I love seeing how Bernadette has slowly but surely grown more and more comfortable with showing us her goofiness. She’s a glorious and elegant goon and I love her antics.
I know this will get buried, but Bernadette, if you ever see this, just know that you have inspired me in ways I never knew I could be inspired. I too have scoliosis and making cloths for me has always been a daunting task. but you taught me how to work with it. I am now almost a year into making my own cloths. I've learned so much from you, thank you for giving me the courage to start. I never knew the confidence I would gain from making my own cloths that just fit with out having to worry about size or my spine. It's world changing, really. So thank you, a million thank yous.
As a fellow scoliosis haver, I am right with you. I started altering t shirts and blouses, making a dress and yes I do have to measure both my sides, because it's not much different from a mock up anyway
I have scoliosis as well, although not as severely as some. With minimal modification, most garments I buy conceal my spinal discrepancies pretty well. I am bedridden, so what I do now is to wear loose night shirts while I'm home and similarly loose dresses when I go out. The worst part is pain. I would love to hear how you adapt to it.
Love this! Sometimes altering an existing garment is much more feasible than creating one from scratch. Now I want to trawl the men's section for some waistcoats!
I do that. I've gotten some delicious tweeds that way. My only complaint with waistcoats is the back is usually made of a different fabric. Sometimes I want the back to match the front. I have thrifted men's jackets for that purpose. Then I have nice lapels if I want them and the fabric from the sleeves can be used for other things. I also get to see the inside of the coat which is always fun because I have a serious case of tailoring envy.
One thought from watching this video: the problem with modern fashion is actually about our perception of it and our bodies. Now we seem to believe that it’s us who should fit into clothes which is obviously impossible and even not what the producers expect really. In the past, even when clothing became mass manufactured it was clothes that people were expecting to fit onto their bodies. This is so much healthier approach than we have now sadly. By the way I love this flip❤ the fabric is truly gorgeous and you made it fit like a dream.
Until recently, all department stores had alterations people. It was normal to have things altered to fit, and it still goes on. Cheap clothes really can’t be altered much, but the big problem is finding people who can do the work. It’s a highly skilled trade, now dominated by immigrants.
@@elizabethclaiborne6461 The BEST tailors I've come across in my city were two Eastern European women who worked for a now-defunct department store (Eaton's). I tried to find them before the store shut down, but they had already. Still think about them to this day.
@@elizabethclaiborne6461 you struggle to find people who can alter clothes, but there's enough immigrants doing it that you think the field's dominated by them? i don't think that makes sense, why can't you see an immigrant?
learning how to sew and alter the ones i already had helped me a lot with my perception of my body, my body dysmorphya was so severe i would buy things 4 sizes bigger and i still thought i couldn't fit them, now i don't spend money just to have to give those clothes away but i also just... know? what i look like which helps tremendously
My elderly mother just watched this, her first ever Bernadette Banner vid and is quite charmed. Having sewn and mended our clothes as kids she enthusiastically approves of the transformation. She did give me the standard lecture we received as children about when to use her "good" scissors and tsked-tsked when you cut the boning. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this minute in memory lane.
@@rlovelace1307 Maybe they have already. I think this person comes from a German speaking country, where it is a custom that carpenters and other tradespeople (not all do that, but some do) go on their journeyman years (called "Walz") and during that time they wear a particular outfit that has a lot of oldy-timey elements. It's called "Kluft" and usually consists of pants, waistcoat and jacket (all from black corduroy for carpenters, can be other material for other trades), a hat, a bundle and a few particular jewelry elements.
Wonderful! Now finally I feel brave enough to tackle the many men's waistcoats that are too slightly big for me to wear that I have accumulated throughout the years. About the video itself, I love the backlit shots of cotton fabric, it's very cool to see how they layer and it's pretty neat to see how the stitching looks like in that light. (also you seem to become more and more chaotic and unhinged in your ad introductions, which is now a sure way to make me sit through the whole thing no matter who the sponsor is 🤣)
Bernadette, you inspire me so much. I have started sewing clothes for myself, by hand, and love it. A few weeks ago I found a vintage wool coat in a charity shop. I have never seen tailoring like that. The lining was in shreds, but the rest of the coat was in beautiful condition. I took the lining out and studied the coat, and then I made a new lining. I have never made a pattern myself before, but I had to, since I couldn’t draw after the old lining. It turned out so well, and I now have the most amazing coat, that will last the rest of my life. I would never even have attempted that if I hadn’t seen your video about tailoring a coat. ❤️
I love waistcoats/vests. When living in London, Brussels, and Boston, I discovered that a tiny extra layer over the vital organs did more to keep me warm than other garment, with the possible exception of gloves.
*Disclaimer: I love you Bernadette, and I'm sure you have your reasons.* Bernadette: I don't feel like making an entire waistcoat from scratch. Also Bernadette: Basically, I'm just going to take apart this entire waistcoat and reconstruct it from scratch. It will be easier that way.
Mentally it's a different approach. It's like the difference between deciding what to paint on a blank canvas (daunting) and ripping up an old painting to make a collage. Mentally it feels like a lighter task.
Possessing about 4 left hands and never having learned to sew properly in my nearly 53 years, I believe I'll probably be less intimidated if I start learning to alter, rather than to make from scratch. Thank you for this! ❤
I started by altering thinking it was easier. There are lots of sewist who never tackle altering because it’s a different bird. It was a confidence builder for me because I was always trying to build out historical ball gowns when my sewing level was at make pillow cases.
@@ambroseelon9989 ahhhh ok. I hope it helped. I am a sewist who tries to understand the why before making something. I think it helps, but that’s just me. Tailoring is a whole lot of of why’s and makes my head spin. 🤣🤣🤣 it looks so good afterward though. I have made quite a few more simple to medium level Victorian garments. They come out so lovely. The shaping is amazing.
