Copying Catalogs // Making A 1948 Montgomery Wards Dress

Chiming in two years later, ahem, but I think you are a great teacher already. So much of learning is repetition paired with demonstration, and your added explanations of the "why" of construction make sewing a garment into an intelligible narrative. Also, your willingness to talk about mistakes (gasp!) sets the tone for newbies to ask questions and talk about their fumbles without judgment. That last bit is fundamental for getting people engaged and excited. The era of "sage on the mount" is coming to end, thank goodness, bc education should be accessible for everyone, not just those deemed "worthy" by some privileged dude. Stepping off my tiny soapbox now. Carry on rocking it, Bianca! 😊

I tried to order the last 7 yards of that fabric - by the time I came to check out, only 5 yards were left WASAHHHH! I was going to have my friend make me. Maxi dress.

My birthday is in July too and I am already making several birthday gifts for myself 😘

I’m British. Hugging anyone is a wild idea

For me the question is - should people who have plenty of money thrift, thereby preventing someone on a very low income having the chance to purchase something they really need?

Imagine how harder it would be to live in a lockdown with no internet access. How would we get TP, never mind other essentials like fabric?

I’m getting my first dose of the vaccine tomorrow ( I live in Switzerland). I can’t say how happy about it I am. Needle? Arm? Just stick that baby right in! Nice dress btw

i am mesmerised by this fabric too! I had a little giggle when i heard you sing-songy talk to yourself, as that is something i do all the time :) would love to see early script for the thrifting video. I have hear people talk about how petite sized people will buy all the plus sized garments for their extra materials and the 'thrift flip' them down to their size - which takes away the garments for those they are originally meant to fit.

Hi, Since it seem like the comment I made during the night of, has disappeared, I'll just make one again. Good that you didn't get slammed for your sustainability video the other day. You addressed things that needs to be said over and over again, in a very loud voice, so even the people in the back can hear it. At some point in the future maybe we'll all strive for clothes that will still be both functional and beautiful after 10 years. During that time we, as in individuals, might have saved enough moneys to buy us a new outfit that will last 10 years. I haven't solved all the problems of planet Earth, but a good step seem to me, would be to buy thrifted or make your own (in sustainable fabrics of course). By the way, while i remember it. Güttermann has a line of thread that is less damaging for the planet, called rPET and is made from 100% recycled polyester. It comes in many many colors (Not sponsored😉😊. PSA complete.) If you really want us to weigh in on the next script of "Sassy Bianca; Investigating Reporter", I would of course be honored to take part. Congratulations on you're being fully vaccinated, and can now re-enter the world outside again. I wish for you to have the best time out thrifting and visiting antiques malls. Maybe you will even stop by that shop you mentioned, selling millinery things. And I'm not living vicariously at all... I 'm looking forward to meet your new hat block, and seeing how you use the pieces of a hat block puzzle. I haven't purchased a block just yet. As I have a very small head, it's difficult to find hats (even modern ones, like I think that I would like to have a Panama that actually fit) unless it's one of those that sit on top of your hair. I have been pondering to have a go at making my own. I'm thinking that I should get started on my sewing skills first though, as I have just around 10 hours per week for my hobbies. The rest I (annoyingly) have to give to my health impairments. You are corrupting me by the way. In the best way possible of course. I've only just started on my sewing adventure, but I'm already annoyed that I haven't got any sewing blocks to work with. I'm at the toile state and I'm having to figure out how to mark my pattern so when I re-copy my pattern (for the umpteen time) they will be there, so that I'm not having to start from scratch. Again. I'm probably a lazy sewer too, but I don't know yet. Time will tell. Okay my brain is giving out, so. Thank you for this video, I thoroughly enjoy it. Yours, Ann

