Thanks for your discussion on the weight of knits. That is something that is new to me, so I appreciate having that in my arsenal. I made some beautiful knits in the 60s, maybe the 70s. Some were called double knits. So much to learn. GSM. So great to know. I'll be waiting for the 60s fashion show... waiting, waiting, waiting....
Hi Lynn, double knits are still around, and they’re so nice to work with because they’re fairly stable. They stay put!! They’re not as stiff as the polyesters in the 70’s, of course.😄That video I made with my daughter Candace...I read all the polyester brand names from 1975 and boy! they were coming on strong! All the clothes in the catalog were polyester and it was advertised as possibly the greatest thing to come along since the wheel. So funny!😄
I too made a lot of clothes in double knit in those years. So easy. No ravelling and just wash and wear. And they always looked so nice. One other thing I miss about "the good old days". 12:08
Thx for explaining and clarifying weight of knits. That really helps, especially when buying online. Cant wait to watch 60s fashions. Great decade. You're fun to watch, and I'm learning so much. 🙂
Thank you for the information about knits. Not being able to tell how thick or thin fabric is, has kept me from buying fabric online. Lovely patterns as well.
Vivmom you crack me up every time. If the dress you are wearing has a bit of a balloon shape I think it is described as a cocoon dress and not a sack LOL Thanks for the info on knit fabrics. That is very useful to know. You got some very pretty fabrics and great patterns too. Bring on the sixties fashion show! I hope your hubby will be modelling too 😀 Happy sewing!
Cocoon! Yes! Why couldn’t I think of that?! Oh man I’m getting old. How’d you like “sack”!!? My husband burst out laughing. I love making people laugh so it’s all good!😂 Thanks for your great comments & for sticking around!
Gosh, Monica, what a fabulous comment...and here I am just replying a MONTH later!😭I am terribly sorry. You’re a dear and I appreciate your generous compliments!
Fantastic work, beachbaby!!👏👏So proud of you. And Mood is so much fun. I know you’re going to love receiving that package. Thanks for your very sweet compliments.💕
Excellent video, Viv! Thanks for the helpful info about knits along with some sources that provide the GSM. The Tencel from Mayfield is lovely and I'm looking forward to seeing what you make with it. Great patterns-more added to my list. Love your new intro and can't wait for the 60s fashion show!
Viv, I love your videos! I actually learned something new. I have always been fearful of sewing knits, for the reasons you just described. Love the 60's patterns. Thank you for going to pains, to show the actual patterns, as well as the finished project. I had given up sewing, after my husband died, and now you've made me want to take it up again!
Hi Karen, thank you for writing.💕 I didn’t sew knits for the longest time, I figured too much could go wrong. Everyone said “oh they’re wonderful!” Well, I had some pretty dismal results at the beginning. But slowly I am getting better. Learning about the various knit fabrics has been good and I just wanted to pass on a wee bit of info. I’m so glad you found it helpful. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. That must feel truly devastating. Prayers as you walk the road to a new normal. Perhaps sewing can play a small part in healing. I hope you stay with it. I’m glad you’re here.😃
That light weight blue knit you showed would be perfect for a sleeveless sweater. Maybe with a handkerchief hem to wear over something just as a fashion statement. The lighter the weight the better for something like that. Something like the Canyon Cardigan by Love Notions. I just made it with sleeves and I can imagine it sleeveless out of something that is a sheer light weight like you showed. Thank you for posting all of your help and information!
60's wardrobe? Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes Yes! Take me on a trip through my teenage years fashions. You've got some great patterns despite them not being new ones. The last vogue off the shoulder pattern is going to look great on you. The lightweight jersey would drape beautifully as a circular skirt with a petticoat underneath. Loving your vlogs Viv. 😍😘
michoumakes hey yall, Texan here:) isnt vivmom awesome, also have enjoyed ur makes too. I think u mentioned in the past,about coming to the USA,on holiday from UK. Hope u enjoy ur visit!
I loooove those 60’s styles - but you know, I’m into the trapeze stuff and not fitted. Another thing - those pattern envelope illustrations! I can’t get enough! Thanks, michou, glad you’re here!
Hi Vicmon you are inspiration, thank you. I was given a big box of patterns for women and children and men. Now I have to hunt for materials, JoAnn's has them but very expressive in yardages. So I will have to shop online for materials.
