"As I'm getting older, I want my skirts to be swishy, my sleeves to be extravagant, and my pockets to be real." And "We don't have time for dresses we can't eat snacks in" This woman speaks for us all!
I've been refusing to purchase most knits this winter because I want puff sleeves. And I know I'll go through hell the second they go out of style. So this checks out.
Hey Rachel! Consider donating to local community theatres or even highschool theatres! My mother used to be a costumer and all the clothing items get saved and even borrowed from other theatres! The clothes are treated well and well preserved!
Yes!! Great idea! My niece is very involved in our local theater and I've been told they take some clothing donations that could potentially be used in some plays! Rachel probably has some clothes that would fit the vibe of some plays!
Yes! I do that with my old historical costumes that don't fit me, or that aren't up to my sewing standards anymore! They've even happily taken some unfinished things, because if they need it for something then finishing my old project is quicker than making an entire new one, and theatre clothes get altered all the time anyways.
The yellow color for that last dress was the perfect choice! Also if you do end up donating clothes, please consider replacing the lost buttons and such first, since those in shelters are less likely to be able to do it themselves.
When she said she was keeping that polka dot dress, I literally said, “no, dump it!” out loud just before she said “I know, sorry!” and dang it, if that isn’t just the best parasocial synergy moment I’ve ever been a part of...😂😂
_How to keep your whites white_ - The grandmothers had this substance called Blueing. It's still sold in the on-line world. Basically it's a light dye that will shift the yellow-white to a blue-white. It's a useful thing. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
Thanks to you and the other sewing youtubers I follow, plus some fabric sales, I think I've finally discovered my aesthetic. "Plaids my mom hates." Thank you!
My mother has had to accept that I love everything she hates in fashion. It's just how that goes. And vice versa. The only "office clothes" I've ever managed to like were pinup dresses.
As a person who ended up in a domestic violence shelter with the clothes on my back and nothing else, I cannot stress how much people would appreciate having clothes like these. Huge hugs for showing yet another reason why you’re an awesome individual 💕✨
Some of Rachel's clothing looks too dressy. Seems to me that women in shelters would need more utilitarian, easy wear clothing for everyday or job hunting wear instead of dressy clothing that might need dry cleaning or hand washing. But you can tell us?
Good job assuming so many wrong things about women in shelters. And why should they only wear utilitarian things? Can’t they wear just something pretty if they wish?
@@micaelaferreira8337 Sure, but I think women in shelters, often with children, have more things concerning them than looking pretty. My aunt had 3 young children to care for and bruises to worry about.
@@druidriley3163 yea that’s fair, but any clothing is valuable. I’m sure women in that situation (like the one above) would love to be given quality clothing to wear during such turbulent, emotional times in their lives. The things Rachel has are far more utilitarian than the vast amounts of fast fashion synthetic fabrics that are donated to such places, anyhow.
@@druidriley3163 My experience only, but one thing the shelter I was in did was give the women some money and send us to a consignment store to shop. It was really uplifting to be able to purchase something pretty. Just for me. I had spent years, focused on just my kids and keeping their spirits up while being put down for how I looked. It was empowering to feel a bit like my old self in new clothes that I chose. Part of the healing process is feeling good in your body again and finding clothing that you feel good in is part of that. Hugs 💕✨
I'm a quasi-professional dyer. You want more water! If you need to cold-water dye, BOIL the concentrated dye and then add it to the bath. you need like 1-2 cups of salt for plain ol Rit and clear liquid dish detergent like Dawn Free or Ivory Clear, that's what we used at Disney. It's the surfactants you need to help the dye particles penetrate your fiber. Rit's synthetic dye is AWESOME. I was hella skeptical but we tried it at Nashville Ballet and it was LEGIT. If your knit vest didn't shrink and barely tinted, but still feels very wool-like, it is likely acrylic and you can try another round with Rit Synthetic or an overnight soak with regular Rit. It is a "union dye" which means it will at least tint all fabrics (hence the name, versus a fiber-specific dye). Also ALWAYS wet your fabric first, as the dye soaks in, it will deposit where it soaks and you will deplete the dye in the bath unevenly. Make sure garments have been washed, no fabric softener, and plunk them in ALL AT ONCE. Even 5-10 seconds can change how much dye is absorbed and just you a mottled/tie-dye effect. Also make sure you wash your stuff separately the first couple of times, Rit is notorious for running. And you might need touch-ups because Rit also fades.
I find it really helpful to make an “absolutely not” pile, a “let’s ponder our choices” pile, and only leave in the closet the “brings me incalculable seratonin and dopamine” garments. Then once every part of the closet is sorted into one of those categories, I dig into the ponder pile and decide if any of those too should be kept. It’s less pressure than just thinking keep or donate, and I tend to actually donate more that way too.
the relationship you have with your body in this video is really refreshing. How you say "we don't have time for dresses we cannot eat snacks in" is a nice thing to add to my list of mantras as i'm recovering from bulimia at the moment.
So true! I got lucky this summer with a weirdly fitting bridesmaid's dress, that looked fine but allowed me to hide a whole beverage inside the boned bodice ;) Very handy!
I love that if something doesn’t fit you don’t blame your body, it is that clothes fault!! THANK YOU, so often I watch these people say “my boobs are too small”, “my stomach is too big” or “I’m too short” you use a far more body positive way of talking about it.
DYEING TIPS!!! - dip a paper towel into your dye bath to get a ~preview~ of the color - yes, you need to get the garment fully wet before adding it into the dyebath so the dye can disperse evenly! - be sure to either 1) stir and move the garment around frequently or 2) dye in a wide plastic tub or bathtub so the garment isn't all squished up during the process! (this can lead to a tie-dye effect as well) - Regular rit dye will typically not dye polyester thread, elastic, buttons, etc. but Rit Dye More will!
Natural dye artist here, came to say all these same things. If the dye you're using will handle the heat (most Rit dyes will), and your fiber won't be damaged, keeping your pot at a simmer does help with moving the fabric around if you don't want to sit like a witch over her cauldron.
And since Rachel's "signature color" seems to be in brown tones, try tea or coffee dying. cheap and easy. You can also get yellows from yellow onion skin, purpley from red onion skins and there are loads of other foods that will stain/dye your clothes...especially Koolaide!
For the dress at 13:06, that you love the top but hate the bottom: You could turn it into a cute croptop and then harvest the skirt for your fabric stash
Yes! I was looking to see if someone had already suggested this. Like, this goes for a lot of things for me, half my purged stuff end up half salvaged, half in my stash. Things that are too nice to dissect I drop off at a consignment shop where you get store credit when they sell your stuff. They might sell four of my items and I pick up one item with my proceeds, win-win-win I'd say 🙂
I was also thinking this. And if you didn't want it to be cropped length you could even continue the shirring down a bit farther so it was easier to tuck into pants and skirts.
I always love your closet purges, but the addition of the mending was *chef’s kiss.* I would love seeing more of you altering/mending items. Especially items you’ve made that you talk about the changes you would do to them.
Do you happen to have any recommendations on how to get started? I've got that issue too, but no idea how I'd go about learning how to sew and what kind of cuts/patterns would be a good start for that kind of body type 😅 I do own a sewing machine, but I'm a complete beginner, so I'd appreciate any advice you may have!
@@Toasttttttttt See if your community college or parks & recreation department have a class for beginners for the sewing. If there's a place that specializes in selling and repairing sewing machines where you live they may have classes.
@@Toasttttttttt Also taking apart old clothes that you liked the shape of but are ready for the rags pile will allow you to see the geometric patterning used in the construction and you can use it as a study of the shapes needed to create more.
I'd wake up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night thinking "Yes, but what if I AM invited to a 18th Vampiric Ball" and quietly creep downstairs to take the dress out of the give away pile. I am composed of 100% indecisiveness and 0% resolve.
