If like me you have found the terms powernet, power mesh and stretch mesh confusing then this episode for you. After finally finishing my Willowdale bra this week I thought it would be fun to talk about these fabrics that create the foundations of our lingerie and swimwear but can be used for many more applications. So this week I wanted to share my thoughts on what the definitions are for each of these fabrics, how they are made that makes them so great and lots of ideas of ways in which you ca...
Feb 11, 2024•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast Fabric scissor and shears are such an important tool when it comes to sewing and dressmaking. There is a lot of tips and advice out there about how to care for and sharpen them and so I wanted to explore with you who says what and my thoughts on the pros and cons of each recommendation. In this episode I'll share with you the difference between all-purpose scissors and fabric scissors and shears. I'll explain why you need to think about sharpening your fabric scissors. If you have ever...
Feb 03, 2024•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast FREE Pattern and chance to win Prizes with this week's guest from Maison Fauve (see link below) I was delighted to finally get chance to talk with the passionate Emilie Faurie of the French pattern and fabric brand, Maison Fauve recently. I've been following her wonderful creations on Instagram and got to try out the beautiful Cicadella Blouse pattern which has some very stylish details that I really enjoyed trying. Emilie has an unusual career path into creating Maison Fauve which she...
Jan 27, 2024•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast When we are making clothes for ourselves, the process of creating and fitting those clothes is intimately tied to our bodies. And if there is internal conflict or self-doubt associated with our body then that can impact our enjoyment and success in creating garments that we love. In this week's episode I wanted to shed light on the importance of fostering a healthy body image, how to go about it if you aren't feeling super positive yet, and the impact it can have on your creativity whe...
Jan 20, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast It's coming up to the festive season and if you are like me, you might be thinking about sewing with silky festive fabrics. It's also a time when we might want to create outfits with particular design features that give them more of a dressy feel. I wanted to get some tips for you on how to sew these silky fabrics as they can be tricky to handle and if you've had experience trying to work with them, that might have put you off. So when I was last talking to Pamela Leggett she ment...
Dec 09, 2023•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hey there my lovely! 🧵✨ Welcome to this Pyjama Party episode where we're all about getting comfy in style. Mystery of the Perfect Pyjama Pattern I've been on a mission to find patterns that are not just cozy but also show off your style! From relaxed fits to chic designs, I've explored a few that might just tickle your fancy. But which ones? Ah, you'll have to tune in to find out! Ever wondered what fabric works best for those dreamy night-time outfits? I'm also sharing...
Dec 02, 2023•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this heartwarming episode I wanted to share inspiring stories from the lovely ladies at my local sewing shop which demonstrate the profound impact that sewing communities have on our well-being. None of this would be possible for them without the positive influence of small business owner Elaine Bell of Sewing B (Belle) in Stapleford near Nottingham. It's also the time of year for Small Business Saturday, which emphasizes the importance of supporting local and small businesses. So I want...
Nov 25, 2023•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Have you ever considered the impact of your sewing stories? In this episode I'm delighted to be joined by Barbara Burman, the author of "The Point of the Needle, Why Sewing Matters." Barbara is a historian with a deep interest in material culture, particularly in textiles and dress. In our chat Barbara shares her upbringing in a country vicarage, surrounded by a culture of making things, from cabinet making to sewing. This environment, combined with her academic interests, led her...
Nov 18, 2023•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast Thank you so much for joining me for this episode of the Sew Mindful podcast where I delve into the delightful yet sometimes daunting world of making handmade gifts. As we approach the festive season, a time renowned for gift-giving, I explore the intricate balance between the joy of creating personalized presents and the potential stress it can bring. This episode is a heartfelt discussion about why we choose to make gifts, the reasons it's okay not to, and how to navigate gift-making in a...
Nov 11, 2023•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast Want ideas for a lovely party dress? Well I was delighted to get to try this pattern for the Lily Button Dress by Made Label and in this episode I will share my thoughts on the pattern, the techniques involved and my lessons from this make. The lovely SJ of Made Label also has generously popped by to leave a quick message about what she has been up to. And she's given you a SPECIAL OFFER CODE FOR 30% DISCOUNT so be sure to listen out for that. I wasn't sure about the button loops and b...
