Hi everyone, thank you for engaging in this conversation! So incredibly encouraging to read your thoughts and experiences. I have now posted a follow up video about social media sewing trends I would love to see in 2023: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-FQiNETvmLqQ.html
The most painful one to see is people who do this know nothing abt pattern and pattern making. I watched a video of a girl making pair of pants by copying her old pants and cutting the front & back sides exactly the same. I was like oh no... She end up wear that pants with oversized tshirt bcz ofc it will looks odd & uncomfortable. I'm sure she will never wear that again unless she undo it, make the right pattern & add more fabric to follow the new pattern.
I love this. I used to follow a knitting content creator that would knit new sweaters so quickly and the sweaters ALWAYS had mistakes. And silly mistakes at that. Of course, it's ok to make mistakes, but she would point out all of the mistakes she made and would say "but I'm ok with them" Are you? Or are you just trying to get through these sweaters for content? What happens to this sweater after this video is over? Some of the yarns she used were $35 a skein. That's an expensive sweater! It just never sat well with me. When I make something, I want to put 100% into it, even if there are mistakes, and not rush through things to get to the next one.
Yes “what happens to the garment after the video” is something I often think too! Very valid point! Thank you so much for watching and engaging in this conversation! So appreciated! X
As a crocheter, I know exactly what you mean!! I’ve seen the same kind of thing! I’m a blanket girl myself, so I never have to worry about those being used, but I’ve only made one garment, and I love it, but would I if I was churning out a new one every week? And who has room for them?? And they’re not cheap hobbies to have, as you say, yarn can be expensive!
Some people might be making mistakes and might not know how to fix it so they are fine with a mistake in their piece. People are different skill levels even if they work quickly.
@@hysteric-and-hysterical You’re right. But in this case, it’s not that. I won’t call out the creator but my point was the creating as quickly as possible for content.
Yes! Yes! I am in this community for 2-3 years now and I recently started feeling bad about myself and this hobby I adore, because I wasn't as "productive" as other people in the community. So, thank you Alexandra for the reality check! And thank you for reminding me the no.1 reason I started sewing, which is to enjoy my time and the whole process of creating something for me, not others💗💗💗
I am *so* incredibly happy that I could bring this reminder your way!!!!! Seriously! I am tearing up as I was so nervous to post this video and knowing that I was able to be an encouragement ah it means a lot! Keep going and keep enjoying! Sending love! X
I had exactly the same feeling about a year ago. I have now decided that it’s not worth rushing. I take my time, otherwise what’s the point if the end result is going to give me the same result as going to the mall and buying something. I have also come to the conclusion that there’s nothing wrong with wearing RTW clothes. There are so many aspects of sustainability to consider that the best we can do is take everything slowly, with care, making it last. Enjoy the process and the end result will be so much better.
Yeah, I've been sewing for 12 years or so and I just can't be bothered posting my makes any more. Partly because I don't make as much as I used to, and partly because I don't post as much as sewing content creators. I just don't need to sew everything you know? Go easy on yourself, you're not alone.
It's fabric, it doesn't care if it waits for months, or years, for a project to get done. Your body would care if you rush it and make it poorly however!
Thankyou for this much needed review. I have been sewing for 52 years. Originally the videos helped people by teaching skills and now it is about "inflencing" people to buy patterns and fabric . No one needs the amounts of clothing being churned out by some youtubers. When fabrics and patterns are gifted for an opinion it's not sewing, it's commercial opportunity to increase sales. Sewalongs, explaining tricky techniques and education is what we need to get back to to enhance skills.
i watch one youtuber sometimes and see the fabric has been chopped like a child made it ( fine for kids just learning ) and seams are messy, etc. fit is really only ok and i know i wouldn't want to wear it. it's not necessary to go fast fast fast.. so disheartening. slow down. make it beautiful. make it long lasting. make it a piece worth having.
Id say not always. I used to accept “free” patterns in an exchange for a review as I was too poor to buy them. However over time it didn’t sit well with me that companies were using creators in this way that I even made a video talking about that. Most creators don’t earn much if anything from testing/reviewing a pattern. It barely covers the cost of supplies, if they do get paid.
I just started seriously sewing at 64 and am now 65. I'm now looking for an opportunity to shadow a sewist who makes clothing to see how it's really done.
Totally with you here! The fast sewing makes me feel terrible. I'm presently finishing a coat that took me 9 months to make! I will have that coat forever so when I think about it I'm okay with taking a long time, especially because I handstitch a lot and use couture techniques. But when I see women churning out several makes a week I feel like I'm missing out PLUS working too hard.
Wow!!! This comment! This is what I feel like sewing is about! Taking your time and striving for something sturdy and that will last! Well done! I echo what Shona has said - you will love it and it will become such a treasured garment over the years!!!
AGREEEEEE with all of these 1000000% When reels started becoming the thing on Instagram, I feel like it only further pushed people into this "make everything quickly" mentality, and I hate it. It skips over all of the learnings, all of the craft, all of the thought that goes into making clothes, and gives the impression that these projects are SO EASY and take NO TIME, when in reality that is not the case....or at least it's not for me. Process will always be more interesting to me than final product by far, and I try to follow people whose content aligns with that.
Yes! It hit me the other day that I don’t have to wait until my sewing piece is finished for me to make a reel about what I am making! Literally it felt like a light bulb moment and I pondered on why I thought I had to wait! It hit me that most sewing videos I see are all about the finished product and you’re right it skips over lessons and craft and process which are big parts of sewing! Thank you for watching! Sending love!!!
Yes! The design process and practice of the craft of sewing is so rewarding. I think it makes a finished product wayyyy better (and I also feel way more proud of myself) when I take the time to correct my mistakes and really learn from them.
@@AlexandraBurnett most of my IG is progress posts of my crochet, spinning, weaving, or occasionally sewing project. I've occasionally thought maybe I shouldn't post until it's done, but I reminded myself that no one is forced to look at my content. I like looking back at the progress photos, so I'm going to keep posting them.
