The Sewing Social

40:33

Building Emporia Patterns with Clair and Charlotte -...

The Sewing Social ·

2026/09/30

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to turn a love of sewing into a successful sewing pattern and fabric business? In this episode of The Sewing Social, I’m joined by Clair and Charlotte from Emporia Patterns to talk about their journey through the sewing world - from their early experiences with making and dressmaking to building an independent pattern and fabric business. We chat about designing sewing patterns, the hardships of a small business and how the sewing community has evolved...

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36:40

Banker, Tailor, Teacher, Guy - Neil O'Dwyer on...

The Sewing Social ·

2026/09/23

Send us Fan Mail Neil O’Dwyer has had anything but a conventional career. In this episode of The Sewing Social, Neil shares his unconventional journey from banking to tailoring, teaching and storytelling, and the unexpected role that sewing has played along the way. We talk about what first drew Neil to tailoring and sewing, making a career change later in life, and how a series of unexpected opportunities led him from one career to the next. From working in banking to becoming a tailor, maki...

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33:27

Sustainable Sewing and Fabric Destashing with...

The Sewing Social ·

2026/09/16

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a passion for sewing grows into a platform designed to help sewists make more sustainable choices? In this episode of The Sewing Social, Caroline Bacle joins us to talk about her journey from Montreal to London, her love of sewing and dressmaking, and the story behind Destasher - a platform created to help sewists give unwanted fabrics, sewing patterns, haberdashery and other sewing supplies a second life. Caroline shares how her own experiences as a sewist ...

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43:44

From Civil Service to Sewing: Lydia Finney on Fabric...

The Sewing Social ·

2026/09/09

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Sewing Social, Lydia Finney (known online as "Lovely Lydia") talks about her journey into fabric printing, dressmaking and making clothes, exploring the technical skills and creative processes behind her work. We chat about combining traditional sewing and textile techniques with modern creativity, developing confidence as a maker, and why craft should be accessible and inclusive to everyone - whatever your experience or skill level. From fabric design ...

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35:45

From Tailoring to Sewing on TV: David Olaniyi's Dress...

The Sewing Social ·

2026/09/02

Send us Fan Mail David Olaniyi joins The Sewing Social Podcast to share the story behind his journey from dance to fashion and tailoring, and how his creative background has shaped the way he designs today. David talks openly about his experience on Dress the Nation with Marks & Spencer, the challenges of putting his tailoring skills to the test, and what it takes to build a career in the fashion industry. Known for blending streetwear with traditional tailoring, David also takes us behin...

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42:52

Designing Sewing Patterns for Men & Boys with Jane...

The Sewing Social ·

2026/07/29

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Sewing Social, I'm joined by Jane Harbison, founder of Jane Harbison Design, to explore her inspiring journey into the world of dressmaking, sewing pattern design and creative entrepreneurship. Jane shares how she followed her passion for sewing, identified a gap in the market for men's and boys' sewing patterns, and built a business around helping more people enjoy making their own clothes. We chat about the importance of the creative process, wh...

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42:06

Mastering Pattern Cutting: Helen Shine of Dot n Cross...

The Sewing Social ·

2026/07/22

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to create beautifully fitting garments? In this episode of The Sewing Social, I'm joined by Helen Shine, an expert pattern cutter whose impressive career has seen her work with renowned fashion brands including Vivienne Westwood, Karen Millen and many more. Helen shares her journey from the world of high-end fashion to running her own pattern cutting workshops, sewing retreats and dressmaking courses in Cornwall. We explore the art of pattern cutting, ...

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19:36

From Family Fabric Shop to Online Sewing Success with...

The Sewing Social ·

2026/07/15

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to grow a family fabric business that has stood the test of time? In this episode of The Sewing Social, I'm joined by Kayleigh from 1st For Fabrics to chat about her family's remarkable 26-year journey in the fabric industry. From running a traditional fabric shop to embracing the world of online retail, Kayleigh shares how the business has evolved while staying true to its passion for quality fabrics and exceptional customer service. We also discuss t...

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48:57

Sewing Confidence, Body Positivity and Better Fit...

The Sewing Social ·

2026/07/08

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Sewing Social, I'm joined by Sarah Laws, founder of My Handmade Wardrobe Patterns, pattern designer, sewing educator and passionate advocate for helping people create clothes they truly love to wear. Sarah takes us back to where it all began, sharing how learning to sew as a child sparked a lifelong passion for dressmaking and ultimately led her to design sewing patterns that empower makers of all abilities. We chat about the journey from hobby to...

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34:16

Big Four Sewing Patterns Made Easy: Amy Scarr (Almond...

The Sewing Social ·

2026/07/01

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Amy Scarr (also known as Almond Rock Sews on Instagram) shares her inspiring journey into garment sewing, from discovering a love of making her own clothes to becoming a passionate advocate for "Big Four" sewing patterns and creative dressmaking. Amy explains why she champions brands like Simplicity, McCall's, and Butterick, she busts some of the common myths around using commercial sewing patterns, and shares practical tips to help sewists build confidence a...

