Send us a textIn this episode of the Sewing Social Podcast, Gemma Daly interviews Rachel Bearn, who shares her journey into slow living and crafting whilst facing chronic illness. Rachel discusses the healing power of handmade crafts, her commitment to sustainability, and the physical and mental health benefits of engaging in creative activities. She also offers insights into managing crafting with chronic illness, her self-taught journey into sewing and knitting, and the positive impact of social media in the crafting community. Rachel reveals her upcoming projects, including her first book that intertwines her faith with her crafting ethos.Key Takeaways:Rachel's journey into slow living began following the diagnosis of a chronic illness.Crafting has been a healing process for Rachel.Sustainability is a core principle in Rachel's crafting ethos.Mental health benefits are linked to engaging in crafts.Setting a timer can help manage energy levels while crafting.Rachel emphasises the importance of using what you already have.Social media can be a positive space for crafters.Rachel's first book will be released in September.Crafting should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone.The crafting community on social media is supportive and inspiring.Choosing fabrics with ethical supply chains is challenging but important.Follow me: Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod@thedalythreadGuest details:YouTube and Instagram: @byrachelbearnLink to Rachel's new book preorder: A year to slow downhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0281091137?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_19WKG2W4E0TZQWG3557G&bestFormat=truehttps://www.waterstones.com/book/a-year-to-slow-down/rachel-bearn/9780281091133Chapters00:00 Introduction to Slow Living and Crafting00:45 The Journey to Handmade and Homegrown Living04:04 Sustainability in Crafting and Fashion06:43 Mental Health Benefits of Crafting09:08 Crafting with Chronic Illness12:53 Self-Taught Crafting Journey15:09 Releasing Patterns and Creative Inspiration18:01 Kirsty's Handmade Christmas Experience20:32 Fabric Preferences and Sustainability Challenges25:10 Inspiration from the Sewing Community28:36 Upcoming Projects and Book Release29:49 Fun This or That Game
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High-end handmade with Hetty from the Modern Sewing Co.
Send us a textIn this episode of the Sewing Social podcast, Gemma Daly interviews Hetty, the founder of Modern Sewing Co. a sewing pattern designer with a background in tailored fashion.We explore how her love for quality finishing and precision has shaped her approach to home sewing - proving that handmade can be every bit as polished as designer. Whether you're sewing for everyday or aiming for couture level detail, this conversation will inspire you to elevate your makes. Key take aways: Hetty launched her first business, Henry London, in 2016.The pandemic prompted a shift from fashion to home sewing.Pattern cutting involves transforming 2D shapes into 3D garments.Sustainability is a core value in Hetty's business practices.Quality and craftsmanship are prioritised in her sewing patterns.Community engagement is fostered through online workshops.Digital business challenges include adapting to social media changes.Hetty draws inspiration from classic design and tailoring.The Devon waistcoat was a long-awaited design project.Future plans include new patterns and beginner-friendly workshops.Follow me: Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod @thedalythreadWebsite: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2499363Guest details:Instagram: @modern_sewing_coWebsite: www.modernsewingco.comChapters00:00 Introduction to Hetty and Her Journey05:10 The Shift to Home Sewing During the Pandemic09:58 Understanding Pattern Cutting and Design Process14:48 Sustainability in Sewing and Business Practices20:04 Workshops and Community Engagement25:07 Challenges and Innovations in Modern Sewing Co.29:58 Future Plans and Exciting New Patterns
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Textile Activism with Abigail Wastie from Thread of Life
Send us a textIn this episode of the Sewing Social Podcast, Abigail Wastie (Thread of Life) shares her journey from a textile artist to a textile activist and educator. She discusses her passion for sustainable fashion, the importance of asking questions about textile production, and her experiences teaching vulnerable youth about sustainable practices. Abigail also highlights her projects, including a sustainable school uniform initiative and community events focused on ethical fashion. Throughout the conversation, she emphasises the need for a shift in mindset towards sustainability in both personal and community practices.Key Takeaways:Abigail has always been passionate about activism and sustainability.Textile activism involves engaging others in discussions about fabric and production.She learned to sew out of necessity and through many mistakes.Abigail primarily makes her own clothes and focuses on natural fibres.She works with vulnerable youth to provide alternative education in textiles.The sustainable school uniform project aims to create plastic-free options for children.Abigail practices sustainability in her home, including keeping chickens and using local milk.She believes in the importance of community engagement and education.Abigail runs events to connect people with ethical fashion makers and discussions.Sustainability requires a shift in mindset and behaviour. Follow me: @thesewingsocialpod@thedalythreadGuest details: @threadoflife www.threadoflife.org.ukwww.abigailwastie.co.ukChapters00:00 Introduction to Abigail Wastie and Her Journey03:00 The Concept of Textile Activism05:58 Learning to Sew and Overcoming Challenges09:00 Sustainable Fashion Choices and Practices12:13 Alternative Education and Working with Vulnerable Youth15:13 Sustainable School Uniform Project17:48 Personal Sustainable Practices and Lifestyle Choices20:00 Reflections on Success and Future Goals22:52 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement26:03 Promoting Sustainability in the Sewing Community29:04 Quickfire This or That Game
