Great lesson! I am going to be 60 this fall and have been sewing since my teens. There are so many new, great techniques out there now! It has reinspired my sewing and is making me more brave in trying new sewing things. You’re never too old to learn new things😀👍🏻
Good on you Sherry. I have to say that years ago my heart would have dropped at the thought of binding seams or making major adjustments to patterns but given all the new helpful tools and the sew-along vlogs, there are on youtube I find myself wanting to learn to do more and more things.
Thank you for great conversation and truly useful tips. I too am older, shorter and a tad wider. So you are particularly encouraging for me, as you are well presented, articulate and a great communicator. As it happens I've just purchased the ginger jeans pattern, so it sound as if I should take advantage of that class too. Till next time Thanks again. Sonia
Lovely to know you enjoyed my vlog. it's nice to hear from all those viewers who say they are about the same age and same size as me. And it's nice for them to know exactly what things look like on a larger person. the closet case tutorial isn't cheap but it will help you turn out a really beautiful pair of trousers and if you like them enough you make more and that's worth the money that was spent. 😘
Hi Micheline, I love all your videos, I am of senior year's too and think I can do things the old way and eventually find its better to follow the instructions, hey ho, it's a hard lesson to learn. Thank you for sharing all your sewing knowledge.
LOL!!!!!!!!!!! I love your tutorials, and you are excellent in the way you teach, making every story interesting. I am a seamstress as well. Now, I typed in "How to make a Plastic Bra", and you know that's when you get a plethora of video's that might give knowledge of what you're interested in. Looked at several vids, but, I quite fancy yours, you add humor to make a statement I think...Don't make it stressful for yourself, because 99.9% of the time no one will notice or even care. Like I said, I am making a plastic bra for a client, and, I have made those lil triangle bra's for dancers, nothing so constructive as a bra. This is a it of a challenge for me, and watching you put together the bra 1-5 helped so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you! God bless you!
So sorry Chere, I seem to have missed seeing your comment until now. A plastic bra!!! Wow now that will be a challenge especially since each needle impression will show if you make an error! I'm not quite sure why she wants a plastic bra but wow she will sweat in it. Chuckle. PVC has a fabric backing so that would help hold it together better than simply plastic but hey customers have such odd requests. Good luck with your make Chere you have been given a fairly tough challenge. The only hope is that the customer doesn't have too big a bust and so it might all go together much easier. Lovely hearing from you, thanks for watching. x Micheline
Thanks for a lovely vlog again. Love your hair and the jeans look great. I’m a beginner sewist so I do read the instructions fully and usually have to read them more than once lol. But I’m a very experienced knitter and I’ve certainly suffered from Daniel syndrome there. Like you I’ve known that my way is better, only to come unstuck 😉. Great tips on instagram and RU-vid, I didn’t know about the transcript at all. Thanks again
Hi Fiona, good to hear from you and thanks for all the compliments. I'm pleased you are enjoying my vlogs.I'm hearing many subscribers mention that they've experienced the Daniel sydrome so I'm pleased I'm not alone. Mind you, in my experience, it's more of a man thing. The number of times I've suggested looking at assembly instructions whilst putting a piece of furniture together only to be told "I know what I'm doing" and then finding that spare length of wood hasn't been added at the start like it was meant to! Chuckle
Just found you. Love the way you teach and tell stories. I laughed out loud at your description of your mishaps. They are just like many of mine. I’ll keep watching from sunny California. Keep sewing!
Ha ha Karen. I'm full of little stories. A trait that I acquired from my father. And many of them are his which often made us laugh. Sunny California sounds rather envious to we Englanders who seem to be experiencing 4 seasons in 1 at the moment. Chuckle. x
I am just getting back to garment sewing after many yeard of quilting only, but jeqns still terrify me. You make it seem approachable. BTW- Love your new haircut!!
They are actually not too bad to make. And to be honest depending upon your age as you get older you could easily get away with a false fly and an elasticated jegging style waistband. So much easier to wear for us older ladies.
