What will your next project plan look like?? ✂️ If you like this content and are ready to take your sewing further, I invite you to join me at Vintage Sewing School www.vintagesewingschool.com/
You know what you should do? What I would really appreciate and i think also other people? I just saw your video about stay stitch. I didn't had the idea that something like that existed, or also when I saw it on your yt the first time.. understitching ect. I think a lot of people would appreciate it if you would make like an Lexikon from a-z, what kind of stitches, methods, technics exists and how they are all called. I think a playlist where you can add the stay and under stitch, the people would love to watch, bc most of the time, if you are a beginner or even prof, you know the stitch but you don't know how it is called and how you should use it or you absolutely doesn't even know that something like that exists. I really would appreciate it, especially from you bc how you teach and your character are wonderful, i love to watch your vid's , in English i only watch you ☺️ I am from austria. So, maybe please, you read this and can help me and so much other people out ☺️ if you are unsure, ask on Instagram if the people would be interested in it? Much love and health for you , god bless you ❤️
Don't you just hate the planning process? Don't you just love the planning process? I am starting an ERP business that goes from coming up with an idea, manufacturing, shipping and starting a store and finally watching my product go out the door in the hands of my customers. I have a detailed plan. I write tasks on index cards and each project has lots of index cards. I work in a warehouse now and buy jeans at the thrift store. I don't have much time to sew but I am collecting sewing tools and am getting ready to take my next step, when I must move out into the world. This video is a perfect description of the process, on a smaller scale, including understanding the planning process, then raw materials, tools, tasks and then routing the tasks, the facilities... and on an on, and every step must be thought out ahead of time for it to be a success. Thank you for making this video because many people hate the planning process, and the planning process is what makes our projects successful. My project plan is a sheath dress, which is a classic design that looks good on everyone. It can go from day to evening. I am pear-shaped, and so it will have 3/4 length sleeves. It will be lined--(and all the seam allowances finished nicely even if no one sees them.) I had my colors done by an image consultant, and so I will buy fabrics in all my colors and make several.
Splitting a sewing project into smaller steps helps a lot with my ADHD, it helps me keep track of what steps I've already done after getting distracted, it gives a dopamine hit to cross things off the list, and I'm likelier to actually finish the project.
I love your videos...I have severe cataracts, and can't see well enough to sew at this time...when I get the darn things removed...just watch me sew. I love to sew. I love to plan a new outfit, a new decor item...I miss it so much. Now that the nasty "C" is down again I will see my doctor and schedule my surgery...then stand back...cuz I'm going to be unstoppable..
I was just told this week that I need to schedule my surgery. Consult scheduled for May, apparently everybody is catching up on their cataract surgery and there is a backlog in my area. I hope all goes well for both of us.
You know what you should do? What I would really appreciate and i think also other people? I just saw your video about stay stitch. I didn't had the idea that something like that existed, or also when I saw it on your yt the first time.. understitching ect. I think a lot of people would appreciate it if you would make like an Lexikon from a-z, what kind of stitches, methods, technics exists and how they are all called. I think a playlist where you can add the stay and under stitch, the people would love to watch, bc most of the time, if you are a beginner or even prof, you know the stitch but you don't know how it is called and how you should use it or you absolutely doesn't even know that something like that exists. I really would appreciate it, especially from you bc how you teach and your character are wonderful, i love to watch your vid's , in English i only watch you ☺️ I am from austria. So, maybe please, you read this and can help me and so much other people out ☺️ if you are unsure, ask on Instagram if the people would be interested in it? Much love and health for you , god bless you ❤️
I like to list the feet I'm using for different parts of my project (and in which part I used them), as well as seam allowances and stitch number, length, and width. Thanks for a great video!
I started doing these on post-its as I worked since I’d immediately forget the previous setting once I got distracted (yay ADHD😅). But your way is a lot more organized because the post-it’s get lost too
There are no fashion fabric shops left in my area of the U.S.A. We do have quilt fabric shops. This brings many problems like where to find and buy patterns, threads, zippers, buttons and the fabrics I want to use. It is a good thing that I followed my parents advice and hung on to everything (and added to the collection when I may). I start with the consignment shops and secondhand stores for ready made items I may be able to make over. Then, I go into my stash for the items I will need to do the makeover with. Yes, I do own patterns; and, I do add to them when I find more patterns available to buy. It usually works out. But, mistakes do happen. Evelyn is correct. It really pays to plan ahead.
We only have quilt shops where I live, too. It's so frustrating. I hate how stiff quilt cotton is for clothing. Fortunately, they do at least have buttons and other accessories; but I have to look online if I want to buy my fabric by the yard. Which is at least helpful to small online businesses, and I have bought yarn online for years so it's nothing new. I don't really understand how quilting can be so popular that it's basically the only thing that fabric stores sell.
@@lauraandrews1676 Here in Kentucky, Home Economics are no longer taught at the public schools. Even the Universities are no longer teaching it (or training teachers to teach Home Economics). We have Quilt clubs that are trying to keep the quilting art form going. The sewing shops are trying to meet the needs of the quilters. There is not enough home garment makers to stock costly fashion fabrics anymore.
Evelyn still looks lovely as ever! 😊 I have to admit that once she got into the details of the planner she lost me with some of terminology 😅. But, I highly agree with the necessity of planning. I am working of bowl cozies and coasters for an upcoming event next week. It wasn’t until I ACTUALLY SAT DOWN AND PLANNED OUT what I had in mind that the mental chaos stopped. This is a very good video for beginners. Thank you, Evelyn!!! ❤😊
Believe it or not, I plan the shoes, handbag and jewelry that I will wear even before I buy the fabric. If I know that I have a cute pair of navy pumps with a matching bag, then I'm likely to plan my project around tones of blue. If I think about a blouse or sweater to go with a particular outfit, then now I know I need to make a skirt, so I will need to purchase a fabric of appropriate weight for a skirt. It all saves time and money in the long run, because if I have the perfect shoes even before I plan my skirt, then there's no distraction trying to find or obtain an appropriate shoe nor do I have to purchase a pair. I can finish it up, give it a good press and be out to dinner right when I've finished sewing. Nothing more frustrating than having a garment completely finished and hanging in the closet while you wait for UPS to show up!
