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    Crafts

    Check Your Thread: Sewing More Sustainably

    – Do you love sewing, AND are passionate about fighting the climate and ecological crises?
    – Are you wondering if your sewing could be made more sustainable?
    – Do you want to enjoy your creative passion in a way that really reflects your values?

    Join Zoe Edwards, a sewing nerd and creator of Me-Made-May, on her journey to explore how to sew (and live!) more sustainably.
    In this podcast we discover ways to sew with sustainability in mind, by flexing our creativity and resourcefulness in new and exciting ways. Check Your Thread’s goal is to show that sewing more sustainably can be fun and fulfilling, (HOLD the side order of guilt, eco-snobbery and FOMO.)

    Topics covered include:
    -Mending and garment repair
    -Upcycling and refashioning
    -Natural fabric dyeing
    -Fibre and fabric selection
    -Slow stitching
    -Zero Waste sewing patterns
    -The social and political dimensions of sewing
    -Craft as activism

    Find out more…
    checkyourthread.com

    Advertise

    Copyright: © 2021 Check Your Thread

    • Apple Podcasts
    • Google Play
    • Spotify

    Latest Episodes:
    #61: Sewing to Keep Warm Oct 10, 2022
    Show notes

    Today’s episode is another installment which looks at using sewing skills to save money. With the rise in energy and fuel costs, many of us will be keeping the heating off in our homes as much as possible this winter. So how can we use our sewing skills to keep the chills at bay? I answer this question by sharing clothing, accessories and homeware projects we can make to keep our bodies and our spaces as toasty as possible. I discuss how costs can be kept down further by utilising the wealth of free patterns and tutorials out there, as well as tips for using second hand textiles and including items you might already own.

    Support the podcast over on Patreon!

    Find the full road test review of the free Applegreen Cottage neck warmer project on my blog.

    Clothing:

    Free patterns for adults:

    DIY Pattern Free Cardigan Tutorial by The Stitch Sisters.

    Slouchy Cardi Pattern by Peppermint Magazine.

    image source: Peppermint Magazine

    West End Jacket Pattern by Peppermint Magazine.

    Jersey Dress Pattern by Peppermint Magazine.

    Paid-for patterns for adults:

    LB Pullover Pattern by Paper Theory.

    Toaster Sweaters Pattern by Sew House Seven.

    Marlo Sweater Pattern by True Bias.

    Kinder Cardigan Pattern by Wendy Ward/MIY Collection.

    Jamie Cardigan Pattern by Ready to Sew.

    Nikko Top & Dress Pattern by True Bias.

    Lots of men’s and masculine style patterns can be found at Thread Theory Patterns.

    Free patterns for kids:

    Raglan Hoodie Pattern for 0 months - 6 years and 7 - 14 years by Brindille & Twig.

    Crewneck Sweater Pattern by Bobbinhood.

    Ballet Wrap Cardigan Tutorial by Oliver + S.

    Cardigan for Girls Pattern by Fleece Fun.

    Brands for paid-for kids’ patterns:

    • Brindille & Twig
    • Misusu Patterns
    • Waves and Wild
    • Ikatee

    Quilted jacket patterns:

    Tamarack Jacket Patterns by Grainline Studio.

    Read about my Tamarack Jacket project on my blog.

    Molly Jacket Pattern by Fibre Mood.

    Absolu Jacket Pattern by Atelier Scammit.

    Hovea Jacket Patterns by Megan Nielsen.

    Bodywarmer patterns:

    Irma Bodywarmer Pattern by Fibre Mood.

    1499 Bodywarmer Pattern by Simplicity.

    Everyday Waistcoat Pattern by New Craft House.

    Trailblazer Vest Pattern and many others for adults and kids by Twig and Tale.

    Vienne Vest Pattern for kids by Ikatee.

    image source: Ikatee

    Free underlayer patterns:

    SoZo Vest/Camisole/Singlet Pattern by me.

    Super Basic Tank Top Pattern by Halfmoon Atelier.

    Arrowsmith Undershirt Pattern by Thread Theory.

    Girl’s Singlet Pattern by Small Dream Factory

    Amber Singlet Pattern by Waves and Wild.

    Ester and Ebbe T-shirt Pattern by Threads by Caroline.

