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Do you hate wasting fabric? Do you find yourself looking for projects that will use up your scraps and create something useful and beautiful? Projects that don't require a lot of preparation or headspace, but are still fun to make? I really hate wasting fabric but it can be quite difficult to find sewing projects that I will actually make use of and don't require my scraps to be too co-ordinated. I'm not a quilter and so am often on the look out for practical ideas that will help me minimise the off cuts that I have to throw away.As I get older I am also becoming more conscious of my impact on our beautiful planet. I am more aware of my use of 'single use' items and whenever I spot ideas on how I can minimise those I am always excited. So I was delighted when I heard about Jen Rich's new book - Stitch, Sewing projects for the modern maker and was keen to chat with her to find out more. For full show notes and links visit: https://www.sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode56If you have enjoyed this episode then remember to click 'follow' in your podcast app to get updates on any new episodes.Sharing is caring - reviewsIf you enjoy this episode please be sure to share it and to leave a review to help others find us. Get in touchI always love to hear about you trying out what you pick up from these episodes so do let me know: by email to hello@sewmuchmorefun.co.uk  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. xSupport the show

Have you ever wanted to take time out from a dressmaking project or sewing in general but felt like you can’t or felt too guilty to do so? Well that happened to me too recently with quite significant consequences so in today’s episode I wanted to share the value of taking time out and how to come back more energised after your break.A quick thank you to Justin & Diana at Raspberry Creek fabrics - https://raspberrycreekfabrics.com - for their patience while I was taking time out. In this episode you'll hear: [00:02:18] Reasons you may need to take a time out [00:04:07] Challenges to taking a break [00:08:18] My recent time out [00:09:59] 6 Benefits of taking time out [00:12:14] Tips on taking time out [00:15:30] Other useful resources For full show notes and links visit: https://www.sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode55If you have enjoyed this episode then remember to click 'follow' in your podcast app to get updates on any new episodes.Sharing is caring - reviewsIf you enjoy this episode please be sure to share it and to leave a review to help others find us.Get in touchI always love to hear about you trying out what you pick up from these episodes so do let me know: by email to hello@sewmuchmorefun.co.uk  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. xSupport the show

If I ask you do you fancy making your own coat, what thoughts go through your head? I remember the first time someone suggested that to me and it was way out of my comfort zone.So what about you? Are you thinking - it's easy Jacqui I've already done it - if so, then kudos to you. Or are you thinking - I'd love to do that but it seems way too difficult? Whether you have already made a coat or if it's one of those projects you keep putting off until you are better at sewing then I'm hoping that today's episode is going to dispell any fears and motivate you to give it a try.Like with all garments there are different types of coats and some are definitely more complicated or involved than others. So today I want to talk about a pattern for an unlined coat that I actually made a couple of years ago but that I think can be a great starting point for anyone wanting to have a go without it being overly difficult. The last coat I bought was one that I happened to stumble on when not really looking for a coat in TKMax. I'm not a big shopper and I find clothes shopping a real challenge. So that's why I ended up biting the bullet and making my own.There's lots of great benefits to making your own coats and there is a growing range of great coat patterns out there to choose from.So the pattern I want to talk to you about today is a Butterick pattern from their Lisette range. It's the B6244 and the name on the pattern is draped collar coat and dress. In this episode I share my experience making this coat, some tips if you want to get started and some things I'll change from the lessons I learnt from this make.For the full details, links and resources visit this page: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode54If you enjoy this episode please add a rating and/or review as it helps others to find us and be sure to share with any friends that love to sew. Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!Support the show