@@Evelyn__Wood wish that were true, but alas, having recently lost a lot of weight (60 pounds) I have been remaking clothes that I already own and many of those items were purchased willy-nilly. I am slowly paring down and rethinking. It'll come...but when I do finally do any fabric shopping, I have a plan for the color range and pieces I will be shopping for.
Thank you! I read and read the directions. I then make notes on what order and what changes to make. I do a more extensive list when self drafting a pattern. I have forgotten to teach this to my granddaughters. They just do as I tell them or don't ever get away from the directions. I think it's time to let them not be so dependent on me. Thank you for the reminder.
Evelyn, this was a hard learnt lesson for me many years ago. I have planned all my sewing projects ever since I realised that I could no longer afford the luxury of wasted time on uplanned sewing. There will always be enough unpicking and resewing, (it just happens sometimes) with the best plans without adding unnecessary extra stress by not having a plan. I actually learnt this from my Fashion College teachers way back in the late 1970’s but being young and somewhat reckless at the time I simply rushed into things in my excitement for the project. Disaster often struck. Sewists really do benefit from having a plan. I also learnt from sewing costumes it’s a really good idea to keep a diary of how that plan actually worked. The plan in bullet points and then the actual process used and then modified (it happens) and the outcome achieved listed opposite the bullet points. Also useful, a detailed list of swatched fabrics, notions (their costs) and techniques used all set out in a file along with the sketch, mood-board and final outcome for future reference. The sewist then has a record of where fabric was purchased, the frustrations in creating the costume and the actual finished piece, how it worked or not in a file. Invaluable for both the sewist and the theatre. I use this too most of my other sewing projects now. Thank you for this video, I think we all need plans.
I wish I had kept a sewing journal. Over the years I have made lots of garments and costumes. Some we super fast and easy like appliqué a jack-o-lantern face on an orange shirt putting it on the kid over his snowsuit puffing it out with newspaper and tieing the bottom. Others were far more complicated with Frankenstein patterns to make an anime costume! Looking back I would have enjoyed being able to see these again with notes of what I did. Especially the Pokémon hat I made 20 years ago as my grandson thinks it would be great to have a hat just like his father did all those years ago!!
@@robintheparttimesewer6798 I find with these things that you often can remember a lot, maybe start writing down the processes you can remember for each project. Writing is great for jogging the memory and much more may come back to you as you go. Try sketching out the items too and the pattern pieces that you created at the time, (it doesn’t have to be perfect, it’s amazing what small detail you will remember which can will lead to other parts of the project coming back to you as well.) What you don’t have you can either try to pattern make again or seek out similar on vintage pattern sites, in books at libraries. As well swatch different fabrics that approximate what you had back when you first made them. Some idea for if you really need to give it a go again. I have not always journaled the projects along the way, particularly my home sewing for family, which I do think was unfortunate now. I have started a process like the one above. Not as good as keeping a record at the time to be sure but still a way of keeping something for prosperity. All the best with it. 😊
@@miriamgillham6701 thanks I will give that a try. I found the two patterns I used to make his father’s hat. Just have to start I’m sure I can figure it out again but a few notes would have been nice.
Also, having a plan helps you saves time remembering what you had in mind if you have to stop and restart your project several times over a period of time.
I made my first dress for my 20th high school reunion last weekend. It was a 1950’s reproduction by Simplicity. It was WAY out of my comfort zone, but I learned SO much just by doing and asking questions in my FB sewing groups. I love the dress and now know I hate fusible interfacing but love hem tape, I really need to work on curved binding better, definitely read through all the instructions before you buy all your notions because the back of the package might just say “14 inch zipper” but the instructions walk you through an invisible zipper. I also see the absolute value in a toile for markups and adjustments now too! I look forward to remaking it when I drop down in sizes again (I’m on a great health journey) with a different fabric and color combination and better facing!
This is very helpful. I’m about to start what’s going to be a very big sewing project to create a costume using a bunch of techniques and materials I’ve never used before nor do I have a pattern for any of this. I am super stressed but this helped break a lot of things down for me
Another busy day for me getting things done and organized for Monday's filming. I so enjoy sitting with my hand quilting and watching your video! I hope you have an awesome day! Thanks for posting this video.
Evelyn your videos have been so helpful! I recently made a dress by just jumping in and watching tutorials as i went along. It turned out alright, but for my new project I actually used an old bed sheet to make a mock up since i added about 20 inches to the skirt of the pattern I’m using to make it more formal. This planning process will also be helpful in future projects too. Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom and creating a great community ❤️
When I could sew with commercial patterns my project process was quite simple and really hasn't changed the sewing aspect for me to this day. I gather everything I need, fabric (pre-washed if needed) all notions, interfacing, linings, needed tools, etc. Decide what music or TV programming will keep my brain occupied, and clear everything else from my schedule. Have food planned, cell phone muted, etc. If possible, I'll have fabric cut out ahead of time including interfacing. Over the years, I've come to keep paper towels and spray cleaner in my sewing space, along with a dryer sheet in a small ziplock to quickly clean goo off my iron if needed. My sewing area has its own tools, these do not need to be expensive. I keep a few extra ziplock bags handy. One baggy contains paper towels to re-use while pressing wax from waxed thread, an empty TP roll and green frog tape is storage for waxed thread. Scissors are assigned to spaces. Fabric shears for cutting, trimmers and snips for the sewing machine and trimmers and snips kept at the ironing board. I don't like constantly having to stop to look for misplaced scissors. I have a dedicated trash bin for the floor next to the machine and a small receptacle to sit on the sewing table for trash/trimmings. Most of these items are from the dollar store. An empty prescription bottle is handy for broken needles and pins. By limiting distractions, almost all garments are completed in one evening or day - two at the most - including tailored trousers. The only exception is tailored coats and jackets - which is another craft of its own. What throws a kink in this is the fact I now must draft my own patterns. I despise clothing pattern drafting for some reason. I love drafting and designing buildings by hand or computer. I think I resent having to spend multiple hours to multiple days simply developing a pattern that fits, when I used to be able to spend $1 to $5 on a commercial pattern, spend 10 minutes tweaking it and begin the sewing process. Pattern drafting for my middle-aged body just sucks. Turns a fun task (sewing was never a hobby to me, it was how I acquired my clothing) into the drudgery of disassembling and cleaning all of the windows in a house once a year - for almost every piece of clothing!