Many people find sewing from scratch easier but only if the garment is unstructured enough to forgo multiple mock-ups (although some find mockups good practice). It all depends on the person. I found making informal costumes to be my gateway because the details didn't matter. I dived right into cutting without patterns or even measurements, but just looking like the size and shape of my clothes. I also had done piecework quilts with lovely easy geometric shapes an all straight lines.
I learnt to sew by making small bags and quilting to learn the basic skills of sewing without worrying about wonky lines. Then moved onto altering and mending things that don't fit or have broken. Now I've moved onto making clothes from scratch, I wouldn't have had the confidence or skills to jump in at making a pair of trousers. In my opinion while your making clothes you try them on and alter them to fit so starting with a "working" garment as a base then altering/mending especially if it would would have gone in the bin is a cheep and easy way to get well fitting garments as well as it being good for the environment
As someone who does alterations, I strongly encourage everyone who sews or wants to sew to give it a try! It can completely change not only the way a garment looks, but more importantly how you feel in it. It's also a great way to learn more about finishing techniques, and help make your projects look that much more polished and professional.
Bernadette, here is an idea for a future project: in the 1930s, there was a pulp magazine series character called Doc Savage. Doc had lots of adventures in exotic places, and he became a partial inspiration for both Batman and Superman. Similar to Batman's utility belt, Doc had a utility vest that carried all sorts of gadgets that he used to foil the baddies. With your love of both vests and pockets, I suggest you make a 'fabric-buying and antiquing vest'. This could have custom pockets for a small magnifying glass, scissors, small tape measure, notebook and pencil, and any other doodads that can help you foil the villians of fast-fashion and throw-away commerce.
Oh, I’m sure it would go great with her scissor sheath! It would be wonderful if she specifically designed it to functionally hold pins and other supplies for alteration projects like this.
I just purchased a mens waistcoat from the 60s and was going to turn it into a victorian-style waistcoat, this video literally could not have come at a better time! Many thanks.
The waistcoat turned out great. Good job with the pattern matching on the front darts. Knowing that I can alter garments is one of the reasons I started learning to sew. I was dissatisfied with modern fashion even before I started learning about historical fashion... Counter dwelling Bernadette is kind of my mood this friday afternoon...
What a transformation! Besides being more flattering, it's amazing how the quality of clothing appears to ramp up when it's tailored to fit. The final looks like a more expensive piece.
I get a lot of clothing from my mother in law who tends to favor loose shapeless styles, whereas I like clothes that have seams and structure that give me a flattering shape. Thanks to this channel, I have learned that I can adapt these clothes to my desired shape
I just found your book in the small book shop near me, I can honestly say it was one of the greatest moments of my sewing life! Ok so I had to gift it to my 14 year old daughter who idolises you and is starting her seamstress career next year, but I shall be looking over her shoulder waiting for her to put it down for a moment ! Thank you so much for everything you contribute!
As I was hemming some pants for my latest Theatre costuming job, a little girl walked up to me and asked where i learn to sew. And I said UA-cam! But what I should have said is, Bernadette Banner taught me😂 Thank you, btw😊
More of these thrift flips please! Mostly because I am a petite person and nothing is in my size without altering so this is very very helpful! Also making clothes from scratch can be fun but time consuming so sometimes making alterations from 2nd hand clothes is just the right amount of time I have!
Honestly, my goal at this point in life is to be something of a jack of all trades, and Bernadette is my sure-fire source of inspiration for learning how to hand-sew and tailor my own clothing to my personal interests and style.
I'm not lying... But I was just thinking today "Wouldn't it be great to buy a thrifted jacket or waistcoat and remake it in period style? Maybe I should do it." Then I opened up UA-cam and here this was. The power of manifesting and Bernadette combined
Thank you, Ms. Banner! I am imagining a time-traveler from the 19th century entering today, blending in, yet maintaining her high standards of fit and fashion.
Thank you for keeping me company as I work on my own waistcoat! In my case, the multitude of ends to weave at the end of a Fair Isle knitted version. Somehow, watching other people hand sew makes my own go faster. Great project, as always.
I am not a seamstress, never have been, but there is something very satisfying about watching other people do it, particularly you and particularly regarding clothing styles I’ve always wished I could wear. You bring me much joy, Bernadette.
I love being transported back to the Victorian era everytime I watch one of your tutorials. Just magical and to watch u construct your clothing is truly a joy. Thanku so much xx
This was very pleasant to watch! I want to see more of those trousers, too! I want to make more Edwardian type ones for myself for pants are so intimidating!
After making a waistcoat-ish garment inspired by the earlier video, "Tips for achieving historical styles," I'm ready to learn more! Such an inspiration!!!
Bernadette, I appreciate your editorial and silly close captions so very much each time I see it, it makes me smile. *Tiny Snip* *Another Tiny Snip* *Sewing Machine Click Clack* *Victorian Sewing Machine go brrrr*
This has been SUPER helpful! Especially with fitting along the back as I have never had clothes fit me nicely without some work (I have scoliosis and an inwardly bending spine) so seeing how to make it lie flat along the back using that shape of dart gives me so much joy! (I have a swooshy coat planned but trying to make it fit nice has been a struggle).
This slow fashion movement is such an empowering thing. I have had 3 children in 4yrs and breastfed them all, so my body has undergone many changes back and forth with different clothing needs. I discovered my wardrobe is woefully lacking to actually serve me through different parts of my life and how the female body changes from time to time. I am tired of working for my clothes instead of my clothes working for me! So i am making my own dresses that will serve me, because what i want cannot be bought. My clothes should serve my body, not my body working for my clothes.
Bernadette, you have arrived! I love these Thrift Flips, using old-fashioned traditional techniques, your sewing house, and love the music and the inspiration that you push out on to us all. Thank you!
I'd consider myself a long-time follower at this point, so I feel confident in saying that it has been a wonderful journey to watch your level of comfort with using the sewing machine raise over each project you share. It feels like you've arrived somewhere really beautiful where you show us this nice balance between large construction seams are fine when stitched with the machine, but can also show us where it is helpful and efficient to just hand stitch the details.