I love seeing the purge and mending together!! I think that makes it more sustainable that you don’t have to get rid of everything, you can just alter it. Also, the mending portion holds you accountable to actually make the changes necessary for you to wear something more, thus making it worth the space
@REACHMEONRachelMaksyis that reap or a fishy phisher? Any who I was going to make a tease about a woman who sorts her clothes into 3 closets by body part covered... 😏
@@camouflagejumpsuit Absolutely no doubt phishing. There's quite a few comments from that account, so many winners would be unrealistic. Also, Rachel would never. Can you imagine? 😅 She would at least mention it in the video & description box. Alsoooo, the name is very fishy. It's clearly not from Rachel's actual account..... Soo she would make a different account to announce winners? Highly unlikely. I certainly hope no one falls for it.... That said, any comment like this that has you questioning if it's real most likely isn't real. The fact that you're even questioning the legitimacy at all should be a warning sign. Hopefully that helps! Hehe. You didn't act on it did you?
@Anna M. To reply to the actual comment as well.... Yeess hehe. You're right. The mending part certainly adds value to the overall video as well as the items!
Ive never heard the feeling of forcing yourself to let go of items from your hoard vocalised but i think "THESE!!! ARE THE THINGS!!! I CAN DO!! WITHOUT!!!" sums it up pretty well
Just wanted to say that I've been putting off replacing a zipper on one of my favourite skirts because I was overwhelmed by the work involved as a novice seamstress but watching this video encouraged me to do it and I actually managed to repair the skirt! So happy I can wear it again so thanks for the inspiration :)
Dyeing Tips! You need enough water that the item moves freely and you need to stir the pot pretty consistently because the fabric near the bottom will get warmer and take more dye so to keep everything even you need to stir Hope this helps!
Hey Rachel! For any clothes you have that are not in wearable condition (i.e. stained/ripped) and that you can't use for other projects, you can send them to the clothing brand For Days and they will recycle them for you! Same goes for bags, blankets, and all kinds of other textiles! You pay them $20 and they send you a big bag with a prepaid mailing label. After they get your stuff, you get a $20 credit to the site that you can use to buy new things :)
My brain tingled with serotonin when Rachel opened her dress closet, and it was a portal to Autum. The clothing refreshes are delicious Hobbity fall goodness and look amazing!!
"I thought it was funny" "Nick just did not think it was quite as humorous as I did.. so I bought it". My husband and I have the same relationship, THANK YOU Rachel 😂
This is the funnest closet purge you've ever done and I love it! On the dyeing I will say, you're supposed to stir them for the 30 minutes in order to avoid that tie dye look. I've learned this the hard way
Def start with wet clothes because something science about fibers absorbing different amount of water based on wear and other things means that if the dye water goes on dry fabric then some fibers can take in more dye then others, but if the fibers are already wet the amount of dye water they absorb is more consistent and makes the pigments take more evenly and also pre saturated fabric doesn’t tend to float so much.
@@sparrowsayshi As long as the garment is fully submerged and isn’t crowded in whatever you are dyeing it in, you can probably get away with every few minutes. But dyeing clothes is a bit like making a good risotto-gotta babysit it or it might not turn out the best.
“I just kind of wung it . . .” Words to live by. Stove-top dyeing works best if you 1) wet the fabric first, 2) agitate the fabric so that the color gets spread around, and 3) have enough water to cover the fabric with an inch to spare. Absolutely _love_ the new colors!
Weighing the fabric down by putting something heavy on a wire rack on top of the item, so no part is outside of the dye water when you’re not actively agitating it has always helped me too, but simply keeping on agitating it is obviously better 🙈
Love the inclusion of the mending segment!! So often we get rid of clothing that just needs a little fix, like a button replaced or even a small tear stitched. Mending/repurposing is so much better than adding to landfills. Also, the pinafore turned out so cute!!
Also- I'd love how to fix fabric loop buttons (without holes) because I have so many vintage dresses hanging out that are perfectly fine that just need those fixed
"No pockets, no patience" is my new motto and as always you make my fridays (yes I know its monday lol) thanks for the words of wisdom and hope your plaster wrist heal
I know you don’t often wear it, but every time you try on something blue I think it looks absolutely phenomenal. Obviously, wear whatever makes you happy, but also know that the color blue loves you.
Hey there Rachel!! Im not sure how many local / college theater programs there are local to you , but that’s usually a great place to donate clothes to! Especially in the styles you have!! It’s usually very hard to find many of the things you have , and it can be difficult for theatrical productions to try to make them as well . Long time follower of your chan!! ❤❤
This! I once found a pair of my own sneakers in my high school costume closet (I wrote on the soles of them) Clearly the drama teacher was perusing garage sales 😂
A trick I use when I'm not sure if something is wool (specifically wool- doesn't really work for cashmere, etc.) is to just get part of it wet and smell it. Wool has that distinct lanolin/sheep smell when wet even if it's clean. If it has no smell and the surface fibers look sort of... sparkly... when wet, it's probably acrylic or similar.
I just touch it. If I get a sore red hand then its got wool in it. Nasty horrid scratchy texture. I am fine with lanolin, but the wool texture itself - the tiny barbs - cuts my skin to shreds as I have very fragile skin due to EDS. I love the concept of wool I just wish it didn’t cut me up!
The daisy dress from 13:00 could easily be turned into a top AND you can save the skirt fabric for future sewing projects! You seemed to enjoy the sleeves so much it would be a shame to deny yourself the poofiness! Also dyeing tip: You gotta agitate! Stir the dye bath regularly so the colour spreads more evenly. It might be that a pocket of neat colour got trapped in a section of the dress the first time you dyed it. (But maybe you were stirring it and we just didn't see which is totally cool.) I'd suggest setting a timer for every 10 mins or so if you're multitasking to just prompt going back and giving the fabric a stir. Great job all round for a first timer though!
Yep that's what I was thinking too! You could even further the elastic ruching stuff further to the waist which would probably be a cool thing to learn since lots of your fav dresses have that.
This was so therapeutic for someone with a million loose ends and unfinished mess. That could be an episode, dress ups for all the non-events you're saving for vampire ball, pirate high tea, adventurer-of-the-year ceremony etcetera✨🌙✨
Yeah she could do the video wearing the idea, and then having done so could let it go (if she wanted to). That way she'd at least have the footage to reminisce with.
So glad she made a historical pile… it’s good to see people care for historical clothing they run by in the real world instead of exposing it to damage
A few weeks later and I have repeatedly returned to “we don’t have time for (clothes) we can’t eat snacks in” for legitimate mental health help. Genuinely thank you for this phase, the aggressive tone I can listen to it in my head, and the positive mental image to go with it!
@@MissiveCauseIMissYou Oh yeah, it's definitely not just you. I literally went through my entire wardrobe right after watching this video, I've got, like, three whole giant paper bags of unwanted clothing just sitting on the landing right now.
I love these kinds of videos. There's a girl on tiktok who has been doing a "going through my closet until I love everything" series and seeing how she's grown over the series is so satisfying and heartwarming 💛
I love the twist you put on your typical Closet Purge video! It's so nice to see how thrifting is a good start when thinking of personal impact, but also putting time and effort into fixing and mending what you already own gives it more life. It's such a good message to put out into the world, so thank you!
Rachel: "finding a bra to wear with this is not easy" My husband in the background (hes 56 btw): "yeah as far as I remember they didnt wear them much back then"
@@emdeka that only works for the blessed small and/or perky ladies, some of us wear bras simply of of necessity, lmao. I would personally wear it a fancy bra/lette type deal and let it show.
Back when I had a top like that, I wore a bra that narrowed in sharply in the middle and then tied the knot around it which both hid it and kept it in place. It worked for me.
@@manicmuffin yeah sure, but considering the time it was popular, ultra thin was the norm xD Just remarking on when it would've been worn, not what people should do now!
