Stitcher's Brew Podcast

Hello stitchers! Yay we're back and we're sorry it's been so long but between babies born and unborn and travels near and far we have been very busy bees. In fact it's taken a bee to get us back in your ears - The Great British Sewing Bee of course! We are both such big fans and so excited to see it back on our screens we had to do a report back to you about what we thought of episode one! Also, of course, it was time for a well needed catch up and chat about the things that we are loving in the sewing world and making, or not, as the case may be. Lots of love to you all, Gabby and Megan Xoxoxo

This episode is just us catching up and we are full of surprises! Firstly, Gabby finally gets to announce her big news on the podcast – which you probably all know by now anyway! We go through all our regular segments and chat about what we’ve both been up to and what we’re planning and loving! AND we launch our first product together that we are SEW excited about – the Sew Surprise Sewing Advent Calendar Box!!! We also have noises from both Olimi and Hobbes of course too! ******** This episode is sponsored by Pfaff who make amazing sewing machines for all styles. There are overlockers, coverstitch machines and embroidery machines for beginners to keen sewers. We both love Pfaff machines and couldn’t recommend them enough – they sew through any fabric like it’s quilting cotton, that’ll be down to the IDT, the integrated walking-foot. Go visit their amazing range at www.pfaff.com ******** http://www.stitchersbrewpodcast.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/stitchersbrewpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/stitchersbrewpodcast https://twitter.com/stitchersbrew We'd love to hear from you: hello@stitchersbrewpodcast.co.uk +++ Theme song created by Stephen Ellis +++ Podcast edited by Gabby Young and Stephen Ellis

We are honoured to have our first Mother and Daughter team in the podcast nook - meet Alice and her daughter, Lilia who together form Alice & Co. Patterns. ** EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT - GET 20% OFF ALICE & CO PDF PATTERNS WITH THE CODE 'POD' ** We had such a lovely chat getting to know these inspiring ladies - in fact we had so much to talk about we almost forget to mention their actual patterns but, as our most organised guests yet, Lilia had notes that reminded us!  We discuss where it all began for them, their book, Alice's pattern cutting career, Lilia's costume mounting at, arguably the best musuem in London, the V&A and how travel has been the muse behind their patterns. They both have so much wisdom and skills in their chosen fields and it's so lovely to see them come together on various projects to create really brilliant and unique results - they have come from a different world to most of our guests and very new to instagramming sewing community but we are sure they will be 'sewing household names' in no time as they have enough ideas to fill all of our wardrobes and we can't wait to see what they come up with next! ******** This episode is sponsored by Lamazi Fabrics. Liana and James launched this brilliant online shop earlier this year and it has already become a firm favourite in the sewing community. This is because their fabrics are beautiful, high quality and unique. If you are from the UK they are now offering free postage and if you are an international customer you also get free delivery on orders over £85... and we're sure you will... Especially as we have a discount code for all of you - BREW10 gets you 10% off any order over £25. So if you are looking for something LAMAZING head to www.lamazifabrics.com ******** http://www.stitchersbrewpodcast.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/stitchersbrewpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/stitchersbrewpodcast https://twitter.com/stitchersbrew We'd love to hear from you: hello@stitchersbrewpodcast.co.uk +++ Theme song created by Stephen Ellis +++ Podcast edited by Gabby Young and Stephen Ellis

