The Sewing Social

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What does it take to turn a passion for sewing into a career in fashion at just 19 years old?

In this episode of The Sewing Social Podcast, host Gemma Daly chats with Adam Raillard, the young fashion designer and founder of The Kong Is Dead. 

Having taught himself to sew through trial, error and plenty of experimentation, Adam has gone on to launch his own fashion brand and showcase his collections at London Fashion Week.

Adam shares the story behind his journey into fashion design, how he developed his own creative style, and what it's really like building an independent fashion label from scratch. 

We get behind the scenes of creating a runway collection, the challenges of putting on a fashion show and the realities of turning creative ambition into a business.

We also explore the importance of sewing skills, quality craftsmanship and buying clothes more thoughtfully in an industry often driven by fast fashion and throwaway trends.

Whether you're interested in sewing, fashion design, starting your own creative business or discovering the next generation of emerging designers, this is an inspiring conversation about ambition, creativity and making your mark in fashion.

Key Topics: 

• Adam Raillard began sewing from scratch in his bedroom, learning through YouTube and spending a week making his first pair of jeans
• The Kong Is Dead grew from Adam’s desire to give his creative work a unifying signature; its name came from a phone note sketch and a happy misreading by his father.
• Studying Creative Direction for Fashion at London College of Fashion taught Adam to think about audiences, even as he became clear that making clothes is his priority.
• Growing up between Singapore, Paris, and London shaped his attention to considered styling, fabric quality, and how garments sit on the body.
• His Minus One runway presentation used bold, provocative, largely non-wearable pieces to introduce the brand’s visual world and make people react.
• Adam describes the hidden labor behind a show: venue, PR, models, fittings, music, styling, makeup, lighting, sound, and last-minute fixes.
• A Velespace wearable-tech collaboration complemented his futuristic streetwear vision and his view that people want to personalize what they wear.
• He challenges social-media portrayals of fashion-brand success, noting that early revenue is reinvested and running a brand can mean working harder, not living lavishly.
• Adam’s long-term ambition is to make The Kong Is Dead a leading reference for high-quality streetwear that crosses into high fashion.

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Website and studio details: www.thedalythreadstudio.com

If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 

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Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:

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The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Affiliate Links:

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     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

• Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/

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Guest Details: 

Instagram: @adamraillard

                  : @the.kong.is.dead

Tiktok: @adamraillard

           :@the.kong.is.dead

Chapters:

00:00 Meet Adam Raillard, the 19-year-old founder of The Kong Is Dead

01:00 Teaching himself to sew with a first pair of jeans

03:14 Finding joy in design, fabric, and making

04:03 How a tight budget sparked creative workarounds

05:36 Fashion communications and choosing a creative path

08:07 Parisian style, silhouette, and choosing the right fabric

10:13 The accidental story behind The Kong Is Dead

13:06 Minus One: creating a provocative runway identity

16:43 The hidden work behind producing a fashion show

19:49 Wearable tech and fashion’s push toward individuality

22:29 The reality of money and work in a new fashion brand

24:05 Buying better, making clothes last, and rethinking fashion

31:31 The future Adam wants for The Kong Is Dead

32:52 Quick-fire sewing choices and advice to his younger self

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In this episode of The Sewing Social Podcast, Gemma Daly is joined by Alice O’Connell, founder of Learn to Knit, to chat about creativity, career changes and the unexpected ways a hobby can shape your life.

With over 20 years’ experience teaching knitting, Alice shares how she went from working as an actress to building a business around her love of making. We talk about the calming benefits of knitting, the confidence that comes from learning something new, and why it’s so important to let yourself be a beginner and embrace the mistakes along the way.

Alice also opens up about her experience of breast cancer and how knitting helped her find comfort, connection and a sense of normality through a difficult time. We finish by exploring sustainable crafting, making more thoughtful choices with materials, and finding joy in creating something by hand.

Whether you’re an experienced knitter, a complete beginner or simply looking for a little more creativity in your life, there’s plenty to take away from this conversation.

