The Sewing Social

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In this episode, Tali Thomason shares her journey into sustainable sewing and the art of building a slow fashion wardrobe from reclaimed materials. 
She explores the inspiration behind her book "Slow Stitch Style" and explains how intentional, ritual-based sewing can transform the way we relate to our clothes.
From reclaiming fabrics to embracing a neurodivergent-friendly creative practice, Tali reveals how slow stitching becomes more than a craft — it’s a grounding act of rebellion against fast fashion and hustle culture. 
If you’re interested in sustainable living, conscious wardrobe building, and mindful making, this conversation offers practical insight and soulful inspiration.

Key Takeaways: 
Tali was taught to sew by her Grandmother at the age of 8
She enjoys both sewing and knitting 
She sources most of her fabrics from thrift shops or refashions other garments
She has written a book called Slow Stitch Style which focuses on putting together a capsule wardrobe using reclaimed materials
Tali is neurodivergent and uses certain practices to ensure that she can enjoy her sewing and get the most out of her time
Tali feels that slow living and crafting things with your hands is an act of rebellion against a very fast paced world

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Guest Details:
Instagram: @slowstitchrebellion
                     @taliunraveled
Website: https://slowstitchrebellion.substack.com/

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Tali Thomason and Her Sewing Journey
02:06 The Art of Reclaimed Fabrics
03:35 Creating with Thrifted Materials
06:05 The Concept of Slow Stitch Style
08:51 Understanding Reclaimed Materials
10:33 Building a Capsule Wardrobe
12:44 Sustainable Fashion Practices
14:41 Evolving Personal Style
17:26 The Importance of Intentionality in Sewing
17:59 The Journey of Intentionality in Sewing
20:27 Neurodivergent Friendly Creative Practices
23:31 Rebellion Against Hustle Culture
28:34 Sewing as a Grounding Ritual
30:37 The Importance of Community in Sewing
32:49 Exciting Future Plans and Projects
38:22 Outro - tip on Ko-fi.wav

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Join us for an inspiring and honest conversation with Caz, winner of Season 11 of The Great British Sewing Bee, as she unpicks the story behind her success. 
From childhood crafting to stepping into the sewing room spotlight, Caz shares the journey that shaped her skills and her self-belief.
We dive into what it really felt like to compete on national television, the mindset shifts that helped her overcome self-doubt, and how the experience transformed both her confidence and her craft. 
Caz also opens up about her love of upcycling, why sustainability matters in modern sewing, and how embracing creativity (even when it feels scary) can unlock a whole new level in your making.
Whether you’re just threading your first needle or dreaming of taking your sewing further, this episode is packed with encouragement, practical insights, and a reminder that growth happens when you dare to back yourself. 🧵✨

Key Takeaways:
Caz started crafting from an early age
She made her own wedding dress and had a break from sewing for the next 25years!
She had open heart surgery around the period of lockdown
Applying for and being on the Sewing Bee was a joyous experience for her
She had a lot of fun with designing her makes for the show, even though she would say she wasn't a creative sewist before this
Following her win on the show, she has been to several sewing socials and feels they are very important to the sewing community 
Caz believes in sustainability and reducing waste in sewing
She has spoken at several events, putting herself out of her comfort zone
Caz currently takes part in a podcast with her friends Dan and Stuart, who are also from the Sewing Bee

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:
[email protected]

Affiliate Links:
Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com
     Discount code for 10% off your first month - SOCIALPOD10

