If like me you have found the terms powernet, power mesh and stretch mesh confusing then this episode for you.

After finally finishing my Willowdale bra this week I thought it would be fun to talk about these fabrics that create the foundations of our lingerie and swimwear but can be used for many more applications.

So this week I wanted to share my thoughts on what the definitions are for each of these fabrics, how they are made that makes them so great and lots of ideas of ways in which you can use them in your dressmaking.

In the blog post for the episode you'll find lots of links and resources to explore these fabrics more.

If you haven't tried them before then I hope this inspires you to give them a go. If you have tried them then I hope it gives you some new ideas on other ways in which you can use them.

As always I'd love to hear your thoughts about these fabrics so please do get in touch!

For full show notes and links to extra resources visit: https://www.sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode80

If you have enjoyed this episode then remember to click 'follow' in your podcast app to get updates on any new episodes.

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Get in touch
I always love to hear about you trying out what you pick up from these episodes so do let me know:

• by email to [email protected] 
• by DM on Instagram https://instagram.com/sewmuchmorefun 
• on the Sew Much More Fun Facebook Group

Thank you so much for listening and for all your support. x

Fabric scissor and shears are such an important tool when it comes to sewing and dressmaking. There is a lot of tips and advice out there about how to care for and sharpen them and so I wanted to explore with you who says what and my thoughts on the pros and cons of each recommendation.

In this episode I'll share with you the difference between all-purpose scissors and fabric scissors and shears. I'll explain why you need to think about sharpening your fabric scissors. If you have ever wondered which fabrics are guilty of dulling your blades then I'll give you a list to be looking out for.

I've also gathered all the different tips and recommendations and will give you a full run down so you can be better informed when your beloved fabric scissors need some care and attention.

For full show notes and links to extra resources visit: https://www.sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode79

If you have enjoyed this episode then remember to click 'follow' in your podcast app to get updates on any new episodes.

Sharing is caring - reviews
If you enjoy this episode please be sure to share it and to leave a review to help others find us.

Get in touch
I always love to hear about you trying out what you pick up from these episodes so do let me know:

• by email to [email protected] 
• by DM on Instagram https://instagram.com/sewmuchmorefun 
• on the Sew Much More Fun Facebook Group

Thank you so much for listening and for all your support. x

FREE Pattern and chance to win Prizes with this week's guest from Maison Fauve (see link below)

I was delighted to finally get chance to talk with the passionate Emilie Faurie of the French pattern and fabric brand, Maison Fauve recently. I've been following her wonderful creations on Instagram and got to try out the beautiful Cicadella Blouse pattern which has some very stylish details that I really enjoyed trying.

Emilie has an unusual career path into creating Maison Fauve which she shares in our chat. Her passion for all things fashion is contagious and she explained to me how she creates her wonderful collections and why she chooses particular themes.

Her vision for Maison Fauve is driven by her passion to help all sewists make clothes that they are proud of, from fabrics that are thoughtfully sourced and creatively crafted into timeless collections.

I loved chatting with her and I know she'll bring a bit of sewing sunshine into your sewing room too!

For full show notes and links to extra resources visit: https://www.sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode78

If you have enjoyed this episode then remember to click 'follow' in your podcast app to get updates on any new episodes.

Sharing is caring - reviews
If you enjoy this episode please be sure to share it and to leave a review to help others find us.

Get in touch
I always love to hear about you trying out what you pick up from these episodes so do let me know:

• by email to [email protected] 
• by DM on Instagram https://instagram.com/sewmuchmorefun 
• on the Sew Much More Fun Facebook Group

Thank you so much for listening and for all your support. x

When we are making clothes for ourselves, the process of creating and fitting those clothes is intimately tied to our bodies. And if there is internal conflict or self-doubt associated with our body then that can impact our enjoyment and success in creating garments that we love.

In this week's episode I wanted to shed light on the importance of fostering a healthy body image, how to go about it if you aren't feeling super positive yet, and the impact it can have on your creativity when you do.

I'm delighted to be joined by Becky Upchurch, a mindset coach passionate about empowering individuals, particularly women, to embrace a positive body image. We delves into the pervasive issue of how body image affects personal creativity and self-expression, especially in the realm of dressmaking.

Becky brings a unique perspective, blending her expertise in mindset coaching with a deep understanding of the challenges that come with body image issues. She highlights how societal pressures, personal insecurities, and the struggle of comparison can negatively influence our perception of our body and, consequently, our creative expression.

You'll learn strategies to combat negative thought patterns and societal pressures related to body image. Becky shares practical tips on setting achievable goals, reframing negative thoughts, and cultivating a more compassionate and accepting view of your body.

And that's not all - she has also created a downloadable guide for you that guides you step by step to uncover unhelpful thoughts and create a simple, easy to apply action plan to start changing how you think and feel about your body. You can find the link to the guide here: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/episode77

I hope you enjoy Becky's tips and guidance as much as I did.

For full show notes and links to extra resources visit: https://www.sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode77

If you have enjoyed this episode then remember to click 'follow' in your podcast app to get updates on any new episodes.

