Advertise on podcast: Check Your Thread: Sewing More Sustainably

Imagine if all of us sewists piled up the contents of our fabric collections into one big heap. That would be a huge amount of fabric! Collectively we have A LOT of beautiful and useful fabric already in our possession that just isn’t getting used. You know me, I’m nosey, I want to know WHY that is! Why aren’t we using the pieces we love? And what would it take for us to actually cut into it? This is a community episode that digs into this topic.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Fabric photo by Emma Green via Unsplash Huge thanks to Lindsay Ashworth Fraser for voicing some of the written submissions. Lindsay is a sewist, choir leader and voice over artist, and can be found @lindsayashworthfraser on Instagram. You might have heard Lindsay in the previous episodes: Ep. #180: Secrets of Successful Destashing, Part 1  Ep. #181: Secrets of Successful Destashing, Part 2 Ep. #207: Style Shifts and Sustainability with Lindsay Ashworth Fraser Lindsay is considering the Roman Overcoat Pattern by Maison Fauve for her Harris tweed: Martha has been toiling and fitting the Belemnite Dress pattern by Marilla Walker for her green cotton/hemp fabric bought in Tokyo: Yvonne has a couple of waistcoat project ideas for her precious fabric: Rachel intends to use the Square Shirt pattern by Domum Creation for this Liberty Coastal Landscape Tana Lawn fabric.  Debs has is consider both the Jasika Blazer pattern by Closet Core Patterns and the Naomi Blazer pattern by The Modern Sewing Company for her beloved wool: Diana has great plans for the Saturday Top pattern (part of a set) by Friday Pattern Company to use both her special lengths of fabric: Chloe made the Azure Dress pattern by Closet Core Patterns. See the finished garment here!

As crafters, we usually develop a personal bond with our creative projects. But we might not consider the value and importance our crafting projects have for those close to us. And what do you do if a half finished project started by someone close to you falls into your possession that you are unable to finish? Amazing guest host, Kat Camfield, talks to Masey Kaplan, the co-creator of Loose Ends: a non-profit that matches volunteer handwork finishers with projects that have been left behind by people who have passed away, or are no longer able to craft due to illness or disability.  Loose Ends is a truly incredible enterprise that is responsible for facilitating so much care and healing for families who are then able to honour and treasure their loved one’s creativity and passion.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Listen to Episode #72: The Return of Canada’s Forgotten Wartime Quilts of the Haptic & Hue podcast.  Masey Kaplan officially co-founded Loose Ends (@thelooseendsproject on IG) in May 2023: Photo credit: Michala Rueter  Ravelry is sometimes used to view a potential finisher’s work.  Kat Camfield is a sewing teacher and sewing retreat organiser living in Victoria, Canada. You can follow Kat on Instagram @gatherandstitch.ca.  Ep. #196: Eco Printing - Kat Camfield with Carly from Lorelei Textile Design Ep. #200: Making Check Your Thread - with Zoe & Kat, Part 1 Ep. #201: Making Check Your Thread - with Zoe & Kat, Part 2 Ep. #204: The Sewing Machine, A Novel - Kat Camfield with Natalie Fergie  Ep. #214: Is Inclusivity Enough? - Kat Camfield with Frances from Sincere Studio  Ep. #221: Upcycling Secrets - Kat Camfield with Brynn, Emily & Meagan Ep. #227: Threading Change - Kat Camfield with Sophia Yang Ep. #231: A Business Based on Scraps - Kat Camfield with Justice McNeil Ep. #232: Magic and Movement for Makers - Kat Camfield with Justice McNeil Ep. #235: Make Quilts Political Again - Kat Camfield with Lorraine Woodruff-Long

