Episode #68: Heather Lou

On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast we're talking about sewing your own clothes with my guest, Heather Lou of Closet Case Files. Heather is a Montreal-based sewing pattern designer and blogger. Once a shopaholic Vogue-reading fashion obsessive, Heather made a deal with herself that the only "new" things that could come into her closet would be things she made. Sewing quickly took over her life.

We talk about Heather's background and transition from full-time employment as a commercial graphic designer to becoming self-employed. Heather explains how she named her blog and talks about her own name online (which is different from her real name). We discuss how she funded her print patterns without a Kickstarter campaign and we talk about the success of two of Heather's patterns: the Bombshell swimsuit and the Ginger jeans. We also think out loud about the future of the Big 4 pattern companies. I ask Heather to recommend great stuff she's enjoying right now.

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Today's episode is sponsored by Amy Barickman, founder of Indygo Junction sewing patterns and books. Visit AmyBarickman.com to find vintage imagery, sewing and craft books, and her new Vintage Notions Monthly magazine. Issues 1 and 2 are now available for purchase individually and soon there will be a monthly subscription option. Check it out at AmyBarickman.com.

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Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the content and host have stayed the same.

To get the full show notes for this episode, visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Meet with show host, Abby Glassenberg, each month for our Craft Business Roundtable, get access to courses and webinars taught by industry leaders, and much more.