@@undomiel466 They don't fit me any longer and no amount of altering will make them fit. One of the main reasons I began sewing at age 13 was because I could not purchase trousers or shirts that fit at any price - and we were poor. It would take me 5 minutes to alter a commercial pattern for fit. Now, due to weight gain, aging and posture issues, drafting from scratch is the only way I can get decent results. My basic body frame was never a standard size and aging added so many additional issues, commercial patterns aren't even a helpful starting point. I feel like I'm trying to fit Quasimoto. Just isn't fun at all.
@@cliftonmcnalley8469 have you considered getting a Bootstrap dress form? I don’t know if draping falls into the same category of pain for you that drafting does, but maybe having a custom dressform based on your actual body measurements might reduce the amount of drafting you need to do. They have adjustments for posture, shoulder slope, belly protuberance, height etc. as well.
@@cliftonmcnalley8469 I get it 🫂. I’m actually working on mine right now and though it’s a time intensive build, it’s kind of amazing watching my “body clone” take shape before my eyes lol. Another consideration is digital pattern drafting or digital alterations from indie designs. Bootstrap also has custom patterns I believe. It sounds like you’re savvy with design software (you design houses?!?!?!? 🤯🤯🤯👏🏾). So you can do measurements, scan clothes you have that already fit etc, and scale them in illustrator type software and reduce some of the manual drafting pain. Hope you find a workaround that brings the joy back to your process because you sound insanely talented.
I'm often making my own pattern based on what fabric I have, so I'll actually draw out the fabric scaled on grid paper to figure out things like how long CAN I make that dress if I want full sleeves? I spend a couple of days thinking about it all before I even lay out patterns or take scissors to cloth. I'm actually more likely to mess up a ready-made pattern than one I'm creating myself because I assume they've thought about things so I don't have to... I keep my patterns and my notes all in page protectors in a binder, I usually note my measurements for each garment because I might change, who knows... I also make notes on things I'd change if I did it again. Order of construction sounds like a good idea to contemplate, I need to learn more of how to do French seams without lunmpy connections... and most of what I've been doing are way simpler (I've only ever done one lined garment ever) so thanks for the tips.
Sounds like you've got a well organised process 😀😀 I know what you mean about commercial patterns and assuming they've right of all the things, they haven't! 😆
I agree wholeheartedly that sewing is just 30% and planning and calculating the fit takes the longest time. I will redraw the pattern and then I have to do a bust adjustment. I have to make sure the measurements align with my body measurements and then do a toile. I may even have to do another toile, I will put it on and then correct the fit, make the adjustments on the pattern, then maybe another before I can be comfortable enough to cut into my expensive fabric. I keep all my cut pattern pieces in a large flat plastic bin. I have another container for all my scissors, threads, feet, and tools. That way I'm not looking all over the place for them. Unfortunately for me, a project can take weeks. because all I have are the weekends and when I get off of work. But sometimes after work, I'm tired. So it's weekends.
Great subject Evelyn 😊I like to break down the project by bullet points for the toile and final project including pattern alterations, cutting out (e.g. including pattern matching), order of sewing (including basting) etc. I try to assign a bullet point list by week allowance, so it can be broken into chunks and to fit in with work, family and other things I have on during the week.
Love this, I've just started a wrap dress made from a bed throw Indian Cotton gifted to me by my best friend, it was in her mum's stash of fabric, purchased in India on one of her may trips.. It's a circular print, in a rectangle, with different layers, peacocks, elephants and other beautiful designs. Its taken me at least a day to plan and cut the pattern out. This morning I started to plan how to assemble the dress as it will be a little different to my dress pattern and this video is what I needed.
Are you working from a pre-constructed pattern or did you create one yourself? I bought material and initially thought of copying a wrap dress I have, although the thought is suddenly daunting me. Not that my next alternative is an easy dress option either 😆
@@dilshaad_23 I've used the pattern vogue v8784 with an adaptation of joining the front and back pattern pieces together so there are no side seams. It was a second hand pattern I purchased a few months ago.
Evelyn, where were you when i made my first garments?! I could have used your project planning tips when I made my first top and shorts set. The shorts had four main panels, two for the front and two for the back. I sewed them up and then wondered how I had accidentally made one leg longer than the other. I proceeded to cut the longer side to even them up, only then to realize I had lost track of which were the front panels and which were the back panels, and essentially ended up with four front panels... and shorts that were too short to wear! If I had only been following your UA-cam channel then, I would have had shorts to wear! Alas, UA-cam didn't exist, and you were not born yet.
This video has come such a right time. I am going to cut and sew my first basic bodice. Yesterday watched the sewing mistakes to avoid and a lot of other sewing essential videos.
Very, very wise to make a plan. It’s very easy to get carried away by one’s exciting ideas, but then realise too late that an essential component is missing and have to waste time going out shopping mid-project (possibly in the rush hour) or waiting for something to arrive by post.
I HAVE to have a list of the notions and/or special equipment that I will need. I always seem to be short the number of buttons or forget that I need to dig out my bias tape maker for bound seams or something else that stops me in my tracks - so very frustrating. I do like the idea of making my process more formal. I wish now that I had records of my previous makes. I think "oh, I'll remember that alteration". Yeah, not really. Great ideas in this video!
Sometimes there can be very lengthy instructions, as you said. I’m at the point where I summarise steps, written in the margins or across the top of page , and highlighted, such as- do hem. 1 inch ( or whatever), do side seams, etc. I carefully read through the entire instructions first, making myself very familiar with the pattern and highlighting references to my version, size, tips etc. Then follow up afterwards with notes on date first made, size made, fabric used, changes made to the pattern, further changes needed etc. Adding a snippet of fabric used taped to the pattern or added to pattern envelope, or notes to jog my memory.
my project planning: find picture of garment i want think of the perfect fabric for it go to joanns get a completely different fabric draft pattern directly onto fabric screw up cutting out the pattern pieces you think you need screw up sewing the shell together many many times figure out ways to hide all of the mistakes with nice decorations realize you need a zipper sew in zipper backwards, then upside down, then to the wrong side, but right way up eventually it will be wearable and all i have to do is never point out the mistakes to anyone final step: profit
Wise words! I just ordered a dress pattern and want to be more thoughtful about the whole process. This is brilliant. Two questions- 1) How many of the details - thread, zippers, interfacing, buttons, trims, etc - do you mock up on the muslin first? Trying to balance out making a super helpful toile with saving money on notions... 2) Do you have a list/blog post/cheat sheet summarizing all this goodness? I will be re-watching to take notes anyway 😂 just asking first since your approach makes so much sense to my brain
I watched one of Evelyn's other videos that included the basics of project planning and made my own project planner from that. I have just made modifications to that my existing planner while watching this video.