As promised for season 2 we have a number of BONUS episodes with expert guests. Do you ever find that when you try to buy clothes that they often fit one part of your body but not others? For example if buying trousers or jeans, you can get them to fit your hips but they are too tight or loose on the waist and too tight or loose on the thighs. Or if you are trying to buy dresses, if you get the size to fit your bust it's too big on the shoulders or drowns your bottom half, but if you try the size on to fit your waist and hips, it's too tight across the bust?You may have had the same experiences when making your own clothes and using the standard pattern sizing. And if you have tried to use the same size that you would buy from the shop, you may have found that it makes up to be a completely different size to what you were expecting.Advice from the expert Elise Chase-SinclairI recently spoke to fitting and alterations expert Elise Chase-Sinclair about these problems. You can also listen to our chat in this bonus podcast episode.Elise has made and altered clothes for actors, dancers, and opera singers and just regular people. She also worked as a garment technician where she's analyzed how garments fit on different bodies.Through her work experience she's become an expert at what alteration and pattern drafting techniques get the best fit for different bodies.Her mission is to help people feel good in their clothes by teaching them how to make their clothes fit their bodies, and not the other way around. Something that I'm definitely very passionate about as well.In this episode Elise gives her top tips on making alterations for your unique body shape. Whether you have bought or made your clothes, if you they don't fit your unique proportions then they can feel uncomfortable and unflattering. When we are self-conscious about what we are wearing that can impact how we feel and how we interact with others.You can get more details and all the links from the episode here: https://www.sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode53If you enjoy this episode please add a rating and/or review as it helps others to find us and be sure to share with any friends that love to sew.  Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now! Support the show

Hello my lovelies and thanks for joining me for this week's episode. As the weather turns a bit colder I thought it might be good to talk about sewing with thicker fabrics so today I have 10 tips for you plus a couple of bonus tips on working with these sometimes trickier fabrics. First I'd like to just cover a couple of things I wanted to remember to share with you.Episode webpage: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode52 It is approaching winter here in the UK and whilst it has been quite a mild autumn the colder nights are just around the corner. We are also experiencing unprecedented fuel costs and so warm clothes and layers will definitely be a feature of my winter wardrobe. But making warm clothes can often involve sewing thicker fabrics and I know that many people are put off by the thought of having to wrestle layers of thicker fabrics through their sewing machine. And if you have tried it in the past and had a bad experience it can put you off trying it again.  So today I wanted to talk through 10 top tips that you can use to have confidence making everything from warm jumpers to snuggly coats. I have also included a couple of bonus tips that came to me as I was prepping for this chat. I don't want you to be left shivering as the cold weather sets in and I also don't want you to to have to say no to a fabric or pattern because you are worried about sewing thicker fabrics. So these tips are simple ways to have fun making toasty treats to wear in winter and get a finish that you can be proud of. I hope you find them useful and you can download a pdf copy from the episode web page. https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode52 If you haven't tried sewing with thicker fabrics I hope this inspires you to give it a go - if you have and have any experiences you want to share then please let me know. I always love to hear your thoughts and what you are working on or planning so do get in touch. If you enjoy this episode please add a rating and/or review as it helps others to find us and be sure to share with any friends that love to sew.  Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now! https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode52 Support the show

If you have struggled to find the perfect garment to help you transition from the warm weather to the cooler temperatures then look no further. The trusty Duster Jacket also known as a long cardigan is the perfect make and the pattern I'm reviewing in this episode is a great for beginner dressmakers and experienced sewists alike.The Simplicity 8557 pattern includes 5 garments and is definitely in the easy to sew category.In this episode I give you some tips on sewing stretch fabrics if this is your first time making a stretch garment. I also talk through the versions I have made, my mistakes and tips to help you have a go.For more details about the links and items mentioned check out the episode web page: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode51Support the show

When you hear the long list of different clothes that Melanie Keane has made it's hard to believe that she only started sewing when the UK Prime Minister announced the lockdown in 2020.  When I was planning for Season 2 of the Sew Mindful podcast I asked the Sew Much More Fun facebook group what topics they would like to hear about. Mel responded and said that it would be good to talk about the challenges of buying fabric as she had had some bad experiences and learnt a lot from them.  I was intrigued to hear about Mel's experiences and thought you might be too. So I was delighted that when I asked if she would be a guest on the podcast to share her thoughts, she agreed. We ended up covering a lot more than just buying fabrics in our chat and I had such fun learning more about Mel and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.For full details of the links and resources from our chat go to the episode web page: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode50Support the show