Hi Bianca, I think I may be the only non-sewer here, but I enjoy these tutorials and I thought it was a great teaching tool, that transparency screen you used to trace over. It’s little details like this that I find particularly interesting and, pedagogically-speaking, it’s very sound. One can tell you prepared what it was that you had to teach us. I remember a music theory pedagogy class I took years ago, where the professor said that a student must first “experience” the item to be discussed before it is explained to them. Of course, this was in reference to music, specifically to hearing things like French augmented sixth chords, Neapolitan chords, etc. which are so colourful and bold. It would be a shame to just dive right into an analysis without first hearing them. In this video, you did a great job to let us first experience the project at hand, showing us the catalog picture and explaining your process for unravelling the mystery of the design. This is good teaching! It would not have been nearly as instructive if you had just preceded straight over to the blue table. I can tell you are working to improve your teaching skills and it inspires me. Actually, before I watched this, I was practicing the flutter pedal section in the Chopin double thirds etude and was thinking about the seams you sew in your things and I was making lots of connections between the two, albeit entirely different processes. You talked about the gentrification of thrift store trend that is emerging. I barely can wrap my head around the factory farming issues and so this is clearly another issue I need to think about and I guess I have, because I try to be appreciative of the things I find at thrift stores (in my case, it’s always books) and I look after everything with love and care. But the existential doom of everything happening in the world can be too much to bear. It really weighs on a person who tries to be good in her actions. It would be so much easier not to think about these things, but that would be wrong. A Hemingway quote comes to mind, “Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know.” I try to balance that with what my Mom tells me, “be good to yourself.” So, it is a tightrope walk. I don’t know how much I can help with constructive feedback for your script, but I would be happy to read or listen to whatever you care to share and think about something helpful to offer. Thank you for thinking of your patrons in this way. You know, your videos have been rekindling some nice memories, largely about my Mom, who I love more than anything and who sews. You remind me of her, I think that’s partly why I like you so much. Your last video about sustainability and sewing reminded me of how my Mom used to sew my clothes. When I was little, we’d go to Fabricland together and I’d get to help pick out fabric. I had lots of cute little blouses, corduroy pants, jackets, dresses (grey and navy, mostly, as I was never much for bright colours) and I remember there were these little tags she’d sew into the backs of my shirts that said, “Made with love by Mom.” I had a wonderful childhood, I was so fortunate. My Mom also collects dishes, tea cups, tea pots, figurines, that sort of thing, kind of like you with your hats and pin dishes. I think I notice and appreciate these little things because of her. I know this is a rambling comment, but we are still in our extended stay-at-home order here in Ontario and as a musician, my gigs are so up in the air and while I have a bunch of projects and teaching that I am working at, it does get challenging to keep on keeping on all by myself. With so much of my work still on-hold, I find myself thinking a lot about your work and I enjoy trying to come up with ideas to share for growing your channel, getting published, etc. You are very good at modelling and now, having seen many of your old catalogs, I notice that the models pose differently than models from more recent times. Perhaps you could do a video where you talk about vintage modelling techniques, origins, characteristics, etc. Also, in researching my late piano teacher, Constance Keene, I found some articles where she was interviewed about how to sit properly, how to get up out of a chair gracefully, how to rehearse one’s posture in front of a mirror. I think it was for one of Antoinette Donnelly’s columns in the NY Daily News, circa 1947. People seem to have had much better posture back then and clearly that could only have enhanced the lines of a well-made outfit. Myself, the only thing I ever modelled publicly was a winter coat in high school as part of our senior girls basketball team. I was not comfy wearing more girly things, or being cute and flirty and I was kind of awkward in my movements, but bless the heart of the girl who organized that show, she knew I wanted to model something and the ski jacket was just perfect for me, haha! I think it may still be at my parents’ place. My grandmother passed away around the same time as yours and I have quite a few of her things, pearls, black velvet shoes, a beautiful silk slip, ivory long evening gloves and all like-new. We were about the same height (5’8”) and so I got lots of her casual clothes, too, which I wore, although the style was not always me, but it meant a lot to have her things. It’s kind of unfortunate that I didn’t inherit the gene for wanting to wear things like pearls and slips, I guess, but I do so love to look and listen and be around people who do get excited by these things. I like to quietly go along for the ride. You remind me of those qualities in my Mom and grandmother which I admire but never seemed to inherit. I am quite a bit older than you, but I feel a kinship, I think probably many of us here feel this way. You are special. On a side note, I have to thank you for all your movie and music recommendations which I quite love. I can assure you that before this year when I found your channel, I would never have imagined that I’d be looking up gold vintage cat ear headbands on Etsy and enjoying it! Definitely rock these items out there in the wild now that things are opening up and you are fully vaccinated. You’ve also gotten me hooked on Lana Del Rey, actually I’ve been working on an arrangement of her song, White Dress, for cello and piano. I’m no composer, so we shall see how that turns out. These are such strange times for classical musicians.. You really are good at what you do and even though we’re in different fields, your ideas inspire me. I’ve always tried to be creative and blaze my own path with different sorts of projects from other more traditional people in my field. I surely couldn’t operate a meat grinding factory, churning out 50 piano lessons a week, pushing them all to compete and win prizes the way so many piano teachers do, teachers who don’t perform or have any zip and the academic life, too, seems, in most cases, so void of creativity and passion. Yet, I would not have met my dear teacher had I not pursued higher ed. So, there is good and bad in everything. You know, there’s a wonderful quote by pianist, Seymour Bernstein which I often tell my students: “I never dreamed that with my own two hands I could touch the sky.” The piano is really my way to fly and, in a way, your Singer 99k does that for you, too. :) Oops, this was a long ramble, I am getting chatty, well, I am living up to my sign. As they say, a Gemini loves to communicate and will always have plenty of paper, note cards, pens, etc. laying about. It’s very true. Enjoy your shopping tomorrow and yes, do keep wearing your mask. I think it’s good that we want to be extra cautious and set good examples. It matters. I sure wish I could go with you tomorrow to the antique mall and hat supply place. Put a one cent penny in your pocket and I’ll be there. :)