I HATE reels. I don't feel like I'm learning from what those sewists are making, or even getting a feel for their journeys or challenges. It just feels so pointless, like: "LoOk WhaT I jUsT MaDe in FivE SeCOnDs! It'S PerFEcT!" Well, good on you, content creator. But I don't feel a connection to that content. I don't feel like I've understood their process. Having sewn for over 25 years, I still have projects that have all kinds of non-stop frustrations, and I savor the actual learning process when I solve problems. I find it relatable when others share those same roadblocks and their solutions, and understand that it can take time and a lot of seam ripping!
The part about fast sewing is so true! So many youtubers use so much fabric only to make a dress in "four hours" where they keep taking shortcuts, not finishing their seams, using hot glue, not caring a bit for the inside of the garment, making weird closures because it was faster (and you can't see it in the pictures anyway), and so on... All of these garments end up being much more like a costume than an actual wearable garment and I highly doubt they actually wear these clothes for any longer than how long it takes to film the reveal. The videos are entertaining, but they re essentially of the same mindset as fastfashion. Just because it was a DIY doesn't mean it doesn't contribute to waste.
my funniest sewing mistake was attaching a long sleeve to a neck. It was supposed to be a cowl neck, but it suddenly became an ostrich neck (and I'd been wondering why I was battling with something that's normally easy, especially with forgiving fabric)... yup, I took a photo and posted it, before unpicking it and putting it in the right place
Totally agree about the rushed sewing. It takes me months to finish certain garments lol. It’s ok to take your time with sewing projects and coming back to work on it when you’re in the right mood so you can put your all into it! I especially want to hear about people’s sewing mistakes and how the mistake was solved or how a person thinks they will solve it in the future because that is how we all learn and how we will all improve our sewing, by talking about our mistakes!
I just did that, never made clothes before, started making a scrub top with a pattern couldn't figure it out. Put it away for a few months, did a few more small projects. Just went back to it and figured some of it out, looks ok. But moving forward. Getting better.
I am in the process of making a jacket for my Daughter-in-Law, but having only sewn for myself before I decided to make a toile, not just one, but after many adjustments, I'm on my third. I am fed up of doing them, but I now know that this process will give me the confidence to cut the fabric, sew it and it'll fit perfectly - who wants to waste fabric?
I love this!!!! I’m a process sewer. In the past five years, sewing has been my source of maintaining proper mental health and an improved self esteem and wellbeing. If I’m forced to feel as though I need to “make an entire wardrobe in one week”, I’d quit. Sewing and knitting are what brings peace and tranquility to my life. I’m too lazy to look for other sources of stress reduction. Thank you for this post. I agree with you wholeheartedly.
Feeling under pressure to complete a number of garments in the shortest possible time will absolute not help your mental health as it will compound anxiety and then you'll feel like you're failing/not good enough etc which will exacerbate your mental health, and so the merry-go-round goes on. Continue enjoying your sewing and let those who want/feel they have something to prove by completing 'x' number of garments per day jog on, it's totally about quality not quantity. Look after yourself x
Yes yes yes! Thanks for sharing so honestly. I couldn't agree more with your points and I don't think your video came across as negative. I think it's refreshing and valuable to hear these thoughts expressed. 🧡
I am relieved you and others agree! And I am glad you don’t think it’s coming across negatively as I was so nervous about that! Thank you so much for watching! 💕💕💕
I love the honesty and heart of this video so much! I've been having the same thoughts and issues about this type of content for a while now. It is clear that we all need to take accountability, even though we're not large Corporation where it's easy to point fingers at. At the end of the day it all boils down to our personal consumption habits. There is still a waste factor, even if we make our own clothes, which makes it so crucial to really be mindful even during the making process! Thanks so much for opening this discussion up on the internet! Much love
Thank you for engaging in this conversation! It means a lot to me - yes about the waste factor, I think it can often be boiled to that! I know that I need to be more responsible when it comes to that! 💕
Loved this!! I've definitely been guilty of jumping on a 'sewing for content' bandwagon at one point and it totally ruined my love for sewing for a bit 😫 sewing is for fun, creativity and owning our mistakes so we can improve always!
I can relate!! It puts so much pressure to the point that it suffocates this thing that used to bring joy and was an innocent hobby! I always remember you sharing your struggles with that pair of pleather trousers you made and how you took us on a journey - and I so appreciated that!!!! X
Devil's advocate here! I don't have a problem with fast sewing or sewing that was made for channel content. It serves a purpose and can be inspiring. It takes skill to sew quickly and well. Some people sew for a living, for example, or have a lot of items to sew. They could learn tips from these videos. Not everybody sews so the more sewing content out in the world the better as far as I see. Maybe it will turn up on somebody's feed and turn them on to sewing? It is a privilege to be able to sew occasionally, or as a hobby. Plus-size people (and other non-"standard" body size or shape persons) may have to sew their entire wardrobe. Fast, efficient, and volume sewing is definitely a plus. Maybe the person thinks their sewing effort was perfect? The more experience you get the more you can see your mistakes. Many things I made and love in the earlier days I would not wear now because of how amateurish they looked but at the time me and my friends were all celebrating my awesome garment. I love seeing the yearly makes. Inspiring. Sure some people make too many clothes but *they* made them, not crying little kids in structurally unsound factories so even if it smells like fast fashion it still is not.
I sew professionally, and I also had this thought. I'm very lucky to work for a tiny company, in a city with a relatively high minimum wage, and speed is an important component of my job. I also make a lot of my own clothes, and I do incorporate production stitching methods to speed things up. I love sewing, but I don't really want to spend all of my free time on it after a 40 hour work week. That said, I often spend weeks or months contemplating a design before I even pull out a pattern when I'm sewing for myself, because I want to be confident that the effort I put in will yield something I will actually wear. I like it when content creators include the design, patterning, and fitting process in their videos, because it really is the most time consuming part for most experienced sewists. When I'm at work, I have to sew quickly so that my employer can make money, and so we can meet customers' deadlines (we make things to order, mostly). Content creators and influencers are also professional stitchers who do it to pay their bills, though I do think that there's something to be said for setting an unrealistic expectation for hobbyists and those of us who have other full time work. But then maybe we, as consumers of said content, need to take some responsibility for managing the expectations we have for ourselves.
