Angela, I work in a costume shop in a college theatre department, and highly suggest you look into donating your old projects or larger scraps of fabric instead of tossing them. Finishing your unfinished projects could be great education for sewing students, or even looking at how you’ve constructed them can be educational. For example, that 1950s dress could have gone into a costume storage and been used in a show instead of being tossed. Students could learn to alter the dress to fit someone else. Theatre is always underfunded and would much appreciate any donations of fabric or unfinished projects! :)
I started crocheting an afghan for my friend's daughter's birthday (in May). Didn't finish, changed occasion to HS graduation (June). Didn't finish. Changed occasion to "off to college" . Didn't finish. You get the idea. This woman is now approaching 50. The afghan is in a bin in my basement, along with other dropped projects. My excuse? I got a puppy, who didn't appreciate crocheting, but did like to play with yarn. Then another puppy, and another. Gave up on needlework and ran through a succession of puppies instead. Along the way I also got arthritis, and my eyesight made close work uncomfortable. We all have a million reasons for abandoning projects, but you, Angela, have given me incentive and renewed enthusiasm. I'm either going to finish these projects, or chuck them. At age 75, I figure I have plenty of time!
My most common reason to stop a project: I made a stupid mistake while sewing late at night (I like to live dangerously) and it will take more effort to correct than I am willing to invest.
My reasons for abandoning projects are any variation of: "I bit off more than I can chew." "There's something else that suddenly seems much more fun/doable/spectacular!" "SQUIRREL!" "I don't have just the right supplies to finish this in budget yet, so I'll wait until I find them. (and wait and wait and wait)" or the big one is just "I lost interest in it and now it's more work than fun."
shammy dammy Don’t forget the ever popular: ‚it‘s a bit tighter than expected, but I wanted to loose some weight anyway soon‘. I have projects from 10 years ago I justify keeping for that reason 😂
oh man I love this, it's totally me *me going through my knitting bins* hey I forgot about this 18th century lacework glove set I spent 16 hours working
Thank you for exploring the darker side of sewing. My scrap collection saved for special patched comforters are now dry rotting. Perfect timing to purge. Love your creativity.
Maybe you should give some of those away that you aren't planning on saving. I know some ladies who make doll dresses and quilts from scraps. On the lighter fabric skits can weights not be incorporated into the hems; but you probably already considered that. I was working on a paper bird model that I haven't finished because the white areas of paper need to be finished with watercolor and I'm procrastinating purchasing watercolors. I'm working on a 1/6th scale Mora clock(Barbie Scale). I've finished constructing (3) 1:144 scale dolls houses but haven't furnished them. Dutch Bebe cabinet two of 8 rooms done. Not doing any needle tatting right now; no Irish crochet laces; still trying to work out a regular crochet lace edging for a sheet set for my mom. I'm spending too much time watching RU-vid programs.
Really impressed with the way you got the design to the right side of the fabric. Very clever! I'll have to remember that, if I decide to attempt beading on a velveteen cape I'm planning for this winter & Christmastime.
That beaded bodice can be turned into a evening/dinner bodice for a natural form era outfit. May need to change some of the style lines, but it looks like it can work, depending on when your got the pattern/idea for the renaissance bodice in the first place.
I've been waiting on part two of the 1920's inspired jacket for a year now, and it didn't show up! I'm so glad I'm not the only one who abandones projects that are 80% done :)
I don't buy any fabric on the bolt, I just put larger cuts on bolts to make it easier to manage :) They used to give them away at Jo-anns/Quilt stores.
I’m so glad I’m not the only one to abandon sewing projects, although I did pick up a quilt I was making and actually finished it. So happy I did as it was a Christmas one and is now part of our Christmas every year. ( started it 5years previous).
This is an excellent video. In all my years of watching your videos, I’ve always appreciated your follow-through in the principle that when documenting one’s work for the sake of teaching others, it is just as important to show the mistakes as the successes. It’s also quite beautiful to see your progress as a designer and a seamstress continue with more and more detail, precision, and careful decision-making with each new project. The growth has really shown in each new vlog and tutorial where you show us how you tackle a certain design.
