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50 Times People Didn’t Have To Go Shopping And Made Their Own Awesome Things, As Shared In This Online Sewing Community (New Pics)
Interview
Barely anything feels better in life than having all of your hard work and effort finally come together. When you find a hobby or craft that you’re deeply passionate about, spend months and years honing your skills, and finally finish a complicated project—that’s already the best reward you can get, all in itself. The praise that you get after sharing photos of your work is just the cherry on top (though a delicious one!).
The r/sewing subreddit is a fantastic place for all needle-and-thread enthusiasts. It’s an online community that unites sewing fans around the globe, and invites them to discuss the hobby and share photos of their latest work. We’ve collected some of their most powerful pics to help you inspire you, dear Pandas.
As you’re scrolling down, upvote the sewing projects that impressed you. Meanwhile, if you’ve got some nice compliments to share, be sure to write a comment or two! Got any sewing tips that you’d love to give to all the other readers? Feel free to share your pearls of wisdom.
Bored Panda got in touch with 23-year-old Johan, from Denmark, to talk about his stunning knight outfit that impressed everyone so much on r/sewing. His entire outfit weighs around 35 kilograms (over 77 pounds), and he uses it for LARPing—live action role-playing, where people act out fantasy scenarios while wearing impressive costumes and using props. It's as much about creativity and self-expression as about escapism and socializing. LARP is a step above playing Dungeons & Dragons (hi!) and a step below going on real-life adventures. You'll find our full in-depth interview with Johan below. Make sure you don't miss out!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I Made Myself A Dress For My Phd Graduation. Butterick B6018
Johan, aka u/YohanXQsme, told Bored Panda all about his knight outfit that went viral on r/sewing. "The time spent planning takes the longest. Inspiration can't be forced. Additionally, lots of considerations need to be taken into account. I must be able to fight in it, it must be warm/cold enough to wear outside, and of course the look itself," he explained that he looked for inspiration on Google.
"Most of the pictures had a chainmail skirt, but I know the oil would ruin my robe, so I decided to use an underdress instead," he said that he adapted the designs he found to suit him best.
"Once that was done, and I had the money, I bought the fabric from a friend who owns a fabric shop. After that, making the actual robe and hood took a total of 10 hours. It's a really easy pattern, so it was not much trouble making it," the LARP enthusiast shared with us.
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#2
I Made My Own Wedding Dress. I Feel Just Okay About It, But I Thought I'd Share Anyway
Sarah Schumm 2 years ago
I agree, but I know how she feels, sometimes it’s hard not to criticize the little details only you can see after you make something.
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Rabbit Of ill Portent 2 years ago
It's whimsical and beautiful! You did a lovely job, sugar 💚🤍💚🤍💚
Cold Contagious 2 years ago
This dress is magical! The embroidery is magnificent, I'm in love with it. Very impressive work.
Brenda White 2 years ago
I really like it. The fabric is a perfect choice for a gown of any type.
Mauricio A.Rivera 2 years ago
Lovely dress. It would be nice to see a photograph that connected the dress with nature better than this dry dead grass.
Kathy Conley 2 years ago
It’s so much better than a store-bought dress! Because it was made by you and with love. We can’t see your face but you look amazing in this dress!
K. Kerry Kozak 2 years ago
That dress is gorgeous and looks wonderful on you - great work - be proud.
Melinda Flick 2 years ago
Oh lady, that's beautiful! You should be proud as hell you made this dress!
Jodie daubenmire 2 years ago
It's beautiful!! But I have a table cloth just like it..I love both! Good for you!
Maritza DeThomas 2 years ago
It's beautiful, different, and eye catching. Great job. Congratulations!!
Cujo Merdoc 2 years ago
Soooooo amazing! We feel you on not loving the things you make, your work is wonderful and that fact that you shared your skills on such a wonderful moment is more then beautiful. If you two plan on renewing your vows, we suggest remaking it to how you would like it. To show how both your love and your skills have grown
Micheline Kensley 2 years ago
I love your dress. It's beautiful. You did an amazing job. It's beautiful enough that I hope you wear it again for special occasions.
Gabi Clemens 2 years ago
I would have loved to walk down the aisle in that omg instead of a typical traditional dress. So fairy feeling and wonderful.
