If you are going to continue to sew (you probably will, I'm 71 and still love it since I was young!) you should probably invest in a foldable cutting table available at Joann Fabrics. Also an office chair that has adjustable height. Also you need to move the sewing machine closer to you, almost on the edge of the table. All of this will help your back.

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!!

@opinionatedone

2 ай бұрын

This is funny, because this video popped up in my suggested and I've watched two minutes before coming here to comment how much I love that chair! It's gorgeous! But, you're correct; in my fifties is all about my back. Ironing on the floor?? Way in the past!!😊😊

Sewing is an escape, the creative process of sewing is a spiritual practice of faith and hope.

@christinesnotebook

3 ай бұрын

I love that! I've never heard it worded it that way but it makes so much sense, I definitely agree.

Loved this. I feel so much closer to God when I am working with my hands. I thank Jesus for the ability to sew every time I sit down at my machine. God bless! ❤

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

Love that! Thanks for sharing 💗

You are such an inspiration - you are a mum grabbing special time for yourself and that is why i so admire you - i am a 61y old grandma who has just got bitten with this beautiful sewing life and yes for me it is a life as like you i don’t have to navigate family my husband has his own hobbies and we just give ourselves the freedom now to fly. I have the luxury of cutting on our kitchen island bench and that so so saves my back but then again i have the luxury of only us and time. Thank you for your amazing vids and inspirational talent ❤

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

Thank you for your comment, that sounds like a beautiful life!

What a beautiful episode! I am 68 years young and my grandmother taught me to sew…a skill I still enjoy to this day! I loved your comment that we each have gifts and that yours is using your hands. I love to smock, knit, quilt and sew…all enjoyable creative outlets for me. Continue to draw enjoyment from your sewing!

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

I love this, thanks for sharing!

I have loved sewing for years. I can choose exactly what color and fabric I want, the neckline, the button placement, the sleeve length. I sometimes end up not liking it but 9/10 I am happy with how it turns out. As you can you need to invest in 1. Ironing board 2. cutting table (foldable ones are not too expensive) 3. cabinetry for that wall to store all your tools and fabric 4. better chair? Start by watching your own video. Your back is bent way over most of the time. Move the machine closer to the edge. They sell wedges to put under the machine to tilt it toward you so you don't have to bend forward. Have fun. It's so good for you and for your children to see you making your clothes.

I am 66 and have been making my own clothes since I was 11. I started out cutting on the floor. My family, from my parents and sisters, to husband and children all quickly learned how to maneuver around my fabric. I eventually moved to the dining table. Now I have large table that my husband added leg stands to, so that I'm not bending over. But our kitchen island is my favourite place to cut out my creations. I would suggest an ironing board, much safer than on the floor. When my kids were young, my sewing table was always in the living room. We were able to be together. They didn't pay much attention to what I was making. I often would be working on a birthday/Christmas gift for them and they would be totally surprised. I do have that wrap top pattern and some lovely lightweight cotton fabric that be perfect for it, must make it soon. I look forward to seeing what you sew next. I do have one question about your filming. Do you have someone filming you?

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

Reading your comment felt like a cozy novel, I love that sewing has been a part of your life in this way. I am filming everything myself, I’m also a professional photographer so I have little experience with the camera ; ) Although this is the first time I’ve turned it on myself!

I love your joy over your top! Very nice!

Oh what a cuties! Great plans!

Thank you! It will be fun to watch you grow. :) This is inspiring!

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

Aw thank you so much!

Thanks for sharing. I like your point of view about sewing, it fills my soul too and it makes me feel more soothed. Murielle from France.

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for your comment : ) Happy sewing!

Pull your sewing machine closer to the edge of your table. It will be less strain on your back if you don’t lean over as much. Keep sewing! It’s a wonderful hobby to have. You’ll use sewing the rest of your life.

You make sewing look easy!!! Love ur top. I’m new at sewing!! Trying to make my own clothes n my granddaughter!!!

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

aw that's so sweet! Oliver & S has some really great patterns for young children that I find to be very educational as well. I especially love the Apple Picking Dress which I made for my daughter when she was three and oh my was she cute! Have fun!

