Hi Ruth, I love your channel. In the last year I have come back to sewing with a hiatus of 20 years. My dear friend is in her 10th year of Alzheimer’s and so I inherited all of her sewing things. I didn’t want to sound rude and say I’m not sewing anymore so I brought all the goodies home. Well, let me tell you my old passion for sewing bubbled up inside me and since May of last year, sewing is all I think about. I have bought a new sewing machine, and am happily collecting fabric and patterns which are mostly thrifted and sewing in between cutting out. Having such fun. Love the sewing community, such a great variety of talented women.❤🇨🇦
Hi Diane, thank you so much for such a lovely comment. You are absolutely right, there are so many talented and creative women here, it's so special to be part of it 🥰 I love how you found your way back to sewing, I wonder if your friend somehow knew what she was doing when she gifted her goodies to you? That you now find passion and enjoyment using the sewing kit that she can longer use is such a beautiful story xx
Hello Ruth, a lovely vlog all about sewing, friendships, community and everything thing else to do with sewing. 🧵 Thank you for sharing your story of the last 4 years. Long may we be friends and you continue to sew. xx 🥰
I can't believe how much your life has mirrored mind even down to constantly moving as a child. I came back to dress making after 30 years during lockdown and found knitting and sewing podcasts which saved my sanity and still is. When I'm at my sewing machine I forget the time and whether the garment is a success of not - I still enjoy the time for me. I enjoy your podcasts so much. Long may we sew.
Thankyou Ruth you’ve encouraged me to not stay a lerker any longer but start joining in … your story was very inspiring. I have an Instagram but have not added my 100’s of makes since the first month. I’m going to get out those dresses and take some photos so merci merci ❤
Lovely to hear all about your last 4 years! I can’t believe it’s 4 years since lockdown!! You do definitely change over time don’t you, I’ve felt that myself and here’s to a wonderful sewing community!!!!
Ruth, you're right - so much has changed in the past four years. How we work, shop, and educate children are the areas that I see the biggest changes here in the U.S. More working from home, online shopping, and kids doing virtual school. A thought-provoking video. X
Great video Ruth I got back into sewing in lockdown like many of us after sewing off and on since age of 12 what’s changed for me is I got brave and started sewing with Jersey and did the instagram page but at the start only followed people till I got brave and started posting my makes. But one of the best things that changed is being part of our Sewing group we really do have fun and help each other sewing community is the best 💕💕💕🤩🥰
@@SeamStressedRuth I’m in the Scottish Borders. I’ve not heard of any groups in my area but will ask around in the craft circles see if anyone knows. If not might need to start something 😊
What a lovely video Ruth. I am an old lady , been sewing all my life and am slightly envious of you youngsters having this wonderful sewing community. I too have made some sewing friends but wish there had been Instagram and UA-cam when I was young. You have such a lovely way and a very gentle voice. ♥️
Thank you so much Marilyn 🥰 We are very lucky that we have the technology to connect so easily these days although I think sewing has always brought people together throughout history. It's such a special feeling sewing with your friends xx
Lovely video Ruth. So nice of you to share your sewing journey with us, it’s great to hear you reflect on your progress and development over the last four years. Your makes are always so beautifully made and really suit you in both colour and style. I began sewing as a child, and more seriously as a teen on my mum’s machine. For my 18th mum bought me my own on HP and finished paying for it on my 21st, I’d been married 2yrs by then, lol! My parents sold fabric on the markets and I joined them sometimes. Dad said I could take home ‘what I could sew’ (meaning it wasn’t for piling up at home lol! So I learnt to sew fast, and had a varied and colourful wardrobe, only slowing down once our son was born in 81. When lockdown arrived I’d hardly sewn much at all (3 dresses over 3 or 4 years). Since 2016, I’d been relatively active in the local anti-fracking campaign though and had met so many wonderful like-minded friends and acquaintances during that time - they are my true ‘tribe’! One person set up a local Scrub Hub sewing group to provide NHS staff with uniforms and had asked for volunteers. Ashamed to say that I didn’t join in, I felt my sewing wouldn’t be up to much, worried about not having an overlocker, and generally felt too unskilled, and anxious to join in. I started to practise though. Using YT tutorials on the very basics like changing presser feet, adding sleeves, facings etc. sewing masks, and simple garments. I followed a handful of sewing channels and quickly found my confidence, and even became bold enough to start my own channel, my first foray into Indie patterns began with The Harper all laid out on my dining table, and the rest is history! I love lots of other vloggers now, but am only ‘on the edge’ of this sewing community, as it’s not ALL that I am - so much of me is filtered here in this place - as I’m quite a political person now, albeit with a small ‘p’, and would never want to change that, as I value the difference I can make. I hope this makes some sense to you. Sewing love, Susan x
Hi lovely Susan, what a special and talented person you are! I really admire anyone who actually takes action and stands up for their beliefs, it so easy to be a by stander and let others get their hands dirty so to speak. It takes courage to actually lift your head up, speak your mind and then do something about it 👏 Thank you for sharing your story with us too xx
Hi Ruth, what a lovely vlog. Yes, sewing and wearing clothes that fit you or where the fabric is just a pleasure to wear, really makes me happy. In the last 4 years I did more and more of it, and I think it changed me to the better. As a stay at home mom I was sometimes lacking appreciative feed back, praise for my work, but now I get quite often compliments for what I am wearing. And so sewing filled up a gap in my life.