Hi Petra, thanks for joining me here on Vivmom.😄 A box filled with patterns sounds like fun to me! Of course, it helps if the patterns are your style and size. I agree that fabric at Joann is very expensive. You might want to look at Walmart, some of their stores have a sewing department with fabric. Fabric Mart online has wonderful sales. So does Mood. Happy hunting & sewing!🌸
This is super helpful information! I am getting back to sewing and trying to gain courage to make clothes that fit (fitting intimidates me) and you are so encouraging. I really needed this information to be able to buy knits online. Great videos👍
Thank you for this valuable lesson. I have never ordered knit online because I did not know how to select the right fabric. When the time comes I will be better prepared. I really enjoy your videos. God bless!
Thanks for educating me. I'll remember it next time I shop for knits. I love the white knit with flowers. The dress You're wearing is lovely. Fits great.
Another very informative video! I am making maternity garments for my daughter so knits have become a necessity. Haven't worked with knits much but now I know what to look for. Yay! Have I mentioned how much I love this channel, lol. I am feeling confident, thanks for explaining knits in a manner I understand. Bless you!
My pleasure, Jill. When people are as nice as you are it truly is a pleasure.🌸I never feel as though I have enough knowledge or ability to be instructing others, so I’m timid about that, but I’m feeling more encouraged and comfortable. I wish I could have everyone over for a cup of coffee☕️and great conversation (and sewing, of course) but we will have to settle for a virtual get together. Even so, that’s fun too!😄👍
I’m so glad to hear that, Susan! I’m fairly new at knits, too. I love the fact that they don’t fray. And the projects tend to go together fast. I don’t think I planned a single knit item in my August makes - I may have to add one or two! Thanks for participating!
That pattern at the very beginning with the keyhole dresses i made 2 of those one in red satain for grad party and one in navy with sailor buttons..they were lovely x
I am just getting back into sewing, good information on knits! I made my high school clothes and most of children’s clothes when they were younger. Then went through a quilting phase. Now watching RU-vid I want to try clothing again.
Thanks, Connie, I appreciate that you’re watching and commenting! So many of us have a similar timeline with sewing, and I think we’re all happy to have “rediscovered the love.” I hope you try a few garments; patterns now are user friendly in terms of design, some have very few pieces and yet look pretty smart. All the best!
Not sure if you ever used that 130 GSM knit BUT...I made a maxi dress that I wear as a night gown from a black that looks similar and I love it! It is the diy where you cut the length you want, sew up the sides, sew across the top and cut a straight line about five inches down the center of the top (non selvedge) which becomes your neck hole. Cut the arm holes by just cutting away six inches or so on the top of side seams and walah...you have a house dress!
SO. MANY. THINGS. TO. SAY!!!! First, I love your intro! How did you do that? Second, I am planning to jump up and see if I could find the weight on our jerseys right after your video! Third, THANK YOU! What a thrill to hear you talk about Mayfield Fabric! I so appreciate it! I made a drawstring maxi skirt with that fabric, and I just love it! It will go with everything in my wardrobe! Finally, I can't wait to see your sixties fashion show!
Hi Carla, thanks for that beautiful package in my mail today. I love the chambray!! All the best to Mayfield Fabric & Supply! Hey - I got a new phone and editing app, so I made the intro with that. Took me a hundred hours last night, lol. Thanks, as always, for your comments!
That's the problem with editing. I know I can learn it, but it takes forever! You are welcome, thank you so much for supporting our fledgling business!
Vivmom Sews I got a haul of over 1000 patterns Burda Vogue Simplicity Butterick Mc Calls a lot of vintage patterns I would love to share them with U. I found them on Facebooks Market Place bought all of them for $15.00 let me know message me
Thanks for the fabric sources! and the great information on weight volume for knits. It is frustrating to shop on line and not be sure about the opacity of certain fabrics your purchasing. Love your channel!
Hi Sue, thanks very much for these nice comments, and for watching! I kept running into sheer knits. Believe me, I need opacity. I am so happy to pass along any tidbits of information that might be helpful.
Viv, I had never even thought to check the weight of the knits, I kind of just rolled the dice and guessed! I learned something new today! Also, love the new patterns, cant wait to see them sewn up!
Just a wee bit of information that might help - that’s my aim. I’m so glad to hear it may give you an assist! I have noticed that our beloved Fabric Mart is using that word “translucent” to describe 90% of their fabrics. Sheesh. It’s starting to bug me - oh no, add it to the list. Thanks for your input!
It is so nice when they include this information. I’m a little disappointed that Fabric Mart seems to have gone with the word “translucent” for just about every fabric they stock online. Even “semi opaque” or “semi sheer” were preferable. And don’t get me started on “lightweight” - that can mean anything from quilting cotton to 130 gsm see through knits! Arrgh! Thanks Janine.