I love this thought. I started sewing my wardrobe, and this is definitely my experience...I think there's space for both. Nice slow hand sewing with detail and mindfulness and faster production of things we enjoy making. This video definitely has helped me realise I never really go back to fix my projects after making them. There's always not enough time and a new exciting thing to embark on. Now I think I'll just label all of them WIPs and fix them slowly.
@@violetsnotroses3640 I agree. Sometimes we forget that sewing content creators are doing a job. It is an easy mistake to make because we follow them because they seem relatable. However, it is their relatableness that makes that business model work in the first place. The same rules apply in the real world as online- live your life as best as you can without judging yourself by other people's standards, especially if you don't know the details of their lives. Take what you need from the sewing community and use it to live your best life
I was thinking the same. It also seems a bit contradictory to say that buying ready made garments is fine and there’s no shame in not making every single item in your wardrobe and then going on and say that people should take more time while sewing and why do they need so many items and isn’t that the same as buying fast fashion? I’m a bit…confused
I feel like your on ths bad side of the Algorythn or something. Or maybe all the sewing videos you watch are through tiktok. That app incentivises quick and low quality work no matter what you're watching. I get all my sewing videos through youtube and these channels upload anywhere from weekly to monthly.
Oh my goodness Alexandra, yes!! I was talking with my seamstress tutor a few weeks ago and we also discussed how the sewing community seems to be approaching fast fashion and everything being made so quickly. Personally, I have tried sewing in a day, and I’ve made so many errors, I don’t do it anymore. It’ll come together when it comes together. I don’t think the pattern companies help with their constant release of new patterns which look strikingly similar to their previous patterns. Kind of promotes a fast fashion feel about it. It just takes one person to start a conversation, well done Alexandra!!
Oh, glad it's not just me. I just commented on the " all designers bringing out a smock/ tent dress pattern" I feel that, like fast fashion, they're telling us what we are going to wear ( not me)
I do get what you are saying. Similar things happen on the crafting side of things. When I first started watching RU-vid, it was strictly creators sharing tutorials and ideas to spark others to create and grow. Since everything is so monetized, I feel like I cannot do all of the lovely things because I don't have the latest machine or higher-priced materials. Ceators are pushed to create more and more. A lot of them are also sponsored and get their wonderful materials free. Also, you can only get certain information if you support the channel monetarily or become a member of Pinterest or someone's blogging community. I miss the days of just having creative content shared by fellow creators, whatever level they are at. I am not putting down people who make money from it, I just miss the old RU-vid environment.
i know, I feel sad when there are these financial barriers. I actually unfolded a knitting creator because 80%of her videos is only on patrion and to access them is 20$ per month. for me with the exchange rate it is x15! I also miss the old days.
It seems that so many ''sewists'' get no pleasure from what they're doing and take no pride in producing a nice result. I watch sewing videos everyday and I can see how they are getting worse all the time. Most of the videos have little or nothing to offer. They just want to get it uploaded and then onto the next one and so on. Those ones get a big fat thumbs down from me every time. And it's really annoying having to trawl through so much crap to find one worth watching. And don't get me started on those '5 min sewing hacks' videos, they are so repetitive, it's often the same person uploading the same rubbish on all their many channels, basically bombarding us with crap.!
I love sewing videos that are thoughtful and informative, and agree, they are fewer every day. there is an Australian girl @softenstudios that post that type of content, but not very often.
I would think most sewists agree with you... you're not alone lol 😂 I started sewing about 4 years ago and used to think I was slow at sewing because I couldn't make garments in a day/weekend. Honestly I really enjoy taking my time, seeing my project come together. And I totally agree with your "smells like fast fashion" point. Great video 😊👌
Yes!! I work in a fabric shop and whenever I talk to new sewers they always put themselves down for not making things 'perfect' - I've been sewing for 12 years and I make mistakes on all the projects I do! A lot of the fast sewing and perfectionism really makes sewing feel inaccessible for new sewers and that's really not what sewing is about!
Ah so sad to hear, yes I bet it’s the case with a lot of people. Even I have fallen victim to the perfectionism mindset and it’s stopped me from enjoying my craft and letting myself be a beginner. X
Tik tok dressmsking is the worst..a few sewist I like.... have been posting tik toks all of sudden and i am sad to say that the final outfit is shoddy.... one recently had a twisted waist band ..uneven hem ..etc etc.... and I also hate sewist who say this took me 4 hrs ...then I make it ...and it takes me 12 hrs ...but l am a perfectionist and I think dress making is about all those fine details.... anyway ...heres to happily sewing a quality outfit that fits and is neat ...yeah to that ..
Those “haul” videos are disheartening as well. But great vid Alexandra ! I think you made more people feel ok to NOT keep up with “exaggerated “ trends than you think.
Well hopefully Alexandra herself will begin to feel okay with not keeping up with them. All she said in this video was how they made her feel inferior.
I do not like fast fashion. I do not like pattern hauls just because the patterns are on sale. I do not like this trend to make something just because everyone is making it. But in the end - making something because you can post it on social media will only lead to excess.
Thank you for this! I have been sewing for over 60 years and this is exactly what I feel when I watch social media videos...whether pattern reveals or "LOOK WHAT I SEWED!"... Always seems to feed the FOMO disease.
FOMO disease…so true! I love hearing when others have been sewing for so many years. I’ve been sewing for 32 years now and I’m still learning. I hope to also one day say I have been sewing for over 60 years. All the very best to you Lizzie! :)
This video resonated with me so much! Especially the commentary on "fast fashion" or "fast sewing". I feel like content like (especially within a 30 second reel) cheapens the value of sewing as well, making it look really quick and easy when in reality its hard work! Thank you for your honest thoughts!