That pinafore is adorable! It's also so nice to see people with influence being so responsible and thoughtful about what they do with the clothes they purge. Thank you :)
Ok but this helped me so much. I’m turning 30 this year and experiencing the… “huh. My body shape is changing and I don’t like the way these fit anymore” feeling. Seeing you go through a similar process with some of the pieces felt validating. ❤
This 40 year old body is experiencing the same and I really want to be here for it, but it's hard in this world. Rachel's out here reminding us all that our clothes should fit our bodies, not the other way around. ❤️
@@AllTheHappySquirrels yesss. A hard lesson to learn. But I keep reminding myself I wasn’t put on this earth to spend all my energy worried about what I look like. I got stuff to do.
Honestly, the Hobbit blazer and the colourful skirt at 10:12 broke my heart a little 😢 I've seen them so many times and/or have a strong association with them and I'm sad to see them go 11:21 is exactly me when I discover THE AUDACITY of fake and/or entirely lacking pocketses 😂 And I literally gasped when you showed the yellow dyed dress, it came out really well (for as far as I can see) and I adore the colour 😍
I love your closet purge videos! I have a lot of guilt about getting rid of stuff, especially if something was a gift, if I bought it very recently, or if I bought it because someone else encouraged me to (why I don’t go shopping with my Ma anymore 🙃) I’m also guilty of keeping things for ‘in case I drop 3 dress sizes’ ‘in case I get taller somehow’ ‘in case I get a job on a farm in the 1890s’… you’ve inspired me to do a proper closet purge of my own without guilt! One thing I have found helpful is 1. Thinking of someone’s joy when they come across a dress that didn’t suit me but is perfect for them in a charity shop, and 2. Finding meaningful places to donate to. As well as women’s shelters, there are organisations supporting refugees (fyi they are often desperate for mens clothing in particular!) homeless folk (they especially want warm coats), and local to me there’s one that helps women get into work with training etc, and they take smart clothing for women who might not have anything suitable for interviews/starting a new job (Smartworks, if anyone in Northeast England wants to check them out 😊)
If you want to keep the shirts white I highly recommend Vanish Oxi Action. It's this cleaning powder that comes in a pink tub and it's amazing. Leave them soaking for a few hours and they will be like new and super bright again. You can also use it for stain removal
@@sewmad1400 Good for you. I had a white t-shirt with a gold print that I washed (mind you, washed regularly, not soaked for hours as mentioned above) and that gold came right of ☹️
Yeah, when I saw that crumpled dry dress heading for the pot, I was like, “NOOOOOOOOOOOooooooo...”😱 But then I was like, “Wait - does Rachel know somethin I don’t know?” 🤔 Now I wonder whether dipping the dry dress, hem first, would’ve resulted in an attractive gradient....😋
The shirts that tie in the middle! tie them around the middle of the bra and it both hides it and doesn’t come undone!! this literally saved my favourite tops
I honestly adore this style of content. And the fixing and mending of things is so therapeutic. Also, we get a fun video and Rachel gets items fixed. LOVE THAT! Two birds one stone! But for the love of god, rest your hand!
Loved this! I’m a big believer in mending or altering clothes so they don’t live in the closet all of their days! I’ve dyed a fair amount in my time and I’d say my big tip to get an even dye job is to make sure there is enough water to have the garment freely move in the pot and to stir it frequently if not the entire 30 minutes it in there! It’ll make it consistent I promise! And try the synthetic dye for the yarn vest- it should work if the regular one didn’t take!! Happy mending!!!
5:44 this really resonates with me because i've been doing the same with books. i used to just give them to thrift stores, which A) are really picky about what they accept, and B) might not actually end up selling the books at all. So instead i've been researching little free libraries (usually repurposed telephone cabins and such, with shelves put in where you can bring books and take books home in exchange) in my area and donating to those instead. they've been really on the rise here and it makes me so happy that there's this little thing that we can use for free when everything around us tries to squeeze profit out of every nook and cranny.
I think I just ascended, when I started judging competitions I got about ten thousand blazers from family members and I only wear two of them because I have shoulders and muscles and the sleeves of things that fit my body often do not fit my arms. Thank you for enlightening me to the possibility of vests lmao
I never comment on videos, but as someone who gave themselves a repetitive strain injury via crafting I am compelled to emphasise that you’ve got to REST it. I have had to completely alter the way I make things - no more pushing through when my hands are tired - if I’m making something and my wrist starts to hurt, I stop. It took me about a year to get back to being able to make things without worrying too much, but I still have to be very aware of how my wrist is doing and be extremely sensible about how long I work on things. Please rest your wrist! Don’t ignore pain - don’t be me! For weeks I wasn’t allowed to walk the dogs or chop vegetables let alone sew or knit. Think about checking in with a physiotherapist so they can help you look after your wrist - as a maker your hands are SO important. Wishing you a speedy recovery and getting back to watch the rest of your video :) x
Two things for the yellowing: Aluminum deodorant is actually the culprit for yellow sweat stains. I switched to lavilin, a cream deodorant without aluminum and I never get them anymore. If the entire garment is yellowed, you can use indigo powder or special blue soaps to tone it back. I haven't tried this myself but I saw people doing it when I visited egypt.
Video idea: adding real pockets to fake pockets. Turning bad dresses into good shirts. Widening waists using fabric from a cropped hemline, or making the widening decorative with another fabric, ribbon detail etc.
Having followed you for several years, I’m going to say I am REALLY PROUD OF YOU! You’ve struggled with previous purges, and this time, you were pretty ruthless. Good job!
Ok, as a fellow sweaty-Betty....I had no clue arm pit pads existed!! I'm very excited and pleased by this. Thank you for spreading sweaty people problems and tips on how you deal with it!
They're called "dress shields." I'm older than dirt and they've been around longer than I have. Also, clear "household" ammonia will remove perspiration stains. It's nasty stuff and must never be used with anything that contains bleach. I wouldn't mix it with vinegar either. It's not suitable for silk or wool, but great on cotton or linen. Can be used on colors, too.
You can get them from Kleinart's. They are called dress shields, but in theatre, we do call them pit pads. We use snaps to sew them in. (Size #3 is the snap preference)
I don't know whether or not others commented on the dyeing aspect, as I am way too lazy to look through almost 2000 comments. but here are some tips: #1 Wet the clothing first as it helps the fabric absorb the dye more evenly. #2 Don't use dishwasher detergent instead of liquid dish soap, most have dishwasher detergents have some form of bleach is them. That is not what you want! #3 Always use MUCH more dye than you think that you will need. Some of the color will fade with washing, so always go darker or more intense than you think you want. # 4 To avoid the tie dye effect, keep the fabric moving frequently if not constantly. When the fabric is just sitting in the dye, some areas dye more intensely than others, so it comes out with irregular coloring. All of that said, congratulations on the successes you had in this video. Well done!
Thank you for showing how agonizing it can be to get rid of things you think you might need someday! I struggle with that a lot, and it's nice to know I'm not alone 😊 also it was so fun to see you adapt some of the pieces!!
That green dress that you said was super comfortable...you should have taken it apart and used as a pattern to make a new one in a fabric color that you liked!
