Sew Mindful Podcast

Latest Episodes:

050: Learning to sew in your fifties with Melanie Keane Oct 01, 2022

Show notes

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 and said that it would be good to talk about the challenges of buying fabric as she had had some bad experiences and learnt a lot from them.

I was intrigued to hear about Mel's experiences and thought you might be too. So I was delighted that when I asked if she would be a guest on the podcast to share her thoughts, she agreed.

We ended up covering a lot more than just buying fabrics in our chat and I had such fun learning more about Mel and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
For full details of the links and resources from our chat go to the episode web page: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode50

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049: How long should dressmaking take? Sep 24, 2022

Show notes

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 Town, Rochester. And if that wasn't enough you may also come into contact with her as a customer service assistant for the online sewing pattern shop, The Foldline.
I found out about Mel through a blog post she wrote about an experiment she challenged herself to complete. After watching The Great British Sewing Bee and being shocked by the time allowed for one of the sewing tasks, Mel decided to try it for herself and see how long it would take her to complete.
For more details about the episode and all of the links go to the episode web page: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode49

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048: Season 2 Introduction and Special Offer! Sep 24, 2022

Show notes

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 episode is a quick introduction to what to expect from the new season. It also includes a special offer for 20% off from the wonderful Erica Schmitz of MybodyModel so be sure to listen out for that.
For more details on this episode and the links to the resources mentioned visit the episode web page: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode48

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047: How to use Value & Colour Contrast to Look Fabulous Jul 10, 2021

Show notes

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 podcast and this week it is a delight to welcome back Imogen Lamport of Inside Out Style.
Imogen was the first person to introduce me to the concept of picking colours and fabrics that mirrored my facial features such as hair, skin, eyes and lips, picking up the properties of those features such as colour and texture.
When I recently discovered the impact of value and colour contrast I knew I had to share it with you as it is such a simple yet powerful way of designing and planning what you make to have maximum impact.
In this episode you will hear:
> What Value and Colour Contrast are
> Why some colours and colour combinations work for you and why some don't
> How to discover your own level of value contrast
> How to create outfits that reflect and match your value contrast
> How Disney princesses can help us understand colour contrast and how to identify your optimum colour contrast
> How to combine colours and neutrals to perfectly suit you
> How to use colour and value contrast to pick the best patterned fabrics for your makes
> and much more!
Useful Links and Resources:
> Amazon: Colour Wheel
> Insideoutstyleblog: 3 Steps to finding your ultimate contrast levels
> Insideoutstyleblog: Understanding colour contrast and putting outfits together
> Insideoutstyleblog: Getting Your Head Around Value and Contrast – the Celebrity Version
> Related episode: 002: Use your face to pick your fabric
> Sew Much More Fun Guide: Fabric Harmony Framework Guide (free pdf download)
If you enjoy this episode please be sure to share it and to leave a review to help others find us. And I always love to hear about you trying out what you pick up from these great interviews so do let me know by DM on Instagram or via the Sew Much More Fun Website or Facebook Group!
Connect with Imogen Lamport:
Website address: https://insideoutstyleblog.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutStyleBlog/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insideoutstyleblog/
Connect with me:
Website | www.sewmuchmorefun.co.uk
Instagram | instagram.com/sewmuchmorefun
Thank you so much for listening and for all your support. x

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046: Finding patterns and more In A Haystack! Jul 03, 2021