In this first interview of season 2 I'm delighted to be talking to Mel Forrest of Mint Button Sewing School.  Mel was a primary school teacher for 15 years before leaving to pursue a 'portfolio career' in the home-sewing industry. She now teaches 1:1 sewing lessons and workshops. She also works part time as a retail assistant in a fabric shop - Home Town, Rochester. And if that wasn't enough you may also come into contact with her as a customer service assistant for the online sewing pattern shop, The Foldline. I found out about Mel through a blog post she wrote about an experiment she challenged herself to complete. After watching The Great British Sewing Bee and being shocked by the time allowed for one of the sewing tasks, Mel decided to try it for herself and see how long it would take her to complete. For more details about the episode and all of the links go to the episode web page: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode49Support the show

Well it's been longer than I planned but better later than never!  The Sew Mindful sewing podcast is back for another season. Thanks for all of you that gave me the encouragement and friendly nudges to get back to my microphone. Have you missed me? Well, I've definitely missed talking with you and you have never been far from my thoughts. So this episode is a quick introduction to what to expect from the new season. It also includes a special offer for 20% off from the wonderful Erica Schmitz of MybodyModel so be sure to listen out for that.For more details on this episode and the links to the resources mentioned visit the episode web page: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/episode48Support the show

I'm so excited to share this week's episode with you as it is one of the topics that I have personally struggled with (and continue to work on) and that is understanding how to combine colours to create outfits that feel amazing. So when I want to learn more about anything style related I turn to the fabulous style gurus that have joined me on the podcast and this week it is a delight to welcome back Imogen Lamport of Inside Out Style. Imogen was the first person to introduce me to the concept of picking colours and fabrics that mirrored my facial features such as hair, skin, eyes and lips, picking up the properties of those features such as colour and texture. When I recently discovered the impact of value and colour contrast I knew I had to share it with you as it is such a simple yet powerful way of designing and planning what you make to have maximum impact. In this episode you will hear:> What Value and Colour Contrast are> Why some colours and colour combinations work for you and why some don't> How to discover your own level of value contrast> How to create outfits that reflect and match your value contrast> How Disney princesses can help us understand colour contrast and how to identify your optimum colour contrast> How to combine colours and neutrals to perfectly suit you> How to use colour and value contrast to pick the best patterned fabrics for your makes> and much more!Useful Links and Resources:> Amazon: Colour Wheel> Insideoutstyleblog: 3 Steps to finding your ultimate contrast levels> Insideoutstyleblog: Understanding colour contrast and putting outfits together> Insideoutstyleblog: Getting Your Head Around Value and Contrast – the Celebrity Version> Related episode: 002: Use your face to pick your fabric> Sew Much More Fun Guide: Fabric Harmony Framework Guide (free pdf download)If you enjoy this episode please be sure to share it and to leave a review to help others find us. And I always love to hear about you trying out what you pick up from these great interviews so do let me know by DM on Instagram or via the Sew Much More Fun Website or Facebook Group!Connect with Imogen Lamport:Website address: https://insideoutstyleblog.com/Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutStyleBlog/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insideoutstyleblog/Connect with me:Website | www.sewmuchmorefun.co.ukInstagram | instagram.com/sewmuchmorefunThank you so much for listening and for all your support. xSupport the show

SPECIAL OFFER CODE BELOW!Do you get overwhelmed when you try to search for new pattern and fabric ideas? Well if you do you are not alone. Lots of the dressmakers I speak to say that they can find it challenging to stay on top of the new pattern designers and fabric shops that are popping up all the time.So I was doing a bit of my own research to find out what I could do to help and I came across In A Haystack. This a digital subscription service that does all the legwork for you and each month presents you with a focused themed pack that includes a digital sewing pattern and so much more. I was intrigued and so my guest this week is the wonderful Kate, the founder of In A Haystack to tell us all about it. What you will hear in this episode:> Why Kate set up In A Haystack> What is included in her digital subscription Haystack Packs> How her background as a researcher helps her save you & I time> Examples of what has been included in recent packs> How a monthly focus can help you reduce sewing overwhelm> The benefits of having a monthly digital subscription and how it can boost your creativityUseful Links and Resources:In A Haystack resources> In A Haystack Subscription> Carly's Haystack Pack Challenge> Tyla's Using Every Scrap blog post Patterns mentioned> Josie Bra - Made My Wardrobe> Fleur Pinafore - Untitled Thoughts> Lily Top - Experimental Space> Lynn Skirt & Pinafore - Vanessa Hansen StudioDirectories and forums> The Foldline - pattern shop, blog and more> Patternreview.com - pattern forum and reviews> Curvy Sewing Collective pattern collection forum and reviewsInstagrammers and hashtags> @sewistandthecity -  Sewing Bee Style Challenge #sewingbeestyle> #MeMadeMay & #MeMadeMay2021 SPECIAL OFFER CODEKate is kindly offering all Sew Mindful listeners 20% off your first Monthly Digital Sewing pack! Simply enter the code SEWMINDFUL to receive your discount.  Code is valid until 31 July 2021. I found this episode so useful and I hope you do too. If you enjoy it then please remember to subscribe on your podcast app and leave a review as that really helps other like-minded lovelies to join us. Thank you so much for listening!Connect with Kate (In A Haystack):Website: https://inahaystack.co.ukInstagram: @in_a_haystackConnect with me (Jacqui):Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.ukInstagram: @sewmuchmorefunSupport the show