Actually sat down to watch this video after getting all my chores done! A wonderful reward after many frustrating attempts to clean the kitchen faucet 😆
YES Bernadette! as a person with scoliosis , petite, and curvy. its damn near always required of me to tailor my clothing, Power to all the sway back folks, we will be the best dressed persons in the room.
I love how loose and whimsical you've been in the past few videos! It's so much fun to get to see you have fun and be a little silly! The prop comedy with your hat has me giggling on an otherwise dreary morning, thank you!!
watching your videos always makes me feel closer to my seamstress, crafty grandma who passed away. thank you for that and keep doing what you do! it inspires me to sew and become closer to my grandma in a way.
I loved this - thank you! I was hoping for more thrift flip stuff from you because I can't ordinarily afford to buy new fabric and want to make better choices RE Fast Fashion (again inspired by your good self!) slowly but surely building up the courage to make myself a split skirt but... oh yeah, I'm a beginner still lol...
I highly recommend buying bedsheets from thrift stores if you need bulk fabric. It'll at least help with mock up pattern making without the hefty pricing
@@noaccount2494 that is true but a LOT of the bedsheets I find in my local charity shop are polyester blend and... Sure I want to learn but I also want to be responsible and not bring extra plastic into my home x
Bernadette's humor + Bernadette's skill + Bernadette's innate elegance = sheer delight for us, her humble audience. Whether you watch to learn or watch to be entertained, you can't lose.
the subtitles make me giggle while also being very informative, im glad i can also enjoy this even if i cannot hear it properly :D (antique sewing machine click clack is my personal favourite)
One of my fave videos of yours Bernadette! Love how you show us how to take a modern garment, identify the issues needed to "vintage-ize" it, and actually show us how you did it. Love it!
This is exactly what I've been wanting to do, as I've wanted to make a tweed vest but I live in an area of the US where it is INCREDIBLY difficult to find tweed fabric that isn't astronomically expensive. What we do have, however, is an abundance of thrift stores with tweed/herringbone mens vests/jackets for $10. I will definitely be doing this :)
Yes, this was inspiring. A Big thanks to the effort in "All"aspects of this video for the music was also a nice touch. I may now consider alternating my deceased Dad's Vermont "wool"s into a new love garment this holiday. Best Wishes to everyone!
You mentioned the padding in the chest/arm area and something just clicked in my brain like of course!! That makes so much sense! The end result looks very nice 😊
Berdanette, my parents never got to understand this type of clothing and they always told me it was only for man and old. Seeing another woman appreciate the same style of clothing as me, really bring confort to my interior child ❤❤❤
Not only do I love watching your transformations/creations, but the music and ambient sounds come together in your videos magically as well. The songs you play are so melancholic and remind me of my childhood. Absolutely love it!
I’ve had a suede vest/skirt set for years hanging in my closet, original tags still on it. The vest never felt as if it fit quite right. I now have the courage to jump into fitting it properly ❤ Huzzah!
I absolutely adore your videos. I know that I’m here as a reincarnated soul straight from the 1880’s. Your tutorials are so thorough but I also just love seeing your Victorian surroundings. It feels like home to me. Thanks again for the meticulous time, energy and effort. Much love, Robyn
I've got a waistcoat like this and I've wanted to alter it with absolutely no idea how to do it. Thank you Bernadette ! Now to just get the courage to actually alter it....
It's funny that you mention newsies, I was just thinking of the heavy Miss Fix vibes i.e. the journalist from last year's adaption of _Around_ _the_ _World_ _in_ _80_ _Days_
Loved it and I am loving how you are blossoming into an freedom of spirit that I hadn't seen before you moved to England. Apparently, it suits you well!! So happy for you and us as we see you grow and teach us new things with each video.
Omg youtuber sponsorship ads are the BEST! Entertainment in itself. Way to call out literally everyone with the procrastination line by the way. I'm fascinated with learning about altering and repairing clothes so this was right up my alley
I desperately need to alter a suede waistcoat I thrifted. It is currently so unflattering. This is inspiring me to possibly hand stitch it myself or at the very least, take it to a tailor.
I feel this so hard; my focus is Viking age mens fashion, and I ADORE long floopy tunics and dresses (am putting together an authentic Viking drag get up), and going from my knee length wool tunic with a tailored chest and sleeves, to a modern shirt that barely comes past my hips when sized to me, and has hugely oversized sleeves and chest when sized to reach the mid thigh, is frustrating to say the least
The only small thing I have to say about thrifting larger items to than mend or tailor down, although it is fine of course just to be cautious because other larger people find it difficult already to find normal avenues for clothing consumption, and it is even more difficult in the thrifting world. So please be wary to others who want to do this to not get the biggest one to take it down? I think Bernadette did a good job of getting one that is a couple of sizes out of her range and not just getting the biggest plus size one for the fabric.
My favorite Victorian thing is the undershirts. Love to get my hands on a comfortable cotton undershirt made in the style of the 1870s. The sleeve room and the breathability are so swell.
I love tailoring. Almost all my clothes have to be slightly tailored to work for my short but extra curvy form. This is one of the many reasons why I learned to sew and set up my closet sewing room (literally it’s a closet in my office). But I usually need my sister (a gown designer actually) to do the pinning for me.
Wowww everything about this is beautiful. The waistcoat, your nails, the sewing machine-and finishing it all off with a Newsies reference?!? Perfection.
Reminder for those that might be new to thrift flipping, please stay close to your size range when picking clothes and leave the plus size for the plus size! The fashion industry already makes it difficult to buy new and the second hand market is even harder for those of us that either can't or don't want to buy new, especially for those in the larger sizes. Have you ever noticed that Goodwill sizing stops at 2xl or size 20/22?
That‘s all well and good, but at any thrift stores it is first come first served….and I say that with a size 46….don‘t guilt trip people into leaving a potential project hanging, that‘s mean!
