Maddie Ballard (she/her) is a writer of mixed Chinese heritage from Aotearoa New Zealand. Her debut essay collection was published as Bound: A Memoir of Making and Remaking (The Emma Press, 2024) in the UK and Patchwork: A Sewist’s Diary (Tin House, 2025) in the US. She co-edits Starling, a literary journal for emerging New Zealand writers, and writes a sporadic Substack. She currently lives in Melbourne.

In Patchwork, a charming and evocative sewist's diary, Maddie Ballard explores the making (and sometimes remaking) of seventeen specific garments over a period of great change in her life—from a jacket lined with the embroidered Cantonese names of her female ancestors, to a dressing gown made as a gift for a dear friend, to an eco-friendly, zero-waste dress.

As the wardrobe grows, so too does Maddie. From her first off-kilter dresses and coats to perfectly fitting pants, readers follow along as she learns to navigate the world around her and how she sees herself in it—both as she is and as she hopes to be. Stitch by stitch, word by word, Maddie drafts her own patterns for ways of living. Throughout the diary, delightful illustrations bring Maddie’s creations to life on the page.

With a focus on the practical comfort and pleasure provided by sewing in a time of personal renewal, Patchwork: A Sewist’s Diary is a warmhearted celebration of the value of craft in the modern age.

This episode of Sew Organised Style podcast for SewOver50 was both video and audio produced by Maria Theoharous in her sewing room.

With permission of Maddie.

Sound by Kaneef on Youtube

Many thanks for the ongoing monthly support of the podcast’s Patreon contributors. Their paid Patreon membership enables me to create these video and audio podcasts for free.

You can find Sew Organised Style podcast, spelt with an s not a z, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts

And yes. If you live in Australia and decide to purchase your own Mimiquin custpm dressform, I’ll be your body scanner for Mimiquins UK.

Tag your makes using @sharesewover50 to be able to find your makes in chronological order on Instagram.

I look forward to joining you in your sewing room next time.
Stay safe everyone.

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This is not a medical episode — it’s an episode born from care. When Sheila’s daughter was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, sewing became one of the ways she could offer comfort and dignity during treatment.

In this episode, Sheila of SheilaLovesFabric on Instagram, talks about what she discovered: the garments that helped, the adjustments that mattered, the fabrics she used, and the things she would have loved to have known about earlier.

Sheila’s hope is that these insights will support others who are sewing for someone navigating cancer treatment, or that you might share this episode with someone who needs it.

Cancer data in Australia, Overview of cancer in Australia, 2025 - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

Sewing suggestions to encourage gentle exercise include:

Wide brim hats

Oversize shirts

A totebag

A silk pillowcase

A cape or poncho

Wide brim hat or tubin

Loose tank shirt

Loose cardigan

Sweatshirt in double gauze fabric

Soft breathable natural fibres

This episode of Sew Organised Style podcast for SewOver50 was both video and audio produced by Maria Theoharous in her sewing room.

With permission of Sheila.

Sound by Kaneef on Youtube

Many thanks for the ongoing monthly support of the podcast’s Patreon contributors. Their paid Patreon membership enables me to create these video and audio podcasts for free.

You can subscribe to Sew Organised Style podcast, spelt with an s not a z, on all good podcast apps and on YouTube.

And yes. If you live in Australia and decide to purchase your own Mimiquin, I’ll be your body scanner for Mimiquins UK.

Make sure you go back and listen to our free Sewover50 episodes on Sew Organised Style podcast.

Tag your makes using @sharesewover50 to be able to find your makes in chronological order on Instagram

I look forward to joining you in your sewing room next time. Stay safe everyone.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ruth Collins is back on the podcast and she's so insightful.

Ruth Collins is a researcher and creative thinker. As a biological scientist Ruth is interested in the challenges and transition between two-dimensional materials and three-dimensional structures.

Today Ruth discusses the work that’s gone into her new book, Body-Neutral Fitting: Pants.

The similarities between biological structures and clothing design inspired a revolutionary body and gender-inclusive method for fitting pants, that you’ll learn about in this podcast and in Ruth’s book.