I almost gave up sewing because I make mistakes, I unpick and try again and still don't always get it right. Instead of feeling 'this is something I have learnt for next time' I was feeling I am not good at this and I should stop. Thank you for your honesty and for making me feel like I should carry on and continue to learn. You are an inspiration ❤
Definitely continue in your sewing journey Samantha, I always say sewing is sometimes very frustrating but greatly rewarding. I’ve been sewing for over 30 years and I’m still learning! It’s worth taking your time, learning new things as you go and most importantly enjoying your craft. All the very best! :)
Mistakes are easy to make even when you've been sewing for years. Do you know how many times I've set a sleeve in inside out over the last 15 years? Or pinned everything the wrong way, got some part of my project sewn up in a seam that wasn't supposed to be, or plain just read the instructions wrong and did something weird I can't even describe? Too many to count! That's just a sampling of mistakes I've made too. I'm not saying you don't get better over time, you absolutely do, but some mistakes are so easy to make you're bound to repeat them. Some techniques are hard to master too. I'm lucky enough that once I've seen a thing done I am usually able to repeat it correctly even if it's my first time trying, but there are also things that I've had to do over and over again practicing on scrap fabric before I got it. After watching at least 8 different tutorials too.
@@winterinbloom Thank you. I am going to tackle a coat this weekend. My friend bought me some beautiful fabric from India and I bought the pattern about a month ago. I pick it up and put it down - it looks complicated. But I'm going to give it a go 🙂
Why let people you don’t even know cause you stress? I sew for my own enjoyment. I have for over 50 years, and I love learning from others on RU-vid. Sometimes I learn a new skill, sometimes I rely on my tried and true methods.
@@AlexandraBurnett I hope you can learn it - because at your young age, it will serve you well in life to learn that lesson now and not 40 years from now. It's no shame - just life - it's kind of a tendency for all of us - but I think especially young people.
Could not agree with you more ! I sew because it makes me feel happy, about myself and about the environment. It gives me JOY and makes me feel proud that I am able to create something. I don't care about social media, I have an Instagram account that I use to seek inspiration but I've not posted a single picture because I don't sew for other people (I have absolutely nothing against who posts on social media, I just am not interested in doing so). Thanks for this video ! Me, your mom, your husband and @PhillyGirl Diane did enjoy it greatly!
Thank you for watching!!! And you’re so right! I also sew for joy!!!!!!!! Sending lots of love! And keep that joy about you - through sewing and other things - as JOY is power! 💕💕💕
I agree with everything you said. Sure it was fun during 2 yr lockdowns all the newbie sewers out there that thought they all reinvented the wheel. (I've been at it for 55yrs I think.. .I can't remember). And all the fabric they all bought online (I haven't done that prefer to shop local but understand not many people can, I live in a big city). My pet peeve is all the repetitive unboxing of purchases from monthly subscriptions. Are we all 12yr old suddenly???? Good lord....I DON'T CARE. .... And don't tell me about all the fabric you got GIVEN to you for a post or for advertising. Really???? Yeah ShutUpAboutItAlready.
Good Lord I don’t care hah! I love that phrase so much - it’s going to become a part of my vocabulary! Thank you for sharing - wow, 55 years! Well done! I bet you have some amazing lessons you can share with us newbies!!! Sending love and thank you for watching and engaging in this conversation!!!
I don't care about fabric hauls or subscription boxes. Give me pattern hacks, new to me pattern companies, new technique, fails & recoveries(I love fails & recoveries), upcycling etc, sew alongs, collaborations.... Entertain me. Give me something other than your buying power.
Sadly sewing youtubers and instagramers are all about the personalities and little on content about sharing skills and knowledge. Like you the unboxing does my head in. This week I have unsubscribed from many youtubers, I still support the educational ones but I will no longer waste my valuable time watching fast fashion.
The truth about watching unboxing quilt boxes as well - those Quilty Box I think it was - I started watching one and turned it off in about 1 minute flat - maybe 30 seconds - just not interested. It was marketing, pure and simple and I don't care either. I also don't watch all the people who go to the thrift store and bring back bags of clothing and want me to go ooh and ah. I simply don't understand people who have time for such things. But I guess some people are really bored with their lives.
I agree with everything you have said! I’m sure that there are so many people who feel all of those pressures when seeing videos on RU-vid. Thank you for being so honest and reminding me that I sew to enjoy the process, learn new skills and take my time to make myself something that fits well and is going to last.❤️
Thank you fro your kind words!!! It was my heart to help take some pressure off and I am glad it’s resonating with you and hopefully with more people! Sending love! X
What we need to see more: How to shop patterns for our body type and height. Not everything you see on social media suits every body, just like not every trend suits every body. And I tend to follow creators with curvy body and age diversity like mine, because, real sewing inspiration.
same I’ve stopped following very skinny people who can make any pattern fit without alterations in 4 hours because that’s just not the reality of my process with it. anything I sew takes like a month or two of fitting a toile here and there before even sewing the thing itself
@@BroccoliFiles I also feel this way sometimes when some people share their pattern testing project and the underbust cut in the middle of their chest instead of under and they don’t even mention it I’m like … it’s called pattern testing be honest😭
I agree. ❤I’ve unsubscribed from several RU-vidrs recently as they bring a huge stash of material out and describe what they’re going to make. What do they do with all those clothes, especially dresses, who knows. It’s a production line. I don’t learn anything from these videos.
I wish I could like this video twice. I'M SO GLAD SOMEONE SAID IT! Its disappointing when i click on a sewing video and realize its done soley for content purposes and the final product looks like garbage. really gets me steaming!!! I want to be happy that sewing is popular, but i just watched someone destroy perfectly good fabric from the thrift store for a crappy video. ☹ It makes finding good fabric at the thrift store near impossible and i can't help but wonder if its because of this new trend
I always think about the fabric too! Because I care so much about fabric. I even apologised to fabric for not treating it well in the past so I 100% agree with you! X
My thoughts exactly! I'm new to the sewing community and I can't help but thinking how fast-fashion is contaminating the sewing-process and how social media participates in it. It's really a shame because sawing for me is the moment when I take time for myself to try and create something unique, which is taylor-made for me.
‘Practicing our craft in a responsible manner’-I love this! I couldn’t pin point why those videos annoyed me but it comes down to this 🤍 loved this video x
I entirely agree with your comments. I have stopped watching videos of sewists churning out dress after dress in every variation a pattern offers, sometimes badly pressed and with poor stitching. When do they get the opportunity to wear all these clothes. Much better to take a pride in your work and do justice to the fabric and pattern whatever level you are at.