@@lynnm6413 I'm not trying to guilt trip, but it is a thing to be conscious of since not everyone has the means/knowledge/time to do the same that we do of altering clothes and they shouldn't be asked to pick up a whole skillet because a whole industry wants to be exclusionary. And I say this as a US size 28/30. The clothes that I can get off the rack are slim at best, and what I can get are still in need of alterations to make them big enough for me to wear comfortably. It's not unreasonable to ask someone a size 4 to look at 6-8 or size 10 to look at 12-14 and not grab the 22-30+.
I thrifted a beuatiful 80s velvet and silk embroidered blazer... It was way to small for me.... I upcycled it into a waistcoat using the silk sleeves as a way to widen the piece.... Omg its awesome.... Thank you for this vidio it helped me.... Alterating my vest
I thrifted a lovely jacket that needs some tailoring and some repair. I don't know when it was made, but the sewing is exquisite (so clearly not made in the last 20 years or so, lbr...). So I've been dragging my feet on getting it done. One issue I had while trying to fit it was how to get it to sit properly on my back. I kept trying to take in the sides, but it wasn't quite right. I had almost decided to maybe try back darts, but the fabric is so beautifully pieced together (a vertical stripe pattern that is just ... the tailoring is so good!). I had a feeling that couldn't be right. I didn't realize what the issue was until you mentioned you were swaybacked. I've got some weird issues with my spine, nothing too severe, just scoliosis and some fused vertebrae, but I always have a hard time trying to tailor clothes. I didn't think about a swayback and how to tailor the center back to curve slightly until now.... Brilliant...
I love your Emmerline Pankhurst banner Bernadette, she was a true Goddess / Warrior in the fight, bless her and you for showing us a glimpse of the banner..Peter..
Bernadette, we love you! I love your elegant antics. I've gotten my husband to watch and you make him laugh. (In a good way). Can you do a video on working with wool fabrics, and velvets and different hand stitching associated with it.
Thank you! I know it's not a tutorial, but it gives me a sense of what I need to do to do the exact same thing - turn a few hugely oversized already thrifted men's vests that sit ominously on the project shelf into ones that fit me and provide a shape I prefer.
Thank you for talking about padding. It’s something we don’t talk about enough, in my opinion, our bodies don’t have to be a particular shape, we can make our clothes fit the shape.
Only a beginner having a few repair projects under my belt, but already the act of raising the foot plate and drawing out the threads feels slightly triumphant. Yes. This step is done.
I have to say, ever since I found you after literally burning a copy of the red dress you made, I cannot say enough how glad I am that I found you and how sad that I never even got to bump into you before you left NYC. You seem like so much fun and you make such beautiful things
Bernadette, pleasantly noticing as ~ 10% of your viewers [LIKE] this video (as usually 10% or more!), I congratulate you on Making Some Progressive Changes in your look. Progress is what we're on youtube for, aren't we? I enjoy watching Ms Bernadette's art - sewing & vlogging. Blessings on your successful way. Your fan crocheter
I want to compliment you on your incredible book. I gave it to myself for Christmas and I am overjoyed I did. I always give myself The BEST gifts. I don't know if you read your comments, lady, but you are an amazing young woman! Bravo!
Bernadette is is slowly continuing her transformation into Victorian/Edwardian mob boss, one mildly ominous waistcoat at a time.
I thought the beard was the finale of the transformation...
A thin black Cigarrello is usually the point-of-no-return for victorian villenesses.
Oh I love this! 😂
And we are all loving it
I am here for it. Imagine watching Murdoch Mysteries or Miss Scarlet and the Duke and this character shows up? ✨️P E R F E C T I O N✨️
I love seeing how Bernadette has slowly but surely grown more and more comfortable with showing us her goofiness. She’s a glorious and elegant goon and I love her antics.
You just want to go on adventures* with her and and get up to all sorts of shenanigans
*Fabric shopping or mighty quests, it's all fun
She has the most wonderful personality!
A glorious and elegant goon. Yes. That’s it exactly. 😂😂
I aspire to glorious and elegant gooniness.
**wistful sigh**
Oh how I love a good cup of tea and a Bernadette video. Hello from 🇨🇦
I know this will get buried, but Bernadette, if you ever see this, just know that you have inspired me in ways I never knew I could be inspired. I too have scoliosis and making cloths for me has always been a daunting task. but you taught me how to work with it. I am now almost a year into making my own cloths. I've learned so much from you, thank you for giving me the courage to start. I never knew the confidence I would gain from making my own cloths that just fit with out having to worry about size or my spine. It's world changing, really. So thank you, a million thank yous.
It is wonderful to read your post.
A wonder for each passing day. It's amazing to read this. May you have a wonderful day.
This will not get buried if people continue to like and comment on it. It is great to see inspiration and hope shining in posts like this one!
As a fellow scoliosis haver, I am right with you. I started altering t shirts and blouses, making a dress and yes I do have to measure both my sides, because it's not much different from a mock up anyway
I have scoliosis as well, although not as severely as some. With minimal modification, most garments I buy conceal my spinal discrepancies pretty well. I am bedridden, so what I do now is to wear loose night shirts while I'm home and similarly loose dresses when I go out.
The worst part is pain. I would love to hear how you adapt to it.
That was the best ad start I've ever seen 🤣 the waistcoat turned out great.
She knows we're here for the historically anachronistic ankle flash ;)
@@aexious 100%! :)
She Knows, she Knows we procrastinate to her videos 😂.
Love this! Sometimes altering an existing garment is much more feasible than creating one from scratch. Now I want to trawl the men's section for some waistcoats!
I do that. I've gotten some delicious tweeds that way. My only complaint with waistcoats is the back is usually made of a different fabric. Sometimes I want the back to match the front. I have thrifted men's jackets for that purpose. Then I have nice lapels if I want them and the fabric from the sleeves can be used for other things. I also get to see the inside of the coat which is always fun because I have a serious case of tailoring envy.
