll. Thank you so much for writing! I’m humbled and charmed that you and another seamstress were mentioning me in Joann. That’s crazy! (In a good way.👍) It’s funny, I started the channel on a lark thinking I might - might - reach a couple hundred folks. I did not think I had much to offer as I’m certainly no couture seamstress. The response has blown me away, and I continue to meet marvelous people. I am inspired by all of you continually! I think it’s wonderful that you sew home related projects. Yay!! Beauty and function and so well made. Keep sewing!💕
Just adore watching you Viv on utube...my favorite thing🤗 Ok.....l will sew a navy cotton lace top with maybe 2 layers 3/4 sleeves....l needed to get inspired.....so here goes Thanks Viv🤗
Okay, you made my day. You are absolutely true to yourself and makes me relate to all the things you've said about not wanting to sew or hitting a wall, that is where I am. I want to finish all the patterns and fabrics that I have cut, BUT, not put together. I just feel hot and tired and I just want to sit down next to you and wait until the cows come home or pigs fly for me. Here it is; - Finish a wrap-around blouse with peplum (cut yesterday) - Finish a blue pencil skirt, cut also yesterday - Finish my Cardigan/long, I was using my serger to close the ends, since the fabric is very thin and drapes nicely, but I ran out of thread, lucky me.. since then... I just don't want to do much sewing. Just look after my plants inside my house and the cacti outside for the summer. I am not fan of the heat and I am allergic to air or life. - Finish one more Peplum blouse that was cut a few months ago and I haven't touched it since. There, here is the list and I hope I can get it done.... if I don't get too tired after work or sleepy, that is one more thing that I just want to do, sleeeeepppppppp alllll dayyyyyyy!.
Oh YiLu, I’m with you! I am so with you! Your message made me laugh. I guess it’s okay to be a little bit lazy (a little bit?👀) in summer but I fear I am taking it to extremes. So I’m reading all this absolute gold inspiration here in the comments and feeling better and better. You can finish those patterns but don’t make it drudgery - choose what you love and focus on just one thing. Feeling overwhelmed is often a great reason for me to hightail it to my couch. (Frankly, we may need to get rid of the couch.😂)
Oh Viv, my machine calls to me but heat, age, diet....I’m right there with you. I believe we are about the same age as well. My daughter will be 23 next month, and I remember sewing dresses for her when she was little (such a great time). I was thinking yesterday about some substantial sewing this week. You have motivated me this evening. I would like to finish up some prayer cloths for my church and either a skirt or top, maybe both. Love your channel and look forward to seeing all the beautiful clothes you make.
We all just do our best. Sometimes that's more and sometimes it's less. I bought an E pattern from one of my UA-cam sewers, and now I have to find a place that will print it, as I don't have a working printer... Won't do that again! lol.. I also found the manual to my 'new' Pfaff machine, on the internet, so I need to get that printed. Following that, I have been collecting some thrifted articles of clothing with which I plan to cover some pillows. No real time line, but hoping to get it all going/done by the end of the month. Thanks for showing all your great fabric and patterns. I love that last one with the gathering at the sides. Perfect fabric too.
Vivmom,I love sewing but I've become a hospice patient and too sick to sew. When I cannot sleep because of the pain I am up in the middle of the night with vivmom. It is like having a good friend in my living room keeping me company at all hours. I watch your videos and you take my mind off my situation. Thank you.
Love and prayers to you, Kathleen. I am honored that you choose to watch me in the middle of the night, I’m probably up myself throwing the covers off and adjusting the fan. I pray your pain will miraculously abate and that you feel extraordinarily comforted.💕1 Corinthians 2:9
Hi vivmom. You are such a great inspiration. You are so passionate about everything you sew . I really enjoy watching your vlogs . I have been promising to myself to make a pair of pjs for my grandson for ages. But now I am going to get them done : ) . Thankyou for you time. Much appreciated : )
That diagonal print crinkle challis is gorgeous! I would make the ankle length out of that - it would show off your height and look so fresh and summer-y. Gosh, that's pretty fabric! Happy sewing!
I am that way with exercise. If I will just START, I suddenly want to finish. I made another pink jacket with pockets that were not in the pattern. Linen this time. I spent several hours for two days drawing -- redrawing -- sewing -- unsewing --redrawing that silly pocket. I sure hope someone is super impressed with it!
I'd like to think I can post my wanna-sews and that will hold me accountable but... If I'm honest I really love buying fabric, patterns and then cutting out. So I should sew my wide-leg pants and a slew of kids Blank Slate tank tops. Or I could just cut out more projects, haha. Thank you for trying to get us inspired, I hope it works! Looking forward to your kids sewing video and the vintage patterns too. Your fabrics and patterns look like fun sewing! Thank you, Vivi...keep cool!
I have to make two child sized walker bags for a child for his walker and use at school. There is no pattern but I have already drafted one to hopefully deal with issues from his previous bag. Also I will be lining the bag and interfacing them for him. I have some really fun prints for this purpose.
I just found you! You are a delight! Love the 60s as well. I’ve watched the series, That Girl, on Amazon prime, many times just to look at the clothes! There are great 60s fashion “Perry Mason” too!
I wanted to respond to this challenge when I first watched this video, yes I watch you again and again! Last week I made Vogue 7456, a pattern from 2001, dress view B for my daughter's birthday. I also made 10 reversible scarfs for pets, I sell these on Etsy. This week I made Vogue 7023 blouse view A, pattern is from 1999, this is also for my daughter's birthday. Yesterday I cut out a dress for myself, I love dresses, Simplicity 9547, view A, pattern is from 1995, I'm making this in a blue with pink flowers I purchased from Hobby Lobby. Today I will be cutting out New Look 6632, sundress view C in a pink eyelet that I bought at a garage sale, I have found way too much fabric at garage sales and Estate sales....FYI. Maybe more soon. Have a fabulous day and please keep those great videos coming!
I have recently retired. One of my goals in retirement is to return to sewing! I used to sew a lot when my children were growing but over time I struggled to find the time and to get patterns to fit. Your videos are a blessing to me. Very inspiring and informative! Thank you. You make a difference!!!
Hey Vivmom! This is totally what I needed this month haha :). I'm a procrastinating queen... So, this month I'm going to finish my velvet dress! Thanks for always inspiring me
Love all the dresses you plan...and beautiful fabrics! I seem to have lost most of July making photobooks...4 of them! A special deal sucked me in but the vouchers (all for 100 page books!) have a 31 July deadline. I'm now heartily sick of photobooks. On the sewing front, I have managed to squeeze in a pair of bermuda style shorts in a sand coloured cotton twill and I have some lovely Liberty lawn for a summer shirt that has been grinning at me while I work on the dreaded books. So my pledge is to get these darned things sent off and to make the shirt.
I sew alt, and really love it. I make nothing fancy. Some days I make 2 items. It’s very therapeutic for me. Thank you for your time. I will keep track of what I make and let you know.
I made 8910 out of light green or sage linen, med weight, the pleats were very EASY. Even the pocket were easy and I never made these kinds of pockets before. Just finished it today and I love it is a pull over, no zip, I know you like that!
My July goal is to reclaim my sewing room after the my son and his family move out after moving back to VA from Utah. I cant wait. Viv, you have been a bad influence on me. I started buying garment patterns for the first time in years. I consider myself a quilter, not really a sewist. Im jumping back I to garment sewing. Lets see what happens. I cant believe you're intimidated by pleats. Your finished clothing looks amazing. I always look forward to seeing what you're up to. Hugs from the hazy, hot and humid VA peninsula.
