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 NotesBy Caroline Somos & Helen Wilkinson : Sewing Enthusiasts and Indie Sewing Entrepreneurs

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 s…

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 NotesBy Caroline Somos & Helen Wilkinson : Sewing Enthusiasts and Indie Sewing Entrepreneurs

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 NotesBy Caroline Somos & Helen Wilkinson : Sewing Enthusiasts and Indie Sewing Entrepreneurs

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 ab…

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 NotesBy Caroline Somos & Helen Wilkinson : Sewing Enthusiasts and Indie Sewing Entrepreneurs

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…

In this episode, we answer YOUR questions in another installment of the Sewing Help Line! We talk about cutting off-grain, sun-protective fabrics, how to adjust shorts that are two sizes too big, and lots more! Plus, we catch up about our summer adventures. Show NotesBy Caroline Somos & Helen Wilkinson : Sewing Enthusiasts and Indie Sewing Entrepreneurs

We want to hear you brag! In this episode, we share our listeners’ proudest sewing moments. And maybe we’ll brag a little bit, too! Plus, we answer a question about sewing machine servicing and share feedback from our Long-Time Sewists episode. Show NotesBy Caroline Somos & Helen Wilkinson : Sewing Enthusiasts and Indie Sewing Entrepreneurs

We interview quilting icon Suzy Williams, a.k.a. Suzy Quilts! We chat with her about designing quilt patterns and fabric collections, hear the surprising story of how she learned to sew, and get some great advice about overcoming perfectionism. Plus, we chat about the meditative magic of the quilting process. Show Notes…

How do you connect with other sewists in today’s social media landscape? In this episode, we talk about the benefits and drawbacks of the most popular social media platforms, give some tips and tricks for making sewing content that connects with people, and answer some listener questions about sewcializing. Show Notes…

We interview Sandeep Sandhu, the owner of the amazing fabric store Sister Mintaka! She tells us how she chooses her beautiful fabrics, what advice she would give to small business owners in the sewing space, and all about her personal sewing. She’s not only a fabric mogul, she’s a style icon! Show Notes…

This episode is about one of our very favourite fabrics - Indian block prints! We explore the rich history of these textiles, the process of making them, and where to buy them. We also share a bunch of pattern ideas and sewing tips so you can incorporate these dreamy, light, beautiful fabrics into your wardrobe! Plus, we answer a listener question …

In this episode we’re interviewing Daisy Braid, also known as DIY Daisy! We chat with her about her book, Sew it Yourself, which is filled with pattern-free, wearable projects. She also tells us about her personal style evolution, how to find the good stuff when you’re shopping secondhand, and her year of DIY! Show Notes…

We love overalls and jumpsuits! In this episode, we talk about choosing the right style for you, matching it with the perfect fabric, and the pattern adjustments that are super important for these all-in-one garments. Plus: indie patterns, installing hardware, and more! And in the listener question section, we give some gift ideas for the sewist wh…

In this episode, we interview pattern designer, sewing teacher, quilted coat maker extraordinaire, and snappy dresser Natalie Ebaugh! She talks to us about her design process, her long career in the sewing community, and how she puts her amazing outfits together. Show NotesBy Caroline Somos & Helen Wilkinson : Sewing Enthusiasts and Indie Sewing Entrepreneurs

We share four big strategies for saving money on sewing, with lots of helpful tips from our listeners. You can make amazing things without spending a lot - or anything at all! Show NotesBy Caroline Somos & Helen Wilkinson : Sewing Enthusiasts and Indie Sewing Entrepreneurs

In this episode, we interview Jacqueline Shaw, an expert on African fabrics and fashion. We chat with her about waxprint (also called ankara, African print, or kitenge) - what it is, how it’s made, what you can sew with it, and lots more! Jacqueline is a successful and passionate entrepreneur with a deep knowledge of the subject. Listen in and get …

This episode is all about lace! What it is, how to sew with it, and WHAT to sew with it. Plus, an overview of the history of lace, the different kinds of lace, and your lace questions, answered! We also answer a listener question about how to draft a paneled circle skirt. Show NotesBy Caroline Somos & Helen Wilkinson : Sewing Enthusiasts and Indie Sewing Entrepreneurs

In this episode, we interview Kenneth D. King - couture designer, technical sewing wizard, teacher, writer, and contributing editor to Threads Magazine. We chat with him about the couture techniques he developed himself, his storied career, and his latest book: Doll Couture! Show NotesBy Caroline Somos & Helen Wilkinson : Sewing Enthusiasts and Indie Sewing Entrepreneurs

In this episode, we’re taking you through all the steps of making test garments, a.k.a. muslins, a.k.a. toiles! From choosing the right fabric to how to cut it, baste it, and adjust it, we’ll demystify this sewing step so you can get your perfect fit and style. Plus, we have a little chatty catch-up about what we did during our winter break. Show N…