How Netflix Solved the Penelope Problem 

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On the sewing point, it reminds me of what my mom said when my clothes didn't fit. She said; "It's not your body, it's the clothes. The clothes were made wrong." and that really meant a lot to me. Thank you, Mom. I love you.

It's a really depressing thought that even in romance books designed to be wish fulfillment, women still can't imagine being loved while not being skinny.

“The book sucks.” Finally, someone said the quiet part out loud.

Book Colin is a red flag yikes

Actually green is not only the color redheads look good in, but also a foreshadowing about Penelope marrying into the Bridgerton Clan: The color of her family is yellow, the color of the Bridgertons is blue.

TW: bodyshaming. Penelope's old dress style are made to hide her b00bs and curves and I feel like that completely speaks to a possible backstory of being made uncomfortable after developing bigger b00bs at a younger age than most of her peers. I say this because from my lived own experience (unfortunately) adults will totally tell literal children that their own bodies are "wrong" and "provocative" or "immodest" while peers will bully other kids for any perceived difference. Such harassment taught me to only wear outfits that hide cleavage and curves, and made me look younger and less noticeable. Girls going through puberty also naturally have more baby fat and can gain a lot of weight easily so that can also add to the bodyshaming of young girls which leads them to be uncomfortable in their own bodies even as adults, in my experience.

When people have the sheer audacity to claim that Julia Quinn (the book author) is our contemporary Jane Austen.... Bleh... I read up until the beginning of Eloise (Book 5) and was like *why the hell am I torturing myself?"

The butterflies may have been a bit on the nose, but Phillipa's delight when calling for Varley to release the bugs was worth it.

One element that the show did brilliantly was how Pen ultimately took back control from everyone who was trying to "save" her. We first saw Colin, Eloise, and Lady Featherington hatching all sorts of ideas about how to deal with Cressida, and Pen is literally closed out of their conversations. When those plans fail, Pen tells Colin that she doesn't need him to save her, just stand by her. Finally, she takes control of her story by reaching out to the queen and making her ballroom debut. It was a glorious way to show Pen's growing strength. You are hilarious! Thank you.

The costuming this season went a little off the rails at times, but what they did with Pen was so very well done and strategic as hell. The dark green dress (while killer) was not even her final form. You'll notice that after that ball, Pen scales it back and doesn't do the forest green again. This is because her first foray into a makeover went too hard and too far. It was breathtaking, but it wasn't *her* yet. And as the season went on, she found her footing in fashion. The minty greens and hazy blues of her later dresses were even more flattering on her and more suited to her personality than the very dramatic forest green and black lace. Her costuming is a reflection of her journey from trying too hard to be what she thinks people will like to settling into her own skin as who she really is. I also want to point out that the makeover itself does not follow the usual trope of "girl takes off glasses, becomes hot, gets popular" that we have seen so often. Instead, we see that Pen's makeover didn't actually work. Yes, it got her attention from some potential suitors initially, but that lasted about as long as it took for her to form a complete sentence. At which point, she was once again relegated to the corner. And when she met Debling, they bonded over the fact that he was also a bit of a social outsider. And Colin himself, though he offers to help her be more social, tells her that she doesn't need to change who she is, as she is already an interesting and lovely person. The story here isn't "be pretty and get what you want" it is "get comfortable with your authentic self, and you'll find those who love you for you."

As someone who works in clothing retail please hear this. It is never your body, no matter what shape you are in or whatever else someone will comment on it is not you. These clothes are made on flat sheets with a set of random starting measurements and each “size” is just and inch added on. It is never you it is the clothes sometimes they just don’t look right and that is ok. You are beautiful just the way you are and if you are in the process of changing that’s ok too. You can be happy with who you are right now and also want something different for yourself in the future.

I started reading the Bridgerton novels after watching the first season, and to say that they are disappointing is an understatement. Poorly written, flat characters, shitty plots. So glad that Netflix took that garbage and transformed it into something great.

the tinfoil bonnet looks wayyyy more adorable than it has any right to!

I did not expect to be crying by the end of this video. I'm plus size and a large reason why I got into sewing cosplays and clothes was to finally have both that fitted me well. Sarah explains these struggles and the amazing feeling of being able to make these flattering clothes yourself so well.

