Love to Sew Podcast - podcast cover

Love to Sew Podcast

Caroline Somos & Helen Wilkinson : Sewing Enthusiasts and Entrepreneurslovetosewpodcast.com
Helen Wilkinson and Caroline Somos host Love to Sew, a fun weekly podcast about making clothes, sewing community, and small business. They talk 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.

Episodes

Episode 281: Historical Costuming with Christine Millar

We interview Christine Millar, aka Sewstine! She talks to us about her stunning historical costumes, from drafting the patterns to designing and machine embroidering the sumptuous fabrics. Show Notes

Apr 08, 202556 minEp. 281

Episode 280: Ease

Ease is the extra length and width that pattern designers add so that you can move in your clothes. In this episode, we talk about how ease works and how to figure out the amount of ease that YOU like. It’s a game-changer for making clothes that fit! We also answer a listener question about grading between sizes vs. pattern adjustments. Show Notes

Apr 01, 202531 minEp. 280

Episode 279: Reacting to Fashion Trends, Spring 2025

In this episode, we’re reacting to rising fashion trends for spring 2025! Whether we love ‘em or hate ‘em, we’re gonna tell you how you can incorporate them into your me-mades. Show Notes

Mar 25, 202537 minEp. 279

Episode 278: Happily Dressed with Brandon Hayden

We interview Brandon Hayden, a pattern designer, sewing teacher, and content creator who makes menswear with bold fabrics and cool details. He wants to empower sewists to build their skills and express themselves! Show Notes

Mar 18, 202546 minEp. 278

Episode 277: Sewing Machine Chat

We’re back with the first episode of the spring 2025 season! We chat about our sewing machines - the ones we learned on, the ones we have today, and the ones we want in the future. Plus: we catch up about what we did on our winter break, name our fave sewing machine features and pet peeves, and share what our machines are named! Show Notes

Mar 11, 202548 minEp. 277

Free! Mini-Episode 59: Grading, Trimming, and Notching, Oh My!

We’re bringing this mini-episode out from behind the paywall as a treat for you! It was originally released in September 2024. This mini-episode is about bread-and-butter sewing techniques that reduce bulk. We review the basics of grading, trimming, and notching, plus some more advanced and unexpected techniques that will give you a great finish. Caroline and Helen learn a lot about each other in this episode…👀 Let us know: do you trim your seams every time, or only when the pattern instructs y...

Jan 24, 202521 min

Bonus Episode 81

This month’s bonus episode is free for all of our listeners! Helen chats about her holiday crafting: sewing, block printing, beading, and more. Caroline shares about her trip to NYC, what she’s been cooking lately, and the pair of me-made pants that pushed her out of her style comfort zone. Plus, new indie pattern releases, a fun fantasy book, and a game that would make a great gift for a sewist. Show Notes...

Dec 06, 20241 hr 11 min

Episode 276: Sewing Quick Wins

Quick wins are projects that refresh you and revive your sewjo. If you’re feeling uninspired and unmotivated to sew, have a listen! We go over what makes a project “quick” and what makes it a “win” so you can choose a project that will work for you. Plus, we share a bunch of specific ideas for quick win projects, including our personal faves! Show Notes

Nov 26, 202441 minEp. 276

Episode 275: Fabric Design with Rashida Coleman-Hale

We interview Rashida Coleman-Hale, fabric designer for Ruby Star Society! We talk to her about her journey to becoming a surface designer, her process for designing fabric collections, and her upcoming book. Show Notes

Nov 19, 202451 minEp. 275

Episode 274: Sewing for Others

We chat about sewing for others - what to make, what to avoid, and how to make sure that your experience is fun and fulfilling! We talk about the pros and cons of sewing for others, whether as a gift or as a favour. We share tips about fitting and choosing fabric. And we share OUR experiences sewing for our loved ones! Show Notes

Nov 12, 202447 minEp. 274

Episode 273: Sewing for Travel

This episode is all about sewing garments, bags, and accessories for trips! We talk about the best fabrics, how to layer, and how to design a travel capsule. Plus: indie patterns for clothes that travel well, tips for sewing travel bags, and our memories of sewing for travel! We also answer a listener question about sewing lace with big holes and share listener feedback about sewing motivation. Show Notes...

Nov 05, 202455 minEp. 273

Episode 272: Fiddly Sewing

We share tips and tricks for fiddly, persnickety, awkward, and complicated sewing techniques! We cover invisible zippers, darts, spaghetti straps, princess seams, and lots more. Plus, we share a listener’s experience with custom printed fabric and another listener’s sewing horror story. Show Notes

Oct 29, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 272

Episode 271: Low-Waste Design with Cris Wood

In this episode, we interview low-waste pattern designer Cris Wood! We chat with her about how her patterns work, her design process, and what draws her to low-waste patternmaking. We also talk about her cool and colourful personal sewing. Show Notes

Oct 22, 202453 minEp. 271

Episode 270: Corduroy and Velvet

We take a deep dive into TWO fabrics: corduroy AND velvet! Both of them have a fluffy, fuzzy, pile - but they’re not exactly the same. We chat about their history, how they’re made, and how to sew with them! Plus, we share pattern recommendations and answer your corduroy and velvet questions. Show Notes

Oct 15, 202455 minEp. 270

Episode 269: Say Yes with Michelle Thomas-Elder

In this episode, we interview Michelle Thomas-Elder, a designer, tailor, and sewing teacher who owns The Kut Studios, a co-working space for designers in LA! Michelle has made custom pieces for celebrities and altered haute couture gowns - and recently, she released her first book. She has amazing stories to tell and a “Say Yes” attitude that we absolutely love. Show Notes