Madeline, I have a video on making toiles/ mockups that will answer everything you asked. Just search my channel. And I have these planners available for students of Vintage Sewing School, or you can make your own also 😊
I have mock up zips that I rip out and reuse when I’m finished with mocking up. I salvage all the notions that I can off my and my husbands clothes that have died. I generally skip interfacing on mock ups unless absolutely necessary. Sometimes I skip the zip in a skirt or shorts. Charity shops sometimes have bags of threads and other notions. I know people who save their hand basting thread and reuse it. I’m not quite there yet 😄
@@emmadavey3892 Re-using notions - brilliant! I will start setting aside some supplies in the basket where I keep my muslin fabric. Thanks for mentioning the rescued zippers, I have salvaged a couple zippers from worn out clothes and wasn't quite sure what to do with them. Re-using thread does sound pretty intense. Maybe I will just use cheap bobbin thread for mock ups 😅 Thank you so much!!
One of my huge problems when I go to sew something; I start going through every possible scenario and season of wearing something. I get myself all confused and bogged down! 😆
Such a great vlog. I always read over a pattern and research for hems, sleeve’s and gather my notions for my project. Nice review of organization for sewing new projects ❤️
I was like halfway through the video when I realized I wasn’t paying near enough attention to the Golden knowledge being imparted. So I rewound to the 1 minute mark and restarted!
My process starts with watching the pertinent Evelyn Woods videos and to continue watching them while I am actively sewing. 😂 I have to admit I am unorganized and I lose things and have duplicates of tools and trims and such because of that
I do have a plan sheet but it is not very detailed so I have been missing things out, especially the accessories like buttons. I am on a top project at the moment and is nearing the end, only I don't have any buttons for it so a frantic search on the internet to find said buttons. I need to put in more detail before I start.
This was interesting to compare to my own (developing) process. I am just about starting out sewing and I do not test out everything before starting the actual garment, by preference. If I did I think I would be overwhelmed by all the new things to learn all at once and never actually start the garment. As I know so little there are A LOT of things I would need to test out. Like I do do tests, mock ups are not optional, but I do them in between construction steps. A learn -> apply, learn -> apply process. Testing out stuff between most construction steps, because I am still learning the all basics and I do not know which method I like best for the given project and fabric. Perfection is the enemy of progress as they say. Perhaps this method of planning is more suited for "intermediate" beginners?
Hey Evelyn, I'm a beginner sewer and about to attempt to cut my first patter , and it's t-shirt like fabric and I do have production people that will sew it together so want it to be exactly the way they expect it ....any suggestions ?
Have you ever taught children before? My neighbor would love her kids to learn to sew and since I sew she asked if I would help. I’d love to but I’m not sure how to teach children. Any tips?
There are lots of learn to sew books for kids. Buy one with good reviews, and plan for each project/chapter before the kids come over, then use it as a lesson plan. Those kind of books always cover the very basics, so you don't have to worry that you're leaving something out.
Absolutely, read everything. I have actually read through a pattern four or five times before I have properly understood what I am meant to be doing. I think it should be the first stage of making a new garment. If you don't know what you are making how can you plan it.
Have you sold Vogue 1435? I was trying to get some tips on the jacket with top stitching is the top stitch on the back and let me know if you have any videos
I honestly never thought about having a project plan. But then I sew but am not a seamstress. Lol Seems like alot of work. Brain work is NOT my favorite activity.
Ease is the amount of room you need to be able to move. If you’re working with spandex it would be your exact measurements or a little smaller (negative ease). You can make different styles by just adding more ease. There’s also walking ease in long coat and skirts. Without the walking ease you can’t take a full step or it bunches up or pulls weirdly while walking.
My project planning? Umm, a wing and a toile? Honestly, apart from choosing a style/pattern and checking measurements, my plan is usually worked out on the fly during the toile. It's not going to suit everyone, but that's how I roll. The exception is when I am using handwoven fabric. When the fabric has taken many hrs of work just to produce the yardage, you can bet I have a detailed plan of action.
I’m so glad I’m not the only one!! If it’s not a fitted garment I sometimes skip the mock-up! If it’s super expensive fabric then there’s planning lots and lots of planning!! I have a cape pattern I want to make but the fabric is expensive. I want a good quality wool. I also don’t have time to actually make it right now so pre pre planning!
@@susanskidmore9516 im looking to do about 5 hats a day ( 35 hats a week ) im looking for the best sewing machine for this and my budget is 1000$ maybe a little bit over what’s my best option 🤔
What will your next project plan look like??
✂️ If you like this content and are ready to take your sewing further, I invite you to join me at Vintage Sewing School www.vintagesewingschool.com/
You know what you should do? What I would really appreciate and i think also other people? I just saw your video about stay stitch. I didn't had the idea that something like that existed, or also when I saw it on your yt the first time.. understitching ect. I think a lot of people would appreciate it if you would make like an Lexikon from a-z, what kind of stitches, methods, technics exists and how they are all called. I think a playlist where you can add the stay and under stitch, the people would love to watch, bc most of the time, if you are a beginner or even prof, you know the stitch but you don't know how it is called and how you should use it or you absolutely doesn't even know that something like that exists. I really would appreciate it, especially from you bc how you teach and your character are wonderful, i love to watch your vid's , in English i only watch you ☺️ I am from austria. So, maybe please, you read this and can help me and so much other people out ☺️ if you are unsure, ask on Instagram if the people would be interested in it? Much love and health for you , god bless you ❤️
Don't you just hate the planning process? Don't you just love the planning process?
I am starting an ERP business that goes from coming up with an idea, manufacturing, shipping and starting a store and finally watching my product go out the door in the hands of my customers. I have a detailed plan. I write tasks on index cards and each project has lots of index cards. I work in a warehouse now and buy jeans at the thrift store. I don't have much time to sew but I am collecting sewing tools and am getting ready to take my next step, when I must move out into the world.
This video is a perfect description of the process, on a smaller scale, including understanding the planning process, then raw materials, tools, tasks and then routing the tasks, the facilities... and on an on, and every step must be thought out ahead of time for it to be a success. Thank you for making this video because many people hate the planning process, and the planning process is what makes our projects successful.