Do you enjoy the challenge of making new things out of old? My guest for this week’s episode, Ros Williams, reconnected with her sewing machine during lockdown and has been transforming existing textiles in incredibly creative ways ever since. She even co-organised a charity shop crawl around her area in Edinburgh to help others access and give new life to what already exists in the world.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Follow Ros Williams’s creativity on Instagram @williamsrosamund.  Ros initially connected with the online sewing community through the @sewover50 account.  Ros also volunteers with previous-guests Judith Staley and Mary Morton as part of the Edinburgh Street Stitchers and through the Shrub Coop.   Learn more about the Edinburgh Spiders who weave camouflage nets to send to Ukraine.   Ros’s Teatowel jacket making obsession began with the first one she made for her son using teatowels she found in her parents’ home: Ros uses the Ilford Jacket pattern by Friday Pattern Co. as the basis for her jacket creations.  More textiles reclaimed from her parents’ home became this yellow and blue tablecloth dress: The Morningside Charity Shop Crawl was organised to promote shopping for second hand clothing, and the poster/leaflet/map was designed by Ros’s son, Jack (@jack_stamp_art): Psychomoda is the organiser of the ReFashion Edinburgh event that Ros will be exhibiting in this year (2026).  As part of her HND costume course Ros made a 17thC outfit for her husband John: ….and a Japanese inspired Burlesque outfit:

Jo Andrews is the creator of Haptic & Hue, the podcast through which she uncovers fascinating stories always through the lens of textiles, many of which might otherwise have been lost. A professional reporter and correspondent, Jo leaves me awe with her incredible story telling skills. I got to ask her tons of questions about the creation and impact of Haptic and Hue, all posed by the amazing patrons of CYT.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Jo Andrews is the creator of the Haptic & Hue podcast. You can also follow her on Instagram @hapticandhue.  Jo and her partner Bill create an additional podcast called Travels with Textiles for those who choose to support their work as a ‘friend of Haptic & Hue’.   Specific episodes mentioned in the conversation include: Colour Is Mine (about textile designer Althea McNish) The Return of Canada’s Forgotten Wartime Quilts (see photos below)  A Sliver of Deep Blue Cloth: Unravelling the Textiles of Enslavement Australia’s Convict Quilt: Something to be Proud of The Witches of Scotland: How a New Tartan Became a Living Memorial The Language of Thread: Why Sewing Matters and How Sewing was Taught The Tangled Tale of Tartan The Intelligence of the Hands and the Creative Brain Jo shows me her self-made cordage bag WIP: Jo shared some images of the Canadian Quilts mentioned in the conversation, including a close of the label tracing one of the quilt’s origin:

Many of us sewers feel confused and even wary of the term deadstock fabric. Does buying fabric labelled ‘deadstock' really save it from landfill or incineration? Or are we enabling fabric producers and fashion brands to get away with overproduction, incentivising it even? And what’s the difference between ‘deadstock’ and ‘overstock’, and how, as consumers, can we tell the difference?  This week, you’ll hear my conversation with Hannah and Rosie from London-based The New Craft House as they unpick this topic for us, leaving us all with a greater understanding. From school friends, to craft bloggers, to workshop facilitators to fabric purveyors, the current incarnation of their business is made possible by navigating the excesses and waste of the fashion industry. In this conversation Hannah and Rosie are super open and candid about how their business runs, and their plans and hopes for its more sustainable future.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! This episode was originally released in September 2024 as Ep. #151 Find The New Craft House online, via Instagram (@newcrafthouse) and IRL at their London studio. They explain the nature of deadstock fabric on their website. #sewyourselfsustainable is the hashtag they created to encourage the sewing community to explore more sustainable practices during September.  It also coincides with other sustainability-related endeavours, including Oxfam´s Secondhand September campaign.