"after mapping out her oesophagus...", IM CRYING

I have lost 50 pounds since starting to lose weight and those first thirty were such a huge difference in how I felt in my clothes. The idea of a book being written where a character loses 30 pounds and has no feelings about it, ESPECIALLY in a romance novel which *has passages* about body image is very strange to me. I don't watch this show, nor have I read these books (just a big Sarah Spaceman fan and watch everything you make) but seeing how they handled it in the show through styling brings me back to like... Princess Diaries. I feel like it's such a healthier thing to show (mental health-wise) than weight loss/gain: that everyone is gorgeous, you just have to know how to style for the body that you have. Anyway, this video made me happy, thanks for sharing! (Also yay, you read Warbreaker! I love that book!)

5:41 omg the tinfoil bonnet 😭😭😭 ur hilarious girl

There truly is nothing like making your own clothes. I'm borderline plus-sized and very shortwaisted, so basically nothing off the rack fits me well. The second garment I ever made was a dress that I patterned myself so that it would fit, and wow. I feel so much better about myself when I wear that dress. There are some beginner mistakes in the dress, but wearing it still gives me so much joy, because it reminds me that I can be beautiful too.

I needed this. No wonder it always felt like fashion wasn't for me. It's hard to explore clothes/style when all the cool stuff is too small.

I agree in general. One thing is factually incorrect from the book, though. It takes Colin 11 years since she lost weight to notice her! This was not that. The weight loss is part of a set up for her low position in the Ton. At 16, she is forced by her mother to debut a year earlier despite not being ready. She had acne, was overweight and still quite childish. She was also bookish and shy, and got easily overwhelmed by dominant people. She got then picked by the bully Cressida (who is a very popular girl in the books) and pushed to the bottom of the pecking order. The following season, at 17, she emerges changed - she losses her baby fat over the winter (but still stays "pleasantly plump", so she is never skinny) and uses the double excuse of her dresses not fitting anymore and Lady Whistledown mocking her clothing and unflattering colours to get her mum to allow her a new wardrobe. However, by then the damage is done and she stays at the very bottom of the social order. Fast forward to when she is 28 and is officially entering the spinster age. This is when the book starts. She is accepting her fate as a spinster and getting more relaxed about herself. She stops caring that much what the society thinks of her (to an extend, she still refuses to dance with Colin at a market for it would look like courting and since they are not, the gossip would be that he rejected her and she does not want to accept that so she refuses him). When Colin comes back after a longer voyage, she is stunned by her - but cannot put a finger on what has changed, as he clearly sees that she didn't really. He finally sets on the thought that it was maybe him who changed. This is actually quite redeeming for the book Colin. He is aware that it wasn't her who changed but it was his perception of her.

I'm so glad for the changes made in this adaptation. I'll be honest; I'm still mid-season one in Bridgerton, but I'm so relieved to see a plus size heroine get a legit story arc that doesn't have anything to do with her losing weight. I'm looking forward to reaching her story. :) I also cheered when you said the true problem with Penelope's beginning dresses: the straight-size cut. That's also a giant problem for me whenever I shop for clothes (even in plus size fashions). The design is designed for a thin body and then clicked-and-dragged-to-resize for larger sizes. I know I can't expect much from commercial sizing, but it's still nice to see someone acknowledging the specifics as to why Penelope's beginning dresses don't do anything for her.

I could talk for HOURS about what I like/ dislike about the season but as long that everyone agrees that Colin is just 100000% a better person in the show everything is fine. The engagement ball is the worst thing ever in the book; I hate it so much 🙄 Also we all love Pen's glow-up. She looked so beautiful in all the dresses 🥲

the costume desiners and the makeup artist and the hair stylist says they had to make colin and peneloppe "ugly" to have a big glow up in there season because they were to good for they caractere at the start of the serie

That speech at the end you did about how clothes that fit you made you feel pretty just.. Amazing. Thank you, I hope many hear that message and take it to heart. Be safe everyone. ❤ (Also I am pasty noodle of a woman and I've been told yellow and light or bright colours do not fit me. But I simply *ADORE* yellow and have so many pieces in that colour. Wear what makes you happy and comfortable. Make your own trend that is right for you.)

