AIF Portfolio Sources by Bianca Setyawan 420942R

Source #1: Review of Drawing Softwares

biancabackup68 — 2025-02-26 02:07:39 UTC

From this source, I’ve discovered many free softwares that are available for Windows, such as Sketchable, Fresco, Clip Studio Paint, Concepts, Medibang, Krita, and Sketchbook.

After watching this video, I’ve decided to investigate Krita and Sketchbook for the following reasons:
- It’s a free software
- The tools provided allows the user to really focus on little details and textures of the art

However, I have yet done more research about them because I’m planning on changing my learning goal to sewing instead.

Source #2: Upcycling Clothes Guide

biancabackup68 — 2025-02-26 02:08:46 UTC

From this video, I learned many valuable things that I will definitely include in my progress, such as necessary sewing tools, beginner upcycling techniques, and sewing tips.

After watching this video, I’ve learned about the basics and what I need to know before I start my sewing progress. I’ve also gained some advice about upcycling clothes. This video helped me with my decision on whether I should sew from scratch or upcycle second-hand and I’ve decided to upcycle and alter second-hand clothes as it’s a more beginner friendly and affordable option.

(This video is saved to my Youtube sewing playlist)

Source #3: How to Use Sewing Machine (tutorial)

biancabackup68 — 2025-02-26 02:09:56 UTC

This video showcases many things such as the different parts of the sewing machine, how to thread the upper thread, thread and change the bobbin, replacing the needle, replacing the presser foot, how to use the foot pedal, how to start sewing (and sew sleeves, buttonholes, and more), and how to adjust the stitches and tension.

Initially, I was using a stretchy fabric as a starter with the wrong tension setting and not pulling the fabric. This caused the bottom stitches to be messy.

However, I noticed the person in this video used cotton fabric. So, I decided to also use cotton fabric and adjust the tension setting to the same one as the video. After doing this, my bottom stitches became more tidy.

So, this video definitely helped me learn how to use this specific sewing machine.

(This video is saved to my Youtube sewing playlist)

Source #4: Beginner's Guide to Sewing

biancabackup68 — 2025-02-26 02:10:45 UTC

The sewing instructor from this video gave plenty of useful advice that I will definitely consider in my progress. She gave machine recommendations, tools needed, what fabrics to start with, and what projects to start with.

Because of this video, I’ve decided to buy fabric scissors, a seam ripper, and threads from Daiso. I’ve also decided to take her advice on what fabrics to use to start with which is woven fabrics like cotton and linen. She also suggested I should do projects with patterns I’m interested in such as clothes or garments.

(This video is from my Youtube sewing playlist)

Source #5: Sewing advice #1

biancabackup68 — 2025-02-26 02:12:28 UTC

From this video, I’ve learned to iron my seams for every project and now I know what to do if I face a problem with my stitches, which is to check the needle to see if it's bent or snapped or broken in any way.

Source #6: Sewing advice #2

biancabackup68 — 2025-02-26 02:13:45 UTC

The seamstress in this video gave two very helpful tips which was to hold down the fabric when cutting instead of lifting it up and to put pins in the fabric perpendicular/horizontal instead of vertical to make it easier.

This advice has made it easier for me to learn how to cut fabric in a straight line, but I have yet tried to use the pins horizontally.

Update: I've started using the horizontal pins trick and it works so well. It's much easier for me to take out the pins when I'm sewing.

Source #9: Sewing advice #3

biancabackup68 — 2025-02-26 02:15:19 UTC

Some of these tips are definitely helpful for my progress such as the best type of scissors, how to clean the machine, how to get better top stitches, reducing the tension, and the durable seam ripper. After I learned that changing the stitch length and going slower when sewing can improve top stitches, I've decided to slower my sewing pace, unfortunately I cannot change my stitch length. This had a significant impact on my progress because sewing at a slower speed has helped me be more careful and pay more attention to where on the fabric I'm sewing. I've also decided to change the tension after I learned that reducing the tension can help with bunchy stitches. This had a beneficial impact on my learning because I was struggling with bunchy stitches in the beginning, then adjusting the tension according to the fabric made the stitches cleaner and more tidy.