Right now, the weather is shifting from one season to another, and the clothing items we’re reaching for are altering accordingly. But it’s most likely you’ll find that some of those items, for whatever reason, just aren’t pieces you want to wear these days. So what can be done about that, aside from donating them and starting a ton of new sewing projects? In this week’s solo replay episode, I’ll share my method for diagnosing WHY you’re not wearing them. I’ll then be suggesting five different ways you can update those garments so that you’re excited to wear them again!  Support the podcast over on Patreon! This episode was originally released in June 2024 as Ep. #137 Image source: Sarah Brown via Unsplash If you want to learn more about the Me-Made-May challenge, listen to: Ep. #84: What is Me-Made-May? The Clothehorse podcast is a great place to learn more about the life of second hand clothing, including what happens to donated items.  The three questions to ask of each item of clothing: Does it fit my personal aesthetic (OR is it a basic garment that pairs well with items that really DO fit my personal aesthetic)? Does it fit with my lifestyle? Does it fit my body? My five suggested approaches for updated unworn garments (including me-mades): Repair Refit Remove something Add something Change the colour For repair, consider signing up to the Winter of Care and Repair challenge for motivation.  For advice on how to proceed with a repair, this episode might help: Ep. #135: How to Triage your Mends with Jeanna Wigger For refitting assistance, check out this episode: Ep. #86: Garment Alterations with Naomi Fata The Bernie Belt Bag pattern by Friday Pattern Co. might solve the dilemma of a pocket-free garment. The free Oversized Detachable Collar pattern by Tilly and the Buttons would really jazz up a plain garment: If you’re interested in trying your hand at natural dyeing, these episodes provide a ton of information: Ep. #13: Natural Dyeing with Amy Taylor Ep. #52: Grow, Cook, Dye, Wear with Bella Gonshorovitz  Ep. #88: Natural Dyeing Q&A with Amy Taylor

Do the climate and ecological crises just feel too massive to deal with sometimes? When it all feels so overwhelming, it can be tempting to tap out completely and disengage. That’s totally understandable. However, my guest for this episode, Beedy Parker, shows us that it is entirely possible to participate in climate related activism and action, whilst continuing to lead a happy and exciting life. From attempting to influence legislation to hemming her neighbours' trousers, Beedy has been getting stuck in since 1970. Sadly, we can’t all be Beedy, but we can all take heart and inspiration from her example.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! This episode was originally released in May 2024 as Ep. #136 Beedy Parker is a committed naturalist and social and environmental activist living in Maine, USA.  Read more about Beedy (unfortunately this link doesn’t seem to work in Europe, frustrating I know!).  This is another piece about Beedy.  Beedy recommends sourcing a copy of ‘The Needleworker's Constant Companion’, first published in 1978. I referred to an article by Christina Garton called Weaving While Neurodivergent on the Handwoven Magazine website that is a fascinating read.

Is your wardrobe stuffed with me-mades? Whatever role garment sewing plays in your life, after a while, the clothes can really start to pile up. So how can we continue to take pleasure in sewing, without adding to your problem of too many clothes? Image source: Megan Lee via UnSplash This episode was originally released in February 2024 as Ep. #123 Idea No. 1: Challenging ourselves. Hear more about hand stitching clothing: Ep. #15: Hand Stitching Clothes with Louisa Owen-Sonstroem  Ep. #73: The Seeds of Slow Sewing with Alexis Bailey  Learn more about improving fit: Ep. #95: Refining Fit with Kate Roberts Options for online courses to learn and develop new skills: Project Patterns Domestika Craftsy Idea No. 2: Sewing things that aren’t clothes. My favourite bag pattern designers: Noodlehead Tytka Studio Motif Studio Patterns Merchant & Mills Start your sew making journey at I Can Make Shoes. Get inspired to make a quilt more sustainably by listening to the following previous episodes: Ep. #19: Quilting and Considered Consuming with Shelly Sommer Ep. #26: Harvesting Materials with Eliu Hernandez Ep. #89: Threads of Sustainability with Bridget O’Flaherty Ep. #105: A Habit of Curiosity with Heidi Parkes Ep. #106: Reframing a Relationship with Clothes with Heidi Parkes Ep. #116: Improv Scrap Play with Sherri Lynn Wood Idea No. 3: Sewing clothes for other people Idea No. 4: Sewing for charity  Make washable menstrual pads for: Pachamama Project Days for Girls Make reusable tote bags for Boomerang Bags. Make dresses and other children’s garments from pillowcases for Little Dresses for Africa. Idea No. 5: Mending Hear from super creative mending expert, Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald: Ep. #39: Modern Mending with Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald Ep. #40: Experimend with Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald Get her book Modern Mending. Consider the spectrum of mending possibility: Ep. #68: Visible Vs Invisible Mending

