Agreed, because those are my favourite. I'm currently replicating my own Alexa. It's working but I'm soooo bad at this. I need someone to show me how to do the Addison's so those can be my next project.
Lucy & Yak isn't necessarily the style of clothing I would go for, but I think this format/idea of video is absolutely amazing! Finding a good pattern can be a daunting & time-consuming task so showcasing how you went about it and where you found the patterns is really inspiring!
I think the Mini Pini would be the perfect project. You have already said you own a lot of these items, but the Mini Pini is the only one that I feel really serves the purpose of this year of make do challenge. It fills a gap in your wardrobe and you have the opportunity to make it work for you!
I agree! Mini pini all the way! I also think that in the clips of Leena trying the l&y ones, they look super cute on her! So if she was able to make one that was more comfy for her it'd definitely look amazing
I agree! I also think the fact that it's been hard to purchase and find one that fits well is a sign to make it yourself! You can make it in a size that works for your body, and your style. I'm currently making the Hey Day dungarees and they are great and pretty straight forward to make! Also I love this style of videos!
Filling a gap in the closet is also a great place to start because there’s less disappointment if it doesn’t live up to the items already in the closet. I think all the options for the mini pini were really great too! The front slit for the knee length was my favorite!
L&Y originals DO have a seam down the middle! (source: I'm wearing a pair right now). You need the seam because of the way crotch seams work on pants. You could skip it on a pinafore, but for bifurcated garments you can't really get the shaping with a flat bit of fabric. So that's why you couldn't find a seamless pattern!
As someone who is lowkey traumatized of buying pants AND as an almost intermediate hobby sewist is TERRIFIED of sewing anything for my legs - please make the dungarees or the addison jeans!!
Hi Leena! Since you don't like the L&Y mini pini, I would recommend you try to make that pattern in a way that works for you. No matter what you do, I will be here watching. Thanks!
I made the heyday dungarees and couldn't put my finger on why they fit so much nicer than the originals and then you pointed out the front seam and now it's obvious!! I think it makes them hang straighter on the front so it's less clingy on my belly than the originals! I highly recommend the pattern (with or without front seam) as it's really well written and easy to follow with photos - I've made 3 pairs from one set of curtains!!
Iconic anti capitalist behaviour 👏👏 Probably 95% of my wardrobe is second hand and I'm constantly altering, mending or 'upcycling' with my sewing machine, I've only made one top without a pattern but maybe this is the year to try?!! I love the idea of taking what you like about a piece of clothing and being inspired by it, I would love to make one of these patterns with second hand/salvaged fabric. Whenever I wear clothes I've altered or upcycled I get compliments too! Even tho my sewing is janky af
The Maison Fauve Bélem trousers are an almost perfect Addison dupe - the belt loop/pleat line on the front matches exactly, which I think would be the trickiest part to duplicate without a pattern. The only difference is the amount of elastic in the waistband. I vote you try the Original Dungarees first! That way you get to sew a crotch without the pressure of also fitting a waist and hips.
The Addison jeans in green to complement ozcore 💚 I feel like they could be the right challenge for a now experienced sewist such as yourself 😉 I'd love to learn to make my own trousers!
same! especially because of the preferred replacement pattern, with that curved front yoke! that combination of wild west and streetwear elements feels 🔥 second place is the alfie shirt, because i have trouble with sleeve lengths for some reason and those sleeves look just so effortless. and third place is where i agree with the perceived majority (at this point in time) about the mini pini being the best return on investment, because it's the most versatile piece, both in terms of practicality as well as style wise.
@@leenanorms if shirts seem daunting, I really recommend an excellent step by step tutorial right here on youtube, by Natalia Dedios. She explains everything so well, I was able to make a very good shirt on my first try! Even if you use a different pattern, it's still a great explainer of the principles of shirtmaking for a beginner.
Funny enough, I was drooling over the Cole jeans last year (more for the wide legs than the pleats) and then decided to McGyver a pair of my brother's old damaged jeans that I had commandeered before he threw them out. (He refused to let me mend the crotch for him: and I quote, "I'm not wearing mended jeans.") I unraveled all the inseam stitching (saved the thread!) and added a panel of denim from an old pair of my own jeans that were too busted to donate. And now they are a baggy wide Charlie Chaplin dream (with amazing pockets because men get amazing pockets just for existing), and I've solved my drooling problem! Also I vote pinny, but do whatever makes you happiest!
My dad worked in luggage repair, so he's a zip expert! He taught me that most zips are reparable!! There are ways to unstick them, tighten the slide when the teeth wont lock, reinforce the tape, put a slide back on (or put one from somewhere else on), and I've even stitched the teeth back onto a zip when I had the kind thats sort of a plastic spiral come apart on my favourite backpack. Replacing a zip is such a pain, but repairing them doesn't have to be!