CHANCE TO WIN a pack of Vlieseline Perfect Hem Tape! I am always on the lookout for ways to make my garments look more professional and so any opportunity to learn about how things are done in a manufacturing environment that I can bring into my home dressmaking excites me. This week I am delighted to welcome back the expertise of the wonderful Janet Kolle of Vlieseline to help me get genned up on the technology of tapes and how to apply them to our garments.  In this episode we discuss 10 fabulous Vlieseline tape products that can take your finished hand made clothes to that next level of professionalism and significantly improve the life of your special makes too.  We chat about:> the impact of not using tapes as seen in the Great British Sewing Bee> where tapes can be used> which tapes are suited to which applications and fabrics> the best products for no-sew hems> the best tapesto extend the life of your lovely garments> how tapes are used in clothing manufacture and how we can benefit from their research and technology GIVEAWAY!Because Janet loves these products so much she wanted you to be able to try them too and so we have 10 packs of Vlieseline’s Perfect Hem tape to give away.  For your chance to win one of these packs click the link below and fill out your details. Competition closes at midday on the 9th June 2021. https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/hemtapegiveaway Useful links and resources: >  Sew Much More Fun Youtube Channel> H410 Interlining> Seam Tape Flexible> Bias Tape > Edge Tape > StretchFix> Framilastic> Waist Shaper> EdgeFix Tape> Perfect Hem Tape > Wundaweb > Bondaweb Tape > Quilt-A-Long 2021 - live weekly demos free of charge - https://www.facebook.com/VlieselineFreudenbergUK Connect with Janet Kolle & Vlieseline:Website: https://www.vlieseline.com/Instagram: @vlieseline_ukFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/VlieselineFreudenbergUK Contact me (Jacqui):Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.ukInstagram: https://instagram.com/sewmuchmorefunFacebook: https://facebook.com/sewmuchmorefunYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXz_TgNqzajtLC5cKXcbJew  Thank you so much for listening!Support the show

Thank you so much for joining me again for another podcast episode. This week I am joined by the delightful Mary Broddle of Mary Broddle Embroidery. Mary is on a mission to share the well being benefits of embroidery.  It has made a dramatic impact on her own life, helping her to cope with disabling chronic illness and living in her own  lockdown before the world new what lockdown was.  I also believe in the power of any kind of craft and in particular sewing to help us feel better but you don't have to take my word for it.In this episode you will hear:> about Mary's background and how chronic illness changed her life direction and the role embroidery played> how Mary got started with embroidery> why learning to embroider is so fantastic to help you stop snacking or drinking too much wine> the types of TV programs to avoid when embroidering> what you'll be missing out on if you have never tried it> what Mindful Embroidery is> the background to Mindful Embroidery and the influence of Indian and Japanese stitching traditions> how Mary's Mindful Embroidery kits came into being and how you can hold of one> tips for using embroidery on  your own dressmaking makes"Try embroidery and don’t worry about whether you are doing it right.  Start with Mindful Stitching as a way to relax when you don’t have the time or energy to focus on dressmaking.  My kits provide you with everything you need to get started and can be kept in a bag next to your favourite chair, ready to pick up when you have 10 mins."  ...Mary If you are already a lover of embroidering then be sure to get in touch and let us know or pop a pic on instagram and tag Mary and me. And if you are inspired like I am to give it a go then please message us and let us know as we love to hear about your experiences. Useful links and resources:Mindful Stitching Kits are currently on an introductory offer, available through Mary's website shop. https://marybroddleembroidery.com/product/mindful-stitching-kits/ Monthly hoop art course: https://marybroddleembroidery.com/courses/Contact Mary:Website: https://marybroddleembroidery.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marybroddleembroidery Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/marybroddle_embroidery/Contact me (Jacqui):Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.ukInstagram: https://instagram.com/sewmuchmorefunFacebook: https://facebook.com/sewmuchmorefunThank you so much for listening!Support the show