Source #12: Cheep Store tiktok

biancabackup68 — 2025-03-05 01:40:16 UTC

After watching this, I wanted to check out the store for myself to check the price and quality of the clothes. However, when I went to check it out, turns out they were no longer located in Rundle Mall, which I was a bit disappointed but it’s okay. I decided to cross this store off my list and do some more research about other thrift store options.

Source #13: Cheep Store instagram

biancabackup68 — 2025-03-05 01:41:03 UTC

Their instagram was more helpful than the Tiktok because they showed the clothes and sometimes the price and also had the locations they were in. This page was what convinced me to check this store out which I ended up doing, but found out too late that they had moved locations.

Source #8: Goodbyes thrift store

biancabackup68 — 2025-03-10 05:21:08 UTC

After watching this, I’ve decided to check out the store and see what items they have that I could upcycle. However, when I got the store, I found that the clothes were quite expensive and way out of my budget for thrifting. Turns out it was more of a vintage store which explains the high price.

Source #11: Salvos thrift store

biancabackup68 — 2025-03-10 05:23:13 UTC

This video introduced me to Salvos which is very good because they have multiple locations, one of them near where I live. So I plan on checking this out soon.

Source #7: Upcycle idea #1

biancabackup68 — 2025-03-11 03:46:05 UTC

After watching this video, I plan on making my first upcycled clothes by following the steps because it’s the easiest way to start.

However, after some consideration, I have decided not to follow my initial plan with this. I planned on upcycling my unused T-shirt first using this tutorial, but I already have another tight black T-shirt. Thus, it would just not be ideal to have 2 identical tops when I could upcycle my T-shirt into something more flattering and interesting.

Source #14: Upcycle idea #2

biancabackup68 — 2025-03-11 04:09:29 UTC

This video is a tutorial on how to create a Sophie top and provided the pattern for this clothing item. After watching this, I’ve considered using this tutorial to upcycle one of my clothing items, specifically, clothing item #1.

After further consideration and research, I've decided not to use this tutorial to upcycle my thrifted clothing because the pattern that this seamstress uses costs money and I also don't feel skilled enough to use a pattern just yet.

Source #15: Open plain seam tutorial

biancabackup68 — 2025-03-11 04:35:44 UTC

From this video, I’ve discovered how to do an open plain seam to sew 2 fabrics together. After watching this, I became inspired to practice it on my own and follow the tutorial. I managed to sew two fabrics together and got the right side to look nice, however the other side had extra fabric. I was confused what to do because I had followed the tutorial, but my sewing machine jammed.

After getting feedback from Ms. Maree, who has a lot of knowledge about sewing, I tried her suggestion which was to hem the edge of the fabric with a zig-zag stitch first then do the open plain seam. This feedback significantly impacted my learning experiences because I have other ways to hem the edge of the seam and make it look tidy without using serger or overlocker. I will definitely use this for future sewing projects.

Source #16: Upcycle idea #3

biancabackup68 — 2025-03-11 04:36:28 UTC

This video is an in-depth tutorial on how to upcycle an old T-shirt into a wrap top. After watching this, I’ve been inspired to upcycle one of my clothing items into this top.

Source #20: Seam ripper tutorial #1

biancabackup68 — 2025-03-11 04:37:38 UTC

I had to search for this video because I was facing an obstacle in my learning progress as I didn’t know how to use a seam ripper. I used this video as a guide on how to use a seam ripper and practiced using one on my own. This video suggested to take out the stitches on both ends of the seam then pull the middle just a bit and keep pulling until on side of the seam comes out. After that, just pull the other side of the seam and it's done. I adjusted how I was previously taking out the seams by using the same technique as the seamstress in the video. This had an impact on my sewing and I managed to take out a few seams from different fabrics I experimented on and plan on using this technique for future sewing projects. Although sometimes it doesn't work as well and I ended up taking out the stitches bit by bit.

Source #17: Upcycle idea #4

biancabackup68 — 2025-03-11 04:38:19 UTC

I came across this video when I was looking for ideas on how I should upcycle my clothing items. This video shows how to upcycle a T-shirt into an off-shoulder top. This inspired me to upcycle one of my old T-shirts because I plan on upcycling my old T-shirt first before upcycling and altering my thrifted clothes.

