I have been sewing forever. Never once did I think to cut right sides facing and pin right away. Game changer

I've said it before and I'll say it again, your students are lucky to have you. What a fun, simple summer dress, skirt & top!

Oh my goodness, no sleeves, no pockets or zippers, this newbie might just branch out and try this! Thanks so much for sharing this with us and also your elasticized neck and arm holes - they really do look amazing!❤

Oh! I wish I had had a home economics teacher who had actually been a sewer! Your students are blessed!

You should find a dress this simple with short sleeves, some of us older ladies don't want to show that much of our arms as they are not as nice looking or toned as they once were.🥴 Please find a pattern for us! 😊

@michellewallace8387

23 күн бұрын

I am also older and don't like to show my arms and this is what I'm going to do with this pattern. I'll choose a sleeve from a tee shirt I've already made and like and add it to this pattern. Easier than you think, I've done it many times. It's best to make a muslin first with some scrap fabric because sometimes you might have to use a different seam allowance or ease the sleeve in slightly more or less but it does work. This is such a nice pattern I am looking forward to giving it a go. Good luck!

@lynnesmart9075

9 күн бұрын

You can place a t shirt you like over it and modify the pattern

@suziekane7769

4 күн бұрын

Embrace what you have. 😊

@myraloftis-ed1mv

4 күн бұрын

Yes I am 78 plus size I'm afraid. It's been so hot would love a tea length dress like this but don't know about plus sizes 😢

@michellewallace8387

3 күн бұрын

@@myraloftis-ed1mv unfortunately McCalls doesn't cater for plus sizes. Some of the independent pattern companies do though. The 'Own Your Magic Dress' by Pattern Emporium is a similar style knit dress with sleeves and goes up to size 30.

We viewers are very, very fortunate to have you. It's amazing to have your experience with what was successful for your students over the past year, your own appreciation of the pattern, your experience shopping for fabrics, AND a step-by step sewing tutorial for different options with the pattern. I love the shape of this pattern and how easy it is. Yup! It's in my cart to purchase. Thank you, Catherine!

Hi Catherine, I'm voting for you to keep the long length of the skirt and just wear it that way since you love it!

@carolmason8085

26 күн бұрын

And it's beautiful!

@miragafni1

25 күн бұрын

I concur, + it makes you look 6 feet tall

@robyn3349

22 күн бұрын

Wear it every where!❤

@kimjay2380

12 күн бұрын

I agree - definitely keep it long 😍

Those dresses turned out great and look stylish. I'm 73 and still like the sleeveless dresses and with a lightweight cardigan or make a short jacket to wear.

Excellent showing of the physical technique of your hands and fingers to move the fabric evenly. Thanks, and the outfits are beautiful!

Also wanted to add, that about a dozen years ago, I started using thrifted scarves and fabric scraps with the ends finished to wrap gifts instead of gift paper and was just boxing up Christmas paper to give away when I saw you using it to make patterns. I was using wax paper for that, but now I will keep some gift wrap to make pattern dupes from my favorite clothes. Thanks for that tip!

@CatherineSews

26 күн бұрын

@@tsarchasm8492 Thanks! That tip actually comes from Alicia @ThoughtfulCreativity. I’ve been using gift wrap ever since I saw her doing it!

V pretty, love your work, Catherine :) I've sewn since before I was old enough for school, 50+yrs & never needed an overlocker. I get that some ppl benefit from them, but u have to like the finish they give. Nowadays here in Australia, most ppl only see mass-produced o/seas made clothing due to our nearness to Bangladesh, India & China. Local designers & makers frequently shut down as they can't compete. Customers have little to no experience of locally produced, high quality or handmade clothing - much less haute couture (YT garment 'tours' by couture author Claire Shaeffer are lovely btw) so when some YT channels say "serging gives a 'high-end finish'," ppl believe them. It gives me the hee-bees that a) it looks cheap imho & b) they're promoting a look made by near-enslaved women & children as high-end. Admittedly, I do sometimes desire a shiny new toy, but while my sewing machines already do many alternative stretch stitches; e.g. stem stitch (what u call 'lightning'), zig-zag, overcast, multi-step zig-zag & more & I might just stick with my sturdy & repairable old vintage ladies & dream about that $12,000 new 7-needle embroidery machine from Janome instead lol.