Michelle C 2 years ago
That is far from “just OK;” rather, The dress is absolutely gorgeous and fits her perfectly!
Ruth Hempsey 2 years ago
It's absolutely beautiful, and more so because you made it. I love the colours. 💖
Lord Mysticlaw 2 years ago
It's gorgeous, if I were ever to get married I'd love something similar!
SuperChicken 2 years ago
What do you mean, "just ok?" It's very lovely! And your groom''s tuxedo matches well with your dress.
Allie Chad 2 years ago
I know we can hold ourselves to certain standards, but girllllll, I would kill to have that knowledge and talent. Creative, beautiful, also in love and found your mate! Enjoy all the beauty, it's a beauty.
Mama Penguin 2 years ago
Beautiful dress. Very ethereal. And I love your husband's forest green suit.
Aurora Borealis 2 years ago
I designed a shorter version of this exact same dress but it was green. I wanted to make it for my prom. Ide never even seen this before!! Great minds think alike 😆. You look amazing!🖤
pink_panda 2 years ago
Absolutely beautiful! Rousing success and how special to have a one of a kind gown on your big day.
#3
My Most Ambitious Project Yet! Wool Winter Coat, 1 Year In The Making
He noted that he didn't forge the armor himself, as that would be extremely difficult to do. For one, you'd have to invest in some very specific tools. "The armor is real iron, and in total (including the helmet which is not in the picture) it weighs about 30 kilograms [66 pounds]. That's besides the fabric. In total, it is around 35 kilograms [77 pounds] or more."
Johan added that walking around in the armor isn't as hard as you might think. "Proper weight distribution makes all the difference. Ideally, the only body part to be under more stress should be your legs, since they have to carry the extra weight no matter what. The only downside is your sprint speed is limited, but apart from that, you still maintain all your mobility. That being said, after a few hours, you do get tired. Good exercise though!"
Johan, from Denmark, shared how he got into live action role-playing in the first place. He said that he was first introduced to LARP at an event that was hosted by his local commune. He then got some of his friends who already did LARP and they all went on to do a campaign, a monthly event. "Then I never stopped," he told Bored Panda. "I've visited so many LARPs, and I don't intend to stop."
"My passion comes from the creative side of LARPing, not just making cool outfits," Johan explained that a core part of his hobby is expressing yourself through the characters you play. The only limit is your imagination.
"I can be a noble knight who will do anything to stop the evil of the world. Or I can be a bard who cares only for wine and women. Or I can be a pirate, seeking his own fortune, no matter the cost to others. Sure, it started as an escape from reality, but now it is a way to express and explore the different sides of me, and test my limits as an actor and warrior! Also, the community is a strong and loving one. I have never seen such inclusive people, making sure everyone feels welcome. No matter your gender, religion, or the color of your skin. That keeps me motivated."
#4
Maybe Not The Usual Kind Of Stuff You Would See On This Sub, But I Made This Outfit Myself
#5
Belle Inspired Ballgown For An 8th Grade Project!! (First Sewing Project Ever)
#6
Not Sure How Many Of You Are Quilters — I Made This Quilt Skirt For My Guild’s Challenge This Year
LARP expert Johan shared some advice for anyone who feels like it's something they'd love to do but are a bit scared of taking the first step. "The best advice for someone who is new is to just get out and try it! Contact the local GM (gamemaster or event organizer) and ask them if you can try it out. Most places have some gear you can borrow, so make sure to ask them. If you love it, then go buy some basic stuff: a weapon, a shirt, some pants, and a belt with a weapon holster. Don't spend everything on a full suit of armor or something like that, before you know this is something you wanna spend a good few years on. LARPing is a hobby. And hobbies are expensive."
He pointed out that quality costumes aren't a necessity for LARP. "It may vary from game to game and what their standards are, but just getting out there and having fun is the most important part. Of course, if you wanna look cool, then put some time into your gear. But remember, it is a journey, and you don't have to sprint it to win it!"
He added that he's currently hosting a campaign in Løsning. "This campaign is Danish, but I will attend Krigslive, which is the biggest international event in Denmark. The outfit [in my post on r/sewing] was actually made for last year's Krigslive, and I will wear it for the next one as well."