1000% agree with you! Such a relief that someone has put it out into the universe 🙌 I have been sewing for a relatively short time and have watched RU-vid vloggers for a couple of years. At first I thought wow look how much they can sew in a week and wow look at all that fabric they are buying! Then after a while I was thinking hmmm why do you need more clothes? How on earth can 1 person need so many clothes? Anyhow, thanks for sharing I love your channel xxx
I know!!!! some people have a fabric hoal every few weeks and pattern hual and all 4 seasons plans,....... I look at that with sadness. because if you make so much every year, then what happens with all the things from last year?
100% agree with you and thank you for posting this. I’ve felt really demotivated to sew lately and I think it’s because the pressure on the Instagram social media community makes me sad, so I spend more time on Facebook sewing groups now because it feels more real over there x
100% agree , ive been sewing since I was 8 and only sew when I need a garment , ive been feeling guilty for not getting much done you've made me feel better about myself, thank you 🪡🧵
Thanks for sharing! I have many of the same thoughts. As a sewing content creator, I try to not go overboard with consumerism and making things for videos and not because I actually need to. Totally agree on sewists working super fast if they are compromising quality of the makes. I’ve also noticed many TikToks and Reels are flashy, but have no real information or substance. Appreciate the honesty and we need more of it.
What gets me is the cost of sewing, you can buy a new blouse from And Other Stories for £35. to buy the pattern, fabric, thread, time to learn the skills, buy the sewing machine, overlocker, etc etc etc... someone is really being exploited, is it us or the factory workers or both!!
Valid point. It does seem pricey to be able to make a good quality garment. And then you see a top for £2 on sale and you think “wow, this doesn’t seem right”!
I don't like the thrift flips like: Take a jacket, shirt or etc , cut it in the middle and you get a cropped top and a mini skirt. The skirts are too short in the back, almost every time. It's ok for pictures and a tiktok, but you can't wear it, when you are supposed to move. You need a little more fabric in the back along the the butt because of the curve. I like a well fitting mini skirt, but if the back hem is short it always make me cringe.
I think the sewing community are in general very encouraging to new sewists, also videos I watch do own up to their mistakes. Feel very lucky to be part of such a kind community. Some people do produce a lot of clothes in a week but I can’t think of another hobby where people have to justify what they make. I personally prefer slower sewing but I have no problem with those who take the fast approach. There is always an unsubscribe button if you feel strongly about a RU-vidr.
I know. I am wondering why we care what they do with their finished products. Maybe they have 5 sisters and 5 sisters-in law who all wear the same size and they get passed on. But why do we care? Are we the "environmentally sustainable police" for everyone in their craft/hobby and only if we agree with the quantity that they produce will we watch? I don't watch haul videos of any kind as I find them boring, but would never tell someone "you make too much - you are consuming too many raw materials for the environment" I find that mindset a bit overbearing and infringing on the rights of that person to do what they believe best.
Can't we just focus on our own goals instead of tearing down others for their's. I do hand engravings that sometimes take more than a week to complete but I'm not tearing down the people who do a simpler engraving in a couple of hours. Their goals are different than mine and they have zero bearing on my own personal intrinsic value.
I agree…too many haul videos of cheap fabrics then you see the same people often selling them off on destash accounts! Sewing can be such a great hobby for avoiding over consumption and you can even save money on occasion (not time though😂). I do wonder if new people are put off, especially in such financially constrained times. You don’t need the latest sewing patterns you can change what you have, and there are lots of ways to get fabric that’s already been through production. Thank you for being brave enough to call out some trends!!
Preach, girl! There are other RU-vidrs like yourself who are conscientious about their sewing, and their consumption through sewing, while others have yet to find that path. It’s nice to find another voice educating others about this. Can’t be too many of you! 🫶
Very very true! I love watching sewing vlogs and there are a few that I follow regularly but I think there is also a bit of a "commercial" aspect that has crept in. People are being gifted fabric or patterns in exchange for creating content. I also noticed there are people who have new fabric almost every week.
I kind of disagree with number 4 though- I post stuff I make without pointing out mistakes because most of my followers are non- sewers and would not care about me blabbing about the details of the garments mistakes and would probably come off as annoying tbh. I'm not trying to pretend my stuff is perfect, i just don't like getting caught up in minute details and privately just hope to improve next time, no harm done! But I agree about the points about rushing fr the sake of content! But on the other hand I find there's a lot of finger-pointing in the sewing community, like maybe we can just accept some people sew faster and have more time to sew than us and that;s ok. Like if I feel the pressure to keep up, that's kind of my problem to deal with and I need to deal with my own issues of self comparison. I would also like to say people sewing faster doesn't necessarily equate full of mistakes, some sewers are just very experienced and quick! Also there is a big spectrum between flawless/ no mistakes and low-quality. You can have a garment that maybe you rushed a little but still lasts you years and years, you don't have to knock every project out of the parc. Anyways not to be an annoying debbie downer, I know you gave a disclaimer you were about to offend a bunch of people haha! I offer my discourse light heartedly!!
Haha! No you make a very valid point! I was only thinking about sewing accounts where there’s an obvious sewing community established but didn’t think about the individuals posting makes among a group of friends / followers not into sewing. Thank you for sharing that! It has expanded my thinking and I am grateful!!
