The PROBLEM with sewing on Youtube 

Hello friends, back with a slightly more controversial video tonight. Its something that has been on my mind for a long time - like with anything, balance is necessary. I would love to hear your thoughts down below. If you are able to, buying me a "kofi" and subscribing to the channel is really helpful. TY in advance! www.ko-fi.com/penguinandpear.

Thank you for this video. So, I am not the only one who feels that way about some of the issues that you mentioned. I realized that I was watching the same video, over and over again, like the more I watch the video, the better will I be able to do the project forgetting that practice make perfect and not watch video makes perfect.

You've really hit the nail on the head here Claire! I've recently woken up to the fact that social media was 'stealing ' my time - I've been trying to do more and watch less. This video has strengthened my resolve.

Super video Claire and spot on. I love coming here for tips & plain good advice. To much scrolling is detrimental to my health and I needed this reminder. I really admired you when you did that serious de stashing earlier on. You're looking great.. I hope you're feeling great too. ❤

Excellent video and so true. You’ve given me much to think about! Thank you!

You are right in all your comments - we have to be wise about what works for our lives and try not to be too influenced by the influencers. However, I've also learned so much from seeing pattern and fabric pairings, hearing about products I didn't know about that I purchased and which worked for me, as well as sewing techniques and the feeling of having sewing friends from all the vlogs I've watched. I watch sewing videos when I'm sewing, washing dishes, fixing my nails, and it feels like time well spent and has enhanced my life. I do sometimes feel that I am not as productive as the people I watch, but I'm just slow at everything, and in the meantime, I'm having fun.

I have most of these issues. The first one is a real problem. I got to a stage where I unsubscribed to loads because I wasn't getting anything done. I now watch videos in the evening when I am too tired for sewing I see earlier in the day when my brain is fresh. I also suffer from overwhelm watching what others are making and want to do that even though I have made my plans. My ideas are changing all the time and all the thinking makes my head want to explode. Also I hate fabric hall type of videos, especially from people who have tons of fabric already. Thanks for this video Claire. By the way I like your sewing plan. That fabric was my favourite when you shared it before. I won't be copying it though. I am making a jacket and want to get it finished.

You have become our psychological sewist, eh? I was deep into FOMO when I discovered your channel some years ago, so much that when you needed time I was a bit distressed. I had to take some time to think about that because I only knew you and other creators through video, right? It is a hard friendship isn't it? Anyway, I hear what you're saying and it hits my brain directly. Thank you so much for your candor.

Love your insight and practical advice. I have definitely been there done that with watching RU-vid. You are looking great. Hope you are feeling better.

Hi, Clair. I really enjoyed and appreciated this video. You did a fantastic job on this topic, and it definitely resonated with me. I'm trying to do everything with a sense of mindfulness these days, sewing included.

I definitely agree with some channels that can encourage purchasing. There are a few I watch for more vlog style content which can include shopping but it feels different to some of the more project based videos that heavily go into products and make me feel like I can't try something without a certain thing.

I specifically look for content creators who have similar features to mine. This way, if they're able dress their shape, that takes hours of learning about other things that don't apply to me. 🙂

Excellent video Claire. I started sewing 2 years ago and have been binge watching YT sewing videos all that time. What an amazing resource it is. But I have become bored with the constant fabric and pattern hauls and the recent trend towards “a day in my life” is stupefying. We don’t have a lot of local content here in Australia and I prefer UK content over US but in the end it has all become the same. So I have cut back my viewing and try to focus on technique videos rather than shopping. Time to enjoy being creative rather than a passive consumer of content.

Such a wonderful video! I am so happy for you because it seems you are in such a good place. Super good advice and well said!

Excellent video, as usual. It seems like you would be the perfect sewist to decide on a project and THEN buy the fabric, pattern & notions. I am not that type of person, but I'm fine with that. I am who I am and I like it!

I appreciate your down to earth videos and I just followed you on Insta. I recently had a 3 week break from YT because I had little to no WiFi. I can’t believe how freeing it was. My mind was so uncluttered and I had so much more time for other activities.

Great video! Yes I do many of those habits, but recently I’ve started to put on videos in the background while I sew and today when i put your video on I decided to go sew while I watched it. After work and dinner I tend to be too tired or lazy to sew and instead just sit in bed and watch videos, sewing videos amongst them, but also other videos about other people who have the same hobbies as me. It’s a little sad that I spend more time watching other people doing my hobbies than doing them myself.