Looooove seeing what other people have in their closets/closet purges. Also love that vicarious feeling of watching people complete long procrastinated chores. Great job everyone, we got so much done today 🤠
Great video! We love an upcycling queen❤ Here are some tips when dying fabric from a textile student: - When dying larger fabrics, make sure you stir regularly as it helps to dye the fabric more evenly (and if you're too lazy to do that, look into machine wash dyes, 'cause they are fool proof!) - It's always good to consider colour theory when dying an already dyed garment. The vest can become more brown if dyed with a slight tint of bluish green for example☺ - I know it's not something most people want to do, but doing the burn test as well as a small test dye with a similiar fabric is always a good idea when you want a specific outcome. But the basic knowledge is, wool and cotton dyes really well, but linen slightly less. - Use nylon stockings to soak up reminents of dye from the leftover dye bath to be more mindful of the enviroment. Hope that helps! Love watching your exploration into all things crafts!
this was pre plague, but when my mom died and i went through her closet, i kept probably less than a dozen pieces. there were so many nice things but i just knew i would never wear them myself. my dad took everything to a women's shelter and said they were over the moon with the big donation of stuff that was still in great shape. thinking about someone getting to wear her comfy every day clothes and pretty dresses makes me happy :)
In my experience getting the color stay fixative for dying really helps the color stick! Also if you're dying the fabric of something you're making, dye it before stitching, the threads will not dye the same color as the fabric usually:)
I think this is what they call character development - not putting clothes to mend in a big pile you never touch, but actually mending them! :OOO Also, love to have another one of these, cause honestly your closet purges are my comfort videos I put on when stressed or emotionally drained! Can't believe the white dotted dress is still in your closet X'D I only see it pop up in those closet purches! I love it, don't get me wrong, it's beautiful, but I never see you wearing it ^^'
Another quirky last minute video *YES!* I *LOVE* these types of videos. They're so much fun & unexpected. 😄 Also the Narnia closet reference is a little to relatable for me. 🤣
This video is such a fun change of pace! While it certainly is fun to watch you and other fashion-Tubers make new clothing, it's also really good to have a reminder to tend the weeds in our existing wardrobes, and to give some items a new chance at life. It feels good to take a step back from the fast fashion hamster-wheel.
This video reminds me of when I made a deal with myself that I wouldn’t wear uncomfortable clothes and I have not looked back or bought a shoe with a heel, anything with scratchy fabric, or shape-wear since. It also cracks me up that you don’t wear pink because half my closet is pink.
I started doing that around 23, with the added rule that things have to be able to last 10+ years. At first I found it limiting but now my wardrobe is so inviting! Definitely recommend.
The crochet top is probably made of acrylic yarn (basically plastic) which is why it didn't take to the dye very well. It's harder to dye synthetic fibers, you'll get better results with dye made specifically for synthetics!
These all turned out so good! To achieve a more even dye, definitely wet the fabric first and use a lot more water, like 2-3 times more than you had. The fabric should be able to move freely and then stir it often during the dying time.
Also!!! (this was my major in college LOL ) tip! dont leave any rit dyed garment in the sun. it will discolor! the sun will fade the dye very very very easily. Unless you use acid dyes, then it will stay better in sunlight. So if your closet has a window remember to keep it away from the direct light.
I love the colour you chose for that last dress! In the future, to avoid inconsistent dying, try consistently agitating the fabric and adding a bit more water so you can completely submerge the fabric to the best of your ability! Little parts that peek out of the water can turn out too light because they didn't get enough dye, while other parts can turn too dark because the fabric sat in one place and gathered too much dye. The method I've used in the past is stirring, switching directions every once and a while, and poking at any bits of fabric that float to the top so they stay submerged. I hope that helps! Edit: Rit has a giant colour scheme on their website, it'll tell you what dye to buy and how much you'll need depending on the size of your project!
Aw man. I can’t believe you got rid of that green dress. Literally the most flattering thing you put on. It looks so good on you. And then you kept the white polka dot dress that’s definitely too small. But I guess you gotta do you. Just over here lusting after half your wardrobe.
"As I'm getting older, I want my skirts to be swishy, my sleeves to be extravagant, and my pockets to be real." And "We don't have time for dresses we can't eat snacks in" This woman speaks for us all!
I want these on a coffee mug!
Yes!!
THIS!
We need merch.
I've been refusing to purchase most knits this winter because I want puff sleeves. And I know I'll go through hell the second they go out of style. So this checks out.
You really should do a dressing up video with those "what if scenarios" tho, it'd be PEAK entertainment.
Yes! If I remember correctly Loepsie did this some time ago and it was so much fun
I would so watch that!
I agree!
Yeeeees!
My friend and I played a game like this over video chat during lockdown ! It was soooooo fun
Hey Rachel! Consider donating to local community theatres or even highschool theatres! My mother used to be a costumer and all the clothing items get saved and even borrowed from other theatres! The clothes are treated well and well preserved!
Agreed! I donated fur coats from my Mother and Grandmother to our local threatre. I've spotted at least one in a production so far!
Excellent idea!
Yes!! Great idea! My niece is very involved in our local theater and I've been told they take some clothing donations that could potentially be used in some plays! Rachel probably has some clothes that would fit the vibe of some plays!
As a theatre costumer, I second that wholeheartedly !
Yes! I do that with my old historical costumes that don't fit me, or that aren't up to my sewing standards anymore!
They've even happily taken some unfinished things, because if they need it for something then finishing my old project is quicker than making an entire new one, and theatre clothes get altered all the time anyways.
The yellow color for that last dress was the perfect choice!
Also if you do end up donating clothes, please consider replacing the lost buttons and such first, since those in shelters are less likely to be able to do it themselves.
When she said she was keeping that polka dot dress, I literally said, “no, dump it!” out loud just before she said “I know, sorry!” and dang it, if that isn’t just the best parasocial synergy moment I’ve ever been a part of...😂😂
And then getting rid of that adorable collar and sleeves ugh... Not that I don't like the result but still caused my physical pain.
I would have turned the sleeves into bellsleeves 😅 would feel more free without loosing the collar
Also, you gotta figure "But what if I attend an 18th century vampire ball?" is a very valid and possible question for all of us Halloween kids.
I am an Eurovision nerd and honestly, I feel seen too. What to wear at a Lord of the Lost gig? 18th Century Vampire vibe. Blood and Glitter...
Everyday is Halloween is you have the proper mindset. 🦇🎃🦇
I belong to a Costumers Guild and they have done at least 2 Bal de Vampires that I know of.
And for some of us, just in our everyday life -- or afterlife. Or undead unlife? You know what I mean.
I thought the same thing 😂🖤🎃
Rachel: No projects! Hand Resting
Also Rachel: Mend 1 million things!
Came here to leave this exact comment haha
_How to keep your whites white_ - The grandmothers had this substance called Blueing. It's still sold in the on-line world. Basically it's a light dye that will shift the yellow-white to a blue-white. It's a useful thing.
- Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
yes I was going to comment this! hopefully She'll see it for future reference
Yes!! Bluing is still available and I use it
I Wanna know why Steve accidentally joined this convo
Blueing is a life saver for refreshing whites!
@@SkySpiral8 Because we're two gen X-er's sharing the same computer. Accidently using the same YT account...
I’m so proud of Rachel for knocking out those little mending tasks that can seem so daunting. Success!
Same! There are too many garments in my wardrobe that just need a dozen stitches! She is an inspiration!
Thanks to you and the other sewing youtubers I follow, plus some fabric sales, I think I've finally discovered my aesthetic. "Plaids my mom hates." Thank you!
AHHHH I love it 😂😂
😂😂😂
Legendary!
My mother has had to accept that I love everything she hates in fashion. It's just how that goes. And vice versa. The only "office clothes" I've ever managed to like were pinup dresses.
As a person who ended up in a domestic violence shelter with the clothes on my back and nothing else, I cannot stress how much people would appreciate having clothes like these. Huge hugs for showing yet another reason why you’re an awesome individual 💕✨
Some of Rachel's clothing looks too dressy. Seems to me that women in shelters would need more utilitarian, easy wear clothing for everyday or job hunting wear instead of dressy clothing that might need dry cleaning or hand washing. But you can tell us?
Good job assuming so many wrong things about women in shelters. And why should they only wear utilitarian things? Can’t they wear just something pretty if they wish?