I just found your channel and this was such a lovely video. I made a handful of garments early in my sewing (2016-2017) but haven’t made any in recent years. Most of my sewing after I started having kids was quilting and doll making. I’ve been itching to make my own clothes because my body changed so much after kids, and it’s so hard to find linen or cotton clothes that are affordable or fit well. You’ve inspired me to get some of my patterns printed out and my stash linen washed! Love the tops you made! I’m looking forward to watching your other videos 😊

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

I encourage you to just start! I stopped sewing for many years while building my photography business and when I finally returned to sewing it was like I found myself again. It's nice to have a little project going at all times, even if it's really slow progress : )

That top will be perfect for summer but in cooler weather it would be great under a sweater or jacket. Your space is beautiful, so full of light.

@christinesnotebook

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much Lynette! Appreciate your comment : )

I just discovered your channel through this video. I hope you grow super fast because I love the concepts and videography of all your videos, and you deserve views!

@christinesnotebook

3 ай бұрын

Oh my goodness thank you!! I plan on staying consistent, such a fun outlet me : ) ❤❤ Thanks for being here!

@SarahSanders-pr7rj

3 ай бұрын

@@christinesnotebook I turned on my notifications for you, excited to see what you put out in the future!

Great job and great work!! Sewing is fun, creative, frustrating and joyous all at once! If a 70-yo lady with a bad back can offer any encouragement or advice is to move your cutting up to table height. It will save you major pain! Keep up the good work!

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

"fun, creative, frustrating, and joyous" is absolutely right haha! Thank you for the tip!

@patriciatufts4969

2 ай бұрын

To add to the recommended table height, I had a second table to use for laying out my pattern, cutting it out and ironing as I went. Add bed risers to your table legs and you will have better height to work on saving your back. Trust me. I am 70 y.o. and have been sewing since I was 18. Self taught and loved the journey. Learn more and more as you go along trying new things. KZread wasn't around in my early days but it is my best tool to learn. You are doing great, just keep loving the process.

@bri_a

2 ай бұрын

Just wanted to chime in about the cutting table height. It makes a huge difference! Since I don’t have space for a special table, I’ve moved to tracing & cutting at the kitchen table. It is incredible how much better my back feels! And I feel like my cuts are more precise. The only downside is that I need to clear the table first.

@twillett100

2 ай бұрын

@@christinesnotebook happy sewing!!

I love it!

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

thank you!

This is such a wonderful video. You have really encouraged me. Thanks for sharing it with the world. I'm learning patience with the process too. Greetings to you from a newbie sewist in Kingston, Jamaica. 🙂

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

I'm so glad this encouraged you! Keep it up : )

Great job!

Hello, I sewed a lot in my teens and twenties. I am older now and still sew some. I am thinking of sewing a simple vest. I Just watched your video making the sleeveless linen shell or shirt, very nice. The wrap tops I purchased and now wear are to be tied like you start to do at 19.23 in the video. The left front pulled across your body to right and then the tie goes through the opening. Then the right front is pulled across your body and finally tied at the left. I will say the ties on my tops seem a little shorter, so you may consider adjusting yours if it seems like a good idea. Hope this helps. Keep sewing and I will keep watching!

@christinesnotebook

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much! I think I just realized how to tie the wrap top like you just mentioned, who knew it could be so complicated for me to understand lol!!

Some times KZread sends something good my way and today that was this. I certainly relate to you feeling like you “need” to make. Yes, sometimes it is frustrating, some days it is hard, most days it is wonderful. Keep up the good work. I join those who suggest that as soon as it fits the budget, get a cutting table. They are higher than a regular table (about waist high) and will get you off the floor, which will help with at least some of the pain and frustration of cutting fabric. Is the gold top you wear when you share your frustration with having rushed the process, a pattern or was it ready to wear? I love it and would love to make one like it. Those sleeves! Happy making!

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

I love your comment, thank you for watching my video and commenting : ) I agree I need to figure out a better cutting table situation. That gold top was ready to wear from Madewell, but I bought it on thred up, so I don't think they make this one anymore sadly! I bet you could find a similar pattern though and look around for some gorgeous golden fabric...

