Sew Mindful Podcast

Latest Episodes:

030: Fabric Spotlight - Jersey Feb 27, 2021

Show notes

Hello and welcome to this episode of the Sew Mindful podcast and thank you so much for joining me.
This week I wanted to focus on one of my favourite fabrics to work with and that is Jersey. I wanted to do a bit of research and share with you some background to the different types of fibres that Jersey fabrics can be made from and the very different properties that each one has.
I have been teaching my sister to sew her first stretch garment and so I have been sharing some of my tips and experiences to help her get started and thought that you might want to share those too.
In this episode you will hear:
> a short history of how Jersey came to be
> the many different fibres that Jersey can be made from and how those fibres affect the properties of the fabric
> the types of garments you can make from Jersey
> my top tips for preparing to work with your Jersey fabric
> my sewing tips for constructing garments from this beautifully versatile fabric
Useful links and resources:
> FREE pattern - Itch to Stitch Lago Tank Top
> Deer & Doe - Plantain t-shirt pattern
> Grainline Studios - Lark Tee pattern
> I loved this article from Tissura on the history of Jersey fabric: https://tissura.com/articles/jersey-fabrics
> This article from the V&A website shares more about Mary Quant's iconic Jersey dresses: https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/six-revolutionary-designs-by-mary-quant
> Great article by MyHandmade Wardrobe: https://www.myhandmadewardrobepatterns.com/blog//jersey-fabrics-all-you-need-to-know
Connect with Me (Jacqui)
Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.co.uk/sewmuchmorefun/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sewmuchmorefun/

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029: The Secrets Behind the 2021 Pantone Colour of the Year Feb 20, 2021

Show notes

Pantone started as a graphics standards system for designers to provide a way to standardise how we define and refer to colours. It has become so influential that it is now a primary influencer in the colour trends followed by the fashion industry.
In 2000 the Pantone Color Institute set up the Pantone Color of the Year. It has evolved into a significant trendsetting tool and now takes 9 months of research to select. Pantone describe the colour of the year as "...a color snapsho of what we see taking place in our global culture that serves as an expression of a mood and an attitude."
My fascination with colour began when I trained as a Reflexologist and started to learn about energy and chakras and their relationship with colour. So I wanted to explore the combination of the selection of Illuminating Yellow as the Pantone 2021 Color of the Year and what that represents energetically to understand how I can use that to my advantage in my designs and makes for 2021.
To many this combination of topics may seem a bit woo woo but if you are open to gaining new perspectives on seemingly ordinary things then I think you will find my chat with my good friend and energy expert, Sue Ricks intriguing.
In this episode you will hear:
> How Sue began working with colour and energy
> What chakras are and how the colour yellow relates to them
> Ways to incorporate yellow into your life
> What types of energetic and emotional issues yellow may help to address
> What our connection to different colours can tell us
> How to experiment and bring colour into your life
Useful links and resources
> Pantone Color of the Year 2021
> Sue with Chakra Chart
> Sue with Solar Plexus Reflex Point
Connect with Sue
Website: https://suericks.com
Sue Ricks Academy: https://suericksacademy.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suericksacademy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suericks_gtr/
Connect with me (Jacqui)
Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.co.uk/sewmuchmorefun/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sewmuchmorefun/

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028: How to Buy Fabric (part 2) with Claire Hutchinson Feb 13, 2021