    Adult Leggings Pattern by By Graziela Fabrics.

    Lightning Leggings Pattern by Waves and Wild.

    Free sleepwear patterns:

    Movie Night Pajamas Patterns for men, women and children by Sew a Little Seam.

    Walk the Plank PJ Bottoms Patterns for adults and youth by Patterns for Pirates.

    Zero Waste Robe Tutorial by Elbe Textiles.

    Accessories:

    Neck Warmer Cowl Scarf Tutorial and Template by Apple Green Cottage.

    Parkwood Cosy Cowl Pattern by Wendy Ward/MIY Collection.

    image source: Wendy Ward/MIY Collection

    The Rutland Collection ebook Wendy Ward/MIY Collection.

    Harald Beanie Hat Pattern by Melilot.

    Free Beanie Hat Pattern by Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom.

    Free Slipper Pattern and Tutorial by Melly Sews.

    Free Slipper Boots Pattern by Tilly and the Buttons.

    Reusable Hand Warmer Tutorial by I Can Sew This.

    Homeware:

    • Microwavable rice packs as warmers for beds, laps etc.
    • Quilts and lap quilts.
    • Draft excluders for doors and windows.
    • Quilted blinds or curtains, or line existing blinds and curtains. Check out this post from Tiny House Blog for more information.
    • Rag rugs.

    Listen to episodes #18: Rag Rugging with Elspeth Jackson and #27: Zoe & Julia Go Rag Rugging to learn about using fabric scraps and unwanted clothing to make rugs.

    Megan Nielsen has produced a video tutorial on how to make a braided (plaited) rag rug.


    #60: Exploring Female Culture and Identity with Sophie Passmore Oct 03, 2022
    Show notes

    You don’t often get to dig deep into your friends’ interior experiences and philosophies, but that’s what I’m doing today. My friend Sophie is possibly the most resourceful and creative person I’ve met. In Ep. #35 we heard about her fascinating journey with Mask Makers UK during the pandemic. In this one (Ep. #60), Sophie traces the sources of her inventive and self-sufficient nature to her experiences of feminism, community and family growing up on the West Coast of Canada. Sophie also shares how she uses art to celebrate female culture and to explore her identity via the visual and textile traditions of her mixed heritage.

    Support the podcast over on Patreon!

    The free Raglan Hoodie pattern for kids by Brindille & Twig comes in two size ranges: 0 months to 6 years and 7 - 14 years.

    Check out the video of myself and my boss Josie discussing ways to reduce waste, both as a business and as sewers.

    Also check out the video of us talking about more sustainable haberdashery, notions and tools.

    Listen to the first part of this conversation with Sophie in Episode #35: Mask Making with Sophie Passmore.

    See examples of Sophie Passmore’s incredible pots and vases on her website.

    Sophie’s ceramic she-wees have their own Instagram page @piss_muffet.

    Learn more about the Cowichan knitting tradition on Wikipedia.

    An article in Yam Magazine, centering on knitter Dora Wilson, goes further into the tradition of Cowichan knitting. See Dora wearing a Cowichan sweater below:

    (image source: Yam Magazine)


    #59: Tools for Life with Grace Whowell Sep 26, 2022
    Show notes

    Episode 59 includes a conversation with Grace Whowell, owner of the UK craft business Beyond Measure. BM aims to sell beautiful and useful tools and supplies for makers focusing on textiles. Grace sources the kinds of high-quality tools that could become future heirlooms to be handed down through generations of crafters. However, as we hear, that is just one of the ways that she keeps sustainability and social responsibility at the core of her business. We also grapple with the eternal question of how you run a business based on selling goods whilst simultaneously trying to minimise your impact on the planet, and if it’s possible to resist growth.

    Support the podcast over on Patreon!

    Grace Whowell is the owner of tools and supplies purveyor Beyond Measure. They can also be found on Instagram @beyond_measure_uk.

    Listen to Grace’s conversation with my friend Saskia in Episode #25 of A Smaller Life podcast.

    Beyond Measure offers an array of craft workshops at their premises in Todmorden, West Yorkshire.

    Previous Check Your Thread guest Wendy Ward is supporter of, and occasional tutor at, Beyond Measure.

    Beyond Measure stocks Louisa Owen Sonstroem’s book Hand Sewing Clothing.