Textiles have a long history of being used for political discourse and protest. Lorraine Woodruff-Long is a self-taught and now award-winning quilt artist who is continuing that tradition today by creating exciting and powerful work on political and social issues that are important to her. Legendary guest-host Kat Camfield talks to Lorraine about her journey from marketing professional to artist and teacher, her inspiration, her use of reclaimed materials, the Forbidden Words project, and her tips for those wanting to dip their toe into protest quilt making.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Lorraine can be found through her website, ‘Quilting in the Fog’, and via Instagram @quiltinginthefog: Lorraine’s first quilt, ‘American Patriot: Words Matter’ (2017), was shown at the de Young Gallery in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco: Check out Lorraine’s Mosaic quilts.  Kat and Lorraine mentioned both the Haptic & Hue podcast and the Gees Bend Quilters. Listen to an episode about the Gees Bend Quilters on the Haptic & Hue podcast! Lorraine’s incredible ‘Quilt Melt’ was made in 2017: ‘You’re getting warmer: Rising Global Temperatures 1850 - 2022’ quilt (2023): ‘The Number of Holes’ quilt: Read more about the Forbidden Words Project: Kat Camfield is a sewing teacher and sewing retreat organiser living in Victoria, Canada. You can follow Kat on Instagram @gatherandstitch.ca.  Ep. #196: Eco Printing - Kat Camfield with Carly from Lorelei Textile Design Ep. #200: Making Check Your Thread - with Zoe & Kat, Part 1 Ep. #201: Making Check Your Thread - with Zoe & Kat, Part 2 Ep. #204: The Sewing Machine, A Novel - Kat Camfield with Natalie Fergie  Ep. #214: Is Inclusivity Enough? - Kat Camfield with Frances from Sincere Studio  Ep. #221: Upcycling Secrets - Kat Camfield with Brynn, Emily & Meagan Ep. #227: Threading Change - Kat Camfield with Sophia Yang Ep. #231: A Business Based on Scraps - Kat Camfield with Justice McNeil Ep. #232: Magic and Movement for Makers - Kat Camfield with Justice McNeil

Can a stereotypically female activity such as sewing be an appropriate medium through which to tackle male loneliness and isolation? This is a question that return-guest and GBSB finalist, Tony Rea, has been tasked to help answer. In this episode, Tony tells us all about the pilot of an awesome endeavor he’s involved in called Thread Brothers. We also get into the weeds about traditionally gendered crafts and spaces, and explore how sewing can help push us back against ageism.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Listen to my previous conversation with Tony: Ep. #124: Fearless Sewing with Tony Rae Find out more about Tony on his website, and see his latest projects on Instagram @tonyr.maker. Follow the Thread Brothers on Instagram (@threadbrothers.makers) and learn more about the project on the Wellmoor website.  Check out Tobit Emmens’ Substack.  I took a palette bench making workshop with The Salvage Sister.   Tony (and myself) will be at this year’s Knit + Stitch show at Alexandra Palace, London, in October.