Hey back again, I just remembered I really enjoyed your sewing Q&A on reg. channel and I ment to ask where did you find the pick of all the dart possibilities!?!?! I tried looking up multi sewing dart diagram and there were some similar ones but nothing like your pic!?

Hey there, my vote is yes to teaching people not to resize but copy. Work smarter, Not harder! lol idk if that's a word and I don't care. I'm glad your shots have worked out I've been waiting cuz there's so many people where I live they only just opened up to allow 18 and up crazy. I don't think you should be afraid to talk about anything really there's not much that's taboo anymore, you know. Also I would totally just block people who get gross or mean in the comments, life's too short. You can't fix stupid. I really appreciate your videos and your way of explaining how you sew. I haven't been very vocal before cuz I'm not use to social media of any kind. Like I didn't even know there was any controversy with thrifting. I'm also totally down to proof read or listen if you want to make a podcast for the video. I hope your shopping trip goes well and congrats on your hat block!

Wow, that fabric is incredible! Love the way it came out

I am really happy that the pushback you thought you might get didn't occur. I don't understand why people are so touchy about thrifting. It's so much better for the environment to thrift. Sometimes I think many people have way to much time on their hands if they are spending time criticizing who thrifts. We have a thrift store that is almost the same size as a WalMart and they still can't get all of the donated clothes in there. I see huge crates with the clothes they can't get into their store sitting outside waiting to be picked up by the garbage companies. In my area it seems more people need to be thrifting. I don't care who is thrifting or their economic status. I agree that heavier people do have a harder time finding clothes that look nice on them, but the items I see that are in the store I wouldn't wear and I am a size 1X. A pattern with huge flowers is not going to look nice in a large size, but maybe will look great as a placemat or table runner. I'm just happy that the items are being used for something and not going into landfills. I really enjoyed this video. I too was wondering how the poof was made when I saw that dress in the catalogue. I am always impressed how you can just look at a dress, study the construction and then turn around and make it. It looks beautiful on you. I think that style is timeless myself, so I don't necessarily look at it as a time period piece. I hope you have a great time shopping this weekend. I was so happy this past week that I was able to hug a friend I hadn't seen for a year. I didn't realize how much hugging meant to me until I couldn't! Now I want to go hug everyone! Not a good idea though!! LOL... Have a great time and can't wait to see your next adventure in creating!

