The Sewing Social

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In this episode, Lisa Wagner shares her remarkable journey from learning to sew alongside her mother and grandmother in Australia to becoming a couture dressmaker, pattern drafting educator, and founder of Draft.ed.
We explore the value of skills passed down through generations, why fit is about so much more than measurements, and how learning to draft your own patterns can transform your confidence as a sewist. 
Lisa also shares insights from decades spent designing bespoke garments and explains how her latest project, Draft.ed, is making personalised sewing blocks more accessible to home sewists around the world.
A thoughtful conversation about craftsmanship, creativity, slow sewing, and the enduring power of making clothes that truly fit.

Key Takeaways:
Lisa explains how she can still vividly see her Grandmother's hands teaching her how to thread a needle and hand sew - she explains the importance of connection and passing skills down from generation to generation. 
Lisa feels that the process of sewing well fitting garments should be a slow process, as it's important to make it well and make it right.
She's worked across many industries from project management to costume design, and wedding couture, but now she has developed a tool for sewists to input their measurements and generate a pattern block bespoke to their body.

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If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 
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Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:
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*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 
The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Guest details: 
Instagram: @lisawagnerlondon
                     @draftedsewingpatterns
Website: www.lisawagnerlondon.com
                 www.draft-ed.com
Discount Code: SEWSOCIALPOD for 50% off a pattern block

Affiliate Links:
Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com
     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/
     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Lisa Wagner and her sewing journey
00:39 The significance of passing down sewing skills through generations
07:34 The role of sewing in identity and wellbeing
20:26 Introduction to Draft.ed and its purpose
31:17 How to measure for perfect trouser fit
44:25 The process of pattern fitting and adjustments
48:33 The creative process in pattern drafting
48:34 Discount code

Winners of the One Year Giveaway!!!
Trina's Fun Box - Sew and Stow Board
Ciao Linda Sews - Oliso Iron
Anglomist - A pack of Aurifil Threads
Koekenutsel - A pack of Aurifil Threads
Lyndyloulou1 - £25 Sew Essential Voucher
Nictwit25 - A PDF pattern of your choice from Izzo Sew Studio 
Congratulations to all the lovely winners!

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This week, Amy and Theresa from Matchy Matchy Sewing Club share their journey from passionate sewists to successful sewing pattern designers, and how they’ve built a brand centred around creativity, sustainability, and approachable garment sewing. 
In this episode, we talk about designing beginner-friendly sewing patterns, embracing experimentation, and their “scrap theory” approach to reducing waste and rethinking fabric offcuts. 
We also discuss the evolution of modern sewing culture, personal style, and their exciting plans for a new creative retail space in California.

Key takeaways: 
Amy and Theresa discuss their journey from sewing hobbyists to independent sewing pattern designers. 
They discuss the idea behind “scrap theory” and creative ways to reduce fabric waste in sewing. 
Matchy Matchy Sewing Club are known for designing beginner friendly sewing patterns that encourage confidence and experimentation. 
They are working towards building an inclusive sewing community through both online connection and an in-person creative space. 
They also love to create cohesive fabric collections and inspire sewists to explore personal style creatively. 
Both Amy and Theresa feel that sewing should feel approachable, playful, and free from perfectionism.

Follow me: 
Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod
                     @thedalythread
Tiktok: thesewingsocialpod
If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 
Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod
Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:
thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 
The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Guest Details:
Website: www.matchymatchysewingclub.com
Instagram: @matchymatchysewingclub

Affiliate Links:
Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com
     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/
     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Matchy Matchy Sewing Club
00:50 The Journey into Sewing
03:32 From Hobby to Business
06:00 Designing Patterns: The Process
10:53 The Philosophy of Matchy Matchy
14:49 Sustainability and Creativity in Sewing
16:06 Understanding Scrap Theory
19:17 Encouraging Playfulness in Sewing
19:22 Introduction to Beginner-Friendly Patterns
21:59 Breaking the Rules in Sewing
25:04 Designing Fabric Collections
28:48 A Day in the Life at Matchy Matchy
31:25 Exciting Future Plans for Matchy Matchy
33:41 Fun Quickfire Game: This or That
36:07 Giveaway details

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In this episode, Lucy from Sew Essential shares her journey from passionate home sewist to running one of the UK’s best-known sewing businesses. 
We talk about confidence, creativity, and how sewing can quietly shape the way we see ourselves. 
Lucy reflects on the evolution of the sewing community, the pressure of perfection online, and why experimentation and “getting it wrong” are such important parts of the creative process. 
A thoughtful conversation about sewing, identity, community, and the deeper value of making things by hand.

Key Takeaways:
Lucy began sewing a little later in life after Sew Essential was founded by her husband. 
Lucy thinks we shouldn't be afraid to make mistakes - it's how we learn best!
She has developed lots of tutorials on the Sew Essential website and on her YouTube channel to help people get over barriers and get the most from their sewing.
Lucy feels the role of community and sharing knowledge in sewing is so important and she finds it very rewarding.

