Check Your Thread: Sewing More Sustainably

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