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33:04

Life After Winning The Great British Sewing Bee:...

The Sewing Social ·

2026/06/24

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Luke-Matthew Iveson, winner of The Great British Sewing Bee, shares his inspiring journey from learning to sew with his grandmother as a child to becoming one of the UK's best-known sewing personalities and content creators. Luke reflects on his experience of winning The Great British Sewing Bee, how the show transformed his life, and the opportunities that followed. We discuss the power of sewing as a form of self-expression, the positive impact creati...

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15:09

How Sewing Changed My Life: Creativity, Wellbeing and...

The Sewing Social ·

2026/06/19

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr Claire Ashley shares how she discovered sewing during a challenging period in her life and how it grew from a practical skill into a powerful source of creativity, confidence, and wellbeing. From teaching herself to sew, to building a colourful handmade wardrobe, Claire reflects on the lessons, challenges, and joys of her sewing journey. We explore the mental health benefits of sewing, including how creative hobbies can boost self-efficacy, reduce st...

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24:23

The Psychology of Sewing: Motivation, Identity and...

The Sewing Social ·

2026/06/18

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr Claire Ashley explores the fascinating connection between sewing and mental wellbeing, uncovering the psychology behind why we sew and what keeps us coming back to our machines. From motivation and creativity to identity, self-expression, and emotional attachment, to handmade clothes, we delve into the deeper role sewing plays in our lives. We also discuss common challenges that can affect your sew-jo, including stress, anxiety, burnout, social media...

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16:48

ADHD and Sewing: How Creative Hobbies Support Focus,...

The Sewing Social ·

2026/06/17

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Claire Ashley to explore ADHD, how it really presents in adulthood, and why sewing can become a powerful tool for self-regulation. We discuss the core symptoms of ADHD, why so many women are misdiagnosed or diagnosed later in life, and the link between ADHD, anxiety and chronic overwhelm. This is an honest, practical conversation about neurodiversity, creativity and building a healthier relationship with your sewing practice. If you’ve ever ...

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14:41

Understanding Anxiety with Dr Claire Ashley: Systems,...

The Sewing Social ·

2026/06/16

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr Claire Ashley explores anxiety - what it is, why it happens, and how it affects the body as well as the mind. Drawing on both her medical expertise and lived experience, she explains the physiological response behind anxiety symptoms, from racing thoughts to a heightened stress response. We talk about practical strategies for managing anxiety in everyday life, and how creative hobbies like sewing can play a powerful role in supporting mental health. ...

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22:03

Burnout Symptoms and Recovery: Dr Claire Ashley on...

The Sewing Social ·

2026/06/15

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Claire Ashley, (a GP and passionate sewist) for an honest and informative conversation about burnout, how to recognise the symptoms, and what recovery can really look like. Claire shares her personal experience of burnout alongside her medical perspective, explaining the science behind chronic stress and how it impacts both our physical and mental health. We talk about the early warning signs that are often missed, why burnout is more t...

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37:03

Behind the Scenes of Guthrie and Ghani: Growth,...

The Sewing Social ·

2026/06/10

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Lauren Guthrie shares the story behind her journey from working as a physiotherapist to founding Guthrie & Ghani, and how a love of sewing slowly grew into something much bigger than she ever expected. We talk about her experience on The Great British Sewing Bee and how that moment shaped the direction of her career, as well as the realities of building and evolving a fabric shop in an ever-changing industry. Lauren reflects on the growth of the sewing co...

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49:12

The Art of Pattern Drafting, Fit and Slow Sewing with...

The Sewing Social ·

2026/06/03

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Lisa Wagner shares her remarkable journey from learning to sew alongside her mother and grandmother in Australia to becoming a couture dressmaker, pattern drafting educator, and founder of Draft.ed. We explore the value of skills passed down through generations, why fit is about so much more than measurements, and how learning to draft your own patterns can transform your confidence as a sewist. Lisa also shares insights from decades spent designing bes...

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37:14

Matchy Matchy Sewing Club on Scrap Sewing, Creativity...

The Sewing Social ·

2026/05/20

Send us Fan Mail This week, Amy and Theresa from Matchy Matchy Sewing Club share their journey from passionate sewists to successful sewing pattern designers, and how they’ve built a brand centred around creativity, sustainability, and approachable garment sewing. In this episode, we talk about designing beginner-friendly sewing patterns, embracing experimentation, and their “scrap theory” approach to reducing waste and rethinking fabric offcuts. We also discuss the evolution of m...

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32:49

How Sewing Shapes Confidence and Identity with Lucy...

The Sewing Social ·

2026/05/13

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Lucy from Sew Essential shares her journey from passionate home sewist to running one of the UK’s best-known sewing businesses. We talk about confidence, creativity, and how sewing can quietly shape the way we see ourselves. Lucy reflects on the evolution of the sewing community, the pressure of perfection online, and why experimentation and “getting it wrong” are such important parts of the creative process. A thoughtful conversation about ...

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