@Lisa-mw6te

22 күн бұрын

Thank you for saying some things I have been thinking about sergers. Why do I need one when I have zigzag stitches and know how to finish seams in other ways? Im not in a high-speed sewing contest.

Catherine, I like you what sew, but mostly, I love the bubbly enthusiasm of your videos! Much love from another Canadian sewing femme, here in Montreal, also named Catherine- spelled the correct way like you ;-)

Love the long length. It's perfect!

I always learn something when I watch your video.

Have a Kenmore that I bought off the Sears “sale “ table for $50 36 years ago. Best machine ever. You, young lady are a brilliant teacher. Enjoyed this! 👍🇺🇸🇨🇱

I love the butterfly dress the best, it looks so classy with the black background, but both outfits are adorable. I may have to get this pattern and get my serger to the shop for a good cleaning and oil job. I have not made any clothing for myself in many, many years, but you have inspired me to go back and give it a try. Thank You for the boost, I need it! 😃

You can make the garments in both the shorter and longer lengths, since they can be made so quickly and easily! That way you have the best of both.😊

I was blessed with a free serger. It is old but works great

@kindredcreativecorner6927

25 күн бұрын

An old serger that works is a GOOD serger

I've been sewing since the 70's and I have a serger and I have to say, I learn something new every time I watch one of your videos. Thank you. Also, I notice the loops hanging off the serged edges...thanks for normalizing this. Some of the groups I'm in, in Facebook ,people are super sticklers for no loops. But I see, how it really doesn't matter if you're folding the edges in to hem them. At least not for a garment you make for yourself! And they looked amazing. If you have lots of dresses that are shorter than them why not keep the longer ones for just something different. They look great!!

WOW, you’re right, that IS a useful pattern! Thanks for making all the variations, each one is really fantastic. I like your fabric choices too, it’s always the prints that make the clothes “ours” and no one else’s. You need a white belt for the set!

@CatherineSews

26 күн бұрын

@@lobodo988 Yes, you’re right about the belt!

Your instructions are the best I've seen on You Tube. Particularly the elastic instructions. So many other you-tubers go fast, don't explain and leave out instructions, I assume because they think you can get the "general idea". Sometimes, If I had a general idea, I wouldn't be watching an entire video. Thanks so much!

Mood fabrics is usually good with their fabrics, but I would recommend using a virtual card when purchasing. It saved me when I think their site got hacked and the number was stolen on two occasions. They denied it, of course. I’m glad you’re showing your boo-boos and how you fixed them! Makes us all feel better about ours 😊 I’ve had good luck with Eloflex thread and a straight stitch if you don’t have a lightning stitch (I have only vintage machines).

@ninadukette3340

26 күн бұрын

My bank also said never use a bank debit card that is linked to your account.

I always feel I’ve learned something from your videos. You’re a great teacher.

Simplicity 8595 is as simple as this dress for the person who commented about not wanting to show her arms however the way you did this dress taught me something new I never thought about using the elastic for the neckline or the arm holes that is beautiful. I'm definitely going to be making this I'm going to cut it out today I have the pattern and I have some lovely units. Thanks for a wonderful video .

Great shortcuts. I run a non-profit sewing studio and after one serger was damaged with pins, I now have a rule of no pins, only clips near the sergers. I have 6 Brother sergers, 1 Kenmore 1 Bernina and 1 Singer ProFinish. Loved the fabrics you selected.

@judih.8754

26 күн бұрын

I love clips. They just seem to be faster to work with.

@CatherineSews

26 күн бұрын

@@sewjostudio that’s a great rule!

Absolutely fantastic methods. Serging is rather new to me and I am most appreciative of your clever tips. I forget how fortunate we are in USA to have so many wonderful choices of fabric . Hoe lucky we are. Thanks for your helpful hints.

Things I learned - serge with the front up and the elastic technique. Thank you! 🍄🌻

Hands up for the old kenmore machines!! Both my sewing and serger are 80’s kenmore. Both still going and loved. That’s a nice pattern definitely makes a lovely garment. It’s funny how the change of fabric takes it from day to night wear. The elastic edging is wonderful. Being old school I figured you would do a facing. I the elastic idea much better!

