Love to Sew Podcast

This week's episode is a podcast crossover! We chat with the hosts of the Asian Sewist Collective Podcast, Ada Chen and Nicole Angeline, about making a sewing podcast, issues that affect sewists of Asian descent, and their personal sewing stories. Listen in to learn about how the Collective got started, how they make decisions, and how the podcast sausage gets made! Show Notes

Chests come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes - and patterns usually don't. In this episode, we go over the ways that patterns are shaped (or not) to accommodate a bust, how you can tell if you need a pattern adjustment, and how to adjust patterns to fit your unique chest. Show Notes

Rose Parr is a sewist and ergonomics expert. In this episode, we get her best advice for sewing practices that are kind to your body, including how to set up your sewing space, which ergonomic tools make a difference, and what stretches to do. Show Notes

Serena (a.k.a. Sewrena) makes her fabulous vintage wardrobe using vintage patterns and vintage machines! We chat with her about her favourite vintage styles, the differences between vintage and modern patterns, and what to look for in a vintage machine. Plus, vintage maternity clothes, making amazing hats, and #VintageStyleNotVintageValues. Show Notes

As sewists, we know a lot about finished fabrics - but how much do we know about how they get made? In this episode, we walk you through all the steps of the fabric-making process, from raw materials to finished bolts. We also cover ethical considerations, fabric certifications, and how finished fabrics get from factories to your doorstep. Show Notes

Samantha (aka @purplesewingcloud) is a sewist known for her fun, colourful makes. In this episode, we chat with her about mixing prints, incorporating patchwork into garments, and how to make the sewing community more accessible. Sam also shares the design process for her handmade wedding dress, her personal accessibility strategies, and how to do foundation paper piecing. Show Notes

Every month on Patreon, we release a mini-episode for our patrons at the "Love to Sew Superfan" level! These episodes are short versions of our main episodes. We have done episodes on sewing techniques, fabric deep dives, and pattern ideas. We often make episodes based on questions or topics from our patrons! Patrons at this level also get 15% off discount codes to Helen's Closet and Blackbird Fabrics. ⁠ In this free mini-episode, we share five methods for making a dress form that looks just like you! We also discuss the pros and cons of each method, talk about how sewists use dress forms, and admit our fears of getting trapped in duct tape. ⁠ If you like this mini-episode and want more, consider supporting us on Patreon! Click the link below to sign up. Our patrons are the reason we are able to make quality sewing content. Thank you, patrons! ⁠ Love to Sew Patreon Show Notes: "Quick and Easy Duct Tape Dress Form" in Threads Magazine "Close-Fit Duct Tape Dress Form" in Threads Magazine "Learn to Make a Paper-Tape Dress Form" by David Page Coffin in Threads Magazine Gummed Paper Tape "Molded Papier-Mâché Form" in Threads Magazine "Create a Custom Dress Form" by Judith Neukam in Threads Magazine DIY Dress Form Sewing Patterns by Bootstrap Patterns Mel's Bootstrap Patterns Dress Form Process Instagram Reel "Padding a Dress Form As Your Body Double: A Condensed Guide" by Brooks Ann Camper Episode 56: Hand Sewing with Brooks Ann Camper

Take your sewing to the next level by learning how to draft patterns! In this episode, we list the materials you need, give you an overview of the drafting process, and share resources to help you learn this skill. Also, Helen tells the story of her business, Helen's Closet Patterns! Show Notes

Kat Brown Akootchook is a Native American artist and designer who blends contemporary and traditional with a wink and a smile! We chat with her about her wonderful work in many mediums: beadwork, sewing, block printing, and hide tanning. Show Notes

Every month on Patreon, we release a fun, chatty, full-length bonus episode. This month, we are giving it away to all our listeners! March's bonus episode is full of adventure! Caroline went on a dangerous hike and saw a bobcat in her yard; Helen tried basket making and signed up for a pottery course. Plus: exciting Helen's Closet news, Caroline's wedding guest dress, tons of cool pattern releases, and a tool that will keep your fabric from twisting and bunching up in the washer and dryer. If you like this episode and want more, consider signing up for our patreon! For $5 USD, will get a bonus episode every month, plus weekly behind-the-scenes photo posts. Click here to visit our Patreon! Show notes: Sewing Patterns: Sam Apron by Helen's Closet March Top and Dress by Helen's Closet Elodie Wrap Dress by Closet Core Cameron Button-Up by Helen's Closet Avery Leggings by Helen's Closet Daughter Judy Adams Pant by Daughter Judy Bowen Dress by Kim Sisson of Hubba Ding for Peppermint Magazine Sofia Sweetheart Knit Dress and Top by Staystitch Pattern Co. Sew it Yourself by Daisy Braid Pre-Order Cashmerette Club Kimball Bomber Jacket by Cashmerette Clove Vest by Charlotte Emma Patterns Hyde T-Shirt by Muna and Broad Nova Star Quilt by Then Came June Other Mentions: Lost Ruins of Arnak Noble Blood Podcast Calico Emily Van Hoff The Great Pottery Throw Down Dune Supergoop Glowscreen Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance Lotion Wad-Free Yoga with Adriene