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In this vibrant episode of the Sewing Social podcast, Gemma Daly sits down with the brilliant Gay, founder of Lived In, to explore the creative world of clothing repair and the powerful movement behind it.

Gay takes us on a journey through her love for sewing, her deep-rooted passion for sustainability, and the transformative art of visible mending—especially using the striking Japanese technique of Sashiko. 

With stories from her own path and the students she mentors, she busts common myths about repairs, champions the beauty of vintage clothing, and reveals why repair artists are essential voices in the fashion industry.

From changing consumer habits to breathing new life into forgotten garments, this episode is packed with inspiration, insight, and heart. Stay tuned to hear about Gay’s upcoming projects and her unique approach to empowering the next generation of menders.

Key Take Aways: 

• Gay learned to sew at a young age from her mother.
• Her passion for clothing repair stems from her experience in the vintage fashion sector.
• Visible mending techniques like Sashiko add character to clothing.
• Repairing clothes is about preserving stories and memories.
• Gay's business model includes home visits and postal services for repairs.
• She enjoys working with vintage clothing due to its history and quality.
• Shifting consumer mindsets is crucial for sustainable fashion.
• Common repairs like zipper fixes are often easier than people think.
• Teaching repair skills to students is one of the most rewarding parts of her job.
• Mentoring other repair artists helps build a supportive community. 

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Guest details: 

Instagram: @lived_in_clothes

Website: www.livedinclothes.co.uk

Email: [email protected]

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gay and Her Journey in Sewing

01:44 The Passion for Clothing Repair and Sustainability

03:50 Techniques and Styles in Clothing Repair

06:46 How Gay's Business Operates

07:58 Types of Garments and Personal Connections

10:26 Shifting Mindsets on Fashion Consumption

11:28 Common Misconceptions in Clothing Repairs

12:26 Unique Projects and Personal Stories

15:23 Teaching and Mentoring the Next Generation

17:25 The Rewards of Advocacy and Skill Sharing

18:00 Essential Tools for a Repair Artist

18:58 Advice for Those Considering Repairs

20:39 The Art of Repairing Clothing

22:31 The Value of Quality in Fashion

24:29 Mentoring Other Repair Artists

27:12 Future Plans and Opportunities

28:37 Fun Rapid-Fire Questions

30:14 Where to Find Gay and Closing Thoughts

30:46 End of the show - share the show with a friend