5 Things I Learned from Sewing My Wardrobe

I've been sewing my own clothing for 4 years and I've learned a lot! See below for links to all the things!

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[TheRozylass]

I've always believed sewing my own clothes is WAY cheaper than buying the same quality. I can't afford to buy custom made, haute couture clothes, but I can sure make them for myself. The greatest compliment is "Where did you buy that?" and answering, "I made it." So don't compare the cost of making your own clothes to the cheap fast fashion garbage, compare it to the custom made, haute couture clothing and you'll realize that sewing is truly an affordable way to have great, well-made, well-fitting clothes that last a long time.

[carolyngethings]

Great sewing story! Totally relate to No.5. I'm aged 65 and after a couple of years of endlessly watching YouTube videos about sewing and sewing machines I have finally made 2 wearable garments and they are Hana Tanks. I love the style and the fit. One is in a Liberty Lawn and the other is a lined cotton dobby. I have a thrifted vintage Singer and just bought a vintage buttonholer to finish off my Hana's. I am so proud of myself for not being intimidated by it all☺️ Keep on with your vlogs Casey. Love your style.

[valerieelbourne]

While a sewing machine is a fairly expensive purchase, you will have it for a long time. I bought a little Bernina when I was pregnant with my first child, 50 years ago. I sewed a lot of clothes for my children and myself and did a lot of mending for my tradie husband on that machine. I loaned it to one of my daughters for a couple of years when she had a commercial venture making bespoke vests for horse-riding ladies. I am still sewing on that little Bernina today. It has paid for itself many times over.

[susancampanelli]

Please don’t compare yourself to other sewists on YT. You offer practical, real advice and tutorials to actually make clothes. Your channel and approach is unique to you and valuable to me!

[Kimmyxxzz]

You say before you started your YouTube channel you were worried that other creators were chattier/ funnier. I find alot.of them quite over the top and annoying to be frank! Lol. I actually really love how real you talk and I can sit and listen to you for ages and really take in what you are saying without being distracted by over the top talking or trying to be cool! Thanks for sharing the learning x

[zephyraK]

I know I'm a year late but... Just want you to know that you're actually one of the more skilled sewists I watch and that's what I love about your channel. You take on a little more difficult projects and show us how you do it. A lot of the other (often younger) youtubers have a strong focus on beginners. I love it that there are channels like yours, which are interesting for more advanced sewists.

[Knitwares]

Thank YOU for being here, your videos are so helpful and encouraging me to sew again. I’m 68 and sewed as a teenager…I was pretty fearless (or nascent) then but today I’m less confident. That’s where you come in! So thank you again and I’ll be seeing you…in all of your videos😊

[nancykennedy]

My mother had a fabric and yarn store when I was young. I recall her getting somewhat frustrated when people were upset at how much it cost to sew. They thought they should be saving money. Her really good customers however didn't care how much it cost and loved that they had one of a kind clothing.

I haven't sewn in years and I'm more of a knitter another very expensive endeavor. But I bought a husgvarna about five years ago and I'm going to give it a go and make something. Just looking for inspiration.

[julianachandler]

If you ever have doubts again about your value here; you are one of my new favorite vloggers, just the way you are. Thanks for doing what you do, ❤

[debbiesnyder]

Love your channel I think I’ve watched all of them in the last week. I too love to sew been doing it since I was 12. Turn 65 tomorrow. But I had a daycare business for 25 years that took all my spare time and energy. Just recently retired got out all my sewing again and I feel like a kid in a candy store. The creative juices are flowing. Learning new things every day. U tube tutorials have been so liberating. Thanks for all your hard work!!!

[alexandraemrick]

I'm so glad that you started this channel. I'm in my 60's and I can relate to you and your content and I have learned so much from you. You have an elegant style and a mature (in a good way) approach to sewing. I agree with you that sewing isn't cheap, and for me that is because I am not buying cheap stuff made in China anymore. I have decided to sew my own clothes (mostly) using beautiful, quality fabric. I would rather have one spectacular garment that I've made than 3 or 4 cheap RTW ones.