I get what you mean, you can sometimes feel a bit invisible can't you. So lovely that you found a way to combat that and the nice compliments are always a great motivator 🥰
Oh Ruth, what a great vlog, love listening to you chatting! And I would also have enjoyed seeing what sewing related goodies you got for your birthday as well as about your sewing social, it never gets boring 😊 I will shortly be 68 and started sewing in the 70s as a teenager, in the 80s sewing for my girls but there was a long spell of little except curtains!Having started again in the last few years, it’s a whole new world of Indie patterns, overlockers, pre-washing your fabric, (I never did that), so many fabulous fabrics now. Also sewing for my very odd shape that ready to wear just doesn’t cater for. I’m building up to updating my machine to replace the current very basic Hobbycraft Janome and but just now researching My First Overlocker 😆 The online sewing community is just wonderful, especially when you’re at home with no sewing friends nearby. Looking forward to your next makes ☺️ x
Hi Joan, it's so lovely to hear from you 🥰 It sounds as though you must be a sewing Queen with all that wonderful experience. And yes, ditch those curtains and sew up all the fabulous fabrics instead! I sometimes think about upgrading my machine, especially when I see people unboxing their new ones, but mine does everything I need it to so I'm sticking with it. I am very happy I bought an overlocker though, it's a brilliant tool and I use it in almost every project xx
Hi Ruth! Great to see you! Some of us do care about what you do! We do have this common interest in SEWING!!!!❤❤❤ Have a blessed day, and Happy Sewing! 🧵
Ruth, I agree with pretty much everything you said. It's been a great journey, very rewarding. Unfortunately, there aren't any sewing circles in my area. I would love to get together with other women who share this hobby. Thank you for sharing. Suzanne
Hi Suzanne, thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment 🥰 Where do you live? Perhaps there are other people nearby who are also wishing for the same thing? Maybe you could be the change that brings everyone together? xx
Hi Ruth, I'm very similar to you having come back to sewing after 20 years and regretting that pause greatly. Still it could be worse, I'm now loving the community and enjoy running my own group in north Staffs and also attending another one!
Hi Ruth I have just returned to sewing after a 30 yr gap. I had a new sewing machine for Christmas. I just cut up an old sheet and cut out the Tilly and the buttons indigo bodice, just to check the size. Now to have a go with the real fabric ! I am in North Herefordshire and hope to find some sewers near me. Loved hearing your story ❤
Hi Sharon, so lovely to hear from you! Tilly's patterns are a great place to pick up from, the instructions are really nice and clear. I want to try the Indigo again, I made a few but there were never dresses I reached for very much once they were made. Maybe I need to try a different fabric or one of the add on options 🥰 How are you getting on with yours?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the last 4 years Ruth. For me, Lockdown sewing kept me sane through all the dreadful news. I also think my sewing improved as a result of sewing every day. I retired in 2019 and set myself a challenge to try and make all my own clothes and 4 years on 90% of my wardrobe is me made.