Hi Viv, thank you for the tip about the gsm. I didn't know about that. It should help when choosing knit fabrics online. Looking forward to the 60's parade!
Saw several patterns that I made and one that I cut out and never made...a complicated Jean Muir. My bridesmaids dresses were a Christian Dior in that book. I always liked the Vogue patterns the best and then Butterick because the designs were more unique that the other companies, but yes considered difficult and pricey. Most of these look like the Royal Family ladies would walk out of the palace in them.
Hi Viv! I’m so glad you like vogue fabrics! It’s my favorite store! And thank you for sharing your knowledge about knit fabrics! I hate that some Joann Fabrics locations are so different from others. I’ve been to some that are really awesome and others that are crappy! You could always order online too. Sometimes the big four have online pattern sales. You won’t get the $1.99 or .99 cents price, but you can still get them for a reasonable price. Sometimes they go on sale for $2.99 each. It’s better than wasting the gas to go to another location. Just a thought! As always I loved the video!
Thank you Tea - great comment! Yes, Joann seems to vary widely. I’ve been to them in several states, mine takes the prize for worst! Fact is, I do not need to be buying more patterns. It’s really cool when they put them on sale online with free shipping. O happy day! I remember you saying how much you like Vogue Fabrics. I’ve always had good experiences with them!
Thanks so much for all your info on the weight of knits. Also, thanks for actually holding the pattern up for a hot minute so we can actually see it. Some go so fast I hardly know what they are talking about. I am going to check out that chambray fabric right now!
Thank you, Patti! Wait’ll you see my videos shot with Pause Cam, the pattern numbers come out backwards - to my eternal disappointment! People have commented about that. I will always list patterns I talk about in the description box. You’re a dear to watch and comment!😃
How very interesting! Tks Viv . Lovely blue Tencel ! Lucky u live in USA the stuff is sooo cheap especially patterns however shipping costs to Europe is outrageous 😂😩 so I appreciate u showing what is available too 😍 Have a great day dear x
We really do get the cheap patterns around here, huh. It should be that way everywhere! And I hate that shipping costs are so sky-high to Europe. Boo. But thank you for watching and participating, it is so much fun to receive comments from abroad!
Hi Viv, you have some beautiful fabrics there and how lovely is that tensile chambray from Mayfield fabrics 💞. Can't wait to see what you make with that 👍. The thin jersey fabric would make a great relaxed open cardigan and the shearness wouldn't be a problem then or a bolero style over a dress maybe. I love your videos so much and you have me smiling every time and definitely never confusing 😁👌😘
Sally, you are surely the sweetest. Thank you!! I have seen your comments here and there on other videos and you are so kind and cheerful, going about making people feel great. I’m quite honored to have you watching over here! Great idea for the thin blue knit. It’s been languishing for so long. I may be able to cut around the hole. See you soon - virtually speaking!
Hello Viv! I’m enjoying your channel and your personality. I really appreciate the info on knit weight...who knew!?! After you mentioned it on a video, after I first discovered you, a week ago or so, I purchased a few fabrics from The Fabric Mart, thank you for the recommendation, the fabrics is lovely and was a really good price. Happy Sewing! Btw looking forward to the 60s fashion show!
Hi Renee, so nice to find this message from you! Thanks for the support! I’m glad you liked your FabricMart order. I really have never had any troubles with them or their fabrics. What are you sewing? Whatever it is, I hope it goes well!
Vivmom Sews I bought some chambray to make a light weight skirt. You inspired me. I also appreciate that you sew for your husband. He looks proud as he models.
Oooh nice, a skirt. I really want to make more skirts! Thanks for the nod to my husband - he’s a sport about all of this and happy to help out. It’s great.
Wow Viv this was so helpful and informative. Ordering online and being disappointed in the fabric has happened to me too. Off the check the gsm p. Happy sewing! ✂️
I love your videos .... and the information you provide ... so fun and encouraging! The GSM comparison was super helpful, good info, like always! Can you please make your opening volume the same as your actual video volume? Very frustrating to keep having to adjust volume! Thanks!
Love your new into, very cool! Thanks for the knit tips and I'll have to order some thread from vogue fabrics and you could make that duster for a date night with your Hubby! :-)
Thanks, Dee. I’m learning iMovie slooooowly. Oooh date night - sounds good. I do love that long duster, the only problem is I want to look like that model!😭
Hey Girl,i think u are doing Awesome on ur videos. I love ur fabric choices,i will look for fall knits at ,Stylish fabrics. I've never heard any ,you tube sewist,explain knits so well. As a matter of fact,few use knits,if they do,its cut and sew. There is a channel,Joyce Berhardt,she has a simple way to explain sewing . U remind me of her,because of ur bubbly way, except she speaks with high decibels.lol. Cant wait for ur fashion show. Is it possible to film outside,for a better view?