Can we take a moment to appreciate the sheer amazement of her outfit-

Ive seen so many comments moaning about Penelope being not like book Penelope and being puzzled what the complaint was and this helped. I think i also rpefer Netflix Penelope too

I can’t lie when I watched the episode of the carriage. I messaged my other friends and said I finally feel vindicated as a plus size woman that we are allowed to have that type of ending. I’m almost 40 and that’s one of the very few times in my life. I’ve seen that happen in media.

I have been all over the Bridgerton socials singing the praises of Netflix and the agency they gave Pen. I also love the story arch they gave Cressida and the redemption for Pen’s mother and their relationship. The roles of women in this show are complex and wonderful. I cannot stand those who Stan book Colin over Netflix Colin. Book Colin is such a dillweed. Netflix Colin is complex with emotions. He’s kind and incredibly sensitive and empathetic. He gets so angry because he feels so deeply which is why he has the armor of being a flippant rake in the beginning of the show. And I LOVE how they turned the mirror scene into a scene of empowerment. He wants Pen to see the beauty he sees… the beauty of her brain, her wit, her personality, and YES, her body. Those with pretty privilege don’t understand the power of feeling beautiful in your skin when most of society says you’re not. That was an important moment for the curvy girlies everywhere.

It always makes me laugh when people are so surprised by the glow ups and wondering how they did it when really they’ve just been putting people in clothing, make up and hairstyles that play down their looks until their season.

LOVE THE ANIMATION OF THE BOOK PLOT. totally loved this different style of video from you, can't wait to see how you made the dress!!

WTF Julia Quinn, never until 1920 being skinny has been fashionable. In Ana Karenina you don't get enough descriptions on how rounded Ana's arms are, and she was the most beautiful woman in St. Petersburg.

dude the drawings fighting literally won me over. hahaha

This is why I'm subscribed; Random video explaining a bad romance novel's adaptation into a Netflix show presented by a passionate costume designer & seamstress (with a perfect segway into an ad for a sponsor after the story's explanation).

This is fabulous. And aside from the main point, I think beginning sewists can take this message from it -- your project doesn't have to be perfectly sewn and finished for it to make a big impact on how you look and feel. And Sarah, now I just want to talk romance novels with you.

5:49 OMG FANCY TIN FOIL HAT- ITS SO CUTE :DD

I loved her makeover because she didn't change anything about her, except straightening her hair . I always hated those "take off your glasses and straighten your hair" ones

can we all just take a moment to appreciate the animations? truly a wonderful job, sarah 👏

Pen's appalling clothes in S1 & S2-- Yes, the costumers ABSOLUTELY did that on purpose. I spent all of S1 looking forward to her (at the point) unknown awesome S3 costumes. Unfortunately, i couldn't get past the first 2 episodes of S2 cuz the behaviour of the male love interest disgusted me. S3, here we go

on the topic of altering clothes id love to see you make a video on how you go about some common ways to make your clothes fit better and how to go about it with simple sewing methods, like you did with that red dress

Not the tinfoil bonnet 😂😂😂

The stuff you talk about with fit and tailoring feeling so magical is part of why I'm so in love with making my own costumes! thanks for putting it into words lol, fantastic video :)

OMGG I MISSED THIS TYPE OF STORY CONTENT BAHHHH

About half way through the second book at the house party is when penelope mentions losing weight 11~ years before the third book is set

i have NEVER been interested in bridgerton but this video is too interesting not to watch,, another banger from sarah

Altering your clothes to fit makes SUCH a difference! I went up several dress sizes during the pandemic, and I only recently began taking my clothes to an alterations shop. It’s amazing how much more comfortable I feel when my clothes fit me so perfectly I don’t even THINK about my dress size. Getting my new jeans altered was such a life-changing experience that I can’t stop won’t stop recommending custom fit jeans to everyone I know.

