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Love to Sew
By Helen Wilkinson & Caroline Somos, Caroline Somos & Helen Wilkinson : Sewing Enthusiasts and Indie Sewing EntrepreneursBusinessArtsLeisureFashion & BeautyHobbies
Love to Sew episodes
- Episode 35: Sustainability and SewingThis week we are exploring the topic of sustainability as it relates to our sewing practice. We open up about where we are at in our sustainability journey, and how we plan to be kinder to the earth. We also offer tips on what you can do as a sewist to lessen your environmental and social impact on the planet.
- Caroline has Cone Mills Denim and jeans hardware kits at Blackbird Fabrics!
- Avery leggings tag on instagram! (pattern here)
Support Love to Sew on Patreon!- Visit our Patreon page if you’d like to support us on an ongoing basis. (Thank you!)
- On the first Friday of every month, we will release an exclusive bonus episode to supporters at the $5 level or more.
- Our first 100 supporters will get a Love to Sew pin!
- Helen’s Ravelry, Caroline’s Ravelry
- Indie Pattern Designers list on Diary of a Chainstitcher
- Helen’s Wednesday Weekly
- Fabcycle
- Helen’s refashion projects:
- Our Social Fabric
- Send us your feedback about sustainability!
- Leave us a voicemail (3-minute time limit!) 1-844-SEW-WHAT (1-844-739-9428)
- E-mail us at [email protected]
- Record a voice memo and e-mail it to us! (Article: Record Voice Memos on your iPhone)
- The Beginner’s Guide to Sourcing Fabric Responsibly on Megan Nielsen’s blog
- Organic certifications:
- OEKO-TEX®
- GOTS
- Rana Plaza building collapse
- The True Cost documentary
- H&M textile recycling
- Heather makes cool handmade dolls!
There a hair cut and some ribbons – sorted! Now I just need to make her some clothes. #dollmaker #waldorfinspireddoll #beardancecrafts
A post shared by Heather (@heatherandthepugs) on Mar 5, 2018 at 3:38pm PST
- Watson Bra by Cloth Habit
- Christine Haynes’ tip on replacing bra straps!
Bramaking pro tip: I prefer to use an O-ring at both ends of my straps because I think it looks nicer than sewing the strap directly to either end, but it also allows you to change the strap if it wears out! This is my everyday bra, and the fit is perfect, but the strap had stretched out due to wear. So all I had to do was cut it, remove it, and replace that section with a new strap. No seam ripper needed. Easy peasey! #bramaking #marlboroughbra
A post shared by Christine Haynes Patterns (@christinehaynes) on Feb 15, 2018 at 5:28am PST
- The Refashioners
- Fashion Revolution
- #makersforfashrev
Follow Helen! Blog: Helen’s Closet, Instagram: @helens__closetFollow Caroline! Shop: Blackbird Fabrics, Instagram: @blackbirdfabricsFollow the Podcast! Instagram: @lovetosew.podcast, Twitter: @lovetosewpod, Facebook: /LovetoSewPodLeave us a voicemail with your questions, comments, and feedback: 1-844-SEW-WHAT (1-844-739-9428)E-mail us: [email protected]Sign up for our newsletter to get weekly episode updates, special news, and even some exclusive content that you won’t find anywhere else.Leave us a review! It will help other sewists discover us.http://traffic.libsyn.com/lovetosew/LTS35.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
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1 hr 7 min - Episode 34: Intentional Making with Aidan OwenAidan Owen joins us to chat about connecting with our deeper selves through the act of making. Aidan is an amazing knitter and an enthusiastic beginner sewist with lots of great insight to share. We talk about sustainability, slow making, and just how awe-inspiring it is to create.