[connienash]

Casey, please don't sell yourself short! I only recently found your channel and love, love watching you! You speak well and have fabulous content, and your style is gorgeous. Since I retired 2 yrs ago I've been sewing again, but took last month off due to projects around the house and outside as I have a small farm with 3 horses that I love. This has given me time to think about what I really like to wear and the type of fabric I enjoy so I will get more enjoyment wearing the things I do make rather than making something that doesn't suit me just because some You Tuber sewed it. Hope this makes sense! Your channel is one of my favorites now. You are a beautiful person.

[opiatepix]

I love your sewing story! I’ve been sewing my own clothes for over 25 years now — I even spent a year in a fashion design program — and I do find I save a ton on my clothes, but it’s in comparison to the price point that I used to buy at. I can buy incredible designer deadstock denim (or selvage denim) for $20-$30 and it takes me about 6 hours to make a pair of classic jeans. If I were to buy rigid denim jeans by Rag and Bone, it would be at least $200, so that’s how I justify my textile habit. The Anthropology tank that you kindly duped is polyester online and sells for about $170, and I think we made ours for a fraction of that so….score! Also, the cheap manufactured clothes that are only $30 are made for slave wages and conditions, so we’re avoiding that by making our own. The only person I regularly exploit is me. Congratulations on the new textile habit and love your channel! ❤️

[shellylemons]

I’m nervous about cutting into my fabric but I’m getting over it. I have started on my Bachelors degree in Cybersecurity all online so I think I can start sewing.

[calmblueocean]

I learned I can thrift & upcycle 60% items (sweaters, patterns, fabric, notions, household decor) and sew 40% items (pants, easy tops, head bands/berets). So rewarding. Agreed, give yourself permission to learn and be imperfect. You learn alot ! ❤ love your channel!

[doowopshopgal]

It’s what you say that will start people sewing. I started sewing in junior high school and when my sister saw me sewing she wanted to learn so I taught her. With that said you have influenced a lot of people to start their own sewing journey. The easier the explanation the easier they catch on. Thank you for being on YouTube with all your hard work.

[patburnam]

I do more quilting these days than garment sewing and have found that the number two thing you learned is absolutely true with quilts also. Most people are not going to pay a decent price to cover the costs of fabric plus labor on a nice well made quilt when they can buy one at a big box store for just a few dollars.

[Bonbon]

I always watch your videos. I have sewn my own clothes since I was 14. That outfit was a black and white wide striped vinyl mini skirt in the 60s. I have had a love affair with fabric, textiles, and all things hand craftednas long as I can remember. Your channel gives me what I am looking for - unique ideas as you fearlessly go forth and tackle projects without the security of a lot of directions and a pattern. I’m so impressed with your work. I am 69 and more than ever, I am loving sewing my own clothes. More challenges with an aging body - but I plan on holding my own style as long as I am around. I just love sewing! I think I have every one of your patterns. I have left sewing at times - career, kids, aging parents - but always, always go back to it… thanks for your channel - I just love your authenticity!

[christinem]

Hello from London …Yes I agree that making your own clothes isn’t necessarily a cheap option, especially if you buy good quality and more natural and sustainable fabrics . However when I look at some of the brands I like here in UK like TOAST and OSKA ( German brand) then my clothesmaking is a cheaper option. I’ve really appreciated finding a suitable pattern for trousers with a true waist ( rather than one with elastic) as I find trousers challenging to buy as I don’t have a small waist …so if the waist size is correct the width of the legs is too big. Anyway what you’re saying chimes with me !!. I also sew and go to a class to help my technique…it keep my brain active ( I’m 68)….it helps, me challenge myself. it’s like architecture for the body….. Thanks !

[ligiization]

I am so glad you started this channel too! You really do have value to add to the “YT sewing channel industry” :) when i found your channel i was so happy and quickly viewed all the videos that were there. I think you are really good at making quality and presenting it in a natural and very clear way. Your seams are flawless and all you make ends up fitting you perfectly. Not to mention the patterns... So, congrats for what you achieved and thanks!