That's amazing Annette! I don't think I'm at 90% yet but I do have more me made than ready made now I think (well if you exclude undies then I do lol) x
What a great Vlog. I’ve come back to sewing after a long break and can’t believe how things have changed, when I was sewing before i only had a couple of friends who sewed. The sewing community online is amazing x
I really do feel like that, you guys have made me feel so much happier about life. Can't believe I had to wait until my mid 40's to find you all! Love you too 🥰
Things with me ok. Thank-you your vlog was a lovely peek into your life. I have been sewing 40 odd years but not brave enough for whatever reason to create a channel. You are a lovely addition to the sewing family ❤❤
Thank you so much Anne but you know there is room for everyone, maybe you should give it a whirl? Don't put things off remember, life is short, have fun xx
Only recently discovered your channel, this is an interesting video. I started sewing a little bit before lockdown, resuming something I'd enjoyed as a teenager. I've gained confidence in wearing things I've made, and made a few things for my daughter (20) who very proudly tells everyone that her mum made it!
Oh that is so lovely that she is proud to wear her Mum made garments! I've only really made Christmas jumpers and pj's for my boys, I should try harder but there are so many things I want to make for myself that I run out of time 🥰
4 years ago I was transmitting covid to my family at a birthday party. It was only confirmed because my daughter in law was a specialist nurse having regular tests. A whole section of our staff room had fallen ill after a ski trip to 🇮🇹. I repeated the experience 2 years ago when I was in charge of passing out cups of coffee at the kids party. This year I caught it early and am out of the transmission period ready for the birthday. Yes I am fully vaccinated.
I’ve had a sewing machine for years but only really used it for making journals and bags and toys, I started making actual clothes in Feb last year. It has kind of taken over now 😂 the challenge I have is resisting fomo on the indie patterns and trying harder buy less or buy with a plan. It’s an expensive hobby! I also don’t have space for a stash of fabric. I’ve always been lucky enough to be a home worker so did not have a massive change but I can’t believe it’s been 4 years. Anyway thank you for sharing a glimpse into your life ❤
It takes over so fast doesn't it! I can remember literally not being able to sleep once because I was putting patterns and fabrics together in my mind all night. It is so hard to resist the new goodies but I have limited storage so when it's full that's when I have to say no 🥰
Hi Ruth, new subscriber here, I have been enjoying your videos to date however, I have my volume on the highest I can and I am struggling to hear you. Just wondered if anyone else is having the same problem x
I'm sorry you are having sound problems, I have quite a quiet voice but I will try and explore how I can make this work for everyone. Thank you for the kind feedback 🥰
Yes! With a nudge from my good friend @thestaffordshiresewist and lots of you too, I went and tried on a jumpsuit last week and loved it so much I bought it right there and then 😁 It's from Seasalt and it's called the Gilley Dungaree xx
Hi Ruth, I love your channel. In the last year I have come back to sewing with a hiatus of 20 years. My dear friend is in her 10th year of Alzheimer’s and so I inherited all of her sewing things. I didn’t want to sound rude and say I’m not sewing anymore so I brought all the goodies home. Well, let me tell you my old passion for sewing bubbled up inside me and since May of last year, sewing is all I think about. I have bought a new sewing machine, and am happily collecting fabric and patterns which are mostly thrifted and sewing in between cutting out. Having such fun. Love the sewing community, such a great variety of talented women.❤🇨🇦
Hi Diane, thank you so much for such a lovely comment. You are absolutely right, there are so many talented and creative women here, it's so special to be part of it 🥰 I love how you found your way back to sewing, I wonder if your friend somehow knew what she was doing when she gifted her goodies to you? That you now find passion and enjoyment using the sewing kit that she can longer use is such a beautiful story xx
I love a chatty vlog Ruth - this is great and I echo many of the points youve raised.
