Since I've had some confusion over how people are supposed to learn without criticism/commentary: There is a time and place for advice. If you have a friend that has spent weeks preparing to perform in a recital (dance, music, whatever it may be), and they mess up part of it, but keep going- You wouldn't walk up to them after and say "You messed it up. Here's why." You would compliment them for their time and efforts. THEN, if they open up about the problem or ask for advice, you can offer it. Better yet, be part of their learning process for the next time! For costuming and sewing, there are so many groups that offer amazing places for learning and advice. Where people have come looking for help. And some may never ask, but they may read about your process of overcoming an issue. That's why we share our process on social media. So others can see our triumphs and our struggles. So we can all LEARN. But learning takes discussion. It takes a process. It does not result from being told we "made a mistake" in a hard fought performance. If you want to help others learn and succeed, be an active part of the community. Follow their progress on other social media. Offer advice when they actually talk about having the problem. Post about your process. Teach as one artisan to another. START A DISCUSSION, NOT A CRITICISM.

My motto is "if the person can't fix it in 1 minutes then keep it to yourself"! Ketchup on their face, salad in their teeth are all fine to tell someone they'll probably be thankful that you noticed; Their weight, fit of their clothes, acne, etc no one want to hear it and your comment about it won't magically fix the issue anyways!

There is a Norwegian folk-song that I learned that talks about the importance of using what you cherish. It talks about a poor girl who got a lovely colored, woolen hat from her mother. She saves it, she don’t want to wear it out. So she saved it for years, planning on using it when she got married. Forty years passes and she realizes she probably will not marry. She reaches for the hat, only to discover that there’s only the thread left. The song taught me to use the things I love, no need to wait for that special occasion! This goes for everything, no need to wait for the clothes to fit you, either alter them or make sure they get used another way.

I see a strong correlation between the rise of body shaming and the advent of ready-to-wear clothing. Before then, clothes were made to fit individual bodies. Now we expect to alter ourselves to fit our clothes -- which, if you think about it for a hot minute, is borderline insane. It's SO MUCH EASIER to manipulate fabric than it is to change the shape of a living being. Also? Celebrities get their clothes tailored for a perfect fit all the time. That's why they look so fantastic. If you have the skill set to make your clothes fit you like a celebrity, that's awesome!

Rather than a "rant" I would say this was a passionate and uplifting speech

Only a purely shallow note: that sheen of that moss-green dress fabric is positively *edible*. What a colour! What an outfit!

So what I've learnt from this, is to have large seam allowances and that I should fit with gathers as much as possible✔

❤❤❤❤ thank you for saying what we've all been thinking ❤❤❤❤

Watching you sew is so calming. I think this is a wonderful sentiment to share, and also a great way to be more sustainable. Makes me want to go back and see if I can spruce up some of my more ill-fitting garments.

Viewers tend to forget that they aren't entitled to what they view. We're lucky that the historical costume community openly shares knowledge and inspiration through videos exactly like this. Content creators put soooo much work into sharing with us. Just hand-stitching handkerchiefs at home has taken me weeks between keeping house and working. Not only are you doing bespoke, quality garments, but you're also scripting, lighting, shooting, mixing, editing, etc etc etc to give all of us this fabulousness. I hope more viewers appreciate the gifts of your experiences and knowledge you give us. You're fantastic!!! I love the amazing work!

You have a remarkably calm yet commanding manner. I don't know if it is natural or something you have cultivated but it is very compelling. Even your "rant" was considered and measured.

One of the best things I have ever done for my mental health is to give away all the clothing that doesn't fit me anymore.

Oooooo that sigh of frustrated restraint- I feel like that sums up the female experience 100%. Glad you were able to give continued life to those garments, they are beautiful and deserve to be adored.

