Sew Mindful Podcast

Latest Episodes:

010: 7 Steps to doing your own alterations Oct 03, 2020

Show notes

This week’s topic is one that I get asked about a lot and that is how to do your own clothing alterations.
When people think about making their own clothes it’s natural to think that it is easiest to start by modifying something you already have rather than making from scratch. But in reality having to take apart and remake a garment can be more challenging that just making it from scratch.
So in this episode I’m giving you some tips as to the type of alterations that are easiest to take on for beginners and those that might need more experience. We talk about what you need to know before you start doing your alterations and the many benefits of learning how to tackle some alteration projects yourself.
I also give you my 7 step process to alterations to ensure that you end up with a professional finish.
Over the coming weeks I am going to be covering more tips on alterations over in the Sew Much More Fun facebook group so be sure to join to find out more.
Useful links and resources
Tutorial - Top tips on taking full length selfies

And I’d love to hear what questions you have about alterations so you can email me at hello@sewmuchmorefun.co.uk.If you enjoy this episode and it inspired you, I’d love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a pic of you listening on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me @sewmuchmorefun
Haven’t left a review yet? Just go to the Sew Mindful podcast on itunes, click 'Listen on Apple Podcasts', open in itunes and then click 'Ratings and Reviews'. And thanks for your support of this show!Finally, I'd love to get your help to contribute to this podcast because that helps me keep it useful to you and other listeners. Submit a question for the Listener Questions of the Month edition of The Sew Mindful Podcast. Go to https://www.sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/podcast-question and enter your question which could feature on an upcoming episode.
Connect with me:
Instagram & Facebook!

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009: Woman Saves World by Making Own Clothes Sep 26, 2020

Show notes

Sounds melodramatic right? Woman saves world by making her own clothes. Surely dressmaking is just a hobby? But what if the impact of learning to make clothes was not only to produce outfits that fit, flatter and look fabulous but could also save the environment and improve your wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around you? Wouldn't that be amazing!
“I feel like we understand what plastic does to the Earth, but I had no idea what cotton was capable of” – Stacey Dooley

Well in this episode I explore how learning this great skill can do just that. I share some scary stats about the fashion industry's impact on both the environment and the people that work in it. I explore the perceived value of the skills of dressmaking and roles dominated by women in the workplace and the changes to our lifestyle that have disconnected us from our creativity and our connection to those around us.
And the answer to all the world's woes? Spoiler alert!
Yes you guessed it - learning to make your own clothes!
Useful Links and Resources:
Environmental cost of 'fast fashion' is not sustainable by University of Manchester
Exploitation and Sweatshops are at the core of fast fashion - Euro News on Leicester Factory working conditions
Fashion and the Environment - British Fashion Council White Paper
6 Reasons why sewing benefits your mental health - ThisBlogisNotForYou
Sewing for Self Care - The Science behind Creativity and Mental Health - Sewing for Victory
7 Ways to help garment workers: https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2020/jul/09/seven-ways-to-help-garment-workers
Stacey Dooley Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOe_M3GutdY
Made in Dagenham trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHvz5kBkD0U

Connect with me, Jacqui Blakemore:

Instagram & Facebook!

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008: Use Style Lines to Flatter your Figure - with Imogen Lamport Sep 19, 2020

Show notes

My guest is the fabulous Imogen Lamport of Inside Out Style back by popular demand. If you haven’t listened to Episode 2 where Imogen made her first appearance then be sure to go and listen to that after this episode. If you have listened to that episode then you will know that Imogen is a walking encyclopaedia on all things style.

At the time of recording we are in the transition phase between seasons and I am planning what to make and wear as the weather begins to change. I’ve become fascinated by the optical illusions that clothing can create and so I decided to ask the style guru, Imogen, about the ways in which we can use style lines in our clothing and the rules to help me understand what will flatter me and what I should avoid. It’s a juicy episode packed to the brim with great rules, tips and advice.

In this episode you will hear:

The four most common style lines and how they relate to our clothing
The three rules of horizontal lines – how to use them to create balance and where to avoid them
How to create height and lose pounds using verticals and why rolling up your sleeves can make your legs look longer
The best place to use a curve in your clothes and which neckline is the most flattering for you

…and sooooo much more!
Useful Links and resources:

Episode 002: Use your face to pick your fabric: https://www.sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/podcast/episode/4c8e89fb/002-use-your-face-to-pick-your-fabric-with-imogen-lamport
Seven Steps to Style program - https://insideoutstyleblog.com/7-steps-to-style-system
Imogen’s Three Rules of Horizontal Lines - https://insideoutstyleblog.com/2016/11/horiztonal-lines-clothing.html
How Diagonal Lines Work in outfits - https://insideoutstyleblog.com/2016/11/how-diagonal-lines-work.html
How Curved Lines work - https://insideoutstyleblog.com/2016/12/curved-lines-work.html
Where to end tops to make your hips and tummy look slimmer - https://insideoutstyleblog.com/2018/03/where-to-end-tops-to-make-your-hips-and-tummy-look-slimmer.html

Connect with Imogen Lamport:

Connect with me, Jacqui Blakemore:

Instagram & Facebook!