Thank you 🥰
such a lovely vlog ruth! I agree how lovely the sewing community is. 🥰
Thanks Sarah 🥰 You are certainly one of my inspirations, everything you make is so chic! x
Hello Ruth, a lovely vlog all about sewing, friendships, community and everything thing else to do with sewing. 🧵 Thank you for sharing your story of the last 4 years. Long may we be friends and you continue to sew. xx 🥰
Thank you Donna 🥰 And cheers to that xx
I can't believe its four years, totally agree with you I love indie patterns, fabric shops and the sewing community, love your videos xx
Hi Ruth. Lovely vlog. Thanks for sharing! ❤ x
Thank you Nadia xx
Lovely video as ever, you're so lucky to have found your tribe 💓
Thank you Abi, I feel very fortunate to have found them xx
I can't believe how much your life has mirrored mind even down to constantly moving as a child. I came back to dress making after 30 years during lockdown and found knitting and sewing podcasts which saved my sanity and still is. When I'm at my sewing machine I forget the time and whether the garment is a success of not - I still enjoy the time for me. I enjoy your podcasts so much. Long may we sew.
Oh that's such a lovely comment, thank you so much 🥰
Thankyou Ruth you’ve encouraged me to not stay a lerker any longer but start joining in … your story was very inspiring. I have an Instagram but have not added my 100’s of makes since the first month. I’m going to get out those dresses and take some photos so merci merci ❤
I'm so happy to hear this! Yes, be brave, share your makes and feel proud. What is your Instagram account name? I will follow you if that's ok? x
Lovely to hear all about your last 4 years! I can’t believe it’s 4 years since lockdown!! You do definitely change over time don’t you, I’ve felt that myself and here’s to a wonderful sewing community!!!!
It's gone so fast hasn't it! And absolutely, cheers to that x
Ruth, you're right - so much has changed in the past four years. How we work, shop, and educate children are the areas that I see the biggest changes here in the U.S. More working from home, online shopping, and kids doing virtual school. A thought-provoking video. X
Thank you Diane, so many changes some good and some a shame x
Great video Ruth I got back into sewing in lockdown like many of us after sewing off and on since age of 12 what’s changed for me is I got brave and started sewing with Jersey and did the instagram page but at the start only followed people till I got brave and started posting my makes. But one of the best things that changed is being part of our Sewing group we really do have fun and help each other sewing community is the best 💕💕💕🤩🥰
It sure is! Such an amazing group of supportive women. So now you have smashed Instagram, when are you branching out into UA-cam? xx
@@SeamStressedRuth well it took me a few years for Instagram so we will see 🤣😂💕
Such a lovely video. I love the sewing community as well. I just wish I lived closer to a group so I could meet up face to face.
Hi Alison, where do you live? Perhaps you could be change in your area that brings people together? 🥰
@@SeamStressedRuth I’m in the Scottish Borders. I’ve not heard of any groups in my area but will ask around in the craft circles see if anyone knows. If not might need to start something 😊
Well said Ruth, loved your honesty
Thank you Grace xx
What a lovely video Ruth. I am an old lady , been sewing all my life and am slightly envious of you youngsters having this wonderful sewing community. I too have made some sewing friends but wish there had been Instagram and UA-cam when I was young. You have such a lovely way and a very gentle voice. ♥️
Thank you so much Marilyn 🥰 We are very lucky that we have the technology to connect so easily these days although I think sewing has always brought people together throughout history. It's such a special feeling sewing with your friends xx
I just stumbled across your channel and it was great to hear your thoughts on the last 4 years. The sewing community is amazing 🎉
Hi Alison, thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment 🥰 It's a wonderful place to be isn't it xx
Lovely video Ruth. So nice of you to share your sewing journey with us, it’s great to hear you reflect on your progress and development over the last four years. Your makes are always so beautifully made and really suit you in both colour and style. I began sewing as a child, and more seriously as a teen on my mum’s machine. For my 18th mum bought me my own on HP and finished paying for it on my 21st, I’d been married 2yrs by then, lol! My parents sold fabric on the markets and I joined them sometimes. Dad said I could take home ‘what I could sew’ (meaning it wasn’t for piling up at home lol! So I learnt to sew fast, and had a varied and colourful wardrobe, only slowing down once our son was born in 81. When lockdown arrived I’d hardly sewn much at all (3 dresses over 3 or 4 years). Since 2016, I’d been relatively active in the local anti-fracking campaign though and had met so many wonderful like-minded friends