As someone who is just getting into the idea of pursuing fashion and sewing clothes, the idea that altering previously made garments to better fit you is a perfectly normal thing to do is very helpful and validating:)

I have quite a few things that need altering in my modern wardrobe to fit me better. I've been putting off thinking I might as well just grab new things. I am going to commit to altering what I can out of them instead. I honestly hardly ever consider altering my modern things and realize that I have a bias against that and it is kinda dumb now that I think about it. The leaves on that green dress make me die a thousand deaths because of their perfection.

As a child: You're too skinny. You need to eat more! As a now "normal weight" adult: You better stop eating so much. You'll get fat! Ugh.

Concern trolling is still a type of trolling.

Wouldn't that be an amazing topic for an exhibition? To show alterations in historical clothing. I'd definitely want to visit an exhibition like that. Although I guess it would not be easy to mount the clothing in a way where you can see both the alterations and the dress properly. And that green colour is just stunning ❤🥰

That is the nicest, calmest, even sweetest rant I think I’ve ever seen. And I agree completely. I’m about to get quite personal here, and if someone might not want to read possibly triggering weight gain/body change/disability and eating disorder content, this is your warning to turn back now. I used to be very slim. Curvy (from the age of 10 I had big boobs and hips), but still very slim. I was a dancer, I even made my living as a dancer. I was very fit, and flexible and strong. And I still had issues with my body. In no small per due to an absolutely horrible ballet teacher who told me that “large breasts are vulgar, and in ballet, we don’t do vulgar”. That led to me trying to bind my breasts, and to disordered eating as a teen- mostly by heavily restricting what I ate. Didn’t matter, those boobs were genetic and they were not budging. But as a fairly young adult, I had a child, and the spinal issues that has always been there in the background started to make themselves known more and more. And as I became disabled, and I had to stop dancing, I had to start using elbow crutches to walk, I had multiple spinal surgeries, and then eventually had to use a wheelchair to mobilise at all.... well, I gained weight. I gained A LOT of weight. I went from about 57-60 kilos (depending on time of the month, and also with quite a bit of that weight being muscle) to now being 110 kilos. I literally doubled in size. I went from being an extremely fit and strand dancer, to being obese and severely disabled. And my mental health, which also has had a long history of issues, really suffered. I developed bulimia, though more of a binge/restrict cycle (I’m an emetophobe, no purging for me). And I thought that I couldn’t have an eating disorder- I was too fat for that! (Which isn’t true, eating disorders can occur at any size). And I also lost my love of clothing. Because my body had changed so much, I didn’t feel comfortable anymore. And all the concern trolling “but obesity isn’t healthy!” BS did not help. I know they weren’t actually concerned about my health- if they were, they’d ask about my disabilities. But they didn’t. All those concern trolls cared about was the fact that I was fat. And I know that obesity isn’t healthy, but I’m never going to be healthy, and I don’t owe health to anyone anyway. It’s taken me a long time to finally get back to styling myself in clothing that I like. For me, that’s history bounding. And for me, history bounding, with its ability to shape my body without needing to focus on whys underneath, has really helped my mental health and some of my body issues. It’s been a godsend, it truly has. But those sorts of comments- they would be enough to have me refusing to share anything anymore. Because for me, the way my body has changed is an extremely painful thing to me. It’s wrapped up on sexist beauty standards, fatphobia, and also a grieving of what I’ve lost to disability. And those comments just aren’t necessary. Not only because it could really hurt someone, but they’re just not necessary. The expectation that people (especially women) keep the same bodies they had as teens is completely unrealistic. Women’s bodies are made to change. And weight gain- regardless of the reason for it, is normal.

This is the best argument for modern flatlining I've ever seen outside of theatrical costume making: ease of alterations.