This week's guests are Alex from Sewrendipity and Kate from Time to Sew. I think this by far our longest episode and we could have carried on for hours longer but Gabby needed her supper and you can't keep a pregnant woman hungry!! ;) But seriously Kate and Alex were FULL of knowledge all about sustainability that we need a few more episodes with them to cover everything! We loved the fact that this isn't a heavy episode - we really have a lot of fun discussing ways that we can be more mindful with sewing as well lots of other stuff and their sewing stories. One point we all really want to emphasise is the most important part of sewing is fun and these are just a few tips and tricks to make it good for our planet too. We hope you get inspired and enjoy this episode as much as we did! Edit This episode was brought to you by 1st For Fabrics. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne with a brilliant new online shop, this family run business is a one stop fabric shop stocking everything you need for your dressmaking, quilting and soft furnishing projects. If you are nearby you must pop in and see there massive shop of stunning strokable fabrics but if you are nowhere near then go to www.1stforfabrics.co.ukto do exactly the same!! Of course we have a discount code for you lucky ducks – use ‘BREW10OCTOBER’ for 10% off all products excluding sale items, valid until 30th November ’18 (NB, This cannot be used in conjunction with any other coupon code) So if your feeling the ‘thirst’ for fabrics look no further then 1st For Fabrics!!! http://www.stitchersbrewpodcast.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/stitchersbrewpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/stitchersbrewpodcast https://twitter.com/stitchersbrew We'd love to hear from you: hello@stitchersbrewpodcast.co.uk +++ Theme song created by Stephen Ellis +++ Podcast edited by Gabby Young and Stephen Ellis

We are honoured to have the Crafty Sew and So ladies in the podcast nook today! Both Sarah and Freya are very open and chatty about their sewing stories, life before their business, buying a shop with someone you have just met and their sewing patterns. It’s really inspiring to hear how they took the skills they learnt from their retail and clothing company backgrounds to create a brilliant bricks and mortar fabric and haberdashery shop with workshops, parties and now their own pattern line – My Handmade Wardrobe too. We originally were bringing on our guests from Leicester to help promote their upcoming epic party – The Dressmakers Ball but they sold out of tickets in record time so instead we get to hear exclusives about what the lucky ticket holders are to expect and if they can win a SEWING MACHINE like Megan did at the last one!!

This week’s guests are Rumana and Angeline from season 4 of The Great British Sewing Bee. These two have been firm friends since being thrown into the wild rollercoaster of the Sewing Bee where they both really made their mark with their beautifully sewn garments, refashions and that speech that Rumana made before leaving the show and all of us in tears! We LOVED chatting to these lovely ladies about where it all started for them, life during and after the Sewing Beer and their tips on post partum sewing. We also discuss the incredibly important topic of diversity in the sewing media and hope that this helps raise awareness and change things… #sewincolour They are both such lovely, warm and funny women and we think you will love this episode as much we we enjoyed having them in the nook! ********** This episode was bought to you by Flamingo Fabrics This family run shop have a huge range of dressmaking, quilting and craft fabrics to suit every need. They have lots of sewing patterns and a lovely haberdashery too! We’re excited to announce that today is also the launch of their new sewing pattern- the gorgeous and versatile Aretha Jersey dress. And of course we have a discount – BREW10 will get you 10% off so head off to www.flamingofabrics.co.uk ********** http://www.stitchersbrewpodcast.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/stitchersbrewpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/stitchersbrewpodcast https://twitter.com/stitchersbrew We'd love to hear from you: hello@stitchersbrewpodcast.co.uk +++ Theme song created by Stephen Ellis +++ Podcast edited by Gabby Young and Stephen Ellis

