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 the foundations

079: How to Sharpen Fabric Scissors

Feb 3rd, 2024 16m 49s

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 with you who says what and my thoughts o

078: Getting to know Maison Fauve

Jan 27th, 2024 33m 25s

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. I've b

077: How body image can impact your dressmaking

Jan 20th, 2024 42m 52s

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 succes

076: Sewing Silky Festive Outfits

Dec 9th, 2023 43m 14s

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 them more of a dressy fe

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

Dec 2nd, 2023 19m 19s

Hey there my lovely! 🧵✨ Welcome to this Pyjama Party episode where we're all about getting comfy in style. Mystery of the Perfect Pyjama PatternI've been on a mission to find patterns that are not just cozy but also show off your style! From r

074: Sewing B: Small businesses enriching local communities

Nov 25th, 2023 24m 38s

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 withou

073: The Point of the Needle with Barbara Burman

Nov 18th, 2023 43m 59s

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 in material cultu

072: Stitch love into every gift: Ideas and planner

Nov 11th, 2023 18m 35s

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, I explore

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

Nov 4th, 2023 16m 24s

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 and my lessons from this make.The

070: Mastering Buttonholes in Knit Fabrics with Melanie Keane

Oct 28th, 2023 26m 51s

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

069: Meet Couture Dressmaker Mette Baillie

Oct 21st, 2023 27m 18s

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 she cra

068: So who is French Terry anyway?

Oct 14th, 2023 18m 36s

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 bamb

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

Oct 7th, 2023 18m 11s

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 this episode. This episode wil

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

Sep 30th, 2023 37m 9s

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 episode next week - YAY!LISTEN OU

065: Hemming stretchy fabrics - my top tips

Sep 16th, 2023 24m 14s

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'v

064: Jumper Joy: Sewing Autumn's Essential Layers

Sep 2nd, 2023 26m 6s

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 jumper pattern fails. I

063: Unravelling Bamboo Fabric: Surprising Facts and Benefits

Aug 19th, 2023 23m 39s

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 fabr

062: The Power of Stash Hub with Yvette Todd

Jul 29th, 2023 29m 2s

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 the wonderful

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

Jul 15th, 2023 30m 31s

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 help you revamp existing garm

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

Jul 8th, 2023 15m 46s

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 why I think you should make your own so stay

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

Jun 25th, 2023 17m 10s

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 could be that it doesn't ma

Episode 58 - Making a twist-front dress

Jun 17th, 2023 24m 57s

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 twist front dr

057: Ever struggled to find the perfect fabric?

Jun 10th, 2023 32m 9s

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-com

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

Jun 3rd, 2023 32m 8s

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? I really hat