Nov 04, 2023•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Terrified of sewing buttonholes in knit fabrics? If the mere thought sends shivers down your spine, fear no more! My special guest and sewing friend, Melanie Keane, recently mastered this technique, and has joined me to guide you through this sometimes daunting task. Mel is no stranger to the podcast, sharing how she started sewing in her fifties in episode 50. She now runs an inspiring refugee sewing project and she also shares her recent experience at the Knitting and Stitching show. Get ready...
Oct 28, 2023•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast I'm delighted to be joined in this episode by the incredibly talented Mette Baillie, a couture dressmaker with a wealth of experience that spans a lifetime. Mette's journey into the world of couture dressmaking began at the age of 9 when she crafted her very first outfit. That initial spark ignited a lifelong passion that eventually led her to become an award-winning couturier. I can't wait for you to hear her inspiring story. During our conversation, Mette and I delve into her et...
Oct 21, 2023•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Have you been looking for a fabric that helps you transition effortlessly between seasons? French terry, a unique, stretch fabric, often remains the unsung hero of the fashion world. We explore its various versions, from organic cotton to bamboo, and even luxury fibres like Cashmere and Merino wool. You'll discover why French terry is ideal for layering, how it transcends its use beyond loungewear, and where to source it. Moving beyond just understanding the fabric, I will also give you pra...
Oct 14, 2023•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast I'm delighted to welcome you back to join me for the second part of my chat with Pamela Legget, an influential sewing teacher since the '80s. If you missed the SPECIAL OFFER last week then listen out for that in this episode. This episode will be a treasure trove of knowledge as Pamela divulges her expert tips and strategies for solo fitting and the fascinating Palmer Pletsch tissue fitting method. She also has a secret resource that can help. She unravels her tricks in dealing with di...
Oct 07, 2023•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Get ready for a delightful and enlightening chat with the one and only Pamela Legget, the sewing legend herself. We had so much to talk about that I've split our chat into two parts so you'll get a cheeky bonus episode next week - YAY! LISTEN OUT FOR HER SPECIAL OFFER In part 1 we'll be pulling back the curtain on Pamela's unique approach to pattern design, her innovative sewing tools, and her top tips for achieving the perfect garment fit. We talk about Pamela's take on...
Sep 30, 2023•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ever wondered how to hem stretchy fabrics without experiencing uneven hems, puckering, stretching, thread breakages, and skipped stitches? I've got the inside scoop for you. This episode is jam-packed with techniques, tools, and tricks that I've learned from my personal sewing journey - insights I wish I had when I started! From determining what properties your hems need to have and options for different techniques to choose from, I'll take you through the nitty-gritty of creating...
Sep 16, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast It's that transitional season time and if you are like me you might be reaching for those longer sleeves or comfortable layers to keep you warm. In this episode I'm sharing some of my jumper pattern successes and also my jumper pattern fails. I'll give you all the details from fabric requirements, size ranges, and my personal insights on modifying these patterns for the perfect fit. And if that isn't enough, I've put together a unique list of 20 pattern suggestions to fu...
Sep 02, 2023•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Can bamboo fabric be the real deal - an environment-friendly, versatile option for clothing? Are we ignoring a sustainable solution that might revolutionize the fashion industry? Join me as I attempt to unravel the facts surrounding bamboo fabric, discussing its properties, misconceptions, and sustainability. I share details of how it's cultivated and processed, and why you might choose bamboo fabric over the other alternatives for your next sewing project. I will also shine a spotlight on ...
Aug 19, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ever bought more fabric than you can sew? Join me as Yvette Todd of Stash Hub shares an amazing solution to this common problem of managing your fabric stash! She talks about her own sewing ventures, her sewfruity23 Challenge and the wonderful features of the Stash Hub app that she and her husband, Doug, have developed. Plus,she has a special treat just foryuuo! If you have been struggling with stacks of fabric, patterns and notions, then get ready to explore the Stash Hub app and how it could b...
Jul 29, 2023•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Get ready to breathe new life into your wardrobe! Ever looked at your clothes and wished they could be as unique and stylish as you are? Hold onto that thought, as Elise Sinclair of Elise's Sewing Studio is here to help you revamp existing garments into fresh, trendy pieces. From shortening trousers and sleeves to swapping hardware, and more, we discuss the ins and outs of refashioning clothing. Elise even lets us in on her own projects and how she transformed a simple trench coat into a ch...