You have created a monster in me!!!!! I have become a fabric, pattern, thread, insane women! In the last 3 weeks I made myself a shirt, my husband a tshirt, so in the challenge I also have purchased 8856 and I'm going to attempt them!
I'm working in family business and fabric waits for time to cut and sew. It's cooler today and we all feel the 'updraft' boost of energy! There's real possibility I'll have a couple projects done by end of July. Helps to watch and rewatch your videos for inspiration.... you have a real instinct to find interesting fabrics!
You make me laugh out loud 🤣 And inspire me Am very new to sewing so more enthusiasm than skill. But hey will be making earbud pouch, bookmark pen pouch, teacup purse and finishing linen top for a recycling competition .
look how many lovely people you have inspired ! I just ordered a new sewing machine so I will just wish you all a lot of fun and learn my new toy when it comes !
I love watching your channel, your a very beautiful down to earth lady who tells it as it is, I can't believe your 56 yrs old, you look amazing and for all those people our there who give negative comments, I would say they are simply jealous. Keep up the great work Viv, I always look forward to your vlogs x
I'm going to try my hand at the wide leg pants and a top to go with it, between you and Joy I'm very interest in trying to sew some clothes for me. Thank you for all the inspiration, and for the ice cream I'm hooked on ice cream cones every night. Grrr Hopefully I'll lose the taste for them soon, you're not the only one of us who does that. Thank you for making my day with your videos.
I'm going to do Joy Bernhardt's wide leg pant challenge! I'm with you Viv, on my mo-jo just evaporating. Age, heat, arthritis, low energy...... I don't know what it is but whatever it is I will be glad when it's back ( mo-jo). I can have the best of intentions, calander cleared, no grand kids to watch, and I can't seem to get motivated to do all the things I should be doing, let alone the fun stuff like sewing....I just want to enjoy my deck, my swing, my hammock...but it's been so blasted hot bere in Mi that I can't even do that!..... so; I just hole up in the cool of the house and do the least I have to do, to get by.... I used to never take naps and now I'm even squeezing those in. This has been the laziest, daisiest days of summer EVER for me. Thanks for the challenge and your videos. It seems the only thing I look forward to these days is a video from you, Joy Bernhardt, and Michoumakes! ( don't know if I got that right)
I plan to make a pair of black linen pants. I would love to make more but time doesn’t allow right now. Viv, I love your podcasts and your upbeat personality. You look so great in your dresses, too. Happy sewing!!!
Challenge accepted! 2 tops from McCall’s it’s so simple L9484 and L9407. Wide leg pants also but let me say that this is really going to challenge me since I just started a new job and have 2 quilts to finish. Oh my , Viv, you are the best. ❤️❤️❤️ your videos. As for the hot flashes, mine still put my head in the freezer at nearly 70 yrs young! Gives me something to laugh about!
That artisan dress would be very pretty with some bright embroidery on the front top bodice. Worn with strapy sandals. I feel tired all the time. I am an old woman like 77.😂😂😂 Love all you’re videos.❤️ love your energy.
Love the New Look sundress and if I could, I would make the view without the flap (too much fabric for me in hot and humid Japan) for this challenge. American patterns are not available here so I will have to improvise some pattern redrafting from my personal stock of ‘vintage’ patterns (ones I purchased in the 80s and 90s from before my move here). I did purchase 2 new patterns on a recent trip back to the US but the multi-sizing tissue paper is dizzying! Not sure I’m up to unraveling those pieces. Really enjoy seeing you work with quilting cotton type fabrics for tops, dresses and pants. That was my favorite fabric when I first started sewing in the late 1960s. I recognized so many of your vintage patterns as some that I made back then. Such fun to watch your videos and your pattern and fabric talks. Thanks so much for sharing your makes and sewing wisdom with us!
Hi Lin Lin, and greetings to Japan!😄I hear you on the cutting lines; that’s what has kept me away from Jalie patterns. They come in something like size 2 (baby) to 20 (adult) all printed on the same paper. Lord have mercy. It’s hot and humid here, hit 100 yesterday, and all I can say is “Thank God for air conditioning!” Hope your pattern drafting works out. Lovely to hear from you.🌺
Thank you for your motivating videos. I am not actually going to sew from a pattern this month; rather, I am remodeling a maxi dress by taking the tiered skirt and replacing the top with a more flattering one from one of my patterns. I am currently losing weight (lost about 72 about 145 to go), so I am changing sizes quite frequently. Sewing is a lifesaver, and remodeling is a skill worth learning in my case. I may start making a fall wardrobe in August.
I’m there for you,sister. I went out and applied for a part time job because since I’ve retired in December I sit around WAY more than I should. You have inspired me to sew for my 14 yo granddaughter. She is excited and so am I. Looking forward to seeing your completed projects.
I love sewing kids clothes, just made my granddaughter 5 dresses and 3 pjs. Used to make my son shorts and cotton shirts and all his pjs. Will be on vacation until Aug 7th. Good luck sewing your dresses.
I am making 2 tops from B6685. At least one top will be made by end of July as have a lap quilt to finish for a birthday first. Excited to make more clothes for myself and this is just the push I need. Thanks for the challenge.
Hey Viv some great plans and great fabrics, my fav is the first one you showed. I make plans occasionally but they dont seem to keep me on track. I feel pressure from it so try not to do them too often. That said, for the rest of this month I'll be making a dress (the laneway by jennifer lauren), some self drafted knickers and some tshirts for hubby. So not too bad. I really need to do palazzo pants too but they can wait a bit. Good luck with your plans I just know you'll whizz them up! Would love to see the baby clothes you made!
I'm in the Caribbean on a boat and it's so hot here as well! Not very conducive for doing anything but lazing around lol! Don't burn yourself out lovely lady! What I do need to sew are some new wind scoops for the boat - so while y'all getting lovely clothes made I'm going to get this chore ticked of my list. Thanks for the inspiration! Love ya Vivmom!
Pardon me while I recover from dying of jealousy. In the Caribbean on a boat?!? Are you kidding me?!? That’s just beyond lovely. And thanks for your kind thoughts. Keep sailing along!!💕
VivMom: If I could get my needle threaded, I'd sew up a storm. I bent then broke my cheapy little needle threader and gave up. Sometimes 71 is no fun! Looking forward to your July MAKES...all four dresses made from the beautiful crinkle challis...LOVE that fabric !!! Thanks for sharing with us tonight!
One of my Red Hat Ladies suggested putting a small piece of white cardboard behind the needle...I need to go in there and just DO IT !!!!! I do have a good light with a magnifier...no excuse...thanks for the tip! @@vivmomsews4962
I am leaving for Spain in August and I need summerclothes. I lost some weight due to Diabetes. So now All of my clothes are too Big. So hope to sew tops and a dress.
You are an inspiration! So I bought 4 Kwiksew patterns when you alerted me about the sale! So I will commit to sewing 2 tops and 1 dress this month ( which for me is a great deal!) But sometimes you need a challenge to get going! I love all of your fabric choices- perhaps they are not what I would pick but with your vision they will look wonderful!! I was just in Maryland by DC for the weekend and the heat and humidity do sap your energy and I felt like sipping a frozen drink while lounging in a pool. ( Not an option but one can dream!)
Ahhhh a frozen drink in a pool .. that’s a word picture I can really get behind!😃Kwik Sew patterns are generously sized. I often size down. Yay for your sewing!!
I haven’t quit sewing in July. I finished a jumpsuit simplicity 1355, a dress simplicity 8891. Three blank slate Austin and a basic T. I am now working on a Sinclair ivy too for my daughter. I made two love notions Anything but basic men’s t. I guess I am on a roll. It’s hot and humid and I’ve been bored!
