Sew Mindful Podcast

Sew Mindful Podcast episodes:

• 02.11.2024

  080: What are powernet and power mesh fabrics?

  If like me you have found the terms powernet, power mesh and stretch mesh confusing then this episode for you. After finally finishing my Willowdale bra this week I thought it would be fun to talk about these fabrics that create...

  
• 02.03.2024

  079: How to Sharpen Fabric Scissors

  Fabric scissor and shears are such an important tool when it comes to sewing and dressmaking. There is a lot of tips and advice out there about how to care for and sharpen them and so I wanted to explore...

  
• 01.27.2024

  078: Getting to know Maison Fauve

  FREE Pattern and chance to win Prizes with this week's guest from Maison Fauve (see link below) I was delighted to finally get chance to talk with the passionate Emilie Faurie of the French pattern and fabric brand, Maison Fauve recently....

  
• 01.20.2024

  077: How body image can impact your dressmaking

  When we are making clothes for ourselves, the process of creating and fitting those clothes is intimately tied to our bodies. And if there is internal conflict or self-doubt associated with our body then that can impact our enjoyment and...

  
• 12.09.2023

  076: Sewing Silky Festive Outfits

  It's coming up to the festive season and if you are like me, you might be thinking about sewing with silky festive fabrics. It's also a time when we might want to create outfits with particular design features that give...

  
• 12.02.2023

  075: Pyjama Party - 5 Pyjama Patterns Tried, Tested & Reviewed

  Hey there my lovely!

  
• 11.25.2023

  074: Sewing B: Small businesses enriching local communities

  In this heartwarming episode I wanted to share inspiring stories from the lovely ladies at my local sewing shop which demonstrate the profound impact that sewing communities have on our well-being.  None of this would be possible for them without the...

  
• 11.18.2023

  073: The Point of the Needle with Barbara Burman

  Have you ever considered the impact of your sewing stories? In this episode I'm delighted to be joined by Barbara Burman, the author of "The Point of the Needle, Why Sewing Matters." Barbara is a historian with a deep interest...

  
• 11.11.2023

  072: Stitch love into every gift: Ideas and planner

  Thank you so much for joining me for this episode of the Sew Mindful podcast where I delve into the delightful yet sometimes daunting world of making handmade gifts. As we approach the festive season, a time renowned for gift-giving,...

  
• 11.04.2023

  071: Button loops & feminine frills: the Lily Button Dress

  Want ideas for a lovely party dress? Well I was delighted to get to try this pattern for the Lily Button Dress by Made Label and in this episode I will share my thoughts on the pattern, the techniques involved...

  
• 10.28.2023

  070: Mastering Buttonholes in Knit Fabrics with Melanie Keane

  Terrified of sewing buttonholes in knit fabrics? If the mere thought sends shivers down your spine, fear no more! My special guest and sewing friend, Melanie Keane, recently  mastered this technique, and has joined me to guide you through this...

  
• 10.21.2023

  069: Meet Couture Dressmaker Mette Baillie

  I'm delighted to be joined in this episode by the incredibly talented Mette Baillie, a couture dressmaker with a wealth of experience that spans a lifetime. Mette's journey into the world of couture dressmaking began at the age of 9 when...

  
• 10.14.2023

  068: So who is French Terry anyway?

  Have you been looking for a fabric that helps you transition effortlessly between seasons? French terry, a unique, stretch fabric, often remains the unsung hero of the fashion world.  We explore its various versions, from organic cotton to bamboo, and...

  
• 10.07.2023

  067: Expert Fitting Tips with Pamela Leggett (Pt 2)

  I'm delighted to welcome you back to join me for the second part of my chat with  Pamela Legget, an influential sewing teacher since the '80s. If you missed the SPECIAL OFFER last week then listen out for that in...

  
• 09.30.2023

  066: Expert Fitting Tips with Pamela Leggett (Pt 1)

  Get ready for a delightful and enlightening chat with the one and only Pamela Legget, the sewing legend herself. We had so much to talk about that I've split our chat into two parts so you'll get a cheeky bonus...

  
• 09.16.2023

  065: Hemming stretchy fabrics - my top tips

  Ever wondered how to hem stretchy fabrics without experiencing uneven hems, puckering, stretching, thread breakages, and skipped stitches? I've got the inside scoop for you. This episode is jam-packed with techniques, tools, and tricks that I've learned from my personal...