I’m a firm believer that there are NO stupid questions when it comes to sewing. If you need to ask it, even if it’s something you think you should probably already know, then it’s valid. But it’s not always easy to find the answers you’re looking for. So I’ve asked my guest, sewing author and expert dressmaking teacher, Julia Hincks, on the podcast to talk about her new beginner’s guide to dressmaking book AND to answer some burning questions from members of the CYT community.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Find Julia Hincks and her website is House of Miss Sew and you can find her at @juliahincks and @houseofmisssew on Instagram.  Listen to Julia on previous episodes: Ep. #10: Overlockers & Coverstitch Machines with Julia Hincks Ep. #27: Zoe & Julia go Rag Rugging Ep. #53: First Birthday / Ask me Anything with Zoe, Julia and Naomi Ep. #67: Zoe and Julia Sew with Reclaimed Denim Ep. #99: Sewing Confessions with Julia and Naomi You can sponsor Julia’s cycling to raise money for Cancer Research UK.  Julia’s first book is The Overlocker Technique Manual, there is also a US version entitled The Serger’s Technique Bible. The book has also been translated into Dutch, French, Spanish and Italian. Her second book is The Coverstitch Technique Manual. Julia’s third book is The Beginner’s Guide to Dressmaking. Signed copies are available via her website. It is also available in the US and in Australia.  There are additional resources on Search Press’s The Bookmarked Hub.  Julia recommended Maraflex thread which is stretchy (link to buy it in UK via Fabric Godmother, but is sold elsewhere).  I like using Tencel thread from James Tailoring.  Julia’s pattern recommendations for garments that are adjustable in their finished form: Palazzo Pants by Sasha Starlight Mitchell Trousers by Closet Core Meriam Trousers by Cashmerette Zadie Jumpsuit and Dress by Paper Theory Patterns Kielo Wrap Dress and Lilja Dress, Pinafore and Blouse by Named Clothing  Tie Dress by Sewing Therapy Lisi Dress and Blouse by Fabric Godmother  The Garden Dress and Blouse by Frux Studio is the pattern with lots of pin tucks. Julia recommends FriXion pens by Pilot for marking. They contain ink that disappears with the heat from an iron.

Have you ever consciously infused your handmade garments with personal magic? And how can we create clothing that feels like emotionally protective armour? This is the second part of guest-host Kat Camfield’s amazing conversation with textile artist Justice McNeil from Thread + Sprout. They touch on so many topics, including pattern instructions that work better for some neurodivergent brains, and the importance of physical movement within a sewing practice.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Listen to Part 1 of Kat and Justice’s conversation: Ep. #231: A Business Based on Scraps - Kat Camfield with Justice McNeil Justice McNeil’s multi-faceted and evolving company is Thread + Sprout (@threadandsprout on Instagram): Purchase the Soft Armor sewing pattern: You can see many examples of the Magic vest in the galleries, and keep your eyes peeled for future Magic vest classes like the one Kat took part in. Learn more about Justice’s Movement for Makers offering.  Kat Camfield is a sewing teacher and sewing retreat organiser living in Victoria, Canada. You can follow Kat on Instagram @gatherandstitch.ca.  Hear Kat on previous episodes of CYT: Ep. #196: Eco Printing - Kat Camfield with Carly from Lorelei Textile Design Ep. #200: Making Check Your Thread - with Zoe & Kat, Part 1 Ep. #201: Making Check Your Thread - with Zoe & Kat, Part 2 Ep. #204: The Sewing Machine, A Novel - Kat Camfield with Natalie Fergie  Ep. #214: Is Inclusivity Enough? - Kat Camfield with Frances from Sincere Studio  Ep. #221: Upcycling Secrets - Kat Camfield with Brynn, Emily & Meagan Ep. #227: Threading Change - Kat Camfield with Sophia Yang Ep. #231: A Business Based on Scraps - Kat Camfield with Justice McNeil