@@micaelaferreira8337 Sure, but I think women in shelters, often with children, have more things concerning them than looking pretty. My aunt had 3 young children to care for and bruises to worry about.
@@druidriley3163 yea that’s fair, but any clothing is valuable. I’m sure women in that situation (like the one above) would love to be given quality clothing to wear during such turbulent, emotional times in their lives. The things Rachel has are far more utilitarian than the vast amounts of fast fashion synthetic fabrics that are donated to such places, anyhow.
@@druidriley3163 My experience only, but one thing the shelter I was in did was give the women some money and send us to a consignment store to shop. It was really uplifting to be able to purchase something pretty. Just for me. I had spent years, focused on just my kids and keeping their spirits up while being put down for how I looked. It was empowering to feel a bit like my old self in new clothes that I chose. Part of the healing process is feeling good in your body again and finding clothing that you feel good in is part of that. Hugs 💕✨
The wrist brace REALLY made the bowling shirt a complete look. A definite keep. 😂
Closet purges seem to have become a sort of a tradition for this channel and it never gets old. Hope your wrist gets better soon!
Yep, I love the recurring 'segments' haha.
Also "This is not the video I had planned for today" 🤭
I'm a quasi-professional dyer. You want more water! If you need to cold-water dye, BOIL the concentrated dye and then add it to the bath.
you need like 1-2 cups of salt for plain ol Rit and clear liquid dish detergent like Dawn Free or Ivory Clear, that's what we used at Disney. It's the surfactants you need to help the dye particles penetrate your fiber.
Rit's synthetic dye is AWESOME. I was hella skeptical but we tried it at Nashville Ballet and it was LEGIT.
If your knit vest didn't shrink and barely tinted, but still feels very wool-like, it is likely acrylic and you can try another round with Rit Synthetic or an overnight soak with regular Rit. It is a "union dye" which means it will at least tint all fabrics (hence the name, versus a fiber-specific dye).
Also ALWAYS wet your fabric first, as the dye soaks in, it will deposit where it soaks and you will deplete the dye in the bath unevenly. Make sure garments have been washed, no fabric softener, and plunk them in ALL AT ONCE. Even 5-10 seconds can change how much dye is absorbed and just you a mottled/tie-dye effect.
Also make sure you wash your stuff separately the first couple of times, Rit is notorious for running. And you might need touch-ups because Rit also fades.
Thank you for the tips!!
I find it really helpful to make an “absolutely not” pile, a “let’s ponder our choices” pile, and only leave in the closet the “brings me incalculable seratonin and dopamine” garments. Then once every part of the closet is sorted into one of those categories, I dig into the ponder pile and decide if any of those too should be kept. It’s less pressure than just thinking keep or donate, and I tend to actually donate more that way too.
Yess I’ve always done a yes no and maybe pile. And try them all on just to be sure I actually want to keep it/get rid of it
the relationship you have with your body in this video is really refreshing. How you say "we don't have time for dresses we cannot eat snacks in" is a nice thing to add to my list of mantras as i'm recovering from bulimia at the moment.
💝✨good wishes on your journey.
I hope your recovery goes well!
Well wishes to you! 💕
Wishing you a healthy recovery ❤️
I hope your recovery continues to go well! 💕
“As I am getting older, I want my skirts to be swishy, my sleeves to be extravagant, and my pockets to be real.” Yes, please.
AMEN 💯 🎯
I'm only 19 but I have reached the same conclusion. Ain't got no time for any foolishness here
Same! I heard that and was like, please I need this on some merch!
Amen!!!
"we dont have time for dresses we cant eat snacks in!!" truer words have never been spoken ♥
So true! I got lucky this summer with a weirdly fitting bridesmaid's dress, that looked fine but allowed me to hide a whole beverage inside the boned bodice ;) Very handy!
I love that if something doesn’t fit you don’t blame your body, it is that clothes fault!! THANK YOU, so often I watch these people say “my boobs are too small”, “my stomach is too big” or “I’m too short” you use a far more body positive way of talking about it.
I could not agree more. Rachel's been such a huge inspiration regarding this in so many ways
“I thought maybe I could be a little *saucy* … Nope! Call me plain spaghetti!”
A literal LOL for this 🍝
DYEING TIPS!!!
- dip a paper towel into your dye bath to get a ~preview~ of the color
- yes, you need to get the garment fully wet before adding it into the dyebath so the dye can disperse evenly!
- be sure to either 1) stir and move the garment around frequently or 2) dye in a wide plastic tub or bathtub so the garment isn't all squished up during the process! (this can lead to a tie-dye effect as well)
- Regular rit dye will typically not dye polyester thread, elastic, buttons, etc. but Rit Dye More will!
Natural dye artist here, came to say all these same things.
If the dye you're using will handle the heat (most Rit dyes will), and your fiber won't be damaged, keeping your pot at a simmer does help with moving the fabric around if you don't want to sit like a witch over her cauldron.
I presosked one towel in vinegar water before dying it and the other towel I just wet with water. The vinegar one took the dye much better.
And since Rachel's "signature color" seems to be in brown tones, try tea or coffee dying. cheap and easy. You can also get yellows from yellow onion skin, purpley from red onion skins and there are loads of other foods that will stain/dye your clothes...especially Koolaide!
I'm lazy, I dye clothes and fabric in my washing machine. It stirs for me.
Rachel: I want to look hawt!
Also Rachel: literally codified “whisky grandpa” style
they're not mutually exclusive... HOT WHISKY GRANDPA INCOMING HEHEE
it can be two things ; v ;
The truth of that statement will live in infamy 😂
For the dress at 13:06, that you love the top but hate the bottom: You could turn it into a cute croptop and then harvest the skirt for your fabric stash
Yes! I was looking to see if someone had already suggested this. Like, this goes for a lot of things for me, half my purged stuff end up half salvaged, half in my stash. Things that are too nice to dissect I drop off at a consignment shop where you get store credit when they sell your stuff. They might sell four of my items and I pick up one item with my proceeds, win-win-win I'd say 🙂
I was thinking the same thing.
I was also thinking this. And if you didn't want it to be cropped length you could even continue the shirring down a bit farther so it was easier to tuck into pants and skirts.
I love all the great minds in this community. ❤️
“As I’m getting older I want my skirts to be swishy, my sleeves to be extravagant, and my pockets to be real” -Rachel Maksy (speaking for all of us)
I always love your closet purges, but the addition of the mending was *chef’s kiss.* I would love seeing more of you altering/mending items. Especially items you’ve made that you talk about the changes you would do to them.
Yes!! I would love to see improvements to previous projects.
Me too, I absolutely LOVED the mending part, it's educative, fun and inspiring. I think the things came out awesome.
As a buxom woman, finding cute shirts that don't look weird on the boobage area is one of the reasons i was driven to sewing. Curse you H&M sizes.
Do you happen to have any recommendations on how to get started? I've got that issue too, but no idea how I'd go about learning how to sew and what kind of cuts/patterns would be a good start for that kind of body type 😅 I do own a sewing machine, but I'm a complete beginner, so I'd appreciate any advice you may have!
@@Toasttttttttt UA-cam, books and the vintage designer patreon I am subscribed to (she has a series of videos about fitting) I hope it helps.
@@Toasttttttttt See if your community college or parks & recreation department have a class for beginners for the sewing. If there's a place that specializes in selling and repairing sewing machines where you live they may have classes.
@@Toasttttttttt Also taking apart old clothes that you liked the shape of but are ready for the rags pile will allow you to see the geometric patterning used in the construction and you can use it as a study of the shapes needed to create more.
@@elyssartoh this is actually an amazing idea!!
I'd wake up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night thinking "Yes, but what if I AM invited to a 18th Vampiric Ball" and quietly creep downstairs to take the dress out of the give away pile. I am composed of 100% indecisiveness and 0% resolve.