This was such an insightful video on quick sewing with knits! So many gems!

The dress neckline and armholes sewn with elastic looks great. Thanks for sharing & teaching.

Love the dress! The elastic neck and arm finish does make it look ready made.

I put an order for this pattern today. It reminds me of a maxi dress I had in the 70s.

Love the long skirt, had to watch this 2x cuz I was skipping ads the excitement got me lol love your sewing style, I’m in the US, wish I could take your 9th grade sewing class ❤️😇❤️

I love the way you finished the armholes and neckline of that beautiful dress. I wil try that for sure!

I have a 20-year-old Kenmore serger and it's a work horse. I might try making this for my wife as I'm trying to make more clothes, I'm going to try the elastic in the seams too. that looks nice.

this sounds crazy, but i absolutely love the sound of your scissors at 15:21! reminds me of those great childhood times spent with my mom while working on all kinds of sewing projects. thanks for great tutorials and the fond memories.

@CatherineSews

23 күн бұрын

@@jennifer_452 haha, I know exactly what you mean! I remember that sound from my childhood too. 🥰

I love the flower fabric!

Loving the butterfly print!

Katherine, your idea of adding elastic to the necklace is pure genius. I made the pattern and hacked the top to add sleeves. The pattern is amazing! Thank you.

If you ever buy fabric online again. I suggest Fabric Mart I love the way Fabric Mart displays it's fabrics. I have bought knits from Girl Charlee and been really happy too.

@daxxydog5777

26 күн бұрын

Fabric Mart is pretty good most of the time. I’ve gotten their mystery boxes with mixed results.

@CatherineSews

26 күн бұрын

@@theresaanndiaz3179 ok, I will definitely try them out!

I love them both, but the butterfly dress turned out just beautiful! Living in central Florida, these are the type of dresses I need! Thanks, Catherine! ❤🦋

Hi Catherine, thank you for sharing your beautiful video. Your makes were so looking awesome. I’m always looking out for your videos. I love everything you do on KZread videos with all your creative. I really love them and I really enjoy all the time. Thank you so much for sharing keep us posted for more of your awesome videos.❤❤❤❤❤

Thanks for the wonderful tip about using the elastic around neck and armholes. I’m going to try that next garment

I love your sewing lessons.

I love watching your channel. Always inspired. You give such great tips on making things look good. So glad I found your channel. Keep up the great content. So many people can benefit from your sewing wisdom. Thanks

As always, great tutorial with so many helpful tips! “Match the seam line, not the cut line”

I usually fit McCall's size 14 so I did cut the medium back and front on the fold top and skirt, it turned out a perfect fit. Thank you for this video, M7386 is a great pattern for knits. I also added short bell sleeves, it's more versatile and so comfortable.

Yes, keep it long. You have so many midi length skirts, at least that I've seen. It does look so pretty on you and the length is good for large pattern. I wish I had had you as a sewing instructor when I was in school! But I am old enough to be your mother! I just finished a tiered skirt made from three thrifted shirts and love it! It's a summer skirt and I have a few flannels to make another one for the fall with a pair of jeans. So fun! Thanks for all your videos!

Have recommended your channel, my daughter had already found you but a friend at church just subscribed!

@CatherineSews

20 күн бұрын

@@sherylcarter6242 thanks so much! I’m so happy to have you all on board!

The skirt is lovely long and you can pair it with so many of the lovely colours in the skirt. I’m a fan of long skirts myself but it’s what you are comfortable with that matters.

So funny, I just bought that fabric at Joanne's to make a summer top with! Really just stopped by to say I love to watch you teach. You don't overwhelm new psoists with too much information, but you are still giving skill builders at every point. Things like always pushing your seams to the back, that kind of thing really elevates people's items from homemade to handmade.

I have that beautiful McCalls sewing pattern as well , i had it in my stash for 7 years & ❤ it , great choice ❤👍🏾

I did half a year of sewing in high school, 1984 and 1985. I did not learn much as teaching styles were very different 40 years ago. If only you were my teacher back then.