My project plan is a sheath dress, which is a classic design that looks good on everyone. It can go from day to evening. I am pear-shaped, and so it will have 3/4 length sleeves. It will be lined--(and all the seam allowances finished nicely even if no one sees them.) I had my colors done by an image consultant, and so I will buy fabrics in all my colors and make several.
Splitting a sewing project into smaller steps helps a lot with my ADHD, it helps me keep track of what steps I've already done after getting distracted, it gives a dopamine hit to cross things off the list, and I'm likelier to actually finish the project.
There's nothing like crossing something off your list right! 😊
Yup! totally me, I'm glad Im not the only one 😂
This is really motivating to hear. It’s my biggest challenge with sewing!
I love your videos...I have severe cataracts, and can't see well enough to sew at this time...when I get the darn things removed...just watch me sew. I love to sew. I love to plan a new outfit, a new decor item...I miss it so much. Now that the nasty "C" is down again I will see my doctor and schedule my surgery...then stand back...cuz I'm going to be unstoppable..
I hope it goes well and you get your sight back fully
I just had my cataracts removed and it is a game changer. Good luck
I was just told this week that I need to schedule my surgery. Consult scheduled for May, apparently everybody is catching up on their cataract surgery and there is a backlog in my area. I hope all goes well for both of us.
I don't regret my cataract surgeries. Good luck!
Good luck Terri, I can't wait to hear of your sewing adventures! ❤
You know what you should do? What I would really appreciate and i think also other people? I just saw your video about stay stitch. I didn't had the idea that something like that existed, or also when I saw it on your yt the first time.. understitching ect. I think a lot of people would appreciate it if you would make like an Lexikon from a-z, what kind of stitches, methods, technics exists and how they are all called. I think a playlist where you can add the stay and under stitch, the people would love to watch, bc most of the time, if you are a beginner or even prof, you know the stitch but you don't know how it is called and how you should use it or you absolutely doesn't even know that something like that exists. I really would appreciate it, especially from you bc how you teach and your character are wonderful, i love to watch your vid's , in English i only watch you ☺️ I am from austria. So, maybe please, you read this and can help me and so much other people out ☺️ if you are unsure, ask on Instagram if the people would be interested in it? Much love and health for you , god bless you ❤️
I like to list the feet I'm using for different parts of my project (and in which part I used them), as well as seam allowances and stitch number, length, and width. Thanks for a great video!
Thank you! Great tip!
I started doing these on post-its as I worked since I’d immediately forget the previous setting once I got distracted (yay ADHD😅). But your way is a lot more organized because the post-it’s get lost too
This is great. I do some project planning in my head but it’s so much better seeing it written out. Thank you so much for this information.
There are no fashion fabric shops left in my area of the U.S.A. We do have quilt fabric shops. This brings many problems like where to find and buy patterns, threads, zippers, buttons and the fabrics I want to use. It is a good thing that I followed my parents advice and hung on to everything (and added to the collection when I may). I start with the consignment shops and secondhand stores for ready made items I may be able to make over. Then, I go into my stash for the items I will need to do the makeover with. Yes, I do own patterns; and, I do add to them when I find more patterns available to buy. It usually works out. But, mistakes do happen. Evelyn is correct. It really pays to plan ahead.
We only have quilt shops where I live, too. It's so frustrating. I hate how stiff quilt cotton is for clothing. Fortunately, they do at least have buttons and other accessories; but I have to look online if I want to buy my fabric by the yard. Which is at least helpful to small online businesses, and I have bought yarn online for years so it's nothing new. I don't really understand how quilting can be so popular that it's basically the only thing that fabric stores sell.
@@lauraandrews1676 Here in Kentucky, Home Economics are no longer taught at the public schools. Even the Universities are no longer teaching it (or training teachers to teach Home Economics). We have Quilt clubs that are trying to keep the quilting art form going. The sewing shops are trying to meet the needs of the quilters. There is not enough home garment makers to stock costly fashion fabrics anymore.
Thank you Evelyn💕 Watched ot twice, once to listen and once to write it down. This makes SO much sense🥰
Mood boards are fun.😊 I've been sewing for most of my life and I enjoy the creative process and allow room for design inspiration along the way.
Evelyn still looks lovely as ever! 😊
I have to admit that once she got into the details of the planner she lost me with some of terminology 😅. But, I highly agree with the necessity of planning.
I am working of bowl cozies and coasters for an upcoming event next week. It wasn’t until I ACTUALLY SAT DOWN AND PLANNED OUT what I had in mind that the mental chaos stopped. This is a very good video for beginners.
Thank you, Evelyn!!! ❤😊
Believe it or not, I plan the shoes, handbag and jewelry that I will wear even before I buy the fabric. If I know that I have a cute pair of navy pumps with a matching bag, then I'm likely to plan my project around tones of blue. If I think about a blouse or sweater to go with a particular outfit, then now I know I need to make a skirt, so I will need to purchase a fabric of appropriate weight for a skirt. It all saves time and money in the long run, because if I have the perfect shoes even before I plan my skirt, then there's no distraction trying to find or obtain an appropriate shoe nor do I have to purchase a pair. I can finish it up, give it a good press and be out to dinner right when I've finished sewing. Nothing more frustrating than having a garment completely finished and hanging in the closet while you wait for UPS to show up!
I like the pre outfit plan! I bet you have a wardrobe full of matching outfits because of it! 😀
@@Evelyn__Wood wish that were true, but alas, having recently lost a lot of weight (60 pounds) I have been remaking clothes that I already own and many of those items were purchased willy-nilly. I am slowly paring down and rethinking. It'll come...but when I do finally do any fabric shopping, I have a plan for the color range and pieces I will be shopping for.
Congratulations on your weight loss! I’m sure that you will enjoy your new planned wardrobe!
@@robintheparttimesewer6798 Thank you!
Thank you! I read and read the directions. I then make notes on what order and what changes to make. I do a more extensive list when self drafting a pattern. I have forgotten to teach this to my granddaughters. They just do as I tell them or don't ever get away from the directions. I think it's time to let them not be so dependent on me. Thank you for the reminder.