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Breaking the Bias: Men who sew with Adam Sews
Send us a textPlease note this episode was recorded in February 2025.In this episode of the Sewing Social, the host Gemma Daly engages in a lively conversation with Adam, a passionate male sewist known for his love of Tula Pink fabrics. They explore Adam's journey in the sewing community, discussing the challenges he faces as a male in a predominantly female space, the upcoming QuiltCon event, and the need for more diverse male patterns in sewing. Adam shares insights into his bag pattern designs, including the creative process behind his latest release, the Acorn Backpack. The conversation also touches on the evolution of personal style and the inspiration drawn from the sewing community. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the journey of sewing from childhood to a passionate hobby, discussing the evolution of skills, the joy of teaching others, and the importance of breaking down stigmas around men in sewing. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences, favourite projects, and the community aspect of crafting, emphasising the joy and creativity that comes from making things by hand.Key TakeawaysAdam's love for Tula Pink fabrics has grown over the last few years.He finds hidden details in fabric prints that reveal themselves over time.Being a male in the sewing community comes with unique challenges.QuiltCon is a significant event for quilters, and Adam is excited to attend.There is a lack of male-focused patterns in the sewing industry.Indie pattern companies are starting to create more interesting designs for men.Unisex patterns often do not fit male bodies well due to design biases.Adam has created several bag patterns, with more in development.The Acorn Backpack was inspired by a fabric featuring squirrels.Social media, especially Instagram, serves as a major source of inspiration for Adam. Sewing can start as a childhood interest and evolve into a lifelong passion.Teaching others can enhance your own skills and understanding of a craft.The pandemic reignited many people's interest in sewing and crafting.Creating for oneself can be more fulfilling than making for others.Breaking down gender stereotypes in sewing encourages more men to participate.Community and social media play a significant role in the crafting world.Personal projects can be more enjoyable than repetitive tasks.Finding joy in the process of making is essential for creativity.Sharing your creations can foster connections and inspire others.Embracing your interests without fear of judgment is crucial.Follow me: @thesewingsocialpod@thedalythreadGuest details: @adamsewswww.adamsews.comChapters00:00 Introduction to the Sewing Social00:33 The Love for Tulip Pink Fabrics03:03 Experiences as a Male in the Sewing Community06:40 QuiltCon: Anticipation and Insights07:52 The Need for Male Patterns in Sewing10:39 Unisex Patterns: Successes and Challenges14:20 Creating Unique Bag Patterns16:01 Designing the Acorn Backpack19:17 Beginner Patterns and Their Utility21:00 Inspiration in the Sewing Community22:22 Personal Style Evolution23:32 Sewing Journey: From School to Passion25:40 The Journey of Sewing: From Childhood to Passion30:10 Teaching and Learning: A Shared Craft34:13 Creating for Joy: The Balance of Making38:13 Breaking Stigmas: Encouraging Men in Sewing40:34 Connecting Through Craft: Social Media and Community
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The perfect fit with Lottie from Wild Orchard Sewing
Send us a textIn this episode of the Sewing Social Podcast hosted by Gemma Daly, Lottie Leigh-Gough shares her sewing journey from beginner to expert, focusing on the importance of fitting and pattern cutting. She discusses the emotional connections women have with their bodies and how fitting can empower them. Lottie also introduces her online courses, the Completely Custom Festival, and her mindful sewing sessions, which merge her Buddhist values with her passion for sewing. She reflects on her business evolution from a fabric shop to teaching online, overcoming imposter syndrome, and her future plans.Key TakeawaysLottie specialises in fitting and pattern cutting.Fitting is a significant obstacle for many sewists.Emotional connections to body image are prevalent in sewing.Understanding your body is crucial for successful fitting.The full bust adjustment is essential for most sewists.Sewing is a labour of love that requires patience.Mindful sewing combines meditation with the craft.Community building is vital in the sewing journey.Lottie's business pivot was driven by the pandemic.Imposter syndrome is common but can be overcome.Follow me:@thesewingsocialpod@thedalythreadGuest details: @wildorchardsewingwww.wildorchardsewing.co.ukChapters00:00 Introduction to Lottie Leigh-Gough and Wild Orchard Sewing02:59 Lottie's Sewing Journey: From Beginner to Expert05:58 The Importance of Fitting in Sewing09:12 Emotional Connections: Fitting and Body Image11:51 Techniques for Fitting: Understanding Your Body15:07 Common Misconceptions in Fitting18:02 The Completely Custom Festival: Building Community20:57 Mindful Sewing: Merging Buddhism and Craft24:05 Online Courses and Teaching Philosophy27:03 Business Evolution: From Fabric Shop to Online Teaching30:00 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Future Plans
Gemma Daly (@thedalythread) hosts The Sewing Social Podcast - join her as she chats with passionate makers who sew their own clothes, small business owners and enthusiastic members of the sewing community. This podcast discusses topics such as eco friendly fabrics, embracing slow fashion, the enjoyment of sewing, and the importance of a supportive community.
UK