Hello! Thank you for joining me for another Sew Mindful chat. This week is another Fabric Focus. The last one we did was with the lovely Harriet Kjellman when we talked about Denim. If you haven't listened to Episode 35 then be sure to go back and check that out. So in this Fabric Focus session I have chosen a fabric that seems to divide opinion - Bengaline. It is a fabric that I discovered quite late on in my sewing journey and it was not at all what I expected. And it did take a while to grow on me. You didn't really see much of it around until fairly recently and now it is quite common to see it on the high street used in ready to wear trousers, capri pants, dresses and skirts. It has some great properties but there are some characteristics about it that are not to everyone's taste.In this episode you will hear:> the history of Bengaline> the defining features of Bengaline as a dressmaking fabric> the types of garment you can use it for> where to find patterns that are designed for use with Bengaline> how to work with Bengaline and what you need to be aware of> why some people aren't so keen on this fabricUseful links and resources:> Blog post- Imogen Lamport: How buying a tap changed the way I think about buying clothes> Blog post - Gillian of Crafting a Rainbow: Style Arc Bengaline Review> Pattern: Eva Dress by Eliza M> Blog post: What is Bengaline> Wikipedia: Bengaline> Blog Post: Sewing is Cool: Bengaline Fabric Care Instructions> Episode 35: Fabric Focus - Denim> Episode 36: Which is the right sewing machine needle> Bengaline Patterns: Style Arc> Roman: Bengaline Trousers> ASOS: Bengaline TrousersConnect with me:Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.ukInstagram: https://instagram.com/sewmuchmorefunFacebook: https://facebook.com/sewmuchmorefunThank you so much for listening!Support the show

Welcome and thank you so much for tuning in for this episode. This week I want to tackle a topic that I noticed myself struggling with and that is getting stuck in student mode, faffing and procrastinating. That was until I discovered the Power of Practice!Do you suffer from any of these? Do you watch hours of youtube videos, or attend lots of courses, or maybe start but don't finish lots of projects? Well that was me. I found myself doing all of these and not actually feeling like I was making progress. In fact I felt the opposite - overwhelmed by all the new information and guilty for never seeming to finish anything. So in this episode you will hear: > how lessons from the film The Matrix helped me break my cycle of procrastination> how you can spot the signs of being stuck in this mode> why watching the video or reading the book isn't enough> the power of putting into practice> 10 steps to take effective action, stop the faff and ditch the guiltUseful links and resources:> The Power of Practice Workbook> Wikipedia: The Matrix> Youtube: The Matrix - I know Kung FuIf you do take action and want to be accountable then be sure to contact me via the website or DM as I'd love to hear about your experiences. Connect with me:Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.ukInstagram: https://instagram.com/sewmuchmorefunFacebook: https://facebook.com/sewmuchmorefunSupport the show