Show notes

This week is the 2nd part of my chat with the wonderful Claire Hutchinson about her tips on buying fabric particularly when in shops. If you haven't already listened to episode 27 for part 1 of our chat then I'd highly recommend doing so as Claire shares some great tips on how to make sure you get the best preparation for any fabric shopping trip.
What you will hear in this episode:
In this episode we get stuck straight into Claire's tips on how much fabric to buy if you haven't already finalised your pattern choice to ensure that you minimise any leftovers. We also talk about the some project ideas for any scraps that you have.
Claire shares her thoughts on textured fabrics and some other tips to elevate your garment design. And to inspire us all she shares whats coming up on her sewing project list.
Useful links and resources:
> Helen's Closet patterns
> Blackbird Fabrics
> Love to Sew Podcast (with Helen and Caroline from Helen's Closet and Blackbird Fabrics)
> Make a Pouf Scrap Busting Tutorial
> Linton Tweeds
> How to make a rounded back adjustment
> Scout Tee pattern from Grainline Studios
> Hudson Pants pattern from True Bias
If you enjoy this episode I would love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device or if you have a fabric stash then show it off, post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me @sewmuchmorefun and Claire @sew_made_it.
Connect with Claire:
Instagram: @sew_made_it
Connect with me (Jacqui):
Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.co.uk/sewmuchmorefun/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sewmuchmorefun/

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027: How to buy fabric (part 1) with Claire Hutchinson Feb 06, 2021

Show notes

In this week's episode Claire Hutchinson returns to continue our chat about her fabric stash. Claire first joined me in Episode 24 to share her process for picking and making garments and as we spoke it was clear that Claire loves to buy fabric.
I wanted to find out how to become more confident in buying fabric when in shops and so in this episode Claire shares the details of her process of picking and buying fabrics.
If you have struggled to find fabrics you love then Claire has some great advice for you. There were so many tips that I've split our chat into two parts.
In this episode you will hear:
> how Claire prepares for her fabric shopping,
> how she narrows down her choices when in the fabric store,
> how she feels about plain vs patterned fabrics,
> what colour palette she uses,
> which fabrics she tries to avoid and why,
> the importance of doing your homework,
> and the benefit of making things to last.
Useful links and resources:
> Merchant and Mills Hareme Jacket
> Style Arc Adelaide Jacket
> True Bias Hudson Pants
In part 2 (episode 28 available next week) we will be talking about
> how to work out how much fabric to buy if you haven’t decided on your final pattern yet,
> tips on how to use up your scraps,
> best ways to store your fabrics,
> the benefits of buying textured fabrics,
> how to create interest with haberdashery and accessories,
> and what’s on Claire’s project list.
Connect with Claire:
Instagram: @sew_made_it
Connect with me (Jacqui):
Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.co.uk/sewmuchmorefun/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sewmuchmorefun/

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026: How to Choose a Sewing Machine Jan 30, 2021

Show notes

One of the most often asked questions when people are learning to make their own clothes is which is the best sewing machine to buy. Choosing a sewing machine can seem really daunting as there are so many to choose from so in this episode I talk about the key things I look for when choosing a sewing machine.
I explain how the machines I have bought in the past have evolved in features and price as my sewing has become more advanced and more frequent.
In this episode you will hear:
> What to do before you start to buy a sewing machine
> Pricing bands for different levels of sewing machine and what to expect for your budget
> Types of features to expect at each level of machine
> Key features to look out for
> Popular brands of sewing machine
> Advanced features on more expensive models
Connect with me (Jacqui):
Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.co.uk/sewmuchmorefun/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sewmuchmorefun/

If you enjoy this episode I would love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device or if you have a sewing machine then show it off, post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me @sewmuchmorefun.

Support the show

025: How I deal with my sewing failures Jan 23, 2021

Show notes

I love sewing but it can be easy to feel defeated if your project doesn't turn out as planned. There can be lots of reasons why sewing failures can happen but because you have often invested time and money into it the frustration can feel magnified when it happens.
In this episode I talk about some of my 'failures' and the reason I have used quote marks is because I have found ways to reframe these projects and see them with new eyes. I want to share with you some of the ways that I have found to help me enjoy my sewing more and end up with more garments that I really love.
So if you have felt so frustrated with a sewing project (or any project) that it has made you think of giving it up altogether then these tips might change how you see that experience and give you some pointers on how to prevent that happening in the future.
In this episode you will hear:
> why sewing fails seem to hurt so much
> details of some of my own favourite sewing fails
> some of the reasons why sewing projects fail
> how to prevent different types of sewing failures from happening
> a little pep talk to keep you on track at times of frustration :)
Useful links and resources:
Fitting books
> Singer: The Perfect Fit
> The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting by Sarah Veblen
> Fit for Real People by Pati Palmer & Marta Alto
> Fantastic Fit for Every Body by Gale Grigg Hazen
Tutorials and worksheets
> Tuesday Techniques Pattern Fitting tutorials
> Sewing Project Pep Talk Worksheet - Printable or Editable PDF
Useful websites and blogs
> Cashmerette Blazer Pattern Development
> MyBodyModel Croquis for designing and sketching
Sewing patterns mentioned
> Sew House Seven Toaster Sweater pattern
Connect with me (Jacqui):
Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.co.uk/sewmuchmorefun/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sewmuchmorefun/