and acquaintances during that time - they are my true ‘tribe’! One person set up a local Scrub Hub sewing group to provide NHS staff with uniforms and had asked for volunteers. Ashamed to say that I didn’t join in, I felt my sewing wouldn’t be up to much, worried about not having an overlocker, and generally felt too unskilled, and anxious to join in. I started to practise though. Using YT tutorials on the very basics like changing presser feet, adding sleeves, facings etc. sewing masks, and simple garments. I followed a handful of sewing channels and quickly found my confidence, and even became bold enough to start my own channel, my first foray into Indie patterns began with The Harper all laid out on my dining table, and the rest is history! I love lots of other vloggers now, but am only ‘on the edge’ of this sewing community, as it’s not ALL that I am - so much of me is filtered here in this place - as I’m quite a political person now, albeit with a small ‘p’, and would never want to change that, as I value the difference I can make. I hope this makes some sense to you. Sewing love, Susan x
Hi lovely Susan, what a special and talented person you are! I really admire anyone who actually takes action and stands up for their beliefs, it so easy to be a by stander and let others get their hands dirty so to speak. It takes courage to actually lift your head up, speak your mind and then do something about it 👏 Thank you for sharing your story with us too xx
I've started sewing clothing! I used to only do quilts :)
That is so cool! I am the opposite, I should give quilting a go 🥰
Hi Ruth. The sewing community is great. I'm glad I found I your channel. I enjoyed hearing about your progression over the past 4 years. 😊
Hi Cynthia 🥰 Thank you so much, I'm so glad I found your channel too, you make such beautiful garments xx
Hi Ruth, what a lovely vlog. Yes, sewing and wearing clothes that fit you or where the fabric is just a pleasure to wear, really makes me happy. In the last 4 years I did more and more of it, and I think it changed me to the better. As a stay at home mom I was sometimes lacking appreciative feed back, praise for my work, but now I get quite often compliments for what I am wearing. And so sewing filled up a gap in my life.
I get what you mean, you can sometimes feel a bit invisible can't you. So lovely that you found a way to combat that and the nice compliments are always a great motivator 🥰
Oh Ruth, what a great vlog, love listening to you chatting! And I would also have enjoyed seeing what sewing related goodies you got for your birthday as well as about your sewing social, it never gets boring 😊
I will shortly be 68 and started sewing in the 70s as a teenager, in the 80s sewing for my girls but there was a long spell of little except curtains!Having started again in the last few years, it’s a whole new world of Indie patterns, overlockers, pre-washing your fabric, (I never did that), so many fabulous fabrics now. Also sewing for my very odd shape that ready to wear just doesn’t cater for. I’m building up to updating my machine to replace the current very basic Hobbycraft Janome and but just now researching My First Overlocker 😆 The online sewing community is just wonderful, especially when you’re at home with no sewing friends nearby. Looking forward to your next makes ☺️ x
Hi Joan, it's so lovely to hear from you 🥰 It sounds as though you must be a sewing Queen with all that wonderful experience. And yes, ditch those curtains and sew up all the fabulous fabrics instead! I sometimes think about upgrading my machine, especially when I see people unboxing their new ones, but mine does everything I need it to so I'm sticking with it. I am very happy I bought an overlocker though, it's a brilliant tool and I use it in almost every project xx
Hi Ruth! Great to see you! Some of us do care about what you do! We do have this common interest in SEWING!!!!❤❤❤
Have a blessed day, and Happy Sewing! 🧵
Thank you Zelda, we certainly do have a common interest. It's like a beautiful big bow tying us all together. You have a wonderful day too xx
Ruth, I agree with pretty much everything you said. It's been a great journey, very rewarding. Unfortunately, there aren't any sewing circles in my area. I would love to get together with other women who share this hobby. Thank you for sharing.
Suzanne
Hi Suzanne, thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment 🥰 Where do you live? Perhaps there are other people nearby who are also wishing for the same thing? Maybe you could be the change that brings everyone together? xx
@@SeamStressedRuth I live in western North Carolina, US.
Hi Ruth, I'm very similar to you having come back to sewing after 20 years and regretting that pause greatly. Still it could be worse, I'm now loving the community and enjoy running my own group in north Staffs and also attending another one!
Hi Anne, oh North Staffs is not too far away! Maybe I could visit your group some time? 🥰
@@SeamStressedRuth You'd be very welcome! It's just a U3A group but we love it.