One thought from watching this video: the problem with modern fashion is actually about our perception of it and our bodies. Now we seem to believe that it’s us who should fit into clothes which is obviously impossible and even not what the producers expect really. In the past, even when clothing became mass manufactured it was clothes that people were expecting to fit onto their bodies. This is so much healthier approach than we have now sadly.
By the way I love this flip❤ the fabric is truly gorgeous and you made it fit like a dream.
Until recently, all department stores had alterations people. It was normal to have things altered to fit, and it still goes on. Cheap clothes really can’t be altered much, but the big problem is finding people who can do the work. It’s a highly skilled trade, now dominated by immigrants.
@@elizabethclaiborne6461 Imagine "likeing" such a gross racist comment.
@@elizabethclaiborne6461 The BEST tailors I've come across in my city were two Eastern European women who worked for a now-defunct department store (Eaton's). I tried to find them before the store shut down, but they had already. Still think about them to this day.
@@elizabethclaiborne6461 you struggle to find people who can alter clothes, but there's enough immigrants doing it that you think the field's dominated by them? i don't think that makes sense, why can't you see an immigrant?
learning how to sew and alter the ones i already had helped me a lot with my perception of my body, my body dysmorphya was so severe i would buy things 4 sizes bigger and i still thought i couldn't fit them, now i don't spend money just to have to give those clothes away but i also just... know? what i look like which helps tremendously
My elderly mother just watched this, her first ever Bernadette Banner vid and is quite charmed. Having sewn and mended our clothes as kids she enthusiastically approves of the transformation. She did give me the standard lecture we received as children about when to use her "good" scissors and tsked-tsked when you cut the boning. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this minute in memory lane.
you can tell her that bernadette has a few pairs of scissors.
and as far as i know her fabric ones have a bit of tartan tied to them
@@saritshull3909 if you look closely, the boning cutting scissors have the familiar tartan scrap, tsk tsking was well in order 😂
Never thought that, as a carpenter, I could so deeply fall in love with historical fashion; thank you Bernadette :)
Because crafting stuff with your hands is relatable.
Did you get into it because of the Kluft?
now you only have to reach your final form: historical carpenter
@@rlovelace1307 Maybe they have already.
I think this person comes from a German speaking country, where it is a custom that carpenters and other tradespeople (not all do that, but some do) go on their journeyman years (called "Walz") and during that time they wear a particular outfit that has a lot of oldy-timey elements. It's called "Kluft" and usually consists of pants, waistcoat and jacket (all from black corduroy for carpenters, can be other material for other trades), a hat, a bundle and a few particular jewelry elements.
Wonderful! Now finally I feel brave enough to tackle the many men's waistcoats that are too slightly big for me to wear that I have accumulated throughout the years. About the video itself, I love the backlit shots of cotton fabric, it's very cool to see how they layer and it's pretty neat to see how the stitching looks like in that light.
(also you seem to become more and more chaotic and unhinged in your ad introductions, which is now a sure way to make me sit through the whole thing no matter who the sponsor is 🤣)
Yes I love her ads😊
Bernadette, you inspire me so much. I have started sewing clothes for myself, by hand, and love it. A few weeks ago I found a vintage wool coat in a charity shop. I have never seen tailoring like that. The lining was in shreds, but the rest of the coat was in beautiful condition. I took the lining out and studied the coat, and then I made a new lining. I have never made a pattern myself before, but I had to, since I couldn’t draw after the old lining. It turned out so well, and I now have the most amazing coat, that will last the rest of my life. I would never even have attempted that if I hadn’t seen your video about tailoring a coat. ❤️
Congratulations on your coat. It’s fun when something comes out like that!
This comment touched me, and I'm so happy for ya! I feel the same about Bernadette too, she never ceases to inspire and entertain me.
@@azrani2023 thank you. Can’t wait for winter, so I can wear it again.
"I was only willing to sacrifice so much pocket room" she's truly the cutest thing on the planet.
I love waistcoats/vests. When living in London, Brussels, and Boston, I discovered that a tiny extra layer over the vital organs did more to keep me warm than other garment, with the possible exception of gloves.
*Disclaimer: I love you Bernadette, and I'm sure you have your reasons.*
Bernadette: I don't feel like making an entire waistcoat from scratch.
Also Bernadette: Basically, I'm just going to take apart this entire waistcoat and reconstruct it from scratch. It will be easier that way.
it's like editing an essay vs writing one from scratch. It's usually easier to change what already exists.
It’s really more of an economical venture than a time-saver.
Mentally it's a different approach. It's like the difference between deciding what to paint on a blank canvas (daunting) and ripping up an old painting to make a collage. Mentally it feels like a lighter task.
Possessing about 4 left hands and never having learned to sew properly in my nearly 53 years, I believe I'll probably be less intimidated if I start learning to alter, rather than to make from scratch. Thank you for this! ❤
But you need to understand the making of the garment to know how to alter it. You are going backwards in this manner.
I started by altering thinking it was easier. There are lots of sewist who never tackle altering because it’s a different bird. It was a confidence builder for me because I was always trying to build out historical ball gowns when my sewing level was at make pillow cases.
@@ambroseelon9989 ahhhh ok. I hope it helped. I am a sewist who tries to understand the why before making something. I think it helps, but that’s just me. Tailoring is a whole lot of of why’s and makes my head spin. 🤣🤣🤣 it looks so good afterward though. I have made quite a few more simple to medium level Victorian garments. They come out so lovely. The shaping is amazing.
Many people find sewing from scratch easier but only if the garment is unstructured enough to forgo multiple mock-ups (although some find mockups good practice). It all depends on the person. I found making informal costumes to be my gateway because the details didn't matter. I dived right into cutting without patterns or even measurements, but just looking like the size and shape of my clothes. I also had done piecework quilts with lovely easy geometric shapes an all straight lines.