We are so excited to have the Selkie Patterns girls in the podcast nook! Alexandra Bruce has been here with us before on episode three, talking about her job as a costume designer and she did make a little hint to a change of career in her future. When the mics were off she confinded in us about what it was - she was starting a pattern and fabric design company with her best friend, Caroline Akelson. Straight away we were excited and couldn't wait to find out what they were up to. We also said ' when you are ready you have to come back on the podcast with Caroline and tell us all about it!' 25 episodes later here we all are with tea and biscuits having a brilliant in depth conversation about all things Selkie Patterns. We delve into how they met, their ethos, plans for the future and hear all about their kickstarter page that has just launched this weekend. We are so happy to have this exclusive interview with two amazing, inspiring women who we are sure to hear a lot more from!! Go Selkie! This episode was brought to you by 1st For Fabrics. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne with a brilliant new online shop, this family run business is a one stop fabric shop stocking everything you need for your dressmaking, quilting and soft furnishing projects. If you are nearby you must pop in and see there massive shop of stunning strokable fabrics but if you are nowhere near then go to www.1stforfabrics.co.uk to do exactly the same!! Of course we have a discount code for you lucky ducks – use ‘BREW10SEPTEMBER’ for 10% off all products excluding sale items, valid until 24th October ’18 (NB, This cannot be used in conjunction with any other coupon code) So if your feeling the ‘thirst’ for fabrics look no further then 1st For Fabrics!!! ++++++ http://www.stitchersbrewpodcast.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/stitchersbrewpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/stitchersbrewpodcast https://twitter.com/stitchersbrew We'd love to hear from you: hello@stitchersbrewpodcast.co.uk +++ Theme song created by Stephen Ellis +++ Podcast edited by Gabby Young and Stephen Ellis

This episode is with Gabby and Megan chatting about sewing in a small space! We also get straight into the good stuff – the sewing chat! What we’ve been making, the patterns we’ve been lusting after and what we’ve been loving in our community. I’m sure you’ll hear the gorgeous Olimi snuffling throughout – it’s not Hobbes this time – we’ve got a new sheriff in town!  ++++++ http://www.stitchersbrewpodcast.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/stitchersbrewpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/stitchersbrewpodcast https://twitter.com/stitchersbrew We'd love to hear from you: hello@stitchersbrewpodcast.co.uk +++ Theme song created by Stephen Ellis +++ Podcast edited by Gabby Young and Stephen Ellis

If you haven't heard of Sew Hayley Jane boxes then you need to look them up now - Hayley curates amazing monthly sewing subscription boxes that get sent straight to your door - what more could a sewist want?! We get to talk to Hayley about all things business, her boxes and of course sewing and have such a lovely discussion around how you go from an idea in the car with your husband to a full grown business with hundreds of clients, an employee and a workspace! In this inspiring episode we learn about the business courses we should be taking (and we want your input too!) how to juggle birth and early motherhood with the responsibilities of your own company (hint, get your family and friends involved!) and a general gossip about what Hayley is sewing too! Thankyou Hayley for letting us into your wonderful world and giving us a lot to think about and aspire to! ******** This episode is sponsored by Pfaff who make amazing sewing machines for all styles. There are overlockers, coverstitch machines and embroidery machines for beginners to keen sewers. We both love Pfaff machines and couldn’t recommend them enough – they sew through any fabric like it’s quilting cotton, that’ll be down to the IDT, the integrated walking-foot. Go visit their amazing range at www.pfaff.com ******** http://www.stitchersbrewpodcast.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/stitchersbrewpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/stitchersbrewpodcast https://twitter.com/stitchersbrew We'd love to hear from you: hello@stitchersbrewpodcast.co.uk +++ Theme song created by Stephen Ellis +++ Podcast edited by Gabby Young and Stephen Ellis

This week’s guests are Rosabella Angelica from Sewn and Katie Lavelli from Inside Number 23. We have wanted these two ladies on from the start as they are both so inspiring and we love all their output – especially their brilliant videos on youtube. Both vloggers have very different channels but it was lovely to learn that their process is pretty similar and they both got on like a house on fire! We discuss their sewing and knitting stories, how they vlog and what their thoughts are on making VS fast fashion and they both have so much wisdom to spread on all these matters and sew much more. All with a lot of laughter and joy of course! So pull up a pew, get yourself a brew – it’s time for another brilliant episode of inspiring women on Stitcher’s Brew! This episode was bought to you by Sister Mintaka who sell amazing fabrics, haberdashery items and indie patterns. They stock all your favourite fabric manufacturers from Art Gallery and Liberty to Albstoffe and Nani Iro and even have Rifle Paper Company’s stunning new range! Go visit their amazing online shop at www.sistermintaka.com And yes, you’ve guessed it we have a discount code that you can use at any time with ‘BREW15‘ you get 15% off – just make sure you save us some because this shop has Gabby and Megan written all over it! http://www.stitchersbrewpodcast.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/stitchersbrewpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/stitchersbrewpodcast https://twitter.com/stitchersbrew We'd love to hear from you: hello@stitchersbrewpodcast.co.uk +++ Theme song created by Stephen Ellis +++ Podcast edited by Gabby Young and Stephen Ellis