YES. ALL THIS, YES. (long comment ahead). I have been planning a KZfaq channel for over a year but am terrified of the body-shaming and judgmental comments that seem to be inevitable of presenting ANYTHING to the internet. As a plus-size, intermediate maker with mental health issues, it deeply saddens and frustrates me that I or anyone looking to be vulnerable online has to prepare for unwarranted commentary/ridicule on their skill, their body shape, their skin color, their temperament, their idiolect, articulation, phonology, etc. Am I capable of coping with negative or damaging comments? Almost surely, yes. But should I have to? No. I am grateful to you and all those who bravely call out this phenomenon and give voice to the concerns of others.

This actually answers one of the things keeping me from just *making the thing*. I have struggled with my body image/wt my whole life and I love natural fibers but was self conscious about trying. Thank you. (I didn’t realize how strongly this was blocking me until now but I’m crying as I write so it obviously hit a nerve. Thank you.) 💗💗💗

My favourite advice is: "If you don't have something positive to say, then don't say anything!" I try to live by this, at least in public.

Nicole: “I’ve been doing this for 20 years “ Me: She started when she was 5!!!!

The petals/scales on that green dress are just lovely, I'm glad you decided to give it new life 🙂

So. Lesson one is always complete your facings because you may need that inch or two of extra fabric in the future. Mind, she is blown. Stunning work, as always. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown

I love that line, "hulked out". She-Hulk or not, this video is so great and we appreciate you for it! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, experiences, and such an important message.

I’m shall we say well past my prime, I have due to my years discovered I have a stomach. At first It was a problem, not any more. I am celebrating my body as a woman who is happy in my body. Also, I’m having fun discovering a new me.☺️❤️🌈

I always liked the idea of "if its not something that can be fixed in 5 secs, don't say anything ".

My favorite part about many historical styles is that they're made to be altered. Love seeing it put into action! Bravo.

I think the ability to make alterations to a piece of clothing is a sign of an absolute pro of a sewer. To be able to easily identify the problem on a structural level be able to come up with varying ingenious fixes; I don’t know but to me that’s something to absolutely aspire to!

Thank you for making this video! I feel, as a plus sized person that I’m almost not allowed to make historical outfits because of my body type(i do anyway) and it’s really disconcerting

Thankyou, so many of us are just not standard shapes and often just end up wearing badly fitted items without knowing what to do about it!

I'm looking at my historical dresses I made over 8 years ago and cringe at the unfinished seams and the poor fit. But alterations are in order this year to address my newbie costumer flaws, and to make them fit my adult, mother of 2 (almost 3) body vs my teenage body. The prospect of being able to wear costumes and clothes I love again brings me joy. :) May you continue to enjoy your wardrobe and any future alteration projects, Nicole!

The best thing I've learned by watching historical costumers and dress historians like you is how the insides of the clothing of the past looked. It was not perfectly tidy inside. And when you look at pictures of people wearing the clothes, especially if they were not wealthy, the fit is not perfect either. Heck, our modern-day manufactured clothing rarely fits perfectly. I think a lot of us, especially in my age group and older (50+) are heavily influenced by the home-economics educational movement of the 20th century (when it became a science of sorts) as well as the professions of couture dressmaking and bespoke tailoring that have been popularized as the "next level" in skills development for sewing hobbyists like me. I love learning about these high-level techniques but I have to admit that there were times in the past when I was overly obsessed with achieving a perfect fit, or following very specific construction method, because I thought it was the only way to make a garment that I could be proud of.

I call this "Having (your/my) Third Scarlett O'Hara moment. There is no lacing down to tiny inches anymore, so out comes the seam ripper. I accommodate my changes in 2 ways. Number one, if I make a skirt that is a little too big or a little too small -- I leave them alone. At some point they will fit perfectly. Number two, I keep an unused length of waistband in my closet. I put it around my waist and see where we're at, so to speak. Then, I can compare that to the hanging skirt waists without having to try on everything. Sleeves adjustments -- the perfect argument for keeping mutton sleeves in fashion! I wasted my youth on exercises meant to keep that grandma arm waddle from happening -- and guess what happened anyway. Excellent video as always. Love the ASMR of clothing swish. AND YOU ARE SO CALM taking things apart. (Okay, yeah, filming, I know, but it actually reads in the way you cut your threads.) Excellent video!