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007: Making Time (to Sew) with Amber Allworth Sep 12, 2020

Show notes

I am joined once again by Amber Allworth for part 2 of our discussion on change, this time focusing on tips that can help you understand how you are using your time. If you want to make changes we cover some tips and tools to help you do that including how to do more of what lights you up.

So if you feel out of control or overwhelmed by your to do list, if you feel dissatisfied with how you are spending your time, if you feel like you never get to do what you want to do then this episode is for you.

I personally found this episode really useful and listened to it quite a few times in the edit as there are so many helpful tips.

I’m not sure about you but over the recent months my routine has changed and full disclosure, I have found it challenging to get into a routine that I’m happy with. Until quite recently I have allowed myself to start ambling into my day without too much of a plan because due to stuff going on at home I was constantly getting interrupted or having to change what I planned to do.

But in starting the podcast I knew it was an opportunity to reintroduce some structure and some consistency and so as you will hear in this episode there are a few changes that I have made and tools I have been using that have really helped me. And I am now also applying the tips and strategies that we discuss to take that to the next level.

In this episode you will hear:

How making time for yourself can benefit others
How to take an inventory of your time
How to understand your values and incorporate them into your calendar
The value of taking one action vs trying to complete the whole project in one sitting
How to ‘chunk’ your planning
How to use the pomodoro technique and the hidden power of setting time boundaries

Useful links and resources

Amber’s Sew Mindful Listener tools including the Time Inventory: https://www.allworthitcoaching.com/sewmindful/
Explanation of the pomodoro technique: https://francescocirillo.com/pages/pomodoro-technique
Download for pomodoro timer: https://francescocirillo.com/products/pomodoro-timer-software
Book – The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst:
Amber’s Podcast: The All Worth It Podcast

Connect with Amber Allworth:

Connect with Jacqui Blakemore:

Instagram & Facebook!

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006: Making Change Intentional with Amber Allworth Sep 05, 2020

Show notes

“The only constant in life is change,” Heraclitus

But change can be tough and if you struggle with change but want to embrace it then episode 6 – Making Change Intentional - is just for you.

My guest is Amber Allworth of Allworth It Life Coaching. She specialises in working with people that want to make a change in their lives or have been forced into making a change. Those changes could include a change in career, feeling stuck in a rut or cycle you want to change, changing your routine and breaking old habits to create new ones and how to plan for and manage that transition.
In this episode you’ll hear:

how to start making change intentional, e.g. if you want to create new lasting space to learn a new hobby or skill like dressmaking, or if, due to these unusual times, know that a significant change is round the corner and want to be prepared for and even proactive about it.
how to explore what thoughts and beliefs might hold back your best intentions and how to expose particularly the subconscious thoughts so that you can take more conscious actions.
how you can use small actions to build your ‘change muscle’ if you are not used to or uncomfortable with change, and what those small steps include.
discussion about how to be more realistic with timescales and kinder to yourself if your initial plans don’t come to fruition.

Useful links and resources:
Amber has created an amazing worksheet to help you with an Intentional Change Brainstorm which you can access from the link here: https://www.allworthitcoaching.com/sewmindful/

She is also offering the chance to work with her 1-to-1 with a 30 minute coaching session for the first 10 listeners that sign up for her upcoming Your Next Move bootcamp which starts on the 14th September. In Your Next Move bootcamp she’ll be helping you to identify the change(s) you want to make in your life, set some goals, create some deadlines, and so much more! There are 6 sessions over 10 days AND bonuses you won’t want to miss!
Connect with Amber Allworth:
| Website address | https://www.allworthitcoaching.com/
| Facebook page | https://www.facebook.com/AllworthItLifeCoaching/
| Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/allworthitlifecoaching/
| LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/allworth-it-life-coaching/
If you enjoy this episode and it inspired you, I’d love to hear about your biggest takeaway. Take a pic of you listening on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me and Amber @sewmuchmorefun and @allworthitlifecoaching.

Haven’t left a review yet? Just go to the Sew Mindful podcast on itunes, click 'Listen on Apple Podcasts', open in itunes and then click 'Ratings and Reviews'. And thanks for your support of this show!