Source #18: Upcycle idea #5

biancabackup68 — 2025-03-15 00:40:10 UTC

Because I planned on upcycling an old T-shirt as well, I looked for some ideas on how to upcycle it and found this video. I wanted something simple (because I'm a beginner) but still have a challenge and this one is perfect. I've decided to upcycle an old T-shirt by following the steps in this video.

Source #19: Upcycle idea #6

biancabackup68 — 2025-03-15 00:43:01 UTC

I needed an idea on how to upcycle my thrifted items and I came across this video that I think would suit my first thrifted clothing item. It's simple but with a challenge, something I'd actually wear, and the video explains it clearly enough for me to follow. Based on this video, I've decided that I'm going to upcycle one of my clothing items by cutting the fabric into the top part and bottom part, hemming each part then sew them together, cut the bottom of the bottom part to make it wavy then hem it, then make thin straps to tie tie in the back.

Source #21: How to hem

biancabackup68 — 2025-03-15 00:45:38 UTC

I came across this video on Tiktok and it reminded me that I didn't know how to hem yet. So, I've decided to use this video to learn the basic of hemming.

Source #22: How to sew a french seam

biancabackup68 — 2025-03-15 00:47:33 UTC

I also came across this video that showed me another type of seam which is a french seam, something I just discovered. Because I want to practice my seams and making them look good, I've decided to try doing a french seam by following the tutorial in this video.

Source #23: Sewing machine tension guide #1

biancabackup68 — 2025-03-19 02:08:17 UTC

As I was experimenting on the tension settings for different fabrics, I was confused about how I should adjust the tension according to the different fabrics and what type of fabric should have what kind of tension. So, I came across this article that suggested tension settings for different fabrics like lightweight fabric, cotton, leather, and more. This article also contained images which helped me visualise the material they were talking about.

After reading through the article, I tried to match the fabric I was using to the one in the article or at least the type of fabric it was, then adjusted the tension on my sewing machine based on the recommended tension setting for this fabric.

Source #27: Sewing machine tension guide #2

biancabackup68 — 2025-03-19 02:08:50 UTC

I was unsure if the first sewing machine tension guide article was accurate or not because I wasn't sure if it was from the perspective of a professional seamstress, so I tried to find another article. Luckily, this article suggested similar tension settings to the previous one. After reading through both articles, I understood how to adjust the tension depending on each fabric type and followed the guide in these articles to experiment with the tension settings on my sewing machine. This article also included a summary table at the end of the article which is helpful for future sewing projects if I use different kinds of fabric and I'll know which tension setting I should use because it's easy to check (just need to check the table).

Source #26: Different types of seams

biancabackup68 — 2025-04-09 02:16:43 UTC

This video came across my Tiktok 'For You' page and I saved it because I figured it would be very valuable for my learning progress so that I know what kind of seam to use for various purposes and projects.

Source #28: Upcycle idea #7

biancabackup68 — 2025-04-09 02:19:54 UTC

The shape of this shirt is very similar to the shirt I bought from the thrift store, so I saved this upcycle idea to consider when I upcycle my thrifted clothing.

Source #30: Upcycle idea #8

biancabackup68 — 2025-04-09 02:22:28 UTC

I had this video saved when I was in the process of upcycling my T-shirt. I considered making this instead of my original idea, but I decided to stick with the original idea because I like the shape of it and I think it adds a bit of a challenge.

Source #31: Changing my needle

biancabackup68 — 2025-04-09 02:24:10 UTC

This video was filled with brilliant tips to improve one's sewing skills and this specific slide caught my attention. I was reminded to change my needle after using it for too long, so I will now change my needle after every project or after sewing for too many hours.

Source #29: Sewing pockets intro a skirt/dress tutorial #1

biancabackup68 — 2025-04-21 08:30:31 UTC

Because I wanted to insert pockets into my skirt for my second upcycle project, I had to do research to find tutorials on how to create pockets for skirts. This video is a good tutorial and explains how to create pockets such as seam ripping the side seams to insert the pocket, pinning the pocket pieces to the side seams, and how to sew everything together. However, it didn't explain everything I needed to know such as how to make the pocket pattern and where exactly on the skirt I should insert the pockets.