You are truly a gem, I don’t know why people feel they have the right to be so judgmental. For someone like me who has no self confidence it can be catastrophic. I have gone from a size 6 to a size 16 in a 6 month period due to illness and medication and I’m not comfortable with this. When I get comments such as “wow you have become huge” or “ I’m surprised you let yourself get like that” um, I didn’t LET myself get like this. These comments make me feel quite frankly like shit. I also have wonderful clothing that doesn’t fit but nothing as glorious as you. You could wear a sack and look fabulous!

Very wise and considerate talk at the beginning of this. I have things in my closet that have special meaning to me that I can’t wear but can’t give up either. One is a beautiful jacket and skirt that was my grandmother’s and fit me very well before I had my son. But I can’t even get it over my hips or around my front but it is beautiful and it brings back memories of Gran so I just can’t let it go.

Thank you Nicole, this really needed to be said." Well meaning" comments have been some of the cruelest things that have ever said to me. Like you said, if someone doesn't ask for comments regarding their body or items that they have made... Follow the Golden Rule! And keep your thoughts to yourself. Or better yet, do some soul searching.

I go with an old Adage my Mother use to say. "If you can not say something nice don't say anything at all." Works ever time.

Love this! When I was younger my father taught me how to sew and alter clothing. Recently my mother gifted me a gorgeous 80’s velvet gown. It was not my size but that didn’t matter because I know how to alter clothes. The dress fits me great and it is one of my favorites in my collection. I feel like altering is such an important skill to have because it means you don’t have to throw things out or change your body, you can make the clothing fit you instead!

Well done on presenting your concern with such grace! Condescension can have such a negative impact on people's self esteem! Also, that green dress and pelisse is MAGNIFICENT

Wow. I know that was a lot of work, but it's like magic the way you could adjust these garments to fit again! So many neat little tricks of the trade and nobody would be any the wiser!

Thank you for addressing this. I am filled with righteous anger/annoyance and happiness listening at your intro. As someone who started bouldering about two years ago, I have grown a lot in the shoulder area and had such a hard time with beautiful clothes that suddenly didn't fit anymore, dresses that didn't close, garments not fitting around my arms. It's such a sad realisation and at the time I had no skill to attempt to fix these clothes. You are such an inspiration!

Nicole, Thank you for sharing. I was taught by my Mom and Grandmother....."If YOU don't mind your manners SOMEOE will MIND them for you !! Also the nicest four words ARE "mind your own business" Then of coarse if that wasn't enough I got told to.... HUSH YOUR MOUTH!! I find all three of these phrases very helpful in life. And I can't leave out ,LOL Bless Your Heart DEAR. So I thank you. PS: your sewing is lovely God Bless

Any unsolicited advice is annoying! I'm surprised how many people will complain about parenting advice in one breath and give it in the next for example. 🤦‍♀️ Thanks for shining a light on this, AND teaching me some stuff in a supremely aesthetic & calming way.

Well said and much needed! Isn't it always better to alter beloved clothing rather than discarding? Beautiful garments and impressive work. Thank you for showing the techniques.

Thank you *so* much for this content. I loved the 1910s suit in particular. This stuff is so useful and so relatable. My body went through really similar (positive) changes after I started rock climbing. All of a sudden, all of my tight fitted suits no longer fit around the shoulders because, unlike before, I actually had the muscles required to do a pull up. Or five. I really wish I'd had more resources like this at the time, so I would have been able to keep the suits, and the muscles.

Making unsolicited comments with “advice” is just plain rude! Any unsolicited advice is passive aggressive and can be soooo aggravating and get you down: I’m a teacher and I have the same problem- so many people want to tell me how to do my job 🤬

Thank you so much for showing us how to alter clothing! You make it look non-frustrating and something attainable. I appreciate that. I've been cosplaying for 10 years and most of my stuff doesn't fit any more and I've been really hesitant to try to alter anything.