That would be something I would totally do. But I usually do this with books. It's a miracle if I ever donate books. Once in a blue moon!
I love seeing the purge and mending together!! I think that makes it more sustainable that you don’t have to get rid of everything, you can just alter it. Also, the mending portion holds you accountable to actually make the changes necessary for you to wear something more, thus making it worth the space
@REACHMEONRachelMaksyis that reap or a fishy phisher?
Any who I was going to make a tease about a woman who sorts her clothes into 3 closets by body part covered... 😏
@@camouflagejumpsuit Absolutely no doubt phishing. There's quite a few comments from that account, so many winners would be unrealistic.
Also, Rachel would never.
Can you imagine? 😅 She would at least mention it in the video & description box. Alsoooo, the name is very fishy. It's clearly not from Rachel's actual account..... Soo she would make a different account to announce winners? Highly unlikely.
I certainly hope no one falls for it....
That said, any comment like this that has you questioning if it's real most likely isn't real. The fact that you're even questioning the legitimacy at all should be a warning sign.
Hopefully that helps! Hehe. You didn't act on it did you?
@Anna M. To reply to the actual comment as well.... Yeess hehe. You're right. The mending part certainly adds value to the overall video as well as the items!
@@hellskitten1832 you guys don't see these on UA-cam often? That account is a bot
@@camouflagejumpsuit its a bot
Ive never heard the feeling of forcing yourself to let go of items from your hoard vocalised but i think "THESE!!! ARE THE THINGS!!! I CAN DO!! WITHOUT!!!" sums it up pretty well
Just wanted to say that I've been putting off replacing a zipper on one of my favourite skirts because I was overwhelmed by the work involved as a novice seamstress but watching this video encouraged me to do it and I actually managed to repair the skirt! So happy I can wear it again so thanks for the inspiration :)
that's awesome, now you inspire me!
I am so glad you kept that "Edwardian/70's" blouse for the "what if I attend a vampire ball" because it's honestly my favorite blouse you own 😂
Dyeing Tips! You need enough water that the item moves freely and you need to stir the pot pretty consistently because the fabric near the bottom will get warmer and take more dye so to keep everything even you need to stir
Hope this helps!
Hey Rachel! For any clothes you have that are not in wearable condition (i.e. stained/ripped) and that you can't use for other projects, you can send them to the clothing brand For Days and they will recycle them for you! Same goes for bags, blankets, and all kinds of other textiles! You pay them $20 and they send you a big bag with a prepaid mailing label. After they get your stuff, you get a $20 credit to the site that you can use to buy new things :)
For days is great.
My brain tingled with serotonin when Rachel opened her dress closet, and it was a portal to Autum. The clothing refreshes are delicious Hobbity fall goodness and look amazing!!
"I thought it was funny"
"Nick just did not think it was quite as humorous as I did.. so I bought it".
My husband and I have the same relationship, THANK YOU Rachel 😂
This is the funnest closet purge you've ever done and I love it! On the dyeing I will say, you're supposed to stir them for the 30 minutes in order to avoid that tie dye look. I've learned this the hard way
True! And the starting with wet clothes also really helps
Def start with wet clothes because something science about fibers absorbing different amount of water based on wear and other things means that if the dye water goes on dry fabric then some fibers can take in more dye then others, but if the fibers are already wet the amount of dye water they absorb is more consistent and makes the pigments take more evenly and also pre saturated fabric doesn’t tend to float so much.
That’s what I was going to say, too - definitely stir them while they’re in the dye bath.
Stir the whole time or every few minutes?
@@sparrowsayshi As long as the garment is fully submerged and isn’t crowded in whatever you are dyeing it in, you can probably get away with every few minutes. But dyeing clothes is a bit like making a good risotto-gotta babysit it or it might not turn out the best.
“I just kind of wung it . . .” Words to live by.
Stove-top dyeing works best if you 1) wet the fabric first, 2) agitate the fabric so that the color gets spread around, and 3) have enough water to cover the fabric with an inch to spare. Absolutely _love_ the new colors!
I recommend even a little bit more water than that. But yes to all this!
Weighing the fabric down by putting something heavy on a wire rack on top of the item, so no part is outside of the dye water when you’re not actively agitating it has always helped me too, but simply keeping on agitating it is obviously better 🙈
Love the inclusion of the mending segment!! So often we get rid of clothing that just needs a little fix, like a button replaced or even a small tear stitched. Mending/repurposing is so much better than adding to landfills. Also, the pinafore turned out so cute!!
Also- I'd love how to fix fabric loop buttons (without holes) because I have so many vintage dresses hanging out that are perfectly fine that just need those fixed
This video has for sure inspired me to mend/dye/repurpose clothing
"No pockets, no patience" is my new motto and as always you make my fridays (yes I know its monday lol) thanks for the words of wisdom and hope your plaster wrist heal
I know you don’t often wear it, but every time you try on something blue I think it looks absolutely phenomenal. Obviously, wear whatever makes you happy, but also know that the color blue loves you.
She looks great in all jewel tones. Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Amethyst. It's a shame she doesn't like color, because she looks fabulous in color.
My husband brought me tea so I could stay cozy in bed and watch the new Rachel Maksy video with my cat and DAMN I feel like I've leveled up 😂
That’s exactly the kind of life I aspire to... Congratulations 😂💖💖💖
Dare I say, this feels like your most successful purge to date
It definitely was, she's terrible at purges 😄
I was applauding her as she went along! 👏😅💕
Hey there Rachel!! Im not sure how many local / college theater programs there are local to you , but that’s usually a great place to donate clothes to! Especially in the styles you have!! It’s usually very hard to find many of the things you have , and it can be difficult for theatrical productions to try to make them as well . Long time follower of your chan!! ❤❤
This! I once found a pair of my own sneakers in my high school costume closet (I wrote on the soles of them) Clearly the drama teacher was perusing garage sales 😂
A trick I use when I'm not sure if something is wool (specifically wool- doesn't really work for cashmere, etc.) is to just get part of it wet and smell it. Wool has that distinct lanolin/sheep smell when wet even if it's clean. If it has no smell and the surface fibers look sort of... sparkly... when wet, it's probably acrylic or similar.
I just touch it. If I get a sore red hand then its got wool in it. Nasty horrid scratchy texture. I am fine with lanolin, but the wool texture itself - the tiny barbs - cuts my skin to shreds as I have very fragile skin due to EDS. I love the concept of wool I just wish it didn’t cut me up!
@@AlexaFaieAcrylic might be even worse, it has sharper fibers than wool and I can' t wear it. But I can wear fine wool.
The collar from the pinafore would look SO CUTE on a shirt with terrarium sleeves!!
The daisy dress from 13:00 could easily be turned into a top AND you can save the skirt fabric for future sewing projects! You seemed to enjoy the sleeves so much it would be a shame to deny yourself the poofiness!
Also dyeing tip: You gotta agitate! Stir the dye bath regularly so the colour spreads more evenly. It might be that a pocket of neat colour got trapped in a section of the dress the first time you dyed it. (But maybe you were stirring it and we just didn't see which is totally cool.) I'd suggest setting a timer for every 10 mins or so if you're multitasking to just prompt going back and giving the fabric a stir. Great job all round for a first timer though!
Yep that's what I was thinking too! You could even further the elastic ruching stuff further to the waist which would probably be a cool thing to learn since lots of your fav dresses have that.
I so relate to the energy- “i’m not supposed to do anything with my sore wrist”, proceeds to do all the things
This was so therapeutic for someone with a million loose ends and unfinished mess. That could be an episode, dress ups for all the non-events you're saving for vampire ball, pirate high tea, adventurer-of-the-year ceremony etcetera✨🌙✨
Yeah she could do the video wearing the idea, and then having done so could let it go (if she wanted to). That way she'd at least have the footage to reminisce with.
