As a teenager I thought I was the only person who sweated a lot because it was kind of taboo to talk about bodily stuff, especially for girls. Now, things are so much better - we have (just about) normalised talking about having a body and sweating and everything else, and I have so much respect for anyone who is helping normalise that ❤ Plus I always feel better when I realise again that my body isn't "broken"! Maybe a bit of a deep comment, but you are always so genuine and earnest, and I really think your values shine through even when you talk about sewing. On a lighter note, looking forward so much to the shirt upcycles!! 😍
I’m with you on the polyester thing! I can’t bear the fact that I feel sweaty in that fabric. It’s like being encased in cling wrap. I always go for fabrics nowadays, that let my skin breathe. This was a lovely video, gives me the nudge to get sorting out my huge stash of fabrics I’ve kept “just in case I might use it one day”! Thank you ❤
I know you are in Tennessee, but I don't know where exactly. If you are near Knoxville or Nashville, there is a used book store called McKay's where you can trade your old sewing books for new ones, or any of your unwanted books, for that matter. They have a website, so you can look up their locations. I think they also have one in Chattanooga.
One thing I've learned is that if I get rid of something, even if I have "agonized" over it, in a couple months I forget about it! I come from a long line of collectors and sometimes it gets away from me. Thanks for reminding me that after I've done a clean-out, I do feel lighter! I can't work in chaos and having things organized actually helps me visualize my next creation.
Exactly what I needed to hear! I've been clearing out my space and have come to a lot of the same conclusions, so it's wonderful to know I'm not alone!
You have no idea what a blessing this video has been to me. I feel like I can almost open a fabric store in my house because it's hard for me to get rid of things that I haven't used in a while or, as you say, I bought them thinking about a project that to this day I haven't done for one reason or another. I am determined to do the same as you; take the time to evaluate what I have and get rid of what I have saved for a long time with the excuse of "just in case" God continue to bless you and thank you for being a blessing to your followers!!!! Gracias!!!
This is good timing. A couple of things you said really resonated with me. First is non-breathable polyester. I want a garment to feel like a hug not a sweat box. I love fleece, scuba and ponte. But rayon, Cotton lycra and quilting cotton now have a much larger presence in my sewing space. The second thing is to let go of beautiful fabric that just isn't for me. Right now, I am agonizing over a piece of hot pink rayon with large white flowers. I know I would never wear that pattern. You just helped give me the ability to let it go.
Irene, yes, totally with you on the fabric content - early in my sewing journey I only paid attention to the color and print, and that resulted in quite a few polyester cuts that were awful tot he touch (what was I thinking???). And totally hear you on that hot pink flower print... but I can tell you, once you know in your heart you realistically won't ever use it and you let it go - I personally never think of it again and that means it was the right choice. I just hope it gives you the reassurance :)
Good morning. The thing that resonated with me was: "What do I wear / use day to day." The Why question. I am so thankful that I watched your DECLUTTER RU-vid. Yay. Keep well. Blessings to you and your family.
I try to purge every year but it is hard. I find myself holding on to things that I won't use because I think I won't be able to afford them when I'm older...lol Books are my stumbling block too. Thanks for the inspiration !
I’m guilty of accumulating lots of fabric and I enjoy fabric shopping in my spare time but I need to organize it in a way that I can enjoy it. Thanks for the motivation and the step by step method. Looking forward for the next episode and maybe a men’s shirts repurposing video 😅❤❤❤
I decided this year was the year of the stash for me - work through the fabric I have and buy no more. If I come across a fabric I no longer love I say goodbye to it. It feels good to be doing that and it’s going well. Your video has spurred me on to the next step. What exactly do I have and do I love it/ will I use it? I too have a very small sewing space so taking away unneeded items will help and allow me to enjoy my sewing and crafting even more. Really useful video - thank you.
I have started this process too. I use my sewing room as my get ready room where I have my outfit hung in the closet, and I do my makeup in this room as well. So it can get a little crazy in there. So I started with my jewelry and yesterday started working on my sewing table where my machines are. I accumulate a lot of fabric because I thrift 90% of it, with all different amounts of fabric. I try to organize my fabric by content so that is what my next project will be. I can't sew when it's a mess, as you said and I'm itching to get to it! Thanks for your videos :D
You are one of the few sewists who demonstrates the methods used in making pattern blocks. I'm so sorry I am not into the organization and purging. Too much going. But I believe in being organized and know where everything is!!!!
For sure, for some selling is a great option, but for me the shipping alone would be more than the supplies are worth... And we live in a small town, so that's that... But, I am happy to say that books went to my local Library and they were so excited for them! And then my friends got some crafting supplies from me and they were super excited too! :) A win in my book :)
Perfect timing!!! I was planning on purging my sewing room this Friday!! Can definitely use some of your tips! Parting w some favorites I won’t ever use is sooo hard!
I just donated 5 garbage bags full of fabric (I have fabric in my stash that is probably older than you are, lol). I too got rid of colours I did not like and fabrics like polyester. It is so dry where I live and poly sticks to everything and picks up every dog hair. I am on to purging sewing notions. My weakness also - sewing books and my Burda magazines, which I started to purge reluctantly.
Oh yesssssss..... poly and hair/fur - omg, I feel like I am lint rolling myself all the time! I am glad you made some progress, do you feel any lighter in terms of the supplies?
Yes, but I have still have many items to work through, I do like your goal about going through it every spring. Need to incorporate this moving forward.
Hi Alisa, thank you for your video, you are so inspiring. It would be great to see a video/tutorial on making a little girls dress from men’s shirts. I have been given a number of almost new shirts to use as fabric and little girls dresses to donate is what I would like to do with these. 😊
Colleen, hello there :) I am definitely working on it, but it might be a little while.before the tutorial is out, meanwhile I do have 3 girls dress videos with free patterns that you can use to transform your shirts. Those patterns I made specifically for donations for Dress a Girl initiative, just type that into the RU-vid search bar and you will see the videos :)
Just a question on books: is the book on sewing dresses (The one "sew many dresses...") good to get for someone who loves wearing dresses? I started sewing because I couldn't find dresses I would like in stores. Also- I love decluttering videos too, the whole series that you made is very informative for a beginner sewer.
Hello Alisa, could you share a video where you can show us how to measure ourselves to make our own patterns. The comercial patterns don’t work for me. I am 5” and 108lbs 😢
Sara, hello there! My whole channel is dedicated to that :) just click on my channel name, then go to the "video" tab and you will find how to draft pants, skirts, dresses, tops and more. Or, you can go to the Membership tab on my channel, click on the "see perks" and then click on the Instruction Sheets link. You will see step-by -step instruction sheets on how to draft clothes. Most instruction sheets have clickable link that will take you to the video :)
А может использовать полиестер и другие ткани на вырос, например, для одноразовых карновальных костюмов для дочери? И перекрасить можно. Ты же такая экономная, давай экономь!