A short and sweet episode for you this week. Inspired by my love of the Great British Sewing Bee I wanted to talk a little bit about upcycling and recycling.  We are very lucky in the UK to have access to a wide variety of different fabrics and I do love to create garments from new fabrics but it hasn’t always been this way and from necessity comes creativity. During World War 2 for example the Make Do and Mend campaign encouraged house wives to create garments from curtains, parachutes and even their husbands clothes.  But now there is a new nuance added to the equation - the environment. We are becoming more aware of the impact waste and we each have a role to play in trying to ensure that we minimise our contribution to landfill. So learning to upcycle and consciously recycle is a fantastic way to do our bit. In this episode you will hear:> A few reasons why you should consider upcycling> Some different approaches to getting started upcycling> Some inspiration from the recent Reduce, Re-use and Recycle episode of the Great British Sewing Bee and how you can try it too! Useful links and resources So I have a lot of links and resources for you this week to explore and enjoy. > Hand & Lock: Article Upcycling through the ages> Circular Online: Article on UK Contribution to textile waste> Roberta Style Lee Article: 5 of the best apps and websites for selling preloved clothes in the UK> Other Websites and apps to sell clothes or buy second hand> Vinted> Gumtree> Shpock> Ebay> Fashion Revolution - resources and how to video tutorials on upcycling> Well and Good: How to upcycle clothes you will actually want to wear> Paper Michey: Turning trousers into a crop wrap top> The Sorry Girls: Fall Fashion Hacks and upcycles including a fabulous silk bomber jacket from a silk shirt> Sarah Tyau: Playlist of videos on hacks and refashion ideas I'd love to see your upcycle successes so DM me or tag @sewmuchmorefun on your Instagram posts of your creations. Connect with me:Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.ukInstagram: https://instagram.com/sewmuchmorefunFacebook: https://facebook.com/sewmuchmorefunSupport the show

I can't believe we are at Episode 40 already! Thank you so much for listening and supporting the show. This week I am joined again by my very first guest on the podcast, the wonderful Imogen Lamport. If you haven't listened to the previous episodes with Imogen and you at all interested in anything related to style then I highly recommend going back and picking those up (episodes 2, 8 and 14). Imogen has dedicated her energy to learning about all things style and then helping other women to apply that to create wardrobes that they love. I have been on a personal journey to learn about my own style preferences but feel like it is still a work in progress so in this episode Imogen gives her take on how to start to reconnect with your style if like me you feel a bit lost.In this episode you will hear:> Some of the reasons we can feel like we have lost our style> How to change your perception of your style> Tips on how to have fun with the clothes you already have> Questions to help you identify what's changed for you and how to move forward> Practical tips to discover your own sometimes hidden values> How to reflect your values through your clothing> Why the connection between values and satisfaction is so importantUseful links and resources:> Episode 2: Use your face to pick your fabric> Episode 8: Use Style Lines to flatter your figure> Episode 14: Tips to turn frightful photos into sexy selfies> Developing your Style Recipe - Tips and Tricks from the Professional> 7 Steps to Style programI hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did and I'd love to know what your biggest takeaways or a-has are from listening so be sure to DM me on instagram or email me via the Sew Much More Fun website.Connect with ImogenWebsite: https://insideoutstyleblog.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/insideoutstyleblogFacebook: https;//facebook.com/insideoutstyleblogConnect with me (Jacqui)Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.ukInstagram: https://instagram.com/sewmuchmorefunFacebook: https://facebook.com/sewmuchmorefunThank you so much for listening!Support the show

This week is all about underwear and I wanted to talk about making your own knickers.  I put off making my own underwear for a long time because I thought it was really difficult. Then I saw some fabulous knicker-making kits advertised by Flo-Jo Fabrics. All the hardwork of choosing what fabrics and which elastics was done for me and I decided to take the plunge and give it a go.I made my first two pairs of knickers - one from non-stretch cotton fabric with elastic around legs and waist and the other from jersey fabric with stretch lace around the legs and waist.The kits included the patterns and instructions and it couldn't have been simpler. I was able to make them with my sewing machine and I loved them. So when I thought about talking about making knickers I figured who better to talk to than where it started for me and the fabulous Delia of Flo-Jo was so much fun to explore this topic with!My thoughts about this episode were also triggered by a fabulous photo in the Flo-Jo Fabrics newsletter of Delia and Erika in Wonder Woman swimsuits raising money for a good cause. If you buy one of their knicker making kits then they are donating £1 to Womankind for each kit sold. So please do check those out as they are great fun to make and you get to support a fabulous cause too!In this episode you will hear:> Who Flo-Jo Fabrics are and what they do> How the knicker making kits came to be> The benefits of making your own knickers> The different types of knickers available in the kits> Different ways to adapt the pattern to create the perfect style for you> Tips on taking the leap and getting startedUseful links and resources:Knicker making kits: https://www.flo-jofabrics.co.uk/products/cat_1273412-Kits.html Womankind Charity: https://www.womankindbristol.org.uk/Book - Knickers !: 6 Sewing Patterns for Handmade Lingerie including French knickers, cotton briefs and saucy BraziliansI loved doing this episode and Delia's energy and enthusiasm so I hope that you love it too. Reviews really help others find us!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!Connect with  Delia & Flo-Jo Fabrics:Website | www.flo-jofabrics.co.ukFacebook | www.facebook.com/Flo-Jo-Boutique-181291368551545/ Instagram | instagram.com/@flojofabricsConnect with me:Website | www.sewmuchmorefun.co.ukFacebook | facebook.com/sewmuchmorefunInstagram | instagram.com/sewmuchmorefunSupport the show