My ability to sew has bailed me out so many times when I wanted a piece of clothes from the store that didn’t quite fit! As usual, your video was amazing, heartfelt, and makes me wanna talk fashion with somebody

I recently started sewing because I've gained weight over the last couple of years and no clothes fit me and made me feel beautiful. It doesn't help that I'm also tall and larger so the sizing is even worse. Now that I see my own clothes I get compliments all the time!! And I feel like a princess

To those that liked the first part of the Video I recommend Dominic Nobel he does Book/Film comparisons and did it for the first tow seasons of Brigerton

I was running out of stuff to watch and went to the home screen and saw that you uploaded 4 min ago. What a night-saver! As always, you're providing some of the best videos to watch while crafting!

Sarah, I laughed out loud when you were suddenly in your yellow chemise in your sewing room. Pure gold! Priceless! (though we must acknowledge that not all silhouettes suit all bodies. Which is why Penelope in the show was not wearing the Edwardian empire style in season 3 toward the end.)

I assumed this was like the strawberry dress videos and was waiting to jump to the cosplay after some context the whole video... I probably should have realised something was up when she was a few minutes in

I want you to have a second youtube channel now devoted to breaking down book plots and talking about their screen adaptions costuming because I loved this so so much

The dress cuts being unflattering is actually historically accurate. This was when they ditched the huge bumps and super tight corsets. It was the proto empire drop waist and modeled after many queens/ princesses. Queen Charlotte was a huge inspiration

On a sidenote: I really love the composition of your video!! The colors, the flower frame, everything!! I tend to listen to videos like podcasts while I do something else, but this one I had to rewind and watch it again for the aesthetics

I loved the change in cut and color for Penelope. This season is by far my favorite when it comes to costumes

The book was rouuuuuuuuugh. I read it because I like to read the book after the show to see how they compare. I nearly threw my kindle after the like 4th time he said he wanted to "brand" her. They improved Colin about a gazillion in the show, because in the book he is insufferable, and the author's obsession with violent angry men is vexing. I love this video though. The way you put the differences together to compare and also that you sew and make your clothes to fit! That is so cool. Now I need to go learn how to sew!!

16:02 BEAUTIFUL SARAHHH🙏🏼😭😭 But honestly, this was a really great video. Love you sm and yes, that forest green is STUNNING on you:)

absolutely loooooved this video! one: because I was curious about this show but knew nothing about it lmao so I loved the crash course. but also two: body positivity! making/altering your own clothes to fit your specific body! what a lovely speech to hear

its nice to see someone talking positively about season 3. the criticisms are valid but i really liked this season

Thank you for making this video, not just because that bust line is awful and I've always hated it on mass produced garments and false cups that never end up fitting anyone's bust correctly. But also because I'm a non-redhead who dyes it red specifically to look good in orange. The whole "x haircolor can't wear y" is whack, biased towards white people and doesn't take factors like undertone into consideration. ETA: I forgot to add, thank you for summarising Bridgerton, a thing I'm not into but some of my friends are. And thank you for calling out cap sleeves. I know hating them is cliche and all but I truly do. This doesn't mean I think people who like them are "wrong," as fashion is subjective.

5:26 not me over here a huge Brandon Sanderson fan, losing it cause I’m excited that you read that book! Also the main character and her love interest just so stinking cute!

Warbreaker is a good book, if you haven't read any of Sanderson's other one offs Elantris is really good

my mom recently binged all of bridgerton while i was in the room so i saw a lot of it and oh my god when penn and colin danced at their reception and i noticed that the song playing was *taylor swift you belong with me* i literally screamed it was so hilarious to me

Ok, about her WEIGHT in the book: She loses weight 10 years before their love story happens. That means that weight has nothing to do with how Colin suddenly sees her. The only visual change is she starts picking her own clothes. He really just grew up (finally). I'm remarking this bc I thought I was crazy or that I had read a different book so I re-read it again (luckily those books are very short and very easy to read) 😂 And I'm not saying the books aren't cringy reading them now. They're outdated (it makes sense). And I definitely prefer the Netflix adaptation by FAR And about the dresses, by some interviews, it's clear that they dressed Nicola like that on purpose, to make the glow up in S3 and I'm not mad. Who doesn't like a glow up like that? 😂

I'm glad this was my first introduction to your channel ❤ SUBSCRIBED

What a beautiful and powerful video! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I'm also overjoyed that Pen finally has costumes that fit her!! 🥰

I love Sarah Spaceman video essays‼️

This is the first video of yours I've seen. You did an amazing job of capturing the insecurities that didn't just go away with losing weight. (They can actually get worse.) I'm going to check out your other videos.