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Maria catches up with Gabby Brown, now an author. Gabby Brown wrote the technical articles for Sewcialists from 2020 and Gabby recorded 10 podcasts about fitting clothes with Maria in those early days.

Gabby and Leila Kelleher met through Sewcialists and this year sees them publishing their first pattern making reference for the fashion industry, design students and sewing people: Plus-Size Patternmaking for Womenswear.

Bloomsbury publishing and Blackbird Fabrics are some of the organisations that have provided amazing support for Plus Size Pattern Making for Womenswear.

In this episode Gabby and Maria discuss using this new reference for various CLO3D design options, fashion industry references and guides as well as teaching packs to support pattern makers to draft great designs for large bodies.

The terminology used is very respectful and inclusive including the body references designers will benefit from when they start to create garments for larger bodies than their current fashion fit models.

The amount of design schools that will really benefit from Plus-Size Patternmaking for Womenswear is huge so fingers crossed, this knowledge rich reference will be adopted in future curriculum.

Congratulations Gabby and Leila. Hoping to see more from you both soon.

SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism. Make sure you use #listenShareSewOver50 on the pictures when you post on Instagram.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account https://www.patreon.com/seworganisedstylepodcast. Every podcast is free. Or pop your support to Paypal '[email protected]' Sound with permission of Kaneef on YouTube #plussize #plussizemodel #largerbodies #patternmaking

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LilypaDesigns is run by Lily Fong—designer, pattern maker, and proud bra nerd with a master’s in education and over 30 years of sewing experience.

Her patterns are all about wearing comfy bras. LilypaDesigns

Once a middle school algebra teacher, Lily now helps people sew bras that actually fit—especially if you’ve got a full bust, a small band, or a body that’s never quite matched “standard” sizing.

Her patterns use a body-aware system built on real breast measurements—not just full bust minus underbust—and the unique shape of each person’s breast root. Think of it like grading a dress across bust, waist, and hip... only this time, it’s for your bra.

With choose-your-own-adventure-style instructions, inclusive sizing, and plenty of teaching along the way, LilypaDesigns helps sewists build skills, confidence, and bras that feel as good as they fit.

Lily’s work has been featured in Threads, Sew News, The Pattern Pages, Bra Sewing Bee, and several sewing podcasts. Through her patterns, blog, online courses, and community, she’s helped thousands of sewists find support in every sense of the wor

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Leesa Simpson is a lifelong maker, business builder and a creative soul with fabric running through her veins.

Her current obsession of quilted sneakers started in 2025. It was love at first stitch! Fabric, colour, comfort, and creativity all rolled into one.

Sneaker Stitch was born.

Sneaker Stitch Australia | Sew Your Own Sneakers Kits + Classes

Any orders placed with Leesa from March 3 to March 10, use the Free Shipping Offer - use the code FREESHIPSOS at checkout. She only ships within Australia at the moment. Sneaker Stitch Australia | Sew Your Own Sneakers Kits + Classes

For the past year, Leesa has poured everything into creating the ultimate DIY sneaker kits — complete with high-quality tools and step-by-step guides, all designed around Aussie products and sensibilities. Because if you know Leesa, she never does things by halves.

As Leesa says 'Let's make something amazing — one stitch at a time. Sew your own sneakers. Walk your own path.'

She created Sewing Adventures in Brisbane and this local sewing school ran for over 7 years and sadly closed in 2025.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast.

Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube.

SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism.

Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist.

Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ida Victoria is a Norwegian independent sewing‑pattern designer known for creating modern, easy‑to‑follow patterns for makers of all skill levels.

She's one of Norway's best designers and online retailers.

Based in Jessheim, Ida designs garments for children and adults, focusing on comfort, practicality and clean Scandinavian style.

Her patterns are available as both PDF and printed formats, with many translated into English for an international audience. Under IdaVictoria.no she also offers courses, sewing supplies and curated fabrics. She has built a strong creative community by sharing tutorials, inspiration and behind‑the‑scenes content, making her a well‑loved figure in Norway's growing sewing and DIY culture.