I learnt to sew by making small bags and quilting to learn the basic skills of sewing without worrying about wonky lines. Then moved onto altering and mending things that don't fit or have broken. Now I've moved onto making clothes from scratch, I wouldn't have had the confidence or skills to jump in at making a pair of trousers. In my opinion while your making clothes you try them on and alter them to fit so starting with a "working" garment as a base then altering/mending especially if it would would have gone in the bin is a cheep and easy way to get well fitting garments as well as it being good for the environment
As someone who does alterations, I strongly encourage everyone who sews or wants to sew to give it a try! It can completely change not only the way a garment looks, but more importantly how you feel in it. It's also a great way to learn more about finishing techniques, and help make your projects look that much more polished and professional.
Do you have any suggestions for a starting point? I have intermediate sewing skills and have made a few dresses. Any books or vids you’d suggest? Thx!
Bernadette, here is an idea for a future project: in the 1930s, there was a pulp magazine series character called Doc Savage. Doc had lots of adventures in exotic places, and he became a partial inspiration for both Batman and Superman. Similar to Batman's utility belt, Doc had a utility vest that carried all sorts of gadgets that he used to foil the baddies. With your love of both vests and pockets, I suggest you make a 'fabric-buying and antiquing vest'. This could have custom pockets for a small magnifying glass, scissors, small tape measure, notebook and pencil, and any other doodads that can help you foil the villians of fast-fashion and throw-away commerce.
Oh, I’m sure it would go great with her scissor sheath! It would be wonderful if she specifically designed it to functionally hold pins and other supplies for alteration projects like this.
I most certainly hope she sees this comment! What a wonderful idea for another ‘badassery’ tool holder!
I just purchased a mens waistcoat from the 60s and was going to turn it into a victorian-style waistcoat, this video literally could not have come at a better time! Many thanks.
The waistcoat turned out great. Good job with the pattern matching on the front darts.
Knowing that I can alter garments is one of the reasons I started learning to sew. I was dissatisfied with modern fashion even before I started learning about historical fashion...
Counter dwelling Bernadette is kind of my mood this friday afternoon...
What a transformation! Besides being more flattering, it's amazing how the quality of clothing appears to ramp up when it's tailored to fit. The final looks like a more expensive piece.
It IS. Never forget to give credit for labor!
It's hard to find nicley fitted or tailored clothes without paying a fortune. This waistcoat should be paying YOU for making it look so damn good!
I'm a simple woman, I see Bernadette makes a video and I watch(enviously).
💚
I'm a simple man, I do the same.
@@douglasboyle6544 **high five**
I get a lot of clothing from my mother in law who tends to favor loose shapeless styles, whereas I like clothes that have seams and structure that give me a flattering shape. Thanks to this channel, I have learned that I can adapt these clothes to my desired shape
Bernadette: you are procrastinating some chores right now..
Me: 👀. Not watching this while I'm meant to be cleaning the kitchen 👀👀
I *know*...I was like, "wait, how did she know?" 😁
I just found your book in the small book shop near me, I can honestly say it was one of the greatest moments of my sewing life! Ok so I had to gift it to my 14 year old daughter who idolises you and is starting her seamstress career next year, but I shall be looking over her shoulder waiting for her to put it down for a moment ! Thank you so much for everything you contribute!
As I was hemming some pants for my latest Theatre costuming job, a little girl walked up to me and asked where i learn to sew. And I said UA-cam! But what I should have said is, Bernadette Banner taught me😂 Thank you, btw😊
I love this :) same here :)
Bernadette’s historical hacks needs to be the next series!
Love that you kept the pockets as much as possible. A girl needs her pockets! A beautiful transformation, m'dear.
bernadette in the all white and messy bun during the ad is absolutely stunning
More of these thrift flips please! Mostly because I am a petite person and nothing is in my size without altering so this is very very helpful! Also making clothes from scratch can be fun but time consuming so sometimes making alterations from 2nd hand clothes is just the right amount of time I have!
Honestly, my goal at this point in life is to be something of a jack of all trades, and Bernadette is my sure-fire source of inspiration for learning how to hand-sew and tailor my own clothing to my personal interests and style.
I'm not lying... But I was just thinking today "Wouldn't it be great to buy a thrifted jacket or waistcoat and remake it in period style? Maybe I should do it." Then I opened up UA-cam and here this was. The power of manifesting and Bernadette combined
Such a wonderful transformation! I need more waistcoats.
Thank you, Ms. Banner! I am imagining a time-traveler from the 19th century entering today, blending in, yet maintaining her high standards of fit and fashion.
Thank you for keeping me company as I work on my own waistcoat! In my case, the multitude of ends to weave at the end of a Fair Isle knitted version. Somehow, watching other people hand sew makes my own go faster. Great project, as always.
I have been on a fair isle kick this season! It's so lovely!
"i know you are procrastinating some chores right now" accurate 😔
It is a truth universally acknowledged that chores are always there to be done.
I am not a seamstress, never have been, but there is something very satisfying about watching other people do it, particularly you and particularly regarding clothing styles I’ve always wished I could wear. You bring me much joy, Bernadette.
I love being transported back to the Victorian era everytime I watch one of your tutorials.
Just magical and to watch u construct your clothing is truly a joy. Thanku so much xx
This was very pleasant to watch! I want to see more of those trousers, too!
I want to make more Edwardian type ones for myself for pants are so intimidating!
After making a waistcoat-ish garment inspired by the earlier video, "Tips for achieving historical styles," I'm ready to learn more! Such an inspiration!!!
Bernadette, I appreciate your editorial and silly close captions so very much each time I see it, it makes me smile. *Tiny Snip* *Another Tiny Snip* *Sewing Machine Click Clack* *Victorian Sewing Machine go brrrr*
This has been SUPER helpful! Especially with fitting along the back as I have never had clothes fit me nicely without some work (I have scoliosis and an inwardly bending spine) so seeing how to make it lie flat along the back using that shape of dart gives me so much joy! (I have a swooshy coat planned but trying to make it fit nice has been a struggle).
