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 m…

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…

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 patt…

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 fo…

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 an…

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, yo…

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 Nottin…

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, s…

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 br…

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…

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 i…

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 beco…

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 lay…

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 th…

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 patter…

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 pr…

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 …

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 …

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…

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 di…

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…

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'l…

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/po…

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 bu…

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 an…

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 …

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 diffi…

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 i…

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…

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 855…

When you hear the long list of different clothes that Melanie Keane has made it's hard to believe that she only started sewing when the UK Prime Minister announced the lockdown in 2020. When I was planning for Season 2 of the Sew Mindful podcast I asked the Sew Much More Fun facebook group what topics they would like to hear about. Mel responded an…

In this first interview of season 2 I'm delighted to be talking to Mel Forrest of Mint Button Sewing School. Mel was a primary school teacher for 15 years before leaving to pursue a 'portfolio career' in the home-sewing industry. She now teaches 1:1 sewing lessons and workshops. She also works part time as a retail assistant in a fabric shop - Home…

Well it's been longer than I planned but better later than never! The Sew Mindful sewing podcast is back for another season. Thanks for all of you that gave me the encouragement and friendly nudges to get back to my microphone. Have you missed me? Well, I've definitely missed talking with you and you have never been far from my thoughts. So this ep…

I'm so excited to share this week's episode with you as it is one of the topics that I have personally struggled with (and continue to work on) and that is understanding how to combine colours to create outfits that feel amazing. So when I want to learn more about anything style related I turn to the fabulous style gurus that have joined me on the …

SPECIAL OFFER CODE BELOW! Do you get overwhelmed when you try to search for new pattern and fabric ideas? Well if you do you are not alone. Lots of the dressmakers I speak to say that they can find it challenging to stay on top of the new pattern designers and fabric shops that are popping up all the time. So I was doing a bit of my own research to…

CHANCE TO WIN a pack of Vlieseline Perfect Hem Tape! I am always on the lookout for ways to make my garments look more professional and so any opportunity to learn about how things are done in a manufacturing environment that I can bring into my home dressmaking excites me. This week I am delighted to welcome back the expertise of the wonderful Jan…

Thank you so much for joining me again for another podcast episode. This week I am joined by the delightful Mary Broddle of Mary Broddle Embroidery. Mary is on a mission to share the well being benefits of embroidery. It has made a dramatic impact on her own life, helping her to cope with disabling chronic illness and living in her own lockdown bef…

Hello! Thank you for joining me for another Sew Mindful chat. This week is another Fabric Focus. The last one we did was with the lovely Harriet Kjellman when we talked about Denim. If you haven't listened to Episode 35 then be sure to go back and check that out. So in this Fabric Focus session I have chosen a fabric that seems to divide opinion - …

Welcome and thank you so much for tuning in for this episode. This week I want to tackle a topic that I noticed myself struggling with and that is getting stuck in student mode, faffing and procrastinating. That was until I discovered the Power of Practice! Do you suffer from any of these? Do you watch hours of youtube videos, or attend lots of cou…

A short and sweet episode for you this week. Inspired by my love of the Great British Sewing Bee I wanted to talk a little bit about upcycling and recycling. We are very lucky in the UK to have access to a wide variety of different fabrics and I do love to create garments from new fabrics but it hasn’t always been this way and from necessity comes …

I can't believe we are at Episode 40 already! Thank you so much for listening and supporting the show. This week I am joined again by my very first guest on the podcast, the wonderful Imogen Lamport. If you haven't listened to the previous episodes with Imogen and you at all interested in anything related to style then I highly recommend going back…

This week is all about underwear and I wanted to talk about making your own knickers. I put off making my own underwear for a long time because I thought it was really difficult. Then I saw some fabulous knicker-making kits advertised by Flo-Jo Fabrics. All the hardwork of choosing what fabrics and which elastics was done for me and I decided to ta…

Thank you so much for tuning in to this week's episode. We have an exciting giveaway for you alongside this episode. This week I am joined by the wonderful Janet Kolle of Vlieseline to talk all things interfacing. If like me you have been baffled by which interfacing or interlining to choose for your dressmaking project then Janet is here to help. …

Thank you so much for tuning in to this week's episode. For many years after I learned how to sew and make clothes I religiously followed patterns. Whilst I was making them my own by choosing my fabrics I wouldn't have thought of myself as creative. When I started learning about pattern drafting and later, fashion design I realised that we are all …

Thank you so much for joining me again this week! In this episode I am answering a great question raised by one of our listeners - Stephanie - who wanted to know how to pick the right sewing machine needle for her sewing projects. So in this episode you will hear: > Why there are different types of needles > What the anatomy of a machine needle is …

Welcome to this week's Sew Mindful podcast episode with one of my favourite titles to date. I can't take credit for it as it was the work of my wonderful guest this week - Harriet Kjellman. Harriet is a woman of many talents including lecturing in fashion at Wolverhampton University, running her own fashion label and consulting and teaching in fash…

Hello, welcome and thank you for joining me! I wanted to just do a quick intro to this episode to explain a bit about what to expect and how this week's topic relates to dressmaking (as it may not be apparent when you first start listening!) One of the considerations when I am making garments is the fabric and each fabric has colours and properties…

Hello and welcome to this episode of the Sew Mindful podcast. Have you ever struggled to find just the right pattern for the garment or style you want to make? Have you ever thought I wish I could make my own patterns - surely it can't be that difficult? Well in this episode I explore my thoughts and experiences with pattern drafting. When I first …

In the week of International Women's Day and Mother's Day in the UK, it seemed only fitting to dedicate this episode to the amazing women that have influenced and inspired my sewing and dressmaking. So in this episode you will hear: > about the sewing teachers that have helped me build my sewing skills and confidence > who from the Great British Se…

Full disclosure - my cheeks are still aching from all the laughing we did recording this episode! Thank you so much for joining me for episode 31 where I am joined once again by Claire Hutchinson for what is becoming known as the Claire Hutchinson Mini Series! If you have listened to any of our previous chats you will know that Claire loves fabric …