#7
I Normally Don’t Make Halloween Costumes But I Love The Way This One Turned Out!
#8
The Best Smelling Jacket! I Made A Bomber Jacket Out Of Coffee Bean Sacks
#9
Couldn't Afford A Vivienne Westwood Cocotte Dress, So I Made One
Johan also explained that LARPing is very different from playing tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons. LARP is very active and social. "It is your own actual skills as a swordsman that matter. You gotta jump the creek, not your player character. It is your own self that portrays your character, and all he does. So if you suck at persuasion, so does your character. But if you are really good at flattering people, then so is your character. This is what makes LARP so much better, in my opinion. Because when you defeat an enemy, it is not some dice or the will of a Dungeon Master who made it happen. It was you! You did it! It is the best feeling ever," he said.
"Standing in a shield wall with literally hundreds of others, roaring a battle cry and making a charge that literally shakes the ground beneath your feet! No game or tabletop will ever give you that experience," Johan said, highly recommending that anyone who is a fan of fantasy or tabletop games give LARP a try.
The LARP enthusiast wanted to share a link to his favorite campaign, as well as a link to his own campaign. If you're living in Denmark, consider getting in touch with Johan.
#10
I Sewed A Little Bear From Sweater Scraps - I Named Him Scrappy Bear!
#11
I Just Spent 3 Years Hand Sewing And Embroidering A Sansa Stark Cosplay. Here's The Finished Thing!
Rabbit Of ill Portent 2 years ago
If I could upvote a thousand times I would! This is bitchin!!
#12
I Made A Non-Traditional Wedding Dress
One of the most awesome things about the r/sewing subreddit is just how much effort the moderator team has put into welcoming new members and sharing pertinent information with them. At the top of the subreddit, you’ll find the wiki and FAQ tab that’s split into a whole bunch of categories.
Each one deals with a specific topic, on which the mods elaborate in great detail: whether it’s tutorials that you’re looking for or if you need a detailed account of how the online community’s posting rules work. What this means is that if you’re a newbie to sewing, you’ve got access to a humongous support network right from the get-go. All it takes is the patience and curiosity to apply all of that knowledge in real-life.
Created all the way back in the spring of 2011, r/sewing has been around for over a decade now. During that time, the subreddit has grown immensely and is currently 815k+ ‘stichers’ strong. We don’t want to sound cheesy, but it’s heartwarming to see so many people passionate about their crafts. We said it before and we’ll say it again: everyone should have a hobby that involves creativity in some way or form.
Part of the beauty of r/stitching is just how welcoming the sub really is. “This is a community specifically for the hobby of sewing including, but not limited to: machine sewing, embroidery, quilting, hand sewing, tapestry, patchwork, and help/suggestion threads.” In other words, a lot of different hobby sub-categories fit under the umbrella.
#13
I Am Very Proud Of My First Wool Coat! I Had Little Experience, But A Lot Of Patience (And Youtube)
Rabbit Of ill Portent 2 years ago
I need this. There's no other way to put it I just need this.
#14
Completed My Magnum Opus Today!
River Daski 2 years ago
This is WONDERFUL! They look so shiny and yet it's only different colors of fabric!
#15
Stargazing Hoodie For A Little Astronomer
The mod team reminds members to flair their posts appropriately and add details about how the projects were constructed.
Meanwhile, all community members are expected to refrain from trying to sell stuff, promoting themselves, and spamming the online group.
“This is a no-hustle subreddit intended for the hobby of sewing. This includes mentioning or linking your own social media accounts, businesses and affiliate links as well as asking business or manufacturing questions.” You can find more information on what exactly this entails right over here.
Like on nearly all subreddits, members are expected to be nice, kind, and polite. Any comments that degrade people, tear others down, or are hurtful will be removed. Constructive criticism is encouraged. Bullying and comments that focus on a user’s appearance are not.
Meanwhile, redditors should try and limit their posting frequency to one project and one question every 24 hours. That’s to ensure that users’ feeds aren’t flooded.
Naturally, the photos themselves ought to be focused on sewing. “Photo images need to clearly show sewing details without excessive editing. Lingerie and swimsuit projects should have a flat-lay as the first photo for the thumbnail. Adults posting about children’s clothing are limited to flat-lay or mannequin only, no modeled photos,” the mods explain.