A big, resounding YES to altering clothing!!! Also, in addition to being welcoming and supportive of the natural fluctuations of the body, altering clothing is also resourceful, environmentally friendly, and a fun creative project that helps the brain to build its ability to "problem-solve". Thank you for making this brilliant video!

This is a super helpful video on how to adjust clothing to fit you! I wish I had the skill to adjust some of the pieces I love that I’ve grown out of. Also, it’s pretty rare most clothes have enough fabric to adjust much. Oh well, useful video anyway, and thank you for speaking out, and reminding people that KZfaq creators are just people too.

This is so relatable! I started lifting 5 years ago and I'm still astonished how the change in my proportions and measurements affects what I can and cannot wear. I stil haven't really figured it out. I feel like I just never learned how to deal with this, and although I'm happy with my body, I get majorly stressed out when something doesn't fit anymore.

Thank you! Along the same lines, I worked as a seamstress in a bridal shop for 4 years. The number of people who (self- admitting) can't even sew on a button telling me how to fit a gown to some was astonishing!!! I'm sure many comments are coming from a good place, but you can't guarantee that is how someone will take it, especially online when you can't see facial expressions or hear their voice. These pieces look great! I need to go through my fix stash and work on it too!

Gosh, I love you girls. (Nichole, Abby, Bernadette, Morgan, Juul..all). So gracious, beautiful and real. It’s so lovely to see the grace and art not only displayed in your sewing styles, but the kindness you share with the community. You are the true roll models. We should all strive to be more like you. Bright blessings, happiness and prosperity in all you do.

As someone who recently lost a lot of weight due to a health issue,and is now celebrating even a half pound gain because I am not comfortable being back at high school weight, I really appreciate this. So much of my clothing doesn't fit. I had to buy new bras, I have 1 pair of jeans I can wear without a belt tightening it, and lots of my dresses are simply far too lose. I personally hate having lost the weight, and I'm working to get back to healthy, and so I really appreciate you putting out this video. I really suck at altering, but it has really helped that it is an option. Thank you Nichole!

Thank you for this! My pet peeve is “Himalayan Salt will cure you!” 🙄🙄🙄 Salt is not going to cure my brain tumor. All the compliments on how great I look now that I’ve lost so much weight. Yeah. It’s the cancer diet. 0/10 Do not recommend!

Thank you so much for this video. Seriously. I've gained so much weight this past year (thanks, covid) that nothing fits any more, but there is such a culture of perfectionism about costuming that I was dreading all of the 'ugly' alterations I would have to make. Thank you for sharing your own struggles, and for reminding us all that this is NORMAL and 100% OK. ❤❤❤❤❤

I love the attention to mending and how to update your clothing with body changes. Both topics are needed to be talked about more.

Im very emotional this week because i had a lot of problems in this past week. For some reason this video made me happy cry. I feel really relieved about everything now. Thanks so much for this "therapeutic experience". I fell more calm and less stressed out ❤️❤️ you just gained a new subscriber ❤️❤️❤️

As a sewing beginner who can't even sew a straight stitch decently, everything you do looks so perfect I am truly appalled. But thank you so much for the whole video and topic about body changes and how to adapt to them! Btw thank you for investing your time into these marvellous videos! You are amazing!

I am recently struggling with sizing, as I get into costuming because I realized that I am tired of a semi-anorexic life style that involves me working out 5-6 hours a day and eating like a rabbit to even maintain a size 12. And I gained some weight, and I am struggling to be comfortable with myself and my choices (even if it is actually for the best) and I also want to figure out how to fix dresses I adore and spent a lot of money on, but now can't fit. So I want to fix them. I appreciate this a lot.