Key Topics: 

• Alice describes a 14-year acting career and how knitting began as a calming way to spend time on set.
• A chance suggestion from an assistant director led Alice to learn from her mother, books, and plenty of trial and error.
• After moving from London to Amsterdam, Alice gave herself space to shift from acting toward teaching and knitting.
• Learn to Knit grew from informal lessons into online classes and personalized tutorials for students around the world.
• Alice shares her breast cancer diagnosis in 2024, treatment, and how knitting helped her manage anxiety and feel connected to herself.
• She says beginner confidence is often held back by perfectionism, and encourages learners to celebrate early progress and build skills through small projects.
• Alice explains how repetitive handcraft can provide a slower, soothing rhythm and fit into everyday moments.
• She suggests secondhand yarn, charity-shop sweaters, and asking questions about materials as more sustainable ways to craft.
• Alice previews plans to bring knitting to unexpected spaces, including a cinema, and to experiment with beads and unconventional materials.

Follow me: 

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Website and studio details: www.thedalythreadstudio.com

If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 

Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod

Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:

[email protected]

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 

The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Affiliate Links:

• Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com

     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

• Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/

     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Guest Details: 

Website: www.learntoknit.nl

Instagram: @learntoknitonline

Chapters

00:00 Meet Alice O’Connell, actor turned knitting teacher

03:10 A chance suggestion sparks Alice’s knitting journey

06:14 From teaching friends to becoming Amsterdam’s knitting teacher

08:04 Leaving London and making room for a new creative identity

13:15 How Learn to Knit grew from in-person lessons to global classes

17:53 Why Alice teaches beginners with DK yarn and 4 mm needles

19:17 Breast cancer, early detection, and knitting through treatment

26:03 Knitting as portable, calming, everyday craft

30:10 How perfectionism keeps beginners from celebrating progress

34:01 Small projects, mistakes, and building creative confidence

37:06 Why slow crafts can restore attention and energy

39:39 Secondhand yarn and more sustainable making

43:41 Taking knitting to cinemas and other unexpected places

45:14 Alice’s knitting favourites and where to find her

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In this episode of The Sewing Social Podcast, Gemma Daly chats with Mila Moiso, co-founder and co-owner of Tauko Magazine, the international sewing magazine celebrating independent designers, creative sewing and the joy of making your own clothes.

Mila shares her journey from working in the sustainable fashion industry to launching Tauko Magazine with her childhood friend Kaisa Rissanen. Having spent over a decade running their own fashion label, they discovered a new way to support creativity and independent designers by creating a sewing publication that brings together talented makers and diverse perspectives from around the world.

We explore the relationship between sewing and sustainability, discussing how making your own clothes can change the way you think about fashion, consumption and the resources involved in producing garments. Mila explains why sewing, mending and making can help us become more conscious consumers and develop a deeper appreciation for the time and skill behind the clothes we wear.

We also discuss clothing as a form of storytelling and self-expression, the importance of diversity in sewing pattern design, and the creative community that has grown around Tauko Magazine.

Whether you're passionate about sustainable fashion, independent sewing patterns, dressmaking or simply finding inspiration for your next sewing project, this is a fascinating conversation about the value of making things for yourself.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Mila learned to sew growing up in Finland.
• The journey from running a sustainable fashion brand to launching Tauko Magazine.
• Why making your own clothes can encourage more sustainable fashion choices.
• The connection between sewing, creativity and self-expression.
• How clothing can communicate stories and personal identity.
• The importance of showcasing diverse designers and perspectives.
• Behind the scenes of creating an international sewing magazine.
• Finding inspiration for garment making in everyday life.
• Building a supportive and creative sewing community.

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If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 

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Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:

[email protected]

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 

The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Affiliate Links:

• Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com

     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

• Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/

     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Guest Details:

Tauko is an international sewing magazine based in Helsinki and Berlin, founded by Mila Moiso and Kaisa Rissanen. It brings together independent sewing pattern designers, inspiring photography, thoughtful articles and creative ideas for the home sewing community.