    Listen to Episode #15: Hand Stitching Clothes with Louisa Owen Sonstroem.

    Grace stocks beautiful turned wooden pin cushions made in Yorkshire by Hugh Leishman.

    Beyond Measure make regular donations to charities Labour Behind the Label and The Runnymede Trust.

    The Rag Market in Hebden Bridge is a twice yearly event, the next one is taking place on 15th October 2022. Find them on Instagram for up to date info @hebdenrag.


    #58: Sewing on a Budget Sep 19, 2022
    Show notes

    The second part of a two-part mini series about sewing and saving. Episode 58 focuses on how we can keep sewing-related costs down to make it more accessible to those working with a tight budget. Specifically we look at saving money on machinery, fabric, haberdashery and sewing patterns. This episode is packed with tips and approaches to allow us to do more of the kinds of sewing we most enjoy, whilst spending less.

    Support the podcast over on Patreon!

    Check out the free Olio app for sharing food and non-food items, borrowing/lending equipment, and selling handmade items locally.

    Sign up to the Trash Nothing app in the UK to receive regular updates of offers and requests for free stuff in your area.

    The Boomerang Bags organisation are looking for sewers and resources to make fabric bags to distribute to a number of excellent causes.

    Listen to Episode 9: Overlockers & Coverstitch Machines with Julia Hincks to hear the many top tips Julia shares about using and caring for these machines.

    Listen to Episode 21: The Joy of Reclaimed Fabric with Sarah AKA Sew Love NZ to get inspired by charity shopping/op-shopping/thrifting for fabric as an alternative to regular fabric shops.

    Listen to Episode 4: My 5 Favourite Scrap Projects and Episode 14: Quick and Cheap Handmade Gift Projects for lots of fun things you might like to make with your scraps and leftovers from previous projects.

    Instagram hashtags such as #scrapbusting, #scrapbuster and #sewingleftovers provide a wealth of ideas that may get your creative juices flowing.

    Listen to Episode 42: Highest Possible Level of Use with Shelly Sommer which explores a really important concept that underpins everything related to the reuse of materials.

    Find all the posts from my long-running Free Pattern Friday blog post series. Every first Friday of the month I post about a free sewing pattern or tutorial I recently road-tested.

    The updated ‘My Favourite Free Children’s Sewing Patterns’ blog post contains links to almost every type of sewing pattern you’d need to make a wardrobe full of kid’s clothes!

    With Christmas or a birthday looming, visit my ‘40 Free Patterns for Gifts for Kids’ post for some project inspo.

    The excellent Peppermint Magazine releases a free sewing pattern with every edition. Their archive is a real treat.


    #57: Can Sewing Save You Money? Sep 12, 2022
    Show notes

    This is first of a two-part series about sewing and saving and buckle up because it starts with an unapologetically political rant about the current cost of living crisis. I then explore the question, ‘Can sewing save you money?’ looking at mending, garment making, quilt making and making reusable products. I also share a listener question about opportunities to use sewing skills in a voluntary capacity to help those in need.

    Support the podcast over on Patreon!

    Hear the episode of Fiber Nation called Home Economics Vs Hilter.

    ‘Soaring costs could strip ‘basic dignity’ from millions in UK’, by Patrick Butler is an article which featured in the Guardian 2//9/22

    Find Shams el-Din Rogers on Instagram @shamseldinrogers and listen to Shams on Episode 49: Sewing as Art and Political Action with Shams el-Din Rogers.

    I explored the following topics in an attempt to answer if sewing can save you money:

    Mending

    Making your own clothes

    Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes by Dana Thomas

    Quilt making

    Making Reusables

    This includes:

    • washable sanitary products
    • reusable incontinence pads and pants
    • washable nappies, cleaning cloths
    • kitchen and tableware
    • bowl covers
    • handkerchiefs

    Period Panty Kits from Sew Projects

    Listen to Yelena in Episode 25: handmade Period Pants with Yelena Buck.

    Period Panty Gusset Only kit.

    Free cloth menstrual pads patterns by Luna Wolf.

    Volunteering

    Listen to Noah in Episode 45: The Art of Rescue with Noah Hirsch.

    You can make washable pads for organisations Days for Girls and The Pachamama Project.