Thank you for your words and also the practical aspect of showing the alterations. If you alter more of your wardrobe I hope you share as it is super helpful to actually see how it can be done.

I have been thinking about this all week since I am fat and short and in a wheelchair but bought a vintage dress that I wanted to alter (it has huge seam allowance) but I felt so self conscious about how people respond when I wear 'unconventional' things. Thanks so much for making this video

You're absolutely inspiring me here to throw out my body image issues and concerns about my constant weight fluctuations, and just dive into the fabrics and patterns I've collected and finally sew some beautiful things for *myself* for once! Thank you for the lovely rant!

I love how your sewing footage is always super educational, even if you're not talking. Very well done and super helpful, I'm learning a lot through your channel! Thank you 🧡

Eating disorder (ED)specialist mental health professional here. Generally, it is NOT ok to comment on someone’s body for “positive”or “negative”. If someone gets smaller and suffers from an ED, comnenting on body size could drive that person deeper into the illness. For people who live in larger bodies, expressing “concern about health” is only intrusive, regardless of intent. Body shaming is real and does real damage. Thank you for addressing this from a historical point of view. I love the idea of historical dress to change the silouette (through underpinnings, foundations and such) not the size of one’s body. Beautiful, beautiful work, Nicole. Agree w/ another commenter, the greennis delicious!

I love watching you sew. Especially with the music you use, there is something so tender in the way you handle the fabric, it really makes it clear how much you love these garments

I loved this whole video. I do have to say that your message was contradicted by the ads. One for weight loss, one for anti-aging skincare, and one for plastic surgery. 🙄

Nicole, thank you! Not only for your "rant", but showing us the alterations. Your work is so beautiful and done so well, and it's wonderful to see that it can be worn, loved and made new. Your whole video was so inspiring and up lifting. I'm just beginning my sewing journey and always looking to learn more about alteration. I am constantly amazed at all you do and wish you much success and many more videos.

The skill with your alterations really shows, the fit afterwards is really quite acceptable and you can't see what you've done. It's also highlighted one of my own pitfalls which is seam allowances that can't be altered, as I've got older I've found my body shape does fluctuate more and not having the extra fabric in the garment can make alteration to my new size impossible. That said, what you did with the nineteenteen outfit demonstrates how you can find more fabric where it might not be, and the value of keeping an extra piece for future alterations of favourite outfits. Your videos lately have been really making me want to get back into more adventurous projects, between you and The Closet Historian I have been well motivated to do more and do better, so thank you for that.

Talking about sewing skills reminded me of about a decade ago my youngest niece’s teddy bear that she’s had since she was a baby and LOVES very much (and still does even in her 20’s!!!) had a tear at the corner of her eye and asked her Auntie if she would fix it. Now I’ve NEVER learned to sew and have only played around with cross stitch but when my baby niece asked for help I wasn’t going to tell her no. So I stitched up her eye and did VERY WELL (if I do say so myself) and my Momma and sister were even impressed and I felt so good that not only did I help my niece but I did a good job of doing it!!!!!! BUT!!!!!! When I told my seamstress neighbor about it she turned up her nose and said that we should have brought the bear to her and how did I do it and when I told her she said it was this kind of stitch and this is the one she would have used and even though I told her that MY niece was VERY happy with the job that HER auntie had done it still hurt me so much. I’ve never really been interested in sewing, it’s always been to “girly” for me and getting into all of y’alls historical clothing channels REALLY makes me finally want to learn I know I wouldn’t show anything on social media because I know I would be criticized. It’s like those art “tutorials” that say don’t do this, do this, when most don’t even have the skills to do the “don’t” we all have to start somewhere. You don’t criticize a baby trying to figure out how to crawl or how to stand or take their first step so why put down people starting to learn ANYTHING!!!!!!

Thank you for speaking up. And for showing how you do the alterations! I'm a decent seamstress, but nowhere near professional. I've learned to keep my fabric scraps for when I need to fill in a neckline, or gain a few inches in the side seams.