And you are right - there’s an element of comparison that I myself need to deal with too! 👏🏻 And you’re right about the fast sewing doesn’t always equate mistakes! I pretty much agree with your point of view a lot! X
OH MY GOD ALEXANDRA YOU SAID IT YOU ABSOLUTE LEGEND. All these topics have absolutely been on my mind over the past couple of months, to the point that I considered starting a youtube channel just to say these things. I’m glad you said it though so I can keep my face off the internet 😂 Mad respect for you though!! ❤❤❤
Hahaha…love your comment, “glad you said it though so I can keep my face off the internet.” You and me both! Such a refreshing video, it’s actually re-energised me to continue my sewing journey at my own pace without pressure :)
What a relief. I’ve got fed up with unauthentic and wasteful sewing programmes. I’m really trying to make the most of the patterns I already have. And only make what I need or what might help or cheer up someone else. Videos the help a particular skill or technique I still look for. But I’ve unsubscribed to loads that seemed like they were on a treadmill - implying I should be too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I am a sew dreamer, I make project bags, the occasional pj pants but mostly a knitted/crocheted and these same trends are in our communities as well as every other one. It’s sad that the cultural hobbies that have been around for thousands of years is getting pushed into a face paced world. These loves are meant to relax us, inspire us, allow us to create and help us process… it is not a competition and a race, it is a way of life to allow it to have the space and time it deserves.
I definitely have to agree with you. I decided to sew my garments for two reasons a) to have garments that had proper fit for my body(darts and waist seems always in the wrong places) and b) to put an end to contributing to fast fashion. I would like to add one more point to your list though, I have a big beef with fabric stashing(hoarding). It’s shocking to me to watch people have walls of cuts of fabric. Like how are you ever going to sew it all? I am a buy for the project at hand and plan everything out before buying.
Here's my thoughts - but why does it matter to you? I look at my fabric stash just like a pantry stash - for my use. It totally shouldn't matter to anyone else if my pantry if chock a block full or I have to run to the store daily.
Alexandra, I would like to comment on this beautiful video. While I don't agree with everything you brought up, I find you adorable as all get out. I think that YOU would like Bernadette Banner's channel if you are not already familiar with her stuff. Muah! Hugs. ~Rita
I love this video & your thoughts! I thought people who’d just started sewing were simply really excited about sewing and thus sewing so much & so fast… never crossed my mind they might be only sewing things for contents’ sake 😅 but you might be right! I try to make RU-vid videos around what I really want to make, but STRUGGLE to make the videos interesting. Fast and prolific sewing is often entertaining to watch, so it might be just them struggling to find interesting sewing contents… I love this kind of content (people talking about sewing) and your channel❤😊
i soooo agreee....i had to do costumes for work. in 14 Days i sew 12 costumes.....the good thing is that i only upcycle and spand 50euros for all the costumes....but i won't do this eny more......to match stress
Totally agree with you. We need to slow down and enjoy the process so that we can get it right, and make ourselves look fabulous while protecting the environment. In fact, instead of buying new fabric, I've begun to sew my stash. Keep up the good work!👍
I agree with all your points. I find channels with massive followings are most guilty of rushing makes that create these fitting mistakes. And I think most of their followers are newbies so they can't see the mistakes. But if you've been sewing for a while the mistakes are glaring. I also find these yearly makes round-ups videos fun to make and watch. But what I've noticed about people who have soooooooo many makes is that the items they produce are what I'd class as beginner makes, not requiring much detail or precision and in my mind, I swear I feel like they have people come in to help them sew sometimes🤣🤣. Also if they don't have a day job that they go to, it can sometimes explain how they make so much.
One youtuber I follow uses the yearly roundup to reflect on mistakes she made and how well the pieces ended up working in her wardrobe. And I love that! But you're right, often they're excessive.
I agree with about 90% of this. I do sometimes sew for content, but I look at myself as an educator. If you were teaching someone to cook, would you not make the recipes that would teach your students the most? You would probably not eat some of the things you cook on camera. Most of the time, I am sewing what I need in my wardrobe, but sometimes I am doing a project because my viewers have asked for a particular skill to be taught. Just another way to look at that particular thing. And, I too make TONS of mistakes and I’m not afraid to tell people.
Lol! I literally just posted basically a "What I made in a year video." I can say for myself, that I haven't posted for nearly a year of my makes, and I wanted to celebrate what I did make because I'm proud of them! Now, there's a small rack, but I think each and every single one of my makes has a purpose as to why I made them. I totally understand and agree with you on these trends, it's too much. But for the people who are genuinely very proud of their makes, bravo to them! Still
Ah this comment makes me happy! Thank you for sharing! It sounds to me like you’re an intentional sewists and that’s who I want to be when I grow up! Thank you for watching and participating in this conversation! It’s great to hear that other content creators feel this way too! 💕
As I see it there are so so SO many social media accounts that have content that doesn’t agree with your values and what you would like to see. It’s an impossible task to make them change their content as long as they have viewers and their followers are increasing. The only way is to stop watching and stop following the accounts that you don’t like, don’t just ”keep” them. Go looking for accounts that have the content you want, follow, share and tell them why you like them! That’s the way you can influence people. I suggest that your next video will be a long list of accounts that you will cheer and tell us and them about why you like them and their content ❤️❤️❤️
Such a great idea for a video! I have started following quilting accounts which i love, as they remind me of the importance of slow sew!!! Thank you for watching and engaging in this conversation! X
Creating for content is a problem in general I think, I see it with Bullet Journaling, Book Journaling, Crocheting, Knitting, Doodling and so much more stuff like that. Especially with TikTok, where people post every day, you might feel pressure to post everything you create, and I think creating in private while knowing that no one will see what you made is important for learning, and for making sure that you enjoy what you are doing.
Creating in private - I can’t tell you how much I agree. There’s things I made that I cherished making with no one watching so to speak. Just for me, no camera, no pressure to document! As much as I love sharing about my babies, creating in private feels like a sacred act of worship! X
I love this video! I'm a sewing novice and you've reassured me that it's okay to take weeks to make something, and that mistakes are okay. It's easy to watch the 'I made an entire wardrobe in a weekend' videos and feel like I'm not good enough.
You are right, there is pressure from social media to sew more clothing items, but the fact is there are only 7 days in the week and you only need clothes for every day wearing and maybe a special outfit for special occasions. Vote yes for more responsible sewing!
I loved this video! I can relate to all the point you’ve raised. I’ve been sewing for 8 months now, and already feel this mounting pressure to make all the things. I’d love to learn how to mindfully plan what to make next, how to select a pattern, fabric etc… thanks for make this video.