I need one of these and a bunch of loose dresses to live my cottagecore dreams
This slow fashion movement is such an empowering thing. I have had 3 children in 4yrs and breastfed them all, so my body has undergone many changes back and forth with different clothing needs. I discovered my wardrobe is woefully lacking to actually serve me through different parts of my life and how the female body changes from time to time. I am tired of working for my clothes instead of my clothes working for me! So i am making my own dresses that will serve me, because what i want cannot be bought. My clothes should serve my body, not my body working for my clothes.
Bernadette, you have arrived! I love these Thrift Flips, using old-fashioned traditional techniques, your sewing house, and love the music and the inspiration that you push out on to us all. Thank you!
I'd consider myself a long-time follower at this point, so I feel confident in saying that it has been a wonderful journey to watch your level of comfort with using the sewing machine raise over each project you share. It feels like you've arrived somewhere really beautiful where you show us this nice balance between large construction seams are fine when stitched with the machine, but can also show us where it is helpful and efficient to just hand stitch the details.
Actually sat down to watch this video after getting all my chores done! A wonderful reward after many frustrating attempts to clean the kitchen faucet 😆
YES Bernadette! as a person with scoliosis , petite, and curvy. its damn near always required of me to tailor my clothing, Power to all the sway back folks, we will be the best dressed persons in the room.
I love how loose and whimsical you've been in the past few videos! It's so much fun to get to see you have fun and be a little silly! The prop comedy with your hat has me giggling on an otherwise dreary morning, thank you!!
watching your videos always makes me feel closer to my seamstress, crafty grandma who passed away. thank you for that and keep doing what you do! it inspires me to sew and become closer to my grandma in a way.
I loved this - thank you! I was hoping for more thrift flip stuff from you because I can't ordinarily afford to buy new fabric and want to make better choices RE Fast Fashion (again inspired by your good self!)
slowly but surely building up the courage to make myself a split skirt but... oh yeah, I'm a beginner still lol...
I highly recommend buying bedsheets from thrift stores if you need bulk fabric. It'll at least help with mock up pattern making without the hefty pricing
@@noaccount2494 that is true but a LOT of the bedsheets I find in my local charity shop are polyester blend and... Sure I want to learn but I also want to be responsible and not bring extra plastic into my home x
@@katmusswoodwind I'm the same way I get it. I got lucky once and found a queen size 100% cotton duvet cover for $6. I was so pleased
Bernadette's humor + Bernadette's skill + Bernadette's innate elegance = sheer delight for us, her humble audience. Whether you watch to learn or watch to be entertained, you can't lose.
the subtitles make me giggle while also being very informative, im glad i can also enjoy this even if i cannot hear it properly :D (antique sewing machine click clack is my personal favourite)
Great waistcoat and a nice project. It looks definitely comfy and I want one, too. lol
My husband, who restores old sewing machines as a hobby, is quite impressed with your machine.
One of my fave videos of yours Bernadette! Love how you show us how to take a modern garment, identify the issues needed to "vintage-ize" it, and actually show us how you did it. Love it!
You give me so much “Missy” (DW) vibes.
And I mean it as a compliment!
This is exactly what I've been wanting to do, as I've wanted to make a tweed vest but I live in an area of the US where it is INCREDIBLY difficult to find tweed fabric that isn't astronomically expensive. What we do have, however, is an abundance of thrift stores with tweed/herringbone mens vests/jackets for $10. I will definitely be doing this :)
Actually youre who i watch to stop procrastinating. I love cleaning or crocheting while listening to one of your videos
Yes, this was inspiring. A Big thanks to the effort in "All"aspects of this video for the music was also a nice touch. I may now consider alternating my deceased Dad's Vermont "wool"s into a new love garment this holiday. Best Wishes to everyone!
now that's a compelling ad read -- "yes I know you're procrastinating, if you skip you'll have to do your chores sooner". Bravo!
You mentioned the padding in the chest/arm area and something just clicked in my brain like of course!! That makes so much sense! The end result looks very nice 😊
Berdanette, my parents never got to understand this type of clothing and they always told me it was only for man and old. Seeing another woman appreciate the same style of clothing as me, really bring confort to my interior child ❤❤❤
Not only do I love watching your transformations/creations, but the music and ambient sounds come together in your videos magically as well. The songs you play are so melancholic and remind me of my childhood. Absolutely love it!
I do appreciate the sewing machine sound. It is a pleasant addition to your videos.
I’ve had a suede vest/skirt set for years hanging in my closet, original tags still on it.
The vest never felt as if it fit quite right. I now have the courage to jump into fitting it properly ❤ Huzzah!
I absolutely adore your videos. I know that I’m here as a reincarnated soul straight from the 1880’s. Your tutorials are so thorough but I also just love seeing your Victorian surroundings. It feels like home to me. Thanks again for the meticulous time, energy and effort. Much love, Robyn
I've got a waistcoat like this and I've wanted to alter it with absolutely no idea how to do it. Thank you Bernadette !
Now to just get the courage to actually alter it....
(thows courage at you) you can do it! you can do it!
I’ve been sitting on a similar project for ages too, so as motivation to both you and myself…you can do it!
It's funny that you mention newsies, I was just thinking of the heavy Miss Fix vibes i.e. the journalist from last year's adaption of _Around_ _the_ _World_ _in_ _80_ _Days_
Loved it and I am loving how you are blossoming into an freedom of spirit that I hadn't seen before you moved to England. Apparently, it suits you well!! So happy for you and us as we see you grow and teach us new things with each video.
Tak!
Your waistcoat look great with the shirt! What a classy, yet casual outfit. I love it. ❤
Omg youtuber sponsorship ads are the BEST! Entertainment in itself. Way to call out literally everyone with the procrastination line by the way. I'm fascinated with learning about altering and repairing clothes so this was right up my alley
This is such a good idea, although I may adapt with adding new whimsical buttons to have more fun with wearing.
Ugh! I can't even!!
The timing of the looks to camera with the voiceover at the end is *chef's kiss*
Hats off to your video editor!