Thank you for this. "rant" I have to say, I've been watching many historic costumers on her for over a year now and have thought many times about getting started myself and documenting my journey on here but being a plus sized woman who is struggling to accept the changes to my body that covid has brought on has kept me from really pursuing that.

There is nothing more satisfying than well fitting clothes. On the other hand, putting on clothes I loved and they just don't fit anymore is quite the downer. It would be nice to think about alterations instead of thinking about having to get rid of them.

You never cease to amaze me and make me feel inspired. That you for your wonderful words and beautiful sewing. I look forward to your videos each week.... I honestly rarely comment on videos but always find myself needing to express my delight in your videos.

Nicole, I am happy you are teaching us about how alterations were done historically. It gives me insight in garment construction and shows that fast fashion really is not necessary. And I think a lot of people can learn from loving your garments! Also, there are multiple ways to Rome! So let us celebrate initiative, creativity and uniqueness ❤️

Thank you so much for showing how you altered your garments! I would love to learn how to factor allowing for alterations into designs.

Thank you for putting the spotlight on such an important subject. This is very relevant for me at the moment and I felt so happy when I saw this video!

when she said she was going to rant I just settled in like yes please. She's always so calm and nice and thoughtful. So many good points put into a discussion that is well presented in a calm manner. and that green fabric is *chief's kiss*

This is so timely! I just found out that I no longer fit one of my favorite dresses and desperately need to change the arm area.

Yall. The perfect sound of the threat pulling through the fabric.... oh my love

The green silk. The rustle, the sheen, the richness of the color...lovely!

As someone who has recently gotten their first dress form (pinnable, adjustable plus size as I intend to use for multiple people) for the making of garments and 3D visualization of problem areas in existing garments (visual and kinaesthetic learner), this video is very encouraging. Thank you for addressing this issue. Because finding motivation on a good day is hard enough without such people and their opinions about one's effort and work ethic and physical type and how to change it... I certainly have enough of a dark cloud that is my mental health and anticipated future physical health looming over me as it is without backhanded compliments and rudeness under the guise of concern. And it seems that we all do in some capacity. Which in equal measure is of some comfort and also really sucks. Altering old clothes definitely needs to be normalized again. And so does delivering epic impassioned speeches like that which you just delivered. I found it more than a little inspiring.

You are so cool! I can't find the words to articulate it right now, but you did something really amazing with your "rant". I feel so safe and so seen.

I know the HULKING up dilemma as I work at a paint store. I had to get new shirts for at work as my shoulders added to my bust size. Thank you for speaking out about body shaming and costuming. Everyone has their own way of making their garments and letting them out is ok. BTW I am always blown away by your creativity ability to make bustles and more. You are an inspiration. Keep doing what you do. Screw haters !

Thank you Nicole. I keep hearing that piecing and adjustment is normal with original pieces. Then seeing bad comments about piecing and adjustments. Also, this fabric is expensive and the work exhaustive. People. Stop. Just stop.

“The first part of this video is going to be a bit of a rant.” That was the calmest, most constructive rant I have ever heard. Thank you.

I love this!! Early last year, I altered a dress I had made several years ago to fit again and it was SO satisfying to get to put on something I'd put so much time into again. I'm trying to spend some of my unemployed quarantine time to refit/fix up costumes I already have instead of making more and more new ones.

i'm so sorry you felt the need for this video. you owe to no one. i just recently discovered your channel and immediately was drawn to it for the content but also for your persona. i do not follow people who are not honest and kind. i can tell that you are both. You.are.one.class.act.

Thank you for reminding us that bodies change and that is OK. I have a beautiful vintage inspired skirt that I bought when I was living in London. My now-body does not fit into that skirt anymore, which I've allowed to make me sad every time I see it hanging in my closet. NO MORE. I am a total noob at sewing clothing, and I'm slightly concerned about undoing what's there to make it fit. I have determined that the worst thing that happens is I take it apart, and I have some pretty fabric to make something else with.