Discover more about Tauko Magazine through their website and explore their collection of inspiring sewing patterns and publications.

Website: www.taukomagazine.com

Instagram: @taukomagazine

Chapters

00:00 Meet Mila Moiso, Tauko’s co-founder
02:09 A childhood friendship built around making
03:01 How clothing became a storytelling medium
05:02 What a decade in sustainable fashion taught Mila
08:14 Finnish culture, scarcity, and consuming less
11:26 Does sewing make consumption more sustainable?
13:00 Finding lasting reward in making and mending
15:09 The pivot from fashion label to sewing magazine
20:01 Why the name Tauko means a pause
22:02 Behind the scenes of editing an issue
26:40 The denim issue and trusting the community
28:00 Why Tauko makes space for many designers
29:28 Mila’s design philosophy and sources of inspiration
31:33 Future workshops and the sewing this-or-that game

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What happens when fashion design dreams take an unexpected turn? In this episode, Rosie Briscoe, better known as The Linen Thief, shares her creative journey into upcycling, thrift flips and sustainable sewing.

Rosie explores how second-hand fabrics and pre-loved clothing can be transformed into unique, wearable pieces through creativity, experimentation and a willingness to think differently about fashion. She discusses the importance of sustainability, making the most of what you already have, and finding inspiration in unexpected places.

Whether you're passionate about sewing, love hunting for charity shop bargains, or want to embrace a more sustainable approach to fashion, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you rethink your wardrobe and discover the possibilities of upcycling.

In this episode, we explore:

• Rosie's journey from fashion design ambitions to becoming The Linen Thief.
• How upcycling and thrift flips turn pre-loved clothing into something new.
• Sustainable fashion and reducing textile waste through creative reuse.
• Finding inspiration in second-hand fabrics and forgotten garments.
• Building sewing confidence through experimentation and creativity.
• The importance of community, shared knowledge and support in sewing.
• Why you don't need to buy new to create something original.

Follow me: 

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If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 

Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod

Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:

[email protected]

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 

The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Affiliate Links:

• Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com

     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

• Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/

     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Guest Details: 

Instagram: @linen_thief

Tiktok: @linen_thief

Facebook: @linen_thief

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rosie and her sewing journey
02:20 Starting sewing during lockdown and learning through trial and error
07:14 The moment Rosie realised her niche in thrift flips
11:30 The story behind the Linen Thief name and brand identity
16:49 Most unpromising garments turned into brilliant creations
22:21 Learning to see potential in fabrics and garments
25:37 What draws Rosie to designer fashion and its details
30:50 Rosie's thoughts on sustainability and secondhand shopping
38:53 Rosie's upcoming project: a photo shoot collection
41:25 Rosie's plans for a new creative collection
43:41 Where to find Rosie online and community support

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In this episode of The Sewing Social, I’m joined by Chris Wincott (Haus of Wincott) to talk about his journey from experimenting with sewing as a child to developing his own ideas around fashion, textiles and design.

You might recognise Chris from M&S: Dress the Nation, but his creative journey goes much further than the show. We talk about how his early experiences with sewing developed into a passion for fashion, and how his own experiences have influenced the work he wants to create.

Chris has a particular interest in using fashion and textiles to start conversations around men's mental health, as well as exploring how clothing can be more innovative, sustainable and responsive. We chat about the ideas behind some of his projects, the role that sustainability plays in his work, and why clothing can be about so much more than simply what we wear.