You're going to love Athina Kakou and her infectious joy! This lady has done so much in and for the sewing community with her book, ultimate sewing planner and SMYLY it is so lovely to hear her story - all the way from sunny Greece! ********** This episode was brought to you by 1st For Fabrics. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne with a brilliant new online shop, this family run business is a one stop fabric shop stocking everything you need for your dressmaking, quilting and soft furnishing projects. If you are nearby you must pop in and see there massive shop of stunning strokable fabrics but if you are nowhere near then go to www.1stforfabrics.co.uk to do exactly the same!! Of course we have a discount code for you lucky ducks – use BREW10AUGUST for 10% off all products excluding sale items, valid until 17/9/18 (NB, This cannot be used in conjunction with any other coupon code) So if your feeling the ‘thirst’ for fabrics look no further then 1st For Fabrics!!!

Melissa Fehr is one amazing lady! Not only has she run 7 marathons, battled through a grisly bone marrow transplant and been on the GB Transpant Olympics Team she has also bought out many active wear sewing patterns, a craftsy course oh and a BOOK. To say this women is inspiring would be a massive understatement! We have such a great chat with Melissa - who, as she said, could talk for Britain too - just talking about one of her incredible endeavours would be enough to fill a whole episode but we managed to delve into as much as possible from her sewing story, past her unbelievable health and fitness journey to the universe giving her back opportunities to not only get her stuck into something but give the sewing community so much amazing content. You can't talk about sewing active wear without mentioning Fehr Trade - she is the queen of making for movement and it was amazing to hear her unbelievable story - we think everyone will get joy and inspiration from this episode - she is truly remarkable and we loved having her in the podcast nook! This episode is sponsored by Pfaff who make amazing sewing machines for all styles. There are overlockers, coverstitch machines and embroidery machines for beginners to keen sewers. We both love Pfaff machines and couldn’t recommend them enough – they sew through any fabric like it’s quilting cotton, that’ll be down to the IDT, the integrated walking-foot. Go visit their amazing range at www.pfaff.com http://www.stitchersbrewpodcast.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/stitchersbrewpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/stitchersbrewpodcast https://twitter.com/stitchersbrew We'd love to hear from you: hello@stitchersbrewpodcast.co.uk +++ Theme song created by Stephen Ellis +++ Podcast edited by Gabby Young and Stephen Ellis

This week’s guests are Marilla Walker and Rosie Martin Oh we love these two – both are so creative and original and this shows throughout our chat. There are so many gems in this episode – from the fact the both started with biros and newspapers making their own patterns to their own sewing patterns they now produce – Marilla Walker is one of the most unique Indie Sewing Pattern Designers and Rosie Martin has 2 brilliant and original sewing books under her belt – both are super lovely and full of inspiring info! Hear all about their early makes, how to make a factory made feather boa, and how they have gone from how upcycling and sewing with basically no instructions to creating their own businesses that revolve around helping home sewists find new ways to express their creativity. We think both Rosie and Marilla really stand out in our community with their amazing style and uniqueness shining brightly and we think you’ll really enjoy hearing all about that with a huge smile on all of our faces! This episode was bought to you by Holm Sown – a lovely fabric, haberdashery and sewing pattern shop based in South-West Scotland but also online! They cater to dressmakers as well as patchwork sewers & quilters, with an amazing range of fabric and haberdashery for both – if you are local you should pop into their monthly Sewcial – the first Monday of every month. But if Scotland is a bit far way we suggest you pop on over to www.holmsown.co.uk and guess what? YES we have a discount code for you – BREW15 – active until 31st August – I have my eye on some of their beautiful Cloud 9 cotton and lots of indie patterns too. Basically if you are a home sewer then you need to be a Holm Sown one! http://www.stitchersbrewpodcast.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/stitchersbrewpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/stitchersbrewpodcast https://twitter.com/stitchersbrew We'd love to hear from you: hello@stitchersbrewpodcast.co.uk +++ Theme song created by Stephen Ellis +++ Podcast edited by Gabby Young and Stephen Ellis