Evelyn, this was a hard learnt lesson for me many years ago. I have planned all my sewing projects ever since I realised that I could no longer afford the luxury of wasted time on uplanned sewing. There will always be enough unpicking and resewing, (it just happens sometimes) with the best plans without adding unnecessary extra stress by not having a plan. I actually learnt this from my Fashion College teachers way back in the late 1970’s but being young and somewhat reckless at the time I simply rushed into things in my excitement for the project. Disaster often struck. Sewists really do benefit from having a plan. I also learnt from sewing costumes it’s a really good idea to keep a diary of how that plan actually worked. The plan in bullet points and then the actual process used and then modified (it happens) and the outcome achieved listed opposite the bullet points. Also useful, a detailed list of swatched fabrics, notions (their costs) and techniques used all set out in a file along with the sketch, mood-board and final outcome for future reference. The sewist then has a record of where fabric was purchased, the frustrations in creating the costume and the actual finished piece, how it worked or not in a file. Invaluable for both the sewist and the theatre. I use this too most of my other sewing projects now. Thank you for this video, I think we all need plans.
I wish I had kept a sewing journal. Over the years I have made lots of garments and costumes. Some we super fast and easy like appliqué a jack-o-lantern face on an orange shirt putting it on the kid over his snowsuit puffing it out with newspaper and tieing the bottom. Others were far more complicated with Frankenstein patterns to make an anime costume! Looking back I would have enjoyed being able to see these again with notes of what I did. Especially the Pokémon hat I made 20 years ago as my grandson thinks it would be great to have a hat just like his father did all those years ago!!
@@robintheparttimesewer6798 I find with these things that you often can remember a lot, maybe start writing down the processes you can remember for each project. Writing is great for jogging the memory and much more may come back to you as you go. Try sketching out the items too and the pattern pieces that you created at the time, (it doesn’t have to be perfect, it’s amazing what small detail you will remember which can will lead to other parts of the project coming back to you as well.) What you don’t have you can either try to pattern make again or seek out similar on vintage pattern sites, in books at libraries. As well swatch different fabrics that approximate what you had back when you first made them. Some idea for if you really need to give it a go again. I have not always journaled the projects along the way, particularly my home sewing for family, which I do think was unfortunate now. I have started a process like the one above. Not as good as keeping a record at the time to be sure but still a way of keeping something for prosperity. All the best with it. 😊
@@miriamgillham6701 thanks I will give that a try. I found the two patterns I used to make his father’s hat. Just have to start I’m sure I can figure it out again but a few notes would have been nice.
@@robintheparttimesewer6798 All the very best with it Robyn, it will be an adventure for you.
Also, having a plan helps you saves time remembering what you had in mind if you have to stop and restart your project several times over a period of time.
I made my first dress for my 20th high school reunion last weekend. It was a 1950’s reproduction by Simplicity. It was WAY out of my comfort zone, but I learned SO much just by doing and asking questions in my FB sewing groups. I love the dress and now know I hate fusible interfacing but love hem tape, I really need to work on curved binding better, definitely read through all the instructions before you buy all your notions because the back of the package might just say “14 inch zipper” but the instructions walk you through an invisible zipper. I also see the absolute value in a toile for markups and adjustments now too! I look forward to remaking it when I drop down in sizes again (I’m on a great health journey) with a different fabric and color combination and better facing!
Congrats on hitting the 250K mark........subscribers. Go, you!
A new video!! Yay!
This is very helpful. I’m about to start what’s going to be a very big sewing project to create a costume using a bunch of techniques and materials I’ve never used before nor do I have a pattern for any of this. I am super stressed but this helped break a lot of things down for me
Another busy day for me getting things done and organized for Monday's filming. I so enjoy sitting with my hand quilting and watching your video! I hope you have an awesome day! Thanks for posting this video.
Evelyn your videos have been so helpful! I recently made a dress by just jumping in and watching tutorials as i went along. It turned out alright, but for my new project I actually used an old bed sheet to make a mock up since i added about 20 inches to the skirt of the pattern I’m using to make it more formal. This planning process will also be helpful in future projects too. Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom and creating a great community ❤️
Abbey it is my pleasure! I'm thrilled that I've been able to help you on your sewing journey. Good luck with the skirt !
When I could sew with commercial patterns my project process was quite simple and really hasn't changed the sewing aspect for me to this day. I gather everything I need, fabric (pre-washed if needed) all notions, interfacing, linings, needed tools, etc. Decide what music or TV programming will keep my brain occupied, and clear everything else from my schedule. Have food planned, cell phone muted, etc. If possible, I'll have fabric cut out ahead of time including interfacing.
Over the years, I've come to keep paper towels and spray cleaner in my sewing space, along with a dryer sheet in a small ziplock to quickly clean goo off my iron if needed. My sewing area has its own tools, these do not need to be expensive. I keep a few extra ziplock bags handy. One baggy contains paper towels to re-use while pressing wax from waxed thread, an empty TP roll and green frog tape is storage for waxed thread. Scissors are assigned to spaces. Fabric shears for cutting, trimmers and snips for the sewing machine and trimmers and snips kept at the ironing board. I don't like constantly having to stop to look for misplaced scissors. I have a dedicated trash bin for the floor next to the machine and a small receptacle to sit on the sewing table for trash/trimmings. Most of these items are from the dollar store. An empty prescription bottle is handy for broken needles and pins.
By limiting distractions, almost all garments are completed in one evening or day - two at the most - including tailored trousers. The only exception is tailored coats and jackets - which is another craft of its own.
What throws a kink in this is the fact I now must draft my own patterns. I despise clothing pattern drafting for some reason. I love drafting and designing buildings by hand or computer. I think I resent having to spend multiple hours to multiple days simply developing a pattern that fits, when I used to be able to spend $1 to $5 on a commercial pattern, spend 10 minutes tweaking it and begin the sewing process. Pattern drafting for my middle-aged body just sucks. Turns a fun task (sewing was never a hobby to me, it was how I acquired my clothing) into the drudgery of disassembling and cleaning all of the windows in a house once a year - for almost every piece of clothing!
Then why did you stop using commercial patterns?
@@undomiel466 They don't fit me any longer and no amount of altering will make them fit.
One of the main reasons I began sewing at age 13 was because I could not purchase trousers or shirts that fit at any price - and we were poor. It would take me 5 minutes to alter a commercial pattern for fit. Now, due to weight gain, aging and posture issues, drafting from scratch is the only way I can get decent results.
My basic body frame was never a standard size and aging added so many additional issues, commercial patterns aren't even a helpful starting point. I feel like I'm trying to fit Quasimoto. Just isn't fun at all.