Source #32: Sewing pockets into a skirt/dress tutorial #2

biancabackup68 — 2025-04-21 08:32:30 UTC

Similarly to the first tutorial of how to sew pockets into a skirt/dress, it's a decent tutorial on how to add pockets to an existing skirt, however, it didn't exactly specify on the pocket patterns, how big it should be, where exactly on the skirt it should go. Therefore, I was still confused.

Source #33: Sewing pockets into a skirt/dress tutorial #3

biancabackup68 — 2025-04-21 08:39:44 UTC

This tutorial is very suitable for me. It explains every step in great detail, goes over the steps slowly, explains how to make the pocket patterns and the measurements needed, and how far down I should insert the pockets. It also included details I didn't initially think of such as the right side of the pocket facing the right side of the skirt and adding a few cm of in the side ripping for extra space when sewing. I ended up using this tutorial to help create my pockets. This tutorial had an extraordinary impact on my learning because it me taught every necessary detail I needed to know to insert pockets into my skirt that I had not known before.

Source #34: How to make elastic waistband #1

biancabackup68 — 2025-04-21 08:44:57 UTC

I needed my skirt to have an elastic waistband in order to fit properly, so I did a lot of research on how to make one. This was the first source I found and it was an okay tutorial as it showed the basics of how to create an elastic waistband. However, it lacked a bit more information which made me unsure about making the elastic waistband.

Source #35: How to make elastic waistband #2

biancabackup68 — 2025-04-21 08:46:47 UTC

This video wasn't exactly a tutorial, thus it didn't explain in great detail on how to make an elastic waistband either. However, one major thing I've taken from this video is how to make an elastic waistband on a skirt with lining because that's my plan for my upcycled skirt as I plan on adding lining to it.

Update: I didn't end up doing lining for my skirt because it might ruin the shape and flow of the skirt and be quite difficult to add a pocket with lining on the inside.

Source #36: How to make elastic waistband #3

biancabackup68 — 2025-04-21 08:53:42 UTC

This tutorial is very helpful however I was a bit lost at the end because I didn't have an overlocker like the seamstress in the video did. However, something I've taken from this video is when sewing the ends of the elastic band together, it's best to not overlap them, instead just sew the two ends together with fabric underneath then sew two more seams on the left and right to avoid bulkiness. I will use this strategy when sewing my elastic band together for my skirt.

Source #37: How to make elastic waistband #4

biancabackup68 — 2025-04-21 09:09:32 UTC

This tutorial is exactly what I was looking for and explained every step in detail from start to finish. This had an excellent impact on my learning because it taught me every single detail and even tips to making an elastic waistband such as separating the elastic band into quarters when pinning and sewing it onto the waistband of the skirt, how much I should stretch when sewing the elastic band and skirt together, and how to finish off the waistband by folding it over and sewing with a zig-zag stitch or straight stitch.

Source #38: Changing the needle

biancabackup68 — 2025-04-21 09:37:52 UTC

As I've learned that changing the needle after using it for a long amount of time is crucial, I've decided to change my needle, however I didn't exactly know how. Thus, I did some research and found a tutorial. This had an exceptional impact on my learning because it taught me how to change my needle before I started my new project and when the needle bent during sewing.

Source #39: Seam ripper tutorial #2

biancabackup68 — 2025-04-21 09:49:24 UTC

Because I had to rip the seams of my thrifted blouse to upcycle it into a skirt, I had to do some research to find how use a seam ripper and this tutorial was very helpful.

Source #40: Seam tutorial #3

biancabackup68 — 2025-04-21 09:51:44 UTC

I found another video similar to the previous seam ripper tutorial to confirm that this strategy worked. Both of these tutorials had a good impact on my learning because I can know easily rip seams in my upcycle projects.