- Holy Cross Monastery
- Aidan is @knittingmonk on Instagram
- Aidan’s Youtube Podcast, A Maker’s Pilgrimage
- Purl Soho Traveling Cable Hand Warmers:
- Thread Theory Fairfield Button-up
- #menswearmakenine by @helloalliej
- #mensewtoo, #menwhosew
- Chart listing fabrics and their impact on the environment
- Katrina Rodabaugh, #makethriftmend
- Ronald Rolheiser
- Aidan’s Cabled Monster
- Aidan’s retreat: A Maker’s Pilgrimage
Follow Aidan! Youtube, Instagram: @knittingmonkFollow Helen! Blog: Helen’s Closet, Instagram: @helens__closetFollow Caroline! Shop: Blackbird Fabrics, Instagram: @blackbirdfabricsFollow the Podcast! Instagram: @lovetosew.podcast;, Twitter: @lovetosewpod;, Facebook: /LovetoSewPodLeave us a voicemail with your questions, comments, and feedback: 1-844-SEW-WHAT (1-844-739-9428)E-mail us: [email protected]Sign up for our newsletter to get weekly episode updates, special news, and even some exclusive content that you won’t find anywhere else.Leave us a review! It will help other sewists discover us.http://traffic.libsyn.com/lovetosew/LTS34.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
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1 hr 4 min - Episode 33: Creativity and Connection with Erin Dollar
Erin Dollar is on the podcast to talk about Cotton & Flax, her collection of handmade textile home goods. We chat about her unique aesthetic, her creative process, and her line of fabrics with Robert Kaufman. Erin prioritizes sustainability in her creative business and this year she is striving to connect with the creative community in a deeper way.
- Cotton & Flax
Cotton & Flax pillowsTea Towels, Napkins, Coasters, Notebooks- Arroyo fabric collection with Robert Kaufman:
- Robert Kaufman Essex
- LA Textile
- War on Waste documentary
- Intro to Screen Printing with Erin Dollar (on Creative Live)
- #arroyofabric instagram hashtag:
A post shared by Katie Emma (@katharineemma) on Mar 17, 2018 at 12:23pm PDT
A post shared by Rachel (@raincloudrachel) on Mar 14, 2018 at 11:21am PDT
A post shared by Modern Textiles (@moderntextiles) on Mar 7, 2018 at 12:03pm PST
A post shared by Erin Dollar – Cotton & Flax (@cottonandflax) on Feb 7, 2018 at 1:22pm PST
Follow Erin! Website: Cotton & Flax, Instagram: @cottonandflaxFollow Helen! Blog: Helen’s Closet, Instagram: @helens__closetFollow Caroline! Shop: Blackbird Fabrics, Instagram: @blackbirdfabricsFollow the Podcast! Instagram: @lovetosew.podcast, Twitter: @lovetosewpod, Facebook: /LovetoSewPodLeave us a voicemail with your questions, comments, and feedback: 1-844-SEW-WHAT (1-844-739-9428)E-mail us: [email protected]Sign up for our newsletter to get weekly episode updates, special news, and even some exclusive content that you won’t find anywhere else.Leave us a review! It will help other sewists discover us.http://traffic.libsyn.com/lovetosew/LTS33.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
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1 hr 3 min - Episode 32: Beginner Sewing
This episode is all about getting started with sewing! We recommend patterns, classes, and books for newbies, and explain lots of sewing techniques and fabric jargon. Find out what tools you need to get going and how to keep moving forward with your new sewing hobby!
