Comments by "V. Birchwood" (@VBirchwood) on "Do THIS to Amplify Your Next Historical Garment" video.

  1. As I mentioned at the end of this video, I'm now offering 1-1 tutoring video call sessions, offering support for those just starting out with hand sewing, as well as consulting for those who would like to build their historybounding or historical fashion wardrobes. For every hour booked slot, I will be donating $3 to the charity United Help Ukraine . If you're interested in learning more, you can read all about it and book here: https://www.vbirchwood.com/appointments I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial and that honeycomb smocking doesn't feel intimidating anymore 😊
    34
  2. Thanks Bess! I'm glad it made it feel simpler. Generally, smocking reduces the fabric amount by about 1/3rd the original. So 3 inches would become 1 inch once smocked. This is a general rule of thumb so it's best to experiment on a little piece and take before/after measurements to see how the gauge is for your own technique 😊
    6
  3. You are so welcome! This was exactly my goal with this video, so I'm happy to hear that the explanation also comes across simple!
    5
  4. It’s been 3 years now 🥰 my channel is all about showing that sewing can be learned at any stage in life and with any experience level, it’s all just about putting in the hours and practice. I’ve been frequently told by many that I made starting sewing less intimidating for them, and that’s my goal. I very clearly, transparently, and constantly state that I am not an expert nor professional, so each person can decide if my content is helpful or resonant for them. Have a beautiful day!
    4
  5. So cool that you all had smocked dresses made by someone too! How nostalgic haha.
    3
  6. So glad it’s helpful!! It’s definitely great for mimicking elastic! And at a time before elastic was invented which is amazing 😊
    3
  7. Thanks so much Kat! 💕 how lovely it is that you're the child and grandchild of educators 😊
    3
  8. It looks exactly the same, as long as you pre-wash any fabric you’re going to use, and also use a strong thread 😊
    3
  9. Thank you so much Caroline! How special that you have that memory about smocking 😊 I can see why this technique would make you feel like a Princess!
    3
  10. Thank you so much Luna! I hope you’re well 🥰
    2
  11. Thanks Lilja! You could use it on a future gown perhaps? 🥰
    2
  12. Ooooo yes please! Mayhaps is a great word btw.
    2
  13. You’re so welcome! Happy sewing and I hope that this technique proves useful in the future 😄
    2
  14. Thanks amazing! Congrats on your first petticoat 😊
    2
  15. I’m sorry that it became so challenging due to the dots and lines! I really love the gingham idea that was suggested here. That would perhaps make it so much easier?
    2
  16. Must be on the same wavelength! 😂 it’s a wonderful way to do pleats honestly. Adds a little something extra. And can replace elastic! She’s doing really well, thanks! Starting to finally settle in. How’s Thena?
    2
  17. This sounds all too familiar! Lol. At what point can you socialise her with other puppies? I’ve found Rúna has learnt how to be gentler whilst playing by playing with other dogs, so that might perhaps be a great way too 😊
    2
  18. Glad it was helpful ☺️
    2
  19. Thanks so much Catherine! I really appreciate it 😊
    2
  20. That’s so lovely to hear, I’m so glad! It adds such a nice small touch to a garment 😊
    2
  21. Thanks so much Gitta! Glad the tutorial is so easy to follow 😊
    2
  22. Yay that's amazing, you've got this! I thought this was a beautiful unattainable technique myself for the longest time and so I avoided it, but as the title says, surprise! it's actually easy 😂
    2
  23. Thank you so much! 😄
    2
  24. It’s true! Though final results can be enjoyable, the process is what keeps you coming back to sewing I think
    2
  25. Thanks so much! Would love to see the boards 💕
    2
  26. Thanks so much Erica! 😊
    2
  27. It’s beautiful right?! It was really common in the 18th and 19th centuries, but it’s been around since the Middle Ages!
    2
  28. Thanks! I haven’t heard of this method so I’ll have to check it out 🥰
    2
  29. Thank you!! You totally should, it’s a sweet extra detail 😊
    2
  30. Thanks for the suggestion! I do other crafts as well like pottery and I’m getting into historical shoemaking too, so I’m sure that will unlock other practices also ☺️
    2
  31. I’m sorry you’ve been so ill DesertRose but I’m so glad you’re finally recovering! What a great goal to have for the year and I hope all of your smocking endeavours go well 😊
    2
  32. Aww thank you so much! This is the exact type of comment I was hoping to see on here as one of the goals with my channel is to show how seemingly hard historical techniques can actually be quite easy and doable when approached in a specific manner! I’m a beginner myself still (started sewing less than 2 years ago) so I’m very much learning myself as I’m teaching.
    1
  33. That’s awesome Fi! Glad it could be the push 😊
    1
  34. Thank you Jeanie! I'm glad it comes across so straightforward 😊
    1
  35. Glad you like the tutorial! 😊
    1
  36. What a cool project! I have an older videos demonstrating the most common hand stitches (one of my earliest videos on my channel)
    1
  37. My pleasure! You totally should! 😄
    1
  38. I’m glad this tutorial has made it so much easier! And that’s exactly it, all the written descriptions and even then smocking marked gridded diagrams make it seem so incredibly challenging 😂
    1
  39. Thanks so much Sarah! Blackwork would be gorgeous using honeycomb smocking YES! I, too, avoided this technique for such a long while thinking it was scary but was pleasantly surprised.
    1
  40. Thanks so much for watching and for your lovely comment! 😊
    1
  41. Awww that’s very sweet, thank you!!
    1
  42. Thank you Watson Melon! 😊 It looks so lovely on so many different garments.
    1
  43. I think that’s a wonderful idea!
    1
  44. Thank you Jay!
    1
  45. That’s amazing! Happy smocking 😄
    1
  46. Thank you so much! I hope you and your loved ones are all well too 🥰
    1
  47. Thanks so much Jae! Smock it up!!
    1
  48. Thank you so much Drew!! 😊 you can totally do it!
    1