    #56: Sustainable(ish) with Jen Gale Sep 05, 2022
    Show notes

    Writer, podcaster and speaker Jen Gale is one of my biggest inspirations. She is a busy mum of two living a ‘normal’ life, whilst continually seeking out ways to limit her family’s environmental impact. She shares her discoveries across different media, including via her books and her podcast, Sustainable(ish), which is an amazing resource for fascinating, inspiring conversations. In this episode (#56) we talk about how Jen finds the courage to face the realities of the climate crisis head on, the underlying concept of sustainable(ish), and her ‘year of buying nothing new’ challenge, a decade after she first attempted it. Jen also offers her perspective on the role that sewing, and sewers/ists, could play in reducing the impact of the climate crisis.

    Support the podcast over on Patreon!

    Julia Hincks can be found at House of Miss Sew.

    She wrote the excellent The Coverstitch Technique Manual, and you can book for her in-person class via this page on her site.

    Jen Gale is the maker of the amazing podcast Sustainable(ish).

    Jen also runs the Knackered Mums Eco Club and hosts Carbon Literacy talks.

    Vinted is the app that is making Jen’s current Year of Buying Nothing New much easier!

    Jen produced a series of podcast episodes in conjunction with Organic UK, they are episodes:

    • 72 (all about bees, one of my favourites!),
    • 73 (which includes Guy Singh-Watson, the founder of Riverford),
    • 74 (about food)
    • 75 (about how organic systems can help fight the climate crisis).

    Melissa Hemsley is a cookbook author and sustainability champion.

    Katharine Hayhoe is a climate scientist.

    Episode 82 with some members of the Knackered Mums Eco Club is one of Jen’s favourite episodes.

    And we both LOVED Episode 87 with the Crap Activist, who you can find on Instagram @thecrapactivist.

    Episode 122 features the incredible climate/Cop26 explainer Laura Young, @lesswastelaura on Instagram.

    Jen has written two books:

    • The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide: Everything you need to know to make small changes that make a big difference
    • The Sustainable(ish) Guide to Green Parenting: Guilt-free eco-ideas for raising your kids

    Becky Barnes is the ‘sustainable stylist’ that Jen employed to help her get more from her wardrobe. Also on Instagram @beckybarnesstyle.

    I cannot recommend Episode 138: How Much Impact can Individuals Actually Make with Tom from The Jump enough!

    image source: The Jump


    #55: The Challenges of Zero Waste Design with Birgitta Helmersson Aug 29, 2022
    Show notes

    In last week’s episode, we heard about the journey that led designer Birgitta Helmersson to create clothing and sewing patterns that follow zero waste principles. This episode (#55) features the second part of our conversation, and in it we get stuck into Birgitta’s process and the challenges faced when producing ZW designs. Birgitta also talks about her deep love of textiles, the roots of which she traces back to her Swedish, paternal grandmother, and tells us about her inventive and long-term scrap busting solutions. Plus, there are hints into future plans and developments!

    Support the podcast over on Patreon!

    New sewing hashtag about creating garments for cold weather #thegreatwinterstitchup.

    The Enough is Enough campaign.

    Discover designer Birgitta Helmersson’s clothing and sewing patterns on her website, and over on Instagram @birgittahelmersson

    The ZW Cropped Shirt pattern. Pictured below:

    Image source: Birgitta Helmersson

    The ZW Block Pant pattern.

    The kid’s ZW Gather Dress can be bought on the website.

    Some information on the quilters from Gees Bend, Alabama.

    Artists that inspire Birgitta:

    • Jacqui Stockdale.
    • Ashkan Honarvar.
    • Jack Kabangu.

    #54: A Journey to Zero Waste with Birgitta Helmersson Aug 22, 2022
    Show notes

    This 54 is the first of two featuring a conversation with Swedish-Australian designer Birgitta Helmersson. Known in the sewing community as a zero waste pattern designer, Birgitta also produces a range of ZW clothing which she sells from her shop/studio in Malmö. Prior to this, Birgitta had a diverse and convoluted career in fashion design, costume, alterations, pattern cutting and garment manufacture, which makes for a fascinating tale that we’ll hear in this episode. We also learn what sparked her interest in ZW design, the route she took to adopting ZW practices in her own business, and why Birgitta transitioned into producing sewing patterns for her designs as well as physical garments.

