Stitch Wish Radio

Let's explore the transformative power of sketchbooks - this isn’t just about drawing; it’s about making room for your creativity and transforming that daunting blank page into a canvas for your imagination.

Learn some methods of working in your sketchbook that will help you to get moving in spite of fear, break out of blocks and perfectionism, and elevate your creative practice. Whether you're embroidering, drawing, or simply dreaming, this episode will help with the fear of "but WHAT do I DRAW?!" when you crack open that big blank book.

Magic Threads Embroidery Course

Enchanted Blooms Stitch Series

In this episode, we'll explore how cloth is made, the journey from fiber to fabric, and how that influences how clothes are made. As we trace the history of clothing, we'll discover how this technology has influenced just about every part of our lives.

This was the wormhole that led me to create my soft work intuitive garment design course (my plan was to more deeply study how clothing was made throughout time to connect it to how we can more easily make clothes in the current age and… what I ending up doing was studying everything from agriculture to mythology to pottery) but there’s so much interesting history that got left out that I wanted to share it here.

Mentioned in this episode:
FREE live class: 6 Secrets to Simple and Stylish Sewing
Soft Work: Intuitive Garment Design Course
Kassia St. Clair's "The Golden Thread"
E.W. Barber's "Women's Work"
Fibershed Article on ancient sheep

This episode shares clips from interviews that I’ve done with some amazing artists, talking about inspiration, and the artistic process, and all sorts of good stuff.

These interviews took place over the spring on Knit a Spell podcast and the Making and Mending podcast - if you haven't already tuned into these, hope you enjoy these snippets!

Mixed Color Monthly Membership (closes August 9th and doesn't open again until November!)
Knit a Spell Podcast
Making and Mending Rituals Podcast

p.s. Why am I closing the membership doors? 

I prefer to spend my time creating new lessons rather than trying to create new promotions (all of my business buddies out there know how this feels!) and I'd honestly rather not be hitting you up every month about it!

I’m SO excited about this interview, Sergio and Eric have done the incredible work of not just reinvisioning an industry in their heads, not just casting a better future for fashion, but turning that into a reality and creating a sustainable system within which others can pull from as well.

Made X Hudson is a sustainability-driven fashion company with a small-batch factory and two retail stores in New York’s Hudson Valley,
 
They share their journey of creating a unique, vertically integrated small batch atelier in Catskill and Hudson, New York. Tune in to learn how they bring manufacturing back to the States, training a new workforce, and maintaining a strong emphasis on ethical and sustainable practices.

Mentioned in this episode:
Made X Hudson
SNL Shein Skit
Suay in L.A. 
Mixed Color Monthly Stitch Membership (open  until August 8th) 

My Monthly Stitch Membership is OPEN until July 12th!

The assumption is often that I’m naturally creative, that I spend all my time making art. The reality is - I research and write and teach about creativity BECAUSE it’s hard for me. 

This past few years has been especially challenging, but I've got a few tricks up my sleeve...

In this episode, I've shared some ideas for getting back into your practice after a hiatus, getting more consistent with your creative practice (and why you should!), and working through the resistance and doubt that comes up! 

Why I don’t always use sewing patterns, and sometimes make clothes like this instead… even works for beginners! (watch this on YouTube!) 

Mentioned in this episode:
Soft Work Course - $50 off until MAY 20th at midnight!! Use code 50FORYOU
Episode 11 - Considering the Cuts of Our Cloth
Episode 29 - Zero Waste Patternmaking

I’m so excited to share this interview with Pamela Mayer, a patternmaker, clothing designer, and owner of the local boutique Mayer Wasner which specializes in modern day heirlooms with a focus on clothing made responsibly and ethically.

We talk about the joys of making clothes, developing personal style, the evolution of our personal philosophies throughout life and how that is reflected in our businesses, and sustainability choices that happen not only as a shop owner, but also how to continue making those sustainable choices after we bring clothing home.

Mentioned in this Episode:
Mayer Wasner Website + Instagram
Soft Work Intuitive Garment Design Course (goes on sale later this month!)
Sign up for my newsletter (scroll to bottom of page)

Brands / Companies Mentioned:
Gary Graham
J. Morgan Puett (more current info here)
Wolhide
Ace and Jig
Indi and Ash
Sally Fox Colorgrown Cotton
Lauren Manoogian
Cal Patch 

Repurposing and upcycling is a revolutionary act of creativity and resourcefulness. These actions embody the spirit of transformation, taking garments worn and weathered and breathing new life into their tired fibers.

This episode talks about my favorite methods for upcycling garments, how I manage all the fabric from garments that are too far gone to save, and some new methods on my list to try!

Links:
Watch on YouTube for all the visuals! 

Mythic creatures stitchalong submission!

Taproot Magazine with article on patchwork

Mending Zine + sign up for my newsletter

Patchwork article on my blog (Part 1 and Part 2)

Tshirt loom from Like Minded Objects 

Sharing some new and old concepts for Zero-Waste patternmaking ideas, and a few of my favorite book recommendations for learning more! Want to see some visuals for this episode? Check out the YouTube version. 

Soft Work Course
Cut My Cote - Dorothy K Burnham
Zero Waste Patterns - Birgitta Helmersson
More on Luddites (machine breakers)

My recommendations for better getting to know what is already in your closet so you can make the best choices for you and your wardrobe (no, I'm not going to tell you you can't shop - but these tips will ensure you shop wisely!)

Psst... these episodes are now also able to be watched as YouTube videos! See my channel here. 

Mentioned in this episode:
Soft Work Intuitive Garment Design Course 

Latest Mending Tutorial (on Blog) + Free Mending Zine