Guest details: 
Instagram: @cazsews
Facebook: cazsews
Podcast: Make and Tailor - www.makeandtailor.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
00:19 The Journey Back to Sewing
03:08 Applying for The Sewing Bee
05:40 The Audition Process
08:19 Shutting Down a Business
10:46 Skills and Challenges on The Show
13:28 Creative Growth and Style Evolution
16:11 Winning The Sewing Bee and Final Outfit
18:55 Design Process and Personal Journey
21:12 Creative Inspirations and Iconic Designs
22:59 Building Friendships Through Sewing
24:11 The Importance of Community in Sewing
25:24 Social Events and Connections
26:22 Public Speaking and Overcoming Shyness
28:29 Sustainability in Sewing and Upcycling
31:21 Current Projects and Inspirations
32:14 Encouragement for Aspiring Sewers
33:17 Engaging with Underprivileged Youth
34:40 Fun and Games: This or That
39:35 Outro - tip on Ko-fi

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In this episode of The Sewing Social Podcast, Gemma Daly sits down with Yvette – also known as Blossom Sandwich on Instagram – co-creator of Stash Hub, the must-have sewing organiser app for managing your fabric stash and projects.
Yvette shares her refreshingly unconventional journey into sewing, which began with stitching tiny hammocks for her pet rats. 
After discouraging experiences with sewing at school almost put her off for good, she rediscovered the craft on her own terms – becoming a passionate self-taught sewist and an active voice in the online sewing community.
If you’ve ever struggled with fabric stash organisation, forgotten what patterns you own, or wanted a smarter way to plan your sewing projects, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiration.
Whether you’re looking for sewing room organisation ideas, fabric inventory tips, or insight into the best sewing apps for sewists, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. 🧵✨

Key Takeaways:
Yvette started sewing to create hammocks for her pet rats.
Her initial experiences with sewing in school were negative.
She found inspiration in the online sewing community.
The Sew Fruity challenge encourages creativity and community involvement.
Stash Hub was developed to help manage fabric stashes.
The app aims to reduce overwhelm in the sewing process.
Sustainability in sewing is a key focus for Yvette.
The marketplace feature in Stash Hub allows for easy destashing.
Yvette enjoys engaging with the sewing community through Stash Chats.

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:
[email protected]

Affiliate Links:
Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com
     Discount code for 10% off your first month - SOCIALPOD10

Guest Details: 
Instagram: @stash_hub
                  : @blossomsandwich
Website: www.stashhubapp.com
You can download the Stash Hub app on the App Store or Play Store and use the code below to get the first month for free:
Discount code: TSSP

Chapters
00:00 Yvette's Sewing Journey Begins
00:46 From Pet Hammocks to Dressmaking
05:16 Self-Taught Sewing and Community Influence
10:22 The Importance of Community in Sewing
11:21 Sew Fruity Challenge and Community Engagement
15:30 The Birth of Stash Hub
21:05 Day-to-Day Operations and Team Dynamics
22:20 Addressing Common Stash Problems
24:35 Mindfulness and Sustainable Sewing
27:09 Marketplace and Destashing Features
28:14 Insights from Stash Chats
30:08 Future Developments for Stash Hub
32:34 Community Engagement and Events
34:31 Fun and Games: This or That?
39:03 Where to Find Yvette and Stash Hub
41:33 Stash hub discount code

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In this episode of the Sewing Social podcast, host Gemma Daly sits down with Nicole Akong, a talented sewer, maker, and content creator, for an inspiring conversation about creativity, career change, and sustainable fashion. 
Nicole shares her sewing journey from growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, where she first fell in love with making at her mother’s sewing machine, to building a corporate career in London before bravely pivoting towards a more creative life.
Nicole opens up about the realities of working in the fashion industry, including the challenges of balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and self-belief. 
She reflects on how appearing on The Great British Sewing Bee helped her reconnect with her passion for sewing, rebuild confidence, and find a supportive community of like-minded makers. 
Her story highlights the importance of embracing change, especially at a time when many people are rethinking their careers amid rapid technological shifts.
The conversation also explores Nicole’s current creative projects, with a strong focus on upcycling and sustainable fashion. She shares how she moved from traditional dressmaking to charity shopping, transforming pre-loved garments that might otherwise end up in landfill. 
Through her work, Nicole encourages others to see new potential in their wardrobes, rethink fast fashion, and adopt more mindful consumption habits.