Thank you for watching Ruth! Those are all excellent things to pay attention to and that I will also need to do, all the best on your sewing journey! X
I liked because I believe anyone who speaks their truth from a place of good should at the very least liked. I didn’t spend my free time trying to educate people I’ve never met. This is your work, your efforts, your creative, and your time. ~ not to mention your expenses and investment, knowledge, and flat out WORK! You are working with zero promise of repayment for your efforts. So, may I please add input some viewing suggestions for viewing? I’m part of the historical creators world. I’m not on a level, equipment or skill wise for sharing, but these people INSPIRE! Probably the most well known, Bernadette Banner. Next, Morgan Donner is brilliant in her love of all things medieval, but also modern with rainbow hair. Costuming Drama is so non drama it in no way surprises me she’s not more well known. Cat’s Costumery is an up and coming in both skill level and following. I invite everyone to check out who I follow. None of them are fast fashion competitors, but most of them are sewists and creatives. I get literally nothing from others finding the same people who inspired me, but anyone who checks them out will.
As a mom I don’t get very much time to sew, it probably takes me a week or longer to get one thing finished! I also consider myself an advanced beginner so I’m still learning how to fit patterns to my body and make clothes that actually fit! It was nice to hear your perspective and to not feel alone ❤
I am so happy to hear encouragement for beginner sewists to make mistakes and own them as part of the process! I learned to sew in an industrial sewing class with really fast machines where I sewed everything on backwards at least once. I learned true patience and perseverance in that class. It was a spiritual lesson as well. I hope you continue to focus on the process of learning to sew. It can be really funny as well. I mean, I sewed a wedding dress backwards too! (I fixed it and it was beautiful in the end.) 😊
Wow! I agree with you! The best parts of sewing is actuaĺy not the actual sewing. LOL It is about making something that not only FITS you but also looks good on you. No two garments are ever going to be the same. Fabric is different, your body can even be different. Your skill set developes.. You might be inspired mid project to go " what if I tried this instead?" This can be an a design change or an adjustment of some sort. All of these things are the reason why sewing should not be a 500 yard dash, unless YOU want it to be. Every thing I have said also applies to non garment sewing as well. For example, I am currently taking a - gasp - store bought shower curtain and altering it to look custom and be much longer. What in theory should be easy, an hour project isn't for me. As I combine my fabrics, I observe how my fabrics are behaving. I realize that one of my solid coloured bands is going to potentially sag and want to wrinkle so I need to take it off and flat line it. So peraps then I also might want to add some detail like some diamond grid design that will also help stablize this fabric. If I just churned it out, I think I might be disappointed in the longer run with the result. Sewing is as much art as precision. It's the art/creative part for me thatis the joy. Sewing is the means of how I get there. This is just MHO.
This is amazing to hear! I have had these thoughts about many crafting and artistic creation social media. I have basically quit my own crafting journey of all shapes because I feel entirely inadequate with everything I make. This is inspiring me to pick up one of my many hobbies and just do it and work through the problems because, let's face, perfection is impossible but working through the issues is important to learn so we don't make the same mistakes again and again.
Perhaps I should have read comments first before I posted. Please let me add this. For Beginner sewists... everything you make will be a learning experience. If you learn from your mistakes you will get better. Quality takes time. I can guarantee you that if someone is cranking out something really fast they are cutting corners. The garment likely won't last . I think the video covers why in our current world this is not a helpful minset for the environment. Let these people on social media influence someone else. Your journey is your own, not theirs. Sewists are usally kind people who will help you learn and grrow. Not criticize you or "cancel" you. There are often many ways of doing things. The one that works for you is the right way! Until you find or learn another way. I have sewn for a long time. I am still learning! That is part of the fun for me. PS consider keeping your larger scraps. You might be able to donate them to a quilting guild, fabric artist, or find a way to repurpose them in other projects or to practice new techiques. Avoid giving them to the landfill.
TAKE A BOW ALEXANDRA! This is why we love you. Your honesty and ability to make everyone feel seen in a way that isn't cancelling anyone else is so amazing. I've had a sewing account for over a year now and have yet to post anything because I've always felt such a pressure to be perfect. Thank you for the reminder and push that we are all on our own timeline and shouldn't feel the need to keep up!
I have just watched your video and thank you for posting it. You really struck a chord with me. I know that I am a slow sewer and can make many mistakes (my stitch ripper is my best friend) but I enjoy what I do and take pleasure from the finished garment. Do these people really get enjoyment out of what they do? How many of them are doing it to see what 'freebies' they can get from companies? How many times does each item they make get worn? This is the first time that I have come across your channel but I have now subscribed. Thank you for making me feel 'normal'.
I totally agree with you. I too started sewing last year. I thought sewing your own cloth is supposed to be sustainable but when I see all these trends you have mentioned I’m not sure anymore. And can we add one more to your list the never ending FABRIC HAULS. OMG. 😅
Haha! Fair point! I made a fabric haul video, and in all honesty I still have most of that fabric cause I haven’t had time to sew haha, we don’t need mountains of fabric!!! Thanks for watching! X
I Really appreciated this video, and I generally agree with all the points made here. I think the one counterpoint to people making so many clothes is when they are very specifically teaching others how to sew. Like Bianca of the clothing historian, for example. She sews a lot. But her job is teaching people how to sew, from drafting the pattern, all the way to complete. And while she does have an extensive wardrobe, you do see her wearing her clothes in videos after they have been made -mostly because they're high quality, something she talks about the necessity for. As she says, she wants her clothes to ne the new vintage that gets handed down and resold for generations. But otherwise, I think there's honestly no need to create that many clothes. I'm pretty lucky in that I follow mostly historical sewists, who tend to sew fewer overall items (especially if there's a lot of hand sewing involved). And I also follow a few people (like Rachel Maksy and Rebecca Posey) who keep in the mistakes they make in their videos as well as how they solve them. I've learned so much from watching that. Thanks for this video, I agree that some sewing content seems a bit too much like fast fashion.
The first point resonated so much with me. I was wondering why all the sewing accounts i have subscribed to are not posting. And after watching this video i realised the all the people i have subscribed to sew not for content but for the love of it and as per their need.