#16
I Made My Cousin’s Wedding Dress
#17
I Just Finished Sewing My First Outfit! It's For A Festival
#18
I Sewed A Chinese Cheongsam Using An American Vintage Pattern
If you know yours truly at all, dear Pandas, then you probably recognize the fact that I find any type of sewing extremely challenging. Even sewing on a button takes me far longer than I’d like. It probably has to do with my lack of patience and an overabundance of clumsiness. We all have our strengths and weaknesses.
It’s because of my lack of sewing skills that I can greatly admire when people put in the time and effort to work on a magnificent project. And as a fan of Dungeons & Dragons, fantasy, and sci-fi, I think that people like Johan who make outfits like this one right here are as cool as anyone can get. It’s seriously inspirational. If I ever pick up sewing seriously, that’s what I’ll be aiming to make.
This isn’t the first time that Bored Panda has written about sewing and crafting-related subreddits. For instance, a while back, we reached out to the wonderful team running the r/quilting community.
One of the moderators had this advice for new quilters: "Personally, I recommend beginners start with a simple checkerboard of patchwork, which is made even easier with charm packs (5” squares of precut fabric); this way a new quilter doesn’t need to invest in the various tools of quilting, which can be pretty spendy if it’s your first project.”
#19
I Made A Waistcoat To Celebrate The Opening Of London's New Crossrail Line That Opened Today
#20
I Made My Own Wedding Dress!
#21
First Day Of Kindergarten Dress For My Little Artist
Meanwhile, the quilter told Bored Panda that there’s no substitute for ‘live learning’ where you learn from someone who is skilled in the activity in person. For example, that might be your parents or grandparents or someone else entirely.
“I always advocate for live learning when possible, so you can get feedback and ask questions. With the current state of the world, that’s a lot harder though! The Internet age has definitely given a huge rise in video tutorials for newbies who maybe don’t have access to a beginner quilting class, for whatever reason, as well as offering skill refreshers or new techniques to experienced quilters,” the r/quilting mod told Bored Panda during an interview earlier.
#22
Y’all Liked My T-Shirt Last Weekend, Here’s My First Attempt At A Button-Down Shirt!
Asexual nope rope 2 years ago
Thats really good! I love the print and it looks super professional! I wouldn't have believed that was homemade!
#23
It’s Been Waaaaay Too Long Since I’ve Made A Gown!
#24
I Made My Dream Ballgown!
Starting a new hobby is almost always fun, but it can get a bit difficult to motivate yourself through mistakes and failures. "I’ve been quilting for over ten years and have blocks all the time. There are tons of ways to re-inspire yourself! Check out local quilt shops, go to a quilt show, browse on Pinterest for new ideas, reorganize your fabric, check out new pattern books at the library,” the redditor suggested to us.
And if you find that sewing is a bit too difficult for you, there’s no need to worry, Pandas! Some time ago, Bored Panda spoke to one of the moderators behind the lovely r/crochet online community, and they explained that crotchet is “definitely the most beginner-friendly between crochet, knitting, and sewing. This is because, in part, it’s the easiest to rip apart (called frogging) and go back to fix a mistake.” So that might be more your game.
"Most beginners often find difficulty in knowing where to place the hook in each stitch and figuring out how to coordinate holding the yarn, hook, and work all at the same time!"
#25
I Recently Got A Bunch Of Old Dress Shirts From My Dad, And I Turned Four Of Them Into This Dress!
#26
I Made A Replica Of The Famous Strawberry Dress By Lirika Matoshi. Very Late To The Party
Rabbit Of ill Portent 2 years ago
I'm not a huge fan of pink but I would wear the hell out of this, this is gorgeous! You look like a delectable piece of cake 😍
#27
Made Myself A Retro Swimsuit!
While there’s a lot of overlap between crochet and knitting (“They’re both yarn crafts that create fabric. Other similarities include knowing how to count stitches and read written patterns.”), there aren’t too many similarities with sewing.
“There is no real crossover with sewing, except perhaps that advanced sewers may have an advantage in understanding how garments drape and fit," the r/crochet representative told Bored Panda.