A great video. Loved the story of Daniel. I have met many Daniels when I worked in a school but found out I can be just the same.Who of us hasn't happily sewn some garment without checking the instructions because 'we know better' just to end up with a mess of a garment. I'm glad you are doing a bit of technical stuff as well. I am retired now so keeping up with the latest developments is hard. I can use the help. Thanks.
Thanks LindyLou, I have to confess I enjoy a challenge when it comes to sewing. It certainly keeps the brain cells working and they do say that helps to stop senility from setting in. I just wish I was fully retired and then I might not be tempted to rush and get things done in what spare time I have. For the past 8 years I have been telling myself "next year I'll be retired." Chuckle....perhaps next year. xxx
Another enjoyable video, I laughed so much my jaws are aching. Interesting to hear your progress on ginger jeans, I was thinking of making them myself but since I am only four feet eleven I might be making a rod for my own back. I like the top you were wearing, very nice.
Well I'm not far behind you on height Mary. I'm only 5'1" so I have to lop about 12" off trouser patterns. Chuckle. My biggest problem, which I forgot to mention on the vlog was that having a large bottom I had to increase the seat area of the pattern. Thankfully Heather's video tells you how to do it. I'm pleased I raise a chuckle or two from my viewers. Oh and the top, not made but bought from Sainsbury's supermarket. It caught my eye as I was walking round the shop with baby grandson in tow. So if you are in the UK then that's where you'll find it. ;-) xx
So glad I watched this. I have just finished my Ginger jeans and had all the exact same problems are you! You might well if been describing my project. I will do them again but the skinny ones next time. Your video made me laugh too!
Hi Faydiva, I reckon the skinny version would be better because they look much more fashionable. But hey, if it means we have to take them in down the side in order to get them to look much better for fit, who's to know? As long as they fit better and look good that's the main thing. ;-) x
I think I must have missed this video first time, you are looking lovely in your top and cardigan, black really suits you Micheline. Also thanks for showing the button to press to get transcript and I see translation there too, I never knew that. Xx
My husband says he can tell I'm a teacher because when I ask him to come towards me I beckon him with an upright finger bending towards me. So often used to tell a naughty boy to come to the teachers desk. Chuckle.
Morning Micheline, lovely to see another blog from you. You do make me smile, in fact I laughed out loud at your description of putting in the zip. I would have done exactly the same. Sometimes us oldies have to keep an open mind and try something new - I will try to keep reminding myself of this. Congratulations on al of the subscribers. x
Thanks Marilyn. Good to hear from you again. I'm pleased my subcribers enjoy the vlogs. I only wish I had more time to make them. Mind you if I did you'd all be saying "God it's that woman again! does she ever stop vlogging and get on with her life?!' chuckle
The jeans look fantastic :) Great story about Daniel I wonder if he ever got to America and became a Lawyer. I was great friends at school with a guy who all the way through wanted to be a Gynaecologist !! he is now a very well known Milliner who make hats for stage and screen. Bit of a difference lol
Ha! I do wonder about that myself. I also had a guy in my year at school who wanted to be an airline pilot. He had the height, the looks and even a rather posh 'pilot' type name. Never did manage to find out if he ever achieved his goal. ;-) x
Hi Micheline, thanks for the information on Instagram.... thinking of joining soon so very useful 👌. Love the story about Daniel.....I'm definitely like him and remember doing the exact same thing once in an exam 😏. I did learn from it though and try to read the pattern instructions but still have a temptation to skip things 😋. Well done with your jeans and I'm sure you will improve the next time. Your braver than me as I haven't attempted them yet, and I live in jeans, so should pluck up the courage. Good idea with the dying the fabric and making it viable 👍. So kind of you to show how to get subtitles for the hard of hearing 😊. Thanks so much Micheline and congratulations on your subscriber's 👏💞😘
Thanks for the lovely compliments Sally. I find instagram quite interesting not only for sewing but for other topics. I have to confess that even though I made the ginger jeans the week afterwards I went out and bought 4 pairs of cropped jeans for the summer so I'm still a long way off making fully me made wardrobe. ;-) xxx
What a great find for me! I am doing my share of research on the Ginger jeans before sewing them. I was informed and entertained. Thank you. You should check Itch to Stitch’s Mountain View pull on jeans. Easy to sew and very comfortable.