@lindaspencer6547

2 ай бұрын

@@christinesnotebook I really just need to learn how to draft various sleeve options. I have good woven and knit top patterns so I just need to figure out how to replicate that sleeve (and others that I see). We never quit learning.

I love your attitude and your outlook on life! Your video is inspiring 😊 Love your "style" too. I subbed so I can enjoy more. 😉👍

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!

I just did the same projects and have the same problem with the wrap top. 😂😂😂😂I made two and the second didn’t go very well. 😂😂😂😂 but I loved them. It’s nice seeing more people sewing their own clothes. Thanks for the sharing and inspiration 😊

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

haha thanks so much for sharing!

In addition to the things you said about sewing, you can get a custom fit, choose your design and colors. I have loved sewing for years.

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

So true! It's such a satisfying skill

Oh! I have that pattern! I'm excited to see how it goes!

@christinesnotebook

3 ай бұрын

have fun with it!

@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar

3 ай бұрын

Awww your little human is super cute! The serger IS so loud and so shaky!

@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar

3 ай бұрын

I love the wrap too!

My kids grew up making Cabbage Patch clothes and their own sweats.

Beautiful Job! I just subscribed! ❤

@christinesnotebook

3 ай бұрын

Yay! Thank you so much for being here! : )

Lovely, just like you!

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

Oh thank you!

If you mount a rod to the wall and buy some of the curtain hooks that squeeze open via a clip on one side, you can clip your sturdy paper patterns to it. They will hang on an angle but will be organized and easy to access.

@christinesnotebook

3 ай бұрын

oh this genius! Thanks for the tip

I feel your pain. I always end up having a soar neck and back.

Great video. A serger makes all the difference in the world. If you get into making a lot of clothes, research projectors for your patterns. No printing out and all patterns are on my computer. One last thing, I noticed you are a lefty. I would suggest you move your blade on your rotary to the other side. Makes all the difference in the world. And us Lefties have it hard enough as it is 😉

@christinesnotebook

3 ай бұрын

Oh wow, THANK YOU! I have had issues with my cutting tools being a lefty, the struggle is real. My scissors are also made for right handed folks, oops! I'll try that on my rotary cutter. How complicated it is to set up the projector,? I've heard of this before and definitely intrigued...

Wait a minute! Do you have four kids and still have time to sew?! If that’s so you are remarkable!

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

yes that's right! I just try to squeeze it in when I can! : )

If you use a cutting table it will be a lot less stress on your back and more ergonomically correct. You can use a dining table if you don’t have a dedicated cutting table.

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

I agree, it's the cutting that always hurts my back. I should probably get this sorted out...

The Linen Tank doesn’t have any bust darts, but I’ve found it really easy to make it, then add bust darts into the armhole.

@kathygann7632

2 ай бұрын

My friend saw my tank then had me rip apart a long full silk skirt and make her a dress using the tank pattern. I found my back quit hurting once I started using an office chair and lowering the seat so I’m not hunched over.

@kathygann7632

2 ай бұрын

The wrap is really pretty on you.

I'm subscriber number 105!!!😂 Your top you're wearing is beautiful!

@christinesnotebook

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for being here!! : ) Appreciate you so much! The top I'm wearing is also handmade, the Milla Blouse from Slow Morning Studio!

Love the floaty blouse at the beginning you are wearing what is the fabric and pattern please.

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

Thanks! That is the Milla Blouse by Slow Morning Studio : ) slowmorning.studio/shop/p/milla-blouse-dress

Christine I feel the same way about sewing. I also am self taught with KZread assistance 😏. I would like to ask if you made the top you were wearing in the second half of your video when you were making the wrap top.

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

That top was thrifted via Thred Up, it is from Madewell, but not sure if it's being made anymore!

I can't tell from the video, but it seems you didn't put the strap through the "hole part" correctly in the end. The one side will go through the hole and "continue" to wrap around the front. Not then "cross in the back". Again, it's tough for me to tell from the video, so forgive me if I'm wrong about what it looked like you did, but it seemed like that's what you might have done. Great job in the end, the linen fabric looks really nice for the top. Also for your "hurting back"... I've been sewing for nearly 40 years so IF...IF at all possible, have a large table (set up on blocks or something - that will make it nearly counter height) that you can cut your fabric out on and not use the floor, so you can stand there and cut things out - this will save you a lot of pain. It then also gives you a place "under the counter/table" to store fabric and notions. Best of luck on your sewing journey.