  
• 09.02.2023

  064: Jumper Joy: Sewing Autumn's Essential Layers

  It's that transitional season time and if you are like me you might be reaching for those longer sleeves or comfortable layers to keep you warm. In this episode I'm sharing some of my jumper pattern successes and also my...

  
• 08.19.2023

  063: Unravelling Bamboo Fabric: Surprising Facts and Benefits

  Can bamboo fabric be the real deal - an environment-friendly, versatile option for clothing? Are we ignoring a sustainable solution that might revolutionize the fashion industry? Join me as I attempt to unravel the facts surrounding bamboo fabric, discussing its...

  
• 07.29.2023

  062: The Power of Stash Hub with Yvette Todd

  Ever bought more fabric than you can sew? Join me as Yvette Todd of Stash Hub shares an amazing solution to this common problem of managing your fabric stash! She talks about her own sewing ventures, her sewfruity23 Challenge and...

  
• 07.15.2023

  #061: Revamp Your Wardrobe: Clothing Refashioning Tips with Elise Sinclair

  Get ready to breathe new life into your wardrobe! Ever looked at your clothes and wished they could be as unique and stylish as you are? Hold onto that thought, as Elise Sinclair of Elise's Sewing Studio is here to...

  
• 07.08.2023

  060: T-shirts: 5 Great Reasons to Make One

  T-shirts are one of our wardrobe staples and there are 2 billion sold and bought every year. But I still struggle to buy them to fit me and in this episode I’ll share more about that and my 5 reasons...

  
• 06.25.2023

  059: What's the right amount of ease for me?

  Have you ever chosen a pattern for a garment that you really liked, followed the instructions to choose your size, made it up and then felt like it doesn't really fit in the way you imagined?  Well one reason for that...

  
• 06.17.2023

  Episode 58 - Making a twist-front dress

  Ever struggled with sewing stretch fabrics or had a burning desire to create that perfect twist front dress? Well I would love to I share my experiences with you, inspired by Tilly and the Button's Stretch book, creating my first...

  
• 06.10.2023

  057: Ever struggled to find the perfect fabric?

  Ever struggled to find the perfect fabric for your sewing project? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Join us for a fascinating conversation with Diana and Justin of Raspberry Creek Fabrics, who found an innovative solution to this all-too-common problem....

  
• 06.03.2023

  056: Scrap-busting projects for the modern maker with Jen Rich

  Do you hate wasting fabric? Do you find yourself looking for projects that will use up your scraps and create something useful and beautiful? Projects that don't require a lot of preparation or headspace, but are still fun to make?...

  
• 06.03.2023

  055: Taking time out

  Have you ever wanted to take time out from a dressmaking project or sewing in general but felt like you can’t or felt too guilty to do so? Well that happened to me too recently with quite significant consequences so...

  
• 11.12.2022

  054: Have you ever made a coat?

  If I ask you do you fancy making your own coat, what thoughts go through your head? I remember the first time someone suggested that to me and it was way out of my comfort zone. So what about you? Are...

  
• 11.05.2022

  053: BONUS Making alterations for your body shape with Elise Chase-Sinclair

  As promised for season 2 we have a number of BONUS episodes with expert guests. Do you ever find that when you try to buy clothes that they often fit one part of your body but not others? For example...

  
• 10.29.2022

  052: 10 Top Tips for Sewing with Thicker Fabrics

  Hello my lovelies and thanks for joining me for this week's episode. As the weather turns a bit colder I thought it might be good to talk about sewing with thicker fabrics so today I have 10 tips for you...

  
• 10.15.2022

  051: Making a Duster Jacket aka long cardigan

  If you have struggled to find the perfect garment to help you transition from the warm weather to the cooler temperatures then look no further. The trusty Duster Jacket also known as a long cardigan is the perfect make and...

  
• 10.01.2022

  050: Learning to sew in your fifties with Melanie Keane

  When you hear the long list of different clothes that Melanie Keane has made it's hard to believe that she only started sewing when the UK Prime Minister announced the lockdown in 2020.  When I was planning for Season 2...

  
• 09.24.2022

  049: How long should dressmaking take?

  In this first interview of season 2 I'm delighted to be talking to Mel Forrest of Mint Button Sewing School.  Mel was a primary school teacher for 15 years before leaving to pursue a 'portfolio career' in the home-sewing industry....

  
• 09.24.2022

  048: Season 2 Introduction and Special Offer!

  Well it's been longer than I planned but better later than never!  The Sew Mindful sewing podcast is back for another season. Thanks for all of you that gave me the encouragement and friendly nudges to get back to my...