As an artist and designer myself, I've dealt with a great deal of criticism, commentary and advice. I haven't always received them well, but eventually I realized that it was always my choice to display my talents. I couldn't imagine the level it is on when people around the world view your work through social media or the pressure that must be felt. However, when a creater asks for a thumbs up or a like or subscription, in essence they are encouraging commentary and some will inevitably be negative unfortunately. I completely agree body shamming is unacceptable in any form, but sadly it comes with the job. It's almost as if an artist doesn't dress artistically then they must not be a good artist, which is just dumb. That being said, thank you for this video because you gave me a few ideas to enlarge a few special garments in my collection. Please stay safe and thanks for sharing your talent and skills with us all.

You know, I am really glad you did this. I have been experiencing some intense anxiety about my body which makes me not want to put my heart and soul (and blood) into sewing things because my body changes dramatically and unexpectedly. This helped me a little in seeing that my garments can change too. Thank you!

I really loved the point you made. I adjust a lot of my older well loved pieces for fit and it’s amazing how much pleasure those pieces can still provide. Also, I have to mention that I learn nuances to handsewing in every video. The simple hand movement you did with the loops was something I’ve never considered! Really a pleasure to learn.

What I personnally hate is the pressure to wear clothes that fit or look nice in every occasions. I wear clothes that are too large for me because I find them more comfortable. I wear jeans that fit me at the hips and butt but don't at the ankles. I wear the same style of glasses since I am 7 years old (rectangular, metal, dark red). I wear t-shirts and sweat-shirts that don't go together or I sometimes have my t-shirts hanging out at the bottom of my sweat-shirts. I cut my own hair and I don't do it perfectly. I don't wear make up. I also have dirty old shoes and I only have one pair. It's not flattering, I do not even try to dress in a flattering way. But honestly, why should that even matter? Unless I am at a wedding, a job interview, a job that has a dress code, or any special occasion, the fact that I don't look good does not matter. I am an adult now and people my age absolutely don't care about this, but when I was younger I had a friend who told me that it was disrespectful towards her that I dress like this when I was with her and people could see us and that it was embarrassing for her to be seen next to me. Yeah, I have no taste in clothes and I don't like taking time to match clothes, but my clothes are washed regularly and properly, they don't smell, I don't wear clothes that have an insulting message or logo on them, I don't show body parts that are not supposed to be shown in public, and that should be enough.

I don't post a lot of my sewing online for two reasons 1. fear of criticism to be honest and 2. the awkward telling someone that no, you won't make them X. I've noticed that in person, like if I'm wearing a new mask I made, I get the most unsolicited advice or feedback from those *WHO DO NOT SEW***. It's as if they have run out of curious questions to ask and have gone straight to "you should". Maybe it's just me. Anyway, beautiful video as always.

Thank you so much! I remember a few lines from Little Women and Jo’s Boys about remaking gowns and clothes. It seems really normal and reasonable to do. This is the second? video of yours that I’ve watched. Being a beginner, it’s super helpful watching you hand sew the changes on the green dress. I appreciate your ‘rant’ and it encourages me to keep going past my cute mitts from Penny River.

Body shaming is the worst. Thanks for addressing it. I feel like it's even worse when it's applied to objectively terrible people, because there's plenty of reasons to hate a terrible person based on the terrible things they do, and trying to body shame them them just hurts innocent people

I use Sunday mornings for my own mending. It was lovely fixing up my clothes while listening to you do the same.

One more of the talks and looks that made me realise that there's two type of women - these who want Nicole to be their wise, awesome best friend or beloved cool aunt and these who would want "a Nicole" (- as best a copy they can get -)to be their wife ❤️ You are such a wise,smart, passionate, dedicated, mature human - I feel honoured to be able to follow You and see Your wonderful creations.