We also talk about what happens after appearing on a TV competition and deciding to build something for yourself. Chris is now developing his own fashion house, Haus Of Wincott, and shares his ambitions for the brand and where he wants to take his work next.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Chris's journey into sewing and fashion
• His experience on M&S: Dress the Nation
• Designing textiles with a focus on men's mental health
• Sustainability and making fashion more thoughtfully
• Innovative and reactive clothing
• How personal experiences influence creative work
• Building Haus Of Wincott
• The relationship between fashion, identity and wellbeing
• What it really means to build a career as an independent designer

Follow me: 

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If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 

Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod

Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:

[email protected]

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 

The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Affiliate Links:

• Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com

     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

• Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/

     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Guest Details: 

Instagram: @hausofwincott

                  : @lilsibwinnie

Website: www.hausofwincott.com

Podcast: That's Sew Fashion

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Chris's background in fashion
01:57 Early influences and childhood sewing experiments
03:26 Studying textiles and fashion, and final collection themes
04:53 Designing for men's mental health and emotional wellbeing
05:59 Innovations in reactive and sensory clothing
07:51 Color psychology and mood regulation in fashion
10:59 Experience on M&S Dress the Nation and lessons learned
16:10 Most proud moment on the TV show and overcoming pressure
18:01 Building Haus of Wincott and future vision
21:08 Sustainable fashion week collection and inspiration
25:02 Upcoming projects, collaborations, and podcast
33:03 Final thoughts, advice, and where to find Chris

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What does it take to turn a love of sewing into a successful sewing pattern and fabric business?

In this episode of The Sewing Social, I’m joined by Clair and Charlotte from Emporia Patterns to talk about their journey through the sewing world - from their early experiences with making and dressmaking to building an independent pattern and fabric business.

We chat about designing sewing patterns, the hardships of a small business and  how the sewing community has evolved alongside the rise of The Great British Sewing Bee.

Clair and Charlotte share what they’ve learnt along the way, how their approach to pattern design has developed, and what it’s really like turning something you love into a business.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How Clair and Charlotte first discovered sewing and dressmaking
• The journey from sewing enthusiast to independent sewing pattern designer
• How Emporia Patterns came to be
• What goes into creating and developing a sewing pattern
• Building a sewing business and connecting with the sewing community
• How The Great British Sewing Bee has influenced the world of sewing
• The changing landscape of the independent sewing pattern industry
• Finding your own creative style
• The realities of running a small creative business
• What keeps them excited about sewing and making

If you love sewing, dressmaking, indie sewing patterns, fabric and The Great British Sewing Bee, this is one to listen to.

Follow me: 

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If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 

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Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:

[email protected]

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 

The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Affiliate Links:

• Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com

     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

• Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/

     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Guest Details: 

Website: www.emporia-fabric.co.uk

Instagram: @emporia_patterns

                  : @emporia_designer

                  : @lottejamiesoncrafts

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Clair and Charlotte from Emporia Patterns
00:10 Early sewing stories and childhood influences
00:14 Clair's background in costume and clothing technology
00:16 The growth of the fabric shop and pattern business
00:17 Impact of COVID and online community support
00:21 Business challenges and fabric sale during tough times
00:27 Moving from shop to office and back to home
00:34 The importance of honesty and sharing struggles
00:54 Pattern development process and creative collaboration
01:02 The role of the Great British Sewing Bee and community
01:25 Favourite patterns and design inspirations
01:27 Future plans and hopes for Emporia Patterns

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Neil O’Dwyer has had anything but a conventional career. In this episode of The Sewing Social, Neil shares his unconventional journey from banking to tailoring, teaching and storytelling, and the unexpected role that sewing has played along the way.

We talk about what first drew Neil to tailoring and sewing, making a career change later in life, and how a series of unexpected opportunities led him from one career to the next. From working in banking to becoming a tailor, making lingerie for strippers, working as a film extra and eventually teaching maths and sewing, Neil’s career has taken some surprising turns.

Neil also talks about his storytelling show, Banker, Tailor, Teacher, Guy, and the experiences that inspired it. We explore creativity, learning new skills, changing careers and saying yes to opportunities, even when you don't know exactly where they might lead.

It's a conversation about work, sewing, creativity and finding your way — with a reminder that there isn't necessarily one right career path, and that it's never too late to learn something new or take things in a completely different direction.