I love vogue 8970 but, had a terrible time with the collar. It didn’t have a stand and I had to put it aside. Do you ever plan to do a sew along? Or maybe give your tips for fitting a pattern? Great information on the knit fabric weights!!
Thank you, Sew & Cher! I’ve got that 60’s video on the schedule! The response has been great. Don’t you just love the old pattern envelope illustrations?
Nooooo! When you were first unfolding the blue fabric.. I knew what it was. My daughter had purchased a beautiful summer off the shoulder ruffle dress which was tensil...she wanted to shorten it & came to visit my sewing machine...next morning.. she started to steam it to freshen it up. Nightmare! Moisture from steaming did such a number on it that she couldn't wear it to work! Lesson learned.. good luck with what you create with it.. xo
Oh no😱Veralyn! That’s a cautionary tale for me. I will be very careful! The tencel washed beautifully but I haven’t ironed or cut yet. Thank you for the warning, and for watching! I’m sorry about your daughter’s dress.💐
Thank you for your explanation about knit weights. Makes it easier to shop online . I think you should make that duster out of the the too thin blue knit. It would be pretty.
I only ever use knit fabrics, as I'm scared of the fitting and fastenings of woven patterns! Perhaps you could recommend woven patterns that don't need a lot of fittings and fastenings? What I love about knits is that I can just pull them on quickly over my head and away I go! I don't have a lot of patience! 😏😘 As always, TFS 👍💕
See through clingy fabric: my arch enemy!! I like it when knits have a bit of bounce. Someone suggested I sew a cardigan with the thin blue jersey and I may do that, it might be more forgiving than a tee or dress. Yikes! Thanks Marilyn!
Hi Vivmom, I love the videos and Keep Sewing love what you do!! I'm a Technical Designer for mens wear for a high end retailer and I love that you are doing mens also. I have a great company to look at for some men's and they also have women patterns great company and nice patterns. The website is Thread Theory and Hot Patterns love their patterns. I enjoy you videos and love seeing all the patterns and garments you are making Keep it up!
Thanks so much, ric! I keep sewing tee shirts and sleep shorts for men - with a couple button shirts in there - and I could stand to step it up a bit. There’s a lack of current patterns for innovative men’s styles so I appreciate the recommendations! Good to hear from you!😄👍
This was very helpful and the reason I stopped buying fabric online. Also, ditto on your comment about JoAnn Fabric. Cannot tell you how many times I have contacted the Corporate Headquarters to complain. I am resolved to the fact that they are catering to crafters and Chinese (junk) home goods imports. You can’t get upset with the sales people. They have no control over the lack of pattern and fabric inventory. I was pleased to hear that Hobby Lobby carries fabric. I don’t have one of these stores close to me but, now that I know I may take a trip to one closest to me to check out their fabric. Love the Vogue dress you have on. Is that made of cotton?
Hi Jack, thanks for this great comment! Yes, my dress is made of a rather heavy cotton broadcloth. Hobby Lobby doesn’t have a ton of apparel fabrics but they’re slowly getting more. Tons of quilting cotton. They also have excellent $1.99 pattern sales.