Bernadette has uploaded, it is a good day.
I desperately need to alter a suede waistcoat I thrifted. It is currently so unflattering. This is inspiring me to possibly hand stitch it myself or at the very least, take it to a tailor.
I feel this so hard; my focus is Viking age mens fashion, and I ADORE long floopy tunics and dresses (am putting together an authentic Viking drag get up), and going from my knee length wool tunic with a tailored chest and sleeves, to a modern shirt that barely comes past my hips when sized to me, and has hugely oversized sleeves and chest when sized to reach the mid thigh, is frustrating to say the least
The only small thing I have to say about thrifting larger items to than mend or tailor down, although it is fine of course just to be cautious because other larger people find it difficult already to find normal avenues for clothing consumption, and it is even more difficult in the thrifting world. So please be wary to others who want to do this to not get the biggest one to take it down? I think Bernadette did a good job of getting one that is a couple of sizes out of her range and not just getting the biggest plus size one for the fabric.
This whole video (and the waistcoat) is dreamy 🥰 Also your hair and makeup is absolutely on point lately 👌
My favorite Victorian thing is the undershirts. Love to get my hands on a comfortable cotton undershirt made in the style of the 1870s. The sleeve room and the breathability are so swell.
I never clicked faster on a notification, i def needed some Bernadette today!
I totally get the newsy feel, could totally see it pairing with a newspaper/baker's boy cap!
Absolutely love this, I adore waistcoats!
I love tailoring. Almost all my clothes have to be slightly tailored to work for my short but extra curvy form. This is one of the many reasons why I learned to sew and set up my closet sewing room (literally it’s a closet in my office).
But I usually need my sister (a gown designer actually) to do the pinning for me.
Ma'am. I did not come here to be called out like this by your sponsorship spot. I am surely not procrastinating... surely not... 😇 Love the video ♥
Wowww everything about this is beautiful. The waistcoat, your nails, the sewing machine-and finishing it all off with a Newsies reference?!? Perfection.
Reminder for those that might be new to thrift flipping, please stay close to your size range when picking clothes and leave the plus size for the plus size!
The fashion industry already makes it difficult to buy new and the second hand market is even harder for those of us that either can't or don't want to buy new, especially for those in the larger sizes. Have you ever noticed that Goodwill sizing stops at 2xl or size 20/22?
That‘s all well and good, but at any thrift stores it is first come first served….and I say that with a size 46….don‘t guilt trip people into leaving a potential project hanging, that‘s mean!
@@lynnm6413 I'm not trying to guilt trip, but it is a thing to be conscious of since not everyone has the means/knowledge/time to do the same that we do of altering clothes and they shouldn't be asked to pick up a whole skillet because a whole industry wants to be exclusionary. And I say this as a US size 28/30. The clothes that I can get off the rack are slim at best, and what I can get are still in need of alterations to make them big enough for me to wear comfortably.
It's not unreasonable to ask someone a size 4 to look at 6-8 or size 10 to look at 12-14 and not grab the 22-30+.
I thrifted a beuatiful 80s velvet and silk embroidered blazer... It was way to small for me.... I upcycled it into a waistcoat using the silk sleeves as a way to widen the piece.... Omg its awesome.... Thank you for this vidio it helped me.... Alterating my vest
I thrifted a lovely jacket that needs some tailoring and some repair. I don't know when it was made, but the sewing is exquisite (so clearly not made in the last 20 years or so, lbr...). So I've been dragging my feet on getting it done. One issue I had while trying to fit it was how to get it to sit properly on my back. I kept trying to take in the sides, but it wasn't quite right. I had almost decided to maybe try back darts, but the fabric is so beautifully pieced together (a vertical stripe pattern that is just ... the tailoring is so good!). I had a feeling that couldn't be right.
I didn't realize what the issue was until you mentioned you were swaybacked. I've got some weird issues with my spine, nothing too severe, just scoliosis and some fused vertebrae, but I always have a hard time trying to tailor clothes. I didn't think about a swayback and how to tailor the center back to curve slightly until now.... Brilliant...
Does anyone else find the sound of Bernadette cutting fabric soothing?
I love your Emmerline Pankhurst banner Bernadette, she was a true Goddess / Warrior in the fight, bless her and you for showing us a glimpse of the banner..Peter..
Bernadette, we love you! I love your elegant antics. I've gotten my husband to watch and you make him laugh. (In a good way). Can you do a video on working with wool fabrics, and velvets and different hand stitching associated with it.
Thank you! I know it's not a tutorial, but it gives me a sense of what I need to do to do the exact same thing - turn a few hugely oversized already thrifted men's vests that sit ominously on the project shelf into ones that fit me and provide a shape I prefer.
Thank you for talking about padding. It’s something we don’t talk about enough, in my opinion, our bodies don’t have to be a particular shape, we can make our clothes fit the shape.
Only a beginner having a few repair projects under my belt, but already the act of raising the foot plate and drawing out the threads feels slightly triumphant. Yes. This step is done.
I have to say, ever since I found you after literally burning a copy of the red dress you made, I cannot say enough how glad I am that I found you and how sad that I never even got to bump into you before you left NYC. You seem like so much fun and you make such beautiful things
Bernadette, pleasantly noticing as ~ 10% of your viewers [LIKE] this video (as usually 10% or more!), I congratulate you on Making Some Progressive Changes in your look. Progress is what we're on youtube for, aren't we?
I enjoy watching Ms Bernadette's art - sewing & vlogging.
Blessings on your successful way.
Your fan crocheter
I want to compliment you on your incredible book. I gave it to myself for Christmas and I am overjoyed I did. I always give myself The BEST gifts. I don't know if you read your comments, lady, but you are an amazing young woman! Bravo!
Listening to you when my anxiety gets bad is so calming. And I love watching you too.
Love this! You also make hand sewing way less daunting. I remember making a pillow when I was younger and hating it, now it looks so relaxing.