Key Topics: 

• Neil’s diverse career journey from banking to tailoring to teaching and storytelling
• The importance of saying yes to opportunities and embracing change
• How creativity can be a lifelong pursuit and a career path
• Experiences at Saville Row and the impact on Neil’s skills
• Using storytelling to inspire students and share life lessons
• Neil’s involvement in Edinburgh Fringe and clown courses
• The value of networking and connections in career development
• Advice for those considering career changes and pursuing passions

Follow me: 

Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod

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If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 

Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod

Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:

[email protected]

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 

The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Affiliate Links:

• Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com

     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

• Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/

     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Guest Details: 

Instagram: @uphereimalreadythere

                    @bankertailorteacherguy

Substack: Career Escapism

Chapters

00:00 Neil’s diverse career journey from banking to storytelling
01:53 The leap from banking to tailoring inspired by a friend
03:55 Training at Newham College and working on Savile Row
06:02 Experiences working at Savile Row and self-training
08:07 Transitioning from tailoring to film and fashion projects
09:57 Storytelling at Edinburgh Fringe and performing on stage
11:53 The importance of saying yes and embracing new experiences
13:54 Neil’s advice for career changers and lifelong learning
15:50 Using storytelling to inspire students and share life lessons
18:02 Balancing creativity with teaching and everyday life
19:54 Upcoming projects and future plans for Neil

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What happens when a passion for sewing grows into a platform designed to help sewists make more sustainable choices?

In this episode of The Sewing Social, Caroline Bacle joins us to talk about her journey from Montreal to London, her love of sewing and dressmaking, and the story behind Destasher - a platform created to help sewists give unwanted fabrics, sewing patterns, haberdashery and other sewing supplies a second life.

Caroline shares how her own experiences as a sewist led her to think differently about the amount of fabric and sewing supplies we accumulate, and how Destasher has grown into a community where sewists can buy, sell, share and discover materials that might otherwise go unused.

We chat about sustainable sewing, slow fashion, fabric destashing and the sewing community, as well as the challenges of building a platform around a community of people who love to make their own clothes.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Caroline's journey from Montreal to London
• How she discovered her passion for sewing and dressmaking
• The story behind Destasher
• Why sewists end up with so much fabric and sewing stash
• Fabric destashing and giving unwanted materials a second life
• The connection between sewing, slow fashion and conscious consumption
• Building a community around sewing and making
• The challenges of creating a platform for the sewing community
• Why sharing resources can be an important part of more sustainable sewing
• What she has learned from the sewing community along the way
• The future of Destasher and where Caroline hopes to take it next

Follow me: 

Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod

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If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 

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Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:

[email protected]

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 

The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Affiliate Links:

• Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com

     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

• Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/

     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Guest Details: 

Instagram: @destasher_uk

Website: www.destasher.co.uk

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Caroline Bacle and her sewing journey
00:52 How lockdown sparked Caroline’s passion for sewing
02:03 The story behind Destasher and its community focus
02:59 Upcoming sewing events and initiatives
04:09 Tips for managing your sewing stash
05:06 The importance of sustainability and storytelling in textiles
06:00 Caroline’s future vision for Destasher
07:04 Closing thoughts and how to connect with Caroline

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In this episode of The Sewing Social, Lydia Finney (known online as "Lovely Lydia") talks about her journey into fabric printing, dressmaking and making clothes, exploring the technical skills and creative processes behind her work.

We chat about combining traditional sewing and textile techniques with modern creativity, developing confidence as a maker, and why craft should be accessible and inclusive to everyone - whatever your experience or skill level.

From fabric design and printing to dressmaking and the realities of learning new sewing skills, Lydia shares what she has discovered along the way and what continues to inspire her as a maker.

Whether you're new to sewing, an experienced dressmaker, or simply interested in fabric and textiles, this episode is full of inspiration and practical insight.