I'd love to see you make a mini pini since the L&Y version isn't graded well. You deserve a cute lil pinafore dress! (My second vote is for the fleece cropped jacket because it seems easier than trying to make pants and I'd love to do it myself... After watching you work through it. 😂)
For the addison jeans, you could try the Seamwork Ani trousers. Besides the back pocket, they look quite similar and you can find pictures of people who have actually made them.
Oh man, I'd love to have their raglan jumpsuit pattern so I can make them in the kind of lightweight fabrics I really like. I overheat really easily, so summer wardrobe is always a challenge for me. Also, tip for wheelchair users! I had to move the pockets on my L&Y dungarees so they would be available above my lap strap. Being able to move them easily is a huge advantage of patch pockets over in seam pockets for wheelchair users!
I vote the overall dress, you clearly like the look but they have never fit well, so by doing that, you have the chance to change the fit and look cute and also get some experience changing patterns.
I would love to see a video where you go through all of the clothing items you were tempted to buy or thought you wanted/needed (maybe 6 months into the year?). It would be amazing to see what from your wardrobe you ended up using instead, whether you made something to fill the gap, whether you borrowed from a friend, etc. Also super curious to see a closet shout-out type video rather than a clear-out type, where you talk about what you're wearing most and what has served you best and why, now that you aren't buying new things. Keep up the good, sustainable work!
Thank you Leena, because of you I have gotten back into sewing and now i want to experiment with more than just mending, so actually bought my own sewing machine. i'm a bit nervous, but i think that this will be good for me. a friend of mine who's a sewist is glad that i'm not asking her to make anything for me anymore and is willing to help me learn.
One of the first items of clothes i made was a pair of dungarees in lockdown. I used a jessdangvn youtube tutorial which i loved because i could make it fit myself from my measurements rather than a pattern and it was super easy to follow. I didnt know about lucy and yak at the time but i still consistently get people asking if i bought them from there (gives me a little thrill everytime i get to say no i made them myself).
I actually already made my own dungaree dupes just by tracing my L&Y originals! 😂 now im feeling like breaking the pattern back out and making some more
I vote for the Addison jeans! I think an interesting modification would be having some sort of reinforcement for the inner thigh area. Could it be possible to make jeans that are stronger than thighs? A girl can but dream
I think if you add a reinforcement panel in from the start that'd be a good start, finding a way to make it replaceable would also help. Hmm! Definitely got me thinking
I have recently made 2 liford jackets, one long one short. Can confirm they are drop shoulders. They have a range of pocket to choose from in the pattern but they are quite slim but that’s super easy to adjust. The instructions are really well written and great for beginners. Love watching your sewing adventures ❤
This was my first visit to your channel and it was such fun. My vote goes to a pair of dungarees, partly because I have been wanting to make a pair of dungarees for ages but still haven't found a pattern that calls to me, despite buying several!!!! As for the jacket with thick fabric, just have a think about what your sewing machine can cope with. Thick fabric is all well and good until you get to seam junctions with 4-6 layers of fabric!!!!!! I have done this and have the broken needles to show for it!
A good trouser pattern that is a little similar to the Addison jeans is the ‘Jones Trousers’ a zero waste pattern by Goldfinch textile studio, it’s really fun to make as the pattern is like a big jigsaw, and I’ve personally made it multiple times as it’s really straight forward and I’ve even done a colour blocked pair using scrap fabric. It’s not a perfect dupe but there’s examples on the website of it made from denim that look pretty good to me!
I vote for the Addison because they look amazing and I have a feeling they would be fun to make. I'm really excited about this video, I stopped buying from L&Y after becoming an anti-fast fashion nerd and realising that most of their sustainability/labour rights claims are really overstated and the conditions in which they make their clothes are not actually much different from fast fashion brands, especially since they became bigger. I still love their designs though so I'm definitely making some of these dupes!!
I selfishly want to see the fleece pattern, but I agree with the other comments that the mini pini would probably be better for you/ video. Trying to make one that you would like seems like the challenge to go for. Thanks for being here and doing what you do!
The Addison jeans! They're my favourite from Lucy and Yak, and it will also be a really cool challenge of your sewing skills to make pants from scratch.