Show notes

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 find out what I could do to help and I came across In A Haystack. This a digital subscription service that does all the legwork for you and each month presents you with a focused themed pack that includes a digital sewing pattern and so much more.
I was intrigued and so my guest this week is the wonderful Kate, the founder of In A Haystack to tell us all about it.
What you will hear in this episode:
> Why Kate set up In A Haystack
> What is included in her digital subscription Haystack Packs
> How her background as a researcher helps her save you & I time
> Examples of what has been included in recent packs
> How a monthly focus can help you reduce sewing overwhelm
> The benefits of having a monthly digital subscription and how it can boost your creativity
Useful Links and Resources:
In A Haystack resources
> In A Haystack Subscription
> Carly's Haystack Pack Challenge
> Tyla's Using Every Scrap blog post
Patterns mentioned
> Josie Bra - Made My Wardrobe
> Fleur Pinafore - Untitled Thoughts
> Lily Top - Experimental Space
> Lynn Skirt & Pinafore - Vanessa Hansen Studio
Directories and forums
> The Foldline - pattern shop, blog and more
> Patternreview.com - pattern forum and reviews
> Curvy Sewing Collective pattern collection forum and reviews
Instagrammers and hashtags
> @sewistandthecity - Sewing Bee Style Challenge #sewingbeestyle
> #MeMadeMay & #MeMadeMay2021
SPECIAL OFFER CODE
Kate is kindly offering all Sew Mindful listeners 20% off your first Monthly Digital Sewing pack! Simply enter the code SEWMINDFUL to receive your discount. Code is valid until 31 July 2021.
I found this episode so useful and I hope you do too. If you enjoy it then please remember to subscribe on your podcast app and leave a review as that really helps other like-minded lovelies to join us.
Thank you so much for listening!
Connect with Kate (In A Haystack):
Website: https://inahaystack.co.uk
Instagram: @in_a_haystack
Connect with me (Jacqui):
Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk
Instagram: @sewmuchmorefun

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045: Not using Tapes? Here's why you should! Jun 26, 2021

Show notes

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 Janet Kolle of Vlieseline to help me get genned up on the technology of tapes and how to apply them to our garments.

In this episode we discuss 10 fabulous Vlieseline tape products that can take your finished hand made clothes to that next level of professionalism and significantly improve the life of your special makes too.

We chat about:
> the impact of not using tapes as seen in the Great British Sewing Bee
> where tapes can be used
> which tapes are suited to which applications and fabrics
> the best products for no-sew hems
> the best tapesto extend the life of your lovely garments
> how tapes are used in clothing manufacture and how we can benefit from their research and technology

GIVEAWAY!
Because Janet loves these products so much she wanted you to be able to try them too and so we have 10 packs of Vlieseline’s Perfect Hem tape to give away.

For your chance to win one of these packs click the link below and fill out your details. Competition closes at midday on the 9th June 2021.

https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/hemtapegiveaway

Useful links and resources:

> Sew Much More Fun Youtube Channel
> H410 Interlining
> Seam Tape Flexible
> Bias Tape
> Edge Tape
> StretchFix
> Framilastic
> Waist Shaper
> EdgeFix Tape
> Perfect Hem Tape
> Wundaweb
> Bondaweb Tape
> Quilt-A-Long 2021 - live weekly demos free of charge - https://www.facebook.com/VlieselineFreudenbergUK

Connect with Janet Kolle & Vlieseline:
Website: https://www.vlieseline.com/
Instagram: @vlieseline_uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VlieselineFreudenbergUK

Contact me (Jacqui):
Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sewmuchmorefun
Facebook: https://facebook.com/sewmuchmorefun
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXz_TgNqzajtLC5cKXcbJew

Thank you so much for listening!

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044: So what is Mindful Embroidery anyway? Jun 19, 2021

Show notes

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 before the world new what lockdown was.
I also believe in the power of any kind of craft and in particular sewing to help us feel better but you don't have to take my word for it.
In this episode you will hear:
> about Mary's background and how chronic illness changed her life direction and the role embroidery played
> how Mary got started with embroidery
> why learning to embroider is so fantastic to help you stop snacking or drinking too much wine
> the types of TV programs to avoid when embroidering
> what you'll be missing out on if you have never tried it
> what Mindful Embroidery is
> the background to Mindful Embroidery and the influence of Indian and Japanese stitching traditions
> how Mary's Mindful Embroidery kits came into being and how you can hold of one
> tips for using embroidery on your own dressmaking makes
"Try embroidery and don’t worry about whether you are doing it right. Start with Mindful Stitching as a way to relax when you don’t have the time or energy to focus on dressmaking. My kits provide you with everything you need to get started and can be kept in a bag next to your favourite chair, ready to pick up when you have 10 mins." ...Mary
If you are already a lover of embroidering then be sure to get in touch and let us know or pop a pic on instagram and tag Mary and me. And if you are inspired like I am to give it a go then please message us and let us know as we love to hear about your experiences.
Useful links and resources:
Mindful Stitching Kits are currently on an introductory offer, available through Mary's website shop. https://marybroddleembroidery.com/product/mindful-stitching-kits/
Monthly hoop art course: https://marybroddleembroidery.com/courses/
Contact Mary:
Website: https://marybroddleembroidery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marybroddleembroidery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marybroddle_embroidery/
Contact me (Jacqui):
Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sewmuchmorefun
Facebook: https://facebook.com/sewmuchmorefun
Thank you so much for listening!