  
• 07.10.2021

  047: How to use Value & Colour Contrast to Look Fabulous

  I'm so excited to share this week's episode with you as it is one of the topics that I have personally struggled with (and continue to work on) and that is understanding how to combine colours to create outfits that...

  
• 07.03.2021

  046: Finding patterns and more In A Haystack!

  SPECIAL OFFER CODE BELOW! Do you get overwhelmed when you try to search for new pattern and fabric ideas? Well if you do you are not alone. Lots of the dressmakers I speak to say that they can find it challenging...

  
• 06.26.2021

  045: Not using Tapes? Here's why you should!

  CHANCE TO WIN a pack of Vlieseline Perfect Hem Tape! I am always on the lookout for ways to make my garments look more professional and so any opportunity to learn about how things are done in a manufacturing environment...

  
• 06.19.2021

  044: So what is Mindful Embroidery anyway?

  Thank you so much for joining me again for another podcast episode. This week I am joined by the delightful Mary Broddle of Mary Broddle Embroidery. Mary is on a mission to share the well being benefits of embroidery.  It...

  
• 06.05.2021

  043: The Marmite of Fabrics - Bengaline

  Hello! Thank you for joining me for another Sew Mindful chat. This week is another Fabric Focus. The last one we did was with the lovely Harriet Kjellman when we talked about Denim. If you haven't listened to Episode 35...

  
• 05.29.2021

  042: The Power of Practice

  Welcome and thank you so much for tuning in for this episode. This week I want to tackle a topic that I noticed myself struggling with and that is getting stuck in student mode, faffing and procrastinating. That was until...

  
• 05.22.2021

  041: Reduce, Re-use, Recycle

  A short and sweet episode for you this week. Inspired by my love of the Great British Sewing Bee I wanted to talk a little bit about upcycling and recycling.  We are very lucky in the UK to have access...

  
• 05.15.2021

  040: How to reconnect with your style with Imogen Lamport

  I can't believe we are at Episode 40 already! Thank you so much for listening and supporting the show. This week I am joined again by my very first guest on the podcast, the wonderful Imogen Lamport. If you haven't...

  
• 05.08.2021

  039: Making your own knickers with Flo-Jo Fabrics

  This week is all about underwear and I wanted to talk about making your own knickers.  I put off making my own underwear for a long time because I thought it was really difficult. Then I saw some fabulous knicker-making...

  
• 05.01.2021

  038: How to choose interfacings & interlinings

  Thank you so much for tuning in to this week's episode. We have an exciting giveaway for you alongside this episode. This week I am joined by the wonderful Janet Kolle of Vlieseline to talk all things interfacing. If like me...

  
• 04.24.2021

  037: Connecting with your Creativity with Clara Nartey

  Thank you so much for tuning in to this week's episode. For many years after I learned how to sew and make clothes I religiously followed patterns. Whilst I was making them my own by choosing my fabrics I wouldn't...

  
• 04.17.2021

  036: Which is the right sewing machine needle?

  Thank you so much for joining me again this week!  In this episode I am answering a great question raised by one of our listeners - Stephanie - who wanted to know how to pick the right sewing machine needle...

  
• 04.10.2021

  035: Fabric Focus - Denim, the Switzerland of Fabrics with Harriet Kjellman

  Welcome to this week's Sew Mindful podcast episode with one of my favourite titles to date. I can't take credit for it as it was the work of my wonderful guest this week - Harriet Kjellman. Harriet is a woman of...

  
• 03.27.2021

  034: What Wearing Red Can Do For You!

  Hello, welcome and thank you for joining me! I wanted to just do a quick intro to this episode to explain a bit about what to expect and how this week's topic relates to dressmaking (as it may not be...

  
• 03.20.2021

  033: Drafting your own sewing patterns

  Hello and welcome to this episode of the Sew Mindful podcast. Have you ever struggled to find just the right pattern for the garment or style you want to make?  Have you ever thought I wish I could make my own...

  
• 03.13.2021

  032: Inspiring Women - Thank you!

  In the week of International Women's Day and Mother's Day in the UK, it seemed only fitting to dedicate this episode to the amazing women that have influenced and inspired my sewing and dressmaking. So in this episode you will...

  
• 03.06.2021

  031: Fabric Shops and Making Memories

  Full disclosure - my cheeks are still aching from all the laughing we did recording this episode! Thank you so much for joining me for episode 31 where I am joined once again by Claire Hutchinson for what is becoming...