    Support the podcast over on Patreon!

    Discover designer Birgitta Helmersson’s clothing and sewing patterns on her website HERE, and over on Instagram @birgittahelmersson

    Listen to Birgitta on the Love Zero Waste podcast.

    The Zero Waste Fashion Design book by Holly McQuillan and Timo Rissanen via Bookshop.org.


    #53: First Birthday / Ask Me Anything with Zoe, Julia and Naomi Aug 15, 2022
    Show notes

    The Check Your Thread podcast is one year old!!!! We just took a fortnight off after creating 52 weekly episodes, and today we’re back with an ‘Ask Me Anything’ episode! Aided by friends-of-the-podcast Julia Hincks and Naomi Bancroft, we read out and discuss some awesome questions submitted by CYT listeners. We cover favourite scrap projects, how we interact (or don’t) with sewing trends, what gives me hope when faced with the climate crisis and lots more. And make sure you check out the show notes for the link to my epic Spotify playlist!

    Support the podcast over on Patreon!

    This episode features Julia Hincks. Her website is House of Miss Sew and you can find her at @juliahincks on Instagram.

    She previously featured on

    Episode #10: Overlockers & Coverstich Machines with Julia Hincks

    Episode #27: Zoe & Julia go Rag Rugging

    This episode also features Naomi Bancroft and you can find her at @whatnaomimade on Instagram.

    Favourite projects using scraps:

    • So Zo Undies
    • My denim patchwork dungarees (see image below)
    • Waves and Wild Wonder undies pattern
    • Waves and Wild kid’s Speedy pants pattern
    • DIY Daisy Rectangle sleeve top tutorial

    Trends:

    • I Am Pattern Sunshine jeans pattern
    • Fibre Mood Honey top pattern

    A blog post I wrote about my (then) new sewing machine, the Janome DKS30, AKA, lesser spotted orange Janome!

    Listen to the Spotify playlist I made for the Fabric Godmother Sewing Bee Party.

    Giving me hope:

    @intersectionalenvironmentalist on Instagram.

    Dream guests:

    • Clare Press, creator of The Wardrobe Crisis podcast, @mrspress and @thewardrobecrisis on Instagram.
    • Writer Aja Barber is @ajabarber on Instagram. Get her excellent book,’Consumed: The need for collective change; colonialism, climate change and consumerism’ anywhere but Amazon. (See the cover pictured below)
    • Amanda Lee McCarty, creator of Clotheshorse podcast, @crystal_visions and @clotheshorsepodcast on Instagram.

    If you haven’t already, listen to Episode #50: The Future of Fabrics.


    #52: Grow, Cook, Dye, Wear with Bella Gonshorovitz Jul 25, 2022
    Show notes

    For the 52nd episode of Check Your Thread, I’m speaking with a fascinating and multi-faceted creative named Bella Gonshorovitz. Originally from Tel Aviv and currently living and working in London, Bella is a fashion designer, maker, author and collaborator who has recently had her first book published. ‘Grow, Cook, Dye, Wear - From seed to style the sustainable way’ is about creating garments that are infused with experience, personality and meaning. We cover her enthralling career to date, including her collaborations with female artists to create personal collections of clothes for them. She also talks us through what she’s growing in her allotment, and the wonderful characters who have supported the creation of her book. And finally, Bella introduces me to two powerful ideas that are deeply connected to sewing more sustainably that I’d never considered before.

    Support the podcast over on Patreon!

    Find Bella Gonshorovitz via her website HERE, or on Instagram @bella_gonshorovitz

    Buy Bella’s book, ‘Grow, Cook, Dye, Wear - From seed to style the sustainable way’ HERE.

    Discover Bella’s former employer in NYC, ThreeASFOUR HERE.

    Bella is a regular collaborator with artist and sculpter Cathie Pilkington (see Cathie’s work HERE). They worked together in an installation called GoodBedBadBed see below:

    The centre for sustainable fashion in London is HERE.

    Learn about sustainable fashion pioneer Kate Fletcher HERE.

    Bella’s onion dress:

    Mr Sadiq is Bella’s allotment mentor:

    Allotment Fashion Week! Mr Sadiq and Dean:

    Listen to Episode #13. Natural Dyeing with Amy Taylor HERE.


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