Great video. I stopped sewing for about a year. During that time, many sewing channels I watched on and off for years, I have unsubscribed. Many sewing content creators on IG I stopped following them. I streamline the content I now watch, and now only watch what actually appeals to me rather than consuming too much because theyre popular. Mentally this is now much better. No FOMO! 😂

I've been told that it helps the algorithm to comment before viewing the whole video.

I agree! I also feel that everyone has their own style of sewing.

So very true!!! Thanks Clair ❤

Yep, I have been influenced over and over by you tubers. A terrible way to spend too much money!! I have a more refined list of people I watch now which helps. I have also learned SO much and wouldn’t be without it. Very good insights Claire- nicely summarised. 😊 Lynne

You always impress me with your diverse topics and advice. Good points that can be carried through out many aspects of our life. ❤

I love all your videos. I think I’ve subscribed to all your channels too! I find your explanations of various topics to be easy to follow and listen to. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

Thanks for this video and your honesty

Great video. Very on point and definitely hit close to home for me. You are so right...all watching and no doing is a terrible thing.

I feel like you have been tracking me.😂

Right on !❤

Follow me on instagram at instagram.com/penguinandpear 🙂

Plenty of wisdom and good advice

I got overwhelmed at Vlogmas, so I just pick one and sometimes catch another couple. It always amazes me how many clothes they make. Do they wear them all?

Great video my friend ❤

You are describing my life! Lol!

Spot on 👏👏👏👏 ❤

🙋‍♀️Hi Claire. I don't do Insta so I'll just be getting my fix of your wisdom here. 😁

That will make a lovely skirt!🎉

Oh, sweet Claire! You are so right -- sewing is supposed to be fun. It defeats the purpose if we are always trying to keep up with the Jones'. I have lived the majority of my life without YT so I have never experienced FOMO. I don't know how folks manage large fabric stashes and crates of sewing tools. The clutter would drive me crazy. Am looking forward to your next project. The fabric is gorgeous. Loved this video. Just so you'll know . . . your hair looks so cute. Love the length. Very flattering. Bye for now, love.

I can relate soooo much! As an old but still amateur sewist I'm having real issues with sizing. I have a heap of patterns but although they fit nicely on my hips and waist, I need to downsize on my shoulders and neck openings. I'd love a dollar for every Narrow Shoulder Adjustment video I've watched...which I can't get my head around, and then I go dreamily down another rabbit hole. If anyone has a link to a NSA video for nincompoops please share. A great video Claire & you're looking wonderful x 🇦🇺 🐨

Yes I am a subscriber! Right now it’s not sewing or RU-vid that has me overwhelmed. I started having some symptoms of vomiting & labored breathing. So I had a Dr. appointment Oct 11. To make a long story short with my history and my symptoms I was diagnosed with adult onset asthma. Problem was insurance denied my first inhaler and when I did get one approved I had to wait for pharmacy to order. So my condition got worse. I couldn’t hardly speak because I didn’t have enough air to get the words out. My chest was all over the place struggling to breathe. I got my inhaler and it’s really helping. However it’s taking me sometime to build my stamina back up and my appetite is still way down. I went to bed at night not just tired but completely wiped out. I’m doing much better and hopefully this Thursday or Friday I’ll be back in my sewing room. Little overwhelmed as I’m way behind in housework, I need to get things packed for a long trip. I’ve kind of narrowed things down to what I want to sew on vacation. Just few things I need to do to simplify it.

Actually I find watching vlogs on sewing a bit overwhelming. I like watching you though, I dont find your content overwhelming. I love your honesty.❤

What a brilliant video 🥰

I don't watch TV, only sew, so (terrible pun) I have the youtubes on in the background like it's radio, I really cut down on my follows since rebooting my youtube account which is something I highly recommend. The people I watched all the time I could remember and add back, oddly enough with the way the algorithm works if loads of people subscribe but never watch it means that a smaller channel won't be getting the boosts it should be so it's not really helping anyone. My general rule has always been if one of your things is opening subscription boxes you never pay for then that's a no from me. It's just a big red flag that this person will show you their makes, they will show you all the free stuff they've been sent, but they never ever do sew-alongs or actually contribute anything meaningful to the community.

calling me out from the first point ah!

👍❤️

OMG I feel like you know me.

100%

xXX👍👍👍