So glad to hear! I feel it’s such a treat when my favourite creators come up with something after not posting for a bit - because you can see that they have made something with so much love and intentionality not just to post!
What is wrong with negativity especially in an atmosphere where negativity is equitable to criticism? Good for you! Also, many people sew out of necessity rather than hobby, and I 100% assure you that we all watch these trends with straight up laughable criticisms at some of the ridiculous things on tutorials or show 9ffs.
I agree 100% Thank you for putting this out there. I have sewn since grade school and enjoy the process. Also I am able to get a good custom fit. Sewing should be about making things you need and will love to wear. I take great care during construction so my garments will last and also look good even on the inside. I often remake thrifted items and love Turing something that does not fit well into a beautiful fitted item I love.
I honestly agree with everything you said in this video. They are valid points and concerns! With the boom and rapid change in technology I think it has created this need for speed. Which is great in areas of enhancement that better humanity, our affects on the earth, technological or medical advancements. But in other areas we need to slow down and learn that it's okay to slow down. A good example is right here with the making of new garments. And some of these channels that bang out daily sewing projects are trying to hide behind a guise of sustainability because they are making it themselves. But if you are making new clothes daily it is inherently not sustainable. I think we also need to slow down the speed with which trends change. Every season their are new trends which is exhausting and wasteful. There are RU-vidrs whose entire brand is trying to convince people to create entirely new wardrobes with each season that passes and having really negative things to say about people who are not keeping up with the latest trends. Which is really kind of gross. We don't all have to wear the same thing. What I personally think would be really cool to see is people developing a personal style that really brings them joy. Then you don't feel the need to constantly replace your clothes. You have your style, you build your wardrobe, and pieces occasionally change or are reproduced into something else. I personal think this would be so much more creative and fun and interesting to look at instead of a large group of people all repeating the same project over and over.
I agree, I'm a beginner sewing clothes. I also hate when people flip thrift clothes by buying larger sizes just for the fabric. It's hard enough for larger people to find thrift clothes as it is!
So many youtubers also lie about skill level and are like well I'ma sew for the first time ever as I want to try making my own clothes. *Is a prodigy who can sew a perfect princess seam puff sleeve dress as first project whilst making their own pattern* like why??
I just discovered your channel, and I completely agree with you! As much as I loved it, I feel like Project Runway made fast sewing for entertainment seem like the optimal way to go for a lot of sewing influencers. My natural rhythm is to take a few days, weeks, or even months (depending on the garment) to craft a solid, long-lasting piece, not a couple hours. I sew for my channel when I can, but it is nearly impossible not to skip important steps that affect the quality of the piece if you’re rushing towards a weekly deadline. I always wonder what happens to the clothes many of these influencers make afterwards since most of them are never seen again. I honestly think it causes the audience to devalue quality, well-made items too because they can find an influencer who has haphazardly made something that sort of looks the same in a few hours. Thank you for this video! I just subscribed ✨
Yes! Embrace beginners for making the attempt. Also embrace the youtubers that make their living by sewing to teach us how to sew, how to consider colors, and how to plan and execute wardrobes.
I'm very amused by this video. Despite your constant chattering that your takes are scalding and your insistence that everyone has left in anger, the opinions you shared are all in my opinion very intelligent and reasonable. You present them in a way that isn't aggressive at all and you have a very solid and deep reasoning for each one. Great video, no need to doubt your own voice!
I agree with you! I do participate in the “what I have made in a year” videos but I certainly do not have a whole rack full of clothes. When I started sewing again 8 years ago and putting out content about sewing I very much felt the pressure. With time though I just had to come to terms with the fact that I have a life and I am a slow sewer. I like for my makes to look good inside and out and so I take my time. I also think that it is starting to get to a point where it resembles fast fashion. I even had to tell myself to stop buying so many patterns because the reality is that I can’t keep up and don’t have the time to sew it all. So I have reevaluated and I frankly don’t care anymore about keeping up. Sewing doesn’t make me any money anyway so it doesn’t matter to me anymore to keep up with everyone else. I don’t even know how everyone keeps up with the pressure to make reels or tiktok content because I have a hard time with that as well. I can do it just not that often because I am slow sewing my wardrobe. Lol Great video!
So good to hear from a fellow content creator - as I have felt that pressure myself too! It’s a little like your in the ocean and it seems like everyone is surfing and the right things to do is to get a board and surf too - but it’s good to be reminded that you can also do a leisurely swim too and enjoy the waves at a slow pace. I am preaching to myself now! I loved the part about your clothes looking good on the inside - I know I give myself triple brownie points when my insides look good on the garments i make! Thank you for watching and engaging in this conversation! 💕💕💕
As a beginner sewist those type of videos make sewing look very easy; it’s not easy. It’s a learning process. Some knitting videos are similar. You don’t need to knit fast!
i feel this is a growing problem with the crafting community. It seems to be more about the continual production of items than the process. I knit and sew for myself and family, but for me I enjoy the process of creating, and seeing their faces when they receive the item. It's fine for the items I create to be imperfectly perfect, they just have to serve the purpose for which they were created. As an example I recently finished my first ever single bed-size quilt. OK some of the blocks didn't line up perfectly but it was made with my heart in every stitch and received with a grateful heart by its recipient. It is in use this evening keeping my 18 year old grandson warm.
Everything about this comment is so warm! Seeing their faces😭😭😭😭! I have also made a quilt and I am in the same boat, by my daughter is sleeping on top of it tonight (I am using it as a mattress cover at the moment) and it makes me smile every time I put her down for beddy time!
Some people may not realize that there are still adjustment to make to their clothes. When I had less experience as a sewer, there were many mistakes I didn't see I had made.
Dear Alexandra, I agree with you and thank you that you said it aloud! Let’s not make from sewing the fast fashion. When I try to sew fast I always do much more mistakes and I have learned to slow down and take the time to this beautiful creative process of sewing.
Thank you so much for watching Veronika and for engaging in this discussion! So appreciated! Over the years whenever I have rushed my projects I regretted it as I was making mistakes and felt that I wasn’t giving the fabric the respect it deserves! Sending love! 💕💕💕