Great video,,, you have really inspired me! I love all your videos and I look forward to seeing them. Would you be able to do more sew alongs? I love to watch how you sew,, I learn so much from you xx
I’ll be making a yellow wrap skirt, hemming some black skinnies to crop pants, and a long grey jersey dress. Such a great idea - you already inspired me on the monthly! Happy sewing!
Love the videos! You have inspired me to sew for the first time in years. Thanks for that. 😀 I hope to sew some wide leg pants and at least one more baby romper for my youngest grandchild.
I fell in love with simplicity 8910 before it was available in the UK. A friend from a Facebook group picked it up for me in the USA and posted it out. How kind was that? This is my challenge dress, I had better get a move on.......
I so enjoy your videos, and you really have inspired me to get back into sewing! Was trying to complete a couple of other projects first so my “free” time would really be FREE and I would be off and running on some of the sewing projects I have planned. But then...the Klutz that I am tripped over the door I left open on the dishwasher and I fell on my cheekbone and wrist. Thankfully I only badly bruised my face but I broke the two main bones in my arm at the wrist. And of course it’s my right hand. Saw the doctor last Tuesday and he had me in surgery on Thursday. Guess my sewing is going to wait a few weeks!! So aggravating! It was my own fault for leaving the door open. And so.....🤦♀️ I’ll join you in the sewing room later this fall!
In one of your videos, you made a dress or a top from KwikSew 3559. I loved that pattern so much but was unable to find one anywhere, so I improvised with Vogue pattern 8805 and “made it work”. The point is, you inspired me to get my sewing “mojo” back and in July I made the Vogue dress, and just cut it a little bigger to add gathers in the front, then I made Vogue 1496, a pattern I’ve had for a couple of years, because it is a “cocoon” style dress which is very “in” this year, and then I made a top from an old Burda Style magazine ....the top is #07/2011 and is also a cocoon type top, from the year 2007. Thanks for the inspiration! I am 81 years young and have been sewing most of my life, but go thru periods when I don’t even want to look at my sewing machine, and as one of your followers said, I like to look stylish when I go out, but am not happy with most of what I see in the stores! Keep up the videos...you make me want to sew again. July isn’t over yet, so who knows, I may make another Simplicity 8640....such a cute dress. You made it in linen and color-blocked it. This version will be in linen, but the top front will be a print and the back and front skirt section will be in a solid color.
Karen, your inventiveness with recreating KS3559 is absolutely magnificent!! Thank you so much for writing and telling me about it. I am so inspired by people like you who jump in with both feet and come up victorious! Well done. Your message was lovely to read. Let’s get to tackling these patterns!💕👏👏
Okay, I could use this, too. I'm going to finish my quilt top and I'll get a pair of pants sewn, both by the end of July. I also expect to finish the rag rug for my husband's bathroom by the end of the month also. Peace to you as you sew and we'll see how we did in a couple of weeks! Happy mid-July!
I love how you're challenging us to be interactive and accountable with our goals! I spent the first week of this month cutting out five items. My goal is to finish the three items I have in various stages of completion. Thank you for the boost!
Poor Viv. I think you may be burning out. You're one ambitious lady. I am going to commit to making a peach top that I have procrastinated over for far too long. It's to go with a pair of dress pants I bought (I know, should have made) for church. Hold me accountable. :)
Hi Viv! Great challenge! I need to finish a few pj bottoms already cut out and vests to go with them. Also I'm making lots of makeup remover pads from spare towelling and cotton as I've been spending too much time buying fabric and I need the room! Nice easy projects to get me back into the swing as I've not sewn much over the last month. I'm looking forward to seeing your dresses, especially the artisan dress which looks amazing and your fabric will be perfect 👍
You've inspired me to work with knits. I just bought two pretty knit prints at Hobby Lobby to use with NEW LOOK 6735 - wide-leg pants and the skirt, for sure. Maybe the top in short sleeves, too (I ordered a few different knits online at Amazon yesterday). If I say I'm going to make them all by end of summer, maybe I truly will get them done. Hobby Lobby had their scissors 1/2 off, too, so nabbed me a new pair. Keep making your videos, please, I LOVE them and really enjoy watching and listening to you. God bless you.
Love your videos Viv! You are so inspirational and full of energy. Completely envious of the price of patterns in the US. We pay a lot more here in Australia, unless we can take advantage of the occasional sale (but can never buy them for $1.99). My aim for July is to complete 3 unfinished projects by the end of the month.
Hi Karen! So thrilled to say hello to Australia. And I just wanted to say, you’ll feel like a million bucks with your projects completed. A very worthy goal! I’m clapping for you!!👏👏
Love this! I laughed out loud. I need an intervention too, for home reno shows. I have a dress, started several years ago, that I could finish. I'm hesitating to say I will. It is a peach and ivory dress from a vintage pattern for my daughter and wonderful for summer. OK I'm saying it, "I'll finish the dress before the end of the month so she can wear it in August." I've been eating a lot of ice cream too. It's been really hot up here too.
Haven't sewn in a long time! (no "finish-me" projects) -- love your videos and style/design/fabric choices. Always love reading others' comments and there are some wonderful "finish July with a bang" projects. Good luck to all with their special creations!! (But committing to seeing your dresses videos!)
How I would love to join in. Maybe do this every month Viv. I am moving house so all my machines are safely packed away. Laughing out loud as usual. You brighten my day Viv. X
Hi Viv, I love the fabrics and the patterns that you’ve picked to sew, they’re going to look fantastic, I especially liked the border print and the patterned fabric with multi colors on it. I haven’t sewn anything for myself in years, the last time was when I was pregnant for my son and daughter, 33 and 31 years ago😳 time flies. I’m looking forward to your makes, see you then, Cindy
I house sat for a friend in March and took cutting out with me, like maybe 20 projects. I am still working on making them up 😂 so my target for July is to finish the top and trousers set that I have on my sewing table
I had a wonderful idea for a closed vivmom sewing group on Facebook. We could see what everyone is making, help each other out with sewing questions support and inspiration. My project to complete is another pencil skirt.
You go girl!!! I’m going to sew a black stretch lace blouse with interlining in the bodice and finish my variegated teal and aqua and black kimono style cardigan!! This will be fun!! I do think when you say it or write it the goal becomes stronger!!! Happy sewing everyone!! I love your vids!!
Hi Viv from NE West Virginia! I want to sew a cold shoulder top that is already cut out, and a loungey, floral cotton dress. But seeing as I am stripping wallpaper and am leaving this weekend to pick up one grandson from Florida, and another one from Norfolk, I am not sure when I will fit them in! But they ARE next on my "hit parade"!
Sue, after you have taken care of everyone else, you can take some time for yourself. You sew that cold shoulder top, and enjoy every minute of the time it takes to complete. You have your priorities in order: you simply can't fail. :)
Well...I did it! I finally got myself the Brother serger. 😂. I have to wAtch the instructional video but I’m itching to use it. I have so many pieces of clothing to hem and tailor and I know it will be a piece of cake with this serger. 👍. I also want to get some patterns for knits. I’ve always steered clear of sewing knits because I lacked a serger. I feel like a kid in a candy store. Uh oh. Can I use you as a reference when I file bankruptcy? 🤣🤣🤣
Hi Viv, I am struggling with my wide leg pants. I can't seem to get the hem right, they are for Joy's contest. My commitment is to finish them and make a blouse to matching. Thanks for your inspiration.