Sharing is caring - reviews
If you enjoy this episode please be sure to share it and to leave a review to help others find us.

Get in touch
I always love to hear about you trying out what you pick up from these episodes so do let me know:

• by email to [email protected] 
• by DM on Instagram https://instagram.com/sewmuchmorefun 
• on the Sew Much More Fun Facebook Group

Thank you so much for listening and for all your support. x

It's coming up to the festive season and if you are like me, you might be thinking about sewing with silky festive fabrics. It's also a time when we might want to create outfits with particular design features that give them more of a dressy feel.

I wanted to get some tips for you on how to sew these silky fabrics as they can be tricky to handle and if you've had experience trying to work with them, that might have put you off.

So when I was last talking to Pamela Leggett she mentioned some tips that she has for sewing these fabrics that have been successful for the people that have joined her on her workshops.

I asked her if she would join me to share her tips and experience with these fabrics and we also chatted about using silky fabrics with other patterns in your stash, and personalising patterns to create new design features and combinations.

It's a jam packed episode with great tips and ideas so I hope you enjoy it as much as I did to record it.  

For full show notes and links to extra resources visit: https://www.sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode76

If you have enjoyed this episode then remember to click 'follow' in your podcast app to get updates on any new episodes.

Sharing is caring - reviews
If you enjoy this episode please be sure to share it and to leave a review to help others find us.

Get in touch
I always love to hear about you trying out what you pick up from these episodes so do let me know:

• by email to [email protected] 
• by DM on Instagram https://instagram.com/sewmuchmorefun 
• on the Sew Much More Fun Facebook Group

Thank you so much for listening and for all your support. x

Hey there my lovely! 🧵✨ Welcome to this Pyjama Party episode where we're all about getting comfy in style.
 
Mystery of the Perfect Pyjama Pattern
I've been on a mission to find patterns that are not just cozy but also show off your style! From relaxed fits to chic designs, I've explored a few that might just tickle your fancy. But which ones? Ah, you'll have to tune in to find out!

Ever wondered what fabric works best for those dreamy night-time outfits? I'm also sharing my tips on this topic, from breathable blends for those warmer nights to snug fabrics for when the temperature drops.

Special Downloadable Treat!🎁📚
And, oh! Before I forget, I've put together a FREE guide of 20 pyjama pattern ideas just for you. Yep, you read that right - twenty! It's packed with inspiration for your next project, and it's just a click away:

Join the Party! 🥳
So, what are you waiting for? Put on your current favorite pyjamas (we know you have a pair), hit play, and join me in discovering the joy of making your own nightwear. Let's stitch our way to dreamland together!

Featured Patterns?: That's a secret you'll uncover in the episode! 😉

For full show notes, links visit: https://www.sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode75

If you have enjoyed this episode then remember to click 'follow' in your podcast app to get updates on any new episodes.

Sharing is caring - reviews
If you enjoy this episode please be sure to share it and to leave a review to help others find us.

Get in touch
I always love to hear about you trying out what you pick up from these episodes so do let me know:

• by email to [email protected] 
• by DM on Instagram https://instagram.com/sewmuchmorefun 
• on the Sew Much More Fun Facebook Group

Thank you so much for listening and for all your support. x

In this heartwarming episode I wanted to share inspiring stories from the lovely ladies at my local sewing shop which demonstrate the profound impact that sewing communities have on our well-being. 
None of this would be possible for them without the positive influence of small business owner Elaine Bell of Sewing B (Belle) in Stapleford near Nottingham.
It's also the time of year for Small Business Saturday, which emphasizes the importance of supporting local and small businesses.
So I wanted to support one of my local small businesses with some engaging interviews and my reflections on the joy of sewing with others, the value of sewing workshops, and the sense of community they foster.

Bullet Points of Key Topics:

• The positive impact of sewing communities on well-being.
• Supporting local and small businesses on Small Business Saturday.
• My personal discovery of Sewing B, my local sewing shop.
• Interviews with individuals positively impacted by Sewing B.
• The variety of workshops offered at Sewing B and their benefits.
• 6 simple steps you can take to support your own favourite local and small businesses.

For full show notes, links visit: https://www.sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode74

If you have enjoyed this episode then remember to click 'follow' in your podcast app to get updates on any new episodes.

Sharing is caring - reviews
If you enjoy this episode please be sure to share it and to leave a review to help others find us.

Get in touch
I always love to hear about you trying out what you pick up from these episodes so do let me know:

• by email to [email protected] 
• by DM on Instagram https://instagram.com/sewmuchmorefun 
• on the Sew Much More Fun Facebook Group

Thank you so much for listening and for all your support. x

Have you ever considered the impact of your sewing stories? In this episode I'm delighted to be joined by Barbara Burman, the author of "The Point of the Needle, Why Sewing Matters." Barbara is a historian with a deep interest in material culture, particularly in textiles and dress. 