Oct 08, 20241 hr 3 minEp. 269

Episode 268: Reacting to Fashion Trends

In this episode, we talk about rising fashion trends for fall/winter ‘24/’25! We say how we REALLY feel about them and share some ideas for how to incorporate them into your me-mades. Let’s get trendy! Show Notes

Oct 01, 20241 hr 2 minEp. 268

Episode 267: All About the Process with Geri Berman

We interview Geri Berman, AKA Geri in Stitches! Geri’s social media accounts are the happiest place in the sewing world - she shows off her jaw-dropping projects, shares lots of tips, and demonstrates interesting techniques, all with her signature high energy and positivity. We talk to her about hand dyeing, sashiko, and more! Show Notes

Sep 24, 202458 minEp. 267

Episode 266: Jackets

We talk about a bunch of popular jacket styles and give fabric advice, sewing tips, and indie pattern recommendations for each one! We also talk about unusual details you find on jacket patterns and play “Is it a Jacket?” Plus, a listener question about options for non-staticky office tops. Show Notes

Sep 17, 202449 minEp. 266

Episode 265: The Savile Row Suit with Patrick Grant

We interview Patrick Grant, Great British Sewing Bee judge, former director of Savile Row house Norton & Sons, and owner of sustainable brand Community Clothing! Patrick takes us behind the scenes of revered bespoke tailoring houses and discusses what it takes to become a Savile Row Tailor. We also chat with him about his journey to where he is now, buying fewer but better things, and the amazing vibe on the Sewing Bee set! Show Notes...

Sep 10, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 265

Episode 264: Sewing Help Line 3.0

In this episode, we answer YOUR questions in another installment of the Sewing Help Line! We talk about cutting off-grain, sun-protective fabrics, how to adjust shorts that are two sizes too big, and lots more! Plus, we catch up about our summer adventures. Show Notes

Sep 03, 20241 hr 9 minEp. 264

Episode 263: Love to Brag

We want to hear you brag! In this episode, we share our listeners’ proudest sewing moments. And maybe we’ll brag a little bit, too! Plus, we answer a question about sewing machine servicing and share feedback from our Long-Time Sewists episode. Show Notes

May 28, 202452 minEp. 263

Episode 262: Quilting Magic with Suzy Williams (AKA Suzy Quilts!)

We interview quilting icon Suzy Williams, a.k.a. Suzy Quilts! We chat with her about designing quilt patterns and fabric collections, hear the surprising story of how she learned to sew, and get some great advice about overcoming perfectionism. Plus, we chat about the meditative magic of the quilting process. Show Notes

May 21, 20241 hr 11 minEp. 262

Episode 261: Sewcializing 3.0

How do you connect with other sewists in today’s social media landscape? In this episode, we talk about the benefits and drawbacks of the most popular social media platforms, give some tips and tricks for making sewing content that connects with people, and answer some listener questions about sewcializing. Show Notes

May 14, 20241 hr 7 minEp. 261

Episode 260: Sister Mintaka with Sandeep Sandhu

We interview Sandeep Sandhu, the owner of the amazing fabric store Sister Mintaka! She tells us how she chooses her beautiful fabrics, what advice she would give to small business owners in the sewing space, and all about her personal sewing. She’s not only a fabric mogul, she’s a style icon! Show Notes

May 07, 202448 minEp. 260

Episode 259: Block Prints

This episode is about one of our very favourite fabrics - Indian block prints! We explore the rich history of these textiles, the process of making them, and where to buy them. We also share a bunch of pattern ideas and sewing tips so you can incorporate these dreamy, light, beautiful fabrics into your wardrobe! Plus, we answer a listener question about sewing rulers. Show Notes

Apr 30, 202450 minEp. 259

Episode 258: Pattern-Free Design with Daisy Braid

In this episode we’re interviewing Daisy Braid, also known as DIY Daisy! We chat with her about her book, Sew it Yourself, which is filled with pattern-free, wearable projects. She also tells us about her personal style evolution, how to find the good stuff when you’re shopping secondhand, and her year of DIY! Show Notes

Apr 23, 202456 minEp. 258

Episode 257: Overalls and Jumpsuits

We love overalls and jumpsuits! In this episode, we talk about choosing the right style for you, matching it with the perfect fabric, and the pattern adjustments that are super important for these all-in-one garments. Plus: indie patterns, installing hardware, and more! And in the listener question section, we give some gift ideas for the sewist who has everything. Show Notes

Apr 16, 202451 minEp. 257

Episode 256: Intuitive Sewing with Natalie Ebaugh

In this episode, we interview pattern designer, sewing teacher, quilted coat maker extraordinaire, and snappy dresser Natalie Ebaugh! She talks to us about her design process, her long career in the sewing community, and how she puts her amazing outfits together. Show Notes

Apr 09, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 256

Episode 255: Budget Sewing

We share four big strategies for saving money on sewing, with lots of helpful tips from our listeners. You can make amazing things without spending a lot - or anything at all! Show Notes

Apr 02, 202448 minEp. 255

Episode 254: Waxprint Fabrics with Jacqueline Shaw

In this episode, we interview Jacqueline Shaw, an expert on African fabrics and fashion. We chat with her about waxprint (also called ankara, African print, or kitenge) - what it is, how it’s made, what you can sew with it, and lots more! Jacqueline is a successful and passionate entrepreneur with a deep knowledge of the subject. Listen in and get inspired! Show Notes

Mar 26, 202452 minEp. 254