New subscriber! Very nice makes! What size is your wrap top?❤

@christinesnotebook

3 ай бұрын

Welcome!! Thanks for being here! The wrap top for me was their size D on the pattern, I typically sew up a size 4.

The tops turned out so cute. I love sewing with linen. Did you make the puffed sleeve yellow top?

@christinesnotebook

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! I did make that top with the puffed sleeve as well, it is the Milla blouse by Slow Morning Studio: slowmorning.studio/shop/p/milla-blouse-dress

@christinesnotebook

3 ай бұрын

Oh correction! The yellow top was from madewell. I thought you meant a different one : )

I fold my fabric so it is just a fraction of an inch wider than the pattern so I don’t waste any fabric.

Wrap top: I've made it...I found the opening on the side wonky too. but it looks good on you and I think it will fit your lifestyle. Fiddle with the opening and the wrap ties- once you get it "right" it would be worth repeating. Also, not homemade clothing-custom made clothing

@christinesnotebook

3 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! I wore it while photographing an event and it worked out great! I’ve been pretty pleased with it in real life : )

My thread coming undone from the needle happens more than I’d like to admit hahah

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

🤣🤣

For your back ache, I am wondeing if you sewing table is too high? Can you lower the height so that you are not reaching up so much? The other thing you could do is move the sewing machine closer to the edge of the table so you are not over reaching while sewing. At one of our Irish patchwork society meetings, we had a physiotherapist come talk about sewing ergonomics and the importance of good posture. Your chair should support your lower back so try to sit back into the chair. Relax your shoulders, keep your upper arms at your sides, bend your elbows at a 90-degree angle. Measure from the bottom of your elbow to the floor. This is how high the sewing surface of your sewing machine (or where the needle hits the feed dog area) should be. Love your video, thank you.

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

I am going to have to try this... thanks for the tips!!

Where did you get your sewing table? I like the style of the legs, plus it looks pretty sturdy.

@christinesnotebook

3 ай бұрын

I got it from Ikea! It's the best sewing table. www.ikea.com/us/en/p/lagkapten-mittback-desk-white-birch-s19417193/

@maryfields877

3 ай бұрын

@@christinesnotebook Thanks! I don't remember seeing this one. It's has an adjustable height as well. That's cool!

Have you Sean the blouse you are wearing? And if yes, what pattern did you use?

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

Hi! Which blouse are you talking about?

Oooh where did you find that yellow floral fabric for the shirt you wear?

@christinesnotebook

3 ай бұрын

That top was actually from madewell! Found it on thred up : )

What are you wearing now? Do you have a pattern for that? I must wear this garment.

@christinesnotebook

3 ай бұрын

Are you talking abut the first top in the video? That one is the Milla Blouse by Slow Morning Studio : ) The yellow one that others have commented about is from Madewell via thred up.

Dining tables or kitchen counter make it easier to cut fabric… and take breaks… :)

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

Great idea!

I sew for myself because I can’t find clothes to fit in the stores. I’m tall with long legs plus I’m plus size. It’s impossible to find anything to fit! Also I can make clothes out of fabric that I love!

@christinesnotebook

3 ай бұрын

It's so great being able to customize! I bet you've made so many great staples since it was more of a necessity for you, I feel like the best creativity is born from a problem that needs solving.

it is not sewing that is killing your back, it is cutting out and ironing when sitting on floor.

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

You are 100% right 🤣

be careful with the iron on that rug I bet it will melt.

you're probably not going to wear the wrap top since its a bit difficult to get into.

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

After the first time of figuring it out it was ok! I’ve just never seen a wrap top that actually wraps like this, I think I would have preferred a half wrap so it’s actually sewed in place : )

@pennyf9886

2 ай бұрын

@@christinesnotebook i think it turned out beautiful and it's very versatile

Sit back in your chair & bring your sewing machine much closer to you..

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

will try that, thanks!

Please, don't show your children with you in the videos 💜 Thank you for the sewing tips! 🤗

@christinesnotebook

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for being here! Something to think about.