Can’t thank you enough for this info. I have just found your channel and you are really inspiring me to start sewing again. I love your channel and I love all your makes, they are such a good fit. Do you use a tailors Dummy. x
Hello Marilyn, welcome!! (I have always loved the name Marilyn.) Thank you for your uplifting compliments, so generous! I don’t have a dress form. I’ve wondered occasionally if having one would make things easier, but I’m not sure. I like to sew and go, and I don’t really know the finer points of draping. Dummies definitely make clothes look fantastic, though!😄👍
I thank you for the gsm information. I have wondered about how to purchase the correct weight. My question for you now is, I have been listening to your critiques on patterns. You have wonderful information on that subject as well. Which company would you highly suggest a new/old beginner revisit sewing with. I have a few of the patterns you have shown, including the jumpsuit pattern. I have fabric. I have Simplicity, Butterick, and McCalls. I know that pattern companies vary as much as the individual pattern, but really would appreciate your suggestion. Thank you for sharing your information, your pleasant personality and your talent with us.❤️
The first one that leaped to mind, Cindi, is Simplicity. They have cute styles, you often get a lot of choices in one pattern, and they sew up successfully. Plus, I like their simpler style lines - not complicated or overly fitted, just comfortable and practical. I love Simplicity! I also love the Very Easy Vogue line for beautiful designs, but Vogue does assume you will have fundamental knowledge to finish seams, trim and clip curves, etc. Their instructions are briefer and their diagrams are small. All of the pattern companies (Simplicity, Vogue, Butterick, McCall’s, New Look and Kwik Sew) are owned by the McCall Pattern Company. They’re all under the same roof, which is kind of a shock and a little disappointing, but they say that there are separate designers for each line. I guess we have to take them at their word. So the Kwik Sews of yesteryear are not the same as the current ones. The pattern line I like least is McCall’s but that’s just because I have had duds with them. So it’s all subjective. I adore New Look designs - sometimes their instructions are head-scratchers. Butterick are very nice, classic. Hope this helps!😄👍
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question. I have many simplicity patterns and think that I will begin again there. I may next venture to a Vogue. I did have intermediate knowledge 30 years ago, perhaps it’s like riding a bike. Thank you again, Viv! Enjoy your day.
So informative. I wish that all of the online stores would list the weight of the knits, I love sewing with knits, but sometimes I am disappointed with what I have ordered because it is too flimsy for what i have in mind to make.
Thanks for the tips about purchasing knit fabrics on line. It's extremely helpful. I like B6516, the short jacket, pants and the long cardigan with the shaped hemline, only I would shorten the cardigan. I also own V8970 but haven't made it up yet. Am looking forward to seeing your make. I can't say I like JoAnn Fabrics either but it's the only apparel fabric store (in a town of 200,000!). I'm going online more and more. I'd like supporting INDI pattern companies. I really like the floral rayon/spandex on beige (or is it white?) from Stylish Fabrics. Do you know if there is any left? I didn't see it but am not sure where to look.
Hi Sage! I love that Butterick pattern too. I hear you about Joann. It’s all we’ve got in many cases - that and Walmart.😑 I am glad to hear that you found the video helpful. Let me look for the beige/tan printed knit and come back and leave you a link if I find it! I think there is more on Etsy. Thanks again for your support!
Take it on a pattern by pattern basis, Rachel, but mostly I think it’s fine to go the bias binding route. I use it on knits, too, that do not require stretching to get over the head. It has not worked well when other aspects of the garment, for instance ruffles, need to be enclosed. The bias binding is just too narrow (at least the 1/2” I use) to accommodate more than an empty seam. Hope that makes sense. Hi! Thanks for writing!😄
I’ve also noticed that HL removed their small Vogue patterns collection. New Looks and Kwik Sew never go on sale @ HL (or Joann, for that matter.) For ease and pleasant factor of shopping, I will always go to Hobby Lobby first.👍
I wonder what you did with, "dissapointly thin fabric from Style Mart". I think that's the place. Could thin knits be used a large hem or sleeves on a garment or does the whole garment ha e to have everything weights that are close?
I haven’t done anything with it yet. I’m thinking a short nightgown would be cute or an oversized swimsuit cover up. And, of course, there’s nothing prohibiting me from making a tee shirt. It would just be a bit thin. In this heat I’m thinking that might be a good thing!
I disagree with your duster comment. You could pull it off at any wedding, funeral, cocktail party, museum or nice restaurant. I love it. Maybe it could be made shorter?
Hello, Beatrice, thank you for ringing in from France! The Vogue pattern that I’m wearing is long out of print, but it’s a basic silhouette. I think you could find something similar - or there is always eBay! One of my favorite haunts!
My serger is a Brother 1034D. The basic budget serger and it’s a great little machine. The sewing machine I’m using every day now is a Brother Simplicity 3129. I do not use a thread stand for my machine. Thanks for your interest!
Do you keep a list with you of patterns you've already purchased? If I didn't have a list I'd be double buying patterns all the time if I purchased as many patterns as you. How have you learned to fit the patterns for your measurements?
Hi Teresa, thanks for your interest! I don’t keep a list but I am constantly - *constantly* - in my pattern boxes and have a fairly good idea in mind of what I’ve got. There have been a handful of duplicates, and I donate them. I often buy duplicates on purpose, usually Simplicity .99 sales. For fit, I use finished bust measurements. That is the first thing I look at on the envelope (sometimes I have to unwrap the tissue and look on the pattern piece.) I am often a 14 or 16, sometimes a 12 in a looser fitting style. But that bust measurement guides the ship (and for pants, hip hip hip.)😄