I've recently achieved more than 60# of weight loss. I'm currently 11# from reaching my second goal in my journey. Soooo... I hope to get back to sewing garments having not done so since my Jr. High School days and taking up quilting instead. I haven't a clue where to start with patterns and what sizes to choose so my July goal is to research the best ways to choose and fit/resize patterns so I can get started sewing next month....my 61st birthday gift to myself!
Yay!! This sounds marvelous, Rosalie!👏👏
WOW!!! Congratulations on your weight loss! You rock my friend!!! Happy sewing ♥️
Rosalie Larson, congrats on the weight loss!!! Judy
Congratulations on your weight loss , I'm down twenty and have a lot more to go . Viv got me back into sewing , I love her videos .
CONGRATULATIONS ROSALIE🤩👏👏👏👏👏🎊🎈🎊🎈🎊🎈🎊🎈 I have been there and it's a wonderful feeling to take that control back.. for what ever reason. Anytime is the perfect time to invest in YOU❣ So, excited to hear what you figure out and do. I am doing pretty much the sane... lolol ok that too, the same* thing. But learning everything from zero lolol It would be so fun if we all could Get together and coffee, cut. Coffee, sew.. coffee and toss ideas around.. you probably get the picture. 🤣😂🤣😂😀
HAVE FUN🌺🌺🌺
Melissa F Saïd it well. You have temporary inertia! Please don’t put pressure on yourself to sew sew sew on your channel just to please us. As far as I am concerned you could come on an talk about smelly socks and I would still enjoy listening to you because I just plain like you. You have an awesome personality and a great sense of humour and I always feel perked up at the end of your videos so I thank you for that.Take a break if you need to and I think that you do. I’m sure that anyone who follows you would not mind. It’s hard work maintaining a UA-cam channel. We selfishly enjoy watching you without considering the time and effort you put into pleasing us.♥️🇳🇿
Aww Bernice, you are so sweet! And you made me laugh with the smelly socks line!! Thanks so much for your caring and thoughtful note. I think I’m fine to sew, I just needed a push. Reading all of these fabulous responses is beyond delightful.💕
I would love a video on the baby clothes you made for your children.
Your videos are so refreshing and fun. You can read a grocery list and make it exciting and interesting.
Keep up the good work.
Eloise Gallo Me too !!! 😍👶
I love when I turn on UA-cam and see your notification for a new video - can't wait to see the artisan dress.
Dear VivMom,
I have been sewing for over 60 years but I never have had as much fun as I am having now.
I never knew how pretty those “weird” fabrics could be when they are turned into a little dress or tunic.
I have learned so much from you! Thank you so much!
Your most devoted viewer.
Dear Garness,
Your note is so wonderful! I am absolutely charmed to hear that you’re having fun sewing with interesting fabrics - and that you’re my devoted viewer!! Thank you! Consider my day made because of your message! Keep sewing and we’ll talk again soon. xo - Viv😃
I have more to say. Firstly, I've been wanting to comment for over a month about how happy I am to have found your channel, Viv! You are truly delightful! I was instantly addicted to you! I love your fresh, genuine, optimistic enthusiasm! I binge watched everything you've uploaded, then watched everything a second time while I waited for more videos! Best of all, it is because of you that I took up sewing again after more than a decade! On that note, I want to define my July goals because I was so vague in my other comment. The three items I am working on will require some persistence as they are not fitting right and I am determined to view (and enjoy) this as a learning experience. I am picking out seams and watching lots of tutorials on fitting and adjusting. I am making two tops: a woven pullover V-neck T-shirt made out of a gorgeous peacock print from Simplicity 8061, and an older pattern, Simplicity 4076 view D out of a very lightweight knit. The last item is a tiered skirt from New Look 6565 view B. I have made it out of gauze before and am trying it out of a bouncy, olive green jersey knit which happens to go with many other fabrics I've purchased, including the peacock print! Thank you all for enduring my long comment!
Vivmom…. I found your comments about a month ago and have wanted to write to you ever since. I love your channel … I many times binge watch so many of your videos. You inspire me to return to my love of sewing.
My mom always sewed clothes for me... sometimes with a pattern and sometimes not. I started sewing as a teenager. I am one of 8 kids and one of my sisters, Robin, and I learned on our mom's basic Singer sewing machine. Then she bought a new machine with decorative stitches (unfortunately, it was so "new fangled" that it took her about 10 years to ever go back to sewing)
I made most of my clothes for years; made clothes for my boys when they were little; made
fancy Halloween costumes for them - including an elaborate ET costume when that movie first came out; I've even made bridesmaid dresses for 4 different weddings.
Then, somehow I got busy and my sewing fell away.
Finding you here on UA-cam has encouraged me to return to my love of sewing,,, the thrill of creating something...
Thank you, Viv, I'm making this public so I can be accountable....
I thought it was just me, feeling sort of blah about my hobbies (much less my daily obligations, like exercise, cooking, cleaning, etc.). Instead of being "productive", I've been reading a lot the past month and of course, lurking here on UA-cam. Very lazy days, but you're right: it's that time of year. Back when my kids were young and still living at home, we'd be at the pool where I'd hide in the shade with a book. I love your videos and your projects -- you always inspire me, especially when you show us fabric hauls and your plans for them. Currently I'm working on a ruffled-sleeve top in a light blue floral crinkle cotton. I hope to finish it in time to actually wear THIS summer, instead of next!!
Hi Viv, Love your plan, but you are awesome whether you sew or not, I get inspired by listening to you. I went to Hobby Lobby today and in their sale bin i found the cutest fabric. A light teal background with whimsical fish in bright colors. I would not have given it a second glance but have loved all the whimsical fabrics you use. I bought 2.5 yrds and spent the afternoon sewing a really cute dress. I also did away with the bulky, wide facing in the pattern and edged the neck and arms with home made bias strips-so much easier and nicer looking! Thank you for your whimsy and fun sewing ideas. Thanks for the binding tip! I am having so much fun sewing clothing again!! If I could figure out how to attach a picture I would!
Hi Amy! Feel free to email me at gramcan@juno.com
It takes me a while to get back to folks, but I promise I will eventually! Would love to see your cute dress!😄
Hi Vivmom , want to brighten your day to say what an awesome teacher you are ! These little sewing tutorials have really helped me , I sewed a dress today with pockets 👏👏👏! I’m getting there hopefully with more of your videos i won’t feel so discouraged! Thank you
I have been watching your videos and wanted to let you know you have been such an inspiration to me. I have sewn back in the 70s and 80s for my daughter and son but stopped. I am now newly retired and want to start up again and sew for the grandchildren I am a cotton kind of gal and watching your videos have really taught me a lot about beginning to work with stretch fabric. When you say a fabric type, I listen. I just bought my first stretch fabric and pattern, pulled out the sewing machine I bought years ago but haven't used, and now can't wait to get started, Btw, your smile just brightens the screen. Thanks for sharing so much.
since I "met" you on youtube Ive sewn myself 3 cool summer blouses. Im working on a new very blue quilt now finished the Eyespy quilt. You inspire me thank you.
I cannot commit to the 2-week challenge due to my work schedule, but I know it's a proven motivator. I'm looking forward to your July Makes reveal on these dresses and the fabric you chose. August will be my make something/anything month. PS: You're in a funk and you're not alone. We all experience it.
I taught my husband how to sew and he sewed a little girl's dress to send with missionaries that go to Africa. I'm finishing up one I made myself. Also another apron with straps that go cross-wise behind your back because I hate ties around my neck.
Taught your husband to sew? Woooo hoooooo! One of the best things I’ve heard all day!!👏👏
Thank goodness it isn’t just me... I hate getting in these funks, I will go sew for a bit then realize my heart just isn’t in it. I spend my time watching you and other sewing classes and blogs on you tube...lol good luck sweetie I will try to finish up the two dress projects I have in process that has been in process all month.
