Sew-organised-style

Maria catches up with Gabby Brown, now an author. Gabby Brown wrote the technical articles for Sewcialists from 2020 and Gabby recorded 10 podcasts about fitting clothes with Maria in those early days. Gabby and Leila Kelleher met through Sewcialists and this year sees them publishing their first pattern making reference for the fashion industry, design students and sewing people: Plus-Size Patternmaking for Womenswear. Bloomsbury publishing and Blackbird Fabrics are some of the organisations that have provided amazing support for Plus Size Pattern Making for Womenswear. In this episode Gabby and Maria discuss using this new reference for various CLO3D design options, fashion industry references and guides as well as teaching packs to support pattern makers to draft great designs for large bodies. The terminology used is very respectful and inclusive including the body references designers will benefit from when they start to create garments for larger bodies than their current fashion fit models. The amount of design schools that will really benefit from Plus-Size Patternmaking for Womenswear is huge so fingers crossed, this knowledge rich reference will be adopted in future curriculum. Congratulations Gabby and Leila. Hoping to see more from you both soon. SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism. Make sure you use #listenShareSewOver50 on the pictures when you post on Instagram. If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account https://www.patreon.com/seworganisedstylepodcast. Every podcast is free. Or pop your support to Paypal '[email protected]' Sound with permission of Kaneef on YouTube #plussize #plussizemodel #largerbodies #patternmaking Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

LilypaDesigns is run by Lily Fong—designer, pattern maker, and proud bra nerd with a master’s in education and over 30 years of sewing experience. Her patterns are all about wearing comfy bras. LilypaDesigns Once a middle school algebra teacher, Lily now helps people sew bras that actually fit—especially if you’ve got a full bust, a small band, or a body that’s never quite matched “standard” sizing. Her patterns use a body-aware system built on real breast measurements—not just full bust minus underbust—and the unique shape of each person’s breast root. Think of it like grading a dress across bust, waist, and hip... only this time, it’s for your bra. With choose-your-own-adventure-style instructions, inclusive sizing, and plenty of teaching along the way, LilypaDesigns helps sewists build skills, confidence, and bras that feel as good as they fit. Lily’s work has been featured in Threads, Sew News, The Pattern Pages, Bra Sewing Bee, and several sewing podcasts. Through her patterns, blog, online courses, and community, she’s helped thousands of sewists find support in every sense of the wor Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Leesa Simpson is a lifelong maker, business builder and a creative soul with fabric running through her veins. Her current obsession of quilted sneakers started in 2025. It was love at first stitch! Fabric, colour, comfort, and creativity all rolled into one. Sneaker Stitch was born. Sneaker Stitch Australia | Sew Your Own Sneakers Kits + Classes Any orders placed with Leesa from March 3 to March 10, use the Free Shipping Offer - use the code FREESHIPSOS at checkout. She only ships within Australia at the moment. Sneaker Stitch Australia | Sew Your Own Sneakers Kits + Classes For the past year, Leesa has poured everything into creating the ultimate DIY sneaker kits — complete with high-quality tools and step-by-step guides, all designed around Aussie products and sensibilities. Because if you know Leesa, she never does things by halves. As Leesa says 'Let's make something amazing — one stitch at a time. Sew your own sneakers. Walk your own path.' She created Sewing Adventures in Brisbane and this local sewing school ran for over 7 years and sadly closed in 2025. If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel. Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube. SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism. Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist. Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ida Victoria is a Norwegian independent sewing‑pattern designer known for creating modern, easy‑to‑follow patterns for makers of all skill levels. She's one of Norway's best designers and online retailers. Based in Jessheim, Ida designs garments for children and adults, focusing on comfort, practicality and clean Scandinavian style. Her patterns are available as both PDF and printed formats, with many translated into English for an international audience. Under IdaVictoria.no she also offers courses, sewing supplies and curated fabrics. She has built a strong creative community by sharing tutorials, inspiration and behind‑the‑scenes content, making her a well‑loved figure in Norway's growing sewing and DIY culture. You can buy Ida Victoria's sewing patterns from several official sources: Her official website She offers information and links to both English and Norwegian patterns on her site. idavictoria.com Her Etsy shop (English PDF patterns) This is the main place to buy her digital patterns in English. Etsy UK shop: idavictoria Etsy global shop: idavictoria Norwegian site for Norwegian-language patterns For paper and PDF patterns in Norwegian, visit: idavictoria.no/english If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel. Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube. SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism. Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist. Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Irina McKenzie is today's podcast guest. Irina and Erin are the fab faces behind Fabcycle! The account FABCYCLE (@fabcyclevan) developed as a Vancouver-based social enterprise focused on reducing textile waste by connecting apparel industry deadstock with makers, creators, and people who sew. Founded in February 2019, this initiative evolved from a waste reduction mission into a community hub for sustainable fashion. FABCYCLE is a collection service of textile waste that you can support both online and in person. Fabcycle works directly with local apparel manufacturers like factories, fashion designers and schools to collect the scraps, off-cuts, deadstock and ends of rolls that are left during the apparel production process and reuse or recycle what they cannot use. They are located in the Sun Wah Centre. Address: From Elevator to your LEFT Sun Wah Building / BC Artscape, 268 Keefer St 4th Floor, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X5, Canada You'll find their app Sewjo wherever you download your mobile apps. If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel. Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube. SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism. SewOver50 focusses on the sewing talent each person shares on social media and provides recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist. Be a SewOver50 Champion and repost each post in your stories. Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nicole Nehrig is a clinical and research psychologist based in Brooklyn, New York, with a deep passion for knitting and textile arts. She holds a PhD in clinical psychology and is the author of the book With Her Own Hands: Women Weaving Their Stories. Her book explored how women through history overcame their life changes with their textile works. You can follow her on Instagram at @nicolenehrig also on her website With Her Own Hands - Nicole Nehrig and you can find her on Revelry under Nerdy knitting. In 12 months Nicole knitted 12 adult sized sweaters. She's met a few knitting friends through her love of knitting. One of her knitting friends that she mentions, has shown Nicole how to sew. Her book explored how women through history overcame their life changes with their textile works. Many thanks to WW Norton & Company for allowing me to bring Nicole to you. Book design by Anna Knighton. Photo by Kade Alpers Photography. If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel. Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube. SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism. Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist. Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Digital Pattern Library is Alexandra's sewing community resource for us to use. Alexandra lives in Cardiff, Wales and she's trained in the fashion industry. Once she was working in couture designer houses, the amount of waste at that level and in high street brands made her rethink her priorities. Thankfully she found us in the sewing community when she began to develop sewing patterns. Now Alexandra mainly works with sewists in providing them with skill building opportunities and resources, rather than produce fast sewing patterns. Head to Alexandra's YouTube account now https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@digitalpatternlibrary⁩ Or her website https://digitalpatternlibrary.com/the-dpl-atelier In 2026, podcast viewers and listeners get a special discount! The fee to join the 3 day challenge is waived when you use the code 'SOSPodcast. https://digitalpatternlibrary.com/design-challenge and you can also get 10% off your first month inside The DPL Atelier https://digitalpatternlibrary.com/the-dpl-atelier The 3 day Design challenge is schedule for 6 January, in May and in September! If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel. Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube. SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism. Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist. Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jane Milburn OAM is TextileBeat on Instagram. She's a sustainability consultant, Slow Clothing pioneer, TEDx speaker, Churchill Fellow, upcycler and agricultural scientist. Jane has authored Slow Clothing and The Process of Mending - a recipe book. Clothing accounts for up to 10 percent of our environmental footprint and everyday practices that extend the lifespan of clothes – caring, repairing, rewearing, restyling, upcycling – can reduce its ecological impact and create independence from fast-fashion cycles. Mary V Morton and Jeanna Wigger, the authors of Stitch it Don't Ditch it, suggested Jane as a podcast guest and I'm so honoured Jane recorded this podcast with me last month. Listen to hear how Jane is linked to SewOver50! Grab a cuppa and enjoy Jane discuss how we can use our existing materials for longer. Sew Organised Style features people who freely support the sewing community. You're welcome to be a podcast guest by contacting us via DM on Instagram. If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel. Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Amanda.Stitches on Instagram is both today's podcast guest and guest editor on SewOver50 Her standout roberts.woods drafters grid dress at Perth Frocktails this year took our breath away and we had to invite Amanda to tell us all about this dress. As Amanda said 'the #draftersgriddress has been many months in the making, planning started early this year with the sourcing of vintage tablecloths - not just any cloths, but ones that had similar pink tones & were the same shade of white. Several were ordered online, only to find when they arrived they weren't suitable - I've got a few set aside for future projects. From the 6 tablecloths I cut 172!! pattern pieces - ordinarily the multiple identical pieces can be cut in bulk - however I couldn't do this without compromising the placement of the embroidery - many hours of planning, pinning & checking before I started to cut. Quilters will be familiar with fussy-cutting and there was certainly lots of that. The construction & sewing of the dress isn't difficult, & I enjoyed the slow sew & watching my vision come to life.' When Amanda went back to sewing once her children were getting older, she began to pattern test for Pattern Emporium. You may have seen Amanda on their website. Many thanks to Kate at Pattern Emporium for allowing us to mention her patterns and use her logo and image in the video version of this episode. If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel. Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's not everyday you find an English woman in New Zealand who specialises in sewing kilts. Leanne Munro sewed 15 kilts in less than 12 months as part of her kilt making training. Yes she quilts but her passion is kilt making. Just ask the locals in New Plymouth, New Zealand. Her skills include not just sewing kilts but also recreating better kilts from existing kilts. Leanne has a lot of knowledge about sewing kilts and she's more than happy to answer any questions about making a kilt. We both shared some of our knowledge of X marks the Scot. https://www.xmarksthescot.com/ The online kilt making forum has so many kiltmakers with the latest kilt making ideas. The kilt making book: Learn How to Make a Kilt | Deansboro, NY | The Art of Kiltmaking The two main companies i order tartan from are Lochcarron and House of Edgar. https://www.lochcarron.co.uk/ https://www.houseofedgar.com/ Her kiltmaking instagram is kilt&cloth https://www.instagram.com/kiltandcloth?igsh=MWlnejNxaXI3MjFpYQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr You'll find Leanne on her personal account kiltsnquilts https://www.instagram.com/kiltsnquilts?igsh=MXBhcXFvdjZ5NmpqYQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism. Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive. Sew Organised Style features people who freely support the sewing community. You're welcome to be a podcast guest by contacting us via DM on Instagram. If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account https://www.patreon.com/seworganisedstylepodcast. Every podcast is free. Or pop your support to Paypal '[email protected]' Sound with permission of Kaneef on YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Izumi Montgomery is a Japanese artist and sustainable craft facilitator based in Sydney Australia. Izumi holds a Masters in Sculpture from Tokyo University of the Arts and she has also studies fashion at TAFE New South Wales. This is where she developed a strong interest in ethical and uncycled design. She combines traditional Japanese techniques such as Tsumami Zaiku (folded fabric flowers) with reclaimed materials to create thoughtful workshops. Alongside teaching, Izumi regularly facilitates sessions at Reverse Garbage and other community spaces where participants are invited to slow down and reconnect through handcraft. Her final class at Reverse Garbage for 2025 is on Saturday 29th November. More workshops available in 2026 and beyond. You'll find Izumi's workshops on the Reverse Garbage website under Public Workshops. Sew Organised Style features people who freely support the sewing community. You're welcome to be a podcast guest by contacting us via DM on Instagram. If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel. Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alexis Bailey has come through a period of not designing and rebranded to become WearWereGoing. A listener suggested I interview Alexis and in this episode, you'll hear how Alexis has been supported by some of her Patreon community to create zero waste patterns. She's now turned this corner of her life and Alexis is a positive person to speak to. Sew Organised Style features people who freely support the sewing community. You're welcome to be a podcast guest by contacting us via DM on Instagram. Alexis was suggested to me to be on the podcast by one of our instagram followers. If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel. Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mental wellness advocate and author Olivia Dieterich has released an uplifting book, Random Acts of Crochet Kindness (published by Search Press), that has one purpose: to create something special and then leave it out in the world for someone else to find. Olivia creates 25 beginner friendly designs to label with kindness and place in your local community, ready to brighten someone else's day. These tiny acts of kindness have captivated fans worldwide with the #RandomActsOfCrochetKindness Facebook page which has 357.8K followers where people spread love to strangers. Patterns, which you can create in under an hour, include flowers, rainbows, stars, hearts, smiley faces, a sunshine, and more. The book also shares a guide to making labels with templates to copy and ideas of where to place you 'acts of kindness'. Thank you Search Press and Midas Campaigns for your ongoing support. If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel. Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube. SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism. Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist. Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Her Heart Australia was able to provide Ronda Hazell with a cardiologist for her current heart diagnosis. Maria Theoharous and Dr. Radhika Arunkumar discuss prioritising health, specifically women's health and focusing on key questions about heart attack. They share a checklist reviewed by health professionals and highlight differences in symptoms of a heart attack between women and men. Her Heart Australia resources can be found at https://herheart.org/ Listen to the podcast for more healthy heart tips. Post script: Ronda did more of her own research about her heart condition and she is now getting assistance from John Ritter Aortic Foundation. https://johnritterfoundation.org/support/ The John Ritter Aortic Foundation offers free support available to anyone affected through appointment prep meetings with their registered nurses to peer support by trained volunteers. These are open to anyone worldwide. If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel. Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube. SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism. Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist. Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Yasmin Andrews, Community Programs Manager develops and runs the community programs at Reverse Garbage. Reverse Garbage is celebrating 50 years of operations and Yaz discusses the breadth of programs provided to the community. Did you know there are 7 types of plastic? There's so much Yaz discusses that you'll want to get involved with the community programs. At Reverse Garbage, they offer a fantastic range of Creative Reuse and Sustainability Programs and Workshops tailored to inspire and engage community members of all ages. From Early Learning to Tertiary Education, and including primary and secondary school workshops, OOSH and vacation care, professional development sessions, and whole school programs, their creative workshops are designed to ignite curiosity, nurture creativity, and community connection. https://reversegarbage.org.au/education-and-workshops/ Yasmin Andrews, Community Programs Manager discusses how they offer tailored creative workshops for large festivals and events for councils, schools, museums and more. If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel. Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kirsten Junor, CEO of Reverse Garbage in Marrickville is making sure everyone celebrates 50 years of operating to give a second life to industrial and home 'waste'. Reverse Garbage rescues between 4 to 6 tonnes of material each month. Reducing landfill, providing a safe space for social impact, giving people low cost items, providing education. These are just some of the ways Reverse Garbage has been contributing to the community. They are not for profit and all money raised from sales goes back into keeping Reverse Garbage operating. Next week's episode is about how their education provides so much more to the community. If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel. Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeanna Wigger and Mary V Morton are the authors of Stitch it, Don't Ditch It. Mary direct messaged Jeanna when Mary heard Jeanna on Check Your Thread podcast. They teamed up and wrote this really helpful book about mending via hand sewing. As a sewist, you would assume mending clothes is the focus of this book. What Mary and Jeanna have created is a resource for anyone to mend not just clothing but any textile or object they want to give a second or third life to. Stitch It provides all basic hand sewing skills and mending techniques to repair garments by hand. Skills are presented with instructions for both left- and right-handed menders, with accessible line drawings accompanying each skill. The book includes indispensable explanations of fabric types and construction, to guide readers in learning about their clothes, and how those factors influence each repair. If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel. Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube. SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism. Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist. Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ronda Hazell's story started in June 2024 when an echocardiogram showed she had a dilated ascending aorta (a dilation is a bulge where the diameter of the aorta gets bigger when it is more than 1.5 times normal size it is called an aneurysm). This is a life-threatening medical condition because larger aneurysms can rupture or dissect. Aortic disease is linked to problems with the aortic valve of the heart. Ronda has regular check-ups with a cardiologist to monitor her heart and aneurysm size. Finding good medical help was difficult but it is there. Having the issues she's been facing discussed will help more of women find good medical diagnosis and help. Heart disease for women is different. SewDoItForHeart25 is a way to showcase people in the sewing community who integrate hearts into their projects to raise awareness that heart disease for women exists and is different. If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel. Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube. SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism. Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist. Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.