Key Topics: 

• Lydia's transition from civil service to fabric printing and dressmaking
• The importance of technical skills in sewing and printing
• How to combine fabric printing with garment making
• The role of colour and pattern in personal style
• Opportunities for craft education and inclusivity in the community
• The process of lino and woodblock printing for textiles
• Upcycling garments with fabric printing
• Overcoming self-doubt and celebrating craft achievements

Follow me: 

Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod

                     @thedalythread

Tiktok: thesewingsocialpod

If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 

Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod

Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:

[email protected]

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 

The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Affiliate Links:

• Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com

     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

• Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/

     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Guest Details: 

Instagram: @lovely_._lydia

                  : @she_who_sews

Website: www.lovelylydia.co.uk

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction to Lydia Finney and her creative background
04:05 Discovering vintage Bernina and early sewing experiences
07:22 The technical complexity of dressmaking and its artistry
08:08 The reality of making mistakes and sharing imperfect work
09:23 The importance of craftsmanship in mass-produced clothing
11:22 Lydia's career before craft and her move to Suffolk
12:47 Everyone's creative potential and opportunities for craft
14:02 The accessibility of lino and block printing for beginners
15:52 Tools and techniques for lino and woodblock printing
16:39 The joy of teaching and inspiring all ages in craft
17:25 Access to craft
20:58 Lydia's first lino design and inspiration from Suffolk
22:28 Creating unique garments with fabric printing
24:28 Combining fabric printing with sewing for custom designs
27:24 Fixing fabric paint and tools for printing
28:34 The process of creating lino designs and tools needed
31:47 Safety tips for lino carving and craft tools
32:36 Natural fabrics versus synthetics for printing
33:25 The role of colour in Lydia's creative life
34:45 Upcoming projects and workshops with Lydia 

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David Olaniyi joins The Sewing Social Podcast to share the story behind his journey from dance to fashion and tailoring, and how his creative background has shaped the way he designs today.

David talks openly about his experience on Dress the Nation with Marks & Spencer, the challenges of putting his tailoring skills to the test, and what it takes to build a career in the fashion industry.

Known for blending streetwear with traditional tailoring, David also takes us behind the scenes of his creative process - from developing ideas and finding his signature style to navigating the realities of working as a tailor and designer.

In this episode, we explore tailoring, menswear, and fashion design, as David shares what he’s learned so far and where he wants to take his craft next.

Key Topics: 

• David's transition from dance to tailoring
• His experience on Dress the Nation and winning the competition
• The concept of structured streetwear blending tailoring and street style
• The process of designing and creating a collection for Marks and Spencer's
• Inspiration from Japanese fashion and travel influences
• The importance of technical skills like tailoring in streetwear design
• Future plans including moving to Japan for 3 months and learning new techniques
• The role of confidence and spontaneity in creative success

Follow me: 

Website: http://www.thedalythreadstudio - website will soon be live! 

I will be teaching anyone who wants to learn how to sew in the Nottingham area and beyond! 

Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod

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Guest Details:

Website: https://www.davidolaniyi.co.uk

Instagram: @bydavidolaniyi

Tiktok: @bydavidolaniyi

Bespoke Tailoring Course - Newham College:

https://newham.ac.uk/course/bespoke-tailoring-level-1-adult/bespoke-tailoring-level-1-adult/

Kapital - Pillow Bomber Jacket: 

https://www.kapital.jp/

Instagram: @kapitalglobal

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and David’s background in dance and fashion

01:01 How David’s dance career led to an interest in tailoring

02:27 Learning to sew and construct garments from wardrobe staff

04:06 Transition from dance to professional tailoring and fashion

05:34 Winning Dress the Nation and the application process

10:37 The intense process of TV casting and experience on the show

11:46 Lessons learned from winning the competition

13:50 Favorite pieces from the show and designing for the final collection

16:51 Post-show career, working at Marks and Spencer’s, and design philosophy

28:43 Inspiration sources including travel and Japanese fashion

30:01 Deconstructing a Japanese jacket and future plans

32:23 Game of this or that: style preferences and techniques

34:26 Where to find David online and upcoming projects