Creative energy is a wavy line - mountainous waves! I take solace in this and know that when the old lethargy and discouragement strikes, it’s just a downswing. It will right itself. Sigh. Life. Just always throwing one curveball after another. Thanks for writing!💕
Well! I was just so inspired by this post And by some of your past sharings I decided to try making a pair of pants! I had immediate buyers regret upon returning home with my mustard linen and New Look 6517. I perservered however and am SO happy with the result! Classy slacks and a decent fit given that I have not sew clothing in years (I am a quilter). I really look forward to all you share and thank you for the inspiration!
Please don't put pressure on yourself to sew. I speculate with sixteen thousand subscribers (and we love the joy you bring with your videos), you feel a need to keep sewing for us. Sometimes you need to step away and do something else, even if that means perusing e-bay. Over many decades of sewing, I have taken breaks to embroider, macrame, garden, etc. and eventually get back to the machine. I have also been aware I make more clothes than I need. That said, my kids always seem to have requests for me to sew household items and I do enjoy doing that for them and that keeps me sewing. Now I am on a kick of reading one mystery after another and loving it and not feeling guilty about not sewing. Please do what is right for you!!
Thanks Nomad, for your understanding and wise message. I have picked up reading novels again and I missed it a lot. I keep in mind that people aren’t demanding that I sew, but I also hate to let people down. Life is always about finding balance I guess. I love my viewers so much!! You’re all a treasure.💕
Vivmom you have become my weekly sewing therapy! You are so real, funny and fun, I wish you were my neighbor! My sewing goal for the last days of July are NewLook 6560 and a PJ Masks theme pillowcase for my darling grandson’s birthday! You are addictive and you keep me sewing!
Thank you for being you!
Loretta in Pittsburgh
Aww this is so sweet, Loretta, thank you! I love hearing about sewing for grandchildren.💕I just sent some clothes off to my sister’s grandkids and will show everyone once I know they’ve gotten them. It was such fun to sew for little ones again! You and I would have a good time being neighbors. I would love to get ALL of us together in a HUGE sewing warehouse filled with machines and fabric and cutting tables. Wouldn’t that be a blast!! Makes for some pleasant day dreaming...but I need to get back to sewing!
I’ll finish the batik bathrobe that’s been sitting on my ironing board for two weeks. It’s cut out and ready to sew. BTW, just discovered your site and am so enjoying it. I’ve been sewing for over 50 years. Inlove your delightful personality, fabric choices and seeing what you’ve made with them. I’m ready to go......
As mothers and grandmothers we have so many goals it is probably impossible to meet them all. Goals for our aging parents we're caring for. Goals for aiding our adult children and our grandchildren. So give yourself a break and just do what you can do. I make my sewing list and put dates on it but it never happens. I just keep working along as best I can and don't worry about all the timing. Illnesses, hospitalizations, school programs all interfere with the timing. Just keep working. It will all come out in the end. Make the plans but realize there are always going to be interruptions.
Love your videos!! I've been following you about a month now, and have even gone back to watch videos you published about a year ago. I usually sew home-related projects (aprons, potholders, plus things for babies or pets), but haven't really sewn much in the way of dresses or clothing for myself in a number of years. But, watching you with all the cute patterns...and seeing all the lovely fabrics...hearing all your wonderful descriptions & overviews...and, of course, the exciting part....showing or modeling all the DARLING things you've made, I'm totally inspired to make some cute new things for myself! I just have to let you know that just this evening, I was at JoAnn's to pick out some Simplicity Patterns ($1.99 sale), and YOU came up in my conversation with another shopper. We had a nice chat and I just had to let her know that is was your wonderful videos that caused my renewed interest in all those adorable dress patterns! She wrote down your channel name so she could go home and subscribe! So, no pressure.... but, please keep those videos coming! Thank you!!
Oh, Chicka Boom, you’re a doll. Thank you so much for writing! I’m humbled and charmed that you and another seamstress were mentioning me in Joann. That’s crazy! (In a good way.👍) It’s funny, I started the channel on a lark thinking I might - might - reach a couple hundred folks. I did not think I had much to offer as I’m certainly no couture seamstress. The response has blown me away, and I continue to meet marvelous people. I am inspired by all of you continually! I think it’s wonderful that you sew home related projects. Yay!! Beauty and function and so well made. Keep sewing!💕
Just adore watching you Viv on utube...my favorite thing🤗
Ok.....l will sew a navy cotton lace top with maybe 2 layers 3/4 sleeves....l needed to get inspired.....so here goes
Thanks Viv🤗
Okay, you made my day. You are absolutely true to yourself and makes me relate to all the things you've said about not wanting to sew or hitting a wall, that is where I am. I want to finish all the patterns and fabrics that I have cut, BUT, not put together. I just feel hot and tired and I just want to sit down next to you and wait until the cows come home or pigs fly for me.
Here it is;
- Finish a wrap-around blouse with peplum (cut yesterday)
- Finish a blue pencil skirt, cut also yesterday
- Finish my Cardigan/long, I was using my serger to close the ends, since the fabric is very thin and drapes nicely, but I ran out of thread, lucky me.. since then... I just don't want to do much sewing. Just look after my plants inside my house and the cacti outside for the summer.
I am not fan of the heat and I am allergic to air or life.
- Finish one more Peplum blouse that was cut a few months ago and I haven't touched it since.
There, here is the list and I hope I can get it done.... if I don't get too tired after work or sleepy, that is one more thing that I just want to do, sleeeeepppppppp alllll dayyyyyyy!.
Oh YiLu, I’m with you! I am so with you! Your message made me laugh. I guess it’s okay to be a little bit lazy (a little bit?👀) in summer but I fear I am taking it to extremes. So I’m reading all this absolute gold inspiration here in the comments and feeling better and better. You can finish those patterns but don’t make it drudgery - choose what you love and focus on just one thing. Feeling overwhelmed is often a great reason for me to hightail it to my couch. (Frankly, we may need to get rid of the couch.😂)
Oh Viv, my machine calls to me but heat, age, diet....I’m right there with you. I believe we are about the same age as well. My daughter will be 23 next month, and I remember sewing dresses for her when she was little (such a great time). I was thinking yesterday about some substantial sewing this week. You have motivated me this evening. I would like to finish up some prayer cloths for my church and either a skirt or top, maybe both. Love your channel and look forward to seeing all the beautiful clothes you make.
We all just do our best. Sometimes that's more and sometimes it's less. I bought an E pattern from one of my UA-cam sewers, and now I have to find a place that will print it, as I don't have a working printer... Won't do that again! lol.. I also found the manual to my 'new' Pfaff machine, on the internet, so I need to get that printed. Following that, I have been collecting some thrifted articles of clothing with which I plan to cover some pillows. No real time line, but hoping to get it all going/done by the end of the month. Thanks for showing all your great fabric and patterns. I love that last one with the gathering at the sides. Perfect fabric too.
Vivmom,I love sewing but I've become a hospice patient and too sick to sew. When I cannot sleep because of the pain I am up in the middle of the night with vivmom. It is like having a good friend in my living room keeping me company at all hours. I watch your videos and you take my mind off my situation. Thank you.
Love and prayers to you, Kathleen. I am honored that you choose to watch me in the middle of the night, I’m probably up myself throwing the covers off and adjusting the fan. I pray your pain will miraculously abate and that you feel extraordinarily comforted.💕1 Corinthians 2:9
Hi vivmom. You are such a great inspiration. You are so passionate about everything you sew . I really enjoy watching your vlogs . I have been promising to myself to make a pair of pjs for my grandson for ages. But now I am going to get them done : ) . Thankyou for you time. Much appreciated : )
That diagonal print crinkle challis is gorgeous! I would make the ankle length out of that - it would show off your height and look so fresh and summer-y. Gosh, that's pretty fabric! Happy sewing!