Love the sewing additions, it really did make an insane difference in my self confidence when i learned how to sew

Penelopes Speech was my favorite scene in the entire series and it's unbelivebale that this big moment is taken away from Colin in the book😬

As soon as i saw them in the show, i fell in love. Something about their characters captured my heart, and i listened to their story. I remember being frustrated at the book, but i know in the end, i loved it, too. I dont remember what it was, but you went over many of the things i didn't like. Their story is tough because veing both in love and hurt by he one you love the most. Loved this. You did great ❤

the tinfoil bonnet is killing me :"D

I love how they did the clothing thing, it truly does show how important it is to have clothing that fits your body.

😂😂😂 I love how you roasted the book. I'm new here. I wonder if you can roast other novels too including my favorites

Such an insightful analysis of the Penelope arc; my mom tailored my clothes and made absolutely beautiful Hula, Tahitian and western wear. I miss her

I don't know if I will watch your other videos, but you are very funny, I love it ! 😂❤

Thank you for mentioning the song yellow by Coldplay I haven’t heard anyone mention this so far. I laughed when the song came on.

Woooow what a great piece, love the animations!

You are amazing and your videos are amazing. I love all the RU-vidrs who are showing how to sew and also when they make mistakes, so I know that mistakes are part of the process. You are an inspiration to me in my sewing journey. I am currently altering a skirt for myself as I watch this. 😊

OH MY GOSH SEVERANCE MENTION!!! IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THAT TOO 😭 im so SO scared for a new season

i keep seeing videos talking about how much better the book is than this season of the show ive never read any of them but this video seems much more accurate and logical thanks for giving to to me straight

Its so nice and refreshing to see a more positive take on this season! I've seen so many people say this season is bad and while I do agree that certain plot points were a bit uncohesive, overall, I quite enjoyed this season a lot, and I felt that Penelope's overall character was done justice! as a none book reader seeing your insight to this was really eye opening, and you put it to words so well!

Omg, this made me cry more then the third season! Love your passionate videos!

this made me subscribe to your channel, I love your energy

This was so much fun! I love the animation 😂❤️😍

After season 1 aired, I tried reading through the books too. Right away, while reading book 1, I could tell that Netflix did it better. My favorite book was book 3, with Benedict and Sophie (and I'm SO MAD that Netflix SKIPPED OVER IT to do book 4 first??) But I could not get all the way through book 4, with Pen and Colin. I don't remember how far I got into it, since this was a few years ago at this point. But I quit before the romance part even really got underway. Good to know that quitting the book midway through was the right choice! I haven't seen season 3 yet, but I'm glad to hear that it fixed the story!!

i was definitely really happy with the netflix show's handling of this story

What a beautiful wholesome video 🥺💖

Love your analysis 😁

This video was a work of art, I loved it.

i love your animation the lil animation of them fighting is so cute

Bridgerton is the only series/movie that is better than the original books. The only. I always prefer the book, but not this time. You voiced all my issues with it in this video including the rants. 😂 I thank you. You deserve an instant follow.

Aluminium bonnet!!! Loved this, what an excellent overview and commentary.

Excellent video. 👏🏾 Excellent points made. Confirmation that I have to take my sewing more seriously.

By far this is the best book vs show video I have seen! Thank you.

I Clicked on this video and didn’t realize it was Sarah and now that I have I am so much happier.😂

I subscribed so fast as soon as I reached the part where you said you sew dresses 💗✨

Honestly I didn’t even realize the butterfly/evolution metaphor until you mentioned it.

WHEN YOU SAID YOU READ WARBREAKER I SUBSCRIBED. Because YES Warbreaker is far from romance but it also feels like there is SO MUCH romance? Even though there isn’t?! It just attests to the amazing writing. That book is my absolute FAVORITE