Before you just bin fabric I know in uk we have rag collection at certain charity shop which means they get paid for scrap of fabric and clothing not fit for sales check if any where local to you do a similar scheme
Some clothing shops do this seasonally at the register, but there is no local program here that I'm aware of - and I've looked! I'm even out of range for the places that pick up scraps. And doing the mail in textile recycling programs are very very expensive :(
Angela Clayton ohh Damn thought it would have been useful to mention as I knew about it I mean most of my scrap is donated to a community group that does sewing craft cafe here and they take anything for it
This is great! So satisfying to live vicariously through someone else's spring cleaning. And yes, I have a bin of half finished projects, usually due to some version of "oh crap, I messed this up and fixing it is either not possible, or will take way longer than making something else". I also have a ton of things that just need an easy fix, but that's also no fun to do. Instead, I'm all about making little spring blouses right now and it's giving me life.
Right? I really do think a lot of the time, the trick to "fixing" something is just to put it away and stop obsessing for a little while. Or a year. Lol.
The sheer decisiveness in this video was an inspiration! I have a VERY hard time letting go of old ideas or half finished projects. Part of me associates "giving up" on them as failure - but I felt so good watching you release yourself of old stuff! I am motivated to do the same! Thank you!
Never change! The new sound quality is great though :D Thanks for sharing your unfinished projects, it makes me feel a little better about my 40 gallon tote full of half finished knitting and has motivated me a bit to take a look at what is in there *cries while thinking about ripping out hundreds of hours worth of work*
I've worked on an 1840s skirt for so long that the hem is ankle length, but it started out three inches on the floor, I've just grown that much since I originally cut the fabric ;) And there's a project I started in autumn for the winter, but now I guess I have to wait, and I honestly think I've grown a foot since then, so I may just scrap it ;) Love from England
Thank you so much for doing this video ! Along the years, I was crying a bit, confusing on what happened to projects I liked. Like "did I missed the end ?" I think you should (well I' like you to) add to you instagram and patreon your "fails" and abandons. It would be interesting.
I am pretty new to sewing, so I've made a bunch of stuff that doesn't fit me great, or isn't my style and so I never wear it. It's actually pretty comforting to know that you'll do similar things. Like, ah okay, my sewing idol also makes bodices that don't fit and sleeves that are too small. I can beat myself up a little less for rushing into something :p
i abandon knitting a lot. i finish a lot too but the ones i end up abandoning are things i buy yarn for because the pattern is beautiful but it uses types of yarn i don't like, i.e fingering weight sweaters or speckled yarns. I usually get pretty far on a project and then leave them off for months to work on something i like the texture or weight of more. I have a whole dresser of yarn full of abandoned projects that i wound back up into balls and it just sits there because i am not inspired to touch it anymore.
The last bin you emptied reminded me of Mary Poppins's carpet bag. As part of the bin was off screen it looked like you were pulling fabric out of nowhere.
I loved this video! I was wondering where some of these projects had disappeared off to, it’s nice to see that everyone has an unfinished projects bin where items go to die, and I’m happy that you were pleasantly surprised by some of them and that you’ll be picking them back up! Thank you again! 💕
Although I tend to finish the majority of the projects I make, it usually takes me months if not years sometimes to finish them. So this video was really inspiring and reassuring in the knowledge that I am not the only one suffering from this!
that s fantastic! even they aren't finished ..the work you put on it ..is amazing! it is a best experience for you for learning more of your mistakes every time you stop a project. I loved to see all of it, waw! you inspire me a lot, thanks !
Wow, that was so interesting. I have been watching you for years, but have never commented. Some of the fabric you showed can be donated to a thrift shops. I have been known to go through thrift shops to find crazy quilt material, (velvets, taffetas, silks, etc) and I know a lot of others who do too. Some of us who quilt call Unfinished works "UFOs" Un Finished Objects. I have at least 14 quilts and 7 embroidery UFOs that are in various stages, they have wound up in plastic boxes over the last 40 years. (Got into paper crafting/scrapbooking so haven't done muc sewing in the last 3-5 years. I love doing handwork.) I have finished all the costumes that I have started, as they were usually for halloween or ren faires. Most of the ren Faire costumes were donated to a local high school for the Shakespeare class plays about 12 years ago. I really enjoy watching you do your projects and enjoy the historical research you have done for accuracy.
The audio is so nice! I really think that makes the most difference in viewing pleasure, so thank you. And it was a pleasure to watch you go over projects, very interesting, and it's nice that it's different to your other videos.