I did order this beautiful pattern online. I wanted to buy fabric for this, for something called “magic pants” and for some pillows for my adorable tiny studio apartment. I did a search for fabric stores near me, and I learned about Osgood Textile located in West Springfield, Massachusetts. (I could get there with the help of 3 busses each way.) Osgood manufactures some of the fabrics they sell. They have books and all kinds of sample fabrics lining the walls, and best of all (to me), they have multiple bins of remnants. The remnants are organized by type/purpose of fabric. Some pieces are pretty modest in size, but most that I picked up were more than 2 yards. The place has an old-school feel with hand-written signs tacked to walls. I definitely should have budgeted much more time to investigate this amazing place!! I bought linen ($11/yard) in a kind of yellow/wheat color. From the remnant bins, I found a gray velvety fabric (2 ¾ yards, 54” wide at a total of $19.50) and another heavy, upholstery fabric in green that has a lot of texture and its own lining layer (1 ½ yards, 54” wide at a total of $11.00). I purchased some pillows at a thrift store and plan to make some kitty-friendly pillows and a kind of long window bench cushion for my furry best friends. I promised myself that I would bring some color and joy into my tiny living space, and I purchased a few “fat quarters” from Spoonflower. I think these fabrics will go nicely together. While walking around, just taking in the aisles and aisles of fabric, I was a little nervous about asking questions because there were clearly a lot of resources there for professionals. When I went up to the check-out counter, though, the young woman who was there was very helpful and informative. She showed me how to select fabrics online for my specific needs. She said that the staff is very happy to walk around with me and help me find whatever I need for my projects. She even told me that if there is something in particular that I might want, I could set up an appointment to see samples straight from the manufacturing side of the business, located on-site. WOW! That woman made me feel so special, like whatever I was working on was just as important to Osgood as an expensive, bespoke bridal or interior design order. www.osgoodtextile.com/index.html Since it did take a lot of time and effort to get out to their location, I might try purchasing fabric for McCalls M7386 online, but it was really great to shop for fabric in person and feel what it is like before making a decision to buy. Thank you for sharing with us that, even with your knowledge and experience, purchasing online can be a bit of a gamble. Thank you as always…..

What a joyful journey that was, Catherine! So enjoyed it! Thanks for encouraging us to try different finishing methods, and for all the tips and tricks along the way! Enjoy your gorgeous, comfy new outfits! From another Canadian Catherine😊

Very helpful for me as I get back to sewing. Thank you.

I love the colors on dress/top fabric

You are a great teacher. Making I fun and giving good reasoning to your students. Many of them will probably make many items of clothing over their lifetime simply because you taught the right / way and made it simple and fun.

Thank you, Catherine, for showing us how to put the narrow elastic in the neckline & armholes. I make loads of knit tops but usually bind the necks. I'm going to try elastic!

Can’t believe I JUST saw you post!! So cool.

@CatherineSews

26 күн бұрын

Thanks for being FIRST!

I really like the blouse you are wearing that you upcycled! It looks so comfortable. Thank you for your video!

That knit Butterfly fabric I bought from Joanns a back in May 2024. I thought it was so beautiful and didn't know what I was going to make, but I had to have it just in case I found the perfect pattern. The dress is so pretty on you.

Great idea to pin before picking up..i love that

Love your two outfits. They look great on you. I vote to keep the long length for the skirt. Love the tip to cut and immediately pin. I've been sewing for longer than I care to say and have never heard that before. There's always something new to learn. I do have a comment on how you sew the turned neck, armhole and the tiny hem. You would be better off to stitch the final line of stitching with the right side of the garment up, rather than working on the inside. Because the dogfeeds pull the fabric along a little faster, the side facing them will be ever so slightly smaller and the finished edge will tend to roll towards that. So, sew with the right side up and the edge will roll slightly to the inside. Every have a t-shirt on which the hem keeps flipping up. That's why that happens.

@gisellemineur821

17 күн бұрын

I have had the same problem with the neckline edge rolling out. My question is when you sew front side up, are you pinning first in order to have an even amount folded under? Sewing it from the backside makes it easier to see how much you have turned under but that flipping out of the neckline doesn’t look nice. Thank you for the tip!

@elisewilliams8681

12 күн бұрын

@@gisellemineur821 Sur, you could pin. I think that basting is even better. Mind you, by finishing the edge and folding it carefully, I've managed to do neither. That's much harder to do on a curved edge though.