So glad she made a historical pile… it’s good to see people care for historical clothing they run by in the real world instead of exposing it to damage
A few weeks later and I have repeatedly returned to “we don’t have time for (clothes) we can’t eat snacks in” for legitimate mental health help. Genuinely thank you for this phase, the aggressive tone I can listen to it in my head, and the positive mental image to go with it!
absolutely true ❤ you don't need that either 🙌
Watching this while going through a phase of hating/not fitting into literally every single item in my wardrobe is surprisingly therapeutic
Same!!!
Same, it's nice to know it's not just me
@@MissiveCauseIMissYou Oh yeah, it's definitely not just you. I literally went through my entire wardrobe right after watching this video, I've got, like, three whole giant paper bags of unwanted clothing just sitting on the landing right now.
I’m so glad you turned the green dress from Sondeflor into a pinafore. It is gorgeous!
Yelling Tears For Fears lyrics at your wardrobe might just be your best moment ever. It's definitely near the top of the list.
I love these kinds of videos. There's a girl on tiktok who has been doing a "going through my closet until I love everything" series and seeing how she's grown over the series is so satisfying and heartwarming 💛
I love the twist you put on your typical Closet Purge video! It's so nice to see how thrifting is a good start when thinking of personal impact, but also putting time and effort into fixing and mending what you already own gives it more life. It's such a good message to put out into the world, so thank you!
Rachel: "finding a bra to wear with this is not easy"
My husband in the background (hes 56 btw): "yeah as far as I remember they didnt wear them much back then"
😆
Exactly what I thought too "Because you wear it without a bra" xD
@@emdeka that only works for the blessed small and/or perky ladies, some of us wear bras simply of of necessity, lmao. I would personally wear it a fancy bra/lette type deal and let it show.
Back when I had a top like that, I wore a bra that narrowed in sharply in the middle and then tied the knot around it which both hid it and kept it in place. It worked for me.
@@manicmuffin yeah sure, but considering the time it was popular, ultra thin was the norm xD Just remarking on when it would've been worn, not what people should do now!
That pinafore is adorable! It's also so nice to see people with influence being so responsible and thoughtful about what they do with the clothes they purge. Thank you :)
Technically not a pinafore though since it has a back. It's a sleeveless dress 😁
@@the_Pons Oxford dictionary definition of a pinafore - "a collarless sleeveless dress worn over a blouse"
Ok but this helped me so much. I’m turning 30 this year and experiencing the… “huh. My body shape is changing and I don’t like the way these fit anymore” feeling. Seeing you go through a similar process with some of the pieces felt validating. ❤
This 40 year old body is experiencing the same and I really want to be here for it, but it's hard in this world. Rachel's out here reminding us all that our clothes should fit our bodies, not the other way around. ❤️
@@AllTheHappySquirrels yesss. A hard lesson to learn. But I keep reminding myself I wasn’t put on this earth to spend all my energy worried about what I look like. I got stuff to do.
That's not real it's a scam prize...... Plz don't click
@@lindaatkinsthibodeaux7650 I just report them, in the hopes that the UA-cam AI will remove it. 🤷
Honestly, the Hobbit blazer and the colourful skirt at 10:12 broke my heart a little 😢 I've seen them so many times and/or have a strong association with them and I'm sad to see them go
11:21 is exactly me when I discover THE AUDACITY of fake and/or entirely lacking pocketses 😂
And I literally gasped when you showed the yellow dyed dress, it came out really well (for as far as I can see) and I adore the colour 😍
I love your closet purge videos! I have a lot of guilt about getting rid of stuff, especially if something was a gift, if I bought it very recently, or if I bought it because someone else encouraged me to (why I don’t go shopping with my Ma anymore 🙃) I’m also guilty of keeping things for ‘in case I drop 3 dress sizes’ ‘in case I get taller somehow’ ‘in case I get a job on a farm in the 1890s’… you’ve inspired me to do a proper closet purge of my own without guilt!
One thing I have found helpful is 1. Thinking of someone’s joy when they come across a dress that didn’t suit me but is perfect for them in a charity shop, and 2. Finding meaningful places to donate to. As well as women’s shelters, there are organisations supporting refugees (fyi they are often desperate for mens clothing in particular!) homeless folk (they especially want warm coats), and local to me there’s one that helps women get into work with training etc, and they take smart clothing for women who might not have anything suitable for interviews/starting a new job (Smartworks, if anyone in Northeast England wants to check them out 😊)
If you want to keep the shirts white I highly recommend Vanish Oxi Action. It's this cleaning powder that comes in a pink tub and it's amazing. Leave them soaking for a few hours and they will be like new and super bright again. You can also use it for stain removal
bless u for this lol
It has to be 100% white though, nothing with any type of print or colour.
I don’t know where you are geographically but here in Australia we can also buy Vanish/Napisan for colours and it works brilliantly!
@@sewmad1400 Good for you. I had a white t-shirt with a gold print that I washed (mind you, washed regularly, not soaked for hours as mentioned above) and that gold came right of ☹️
Wetting the fabric before dyeing definitely makes the colour more even, I think it absorbs at the same rate or something
Yeah, when I saw that crumpled dry dress heading for the pot, I was like, “NOOOOOOOOOOOooooooo...”😱
But then I was like, “Wait - does Rachel know somethin I don’t know?” 🤔
Now I wonder whether dipping the dry dress, hem first, would’ve resulted in an attractive gradient....😋
Also, stirring the pot frequently helps to keep the dye from concentrating in some areas and not others. Love the pinafore!
One sweaty person to another, I've always appreciated your transparency 😔✊
Saaaame. I too, am a sweaty betty.
The shirts that tie in the middle! tie them around the middle of the bra and it both hides it and doesn’t come undone!! this literally saved my favourite tops
We don’t have time for dresses we can’t enjoy snacks in is a WHOLE MOOD
That 60s blue and white striped dress is so cute! I get it though, it's so important to be happy with your whole closet.
I honestly adore this style of content. And the fixing and mending of things is so therapeutic. Also, we get a fun video and Rachel gets items fixed. LOVE THAT! Two birds one stone! But for the love of god, rest your hand!
Agree! (Also upcycle to "feed two birds with one scone", it's fun!)
The yellow dress is to die for, love seeing attire being "saved"
Loved this! I’m a big believer in mending or altering clothes so they don’t live in the closet all of their days!
I’ve dyed a fair amount in my time and I’d say my big tip to get an even dye job is to make sure there is enough water to have the garment freely move in the pot and to stir it frequently if not the entire 30 minutes it in there! It’ll make it consistent I promise! And try the synthetic dye for the yarn vest- it should work if the regular one didn’t take!! Happy mending!!!
5:44 this really resonates with me because i've been doing the same with books. i used to just give them to thrift stores, which A) are really picky about what they accept, and B) might not actually end up selling the books at all. So instead i've been researching little free libraries (usually repurposed telephone cabins and such, with shelves put in where you can bring books and take books home in exchange) in my area and donating to those instead. they've been really on the rise here and it makes me so happy that there's this little thing that we can use for free when everything around us tries to squeeze profit out of every nook and cranny.
What I did to my blazers this year was remove the sleeves and convert it to a vest/waistcoat. I use vests WAY more than I do blazers.
I was thinking the same thing. 🤔
I think I just ascended, when I started judging competitions I got about ten thousand blazers from family members and I only wear two of them because I have shoulders and muscles and the sleeves of things that fit my body often do not fit my arms. Thank you for enlightening me to the possibility of vests lmao
I never comment on videos, but as someone who gave themselves a repetitive strain injury via crafting I am compelled to emphasise that you’ve got to REST it.
I have had to completely alter the way I make things - no more pushing through when my hands are tired - if I’m making something and my wrist starts to hurt, I stop. It took me about a year to get back to being able to make things without worrying too much, but I still have to be very aware of how my wrist is doing and be extremely sensible about how long I work on things.