If you enjoy this episode I would love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device or in your fav outfit, post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me @sewmuchmorefun.

Support the show

024: Putting Fabric First with Claire Hutchinson Jan 16, 2021

Show notes

I love talking to other makers about their makes and the processes they follow to express their creativity so I wanted to share with you some of the wonderful people I have met through sewing.
I met Claire Hutchinson on a Pattern Drafting course at The School of Sewing in Ashby, UK. I loved her enthusiasm and passion for all things dressmaking and followed her progress via her projects on Instagram.
Over the years she has dedicated a lot of time to honing her dressmaking skills, learning new techniques and practicing and applying her skills in a wide variety of dressmaking projects.
In this episode we talk about Claire's approach to starting new projects and how she finds her inspiration and follows that through to her finished makes. It is almost the opposite to my own process which I found fascinating and I am sure you will too.
In this episode you will hear
> how Claire got started making clothes
> how her ambition initially out-stripped her ability but didn't dampen her enthusiasm
> how her fabric stash kicks off her creative process and all the steps she follows
> some of her memorable 'failures' and the lessons they delivered
Useful Links & Resources
> ME+EM - https://www.meandem.com/
> Alexander McQueen - https://www.alexandermcqueen.com/en-gb
> Christian Dior - https://www.dior.com/en_gb/womens-fashion/woman
> Reiss - https://www.reiss.com/
> Chanel - https://www.chanel.com/en_GB
> Grainline Studio, Archer Shirt - https://grainlinestudio.com/products/archer-button-up-shirt
> True Bias, Lander Pants - https://shop.truebias.com/product/lander-pant-short
> True Bias, Ogden Cami - https://shop.truebias.com/products?utf8=%E2%9C%93&search=ogden
> Alison Smith's School of Sewing - https://www.schoolofsewing.co.uk/
Connect with Claire:
Instagram: @sew_made_it
Connect with me (Jacqui):
Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.co.uk/sewmuchmorefun/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sewmuchmorefun/

If you enjoy this episode Claire and I would love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device or in your fav outfit or your own fabric stash, post it to your Instagram Stories and tag Claire @sew_made_it and me @sewmuchmorefun.

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023: How I Plan My Sewing Projects Jan 09, 2021

Show notes

January is my favourite month for planning and so I wanted to share the steps that I used to plan my next mini collection that I will be making to kick off this year. Now the phrase ‘mini collection’ sounds a lot more glamorous than it really is but after years of making individual garments that didn’t really go with anything in my wardrobe or that I ended up not being able to wear very often I decided I needed a better plan.

So I am going to share with you how I created my last two collections of clothes that I absolutely love and get much more regular wear from. So if you are struggling to plan or decide what to make or even how to fill the gaps that you might have in your wardrobe then tune in to find out more.