Finally, I'd love to get your help to contribute to this podcast because that helps me keep it useful to you and other listeners. Submit a question for the Listener Questions of the Month edition of The Sew Mindful Podcast. Go to https://www.sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/podcast-question and enter your question which could feature on an upcoming episode.
Connect with me:
Instagram &

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005: Discover your style personality with Sylvie Hart Aug 29, 2020

Show notes

In this episode I am speaking to the serene Sylvie Hart of Sylvie Hart Style about how to uncover your own style personality.

Sylvie helps women discover their inner style and create a wardrobe that aligns their style + lifestyle.

And like me she believes that when we feel comfortable and confident in how we look, there is a ripple effect in who we aspire to be and what we can accomplish.

In this episode we talk about my style journalling experiment that she coached me through and the surprising revelations that I got from it.

We also talk about some simple practical steps you can take to start align your clothes with your personal style and tips to add strong basic pieces to give you more options and piece of mind.

Remember to check out the show notes for the link to the Sylvie’s Style journal template and also my completed journal and the pics of my dubious horse riding outfit mentioned during our chat.
If you enjoy this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me and Sylvie @sewmuchmorefun and @sylvie_style.

Haven’t left a review yet? All you have to do is go to the Sew Mindful podcast on itunes, click 'Listen on Apple Podcasts', open in itunes and then click 'Ratings and Reviews'. And thanks for your support of this show!

I'd love to get your help to contribute to this podcast because that helps me keep it useful to you and other listeners. So you can submit a question for the Listener Questions of the Month edition of The Sew Mindful Podcast. All you have to do is go to https://www.sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/podcast-question and enter your question which could be featured on an upcoming episode.

In this episode you’ll hear:

How I used Sylvie's style journal template to understand more about my style personality
How to transform your wardrobe from a time capsule of the past to reflect the future you
Why wearing your pyjamas to work from home may be impacting your productivity
Tools and techniques you can use to connect with your unique personal style

Useful links and resources:
Style Journal Template
Jacqui's completed style journal - with pic of my hideous horse-riding outfit! Remember no judging!

Connect with Sylvie Hart:
| Website address | https://www.sylviehartstyle.com
| Facebook page | https://www.facebook.com/sylviehartstyle
| Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sylvie_style
| LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvia-hart-4a363985/
Sylvie offers 1:1 Styling Services and STYLE ACCESS which is a members-only style community designed to teach you practical, every day style tips to use so you can stress less about what to wear and focus more on what you do best!

She also has a Style Course launching in October 2020!

Connect with me:
Instagram & Facebook!

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004: 5 Steps to Wardrobe Detox - Maria Bello Aug 21, 2020

Show notes

In this episode I’m talking to the wonderful Maria Bello of Maria Bello Styling. She is an Italian Style consultant living in London and specialises in helping her clients use what they wear to overcome anxiety and depression.
She is a qualified Personal Fashion Stylist based in South London having trained with celebrity stylist, Casey Paul.

She is originally from Italy and Fashion has been an essential part of her life since a very young age. She is a member of FIPI (Federation of Image Professionals International) and also a Colour Expert.

She shares that "I used to suffer from crippling Anxiety and Depression and now I help those struggling with mental health find their Signature Style through my “Style Yourself Confident” programme which mixes personal styling, self-development and spirituality."

During our interview Maria gives tips on how to tackle the famous “I have nothing to wear” and create a streamline wardrobe made of items that fit and flatter your body shape and can be mixed to create numerous outfits and remove the stress from getting dressed.

In our chat we talk about 5 steps you can use to detox your wardrobe to start to clear space for all the fabulous garments you want to make. And at the end of the episode Maria has a freebie and a discount code for listeners to get 20% off her amazing styling services.

What we cover in this episode:
The S.T.Y.L.E Method

S treamline your closet
T aking Inventory
Y our Body Shape
L ess is more
E mbrace your true self

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003: Build a better body connection - with Jenny Kotlyar Aug 15, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 3 of the Sew Mindful podcast where we are exploring building a better connection with your body.

As you may know I love to sew but there are times when I seem to procrastinate or avoid it. I began to pay attention to what was going on when I had dressmaking avoidance and realised that a big part of it seemed to be related to how I was feeling about my body. If I’d gained weight or hadn’t been exercising and the lumps and bumps were starting to grow then I found I was much less enthusiastic to spend time making outfits even though they were garments I really wanted to get finished.

Part of dressmaking is that you need to try things on and look in the mirror and I realised that if you aren’t happy with how you look then it can taint how you feel about what you are making.