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043: The Marmite of Fabrics - Bengaline Jun 05, 2021

Show notes

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 - Bengaline. It is a fabric that I discovered quite late on in my sewing journey and it was not at all what I expected. And it did take a while to grow on me.
You didn't really see much of it around until fairly recently and now it is quite common to see it on the high street used in ready to wear trousers, capri pants, dresses and skirts.
It has some great properties but there are some characteristics about it that are not to everyone's taste.
In this episode you will hear:
> the history of Bengaline
> the defining features of Bengaline as a dressmaking fabric
> the types of garment you can use it for
> where to find patterns that are designed for use with Bengaline
> how to work with Bengaline and what you need to be aware of
> why some people aren't so keen on this fabric
Useful links and resources:
> Blog post- Imogen Lamport: How buying a tap changed the way I think about buying clothes
> Blog post - Gillian of Crafting a Rainbow: Style Arc Bengaline Review
> Pattern: Eva Dress by Eliza M
> Blog post: What is Bengaline
> Wikipedia: Bengaline
> Blog Post: Sewing is Cool: Bengaline Fabric Care Instructions
> Episode 35: Fabric Focus - Denim
> Episode 36: Which is the right sewing machine needle
> Bengaline Patterns: Style Arc
> Roman: Bengaline Trousers
> ASOS: Bengaline Trousers
Connect with me:
Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sewmuchmorefun
Facebook: https://facebook.com/sewmuchmorefun
Thank you so much for listening!

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042: The Power of Practice May 29, 2021

Show notes

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 courses, or maybe start but don't finish lots of projects?
Well that was me. I found myself doing all of these and not actually feeling like I was making progress. In fact I felt the opposite - overwhelmed by all the new information and guilty for never seeming to finish anything.
So in this episode you will hear:
> how lessons from the film The Matrix helped me break my cycle of procrastination
> how you can spot the signs of being stuck in this mode
> why watching the video or reading the book isn't enough
> the power of putting into practice
> 10 steps to take effective action, stop the faff and ditch the guilt
Useful links and resources:
> The Power of Practice Workbook
> Wikipedia: The Matrix
> Youtube: The Matrix - I know Kung Fu
If you do take action and want to be accountable then be sure to contact me via the website or DM as I'd love to hear about your experiences.
Connect with me:
Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sewmuchmorefun
Facebook: https://facebook.com/sewmuchmorefun

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041: Reduce, Re-use, Recycle May 22, 2021

Show notes

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 creativity. During World War 2 for example the Make Do and Mend campaign encouraged house wives to create garments from curtains, parachutes and even their husbands clothes.

But now there is a new nuance added to the equation - the environment. We are becoming more aware of the impact waste and we each have a role to play in trying to ensure that we minimise our contribution to landfill.

So learning to upcycle and consciously recycle is a fantastic way to do our bit.
In this episode you will hear:
> A few reasons why you should consider upcycling
> Some different approaches to getting started upcycling
> Some inspiration from the recent Reduce, Re-use and Recycle episode of the Great British Sewing Bee and how you can try it too!

Useful links and resources

So I have a lot of links and resources for you this week to explore and enjoy.

> Hand & Lock: Article Upcycling through the ages
> Circular Online: Article on UK Contribution to textile waste
> Roberta Style Lee Article: 5 of the best apps and websites for selling preloved clothes in the UK
> Other Websites and apps to sell clothes or buy second hand
> Vinted
> Gumtree
> Shpock
> Ebay
> Fashion Revolution - resources and how to video tutorials on upcycling
> Well and Good: How to upcycle clothes you will actually want to wear
> Paper Michey: Turning trousers into a crop wrap top
> The Sorry Girls: Fall Fashion Hacks and upcycles including a fabulous silk bomber jacket from a silk shirt
> Sarah Tyau: Playlist of videos on hacks and refashion ideas

I'd love to see your upcycle successes so DM me or tag @sewmuchmorefun on your Instagram posts of your creations.
Connect with me:
Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sewmuchmorefun
Facebook: https://facebook.com/sewmuchmorefun

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