Hi Ruth
I have just returned to sewing after a 30 yr gap. I had a new sewing machine for Christmas. I just cut up an old sheet and cut out the Tilly and the buttons indigo bodice, just to check the size. Now to have a go with the real fabric ! I am in North Herefordshire and hope to find some sewers near me. Loved hearing your story ❤
Hi Sharon, so lovely to hear from you! Tilly's patterns are a great place to pick up from, the instructions are really nice and clear. I want to try the Indigo again, I made a few but there were never dresses I reached for very much once they were made. Maybe I need to try a different fabric or one of the add on options 🥰 How are you getting on with yours?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the last 4 years Ruth.
For me, Lockdown sewing kept me sane through all the dreadful news. I also think my sewing improved as a result of sewing every day. I retired in 2019 and set myself a challenge to try and make all my own clothes and 4 years on 90% of my wardrobe is me made.
That's amazing Annette! I don't think I'm at 90% yet but I do have more me made than ready made now I think (well if you exclude undies then I do lol) x
What a lovely vlog Ruth ❤
Thank you x
What a great Vlog. I’ve come back to sewing after a long break and can’t believe how things have changed, when I was sewing before i only had a couple of friends who sewed. The sewing community online is amazing x
It really is isn't it, such a special community who lift each other up and want everyone to shine. That's rare these days xx
Omg I loved this vlog!! I actually got emotional when you said I found my tribe!! Can totally relate to all you said / love you lots Ruth xx
I really do feel like that, you guys have made me feel so much happier about life. Can't believe I had to wait until my mid 40's to find you all! Love you too 🥰
Things with me ok. Thank-you your vlog was a lovely peek into your life. I have been sewing 40 odd years but not brave enough for whatever reason to create a channel. You are a lovely addition to the sewing family ❤❤
Thank you so much Anne but you know there is room for everyone, maybe you should give it a whirl? Don't put things off remember, life is short, have fun xx
Very insightful!
Thank you 🥰
Only recently discovered your channel, this is an interesting video. I started sewing a little bit before lockdown, resuming something I'd enjoyed as a teenager. I've gained confidence in wearing things I've made, and made a few things for my daughter (20) who very proudly tells everyone that her mum made it!
Oh that is so lovely that she is proud to wear her Mum made garments! I've only really made Christmas jumpers and pj's for my boys, I should try harder but there are so many things I want to make for myself that I run out of time 🥰
4 years ago I was transmitting covid to my family at a birthday party. It was only confirmed because my daughter in law was a specialist nurse having regular tests. A whole section of our staff room had fallen ill after a ski trip to 🇮🇹. I repeated the experience 2 years ago when I was in charge of passing out cups of coffee at the kids party. This year I caught it early and am out of the transmission period ready for the birthday. Yes I am fully vaccinated.
Oh dear Carol, I do hope you are feeling well now x
I’ve had a sewing machine for years but only really used it for making journals and bags and toys, I started making actual clothes in Feb last year. It has kind of taken over now 😂 the challenge I have is resisting fomo on the indie patterns and trying harder buy less or buy with a plan. It’s an expensive hobby! I also don’t have space for a stash of fabric. I’ve always been lucky enough to be a home worker so did not have a massive change but I can’t believe it’s been 4 years. Anyway thank you for sharing a glimpse into your life ❤
It takes over so fast doesn't it! I can remember literally not being able to sleep once because I was putting patterns and fabrics together in my mind all night. It is so hard to resist the new goodies but I have limited storage so when it's full that's when I have to say no 🥰
Hi Ruth, new subscriber here, I have been enjoying your videos to date however, I have my volume on the highest I can and I am struggling to hear you. Just wondered if anyone else is having the same problem x
Same here. It means I really can't watch these videos, unfortunately.
I'm sorry you are having sound problems, I have quite a quiet voice but I will try and explore how I can make this work for everyone. Thank you for the kind feedback 🥰
Is that a jumpsuit you have on? I took off 2 decades from sewing, and I wish I had not.
Yes! With a nudge from my good friend @thestaffordshiresewist and lots of you too, I went and tried on a jumpsuit last week and loved it so much I bought it right there and then 😁 It's from Seasalt and it's called the Gilley Dungaree xx
@@SeamStressedRuth awesome 👌.