So when I decided to start the Sew Mindful podcast this was on my list of topics that I wanted to get answers to. So I looked for experts I could talk to about ways in which I could reframe my connection and perception of my body on the occasions when I’m not feeling in love with it.

That’s how I came across Jenny Kotlyar. Jenny runs a program called ‘Limitless Hiker’ where she helps women prepare, plan and complete hiking adventures pushing their minds and bodies to new levels of success.

In this interview Jenny talks about how getting out and doing something physically challenging can give you a new perspective about your body and help you put an end to the nit-picking.

So this episode is not really about dressmaking per se but it does address some of the mindset barriers that might get in the way of dressmaking and tips on how you can start to change those if you want to.

It does also have lots of ‘kicks up the butt’ from Jenny about choosing to change our focus from the what-ifs to taking small actions to reach big goals.

She also shares her early experiences with hiking that turned out to be quite treacherous but I love that she wasn’t deterred. She learned from her mistakes, kept going and now she is coaching others.
To summarise some of the great tips from the interview I've created the following cheatsheets for you.

For more information on how to reach Jenny:
| Website address | https://www.campsitevibes.com/
| Facebook page | https://www.facebook.com/campsitevibes/
| Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/jen.outdoors/
Course: Limitless Hiker - https://www.campsitevibes.com/limitless-hiker/
I hope you enjoyed this episode. In the next episode I'll be speaking to the fabulous Maria Bello of Maria Bello Styling about how to detox your wardrobe and make space for your new creations so be sure to subscribe/follow so you don't miss it.

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002: Use Your Face to Pick Your Fabric - with Imogen Lamport Aug 14, 2020

Show notes

In this episode I am talking to the fabulous Imogen Lamport of Inside Out Style.

Imogen is based in Melbourne Australia and her blog and website for Inside Out Style has become regarded as the Encyclopaedia of Image Consulting.

She is an innovator and leader in the style industry and created the Absolute Colour System of 18 tonal colour directions that is now used by consultants around the world.

She is also a certified Psychological Type Practictioner and co-creator of the 16 Style Types which bring together the relationship of how your personality influences your personal style using your psychological type.

She has written and published 4 books The Finishing Touch: perfecting the art of accessorizing, Never Short on Style: dressing and finessing the petite frame, Travelling Light: learn the art of packing lightand co-authored the book Svelte in Style: How to Look and Feel Great While Losing Weight‘

She has also been interviewed widely including being featured in Tatler magazine.

Over many years she has created a wealth of resources on her website as well as working directly with clients on all things style and I was drawn to her because a lot of the knowledge I picked up initially from her website seemed to tackle the topic of style from angles I hadn’t seen before.

One of the topics that is in the forefront of dressmaker’s minds is that of choosing fabrics. It can be daunting for beginners but even seasoned sewers can find it challenging to know which fabrics to choose. The fabric is such a key component to the success of the finished item that I am always keen to discover any tips and tricks that will help me narrow down the huge array of fabrics out there.

In this episode Imogen talks through the value of reflecting and repeating attributes of your own body features in the fabrics we choose and how this can ensure that the garment you create is in harmony with you and as a result looks fabulous.

She explains a wide range of different aspects including how we can use the colour tone and texture of our hair and skin to pick fabrics that will really show off our best features. And if you want to wear more boucle then maybe ditch that wrinkle cream.
Resources:
Notes from the episode: Fabric Harmony Framework
Imogen on FB: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutStyleBlog/
Imogen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insideoutstyleblog/
Imogen on Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/insideoutstyleblog/
Imogen on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imogenlamport/
7 Steps to Style: https://insideoutstyleblog.com/7-steps-to-style-system
Body Shape Calculator: https://insideoutstyleblog.com/body-shape-calculator
12 point plan for harmonious outfits: https://insideoutstyleblog.com/2016/04/create-harmony.html
SewM

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001: Why I started this podcast Aug 05, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to this inaugural episode of the Sew Mindful podcast.
In this short but sweet episode we cover an intro to your host Jacqui Blakemore and what this podcast series has in store.
If you are frustated with your current wardrobe contents and have ever wanted to make your own clothes but have not taken those first steps then we talk about what might be holding you back.
We explore the Invincible Dressmaker Framework and how its 3 key elements fit together to help you create clothes you'll love that also love you.
And there are a few easy to take actions to get you up and running if you are a complete beginner.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Website: sewmuchmorefun.co.uk
Facebook group: SewMuchMoreFun
Free Equipment Checklist: Download
Thank you for listening and please remember to subscribe to get notified about the latest episodes.

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