You look amazing! Hair anf make up was gorgeous and loved the hat and jumper too! Definitely can relate to this video... I have unfinished projects across multiple crafts - sewing, crochet, quilling etc. 🤔 yet I am about to start on a new dress!
A few years ago I bought fabric and a wig for a cosplay that I was invited to do for a cosplay group but that group ended up falling apart before I could get started on it. Luckily this year my friends decided to do the same anime and I can actually finish the cosplay. I only have a few more things to do on it before it is completely finished. Yay!!!
i think your 'renaissance thing' bodice could be really beautiful paired with a chiffon skirt with a couple of layers in different colors (probably a lighter color over a dark) to make a forties-ish floor length evening gown type of garment
I'm sad to see you stress over this, those all look great! As a beginner, i have one simple dress that i tore apart before i even finished it. your videos inspire me :) Watching while my machine is in the shop 😭❤️
Don't worry Angela, you're not alone! projects I abandon are usually at the 80% done stage too. or at least that's when I start procrastinating with them, especially if they don't look 100% like I imagined they would.
lol I just looked around my studio earlier and saw all of my half finished paintings and crafts that I’ll probably never finish. Such a relatable video!
I absolutely adore your videos. I'm getting interested in sewing so I feel like I'm learning a lot from your videos, especially this one lol But I just have to say you are adorable and so pretty. I love your sense of style and how you put your appearance together. It's an absolute delight to notice all the details
The red beaded bodice with the embroidery and actual hoop steel looks like it could have been used in the original Cleopatra film with Elizabeth Taylor. love it.
I had a clear out of my sewing room recently and bought more containers to make storage tidier. I was reminded how many projects I've started but then had to put aside for whatever reason such as uni assignments. Was also so surprised at how many beautiful fabrics I have that I forgot all about. Can't wait till I have some spare time to finish a few of my projects and start some new ones!!!
I LOVED this video! I have the same issure of getting mostly done with a project and stopping if I'm not really excited about it but this year and last I have made it a goal to finish as many WIPs as I can and when I finish a certain amount, I reward myself with a new project!
I recently(ish) tossed a cosplay I had been working on off and on for a year. I was gonna compare it to the original version I made when my priority was having a finished cosplay over having a nicely finished, well fitting, flattering cosplay, and realized about 3/4 the way in I wasn’t happy with it. I’d grown so much since starting it and learning new techniques and fabric choices that I really wasn’t happy with where it was going and knew I wouldn’t wear it other than for the sake of comparison images. It hurt because it was wasteful, I sunk so much time into it, but I knew I wouldn’t have a finished product I was happy with and it would be better to abandon it at that point. I’ve since put all of the leftover materials into a bin I’m going to offer to friends before either pitching or giving to goodwill. Except the lining, I loved the lining.
This was a lot of fun to watch! I think your idea of using some abandoned projects and trying to turn them into something new and better would be great
I have quite a few projects of various crafts left to die that I was too ambitious to accomplish any feasible results. I definitely learned my lesson in terms of not doing what I don’t know how to do.
I am a recent subscriber, so I am kind of watching your videos backward right now (except for sewing through the Decades, which is moving forwards for me). I haven't seen you working on any of these abandoned projects in your more recent videos, so I am just offering a suggestion which came for me. You could make a New Years Resolution to either finish or abandon the projects you didn't abandon in this video as a series on "Finishing things that have been left for too long." Your enthusiasm can be revived by the idea of finishing things, which is always something that gives me a total boost. BTW I think you are an amazing seamstress and vlogger, and I so enjoy you videos. Congrats on reducing your abandoned storage.
I don't have a lot of abandoned projects, but I do have a ton of materials for projects that I never started. I do most of my retail therapy at JOANN, so I have a bunch of different fabrics that I bought, but don't have the time, skill, or patience to actually do anything with. The one abandoned project that I have right now is an attempt to embroider Thorin's map. I do not have any artistic talent, so I decided to print the design on fabric and embroider over the printed lines. As I was limited to the size of a piece of printer paper, the lines ended up being tiny and the fabric was fraying like crazy. I have since purchased a nice, large print of the map, and if I ever decide to make a second attempt at map embroidery, I think I will trace the large map onto water soluble stabilizer and work from there.
Lol...you seemed slightly exhausted at the end 😉 But for what it’s worth, I would have ripped most of those out of your hands, given half the chance...such beautiful craftsmanship and fabrics. I often can’t let go of a botched project because I still love the fabric, even though I know there’s no way to salvage it.