Please rest your wrist! Don’t ignore pain - don’t be me! For weeks I wasn’t allowed to walk the dogs or chop vegetables let alone sew or knit. Think about checking in with a physiotherapist so they can help you look after your wrist - as a maker your hands are SO important.
Wishing you a speedy recovery and getting back to watch the rest of your video :) x
Two things for the yellowing: Aluminum deodorant is actually the culprit for yellow sweat stains. I switched to lavilin, a cream deodorant without aluminum and I never get them anymore. If the entire garment is yellowed, you can use indigo powder or special blue soaps to tone it back. I haven't tried this myself but I saw people doing it when I visited egypt.
Unlikely, since Rachel often used Native. And I don't use deodorant at all and still get such stains
Video idea: adding real pockets to fake pockets. Turning bad dresses into good shirts. Widening waists using fabric from a cropped hemline, or making the widening decorative with another fabric, ribbon detail etc.
Having followed you for several years, I’m going to say I am REALLY PROUD OF YOU! You’ve struggled with previous purges, and this time, you were pretty ruthless. Good job!
“I want my skirts to be swooshy, my sleeve to be extravagant, and my pockets to be real.” ❤
Ok, as a fellow sweaty-Betty....I had no clue arm pit pads existed!! I'm very excited and pleased by this. Thank you for spreading sweaty people problems and tips on how you deal with it!
They're called "dress shields." I'm older than dirt and they've been around longer than I have. Also, clear "household" ammonia will remove perspiration stains. It's nasty stuff and must never be used with anything that contains bleach. I wouldn't mix it with vinegar either. It's not suitable for silk or wool, but great on cotton or linen. Can be used on colors, too.
You can get them from Kleinart's. They are called dress shields, but in theatre, we do call them pit pads. We use snaps to sew them in. (Size #3 is the snap preference)
I am so happy if you donate that shirt to a museum!!! As a curator for collections i am soo excited for some historical textiles ❤️❤️❤️
I don't know whether or not others commented on the dyeing aspect, as I am way too lazy to look through almost 2000 comments. but here are some tips: #1 Wet the clothing first as it helps the fabric absorb the dye more evenly. #2 Don't use dishwasher detergent instead of liquid dish soap, most have dishwasher detergents have some form of bleach is them. That is not what you want! #3 Always use MUCH more dye than you think that you will need. Some of the color will fade with washing, so always go darker or more intense than you think you want. # 4 To avoid the tie dye effect, keep the fabric moving frequently if not constantly. When the fabric is just sitting in the dye, some areas dye more intensely than others, so it comes out with irregular coloring. All of that said, congratulations on the successes you had in this video. Well done!
Thank you for showing how agonizing it can be to get rid of things you think you might need someday! I struggle with that a lot, and it's nice to know I'm not alone 😊 also it was so fun to see you adapt some of the pieces!!
That green dress that you said was super comfortable...you should have taken it apart and used as a pattern to make a new one in a fabric color that you liked!
Looooove seeing what other people have in their closets/closet purges. Also love that vicarious feeling of watching people complete long procrastinated chores. Great job everyone, we got so much done today 🤠
Great video! We love an upcycling queen❤ Here are some tips when dying fabric from a textile student:
- When dying larger fabrics, make sure you stir regularly as it helps to dye the fabric more evenly (and if you're too lazy to do that, look into machine wash dyes, 'cause they are fool proof!)
- It's always good to consider colour theory when dying an already dyed garment. The vest can become more brown if dyed with a slight tint of bluish green for example☺
- I know it's not something most people want to do, but doing the burn test as well as a small test dye with a similiar fabric is always a good idea when you want a specific outcome. But the basic knowledge is, wool and cotton dyes really well, but linen slightly less.
- Use nylon stockings to soak up reminents of dye from the leftover dye bath to be more mindful of the enviroment.
Hope that helps! Love watching your exploration into all things crafts!
this was pre plague, but when my mom died and i went through her closet, i kept probably less than a dozen pieces. there were so many nice things but i just knew i would never wear them myself. my dad took everything to a women's shelter and said they were over the moon with the big donation of stuff that was still in great shape. thinking about someone getting to wear her comfy every day clothes and pretty dresses makes me happy :)
In my experience getting the color stay fixative for dying really helps the color stick! Also if you're dying the fabric of something you're making, dye it before stitching, the threads will not dye the same color as the fabric usually:)
I think this is what they call character development - not putting clothes to mend in a big pile you never touch, but actually mending them! :OOO
Also, love to have another one of these, cause honestly your closet purges are my comfort videos I put on when stressed or emotionally drained! Can't believe the white dotted dress is still in your closet X'D I only see it pop up in those closet purches! I love it, don't get me wrong, it's beautiful, but I never see you wearing it ^^'
"THESE ARE THE THINGS I CAN DO WITHOUT" is a good response to most of my daily life
Another quirky last minute video *YES!* I *LOVE* these types of videos. They're so much fun & unexpected. 😄
Also the Narnia closet reference is a little to relatable for me. 🤣
In terms of the white shirt problem, have you tried blueing it? Just a little bit of blue dye in the wash can help get rid of any of the yellow
This video is such a fun change of pace! While it certainly is fun to watch you and other fashion-Tubers make new clothing, it's also really good to have a reminder to tend the weeds in our existing wardrobes, and to give some items a new chance at life. It feels good to take a step back from the fast fashion hamster-wheel.
i could not agree more. ♥
This video reminds me of when I made a deal with myself that I wouldn’t wear uncomfortable clothes and I have not looked back or bought a shoe with a heel, anything with scratchy fabric, or shape-wear since. It also cracks me up that you don’t wear pink because half my closet is pink.
I started doing that around 23, with the added rule that things have to be able to last 10+ years. At first I found it limiting but now my wardrobe is so inviting! Definitely recommend.
I wish she would've dyed that 50s pink dress 😭
@@kelseydalziel3514 oh, I like that! Very cool and so much less wasteful!
Omgosh, the transformation for the green dress into a pinafore is so cute!! Really great idea.
the post dyed dress and the conversion to pinafore came out FANTASTIC. I love them.
The dress turned pinafore turned out so adorable! I hope you saved the collar for a future project.
The crochet top is probably made of acrylic yarn (basically plastic) which is why it didn't take to the dye very well. It's harder to dye synthetic fibers, you'll get better results with dye made specifically for synthetics!
I *love* how the pinafore and the dyed yellow dress came out!
depop would be a good idea if you're up for it, imo!
These all turned out so good! To achieve a more even dye, definitely wet the fabric first and use a lot more water, like 2-3 times more than you had. The fabric should be able to move freely and then stir it often during the dying time.
Also!!! (this was my major in college LOL ) tip! dont leave any rit dyed garment in the sun. it will discolor! the sun will fade the dye very very very easily. Unless you use acid dyes, then it will stay better in sunlight. So if your closet has a window remember to keep it away from the direct light.
How does it hold up against washing?
I love the colour you chose for that last dress! In the future, to avoid inconsistent dying, try consistently agitating the fabric and adding a bit more water so you can completely submerge the fabric to the best of your ability! Little parts that peek out of the water can turn out too light because they didn't get enough dye, while other parts can turn too dark because the fabric sat in one place and gathered too much dye. The method I've used in the past is stirring, switching directions every once and a while, and poking at any bits of fabric that float to the top so they stay submerged. I hope that helps!
Edit: Rit has a giant colour scheme on their website, it'll tell you what dye to buy and how much you'll need depending on the size of your project!
Aw man. I can’t believe you got rid of that green dress. Literally the most flattering thing you put on. It looks so good on you. And then you kept the white polka dot dress that’s definitely too small. But I guess you gotta do you. Just over here lusting after half your wardrobe.