- Kelly Anorak by Closet Case Patterns
- Blaire Shirt by Style Arc
- SMYLY Episode – Sewing Makes You Love Yourself
- Good beginner projects
- Tea Towel
- Pillow Cover
- Tote Bag
- Sewing techniques we covered:
- Seam allowance
- Notches
- Staystitching
- Basting (hand & machine)
- Pinning
- Clipping curves/corners
- Armscye
- Easing
- Pattern ease
- Understitching
- Pressing
- Fabric terms/jargon we covered:
- Selvage/selvedge
- Grainline
- Cross grain
- Bias
- Right/wrong side
- Interfacing
- Muslin
- Good beginner Patterns for women:
- Scout Tee by Grainline Studio
- Willow Tank by Grainline Studio
- Hollyburn Skirt by Sewaholic
- Rae Skirt by Sewaholic
- Wiksten Tank by Wiksten
- Miette Skirt by Tilly and the Buttons
- Bettine Dress by Tilly and the Buttons
- Springfield Top by Cashmerette
- Good beginner patterns for men:
- The Tee by Merchant and Mills
- Arrowsmith Shirt by Thread Theory
- Online sewing classes:
- Closet Case Patterns Classes
- Tilly and the Buttons Classes
- Cashmerette Sewing Classes
- Mimi G Sew It Academy
- Grainline Studio Sewalongs
- Sewing books
- Fit for Real People
- Sewtionary
- Singer Sewing Book
- Love at First Stitch
- Stretch!
- Shirtmaking
- Colette’s list of 50 sewing books
- Sewing tools you need to get started:
- Measuring tape
- Shears (We recommend Gingher or Kai)
- Marking tool (We love Clover chalco liners)
- Pins (We love glass head or clover)
- Needles (machine and hand sewing)
- Iron (Caroline loves this one)
- Ironing board
- Wonder tape
Follow Helen! Blog: Helen’s Closet, Instagram: @helens__closetFollow Caroline! Shop: Blackbird Fabrics, Instagram: @blackbirdfabricsFollow the Podcast! Instagram: @lovetosew.podcast;, Twitter: @lovetosewpod;, Facebook: /LovetoSewPodLeave us a voicemail with your questions, comments, and feedback: 1-844-SEW-WHAT (1-844-739-9428)E-mail us: [email protected]Sign up for our newsletter to get weekly episode updates, special news, and even some exclusive content that you won’t find anywhere else.Leave us a review! It will help other sewists discover us.http://traffic.libsyn.com/lovetosew/LTS32.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
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1 hr 1 min - Episode 31: Find Your Calling with Mimi GMimi G inspires us with stories from her journey to becoming a sewing celebrity. We chat about her pattern line with Simplicity, the Sew It Academy, her workshops, and more. Mimi G is passionate about sharing her knowledge with the world and encouraging the next generation to sew.
- Mimi G Style website
- Regal Skirt:
- Mimi G for Simplicity patterns:
- Vogue patterns, McCalls patterns
- instagram: @mimigstyle
- Noris Danta Ford:
- Sew Sew Def Magazine
- Sew It Academy
- Mimi G Conference
- Project Runway Junior
- Mimi G’s office tour:
- Interview with Jennifer Aniston:
- Interview with Gwen Stefani
- Mimi G’s Brooklyn pattern signing
- Brooklyn Craft Company
- Gary Vaynerchuck’s Crushing It
Follow Mimi G! Mimi G Style, Sew It Academy, Instagram: @mimigstyle, YouTube: Mimi G StyleFollow Helen! Blog: Helen’s Closet, Instagram: @helens__closetFollow Caroline! Shop: Blackbird Fabrics, Instagram: @blackbirdfabricsFollow the Podcast! Instagram: @lovetosew.podcast, Twitter: @lovetosewpod, Facebook: /LovetoSewPodLeave us a voicemail with your questions, comments, and feedback: 1-844-SEW-WHAT (1-844-739-9428)E-mail us: [email protected]Sign up for our newsletter to get weekly episode updates, special news, and even some exclusive content that you won’t find anywhere else.Leave us a review! It will help other sewists discover us.http://traffic.libsyn.com/lovetosew/LTS31.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
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1 hr 11 min - Episode 30: Our Very Special Favourites
We are sharing our favourite things with you! Hear about our favourite sewing tools, patterns, sewists in the community, and more. You’ll learn a little bit more about us in this very special episode and maybe discover something new!