This week’s guests are Amy Thomas and Karen Ball. Both OG (you find out what this means in the episode!) Sewing bloggers now work in the literary world – Amy is the editor of the popular Love Sewing magazine and Karen has her own publishing consultancy Speckled Pen. We love chatting to them both about the sewing community, fabrics, and how their blogs have opened up so many opportunities that they have grabbed with open arms! This is a wonderfully inspiring and open discussion that we have been so excited for you all to hear! It is especially timely as today (Friday 27th July) is Amy’s wedding day and we both send her all the love in the world for the best day ever. Also we here a sewing book might be on the horizon for Karen which makes us super excited and we wish her all the love and luck for that! Grab a cup of tea or a ice cream (if like us you are in a heat wave!) and join us for a good natter with these lovely ladies! ********** This episode was bought to you by Sew Sew Sew – an amazing online fabric shop based in North Yorkshire They specialise in gorgeous dressmaking fabrics from Viscose, Crepe and Cottons to Scuba and Jersey – also they have a lovely range of super soft children’s jerseys for the little ones in your life! A little birdie has told us that a whole load of new fabrics are going up online later today so it’s great time to give you our exclusive discount code ‘STITCHERSBREW15’ For 15% off all fabrics (apart from any on sale) until the 17th August. NB, It cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. So if you are looking for fantastic fabrics with then go pay a visit to www.sewsewsew.co.uk and sew sew sew yourself up something beautiful! ********** PS. Don't forget to check out our Bonus Episode - BONUS BREW #1 OUT NOW: https://stitchersbrewpodcast.bandcamp.com/releases It really helps support our podcast! Thankyou!! +++++++++++++++++++++++ http://www.stitchersbrewpodcast.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/stitchersbrewpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/stitchersbrewpodcast https://twitter.com/stitchersbrew We'd love to hear from you: hello@stitchersbrewpodcast.co.uk +++ Theme song created by Stephen Ellis +++ Podcast edited by Gabby Young and Stephen Ellis

We’re baaack!! I know we didn’t really go anywhere in terms of the podcast but actually we had pre recorded 20 episodes so that Megan could have her baby – and she did so with flying colours so here we are with the beautiful baby Olimi!! This episode is a proper catch up and a chance to talk to you all about whats been going on the last few months! Lots of things! We also get straight into the good stuff – the sewing chat! What we’ve been making, the patterns we’ve been lusting after and what we’ve been loving in our community. I’m sure you’ll hear the gorgeous Olimi snuffling throughout – it’s not Hobbes this time – we’ve got a new sheriff in town! I hope you enjoy our homecoming podcast and we are so excited to be back in the podcast nook! ********** This episode was brought to you by 1st For Fabrics. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne with a brilliant new online shop, this family run business is a one stop fabric shop stocking everything you need for your dressmaking, quilting and soft furnishing projects. If you are nearby you must pop in and see there massive shop of stunning strokable fabrics but if you are nowhere near then go to www.1stforfabrics.co.uk to do exactly the same!! Of course we have a discount code for you lucky ducks – use 1stforstitchersjuly for 10% off all products excluding sale items, valid until 20/8/18 (NB, This cannot be used in conjunction with any other coupon code) So if your feeling the ‘thirst’ for fabrics look no further then 1st For Fabrics!!!