Jul 15, 2023•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast T-shirts are one of our wardrobe staples and there are 2 billion sold and bought every year. But I still struggle to buy them to fit me and in this episode I’ll share more about that and my 5 reasons why I think you should make your own so stay tuned. Why are t-shirts so hard to buy? Because my hips are a couple of sizes bigger than my bust, when I try to buy t-shirts I often find that if they fit at the shoulders, they are too tight, or at least tighter than I would like around my tummy and hip...
Jul 08, 2023•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Have you ever chosen a pattern for a garment that you really liked, followed the instructions to choose your size, made it up and then felt like it doesn't really fit in the way you imagined? Well one reason for that could be that it doesn't match your ease preference. So what is your ease preference and how do you find it? Well in this episode I'll walk you through the different types of ease and explain how they work together to create garments that suit your unique body shape a...
Jun 25, 2023•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ever struggled with sewing stretch fabrics or had a burning desire to create that perfect twist front dress? Well I would love to I share my experiences with you, inspired by Tilly and the Button's Stretch book, creating my first twist front dress using her Joni dress pattern. For full show notes and links visit: https://www.sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode58 In this episode you will hear all about Tilly's book and the details of the Joni dress including the pattern size range, types ...
Jun 17, 2023•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ever struggled to find the perfect fabric for your sewing project? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Join us for a fascinating conversation with Diana and Justin of Raspberry Creek Fabrics, who found an innovative solution to this all-too-common problem. From their humble beginnings as a small Etsy shop to their thriving custom fabric printing business, we learn how technology has revolutionized the textile industry and made it easier for anyone to create unique, personalized fabric....
Jun 10, 2023•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Do you hate wasting fabric? Do you find yourself looking for projects that will use up your scraps and create something useful and beautiful? Projects that don't require a lot of preparation or headspace, but are still fun to make? I really hate wasting fabric but it can be quite difficult to find sewing projects that I will actually make use of and don't require my scraps to be too co-ordinated. I'm not a quilter and so am often on the look out for practical ideas that will help ...
Jun 03, 2023•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Have you ever wanted to take time out from a dressmaking project or sewing in general but felt like you can’t or felt too guilty to do so? Well that happened to me too recently with quite significant consequences so in today’s episode I wanted to share the value of taking time out and how to come back more energised after your break. A quick thank you to Justin & Diana at Raspberry Creek fabrics - https://raspberrycreekfabrics.com - for their patience while I was taking time out. In this epi...
Jun 03, 2023•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast If I ask you do you fancy making your own coat, what thoughts go through your head? I remember the first time someone suggested that to me and it was way out of my comfort zone. So what about you? Are you thinking - it's easy Jacqui I've already done it - if so, then kudos to you. Or are you thinking - I'd love to do that but it seems way too difficult? Whether you have already made a coat or if it's one of those projects you keep putting off until you are better at sewing th...
Nov 12, 2022•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast As promised for season 2 we have a number of BONUS episodes with expert guests. Do you ever find that when you try to buy clothes that they often fit one part of your body but not others? For example if buying trousers or jeans, you can get them to fit your hips but they are too tight or loose on the waist and too tight or loose on the thighs. Or if you are trying to buy dresses, if you get the size to fit your bust it's too big on the shoulders or drowns your bottom half, but if you try th...
Nov 05, 2022•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hello my lovelies and thanks for joining me for this week's episode. As the weather turns a bit colder I thought it might be good to talk about sewing with thicker fabrics so today I have 10 tips for you plus a couple of bonus tips on working with these sometimes trickier fabrics. First I'd like to just cover a couple of things I wanted to remember to share with you. Episode webpage: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode52 It is approaching winter here in the UK and whilst it has b...
Oct 29, 2022•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast If you have struggled to find the perfect garment to help you transition from the warm weather to the cooler temperatures then look no further. The trusty Duster Jacket also known as a long cardigan is the perfect make and the pattern I'm reviewing in this episode is a great for beginner dressmakers and experienced sewists alike. The Simplicity 8557 pattern includes 5 garments and is definitely in the easy to sew category. In this episode I give you some tips on sewing stretch fabrics if th...
Oct 15, 2022•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