@@cliftonmcnalley8469 have you considered getting a Bootstrap dress form? I don’t know if draping falls into the same category of pain for you that drafting does, but maybe having a custom dressform based on your actual body measurements might reduce the amount of drafting you need to do. They have adjustments for posture, shoulder slope, belly protuberance, height etc. as well.
@@Febiza919 This is on my "to do" list. Unfortunately, there are too many things ahead of it.🥺
@@cliftonmcnalley8469 I get it 🫂. I’m actually working on mine right now and though it’s a time intensive build, it’s kind of amazing watching my “body clone” take shape before my eyes lol. Another consideration is digital pattern drafting or digital alterations from indie designs. Bootstrap also has custom patterns I believe. It sounds like you’re savvy with design software (you design houses?!?!?!? 🤯🤯🤯👏🏾). So you can do measurements, scan clothes you have that already fit etc, and scale them in illustrator type software and reduce some of the manual drafting pain.
Hope you find a workaround that brings the joy back to your process because you sound insanely talented.
The way u teach has made the journey so beautiful and memorable...thank u soo much for making this skill super easy for us....!!
I'm often making my own pattern based on what fabric I have, so I'll actually draw out the fabric scaled on grid paper to figure out things like how long CAN I make that dress if I want full sleeves? I spend a couple of days thinking about it all before I even lay out patterns or take scissors to cloth.
I'm actually more likely to mess up a ready-made pattern than one I'm creating myself because I assume they've thought about things so I don't have to...
I keep my patterns and my notes all in page protectors in a binder, I usually note my measurements for each garment because I might change, who knows... I also make notes on things I'd change if I did it again.
Order of construction sounds like a good idea to contemplate, I need to learn more of how to do French seams without lunmpy connections... and most of what I've been doing are way simpler (I've only ever done one lined garment ever) so thanks for the tips.
Sounds like you've got a well organised process 😀😀 I know what you mean about commercial patterns and assuming they've right of all the things, they haven't! 😆
I agree wholeheartedly that sewing is just 30% and planning and calculating the fit takes the longest time. I will redraw the pattern and then I have to do a bust adjustment. I have to make sure the measurements align with my body measurements and then do a toile. I may even have to do another toile, I will put it on and then correct the fit, make the adjustments on the pattern, then maybe another before I can be comfortable enough to cut into my expensive fabric. I keep all my cut pattern pieces in a large flat plastic bin. I have another container for all my scissors, threads, feet, and tools. That way I'm not looking all over the place for them. Unfortunately for me, a project can take weeks. because all I have are the weekends and when I get off of work. But sometimes after work, I'm tired. So it's weekends.
Great subject Evelyn 😊I like to break down the project by bullet points for the toile and final project including pattern alterations, cutting out (e.g. including pattern matching), order of sewing (including basting) etc. I try to assign a bullet point list by week allowance, so it can be broken into chunks and to fit in with work, family and other things I have on during the week.
Love this, I've just started a wrap dress made from a bed throw Indian Cotton gifted to me by my best friend, it was in her mum's stash of fabric, purchased in India on one of her may trips.. It's a circular print, in a rectangle, with different layers, peacocks, elephants and other beautiful designs. Its taken me at least a day to plan and cut the pattern out. This morning I started to plan how to assemble the dress as it will be a little different to my dress pattern and this video is what I needed.
Are you working from a pre-constructed pattern or did you create one yourself? I bought material and initially thought of copying a wrap dress I have, although the thought is suddenly daunting me. Not that my next alternative is an easy dress option either 😆
@@dilshaad_23 I've used the pattern vogue v8784 with an adaptation of joining the front and back pattern pieces together so there are no side seams. It was a second hand pattern I purchased a few months ago.
When I first started I wouldn’t have done this, (stubborn and impatient ) BUT it’s a great idea! I’m going to do this now.❤❤❤❤
Evelyn, where were you when i made my first garments?! I could have used your project planning tips when I made my first top and shorts set. The shorts had four main panels, two for the front and two for the back. I sewed them up and then wondered how I had accidentally made one leg longer than the other. I proceeded to cut the longer side to even them up, only then to realize I had lost track of which were the front panels and which were the back panels, and essentially ended up with four front panels... and shorts that were too short to wear! If I had only been following your UA-cam channel then, I would have had shorts to wear! Alas, UA-cam didn't exist, and you were not born yet.
Your channel is amazing! You’re the first sewist I started watching after deciding I wanted to make my own clothes. 💜
Awww Aubigney thankyou so much! It makes my day to hear my videos have helped you so much 😊
This video has come such a right time. I am going to cut and sew my first basic bodice. Yesterday watched the sewing mistakes to avoid and a lot of other sewing essential videos.
Good Luck!
Woo hoo!!! Happy sewing then 😀
@@TriBeccaDesigns thank you
@@Evelyn__Wood thank you so much
Very, very wise to make a plan. It’s very easy to get carried away by one’s exciting ideas, but then realise too late that an essential component is missing and have to waste time going out shopping mid-project (possibly in the rush hour) or waiting for something to arrive by post.
Evelyn, you are brilliant. Thank you for this video, it is fantastic and very helpful. Thank you
Great tips, thank you!
I HAVE to have a list of the notions and/or special equipment that I will need. I always seem to be short the number of buttons or forget that I need to dig out my bias tape maker for bound seams or something else that stops me in my tracks - so very frustrating. I do like the idea of making my process more formal. I wish now that I had records of my previous makes. I think "oh, I'll remember that alteration". Yeah, not really. Great ideas in this video!
Sometimes there can be very lengthy instructions, as you said. I’m at the point where I summarise steps, written in the margins or across the top of page , and highlighted, such as- do hem. 1 inch ( or whatever), do side seams, etc. I carefully read through the entire instructions first, making myself very familiar with the pattern and highlighting references to my version, size, tips etc. Then follow up afterwards with notes on date first made, size made, fabric used, changes made to the pattern, further changes needed etc. Adding a snippet of fabric used taped to the pattern or added to pattern envelope, or notes to jog my memory.
my project planning:
find picture of garment i want
think of the perfect fabric for it
go to joanns
get a completely different fabric
draft pattern directly onto fabric
screw up cutting out the pattern pieces you think you need
screw up sewing the shell together many many times
figure out ways to hide all of the mistakes with nice decorations
realize you need a zipper
sew in zipper backwards, then upside down, then to the wrong side, but right way up
eventually it will be wearable and all i have to do is never point out the mistakes to anyone
final step: profit
Wise words! I just ordered a dress pattern and want to be more thoughtful about the whole process. This is brilliant.
