Love to Sew Podcast

This episode is like a mini sewing challenge! We each sewed a skort and we discuss it for the first time on the pod. We chat about the patterns and fabrics we chose for our skorts, our experiences sewing them up, and how we wear them! Show Notes

We interview Christine Millar, aka Sewstine! She talks to us about her stunning historical costumes, from drafting the patterns to designing and machine embroidering the sumptuous fabrics.  Show Notes

Ease is the extra length and width that pattern designers add so that you can move in your clothes. In this episode, we talk about how ease works and how to figure out the amount of ease that YOU like. It’s a game-changer for making clothes that fit! We also answer a listener question about grading between sizes vs. pattern adjustments. Show Notes

In this episode, we’re reacting to rising fashion trends for spring 2025! Whether we love ‘em or hate ‘em, we’re gonna tell you how you can incorporate them into your me-mades.  Show Notes

We interview Brandon Hayden, a pattern designer, sewing teacher, and content creator who makes menswear with bold fabrics and cool details. He wants to empower sewists to build their skills and express themselves! Show Notes

We’re back with the first episode of the spring 2025 season! We chat about our sewing machines - the ones we learned on, the ones we have today, and the ones we want in the future. Plus: we catch up about what we did on our winter break, name our fave sewing machine features and pet peeves, and share what our machines are named! Show Notes

We’re bringing this mini-episode out from behind the paywall as a treat for you! It was originally released in September 2024.  This mini-episode is about bread-and-butter sewing techniques that reduce bulk. We review the basics of grading, trimming, and notching, plus some more advanced and unexpected techniques that will give you a great finish. Caroline and Helen learn a lot about each other in this episode…👀 Let us know: do you trim your seams every time, or only when the pattern instructs you to? If you would like access to a new mini-episode every month, plus our back catalogue, subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts or sign up to our Patreon at the “Love to Sew Superfan” level. Thanks to our subscribers for your support. And thank you to all our listeners for listening!  Show Notes

This month’s bonus episode is free for all of our listeners! Helen chats about her holiday crafting: sewing, block printing, beading, and more. Caroline shares about her trip to NYC, what she’s been cooking lately, and the pair of me-made pants that pushed her out of her style comfort zone. Plus, new indie pattern releases, a fun fantasy book, and a game that would make a great gift for a sewist.  Show Notes

Quick wins are projects that refresh you and revive your sewjo. If you’re feeling uninspired and unmotivated to sew, have a listen! We go over what makes a project “quick”  and what makes it a “win” so you can choose a project that will work for you. Plus, we share a bunch of specific ideas for quick win projects, including our personal faves! Show Notes

We interview Rashida Coleman-Hale, fabric designer for Ruby Star Society! We talk to her about her journey to becoming a surface designer, her process for designing fabric collections, and her upcoming book. Show Notes

We chat about sewing for others - what to make, what to avoid, and how to make sure that your experience is fun and fulfilling! We talk about the pros and cons of sewing for others, whether as a gift or as a favour. We share tips about fitting and choosing fabric. And we share OUR experiences sewing for our loved ones! Show Notes

This episode is all about sewing garments, bags, and accessories for trips! We talk about the best fabrics, how to layer, and how to design a travel capsule. Plus: indie patterns for clothes that travel well, tips for sewing travel bags, and our memories of sewing for travel! We also answer a listener question about sewing lace with big holes and share listener feedback about sewing motivation. Show Notes

We share tips and tricks for fiddly, persnickety, awkward, and complicated sewing techniques! We cover invisible zippers, darts, spaghetti straps, princess seams, and lots more. Plus, we share a listener’s experience with custom printed fabric and another listener’s sewing horror story. Show Notes

In this episode, we interview low-waste pattern designer Cris Wood! We chat with her about how her patterns work, her design process, and what draws her to low-waste patternmaking. We also talk about her cool and colourful personal sewing. Show Notes

We take a deep dive into TWO fabrics: corduroy AND velvet! Both of them have a fluffy, fuzzy, pile - but they’re not exactly the same. We chat about their history, how they’re made, and how to sew with them! Plus, we share pattern recommendations and answer your corduroy and velvet questions. Show Notes

In this episode, we interview Michelle Thomas-Elder, a designer, tailor, and sewing teacher who owns The Kut Studios, a co-working space for designers in LA! Michelle has made custom pieces for celebrities and altered haute couture gowns - and recently, she released her first book. She has amazing stories to tell and a “Say Yes” attitude that we absolutely love. Show Notes

In this episode, we talk about rising fashion trends for fall/winter ‘24/’25! We say how we REALLY feel about them and share some ideas for how to incorporate them into your me-mades. Let’s get trendy! Show Notes

We interview Geri Berman, AKA Geri in Stitches! Geri’s social media accounts are the happiest place in the sewing world - she shows off her jaw-dropping projects, shares lots of tips, and demonstrates interesting techniques, all with her signature high energy and positivity. We talk to her about hand dyeing, sashiko, and more!  Show Notes

We talk about a bunch of popular jacket styles and give fabric advice, sewing tips, and indie pattern recommendations for each one! We also talk about unusual details you find on jacket patterns and play “Is it a Jacket?” Plus, a listener question about options for non-staticky office tops.  Show Notes

We interview Patrick Grant, Great British Sewing Bee judge, former director of Savile Row house Norton & Sons, and owner of sustainable brand Community Clothing! Patrick takes us behind the scenes of revered bespoke tailoring houses and discusses what it takes to become a Savile Row Tailor. We also chat with him about his journey to where he is now, buying fewer but better things, and the amazing vibe on the Sewing Bee set! Show Notes