Inspiring, in the past 18 months of being in lockdown I found I changed my way of thinking of my stash. Projects that were abandoned I've dissected and used parts for other things. It's very freeing🙂💖
This video was so needed. Thank you! I feel like I have permission to get rid of UFOs without finishing them. I plan on tackling this tonight! THANK YOU!!
Thanks for sharing, Angela. My rejects pile is getting very big and I've been reluctant--almost afraid, even--to sort through it and be reminded of everything I've messed up on or given up on in the past few years. Knowing that people who are better and cooler than me also have more abandoned projects helps me feel less awful about it. Now those boxes are dumped out in the middle of my living room so every second I don't sort them is a second I might trip and kill myself, and I'm definitely not as intimidated about the sorting process as I was an hour ago. Also, in regards to the puckering issues you've had with the skirt.... If you like your design how it is, try fusing the lightweight fabric(is it shantung? I can't tell) with canvas or crinoline. It's puckering like that because the weight of the velvet is putting so much stress on the lighter-weight fabric, but a little reinforcement can help. Or you can just plaster trim over the puckering. That's how I disguise my shoddy workmanship!
I have the entire space under my bed filled with storage bins of unfinished projects or ones I haven't even started. I get so excited looking at the patterns and fabric, buy them knowing what I want to do but then before I even get to making them I squirrel to the next thing that catches my eye. I love seeing other peoples stashes of projects, it reminds me that we all have a slight hoarding tendency
I usually don't abandon projects because I'm already able to sew so little because of school but I have abandoned the thought of ever making a christmas themed bedding set because 1. I haven't been able to find nice fabric for it 2. fabric that I thought would work was very narrow so I would have had to buy a LOT of it 3. I just don't have enough imagination to put it together nicely so it doesn't look overly busy or dull. Also I love all your videos! They are perfect for eating breakfast in front of my computer on Sunday mornings and just enjoying the start of the day. Good luck on all your projects! :)
This was very relateable! Any projects I abandon are usually abandoned right at the end when it's almost completed. That's really when any issues start showing, and after already putting so much effort in, thinking you are almost done, then realizing you have so much more work before it's finished.....it's hard to not get frustrated and put it away "for now".
👏🏻👏🏻🎉👏🏻🎉👏🏻✨🌟⭐️🌟✨❤️😃❤️👍🏻👍🏻💐🎉💐🎉💐💐 Congratulations on your re-evaluations & clean-out!! Certainly not fun to do, but so very necessary and it is inspiring me to do the same. I have TOO much fabric and yarn for "projects when I get around to it"!! My oldest piece is red velvet my mother bought for making Christmas dresses for my twin sister and me .... 65 years ago!!!🤣
For what it's worth, the puckering on the burgundy skirt doesn't look bad! I love the bodice that it goes with!! Don't scrap it - I vote for you to finish it! :)
I'm so glad I'm not the only one with piles of failed, ill-fitted garments! This video inspires me to go through and organize/get rid of/plan to finish my own abandoned projects :)
Thank you. Thank you. I was so glad to see this video, and it made me feel not such a flunky for all the unfinished, and not good enough projects I've abandoned. Thanks. I really mean it.
I typically abandon projects in the pattern-drafting phase, or slightly before. I really don't have that many unfinished projects per se, it all just ends up in the fabric stash. Often the more I try to work the idea, the more I doubt. Typically if I manage to make the first cut in the fabric, the project is as good as finished (not specifying the time period) unless I encounter a fatal flaw. A few weeks or months go by, I grow less attached to the original idea and become flexible enough to allow for a more creative fix. Although I do have a sad bin of projects that I abandoned because I gained weight before finishing them...
My room is home to the Corner Pile of Maybes -- mostly things I thrifted for upcycling or old pieces I started ripping apart but lost interest in.... so many skirts and dresses. Still, at least the pile is a very comfy spot for my cats.
Same, I have a whole load of jeans/denim I intended to up cycle and then realised I don't have enough time to do the basics of life, let alone spend hours sewing. Maybe fewer You Tube binges would help...? Nah! 😂
You look lovely, that is the greatest vintage outfit and hair. I'm older but when I was a teenager nothing really turned out to good because the fabrics were so stiff, I had this thin purple fabric that I doubled it and sewed it into a tank top that really turned out cute.