Great video! Good to know what you learned on the jeans - I haven’t tackled them yet but I will. Also thanks for the Instagram and you tube tips. Congratulations on the subscriber milestone!
Thank you Teresa. Sometimes I feel I need to sit back and be less cocky about just how good I think I am with sewing. I reckon that growing old and changing shape creates a major challenge in achieving the standards I did when I was a sylph size UK 12. I'm pleased you are enjoying my vlogs. Cheers Micheline. x
Michou, I just made the Colette Rooibos dress and love it. I rewatched your video of your Rooibos make. This was the first Colette I have made and I am impressed especially with the much more accurate sizing!
Hi again Barbara, I have to say I like the colette patterns. I hope you did the original collar and not that silly style that I did. Chuckle. I drew the design on paper and it looked so good. Hmm, when it was finished I much preferred it turned inside. I have to agree with you Barbara that that was one of the first patterns I did after my long hiatus of sewing and I found it very straight forward to make and needed very little 'faffing'about'. xxx
like you i am an older lady and i love your vlog i wish there were more. I think you do a great job so keep on making and i will keep on watching and always thumbs up.
Ah thank you Rona. If my husband would only let us retire I would vlog much more often. However, we're now both heading to 68 and he's finding it so difficult to tell customers that we will be retiring soon so we can't do their orders any more! One day, one day... chuckle
Interesting question. I have been thinking about topstitching thread and I was wondering if I should purchase other brands to compare the thicknesses of them. It did look thicker than the standard thread but my usual first choice would have been a Gutterman which I have great confidence working with. So, I might just do that and give you some feedback on them. As far as the thread that I had goes I personally dont think it was heavy enough but it would still look good on lighter fabrics. Perhaps there was a mix up in language when I asked the gentleman if it was suitable for topstitching denim. His English wasn't too good and I reckon he perhaps sold me too light a thread weight. ;-)
Honest as the day is long - Love that about you. I can't wear trousers with a waistband any more. My hips are 41 BUT so is my non-existent waist (well almost). All my trousers now have elastic. Loved this vlog about your adventures with the Ginger jeans. x
Ah elastic waistbands! What joy they are to we larger ladies. I often wondered why old ladies go for them but since half of my jeans are elasticated I'm beginning to know why. So much easier when needing a quick trip to the loo for starters. Chuckle Thanks for your lovely comments.
You are so wonderful! I love your videos and congrats on the 1.3K at the time of my writing this! Don't change the intro music! LOVE it and that is why I even watched you the first time - I heard the music, LOL! {{{HUG}}} and keep up the good work :)
Thank you so much for all those compliments. Well, there I was wondering if I should change the intro and you come along and tell me you like it. I chose it because I wanted my vlog to be 'trendy, catchy and not at all staid and old looking'. And obviously, you too have all those great characteristics. Chuckle, thanks. Micheline x
Although a lot of things have gone I still have my hearing he! he! but how useful the information you gave to people with this problem, really brill. You really struggled with the jeans but didn't give up so good fer you and as you say what a lot you learnt. (don't think I'm going to tackle them yet tho) I would like to know what advice you could give about top stitching size of stitch etc. Do have a good weekend and happy sewing. I'm making clothes for my grandaughters Barbie and do ye know I'm really enjoying it.