- Baad Annas Wool & Yarn Shop
- Avery Leggings
- #makeyourstash sewing challenge from @timetosew and @pilar_bear – March-May, 2018:
- Threads Magazine guide to the fabric burn test:
- Steam shrinking using an iron – Sewaholic Blog
- Boiled Wool from Blackbird Fabrics
- Favourite Patterns
- Lander Pants by True Bias
- Ninni Culottes by Named
- Mandy Boat Tee by Tessuti
- Plantain Tee by Deer and Doe
- Berlin Jacket by Tessuti
- Laura’s version
- Jen Beeman’s version
- Kalle Shirtdress by Closet Case Patterns
- Nikko Sweater by True Bias
- Favourite Sewing Tools
- Mini Anvils!
- Duckbill Scissors
- Thimble
- Clover Chalco Liner
- Button Chisel
- Fray Check
- Seam Gauge
- Tailors Clapper
- Organza Press Cloth
- Clover flower head pins
- Glass head pins
- Favourite Bloggers/Instagrammers
- Beaute J’adore
- Tweed & Greet
- Self Assembly Required
- Sewing Like Mad
- @ebonyh
- @wearing_old_bones
- @michelleofatime
- @brittanyjjones
- Favourite episodes
- Episode 8: Achieving Big Goals with Kelli Ward
- Episode 18: Fearless Making with Jasika Nicole
- Episode 24: Sewing Makes You Love Yourself
- Episode 23: Face your sewing fears with Heather Lou
- Favourite Apps
- Any List
- Out of Milk
- Headspace
- Monument Valley
- Badland
- Alto’s Adventure
- Favourite Podcasts
- A Date with Dateline
- Crime Writers On
- New York Times Daily
- Being Boss
- Dear Sugars
- Call Your Girlfriend
- Here to Make Friends
- Caroline’s Favourite Food Blogs
- Smitten Kitchen – Chocolate Chunk Cookies
- Alexandra’s Kitchen – Green Meatless Balls
- Nom-nom Paleo – Cracklin’ Chicken
- Once upon a Chef – Granola, Caesar Salad
Photo from smittenkitchen.com
- Favourite Natural Makeup
- Living Libations
- Call Natural – Leave-in Conditioner
- Alima Pure – Satin Matte Foundation
- Red Apple Lipstick
- Favourite Netflix Shows
- Black Mirror
- Easy
- Shetland
- The end of the F***ing world
- Please Like Me
Follow Helen! Blog: Helen’s Closet, Instagram: @helens__closetFollow Caroline! Shop: Blackbird Fabrics, Instagram: @blackbirdfabricsFollow the Podcast! Instagram: @lovetosew.podcast;, Twitter: @lovetosewpod;, Facebook: /LovetoSewPodLeave us a voicemail with your questions, comments, and feedback: 1-844-SEW-WHAT (1-844-739-9428)E-mail us: [email protected]Sign up for our newsletter to get weekly episode updates, special news, and even some exclusive content that you won’t find anywhere else.Leave us a review! It will help other sewists discover us.http://traffic.libsyn.com/lovetosew/LTS30.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
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1 hr 10 min - Episode 29: Craft Real Magic with Rochelle New
Rochelle New is on the show to chat all about her sewing journey, pivoting in life and business, and her dog, Lucille! Rochelle is an amazing maker who designs all the prints and textiles for the items for sale in her online shop, Home Row Fiber Co. She loves sewing and knitting and creates truly unique items for crafters.
- Lucky Lucille
- Home Row Fiber Co.
- The town of Alfred, New York
- Colette Sewing Handbook:
- Erin – Miss Crayola Creepy
- Sarah – Rhinestones and Telephones
- Lucille’s Story
- Lucille’s Instagram
- Rochelle’s post on Lamellar Ichthyosis:
- Rochell’s Instagram post about pivoting in Business
Don’t underestimate how much time it takes to find your “thing”. There’s room for you. There’s room for you to grow and pivot and learn and start over and pivot and start over again and refine your skills, learn new ones, figure it out (and never quite figure it out) etc. Give yourself time. Invent your own definition of success. Never give up on that “thing” that you want above everything else. Never stop. Work at it constantly until it becomes tangible… and then keep never stopping.