Is it possible to create a successful sewing business making desirable products using scraps that allows you to leave your corporate job? Spoiler alert: Yes! Amazing guest-host Kat Camfield talks to Justice McNeil about the origin story of her inspiring business, Thread + Sprout, and how it’s evolved into something quite different, but equally inspiring.  Support the podcast over on Patreon! Justice McNeil’s multi-faceted and evolving company is Thread + Sprout (@threadandsprout on Instagram) Justice’s ‘breakout hit’ was the Nature dress which is now available as a tutorial for you to make your own: The launching of the Nature top tutorial was a significant step in the evolution of Thread + Sprout.  You can see many examples of the Magic vest in the galleries, and keep your eyes peeled for future Magic vest classes like the one Kat took part in. Kat Camfield is a sewing teacher and sewing retreat organiser living in Victoria, Canada. You can follow Kat on Instagram @gatherandstitch.ca. Hear Kat on previous episodes of CYT: Ep. #196: Eco Printing - Kat Camfield with Carly from Lorelei Textile Design Ep. #200: Making Check Your Thread - with Zoe & Kat, Part 1 Ep. #201: Making Check Your Thread - with Zoe & Kat, Part 2 Ep. #204: The Sewing Machine, A Novel - Kat Camfield with Natalie Fergie  Ep. #214: Is Inclusivity Enough? - Kat Camfield with Frances from Sincere Studio  Ep. #221: Upcycling Secrets - Kat Camfield with Brynn, Emily & Meagan Ep. #227: Threading Change - Kat Camfield with Sophia Yang

Are you ready to share mending skills with others? Mary Morton and Jeanna Wigger, authors of the excellent book, ‘Stitch It, Don’t Ditch It’, have a ton of practical advice learned through hosting lots of in-person mending events. We discuss the different event formats for sharing skills, how to coordinate with venues and the best free resources available to support your efforts.  Plus, there’s audio from the last event I attended with Jeanna and Mary on their tour of the North of England taken at Left Bank Leeds, a truly awesome creative and inclusive space that serves and supports its diverse community.  Leah Anderson is the Arts and Community Manager at Left Bank Leeds (@leftbankleeds on Instagram).  Jeanna Wigger can be found @thepeoplesmending on Instagram. Jeanna also has an excellent Substack.  Mary Morton can be found @edinburghstreetstitchers and @mvm13 on Instagram. Mary volunteers at the Shrub Coop, a ZW charity based in Edinburgh, Scotland (@shrubcoop on Instagram).  Listen to my previous conversations with Jeanna and Mary: Ep. #115: Winter of Care and Repair with Jeanna Wigger Ep. #132: A Season of Mending with Jeanna Wigger Ep. #135: How to Triage Your Mends with Jeanna Wigger Ep. #163: How to Effect Change This Winter with Jeanna Wigger Ep. #190: The Four Tendencies and Sewing with Jeanna, Kim & Lise  Ep. #191: Stitch it, Don’t Ditch it with Mary Morton & Jeanna Wigger Ep. #208: Challenging Consumption and Perfectionism with Jeanna Wigger Ep. #217: Mending for Mental Wellbeing with Rebecca from The Big Fandango Ep. #223: An Alternative Fashion Future with Chalotte from Stitched Up Find their awesome book, ‘Stitch it, Don't Ditch it’.

To be honest, this episode’s link to sustainability is very tenuous, but when repeat-guest Lise Bauer hits you up saying she needs to talk - you drop everything and talk. The main topic of conversation is where we’re both at with the latest round of the Last Sewist Standing challenge. I wonder if our statuses will surprise you…. Support the podcast over on Patreon! Find Lise and the Last Sewist Standing challenge updates at @the.craft.camp on Instagram.  Check out Lise’s personal account @miss.taeschli on Instagram. Listen to my previous conversations with Lise: Ep. #118: Last Sewist Standing with Lise Bauer Ep. #164: Sewing Wins and Fails with Lise & Meg Ep. #189: Are Zoe & Lise Still in Last Sewist Standing? Ep. #190: Sewing and the Four Tendencies with Jeanna, Kim & Lise Ep. #218: Fabric Confessions with Lise Bauer