Key Takeaways: 
Nicole loved fashion and clothing from an early age
She grew up in Trinidad and Tobago, then studied in the USA before making her way to London
She believes that your own self belief should be "bullet proof"
She's done several career pivots in her life
Being on the Great British Sewing Bee gave her renewed confidence in herself
She now loves to work with charities as well as focusing on thrifting and upcycling

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:
[email protected]

Affiliate Links:
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     Discount code for 10% off your first month - SOCIALPOD10

Guest details: 
Instagram: @nicole_akong
Youtube: nicole_akong

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setup
00:10 Nicole's Early Sewing Journey
04:59 Transitioning from Corporate to Creative
10:10 Starting a Jewelry Business
16:06 The Impact of the Sewing Bee
20:57 Building a Community and Brand
27:19 Embracing Video Content Creation
30:22 Navigating Career Pivots and Family Dynamics
41:27 The Unique Experience of The Sewing Bee
48:24 The Journey of Upcycling and Refashioning
56:56 The Joy of Rescuing Fashion
57:50 Sustainable Fashion Week: A Community Effort
01:00:34 Creating a Runway Collection from Discarded Materials
01:03:13 Future Aspirations: Charity Partnerships and TV Dreams
01:05:54 Inspiration Over Products: A New Business Philosophy
01:10:47 The Power of Transformation in Fashion
01:19:57 Thready Set Go

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In this episode of the Sewing Social Podcast, host Gemma Daly sits down with Bevan O'Daly, founder of Bawn Textiles, a sustainable fabric shop based in Glasgow, Scotland. 
Bevan shares her personal journey into sewing, the story behind the name Bawn Textiles, and how community has become the heart of her business.
The conversation explores the realities of running a small independent fabric shop, from sourcing ethical and sustainable fabrics to navigating the challenges of retail in the modern textile industry. 
Bevan also talks about balancing the demands of shop life with her own personal sewing practice, and why sustainability, inclusivity, and meaningful relationships with customers and suppliers matter so deeply to her.
This episode is a thoughtful look at sustainable sewing, independent business, and the power of creating welcoming spaces for sewists of all backgrounds.

Key Takeaways:

Bevan's journey into sewing began with a family heirloom sewing machine.
The name Bawn reflects both Irish heritage and a commitment to sustainability.
Community support has been crucial for the success of Bawn Textiles.
Sewing can be a meditative practice that calms the mind.
Sustainability is a core value for Bawn Textiles, influencing fabric choices.
Building relationships with suppliers is essential for sourcing quality fabrics.
The shop aims to create an inclusive environment for all sewists.
Vulnerability in running a small business can lead to unique challenges.
Future plans include expanding shop hours and improving the shopping experience.

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:
[email protected]

 Affiliate Links:
Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com
     Discount code for 10% off your first month - SOCIALPOD10

Guest Details: 
Website: https://bawntextiles.com/
Instagram: @bawntextiles
Facebook: @bawntextiles

Chapters:
00:00 Introducing Bevan: The Journey of Bawn Textiles
04:25 The Meaning Behind 'Bawn': A Name with History
09:43 Sewing Stories: Bevan's Personal Journey
12:11 Current Projects: Balancing Work and Passion
12:54 The Journey of Sewing and Fabric Creation
14:18 Path to Textile Conservation: A Personal Story
18:33 Balancing Conservation Work and Business
20:21 The Birth of Bawn: From Idea to Online Store
27:21 Building Community Through a Fabric Shop
31:31 The Joys and Challenges of Running a Physical Shop
38:14 Sourcing Fabrics: Ethics and Choices
45:36 The Roots of Sustainability in Business
51:09 Balancing Sustainability with Business Practicalities
57:13 The Role of Home Sewists in Reducing Waste
01:04:02 Future Plans and Business Growth
01:08:32 Fun and Games: This or That?
01:12:48 Outro