Two questions-
1) How many of the details - thread, zippers, interfacing, buttons, trims, etc - do you mock up on the muslin first? Trying to balance out making a super helpful toile with saving money on notions...
2) Do you have a list/blog post/cheat sheet summarizing all this goodness? I will be re-watching to take notes anyway 😂 just asking first since your approach makes so much sense to my brain
I watched one of Evelyn's other videos that included the basics of project planning and made my own project planner from that. I have just made modifications to that my existing planner while watching this video.
Madeline, I have a video on making toiles/ mockups that will answer everything you asked. Just search my channel.
And I have these planners available for students of Vintage Sewing School, or you can make your own also 😊
I have mock up zips that I rip out and reuse when I’m finished with mocking up. I salvage all the notions that I can off my and my husbands clothes that have died. I generally skip interfacing on mock ups unless absolutely necessary. Sometimes I skip the zip in a skirt or shorts. Charity shops sometimes have bags of threads and other notions. I know people who save their hand basting thread and reuse it. I’m not quite there yet 😄
@@emmadavey3892 Re-using notions - brilliant! I will start setting aside some supplies in the basket where I keep my muslin fabric. Thanks for mentioning the rescued zippers, I have salvaged a couple zippers from worn out clothes and wasn't quite sure what to do with them.
Re-using thread does sound pretty intense. Maybe I will just use cheap bobbin thread for mock ups 😅
Thank you so much!!
My local thrift stores have bags of threads the quality is questionable but it’s fine for basting and cheap!
One of my huge problems when I go to sew something; I start going through every possible scenario and season of wearing something. I get myself all confused and bogged down! 😆
Sooo much great advice! Thank you
Such a great vlog. I always read over a pattern and research for hems, sleeve’s and gather my notions for my project. Nice review of organization for sewing new projects ❤️
Thanks for watching Alice 😀
I was like halfway through the video when I realized I wasn’t paying near enough attention to the Golden knowledge being imparted. So I rewound to the 1 minute mark and restarted!
My process starts with watching the pertinent Evelyn Woods videos and to continue watching them while I am actively sewing. 😂 I have to admit I am unorganized and I lose things and have duplicates of tools and trims and such because of that
Please could you show us how to make a neat, deep, flared hem? I’ve always found this difficult. Thanks.
I do have a plan sheet but it is not very detailed so I have been missing things out, especially the accessories like buttons. I am on a top project at the moment and is nearing the end, only I don't have any buttons for it so a frantic search on the internet to find said buttons. I need to put in more detail before I start.
Sounds like you'll very much enjoy a detailed project plan and having ready for a smooth process Babbra. Happy sewing on your next one 😀
Also be sure to note which machine you used to complete each phase.
Good tip yes!!
Could you please make a video on sewing bias tape?
This was interesting to compare to my own (developing) process. I am just about starting out sewing and I do not test out everything before starting the actual garment, by preference. If I did I think I would be overwhelmed by all the new things to learn all at once and never actually start the garment. As I know so little there are A LOT of things I would need to test out.
Like I do do tests, mock ups are not optional, but I do them in between construction steps. A learn -> apply, learn -> apply process. Testing out stuff between most construction steps, because I am still learning the all basics and I do not know which method I like best for the given project and fabric. Perfection is the enemy of progress as they say.
Perhaps this method of planning is more suited for "intermediate" beginners?
Hey Evelyn, I'm a beginner sewer and about to attempt to cut my first patter , and it's t-shirt like fabric and I do have production people that will sew it together so want it to be exactly the way they expect it ....any suggestions ?
what do you recommend making the mock up garment out of? I was thinking i might try making it out of paper to check and see if the size is good.
Have you ever taught children before? My neighbor would love her kids to learn to sew and since I sew she asked if I would help. I’d love to but I’m not sure how to teach children. Any tips?
There are lots of learn to sew books for kids. Buy one with good reviews, and plan for each project/chapter before the kids come over, then use it as a lesson plan.
Those kind of books always cover the very basics, so you don't have to worry that you're leaving something out.
Throughly read pattern instructions before doing any cutting or sewing.
Absolutely, read everything. I have actually read through a pattern four or five times before I have properly understood what I am meant to be doing. I think it should be the first stage of making a new garment. If you don't know what you are making how can you plan it.
Have you sold Vogue 1435? I was trying to get some tips on the jacket with top stitching is the top stitch on the back and let me know if you have any videos
I honestly never thought about having a project plan. But then I sew but am not a seamstress. Lol Seems like alot of work. Brain work is NOT my favorite activity.
How many kinds of interfacing are there for sewing?
i want to construct garments from scratch and im kind of confused on the ease factor /:
Ease is the amount of room you need to be able to move. If you’re working with spandex it would be your exact measurements or a little smaller (negative ease). You can make different styles by just adding more ease. There’s also walking ease in long coat and skirts. Without the walking ease you can’t take a full step or it bunches up or pulls weirdly while walking.
My project planning? Umm, a wing and a toile? Honestly, apart from choosing a style/pattern and checking measurements, my plan is usually worked out on the fly during the toile. It's not going to suit everyone, but that's how I roll. The exception is when I am using handwoven fabric. When the fabric has taken many hrs of work just to produce the yardage, you can bet I have a detailed plan of action.
Same here
@@mrsducky3428 Yay for organic process!
I’m so glad I’m not the only one!! If it’s not a fitted garment I sometimes skip the mock-up! If it’s super expensive fabric then there’s planning lots and lots of planning!! I have a cape pattern I want to make but the fabric is expensive. I want a good quality wool. I also don’t have time to actually make it right now so pre pre planning!
🇨🇦😃
what’s the best sewing machine for putting leather fabrics on hats ?
I’ve asked everyone and nobody wants to direct me
I’m just looking for a sewing machine that does straight stitch nothing extra
An older model "basic workhorse" sewing machine. (EX: Singer) Early model sewing machines were built to handle heavy duty fabrics.
@@susanskidmore9516 im looking to do about 5 hats a day ( 35 hats a week ) im looking for the best sewing machine for this and my budget is 1000$ maybe a little bit over what’s my best option 🤔
i havent even watched this video and i want to cry
Why?