- Rochelle’s Yarn Bowls:
- Craft Real Magic hands:
- Seamless side seams:
- Rochelle’s surface design:
- Spoonflower
- Rochelle’s designs on Spoonflower
- Home Row Fiber Co Wholesale
- 2018 Make Nine (#2018makenine)
- Rochelle’s Make Nine:
- 2018 Take Nine (#2018takenine)
- Home Row Fiber Co. Enamel Pins:
Rochelle is offering a 15% discount on your next order using the code lovetosew – homerowfiberco.comFollow Rochelle! Websites: Lucky Lucille, Home Row Fiber Co, Instagram: @homerowfibercoFollow Helen! Blog: Helen’s Closet, Instagram: @helens__closetFollow Caroline! Shop: Blackbird Fabrics, Instagram: @blackbirdfabricsFollow the Podcast! Instagram: @lovetosew.podcast;, Twitter: @lovetosewpod;, Facebook: /LovetoSewPodLeave us a voicemail with your questions, comments, and feedback: 1-844-SEW-WHAT (1-844-739-9428)E-mail us: [email protected]Sign up for our newsletter to get weekly episode updates, special news, and even some exclusive content that you won’t find anywhere else.Leave us a review! It will help other sewists discover us.http://traffic.libsyn.com/lovetosew/LTS29.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
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1 hr 18 min - Episode 28: Sewing Activewear with Johanna Lu
Johanna Lu is on the podcast to talk about her new book, Sewing Activewear! She shares tips and resources for sewists interested in sewing their own workout gear. We also chat about Johanna’s blog and Youtube channel, and her passion for sharing her sewing knowledge with the community.
- The Last Stitch
- Swedish pattern company: Gavanna Patterns
- Johanna’s Youtube channel: Last Stitch TV
- Trello
- How to become a sewing vlogger
- With Wendy youtube channel
- 80s skiwear
- James Bond skiwear in the sixties:
Source: Matt Spaiser and The Suits of James Bond
- Tools and supplies we discussed:
- Tailor’s awl (plus, Four ways to use a tailor’s awl for sewing on the Last Stitch)
- Thin water-soluble stabilizer or tear away
- Wooly nylon thread
- Clear elastic
- Fabric tips:
- Moisture-wicking fabric brand names: Supplex, Meryl, Dry Fit, Cool Max
- Look for 50% stretch or more
- Lyocell/Tencel
- Johanna’s new book: Sewing Activewear (Ebook/Paperback)
- Resources page: http://sewingactivewear.com
- Gumroad
- How to write, design (and self-publish!) a book while working full time
- Beginner sewing mistakes youtube video
Follow Johanna! Blog: The Last Stitch, Youtube: The Last Stitch TV, Instagram: @laststitch, Facebook group: Sewing ActivewearFollow Helen! Blog: Helen’s Closet, Instagram: @helens__closetFollow Caroline! Shop: Blackbird Fabrics, Instagram: @blackbirdfabricsFollow the Podcast! Instagram: @lovetosew.podcast, Twitter: @lovetosewpod, Facebook: /LovetoSewPodLeave us a voicemail with your questions, comments, and feedback: 1-844-SEW-WHAT (1-844-739-9428)E-mail us: [email protected]Sign up for our newsletter to get weekly episode updates, special news, and even some exclusive content that you won’t find anywhere else.Leave us a review! It will help other sewists discover us.http://traffic.libsyn.com/lovetosew/LTS28.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
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1 hr 10 min - Episode 27: Fabrics 101Today’s episode is all about fabric! We’re covering all the basics such as construction, content, weight, drape, and stretch. We also offer tips for successful fabric shopping online and in person.
- Helen’s new pattern: the Avery Leggings!