Hi Bazoin. Snap! My grandson is here for the weekend and he arrived with the school's teddy bear that he has to look after over the half term holiday. I was requested to make a dressing gown for her. And so I have just completed it and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I got my advice on top stitching from craftsy. Here's the link...www.craftsy.com/sewing/article/topstitching-techniques/ And have a good weekend too. Sometimes there's more pleasure making dolly clothes. After all they are created in much less time, and it's lovely to see they smile on the grandchildren's face when they see what you have made. In years to come they'll be saying..."My Grandma used to make me clothes for my Barbie doll." Great memories to pass on. ;-) xxx
Love watching your videos. I also like watching a video tutorial of the pattern I’m making, any more I find I’m learning new techniques such as the zip with the ginger jeans. Thank you Michelin, hope I spelt your name correctly. Val🇨🇦
Hey Val, good to hear from you. I'll take any form of spelling. It's a french name and having been brought up in the north east of UK no one seemed to be able to pronounce it like my french father did. I do like watching the sewing tutorials, they just make assembling so much easier to work out. And to be fair it seems to me that the ones you have to pay for are usually the ones that you know that if you get it right, it;s going to be well worth the money spent. x
Hi Michelene! I'm catching up on some of your videos😃. Congrats on your jeans. I want to ask you if you think all the expense is worth it? I struggle with the idea of sewing jeans. I have some RTW jeans that I love, so I don't need any currently. But in the future...? After you add up the pattern, fabric, hardware, special thread, etc., do you think it's worth it all? Thanks! -Viv
Hi Viv, sorry for the delay in getting back to you. We have just returned from our annual family get together. Now then the jeans. Well having watched you latest vlog in bed last night (still not had time to comment) you mentioned your age and you are at the start of your using up all your patterns challenge whilst I have passed your 10 year end date! So, having spent all that money on the pattern, the tutorial and the fabric, having made one pair I should be making it economical to make more. However, I have a couple of issues. Like you RTW is pretty cheap and after having made my jeans I went out and bought 4 RTW pairs in different colours. BUT their fit around the waist doesn't match the comfort of the ones I have made. The pattern is great for educating yourself on front fly fitting, coin pockets, and getting a good fit around the bottom and crotch. I did think I would make it again but I am beginning to wonder whether I should. The reason is that I find that being the age I am with the belly area increasing in size I am beginning to understand why they make ladies trousers elasticated and perhaps I should be going for that kind of style more. I have been told about the Jalie jeans Eleonore pattern that is rather similar but has an elasticated waist and am thinking about making those. You can still add top stitching as with jeans. www.sewessential.co.uk/eleonore-pull-on-jeans-jalie-pattern-3461?gclid=CjwKCAjwy_XaBRAWEiwApfjKHpRjk0CsaK1n-XYbS5x_ZRo18tfs7PLtfnXAQXe3Arqd4cc9o_O5XRoC8yYQAvD_BwE I used to, many many years ago, make suit style trousers with fly for my husband so I am aware of what needs to be done with fly fronted trousers. So, in my opinion Closet Case jeans is a great pattern to make fitted trousers but I think that since youpersonally have less of an issue on fitting your bottom half then I would stick with RTW. And any way from the jeans your are turning out my dear, every pair of trousers you have made and shown us looks great on you. And in my opinion having watched quite a few of your vlogs the one thing I like is that you are educating us not to waste too much money on patterns and yet create a fantastic wardrobe. with what we have. So, I haven't really answered your question have I? Chuckle. ;-)
Yes! This is a fantastic answer and I appreciate it so much. Thanks! I get what you're saying. I also like simple pants with elastic waists because they CAN be made without bulk at all. I don't know about you, but when I hear "elastic waist" I think: dork. (Sounds mean, I know.) Elastic waists have come a long way. I especially love the application with no casing. I might wear all elastic waist pants some day! Then again, I also like my button and fly closure. I have heard glowing remarks about All Things Jalie, but those 26 sizes per envelope make me wonder. I guess they must be traced, which with all those lines = headache! Plus I don't trace. So I may not be a Jalie Pattern candidate. Closet Case jeans succeed for so many people. I love watching your videos and hearing all your entertaining stories! I watched one this morning featuring beautiful Vogue dresses. I adore sewing dresses! Maybe one day I will take that "jeans plunge." I am grateful for all of your helpful information!😃
Oh yes, I remember folks saying that about Jalie. All those tracing lines. I know what you mean about 'Dork' with elastic waists. You begin to worry that you've reached what I would call the age of necessity. Thankfully I'm not there yet but I've been told that for some the mere thought of needing the loo (bathroom as you would say) suddenly makes you need it NOW! Hence elasticated waists. No fiddling or nasty accidents. Chuckle
Thanks for the heads up on blocking men! I had issues with the Ginger Jeans fit but eventually battled my way through, and they are green too. Being a glutton for punishment I am now having a go at the Ames Jeans, I cant resist a new pattern, it might be even greener over that side of the hill (except my fabric this time is dusky pink - I have to admit the colour that arrived wasn’t exactly the colour I had anticipated!!!)