In our chat Barbara shares her upbringing in a country vicarage, surrounded by a culture of making things, from cabinet making to sewing. This environment, combined with her academic interests, led her to write her book which covers the following themes:

• Oral Histories: the importance of oral history in understanding sewing's role in everyday life, particularly for women.
• Material Culture of Sewing: the significance of tools and materials in sewing, highlighting emotional attachments to items like sewing baskets.
• Sewing as a Social Practice: altruistic and ethical sewing, like making for charities or for the NHS during COVID.
• Professional Sewing: sewing as employment, discussing issues like fair wages and the impact of the fashion industry.
• Radical Sewing: sewing as a form of personal and political expression, including gender expression and craftivism.
• Mending: as a form of making, emphasizing its importance in a consumer society.

We chat about all things relating to the history of sewing, including campaigns against exploitation in the fashion industry and the evolution of fashion trends.
And we also share our personal reflections on sewing, its impact on your lives, and its broader societal value.

Barbara's work is filled with wonderful stories and I hope you enjoy sharing those with us in the episode.

For full show notes, links visit: https://www.sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode73

If you have enjoyed this episode then remember to click 'follow' in your podcast app to get updates on any new episodes.

Sharing is caring - reviews
If you enjoy this episode please be sure to share it and to leave a review to help others find us.

Get in touch
I always love to hear about you trying out what you pick up from these episodes so do let me know:

• by email to [email protected] 
• by DM on Instagram https://instagram.com/sewmuchmorefun 
• on the Sew Much More Fun Facebook Group

Thank you so much for listening and for all your support. x

Thank you so much for joining me for this episode of the Sew Mindful podcast where I delve into the delightful yet sometimes daunting world of making handmade gifts.

As we approach the festive season, a time renowned for gift-giving, I explore the intricate balance between the joy of creating personalized presents and the potential stress it can bring. This episode is a heartfelt discussion about why we choose to make gifts, the reasons it's okay not to, and how to navigate gift-making in a way that's enjoyable and fulfilling.

This episode is packed with tips and tricks to streamline your gift-making process, ensuring that each creation is not just a gift but a token of love and appreciation. From zipper pouches to kitchen sets, there's something for everyone.

As my gift to you, I've put together some practical tips for a rewarding gift-making experience in a downloadable "Making Gifts Cheat Sheet". It includes gift ideas, resources for projects and tutorials, links to key supplies and a planner to help you plan and prioritise your makes.

Tune in to this episode for a bit of inspiration, practical advice, and resource sharing, all aimed at enriching your gift-making journey. 🎁✂️

For full show notes, links and your downloadable "Making Gifts Cheat Sheet" visit: https://www.sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode72

If you have enjoyed this episode then remember to click 'follow' in your podcast app to get updates on any new episodes.

Sharing is caring - reviews
If you enjoy this episode please be sure to share it and to leave a review to help others find us.

Get in touch
I always love to hear about you trying out what you pick up from these episodes so do let me know:

• by email to [email protected] 
• by DM on Instagram https://instagram.com/sewmuchmorefun 
• on the Sew Much More Fun Facebook Group

Thank you so much for listening and for all your support. x

Want ideas for a lovely party dress? Well I was delighted to get to try this pattern for the Lily Button Dress by Made Label and in this episode I will share my thoughts on the pattern, the techniques involved and my lessons from this make.

The lovely SJ of Made Label also has generously popped by to leave a quick message about what she has been up to. And she's given you a SPECIAL OFFER CODE FOR 30% DISCOUNT so be sure to listen out for that.

I wasn't sure about the button loops and button-fronted style but in this episode I share why I am now a convert. I hope you enjoy it and let me know if you do give this pattern a try.

For full show notes and links visit: https://www.sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode71

If you have enjoyed this episode then remember to click 'follow' in your podcast app to get updates on any new episodes.

Sharing is caring - reviews
If you enjoy this episode please be sure to share it and to leave a review to help others find us.

Get in touch
I always love to hear about you trying out what you pick up from these episodes so do let me know:

• by email to [email protected] 
• by DM on Instagram https://instagram.com/sewmuchmorefun 
• on the Sew Much More Fun Facebook Group

Thank you so much for listening and for all your support. x

Terrified of sewing buttonholes in knit fabrics? If the mere thought sends shivers down your spine, fear no more! My special guest and sewing friend, Melanie Keane, recently  mastered this technique, and has joined me to guide you through this sometimes daunting task.

Mel is no stranger to the podcast, sharing how she started sewing in her fifties in episode 50. She now runs an inspiring refugee sewing project and she also shares her recent experience at the Knitting and Stitching show.

Get ready to learn all about Melanie's approach to stabilizing fabric and selecting the right interfacing—key steps in achieving the perfect buttonhole. Melanie will also share her secret weapon and it's definitely a tip I will be using on my next stretch fabric project.

I hope you have as much fun with this episode as I did.

For full show notes and links visit: https://www.sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode70

If you have enjoyed this episode then remember to click 'follow' in your podcast app to get updates on any new episodes.

Sharing is caring - reviews
If you enjoy this episode please be sure to share it and to leave a review to help others find us.

Get in touch
I always love to hear about you trying out what you pick up from these episodes so do let me know:

• by email to [email protected] 
• by DM on Instagram https://instagram.com/sewmuchmorefun 
• on the Sew Much More Fun Facebook Group

Thank you so much for listening and for all your support. x