- The Avery Leggings are 20% off (no code required) until February 13th, 2018
- There is a great article about man-made fibres on Britannica
- Tencel
- Lycra
- Fashion Weight and Conversions article on Fabric Incubator
- Fabric Incubator’s downloadable gsm/oz conversion chart
- Demystifying Fabric Weight article on Indiesew / Allie Olson
- How to Calculate Stretch Percentage via Megan Nielsen (she also offers a free printable guide!)
- Penny Raglan by Grainline Studio
- Caroline’s Skillshare class: The Beginner’s Guide to Fashion Fabrics: Wovens
- Use this link to try Skillshare Premium free for 2 months: http://skl.sh/2loxXNC
- Fabrics A to Z by Dana Willard
- Claire Schaffer’s Fabric Sewing Guide
Indie online fabric shops:
- La Mercerie (US)
- Indie Sew (US)
- Threadbare Fabrics (US)
- Stonemountain & Daughter (US)
- The Fabric Store (US, AU, NZ)
- Mood (US)
- Tessuti (AU)
- Fabric Drop (NZ)
- Miss Matatabi (JP)
- Fabric Godmother (UK)
- Sew Over It (UK)
- Guthrie & Ghani (UK)
- Blackbird Fabrics (CA)
- Earth Indigo (CA)
- Thread Theory (CA)
Follow Helen! Blog: Helen’s Closet, Instagram: @helens__closetFollow Caroline! Shop: Blackbird Fabrics, Instagram: @blackbirdfabricsFollow the Podcast! Instagram: @lovetosew.podcast, Twitter: @lovetosewpod, Facebook: /LovetoSewPodLeave us a voicemail with your questions, comments, and feedback: 1-844-SEW-WHAT (1-844-739-9428)E-mail us: [email protected]Sign up for our newsletter to get weekly episode updates, special news, and even some exclusive content that you won’t find anywhere else.Leave us a review! It will help other sewists discover us.http://traffic.libsyn.com/lovetosew/LTS27.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
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59 min - Episode 26: Workroom Social with Jennifer Wiese
This week we are chatting with Jennifer Wiese, owner of Workroom Social in Brooklyn, New York. Jennifer joins us to chat about running sewing classes and retreats, creating a custom line of fashion fabrics, and finding your personal style. We also touch on the struggles of running a small business and how we are all going at our own pace.
- Workroom Social
- Camp Workroom Social
- FIT – Fashion Institute of Technology
- Kelli Ward – True Bias Emerson Crop Pants
- Wardrobe Architect
- Curated Closet
- Janome Sewing Machines
- Miramar Fabric Line – 100% Rayon
- Whitney Crutchfield – We Gather
- Kelli Ward – True Bias
- Miramar splatter print repeat:
- Miramar weave print:
- Miramar lemon print:
- Drape 1001 blouse pattern:
- Camp Workroom Social
- Frost Valley YMCA
- Tim Ferris Tools of Titans
Follow Jennifer! Websites: Workroom Social, Camp Workroom Social. Instagram: @workroomsocialFollow Helen! Blog: Helen’s Closet, Instagram: @helens__closetFollow Caroline! Shop: Blackbird Fabrics, Instagram: @blackbirdfabricsFollow the Podcast! Instagram: @lovetosew.podcast;, Twitter: @lovetosewpod;, Facebook: /LovetoSewPodLeave us a voicemail with your questions, comments, and feedback: 1-844-SEW-WHAT (1-844-739-9428)E-mail us: [email protected]Sign up for our newsletter to get weekly episode updates, special news, and even some exclusive content that you won’t find anywhere else.Leave us a review! It will help other sewists discover us.http://traffic.libsyn.com/lovetosew/LTS26.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
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1 hr 16 min
About Love to Sew
From the publisher's feed
Helen Wilkinson and Caroline Somos host Love to Sew, a fun weekly podcast about making clothes, sewing community, and small business. They talk (and laugh) about their passion for sewing a handmade…
wardrobe and their daily lives as creative entrepreneurs. Listen to interviews with indie business owners and inspiring sewists who totally understand your obsession with sewing.