Follow me: 
Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod
                     @thedalythread
Tiktok: thesewingsocialpod
If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 
Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod
Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:
thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 
The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Guest Details: 
Website: https://www.sewessential.co.uk
Instagram: @sewessentialuk
YouTube: @sewessential
Pinterest: Sewessentialuk
Facebook: Sew Essential

Affiliate Links:
Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com
     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/
     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Chapters

00:00 Lucy’s Sewing Journey
05:20 The Impact of Sewing on Confidence and Mental Health
11:11 Overcoming Fear in Sewing
15:02 Essential Sewing Techniques and Tips
15:58 Revamping the SoEssential Website
19:38 The Rewards of Teaching Sewing
22:16 The Joy of Sewing and Personal Growth
25:04 Maintaining Your Sewing Machine
28:39 Exciting Developments at SoEssential
31:15 Fun and Games: This or That with Lucy
32:13 Introduction to the Podcast and Community Engagement
32:39 Closing Thoughts and Invitation to Join Substack

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This week, Rebekah, also known as Sewno65 on Instagram, shares her journey from self-taught sewist to running her successful memory keepsake business, The Gathered Seam. 
In this episode, we talk about her creative process, balancing sewing with family life, and the powerful role craft can play in navigating grief and personal growth. 
A thoughtful conversation about sewing, storytelling, and the meaning behind what we make.

Key Takeaways:
Rebekah’s journey into sewing began after being inspired by The Great British Sewing Bee. Largely self-taught, she later took a few classes to build confidence and refine her skills.
Before sewing became a bigger part of her life, she worked as an events manager. But while pregnant with her second child, she made the decision to step away from a high-stress career and focus on something more sustainable for her and her family.
She went on to start her own small business, creating memory bears and blankets, alongside alterations and bespoke pieces.
In 2023, after the sudden loss of her father, sewing became something much deeper, offering comfort, focus, and a way to process grief. 
Rebekah shares how craft can be both mindful and therapeutic, and how she continues to prioritise sewing even within a busy family life.

Follow me: 
Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod
                     @thedalythread
Tiktok: thesewingsocialpod
If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 
Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod
Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:
thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 
The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Guest Details: 
Instagram: @sewno65
                     @thegatheredseam
Website: https://thegatheredseam.sumupstore.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sewno65/

Affiliate Links:
Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com
     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/
     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Chapters
00:00 The Journey into Sewing
04:04 Diving into Dressmaking
09:22 Personal Style and Fashion Choices
10:40 Finding Time for Sewing
14:04 Career Transition and Business Beginnings
18:23 Evolving Craft: From Personal to Professional
21:39 Teaching the Art of Sewing
25:32 The Journey to Counselling
26:41 Crafting Through Grief
29:59 The Mindfulness of Sewing
33:23 Balancing Business and Life
33.25 Join my Substack

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This week, Sally, now known as Made by Sally on Instagram (and previously Secret Life of a Seamstress), shares her inspiring journey from early childhood creativity to confidently showing up on camera. 
She opens up about overcoming insecurities, building self-belief through sewing, and learning to truly understand fabrics. 
We also dive into how she curates a wardrobe that fits her real lifestyle — blending creativity with practicality. 
Honest, relatable, and full of insight, this episode is all about growing in confidence while staying creatively inspired.

Key takeaways:
Sally was very creative from a young age 
When she had her children, she started to sell handmade homeware on Etsy
During lockdown, she began creating YouTube videos about sewing and started her Instagram account under the same name - Secret Life of A Seamstress 
Sally has recently rebranded to become "Made By Sally" - a name which is much more personal and feels "more like her"
She is now focusing on her YouTube channel and running in person sewing classes

Follow me: 
Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod
                     @thedalythread
Tiktok: thesewingsocialpod
If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 
Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod
Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:
thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

Guest Details: 
Instagram: @madebysallygauntlett
Website: www.madebysally.com
Facebook: Made By Sally
Pinterest: Made By Sally 

Affiliate Links:
Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com
    Code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
Sew and Stow - https://sewandstow.co.uk
    Code for £10 off a cutting board: SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Resources: 
Colour Analysis: https://www.radiantly-me.com/

Chapters
00:00 Sally's Sewing Journey Begins
03:40 Inspiration from Family and Early Experiences
10:11 Transitioning to YouTube and the Name Change
13:21 Building Confidence Through Sewing
19:36 The Mental Health Benefits of Crafting
22:32 Community and Connection Through Sewing
24:19 The Rise of Sewing Culture
25:12 Evolution of a Sewing Business
28:05 Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
28:27 Curating a Handmade Wardrobe
33:11 Navigating Trends and Personal Style
37:48 Understanding Handmade Garments
40:07 Intentional Sewing and Colour Choices
46:27 Personal Growth and Future Plans
51:16 Outro - tip on Ko-fi