You can use the mini pinni you don’t like to alter a pattern before you make a mock-up - knowing where you want it to hit at the waist and stuff is really useful. Also, Morgan Donner did a really good dungarees pattern in her RU-vid tutorial that is a lot more slouchy than the L&Y ones if you like that
The Addison jeans! Im so Happy about this video because i also love lucy and tak to the extend that all my jeand are from there. I remember fitting the Addison pants for the first time and just being so excited because i never had jeans that fit me so well (on both my waist and hips/butt!!) And be simultaneously comfortabel and make me feel stylish. Because of that i would like you to try to make a dupe of those :)
Yanta overalls by Helen closet or Robert’s collection overalls, harlene overalls by merchant and mills, French barn coat by green pepper patterns, hive popover for fleece, and Robert’s collection also has a mini pini dupe. Marilla Walker is designer for Robert’s collection and Allie Olson for hive. Some of these are older but tnt fron my collection, hope these are helpful options
Blanca Flight suit! I made 3 of them and they are SO COMFY! I have one in denim, one in cotton, and one in a slightly stretchy bottom weight olive green fabric. They are all comfortable, but I could live in the green one which has a slight stretch. For someone who fluctuates weight, it means I can wear it for longer/more. I believe in you!
Yay! I’m already gearing up to make the fleece from friday patterns, but havent wrapped my head around all the fleece options yet..! Would love to see this from you
Once I started experimenting with modifying patterns, it unlocked a lot of possibilities when trying to replicate the RTW clothing! I replicated the Addison Jeans last fall by using the Adams Pant pattern from Daughter Judy. Here's what I did: Added pleats to the front (this is actually pretty easy to do with pants patterns and there are lots of tutorials online), used side seam pockets instead of the classic jeans pocket, and ommitted the back patch pockets. The pattern has two views and one of them uses an elastic waistband on the back. That and its intentionally slouchy fit is what made me decide to use it for this dupe!
I love how you know and can quote from what I call “old school” musicals! Not many people my age (28) know or appreciate musicals such as Guys And Dolls, Anything Goes, Hello Dolly, etc.
I’m voting with the jacket or fleece for starting the sewing year off. I feel like pants/ahem, trousers are challenging with fit and construction (especially a zipper fly on jeans!). You could work your way up to them by sewing pj pants, leggings, palazzos. I tend to proceed with caution when intimidated, but you may prefer to dive in! 😂
I would adore seeing jumpsuit materialise! It's one peace from the video I thought is mossing from my wardrobe and immediately had an urge to go see if I could afford the original one. Seeing the dupe made wpuld definitely inspire personal challenge in me :))
as someone who's favourite l&y item was discontinued long ago (rip dallas corduroy trousers), this is inspiring me to give attempting to find a pattern dupe another try
I imagine that the fight suit with the fitted waist could be adjusted to have elastic at the back by simply omitting the darts in the back pieces and inserting a fabric channel at the waistline on the inside, to feed the elastic through. I did this on a pair of SÜK Parton overalls because the back gaped open on me and it made them look so much nicer and fit better (although this is about 1/3 up from the waist on the back rather than specifically at the waist). If they don’t have a dart on the shirt piece you could easily create one by cutting a line from the waistline toward the shoulder and spreading the pattern open a little.
I’m glad we’re finally talking about elastic waists and how complex and NOT easy they are, especially if you’re a beginner. I think they have this reputation of being easy and beginner friendly but I think unless you’re making a skirt, elastic waists are actually a nightmare to figure out. I hate them so much as an intermediate sewist and I even kind of hate them just as a design feature, they almost never look good and most of them are actually NOT comfortable, and it depends on a lot of factors, like I have sweatpants that have an elastic waist and a drawstring that I really like, but I also sized up twice for them to be more comfortable. I know most people love elastic waists and there’s absolutely something to be said about how they adapt to the body etc. but in my experience, they’re just not worth it. I think there are so many other ways you can make a garment more adaptable to a changing body, but manufacturers almost always go the lazy route of putting elastic on everything. I do like partially elasticated waists like the one you showed where it’s just elastic in the back, in my opinion this makes the garment look better without fail. But I feel like those are the hardest to get right! I would honestly prefer to just do a regular waist lol
you're an absolute ledge 🌟 i started learning to sew late last year and am very much trying not to buy what i don't have to. pattern hunting has been fun but a bit overwhelming, so this is an incredible resource for me. thank you!!!
I'm voting for the Cole! Partly because I would like to make it, and we could do it together 😊 Partly because you want to learn how to make crotches (twice, I believe😉) and this would be a head start for future projects. I'm sure you can learn to make perfect jeans, and it would be pivotal for creating a balanced wardrobe👍
I love hunting for patterns to match RTW clothes so thanks for this! I think the Chandler Pants from Untitled Thoughts are a pretty good match for the Addison jeans. I’ve made them once and they were quite a loose fit so needs some tweaking for me, but I love the tapered shape and high waist. The waistband is a bit different but also has pleats 😊
I have made the Tilly pinafore twice - once short in black cord, and one longer in denim. It’s a very easy make and has a straight down shape. Good instructions , ideal for beginners. I have also made the Ilford jacket twice, both times in cord, one with poppers and one with buttons. The shoulder is a bit dropped, and it’s a square, comfortable shape. The sleeve plackets might be a bit tricky for first time jacket makers, the straight sleeves would be easier. I can’t speak to the other patterns as I haven’t made them, but the flight suit is known to be more tricky as you’re fitting top and bottom at the same time as well as a lot of top stitching - so maybe get some of the other stuff made first!