In this episode you will hear:

> How to find out what might be getting in the way of your planning

> Why planning has become so important for me and how my life has changed

> The benefits of creating a plan

> My 7 steps to dressmaking project planning

> The tools I use to help me with my planning and how you can get the most from them

Useful links and resources

> MyBodyModel Blog: https://www.mybodymodel.com/wardrobe-planning/new-year-wardrobe-goals-sewing-a-capsule-wardrobe/

> Trello Dressmaking Project Planner Board Template: https://trello.com/b/c7K4DptJ/dressmaking-project-planner/jacquiblakemore/recommend

> Dressmaking project plan template: https://bfefd38b-334b-4907-8d36-1876e41e9c01.usrfiles.com/ugd/bfefd3_1aed18c0c0a44308a2bcbfe941b4b0df.pdf

> Swatch Card Template: https://bfefd38b-334b-4907-8d36-1876e41e9c01.usrfiles.com/ugd/bfefd3_62d227b665d04b8591f7fc741e4746b0.pdf

Connect with me (Jacqui)

Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.co.uk/sewmuchmorefun/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sewmuchmorefun/

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022: Attracting the Results you Really Want Jan 02, 2021

Show notes

Happy New Year lovely listeners and welcome to 2021. I wanted to find a topic that would set you up to have a great year and so this week’s guest is the marvellous Mikki Gaskell.

Mikki is a coach who describes herself as your biggest cheerleader and who doesn't need one of those! She believes that everyone is born with a unique and special gift inside them and she works to inspire, motivate and bring out the best in each person.

We talk about the power of our thoughts and the Law of Attraction and how you can use them to not only improve your sewing but also to have a life filled with fun.

In this episode you will hear:

> How Mikki became a coach and why she loves the Law of Attraction
> What the Law of Attraction is and how you can use it to your advantage
> Why positive affirmations alone don’t work
> How to use the power of your thoughts to change your beliefs
> How to really tune in to what you are actually thinking
> Why the good and the bad times are equally important

Useful Links and Resources:

FREEBIE:
> 10 Tips for a Positive Mindset
https://www.mikkigaskell.co.uk/free-for-you
COURSES:
> Law of Attraction - Beginners
https://www.mikkigaskell.co.uk/lawofattractionbeginners
> Law of Attraction - Advanced
https://www.mikkigaskell.co.uk/lawofattractionadvanced

BLOG:
> Overcoming Sewing Frustration to Create Something Beautiful: https://www.sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/overcoming-sewing-frustration-to-create-something-beautiful

Connect with Mikki:

Website: https://www.mikkigaskell.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikkigaskell/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikki-gaskell-llb-hons-lch-dip-aba309124/

Connect with me (Jacqui)

Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.co.uk/sewmuchmorefun/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sewmuchmorefun/

If you enjoy this episode, Mikki and I would love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device or in your fav outfit, post it to your Instagram Stories and tag Mikki @mikkigaskell and me @sewmuchmorefun.

Support the show

021: Making Money From Your Sewing Skills Dec 26, 2020

Show notes

If you have ever thought about whether you might be able to turn your sewing into a way to bring in more money then this episode is for you. Or if you already sell things that you have made and want to increase your audience and sales online then be sure to give this a listen.

My guest for this episode is the fabulous Annabelle Bayhan. Annabelle helps people that run their own businesses connect with their audience through social media to find the right people to buy their products and services.

She brings her experience for marketing and project managing in big corporations to online businesses in a way that is simple to follow and fun to apply.

I was totally inspired by our interview and have listened to it several times since editing to start to use her tips and suggestions myself so I hope you love it as much as I do.

In this episode you will hear:

> How to find out if what you make would sell online
> What to consider when moving from a hobby to a business
> How to differentiate yourself from the big businesses and use that to your advantage
> The power of your story
> Tricks to creating engaging and reusable social media content
> How to become your own influencer
> How to get started
Useful links and resources:

Small scale makers:

> Bookhou
> Juicy Glass
> Katies Enamelist

Instagram resources

> Jasmine Star

Youtube video for fabric store explaining the story of each fabric designer

> Let’s talk about fabric with Aims from Indy Bindy Fabrics

Connect with Annabelle:

Website: https://www.annabellebayhan.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annabellebayhan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annabellebayhan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/annabellebayhan

Connect with me (Jacqui):

Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.co.uk/sewmuchmorefun/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sewmuchmorefun/

If you enjoy this episode, Annabelle and I would love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device or in your fav outfit, post it to your Instagram Stories and tag Annabelle @annabellebayhan and me @sewmuchmorefun

Support the show

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