Source #41: How to make a fabric flower

biancabackup68 — 2025-04-21 10:00:31 UTC

Due to the mistake I made when making the elastic waistband in my second upcycle project, I needed a way to cover the bunchy fabric on the waistband. One of my options was to create a flower from the fabric scraps and make a fabric flower then sew it onto the waistband to cover the bunchy fabric. However, I'm stuck between making a fabric flower to cover it or to fold in the bunchy fabric into the waistband to hide it (I can't sew it in because the elastic is in the way). Creating a fabric flower is the more artistic option, meanwhile folding in the fabric is the more practical option, thus it depends on whether I'm aiming for artistry or practicality.

Update: After some consideration and wearing the skirt to an event, I've decided to go with the practical option and just tuck in the bunchy fabric into the waistband due to several reasons. The first one is because it's easier and more practical as the bunchy fabric is somewhat small and can be tucked in easily. Secondly, I considered the fact that during washing, it might come off or get tangled with other clothes. Thirdly, from a style point of view, it's easier to style with as the top I wear would cover the waistband anyway and if I add a flower to the waistband, it might get in the way. Therefore, I have decided to simply tuck in the fabric into the waistband.

Update 2: After receiving feedback from Jeane on the skirt, she suggested to add an accessory to the skirt so I've decided to decided to use this tutorial to add a flower to the skirt that's also detachable.

Source #42: How to make side lace on dress

biancabackup68 — 2025-04-22 12:16:39 UTC

This tutorial is very helpful and clear in its instructions. I love how the person in this video explains how to make the side lace in two different ways for people who have the three seams on the side and for people who don't have it. I've decided to use this video as a guide for my third upcycle project and following the directions such as how to make strings, how to attach the loops for the strings onto the dress, etc. This tutorial is also quite beginner friendly which I find suitable for my skill level.

Source #43: Zipper tutorial #1

biancabackup68 — 2025-04-27 11:40:21 UTC

While looking for easy zipper tutorials, this was the first one that I saw and thought that it was quite simple. My initial plan was to follow this tutorial to sew the zipper I needed for my dress.

Source #44: Zipper tutorial #2

biancabackup68 — 2025-04-27 11:43:07 UTC

While doing research for zipper tutorials, I came across a tutorial for how to do an invisible zipper. I was stuck between whether I should do a normal zipper or an invisible zipper. However, after I learned that an invisible zipper is much harder and requires more precision than a normal zipper, I decided to just to the normal zipper instead.

Source #45: Zipper tutorial #3

biancabackup68 — 2025-04-27 11:45:40 UTC

I found a another zipper tutorial that showed a similar technique to zipper tutorial #1, which was to make a seam first, sew the zipper face down on the back of the seam, then rip the original seam to create space for the zipper. I tried using this tutorial during my zipper trial attempt, however, it turned out messy and I didn't like how it looked. Therefore, I had to find another tutorial to follow.

Source #46: Zipper tutorial #4

biancabackup68 — 2025-04-27 11:51:24 UTC

I noticed that I was missing a key tool for sewing zippers, which was a zipper foot. I tried looking for one in the arts & crafts and sewing stores I knew, but I couldn't find one. Thus, I had to stick to use a normal foot. This meant that I had to find a tutorial on how to insert a zipper using a normal foot instead of a zipper foot. Despite the quality of this video being quite low and I struggled a little bit to see the details of the tutorial, it helped me a lot in sewing a zipper without a zipper foot. I ended up pinning the edges of the fabric to the edge of zipper line then sewing a straight seam, which took quite some time and precision but it was worth it because it ended up looking quite tidy. Another valuable tip I learned from this video is to pull the strings/fabric in the back when sewing the zipper because sometimes it gets stuck under the foot. I also ended up using this 'pulling the string at the back' technique when sewing the strings and loops for side lace because it's very thin and gets stuck under the foot.

Source #24: How to make lettuce hem tutorial #1

biancabackup68 — 2025-05-05 15:56:29 UTC

For my first time trying to make a lettuce hem, I had to research ways to make it. This was the first video I found and it showed one out of two techniques to make the lettuce hem, which was using a zig-zag stitch right on the edge of the fabric. I ended up using this one at the very end because it's much easier to stretch while sewing.