Oh, I know the feeling about buying fabric online and being surprised or disappointed at what arrives. I have a cupboard full of what I can now only call 'silly purchases' that I made last year when I started sewing again and on reflection, I really can't see myself making anything from them that I would dare to venture out in. I keep thinking they might only be good for unattractive but practical night attire. Chuckle Now the Ames pattern I have seen and it looks very interesting so do let me know how you get on and I might just have to dive into my purse again and buy that pattern too. x
I enjoy watching all your videos and listenig to your cheerful banter. You make some lovely garments and I am definitely going to have a go at those jeans. Like you I am a young at heart lady in the same young age group as you and in tune with your comments.
Whey hey Linda that;s good to read that you are as young at heart as I am. If you are lucky enough to be retired and with time on your hands they are really worth having a go with. Mind you, as one of my subscribers mentioned we are fast becoming the elasticated waist generation. Chuckle
Go for it Beth. I'm guessing that if we do get it right then we need to hang on to that pattern that has been adjusted accordingly. Then we should be able to turn out perfectly good fitting jeans. x
Hi there Michalee, good to hear from you. I'm pleased you found my vlog good enough to watch more. That's a good sign. I hope to hear more from you as the vlogs continue. Cheers and thanks, Micheline
You and Daniel had something in common 🤣🤣🤣. Good for you for pushing through, it's all part of a learning process, right 😊. Looking forward to your next pair. I will start on the muslin for my Cashmerette Ames Jeans in August/September.
Cashmerette Ames, now that sounds interesting. Do you know I haven't tried any cashmerette patterns yet everyone who makes them sings their praises? I'll bet there's little need for FBA's, adding a bit here and adding a bit there. I really must try making one of their garments. Watch this space. ;-)
michoumakes OH MY GOSH, I can't believe you haven't tried Cashmerette. In my opinion she is #1 when it comes to drafting for bigger boobs and plus size. She drafts specifically for Cups c-h. I'll be talking about them in my video tomorrow.
Hi Erica. I'm 5'1" and quite curvy 46/36/46 and I found them a good fit once I had 'sussed out' my errors along the way. I had to increase the back of the pattern around the bottom area as mine is certainly well rounded and I really should have gone for a smaller size 14 rather than the 16 since the stretch denim does just what it says. I have been told that the Ames jeans by Cashmerette are great for curvy bodies. www.cashmerette.com/products/ames-jeans-pdf-pattern
Hi Michoumakes. Sorry it’s taken so long to reply. I will let you know how I get on with the jeans, but it will be some time as I have curtains to make first.
Hi Susan so sorry for not replying earlier. I appear to have missed a few comments. I do have two dress forms. One is an adjustable one and the other a tailors dummy I purchased from eBay (much cheaper) which is polystyrene and large so it can take pins being pushed in but its not completely to my body measurements (slightly smaller in fact). I think it's available in various sizes though I'm not sure how large it goes up to. I have seen 18-20. Both are good for doing hems, checking just how the garment is going to lie on the body. Personally I use the eBay one more than the other one simply because it's easier to move around. And also so you can actually stand back and admire what you have just created. Chuckle. Thanks for watching. x
Thank you for the “heads up” on the Ginger Jeans. I was thinking of making them or the Ultimate Trousers from SEW OVER IT. Patti Palmer of Palmer & Pletch (she also designs for McCalls) teaches a pants fitting class in Portland, OR. It would be fun to take a class from the master wouldn’t it!