I am that way with exercise. If I will just START, I suddenly want to finish. I made another pink jacket with pockets that were not in the pattern. Linen this time. I spent several hours for two days drawing -- redrawing -- sewing -- unsewing --redrawing that silly pocket. I sure hope someone is super impressed with it!
I, for one, am impressed by everything you do!!
I'd like to think I can post my wanna-sews and that will hold me accountable but... If I'm honest I really love buying fabric, patterns and then cutting out. So I should sew my wide-leg pants and a slew of kids Blank Slate tank tops. Or I could just cut out more projects, haha. Thank you for trying to get us inspired, I hope it works! Looking forward to your kids sewing video and the vintage patterns too. Your fabrics and patterns look like fun sewing! Thank you, Vivi...keep cool!
Molly, maybe you can get together with someone who hates cutting out but loves the sewing part. LOL
I have to make two child sized walker bags for a child for his walker and use at school. There is no pattern but I have already drafted one to hopefully deal with issues from his previous bag. Also I will be lining the bag and interfacing them for him. I have some really fun prints for this purpose.
Love your videos!! You have such a marvelous sense of humor!! You are my inspiration!
Lol! You are hilarious. Love your videos. Can't wait to see vintage patterns and your makes.
I just found you! You are a delight! Love the 60s as well. I’ve watched the series, That Girl, on Amazon prime, many times just to look at the clothes! There are great 60s fashion “Perry Mason” too!
I wanted to respond to this challenge when I first watched this video, yes I watch you again and again! Last week I made Vogue 7456, a pattern from 2001, dress view B for my daughter's birthday. I also made 10 reversible scarfs for pets, I sell these on Etsy. This week I made Vogue 7023 blouse view A, pattern is from 1999, this is also for my daughter's birthday. Yesterday I cut out a dress for myself, I love dresses, Simplicity 9547, view A, pattern is from 1995, I'm making this in a blue with pink flowers I purchased from Hobby Lobby. Today I will be cutting out New Look 6632, sundress view C in a pink eyelet that I bought at a garage sale, I have found way too much fabric at garage sales and Estate sales....FYI. Maybe more soon.
Have a fabulous day and please keep those great videos coming!
You know someone is a soulmate, when they validate your own temporary inertia ❤️
I have recently retired. One of my goals in retirement is to return to sewing! I used to sew a lot when my children were growing but over time I struggled to find the time and to get patterns to fit. Your videos are a blessing to me. Very inspiring and informative! Thank you. You make a difference!!!
Hey Vivmom!
This is totally what I needed this month haha :).
I'm a procrastinating queen... So, this month I'm going to finish my velvet dress!
Thanks for always inspiring me
Oooh velvet sounds divine! You go!!👏👏
Love all the dresses you plan...and beautiful fabrics! I seem to have lost most of July making photobooks...4 of them! A special deal sucked me in but the vouchers (all for 100 page books!) have a 31 July deadline. I'm now heartily sick of photobooks. On the sewing front, I have managed to squeeze in a pair of bermuda style shorts in a sand coloured cotton twill and I have some lovely Liberty lawn for a summer shirt that has been grinning at me while I work on the dreaded books. So my pledge is to get these darned things sent off and to make the shirt.
Reporting back. Shirt finished but still working on the last photobook!
That fabric will be just the ticket for the Artisan dress. Great choice! I love the purple and white also.
I sew alt, and really love it. I make nothing fancy. Some days I make 2 items. It’s very therapeutic for me. Thank you for your time. I will keep track of what I make and let you know.
I made 8910 out of light green or sage linen, med weight, the pleats were very EASY. Even the pocket were easy and I never made these kinds of pockets before. Just finished it today and I love it is a pull over, no zip, I know you like that!
My July goal is to reclaim my sewing room after the my son and his family move out after moving back to VA from Utah. I cant wait. Viv, you have been a bad influence on me. I started buying garment patterns for the first time in years. I consider myself a quilter, not really a sewist. Im jumping back I to garment sewing. Lets see what happens.
I cant believe you're intimidated by pleats. Your finished clothing looks amazing. I always look forward to seeing what you're up to. Hugs from the hazy, hot and humid VA peninsula.
You have created a monster in me!!!!! I have become a fabric, pattern, thread, insane women! In the last 3 weeks I made myself a shirt, my husband a tshirt, so in the challenge I also have purchased 8856 and I'm going to attempt them!
I'm obsessed lol
I'm working in family business and fabric waits for time to cut and sew. It's cooler today and we all feel the 'updraft' boost of energy! There's real possibility I'll have a couple projects done by end of July. Helps to watch and rewatch your videos for inspiration.... you have a real instinct to find interesting fabrics!
You make me laugh out loud 🤣
And inspire me
Am very new to sewing so more enthusiasm than skill. But hey will be making earbud pouch, bookmark pen pouch, teacup purse and finishing linen top for a recycling competition .
look how many lovely people you have inspired ! I just ordered a new sewing machine so I will just wish you all a lot of fun and learn my new toy when it comes !
I love watching your channel, your a very beautiful down to earth lady who tells it as it is, I can't believe your 56 yrs old, you look amazing and for all those people our there who give negative comments, I would say they are simply jealous. Keep up the great work Viv, I always look forward to your vlogs x
My mom and I love watching your videos! 😀 Right now I am making McCalls M5650 and I really need to get it finished so I’m in here with ya! God bless.
Always a ray of sunshine, Shannon! Thank you!!💕
I'm going to try my hand at the wide leg pants and a top to go with it, between you and Joy I'm very interest in trying to sew some clothes for me. Thank you for all the inspiration, and for the ice cream I'm hooked on ice cream cones every night. Grrr Hopefully I'll lose the taste for them soon, you're not the only one of us who does that. Thank you for making my day with your videos.
Ha! Viv! Scrolling, and not wanting to do much is true to the lazy days of summer. You made me laugh...
I'm going to do Joy Bernhardt's wide leg pant challenge! I'm with you Viv, on my mo-jo just evaporating. Age, heat, arthritis, low energy...... I don't know what it is but whatever it is I will be glad when it's back ( mo-jo). I can have the best of intentions, calander cleared, no grand kids to watch, and I can't seem to get motivated to do all the things I should be doing, let alone the fun stuff like sewing....I just want to enjoy my deck, my swing, my hammock...but it's been so blasted hot bere in Mi that I can't even do that!..... so; I just hole up in the cool of the house and do the least I have to do, to get by.... I used to never take naps and now I'm even squeezing those in. This has been the laziest, daisiest days of summer EVER for me. Thanks for the challenge and your videos. It seems the only thing I look forward to these days is a video from you, Joy Bernhardt, and Michoumakes! ( don't know if I got that right)
Going to make a vintage dress. Simplicity 9985. Dated 1972....used eBay of course. Then two sleeveless tops. Love your purple fabric.
I plan to make a pair of black linen pants. I would love to make more but time doesn’t allow right now. Viv, I love your podcasts and your upbeat personality. You look so great in your dresses, too. Happy sewing!!!
Thank you for these videos. They are so much fun. You are an ambitious sewer. I can't keep up. I promise to make one thing in July.