I love the idea of putting all of my semi-finished projects in one place. I know there are a few hanging around somewhere that I think about restarting but since everything isn't all together it isn't as easy to pick them back up. You are also reminding me that I need to go through my mend basket and decide what will actually get mended and what just needs to go!
A lot of the pieces that you weren’t happy with/need to finish are actually amazing! I feel like when you wear your items they are definitely put together in a full outfit, but a lot of the “throw away” items would be super cool with other types of clothes! Like the riding jacket would look awesome with some jeans etc. I just imagine someone picking them from a vintage shop and dressing them up differently, but i completely understand how frustrating it would be when you want the full outfit done perfectly ❤️
I'm so like that! Currently I'm assessing all my unfinished projects, as well as reforming some old costumes before selling them. It was so much fun to hear you talk about yours and to finally see the outcome of some pieces that you was making. But most of all, I love your voice, and how you enunciate words. Such a pleasure to hear. Good job.
puckers in the skirt not bad at all - it would not look right were they smoothed out- even if you could! those bodices are very nice too! you are good at everything sewing! keep what is of quality, as you'll be able to build on pieces in future, or wear them eventually in time to come - it is good to be able to dress nicely w/ interesting fabrics and beautiful colors. in later life, such clothes are a pleasure as well - that is where I am now. many fabrics can be washed gently in lukewarm or cool water and rinsed. then hung to dry w/o ringing... they turn out great! good luck!
your look wonderful. that clean lovely and pretty appearance that people very much appreciated back in my youth (and is appreciated yet today by most)!!!
I have so many abandoned projects this does give me inspiration to make some hard decisions about throwing out projects that are just taking up space that I know I will never get back too.
I am new to garment sewing at the moment I have thrown away one skirt and abandoned one dress I have two on the go and only been sewing for a month lol so watching you I hope I can learn not to give up on what I'm making
Oh my most of my projects are in bins like this. This was really fun to see. I really appreciate how unprecious you are with old projects...it shows you can grow and iterate and learn instead of getting attached and bogged down by stuff that isn’t serving you anymore. This was inspirational! :-D
It was very interesting! Also can I just say I love how much more comfortable you seem to have become with talking in front of the camera since you started your channel?! And it did get a lot more professional, at least in my opinion~
Oooh, never, ever throw away patterns,..especially ones, that you have created, by the way, I have discovered an easy cheat method, for pattern drafting, I call it, pattern tracing,..! I took a vest, that I truly, truly love it s one of those that is a perfect fit, especially since I am slightly, a plus size, now due to my very serious foot surgery, but I just recently, have lost 4 inches. So you take your favorite vest, that already fits perfect, lay it out like its the pattern, to a back for the back part, then, you do the same, for the front panels, and by the way, on my 1890 s outfit, I enlarged the panels from the front, leaving the sleeve wholes, alone. Which is always, a great idea. I have learned the hard way. But you are a true inspiration to, me,...! Angela. Q: Could you do a tour, of your home, and your, yard? I am quite curious, as to, how much room you have available. I have to lay out my 6 Ft. Folding table, on the patio, and I am constantly fighting mother nature, including, ants.
I have many abandoned crochet projects, lol. I like the idea of hats, but I hate making them and they never look right on my head. Regardless, I've started and abandoned about 3 hats. They just look so cute in the patterns and in photos on normal shaped heads, but I always end up disappointed! Your mindset about "I'm inspired and need to make something now!' versus "I'm going to plan this project for a few weeks" is very, very familiar. I'm glad I'm not the only one!
Ive just picked up a cosplay I started back in probably 2014?? I hit a wall with it and lost all hope but now, with a bit more knowledge and experience I decided to get it done for an event later this year, equally while getting it out I chucked out some other projects that I just know never will get finished or will just be started from scratch, its very therapeutic going through the old boxes!
I have the same problem with starting projects and not finishing them. Don't feel too bad. I have some that are over 15 years old. If you could only see my "backlog" of projects. I do periodically make a push to complete a few from time to time. This does help with the pile up I experience. But I think you have given me motivation to just get rid of them. So thank you. I should have space to work on more.
So glad you're human and have things that aren't done or weren't a success... Haha was beginning to question you're superhuman abilities to make the most gorgeous things ever!!
