As sewists, we know a lot about finished fabrics - but how much do we know about how they get made? In this episode, we walk you through all the steps of the fabric-making process, from raw materials to finished bolts. We also cover ethical considerations, fabric certifications, and how finished fabrics get from factories to your doorstep.

Show Notes

Samantha (aka @purplesewingcloud) is a sewist known for her fun, colourful makes. In this episode, we chat with her about mixing prints, incorporating patchwork into garments, and how to make the sewing community more accessible. Sam also shares the design process for her handmade wedding dress, her personal accessibility strategies, and how to do foundation paper piecing.

Show Notes

Every month on Patreon, we release a mini-episode for our patrons at the "Love to Sew Superfan" level! These episodes are short versions of our main episodes. We have done episodes on sewing techniques, fabric deep dives, and pattern ideas. We often make episodes based on questions or topics from our patrons! Patrons at this level also get 15% off discount codes to Helen's Closet and Blackbird Fabrics.  ⁠ In this free mini-episode, we share five methods for making a dress form that looks just like you! We also discuss the pros and cons of each method, talk about how sewists use dress forms, and admit our fears of getting trapped in duct tape.  ⁠ If you like this mini-episode and want more, consider supporting us on Patreon! Click the link below to sign up. Our patrons are the reason we are able to make quality sewing content. Thank you, patrons! ⁠

Love to Sew Patreon

Show Notes: 

• “Quick and Easy Duct Tape Dress Form” in Threads Magazine
• “Close-Fit Duct Tape Dress Form” in Threads Magazine
• “Learn to Make a Paper-Tape Dress Form” by David Page Coffin in Threads Magazine
• Gummed Paper Tape
• “Molded Papier-Mâché Form” in Threads Magazine
• “Create a Custom Dress Form” by Judith Neukam in Threads Magazine
• DIY Dress Form Sewing Patterns by Bootstrap Patterns
• Mel’s Bootstrap Patterns Dress Form Process Instagram Reel
• “Padding a Dress Form As Your Body Double: A Condensed Guide” by Brooks Ann Camper
• Episode 56: Hand Sewing with Brooks Ann Camper

Take your sewing to the next level by learning how to draft patterns! In this episode, we list the materials you need, give you an overview of the drafting process, and share resources to help you learn this skill. Also, Helen tells the story of her business, Helen’s Closet Patterns! 

Show Notes

Kat Brown Akootchook is a Native American artist and designer who blends contemporary and traditional with a wink and a smile! We chat with her about her wonderful work in many mediums: beadwork, sewing, block printing, and hide tanning.

Show Notes

March's bonus episode is full of adventure! Caroline went on a dangerous hike and saw a bobcat in her yard; Helen tried basket making and signed up for a pottery course. Plus: exciting Helen's Closet news, Caroline's wedding guest dress, tons of cool pattern releases, and a tool that will keep your fabric from twisting and bunching up in the washer and dryer.

If you like this episode and want more, consider signing up for our patreon! For $5 USD, will get a bonus episode every month, plus weekly behind-the-scenes photo posts.

Click here to visit our Patreon!

Show notes:

Sewing Patterns:

• Sam Apron by Helen’s Closet
• March Top and Dress by Helen’s Closet
• Elodie Wrap Dress by Closet Core
• Cameron Button-Up by Helen’s Closet
• Avery Leggings by Helen’s Closet
• Daughter Judy
• Adams Pant by Daughter Judy
• Bowen Dress by Kim Sisson of Hubba Ding for Peppermint Magazine
• Sofia Sweetheart Knit Dress and Top by Staystitch Pattern Co.
• Sew it Yourself by Daisy Braid Pre-Order
• Cashmerette Club
• Kimball Bomber Jacket by Cashmerette
• Clove Vest by Charlotte Emma Patterns
• Hyde T-Shirt by Muna and Broad
• Nova Star Quilt by Then Came June

Other Mentions:

• Lost Ruins of Arnak
• Noble Blood Podcast
• Calico 
• Emily Van Hoff
• The Great Pottery Throw Down
• Dune
• Supergoop Glowscreen
• Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance Lotion
• Wad-Free
• Yoga with Adriene

For our 200th episode, we asked our listeners the question we ask all our guests: “How did you learn to sew?” In this episode, we share some of the many great responses we got - funny, touching stories of discovering this skill we all love.

Show Notes

Donny Hoang (aka Donny Q) is a sewing influencer and microbiologist with a unique, textural personal style. In this episode, we chat with him about self-drafting, taking great photos, working with leafcutter ants, and his dream style aesthetic: looking like a pile of unfolded laundry.

Show Notes

It has pockets! We cover patch pockets, in-seam pockets, slash pockets, and welt pockets. Plus: a short history of pockets, iconic pocket patterns, and tons of pocket tips!

Show Notes

This episode was originally released on August 19, 2019. In this Love to Sew Favourite, we talk about everything denim! What do denim weights mean? How do I choose the right denim for my project? What is selvage denim? We cover it all!