I vote for the Olly jacket! I made an Ilford Jacket out of fleece earlier this year and I'm thinking of trying one with denim so I'd love to see another person's attempt as well. Also just loved this style of video Leena, it's giving me so many great patterns to try in the future!
I loveeee loveee Lucy & yak almost all clothes I own are now from them various in size for my changing body. I love seeing all the patterns for hopefully one day being able to make something myself. Even though I also deeply love their patterns which is a huge factor into why I buy them
For the Addison jeans, you might like the Jones Trousers from Goldfinch! They're a little different but they're a wide waistband, big pleat pants that are also low to no waste!
So it turns out I’m having wicked fun exploring the offerings of indie pattern makers from this new perspective of matching existing garment designs (see my previous comment about the Addison Jeans). Thank you so much Leena for introducing me to this concept. I’ve just come across the Salopette pattern from Cousette, which is in French but looks like another possible option for recreating the Original Dungarees.
Make the Addisons! They're your favorite trousers and you if you solve how to make them the world would be your oyster in terms of all the different Addison patterns/colors you could make.
I vote for Addison! I also wish they would release their patterns so we could give them a go, I’ve got massive calves and I love the taper but could do with them a bit looser 🙈
The Easton dungarees! ❤ they are by far my favorite Lucy and yak design. Maybe if you found a thrifted sheet set you like the pattern of, there'd be enough fabric to take out the middle seam. Also, it could be cute to change the shape of the front pocket, like a big heart or cloud or butterfly 🦋 also also, if you did a facing on the bottom cuffs of a different color or pattern, it'd be an easy way to color Block without adding extra seams. Can't wait to see what you make!
I think some great options for a Ragan jumpsuit dupe are either the Seamwork Mercer Flight suit or the Daughter Judy Seneca jumpsuit. Both have that elasticated back!
Just popping in to say I love your videos! I also am doing a no "new" clothing year. It turns out I actually prefer 2nd hand styles and with a little help from a 2nd hand sewing machine, I've been creating a wardrobe that I really love and that creates much less of negative environmental impact.
I love that you've discovered The Foldline, they're so great. I've actually never had any Lucy and Yak but I've handmade a couple of things that aren't dupes but would definitely fit in with their collection - Otis Overalls by Sew Liberated and York Pinafore by Helen's Closet - I love both of these and wear them constantly, highly recommended 🥰
I'm literally making my third Ilford Jacket as I watch this. One of my favourite patterns! Also Friday have the best video tutorials! I already have my fourth planned which will be a longer flannel shacket type for winter!
I vote for the original dungarees! I want to try my hand at making one too because they look so comfy. I'd probably alter the legs to make them wider for my own comfort though.
Love this!! I made myself a pair of Helen's Closet Yanta dungarees in 2019 because Lucy and Yak hadn't expanded their size range yet, so I couldn't fit into their dungarees! I didn't make loops for the straps but instead I just made two buttonholes and then threaded the straps through the holes and tied them.
My vote is for the mini pini (I think it would be interesting to see you make a dupe that works for you when L&Y’s version has not) or the alfie shirt (just because boxy button ups are the only ones I like the fit of on my body and I’d be interested to learn more about their construction)
The Terra Pant pattern by Pattern Fantastique has deep pleats and tapered leg like the Addisons. It's thoughtfully drafted with comfort in mind. Also, the Roberts collection by Marilla Walker has a dress that could be your new mini pini (and it's great value because it includes dungarees, a jumpsuit and a shirt).
Oh my god ! So much research behind this 25min video, if someone hasn't said that today... you are just excellent! I would love to watch you tackle ANY of these projects, but if I had to vote, as a beginner myself... I would say the fleece! Thanks, Leena!
I haven't tried the Addison jeans before so might not be exactly the same but highly recommend the Jones (no waste) trousers from Goldfinch textiles studio. Bit of a pricey pattern but honestly the best written instructions I've ever found from a pattern and for all the work that went in to make it no/low waist fabric is incredible. The pattern suggests sizing with a lot of ease but I've made a tighter fit without elastic in the back and is just chefs kiss.
Thank you SO MUCH for this video. I haven't bought any new L&Y stuff for a long while (thanks vinted) but after spending months looking for a pair of black Cole jeans second hand, I'd accepted that I'd just have to buy a new pair. But the first dupe pattern you found looks perfect!! I'll absolutely make a pair and fingers crossed they match the Cole's comfort!!!