You can buy Ida Victoria's sewing patterns from several official sources:

1. Her official website She offers information and links to both English and Norwegian patterns on her site. idavictoria.com

2. Her Etsy shop (English PDF patterns) This is the main place to buy her digital patterns in English. Etsy UK shop: idavictoria Etsy global shop: idavictoria

3. Norwegian site for Norwegian-language patterns For paper and PDF patterns in Norwegian, visit: idavictoria.no/english

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast.

Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube.

SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism.

Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist.

Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Irina McKenzie is today's podcast guest. Irina and Erin are the fab faces behind Fabcycle!

The account FABCYCLE (@fabcyclevan) developed as a Vancouver-based social enterprise focused on reducing textile waste by connecting apparel industry deadstock with makers, creators, and people who sew.

Founded in February 2019, this initiative evolved from a waste reduction mission into a community hub for sustainable fashion.

FABCYCLE is a collection service of textile waste that you can support both online and in person.

Fabcycle works directly with local apparel manufacturers like factories, fashion designers and schools to collect the scraps, off-cuts, deadstock and ends of rolls that are left during the apparel production process and reuse or recycle what they cannot use.

They are located in the Sun Wah Centre. Address: From Elevator to your LEFT Sun Wah Building / BC Artscape, 268 Keefer St 4th Floor, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X5, Canada

You'll find their app Sewjo wherever you download your mobile apps.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast.

Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube.

SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism.

SewOver50 focusses on the sewing talent each person shares on social media and provides recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist. Be a SewOver50 Champion and repost each post in your stories.

Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nicole Nehrig is a clinical and research psychologist based in Brooklyn, New York, with a deep passion for knitting and textile arts.

She holds a PhD in clinical psychology and is the author of the book With Her Own Hands: Women Weaving Their Stories.

Her book explored how women through history overcame their life changes with their textile works.

You can follow her on Instagram at @nicolenehrig also on her website With Her Own Hands - Nicole Nehrig and you can find her on Revelry under Nerdy knitting.

In 12 months Nicole knitted 12 adult sized sweaters. She's met a few knitting friends through her love of knitting.

One of her knitting friends that she mentions, has shown Nicole how to sew.

Her book explored how women through history overcame their life changes with their textile works.

Many thanks to WW Norton & Company for allowing me to bring Nicole to you. Book design by Anna Knighton. Photo by Kade Alpers Photography.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast.

Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube.

SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism.

Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist.

Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Digital Pattern Library is Alexandra's sewing community resource for us to use.

Alexandra lives in Cardiff, Wales and she's trained in the fashion industry. Once she was working in couture designer houses, the amount of waste at that level and in high street brands made her rethink her priorities.

Thankfully she found us in the sewing community when she began to develop sewing patterns.

Now Alexandra mainly works with sewists in providing them with skill building opportunities and resources, rather than produce fast sewing patterns. Head to Alexandra's YouTube account now https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@digitalpatternlibrary⁩ Or her website https://digitalpatternlibrary.com/the-dpl-atelier In 2026, podcast viewers and listeners get a special discount! The fee to join the 3 day challenge is waived when you use the code 'SOSPodcast. https://digitalpatternlibrary.com/design-challenge and you can also get 10% off your first month inside The DPL Atelier https://digitalpatternlibrary.com/the-dpl-atelier

The 3 day Design challenge is schedule for 6 January, in May and in September!

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast.

Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube.

SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism.

Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist.

Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jane Milburn OAM is TextileBeat on Instagram.

She's a sustainability consultant, Slow Clothing pioneer, TEDx speaker, Churchill Fellow, upcycler and agricultural scientist.

Jane has authored Slow Clothing and The Process of Mending - a recipe book.

Clothing accounts for up to 10 percent of our environmental footprint and everyday practices that extend the lifespan of clothes – caring, repairing, rewearing, restyling, upcycling – can reduce its ecological impact and create independence from fast-fashion cycles.

Mary V Morton and Jeanna Wigger, the authors of Stitch it Don't Ditch it, suggested Jane as a podcast guest and I'm so honoured Jane recorded this podcast with me last month.

Listen to hear how Jane is linked to SewOver50!

Grab a cuppa and enjoy Jane discuss how we can use our existing materials for longer.

Sew Organised Style features people who freely support the sewing community. You're welcome to be a podcast guest by contacting us via DM on Instagram.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast.

Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.