Source #25: How to make lettuce hem tutorial #2

biancabackup68 — 2025-05-05 16:00:09 UTC

Because I was really stuck in my progress and kept failing at trying to make a lettuce hem, I did more research to see if there was another way of doing it. I found this video, where the seamstress in the video used a different technique of folding over the edge and then stretching it while sewing with a zig-zag stitch. This technique worked just fine but it was a bit harder compared to the previous technique because I had to simultaneously hold together the folded fabric while sewing the zig-zag stitch while also stretching the fabric. I didn't end up using this technique but it's very helpful for alternate ways of making a lettuce hem.

Source #10: Sewing advice #4

biancabackup68 — 2025-05-05 16:08:52 UTC

While researching sewing tools that I needed to buy, I came across this video of sewing tools that are necessary and sewing tools that are compulsory. I paid most of my attention to the necessary sewing tools because I'm still a beginner and don't want to blow my budget on sewing tools that I didn't absolutely need. The tools from the video that were suggested to have were fabric scissors, seam ripper, measuring tape, pins/clips, ruler, and a cutting mat. I ended up buying all of them aside from the cutting mat because I found it to be easier to just cut on the floor.

Source #47: Sewing advice #5

biancabackup68 — 2025-05-05 16:13:05 UTC

I found this video in the midst of me struggling during my third upcycle project and the advice given from the person in this video was very helpful and inspiring. The main points I took were that the first projects will not be perfect and that it's okay. I also learned that speed comes with time and practice, thus I shouldn't be rushed to finish a project/garment. These advice really assured me that not having flawless projects were okay and normal.

Source #48: How to start a stitch (hand sewing tutorial #1)

biancabackup68 — 2025-05-13 02:12:46 UTC

Because I'm rather inexperienced with sewing by hand, I had to do some research on tutorials and techniques to hand sewing. This one shows how to start a stitch by tying a knot and inserting the needle into the fabric, going into the same hole, then inserting it through the loop and pulling it so it's tied tightly. This tutorial is very clear and helpful, although I do wish the person talked and explained exactly how to do it, so I wouldn't misunderstand.

Source #49: How to start a stitch without a knot (hand sewing tutorial #2)

biancabackup68 — 2025-05-13 02:19:12 UTC

I wasn't sure about if I could make the knot before I started my stitch because I wasn't sure about the length of my thread so I searched for an alternate way to start a stitch. I found this tutorial which explains how to start a stitch without using a knot and it's by the same person as the previous source. However, I didn't end up using this tutorial and instead used the previous one because I found it much easier.

Source #50: How to end a stitch (hand sewing tutorial #3)

biancabackup68 — 2025-05-13 02:23:57 UTC

I also needed to know how to finish off my stitches, and because I knew that this person has an account dedicated to sewing and is clearly experienced is sewing, I decided to go to their page for more tips. I found through this video that to end a stitch, ensure the needle is on the side facing you, then pull the needle through the previous stitch you made but leave a loop. Put the needle through that loop and pull till it ties tightly and do this process twice. This source was very beneficial and helped me move with my progress because it taught me the basics of sewing by hand.

Source #51: Types of stitches (hand sewing tutorial #4)

biancabackup68 — 2025-05-13 02:26:54 UTC

After learning the basics, I had to know what type of stitch I had to do that's suitable for the loops that I had to sew on. This video showed different kinds of stitches such as a running stitch, a back stitch, a split stitch, and a stem stitch. I was a bit overwhelmed on which one to use, preferably one that's very strong so it can handle the pull of the strings when I lace up the dress. I decided to check the comments of the video and many people said that the back stitch is the strongest stitch out of the four. Thus, I was leaning more on to that one to use for my side lace loops.

Source #52: How to sew a back stitch (hand sewing tutorial #5)

biancabackup68 — 2025-05-13 02:30:00 UTC

I needed more information about the back stitch, so I did more research on it and found a tutorial explaining how to do a back stitch by hand. This source is very clear and understandable because they showed the process clearly and explained in detail along the way. This person also mentioned how the back stitch is the strongest stitch, which is suitable for the side lace loops.