Challenge accepted! 2 tops from McCall’s it’s so simple L9484 and L9407. Wide leg pants also but let me say that this is really going to challenge me since I just started a new job and have 2 quilts to finish. Oh my , Viv, you are the best. ❤️❤️❤️ your videos. As for the hot flashes, mine still put my head in the freezer at nearly 70 yrs young! Gives me something to laugh about!
I love anyone who laughs!! Thanks Nancy. All the best in your new job!💕
That artisan dress would be very pretty with some bright embroidery on the front top bodice. Worn with strapy sandals.
I feel tired all the time. I am an old woman like 77.😂😂😂 Love all you’re videos.❤️ love your energy.
Barbara Jennings my grandma used to say old is 10 years older than you currently are!! You are not old, you are just a life expert!!
Love the New Look sundress and if I could, I would make the view without the flap (too much fabric for me in hot and humid Japan) for this challenge. American patterns are not available here so I will have to improvise some pattern redrafting from my personal stock of ‘vintage’ patterns (ones I purchased in the 80s and 90s from before my move here). I did purchase 2 new patterns on a recent trip back to the US but the multi-sizing tissue paper is dizzying! Not sure I’m up to unraveling those pieces. Really enjoy seeing you work with quilting cotton type fabrics for tops, dresses and pants. That was my favorite fabric when I first started sewing in the late 1960s. I recognized so many of your vintage patterns as some that I made back then. Such fun to watch your videos and your pattern and fabric talks. Thanks so much for sharing your makes and sewing wisdom with us!
Hi Lin Lin, and greetings to Japan!😄I hear you on the cutting lines; that’s what has kept me away from Jalie patterns. They come in something like size 2 (baby) to 20 (adult) all printed on the same paper. Lord have mercy. It’s hot and humid here, hit 100 yesterday, and all I can say is “Thank God for air conditioning!” Hope your pattern drafting works out. Lovely to hear from you.🌺
Thank you for your motivating videos. I am not actually going to sew from a pattern this month; rather, I am remodeling a maxi dress by taking the tiered skirt and replacing the top with a more flattering one from one of my patterns. I am currently losing weight (lost about 72 about 145 to go), so I am changing sizes quite frequently. Sewing is a lifesaver, and remodeling is a skill worth learning in my case. I may start making a fall wardrobe in August.
Fabulous job on the weight loss, Joanne! You’ll be inspiring people left and right - sewing and fitness! Go you!!!👏👏💕
I love to see your you-tube show keep up the great work. You make me want to see more
I too glean from sewing videos!
I’m there for you,sister. I went out and applied for a part time job because since I’ve retired in December I sit around WAY more than I should. You have inspired me to sew for my 14 yo granddaughter. She is excited and so am I. Looking forward to seeing your completed projects.
I love sewing kids clothes, just made my granddaughter 5 dresses and 3 pjs. Used to make my son shorts and cotton shirts and all his pjs. Will be on vacation until Aug 7th. Good luck sewing your dresses.
Enjoy that vacation! Yay!!!👏👏
I’m going to finish 3 of my half finished garments......I think. 😊
LOL, me to....🍗(looked for a wishbone but couldn't find one). Judy
You can do it. 🤩😀
I am making 2 tops from B6685. At least one top will be made by end of July as have a lap quilt to finish for a birthday first. Excited to make more clothes for myself and this is just the push I need. Thanks for the challenge.
Hey Viv some great plans and great fabrics, my fav is the first one you showed. I make plans occasionally but they dont seem to keep me on track. I feel pressure from it so try not to do them too often. That said, for the rest of this month I'll be making a dress (the laneway by jennifer lauren), some self drafted knickers and some tshirts for hubby. So not too bad. I really need to do palazzo pants too but they can wait a bit. Good luck with your plans I just know you'll whizz them up! Would love to see the baby clothes you made!
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Claire, but my sewing progress this month is languishing. These fab replies are giving me a zeal to get going!!
I'm in the Caribbean on a boat and it's so hot here as well! Not very conducive for doing anything but lazing around lol! Don't burn yourself out lovely lady! What I do need to sew are some new wind scoops for the boat - so while y'all getting lovely clothes made I'm going to get this chore ticked of my list. Thanks for the inspiration! Love ya Vivmom!
P.S. Your wardrobe is probably bulging with clothes by now - maybe why you're not so driven to sew, because you don't have the need to?
Pardon me while I recover from dying of jealousy. In the Caribbean on a boat?!? Are you kidding me?!? That’s just beyond lovely. And thanks for your kind thoughts. Keep sailing along!!💕
I think it’s just summer malaise. And even though the closet IS bulging with clothes, I still find that I need certain pieces I don’t have.
VivMom: If I could get my needle threaded, I'd sew up a storm. I bent then broke my cheapy little needle threader and gave up. Sometimes 71 is no fun! Looking forward to your July MAKES...all four dresses made from the beautiful crinkle challis...LOVE that fabric !!! Thanks for sharing with us tonight!
Aww rats on the needle threader. Would a strong light help?
One of my Red Hat Ladies suggested putting a small piece of white cardboard behind the needle...I need to go in there and just DO IT !!!!! I do have a good light with a magnifier...no excuse...thanks for the tip! @@vivmomsews4962
Love the patterns and your fabrics are great.
I am leaving for Spain in August and I need summerclothes. I lost some weight due to Diabetes. So now All of my clothes are too Big. So hope to sew tops and a dress.
Enjoy! Bring comfortable shoes as well!
You are an inspiration! So I bought 4 Kwiksew patterns when you alerted me about the sale! So I will commit to sewing 2 tops and 1 dress this month ( which for me is a great deal!) But sometimes you need a challenge to get going!
I love all of your fabric choices- perhaps they are not what I would pick but with your vision they will look wonderful!! I was just in Maryland by DC for the weekend and the heat and humidity do sap your energy and I felt like sipping a frozen drink while lounging in a pool. ( Not an option but one can dream!)
Ahhhh a frozen drink in a pool .. that’s a word picture I can really get behind!😃Kwik Sew patterns are generously sized. I often size down. Yay for your sewing!!
I haven’t quit sewing in July. I finished a jumpsuit simplicity 1355, a dress simplicity 8891. Three blank slate Austin and a basic T. I am now working on a Sinclair ivy too for my daughter. I made two love notions Anything but basic men’s t. I guess I am on a roll. It’s hot and humid and I’ve been bored!
Robin Q wow!! You are an inspiration!!
Love your sense of humor. And I need an ice-cube dress too!!!
Great video,,, you have really inspired me! I love all your videos and I look forward to seeing them. Would you be able to do more sew alongs? I love to watch how you sew,, I learn so much from you xx
I’ll be making a yellow wrap skirt, hemming some black skinnies to crop pants, and a long grey jersey dress. Such a great idea - you already inspired me on the monthly! Happy sewing!
Love the videos! You have inspired me to sew for the first time in years. Thanks for that. 😀 I hope to sew some wide leg pants and at least one more baby romper for my youngest grandchild.
I fell in love with simplicity 8910 before it was available in the UK. A friend from a Facebook group picked it up for me in the USA and posted it out. How kind was that? This is my challenge dress, I had better get a move on.......
YOU are a hoot and so fun to watch! Also, I am learning lots. Thank You👍
I so enjoy your videos, and you really have inspired me to get back into sewing! Was trying to complete a couple of other projects first so my “free” time would really be FREE and I would be off and running on some of the sewing projects I have planned. But then...the Klutz that I am tripped over the door I left open on the dishwasher and I fell on my cheekbone and wrist. Thankfully I only badly bruised my face but I broke the two main bones in my arm at the wrist. And of course it’s my right hand. Saw the doctor last Tuesday and he had me in surgery on Thursday. Guess my sewing is going to wait a few weeks!! So aggravating! It was my own fault for leaving the door open. And so.....🤦♀️ I’ll join you in the sewing room later this fall!