That's a spooky accurate dupe! Amazing! xoxo

This version of the 1948 Montgomery Wards Dress turned out beautifully! You look so glamorous in it and yes, those shoulder pads are definitely the go!! I'd forgotten how they give strength and 'no nonsense' to the vibe. Lovely! And yes, I understood your instructions perfectly. I too would be happy to proof-read your script, though my perspective would be from an Aussie. The last time I went to a thrift store (pre-Covid days), the prices had soared so high that they were close to 'new' prices and sometimes more. It seems to have become a money making criteria for so called 'not-for-profit' organisations, which defeats the purpose of having a thrift store. Most people go to Big W or K-Mart (because those clothes are not much more expensive than the thrift shops and are 'new'), albeit from sweat shops. I actually hate physically shopping, (anxiety and all that....) so now, with the guidance and influence of 'One with Purple Streak of Hair', I make my husband's and my clothes. Luckily I'm still working from home and still practicing on my sewing skills....getting better with each new garment. 😃 Wishing you a lovely outing on Saturday. I'm so happy for you, that you can finally go out and have some fun! Be safe and look after yourself. Sending good vibes and best wishes from Down Under 💚💐🇦🇺😎

i got the moderna. sore arm with both, a little "off" from MY norm after the first. the evening after the second, i was really lightheaded and dizzy. but otherwise, fine. my husband got his second shot 2 days ago and said he has felt "flu-y". not sure which shot he got. i went to walmart yesterday with no mask. i felt like i was cheating or something. lol. i will still probably wear one for a while as my small area is still having daily cases.

Hi, I have to say that last week's sustainability video is something that need be talked about in my opinion, so well done you. This weeks two offerings were quite enjoyable too, even though they have a little less of the on the barricades kind of content. If you are serious about proofreading your next "sassy", video I would be delighted to do be a part of that. About today's video discussion; I'm especially looking forward to your hat block instalment. Of course I really want to meet your block and learn how you use a multi block puzzle. And then there the fact that I love hats. With my small head I have problems finding hats in my small size, and I have a keen interest in learning how to make my own. I adore the hats in Miss Fisher Murder taking place 1928 give or take a year or two. They are not your typical cloche hat, even though they are the cloche hats' children, with their close to the head crowns and swooping brims. All the other "theory of sewing" lessons are going to be very interesting too. Last but not least, congratulations on your vaccine and that you now can go back to live out there in the world, and that you can go out rummaging through the thrift stores again. have a lovely weekend. Yours, Ann

I would love to be part of proof reading a script. I grew up very poor with most of my clothes from church boxes or for a nickel at a garage sale. Now my husband and I have agreed to buy most if not all things second hand. But due to years of hard work and multiple college degrees which I had to pay my college debt off over 12 years, we are technically upper middle class. For my childhood self we are RICH. We do not want to use fast fashion. I’ve never followed a trend in my life. But I am very plus sized and it is extremely hard to find cute and witchy plus sized clothes. I thank goodness for Poshmark. I have to admit that it is hard to watch people fill carts of things with items for resale (this was pre-Covid times) when I felt I or someone who needed it would not have the chance to buy the clothes for thrift store prices. But now - it sounds like I am not allowed to buy at Goodwill? Vintage clothing stores in an antique mall WILL NOT have a darn thing that fits me. When my very busy seamstress friend has time, I pay her to make me custom clothes that fit me perfectly. She is going to work with me (i get my second vaccine this Sunday) to try to make some custom patterns that fit my current body shape. It is already depressing to be obese. Now people want to class shame me from buying environmentally responsible clothing? I was class shamed daily at school when I was young, and every other kid had new clothes. I was a weird freak as I moved from school to school and place to place as my father tried to find jobs. My mother made clothes for me and I wore hand me downs from my brothers and my mom’s church friends as I got older. But I never fit in. But finding and wearing vintage buying at estate sales and garage sales gave me great joy and made me feel glamorous. It makes no sense. If we are to kill fast fashion, we must reduce reuse and recycle. I’m done with shame.

I just got my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine this morning, so this video was a nice surprise to celebrate with!

I'm living for this!!!