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With all the glorious fabric and pattern options available on the 'net, it can be hard to know where to start. Caitlin and Lauren often find themselves bouncing from project to project, but is that such a bad thing? On this episode learn all about how we plan (or improvise!) our sewing.

It's been a while, huh? We're not gonna lie - it can be a little hard to find time to concentrate on sewing in the middle of a pandemic/insurrection/overall fustercluck. But we're here! A new episode is happening! Sit back, distract yourself, and let us assuage any anxiety you had about fancy-schmancy New Years Resolutions (they're definitely bullshirt). We've got some ideas for how you can strategize and build sewing skills - no strict time frame needed. 

First of all...HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE! Sorry this episode is a bit late getting to you (ahem, 3 days and some change). Lauren is a fabulously prompt editor, but sometimes yours truly (Caitlin) can be a bit slow to post. But it's here, and we're excited to share our homemade holiday decoration ideas with you! If you want to make a German feather tree just like Lauren's, you can find the pattern at https://www.etsy.com/listing/570801142/wool-feather-tree-epattern-in-5-sizes-14?.

Sometimes you just fall into a pit devoid of sewing inspiration and wind up talking about your Thanksgiving meal plans for half an episode. This episode is chock-full of turkey talk, Eastern Washington reminiscing, and, yes, strategies for how you can escape a creative slump. Patterns: Lichen Duster by Sew LiberatedPenelope Pinafore by Made by Jack's MumHeyday Dungarees by Made by Jack's MumPodcast recommendations:Behind the BastardsNot Another Dnd PodcastCritical RoleEven the Rich...#notionspod #notionspodcast #makersofinstagram #sewing #homemadewardrobe #memade #slowfashion #diy #collectivelycreate #sewistsofinstagram #millennialsewing #handmadeisbetter

Why does workwear have to suck so much? It's almost universally uncomfortable and expensive, and it can be hard to find room for self-expression in the workplace. Sewing your workwear can help mitigate some of these crappy qualities! Caitlin and Lauren also delve into the roots of the uncomfortable qualities of women's professional attire. Shocker, it's sexism.Also...announcement time!  In anticipation of the busy holiday season, we're switching to posting every two weeks. We'll catch you on December 1st!Patterns:-Wiksten Shift-CharliAnne Wrap Dress-Trillium DressReferences:-Tips for neater sewing-History of women's workwear

Lauren and Caitlin discuss the joys (and, more often, frustrations) of sewing with knit fabric. It's sooo soft...when your sewing machine doesn't decide to make it a snack! They also spend some time chatting about all the ways they're maximizing hygge in their lives. Patterns: True Bias Nova JumpsuitGrainline Studio Linden Sweatshirt

Lauren and Caitlin talk about tackling mountains of fabric scraps. It's way cooler to make useful things out of 'em instead of throwing them in a landfill! Patterns: Penelope PinaforeLichen DusterCandlelight StockingsInspiration:@ghost_puff's patchy pouches

Caitlin and Lauren discuss their notions on notions! What's necessary and what's not? What notions are serious game-changers? And why do tailor's hams smell so dang good? Then, follow along as we ogle some seriously cool antique notions from little man-shaped measuring tape to beaded pincushions. Warning: you might find yourself longing for a sterling-silver needle case for the first time.Some of our recommended notions:Dritz Seam Fix™ Seam RipperFiskars Rotary Cutter and MatDritz Ezy-Hem™Saral Wax Free Transfer PaperDual Purpose Marking PenTabitha Sewer ButtonsCool old-timey notions:Twee AF watch pincushionCarved bone and pearl tape measurer“Mr. Punch” tape measurerMother-of-pearl and silver scissor case

Lauren and Caitlin delve into an omnipresent mystery: What the heck is up with sew-and-vac stores?! Turns out, their origins actually kinda make sense, and even relate to some of the stuff we've talked about in past episodes. We definitely recommend watching the sewing machine/vacuum ads with us as you listen! They're a real trip. 1967 Singer "golden touch" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO5ojdG2QMk 1940 Singer "meanie dad" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98rpmcbPrU4&list=PLjfZMFWMe0XVK6HDg5YPOSfOiYnLqvs26&index=6 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bsv2HYz16nA 1950s Singer "Magic Carpet Cleaner https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUyPiaDO_94 1972 Singer "Futura" sewing machine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtCFdNqU56M&list=PLjfZMFWMe0XVK6HDg5YPOSfOiYnLqvs26&index=2 

In the midst of historic and devastating wildfires, political upheaval, and a freaking pandemic, Lauren and Caitlin check in with each other. How do you make space for what you love when the world is literally and metaphorically on fire?Caitlin and Lauren talk about their non-sewing hobbies and how those hobbies impact their approaches to sewing.Resources:Billionaire barsSome of our favorite non-sewist makers:Anna Harp/@EverydayAnnaLouChloe Giordano/@chloegiordano_embroideryErin Clarkson/@CloudyKitchenJune Cream/@blue.blue.driverAide-mémoire Jewelry/@aidememoirejewlery

Caitlin and Lauren are both moving and everything is bonkers. Tune in this week for all their hot tips on moving during a pandemic, including advice for getting all your crafting stuff to your new place in one piece!