I say leave it long and wear it for fun. The dress is gorgeous!

Thank you so much for your video. I loved watching your process. I'm so so grateful you searched for a great low price serger, with links to both countries. I need to choose a special gift for me and I think this may be it! Thank you, thank you.

What a fantastic tutorial both garments are great but the butterfly dress is exceptional the colours suit you to a t !thankyou

Catherine!!!! ❤ amazing job and thanks for all the tips the black one IS fabulous

New sub here! Your teaching style is wonderful - especially as you verbalize the thought process for the dos and don’ts. I’ve been sewing for over 60 years but have shied away from knits after several failed attempts. I just purchased my 1st serger and you’ve given me the confidence to try knits again! Your students are lucky to have you - glad some schools are still teaching these valuable skills. Great easy pattern - I’ll be picking that up today! Wish me luck!

@CatherineSews

20 күн бұрын

@@CraftAddictedWendy Good luck, Wendy!!

I love the longer skirt length too!!

I vote for the long skirt . Looks great on you!

So beautiful! Love them both!

I purchased the Brother serger you recommended in February. It’s my first serger and I’m very happy with it. Reasonably priced and makes such a big difference sewing knits. I used to avoid them but I whipped myself up a dress last week in about an hour. I vote for the long skirt.

Great tips for serging and making a gorgeous dress! Thank you!

Leave it long. It looks beautiful.

Thank you for this video❤❤❤ I have this pattern in my stash for a while. Now I will surely make it

Another super video - thank you - absolute pleasure to watch!

I really appreciated your fitting tips and I LOVE the end results!

So cute-that long dress!! Wow

Love the dress prints wow it fits like a glove. Thanks for this tutorial the tips and tricks are great

That was a winner! Stunning. Thank you.

Thank you for the tip of the elastic

I am almost always disappointed when I buy fabric online...I prefer to see it and, more importantly, feel it! Love your sewing companion! I also love the fact that you don't have big, showy fake fingernails! Always a distraction🙄

This was such a good tutorial. Thank you! I am definitely going to try the elastic on the serger. I find it very fussy to insert elastic in a channel without it twisting!

Excellent tip with the elastic.

I just found you and thank the lord. I've been wanting to use my serger more. This pattern looks like it will be a great start! Thank you for your video, I'll be checking out the other videos you have available.

Love this pattern it’s so cute

Love them all but the dress is my favourite.. 🥰🥰🥰

You give the best tips and tricks. I learn so much from every video! Thank you!❤️

Absolutely beautiful! Definitely worth doing. Love 💕 the longer lengths on you!

I’m new to serging, so to see how to assemble a simple top or dress via serging is so fab! You’ve taken the mystery out of sewing with knits as well. I look forward to each new episode you publish. Thank you so much

The black print fabric is beautiful!

Excellent teacher and fun pattern!

Wow! Looks great on you! Love this simple pattern, it's timeless!

Just discovered you and your channel and immediately subscribed. I like your style of teaching! Both outfirs are beautiful. Im 67, been sewing since age 9 and learned several new techniques just by watching this tutorial! I still make sleeveless garments and own several lightweight and denim jackets. Yes to cover arms and since i run cold, its a double win. Thank you for all your efforts in producing your video. Cant wait to look at past productions!

@CatherineSews

20 күн бұрын

@@carolgoff4317 So happy you found me!

Beautiful dresses made with gorgeous fabrics. Another wonderful tutorial full of tips. Thank you so much, I have learnt so much from you.

well, , I'm only at the end of the two piece so far, and just wanted to say "gorgeous!". And there IS something about that "flower power" vibe I'm really "diggin"...lol... I just ordered some new car seat covers from an artist on Etsy and the art has a similar vibe and similar colors...a very 60's feel...and because there's a strawberry in one spot, it makes me think of the Beatles "Strawberry Fields"....Just makes me nostalgically happy whenever I get into my car

Thank you. I learned so much. Great tips ❤

I like your channel and really enjoy your positive attitude that cheers a can do it approach. I've been looking for a tank top dress pattern for a long time. Thank you for sharing the pattern number.

Love this! I just ordered the fabric and pattern. Can’t wait to see it. Thanks