Oh Sharron, I am wincing at the pain you must be going through! I am so sorry!! Prayers for a fast recovery. Sending gentle hugs.💕💕
Vivmom Sews gentle hugs much appreciated! ❤️
I need to get going too. One of my goal get sewing again, I think Im afraid Ive forgoten how. But you make it look like so much fun again.
That's exactly where I am too!
I sew agree with you!!
In one of your videos, you made a dress or a top from KwikSew 3559. I loved that pattern so much but was unable to find one anywhere, so I improvised with Vogue pattern 8805 and “made it work”. The point is, you inspired me to get my sewing “mojo” back and in July I made the Vogue dress, and just cut it a little bigger to add gathers in the front, then I made Vogue 1496, a pattern I’ve had for a couple of years, because it is a “cocoon” style dress which is very “in” this year, and then I made a top from an old Burda Style magazine ....the top is #07/2011 and is also a cocoon type top, from the year 2007. Thanks for the inspiration! I am 81 years young and have been sewing most of my life, but go thru periods when I don’t even want to look at my sewing machine, and as one of your followers said, I like to look stylish when I go out, but am not happy with most of what I see in the stores! Keep up the videos...you make me want to sew again. July isn’t over yet, so who knows, I may make another Simplicity 8640....such a cute dress. You made it in linen and color-blocked it. This version will be in linen, but the top front will be a print and the back and front skirt section will be in a solid color.
Karen, your inventiveness with recreating KS3559 is absolutely magnificent!! Thank you so much for writing and telling me about it. I am so inspired by people like you who jump in with both feet and come up victorious! Well done. Your message was lovely to read. Let’s get to tackling these patterns!💕👏👏
Okay, I could use this, too. I'm going to finish my quilt top and I'll get a pair of pants sewn, both by the end of July. I also expect to finish the rag rug for my husband's bathroom by the end of the month also. Peace to you as you sew and we'll see how we did in a couple of weeks! Happy mid-July!
I love how you're challenging us to be interactive and accountable with our goals! I spent the first week of this month cutting out five items. My goal is to finish the three items I have in various stages of completion. Thank you for the boost!
My pleasure, Tammy. You guys inspire the heck out of me!
Jillian Mudd
All I have to do to make me want to make something is watch youi for awhile. Well done you
Poor Viv. I think you may be burning out. You're one ambitious lady. I am going to commit to making a peach top that I have procrastinated over for far too long. It's to go with a pair of dress pants I bought (I know, should have made) for church. Hold me accountable. :)
Hi Viv! Great challenge! I need to finish a few pj bottoms already cut out and vests to go with them. Also I'm making lots of makeup remover pads from spare towelling and cotton as I've been spending too much time buying fabric and I need the room! Nice easy projects to get me back into the swing as I've not sewn much over the last month. I'm looking forward to seeing your dresses, especially the artisan dress which looks amazing and your fabric will be perfect 👍
Such great projects, Liz! Thanks for your encouragement, too.
You've inspired me to work with knits. I just bought two pretty knit prints at Hobby Lobby to use with NEW LOOK 6735 - wide-leg pants and the skirt, for sure. Maybe the top in short sleeves, too (I ordered a few different knits online at Amazon yesterday). If I say I'm going to make them all by end of summer, maybe I truly will get them done. Hobby Lobby had their scissors 1/2 off, too, so nabbed me a new pair.
Keep making your videos, please, I LOVE them and really enjoy watching and listening to you. God bless you.
Great plans, C.S.! I’m tempted to run over to HL and nab myself some new scissors. Thanks for the tip!😃👍
Love your videos Viv! You are so inspirational and full of energy. Completely envious of the price of patterns in the US. We pay a lot more here in Australia, unless we can take advantage of the occasional sale (but can never buy them for $1.99). My aim for July is to complete 3 unfinished projects by the end of the month.
Hi Karen! So thrilled to say hello to Australia. And I just wanted to say, you’ll feel like a million bucks with your projects completed. A very worthy goal! I’m clapping for you!!👏👏
Love this! I laughed out loud. I need an intervention too, for home reno shows. I have a dress, started several years ago, that I could finish. I'm hesitating to say I will. It is a peach and ivory dress from a vintage pattern for my daughter and wonderful for summer. OK I'm saying it, "I'll finish the dress before the end of the month so she can wear it in August." I've been eating a lot of ice cream too. It's been really hot up here too.
That dress is going to be gorgeous, Lori! Yay!!!
Haven't sewn in a long time! (no "finish-me" projects) -- love your videos and style/design/fabric choices. Always love reading others' comments and there are some wonderful "finish July with a bang" projects. Good luck to all with their special creations!! (But committing to seeing your dresses videos!)
I could watch and listen to you all day.
Oh you’re sweet, Dolores! Thank you!💕
How I would love to join in. Maybe do this every month Viv. I am moving house so all my machines are safely packed away. Laughing out loud as usual. You brighten my day Viv. X
I don’t want anyone to feel left out, so I’m declaring that ANY two weeks of the calendar are eligible for this challenge!!💕
Hi Viv, I love the fabrics and the patterns that you’ve picked to sew, they’re going to look fantastic, I especially liked the border print and the patterned fabric with multi colors on it. I haven’t sewn anything for myself in years, the last time was when I was pregnant for my son and daughter, 33 and 31 years ago😳 time flies. I’m looking forward to your makes, see you then, Cindy
I house sat for a friend in March and took cutting out with me, like maybe 20 projects. I am still working on making them up 😂 so my target for July is to finish the top and trousers set that I have on my sewing table
Laura Longland I hate cutting out!! You have the worst of it behind you!!
I had a wonderful idea for a closed vivmom sewing group on Facebook. We could see what everyone is making, help each other out with sewing questions support and inspiration. My project to complete is another pencil skirt.
I love that idea!
Yes!!!!!!!!
I’m in!
That is a wonderful idea!!!
Great idea
I can't wait to see those dresses! You have chosen lovely fabrics and patterns!
You go girl!!! I’m going to sew a black stretch lace blouse with interlining in the bodice and finish my variegated teal and aqua and black kimono style cardigan!! This will be fun!! I do think when you say it or write it the goal becomes stronger!!! Happy sewing everyone!! I love your vids!!
Hi Viv from NE West Virginia! I want to sew a cold shoulder top that is already cut out, and a loungey, floral cotton dress. But seeing as I am stripping wallpaper and am leaving this weekend to pick up one grandson from Florida, and another one from Norfolk, I am not sure when I will fit them in! But they ARE next on my "hit parade"!
Sue, after you have taken care of everyone else, you can take some time for yourself. You sew that cold shoulder top, and enjoy every minute of the time it takes to complete. You have your priorities in order: you simply can't fail. :)
@@charmainewall7395 why thank you Charmaine!
Well...I did it! I finally got myself the Brother serger. 😂. I have to wAtch the instructional video but I’m itching to use it. I have so many pieces of clothing to hem and tailor and I know it will be a piece of cake with this serger. 👍. I also want to get some patterns for knits. I’ve always steered clear of sewing knits because I lacked a serger. I feel like a kid in a candy store. Uh oh. Can I use you as a reference when I file bankruptcy? 🤣🤣🤣
Have just started to watch you the last few weeks enjoy very much wish we had fabric stores like you in England.x
Hi Viv, I am struggling with my wide leg pants. I can't seem to get the hem right, they are for Joy's contest.
My commitment is to finish them and make a blouse to matching. Thanks for your inspiration.