Thank you so much for tuning in to this week's episode. We have an exciting giveaway for you alongside this episode.This week I am joined by the wonderful Janet Kolle of Vlieseline to talk all things interfacing. If like me you have been baffled by which interfacing or interlining to choose for your dressmaking project then Janet is here to help.In this episode you will hear:> Janet's background with Freudenburg and Vlieseline> What's the difference between interfacing and interlining> Where you can use interfacings/interlinings> Why bi-elastic interlining is Janet's favourite> Benefits of using interlinings and interfacings> Why it is important to test with your fabric> The best interfacings and interlinings to get started withAnd generously Janet has given us a fabulous Vlieseline Embroidery Kit with 5 of their fabulous products ideal for machine and hand embroidery to give away to a lucky listener. For a chance to win head over to the Sew Much More Fun website and fill in your details: https://www.sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/post/vlieseline-embroidery-set-giveaway We will be drawing a winner at random on the 28th May 2021 at midday (BST) so be sure to get your entry in. Useful Links and ResourcesIt was a delight to talk to Janet and here are some links and resources from our conversation:> Vlieseline website: https://www.vlieseline.com/ > Vlieseline Embroidery Kit: https://www.vlieseline.com/Products/Creative-Range/Stick-Set> Vlieseline Woven Interlinings: https://www.vlieseline.com/Products/Woven-Interlinings> Vlieseline Fusible Interlinings: https://www.vlieseline.com/Products/Fusible-Interlinings> Janet's favourite - G770Connect with Janet Kolle & Vlieseline:Website: https://www.vlieseline.com/Instagram: @vlieseline_ukFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/VlieselineFreudenbergUK Connect with me (Jacqui):Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.co.uk/sewmuchmorefun/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sewmuchmorefun/Support the show

Thank you so much for tuning in to this week's episode. For many years after I learned how to sew and make clothes I religiously followed patterns. Whilst I was making them my own by choosing my fabrics I wouldn't have thought of myself as creative. When I started learning about pattern drafting and later, fashion design I realised that we are all creative but we just don't always know how to recognise and nurture our creativity. I wanted to find a guest that could explain how we can connect with our creativity and that led me to the talented Clara Nartey.Clara is an artist, an entrepreneur and a coach. She creates the most magnificent and colourful textile artworks and through her teaching and coaching shares her own process with others to help them share their creativity with the world.In this episode you will hear:> Clara's background and how she reached where she is today> How she raised the money for her first sewing machine> Her approach to learning how to quilt> How she became such a successful textile artist> Her tips on developing your own creativity> Where many people go wrong in their creative process and how to avoid it> The two types of creative mindset and how to use them to your advantage> The next steps you can take to boost your own creativityIt was a delight to talk to Clara and I learned so much from our chat plus we got to laugh a lot too! I really hope you enjoy this episode and if you want more colour in your life be sure to follow Clara on Instagram.Useful links and resources:Daily Journalling Challenge: https://academy.claranartey.com/p/daily-journaling-challengeClarity to Create: https://theclaritytocreate.com/Time Mastery for Creatives: https://claranartey.com/time-masteryIf you have found any tips or techniques that help you to boost your own creativity and want to share then be sure to DM me on instagram or email me via the sewmuchmorefun.co.uk website!Connect with Clara:Website: https://claranartey.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claranartey/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClaraNarteyArt/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdaMSI2j3N1kG8k1phUlN6QConnect with me (Jacqui)Website: https://sewmuchmorefun.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.co.uk/sewmuchmorefun/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sewmuchmorefun/Support the show