#28
A Dress I Made For My Friend’s Wedding Last Year
#29
I Went To A Convention And "Cosplayed" As The Carpet
#30
Before And After Altering A Dress I Found On Amazon!
"Learning to crochet, like everything else, has a learning curve! Luckily, it’s pretty easy to get started—all you really need is a hook and a skein of yarn. Most people find it easiest to learn from YouTube videos, and they are a fantastic resource for learning new stitches and patterns. There are also some wonderful books out there that can teach every conceivable stitch—you want to look for something called a 'crochet stitch dictionary' or similar. Other than that, have fun and don’t be afraid to experiment!”
#31
I Made My Prom Dress!
#32
I Ruined 100 Needles To Make A Kate Spade-Inspired Croc Purse
#33
Finished My Galaxy Dress Just In Time For A Star Wars Concert
#34
I Made My And My Friend's Prom Dresses!
#35
Witness My Pattern Matching
#36
Endless Possibilities With This Bikini Top
#37
I Made The Ugliest Bag. But I Made The Ugliest Bag !
#38
Designed Something A Little More Daring This Valentine’s Day!
#39
My Attempt At A Recreation Of Adriana's 1920's Day Dress From Midnight In Paris!
Rabbit Of ill Portent 2 years ago
It looks so damn cute and so damn comfy! The shoes are perfect with it *chef's kiss*
#40
Made A Cupped Corset/Bustier For Myself
#41
First Self Drafted Sweater Made From A Thrifted Table Cloth
#42
After Over 2+ Years Of Work, My Dream Blue Wedding Dress Made It Down The Aisle!!
#43
My Fall Coat Is Done Just In Time For Winter!
#44
Nearly-Perfected Cupped Bodice & Wide Hip Pencil Skirt Dress
#45
Thrift Flipped This Embroidered Sailboat Dress And I Love It!!
#46
I Made Some Root Vegetables
#47
Sewed A Dress For My Neighbors Wedding With Fabric She Gave Me
#48
Bought A Machine For Xmas, Never Sewed Before So I’m Pleased With The Outcome
#49
Finished My First Garment, And Not Mad About It!
![Turned My Old, Ripped Barbour Jacket Into An Awesome Backpack! [self-Drafted]](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/63638c6910d46_w45egg0xz2d81__700.jpg "Turned My Old, Ripped Barbour Jacket Into An Awesome Backpack! [self-Drafted]")
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What do you think ?
Tenacious Squirrel 2 years ago
Wish I had the skill of these folk. People who can create things are special people and hats off to them!
Nightshade1972 2 years ago
Maybe 1/4-1/3 of the pictures didn't show on my end--just a white box. :-(
Ruth Hempsey 2 years ago
I really enjoyed looking at all the lovely creations folks made and every single one deserved kudos. Bravo everyone, keep on being artistes. 😊👍💖
Teresa Spanics 2 years ago
I will say that each outfit is very nice and that the creators should not be surprised about getting offers to create their outfits for others.
Lilly 2 years ago
Don't mean to be that person but everyone who is saying that they have never sewn before and the first items they sew just happen to turn out amazing are liars. Anyone who has taken sewing classes would know that sewing is done trough trial and error. THE FIRST THING U SEW NEVER COMES OUT GREAT. Thats like saying I've never painted before but just happened to paint a perfect Mona Lisa on my first try
Tenacious Squirrel 2 years ago
Wish I had the skill of these folk. People who can create things are special people and hats off to them!
Nightshade1972 2 years ago
Maybe 1/4-1/3 of the pictures didn't show on my end--just a white box. :-(
Ruth Hempsey 2 years ago
I really enjoyed looking at all the lovely creations folks made and every single one deserved kudos. Bravo everyone, keep on being artistes. 😊👍💖
Teresa Spanics 2 years ago
I will say that each outfit is very nice and that the creators should not be surprised about getting offers to create their outfits for others.
Lilly 2 years ago
Don't mean to be that person but everyone who is saying that they have never sewn before and the first items they sew just happen to turn out amazing are liars. Anyone who has taken sewing classes would know that sewing is done trough trial and error. THE FIRST THING U SEW NEVER COMES OUT GREAT. Thats like saying I've never painted before but just happened to paint a perfect Mona Lisa on my first try
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