Hi Loriann, I could really do with a Patti Palmer refresher course. Shame I live so far away. I have just checked the ultimate trousers as I don't think I had really looked at their style before. It has no waistband so that's a bonus. I used to love those in my slimmer size UK12 days but I'm not sure how they would sit on me now I'm a bigger size. In fact one of my subscribers mentioned they preferred the elasticated waist style. I'm fast starting to think that I might be joining her way of thinking. Chiuckle. x
Loriann Payne I live in Goldendale, WA and I tell my hubs if we lived in Portland I’d be at Fabric Depot taking classes all the time. Just did a quilt class on the 24th, such fun.
Hi Judy! I was just looking at the classes at Palmer Pletsch this morning. They want $750 for a 4 day class! I just signed up for a 1 day class at Montavilla Sewing in Beaverton and it’s only $90 and fewer students. Hoping that will do the trick for me! I love to quilt too - I just finished quilting one on my long arm this morning. Happy Sewing!
michoumakes, my sister's been doing the Palmer Pletsch trouser fitting course on Craftsy and is really happy with her first make; apart from the fabric she chose! 🤓
Hi Laurel, I chopped it off myself because I couldn't make my hairdressing appointment! Chuckle Throughout the majority of my life my hair has, in the main, been short and I have often cut it myself. Thanks for the compliments. Very much appreciated. ;-)
Annoying isn't it? They keep wanting to send me messages but the moment I find that happens, I block them. I can't block them immediately because my instagram is for all to see and some subscribers use their husbands instagram accounts. But the moment they swoop, they are eradicated. Chuckle
michoumakes, my Instagram is totally public, too, and I block them as soon as I see them, but it’s so creepy. There are so many skanky girls with Instagram accounts. They should go pester them!
You'd think as we get older and wiser we wouldn't do a 'Daniel.' Ah well, life would be less interesting if we did I suppose. Easier yes but definitely less fun. Chuckle. xxx
One naught think your cat did was but his assie In your face.😂🕊🦋 love you. I am an older lady also, and got big Boobies and hips. Thank you for showing me your makes. I am here in the USA, Arizona. You are so sweet.
I get the requests all the time. I block them. And then I add him as spam. Most of the men I get are in the service. I am 68 years old. I love to spend time with you.
Hi again Brigitte. Being a tad skeptic, I reckon all these men in service aren't really who they are made out to be. I have read that their photos are pulled from facebook as a facade for someone else to lure you to contact them. And of course the end product is to steal all your savings. ;-)
Thank You for sharing the ginger jeans information. I’m 72 not sewn for a few years...and want to get back to it, so I’m going to buy the class for the jeans because I think it will help me greatly. Love watching your videos, much appreciated
Micheline. Love your "joy" and "stick-to-it" nature. The jeans look good on you and no one will see your waist band. Your next pair will be easier after the lessons you have learned. I will not be trying that particular pattern as I drafted a jean a few years ago that I really like and keep making over and over again. Sometimes I tweak them a bit but over all, they work. You may have found the same thing with some of your patterns; some just becomes favorites and look good......may need a little change from time to time but they are still your go to patterns. P.S. I am older than you and find retirement fun. With fond nostalgia, I remember the excitement of the first day of class and meeting my new students; I loved my job. However, I love my job now......to anything I want each day. To sleep in if I want, more time with hubby (after he retired), sewing, lunching with the girls, shopping, making plans with grand kids, and more sewing and all on my own schedule. How great is that? Soooooo Micheline, Your darling husband may just need a little nudge to set the retirement wheels in motion.........or maybe a few good nudges. :) Cheers. JoAn
Joan, I love you! (not that way of course) but I read your message to my hubby and pointed to the last paragraph in particular. The problem is he hates the thought of giving up all his 'lovely' customers to someone else! Mind you I think he's beginning to realise that it's time to start thinking about us instead of them. Chuckle. I am in total agreement with you on drafting a pattern for myself. I did pull my old Natalie Bray and Winifred Aldrich self-drafting books out last November with the intention of making my own patterns but I got as far as making a bodice and somehow it got pushed into the (to be continued) box. Right well, I think husband nudging and self drafting are the way forward. Watch this space. ;-)
Hi Muriel. Sadly I don't. I moved out of the county the following year and that was over 20 years ago so here's hoping he did get to be the lawyer that he aspired to be. ;-) x