How do you create a sewing space when you don't have much space at all? And also you move a lot? And also you have an angry cat who loves to try to eat thread and rub her butt on your fabric?Lauren and Caitlin discuss the challenges of creating a dedicated space for sewing, and share their tips and tricks for creating a workable space within the constraints of a small, rented dwelling.Patterns:Nova Jumpsuit: https://www.truebias.com/2020/07/introducing-the-nova-jumpsuit.html Yanta overalls: https://helensclosetpatterns.com/product/yanta-overalls-pdf-pattern/Cuff shirt: https://theassemblylineshop.com/products/cuff-top-sewing-pattern?variant=32406697148475Fabrics:Spooky Sunflower fabric: https://www.stashfabrics.com/p/sunflowers-purple-knit?v=9031 Yanta overalls fabric: https://www.hawthornesupplyco.com/earth-magic-fabric-collection-by-erin-mcmanness/mystical-mushroom-canvas-in-backwoods/73666B7F2B4B/Cuff shirt fabric: https://stitchesseattle.com/collections/fabric/products/fruity-oranges-cotton-fabric-whitehttps://my.modafabrics.com/shop/itemDetail.do?item-id=368582&order-quantity=1&customer-item=1864.17727&order-uom=&warehouse-id=6&item-number=1864.17727Other fun stuff:Hawthorne Supply Co. Wallpaper: https://www.hawthornesupplyco.com/wallpaper Tabitha Sewer Buttons: https://www.tabithasewer.com/shopsmall?category=Buttons

Hey everyone - because we record our episodes a few weeks ahead of time, we just wanted to say we hope you're all doing OK out there. Stay safe and stay out of the smoke if you can. We're sending you all a TON of love and hope this episode can provide a little solace.Rixana Jopson joins Lauren and Caitlin to talk sewing inspiration, formative childhood outfits, and wanting to steal outfits from books and movies. Visit Rixana's blog and Youtube channel, Anachronously Yours, for hot takes on livin' like it's 1825. Sometimes. Follow Rixana:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpdEHoMPmUu3y5YSanH_JjQ https://anachronouslyyours.blogspot.com/2020/06/so-what-is-this-all-about.htmlPatterns:Trillium dress: https://shop.made-by-rae.com/products/trillium 

Choosing a sewing machine is stressful AF. Lauren and Caitlin discuss their process for selecting machines and the ways the world of home sewing shifted with the introduction of the home sewing machine. (Surprise! Operating complex machinery won't make your ovaries angry.) Talking points: choosing a sewing machine on a budget, funny old-timey names, and why sewing has some kinda classist roots.Lauren recommends The Foldline! You can find them on Instagram @thefoldline.Sources:https://fashionforrealwomen.com/blog/how-ebenezer-butterick-changed-the-face-of-fashion/ https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/fashioning-yourself-a-story-of-home-sewing-national-women%E2%80%99s-history-museum/8wLy0a87fbE9LA?hl=enhttps://millmuseum.org/sewing-revolution/https://fashionforrealwomen.com/blog/how-ebenezer-butterick-changed-the-face-of-fashion/

Caitlin and Lauren talk about fabric mishaps, drooling in the craft store, and home sewing accessibility over history.Talking points: choosing the right fabric for the job (or not, if that fabric is too expensive), bizarre 14th-century clothing restrictions, mourning the loss of a childhood bric-a-brac store.Patterns:Hinterlands dress: https://sewliberated.com/products/hinterland-dress-pdf-sewing-patternCharlianne wrap dress: https://www.sewtogrow.com.au/product-page/charlianne-wrap-dressFabrics:Hinterlands fabric: https://stitchesseattle.com/products/spark-cotton-fabric-metallic-evening?Charlianne fabric: https://www.stashfabrics.com/p/brussels-washer-yarn-dye?v=17348Sources:http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/middle_ages/black_impact_01.shtmlhttps://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1179/004049602793710116https://fashionforrealwomen.com/blog/how-ebenezer-butterick-changed-the-face-of-fashion/https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/fashioning-yourself-a-story-of-home-sewing-national-women%E2%80%99s-history-museum/8wLy0a87fbE9LA?hl=enhttps://millmuseum.org/sewing-revolution/

Lauren McKinley and Caitlin Foster discuss their sordid history and chat about seizing space for what they love. Talking points: mortifying small-town children's theatre productions, the indignity of being a millennial, boobs.Patterns:Winslow Culottes: https://helensclosetpatterns.com/product/winslow-culottesApron dress: https://theassemblylineshop.com/products/apron-dress-sewing-pattern Amalfi Dress pattern: https://www.heyjunehandmade.com/product/amalfi-dress/Fabrics:Winslow Culottes fabric: https://www.moodfabrics.com/jolly-green-tencel-twill-322105 Apron dress fabric: https://drygoodsdesignonline.com/products/robert-kaufman-ventana-twill-navyAmalfi dress fabric: https://www.stashfabrics.com/p/playful-seaweed-in-nightglow-rayon?v=17458Sources:https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/apr/02/animal-crossings-low-stakes-domesticity-is-a-soothing-balm-for-stressed-millennialshttps://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/14/coronavirus-millenials-home-life-work-balancehttps://www.bustle.com/p/there-are-real-reasons-youre-playing-pandemic-pioneer-woman-22910894