The Sewing Social

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What does it take to grow a family fabric business that has stood the test of time?
In this episode of The Sewing Social, I'm joined by Kayleigh from 1st For Fabrics to chat about her family's remarkable 26-year journey in the fabric industry. 
From running a traditional fabric shop to embracing the world of online retail, Kayleigh shares how the business has evolved while staying true to its passion for quality fabrics and exceptional customer service.
We also discuss the importance of authenticity on social media, the incredible community that surrounds sewing, and why encouraging new sewists is so important to her. 
Along the way, Kayleigh shares the touching story behind her work creating tiny stockings for babies in neonatal units, and how sewing can be a powerful way to bring comfort and connection.
Whether you're looking for tips on choosing dressmaking fabrics, curious about the story behind one of the UK's best-loved fabric shops, or simply enjoy hearing inspiring conversations about creativity, community and sewing, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

In this episode, we discuss:
The story behind 1st For Fabrics and its 26-year family history.
How the fabric industry has changed over the years.
Choosing the right dressmaking fabrics with confidence.
Building an authentic presence on social media.
Supporting new sewists and growing the sewing community.
Kayleigh's inspiring neonatal stocking project.
Creativity, community and the joy of sewing.

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

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

Guest Details: 
Website: www.1stforfabrics.co.uk
Instagram: @1stforfabrics

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kayleigh and First of Fabrics
02:13 The origins of the family business in the North East
04:23 Adapting to market changes and online sales
06:00 Advice for first-time sewists and beginners
11:52 The story behind bag kits and limited fabrics
15:01 Kayleigh's sewing journey and personal story
19:53 Charitable sewing: neonatal stockings for charity
22:05 Social media tips for small businesses
24:00 Upcoming plans and quick fire questions

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In this episode of The Sewing Social, I'm joined by Sarah Laws, founder of My Handmade Wardrobe Patterns, pattern designer, sewing educator and passionate advocate for helping people create clothes they truly love to wear.
Sarah takes us back to where it all began, sharing how learning to sew as a child sparked a lifelong passion for dressmaking and ultimately led her to design sewing patterns that empower makers of all abilities. 
We chat about the journey from hobby to career, the realities of running a creative business, and the joy of helping others discover the confidence that comes from making their own clothes.
Together, we explore one of the biggest challenges many garment sewists face -getting the right fit. Sarah shares practical advice on understanding your body, making pattern adjustments with confidence and why achieving a great fit has far more to do with understanding proportions than chasing a dress size. It's an encouraging conversation that reminds us sewing is about creating clothes to fit our bodies, not changing our bodies to fit our clothes.
We also discuss the importance of body positivity within the sewing community and how making your own wardrobe can transform the way you think about clothing, style and self-confidence. 
Sarah shares why she believes sewing is such an empowering skill and how it encourages us to celebrate our individuality rather than compare ourselves to unrealistic standards.
Community is another thread running through our conversation. From the hugely popular Crafty Sewing Camp to the Weekend Sewing Club, Sarah explains why creating welcoming spaces for sewists to learn, connect and be inspired has become such an important part of her work. 
Whether you're new to garment sewing, looking to improve your pattern fitting skills, or searching for inspiration to build a handmade wardrobe that reflects your personal style, this episode is packed with practical advice, thoughtful conversation and plenty of encouragement.

In this episode, we discuss:
Sarah's journey from childhood sewing enthusiast to professional pattern designer.
The story behind My Handmade Wardrobe Patterns.
Tips for improving garment fit and building confidence with sewing patterns.
Why body positivity and inclusive sewing matter.
How making your own clothes can transform your confidence.
The value of sewing communities, including Crafty Sewing Camp and the Weekend Sewing Club.
Practical advice for anyone looking to grow their sewing skills and enjoy the creative process.

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

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

Guest Details: 
Website: https://www.myhandmadewardrobepatterns.com/
Instagram: @mhwpatterns
The next pattern making Retreat: - September (3 spaces left): https://www.myhandmadewardrobepatterns.com/shop/p/retreat-january2026-5zh6j-k39xg
Weekend Sewing Club: https://www.myhandmadewardrobepatterns.com/weekend-sewing-club-sales
Crafty Events: https://www.craftyeventsuk.co.uk/

Chapters

00:00 The Journey Begins: From Family Influence to Fashion Design
02:53 Education and Experience: The Foundation of a Fashion Career
06:17 The Birth of a Business: Crafty So and So
07:41 Empowering Women Through Sewing: The Transition to Teaching
13:04 Creating Patterns for Real Bodies: My Handmade Wardrobe
20:01 Celebrating Change: Designing for the Evolving Female Body
23:16 The Weekend Sewing Club: A New Initiative
27:49 Pattern Making and Fitting: Common Themes
31:25 Crafty Sewing Camp: A Joyful Gathering
34:55 The Dressmakers Ball: Celebrating Creativity
37:54 Future Plans: Intentional Wardrobe Programme
48:22 Substack

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In this episode, Amy Scarr (also known as Almond Rock Sews on Instagram) shares her inspiring journey into garment sewing, from discovering a love of making her own clothes to becoming a passionate advocate for "Big Four" sewing patterns and creative dressmaking.
Amy explains why she champions brands like Simplicity, McCall's, and Butterick, she busts some of the common myths around using commercial sewing patterns, and shares practical tips to help sewists build confidence and achieve a better fit.
We also explore how sewing has become an important outlet for Amy's creativity and mental wellbeing, discussing the joy of making, developing a personal style, and why pattern hacking is a brilliant way to create a wardrobe that's uniquely your own.
Whether you're new to garment sewing or looking to get more from your sewing patterns, this episode is packed with practical advice, creative inspiration, and encouragement to help you sew with confidence.

Key Takeaways: 

Amy's sewing journey progressed from hobby to career
She provides tips for using big four sewing patterns
We discuss the mental health benefits of sewing
Amy talks about her love for pattern hacking and customisation techniques
She discusses her approach to personal style and dopamine dressing

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: @almondrock_sews
Website: www.almondrock.co.uk
Youtube: @almondrock
Embroidered dress progress
https://youtu.be/7qU-YowuNlI?is=179fKgswEld16_eC
Laced bodice dress
https://youtu.be/SxxTDljM_fM?is=mytkiy6e24vQ0WGD
Me Made May 2025 with Jimi 
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMdmlu9YA0UsDYBAtCTR6MF0SDpuAwaXo&si=SHeqcUjkhvW1VsJL
Me Made May 2026 with Jimi
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMdmlu9YA0UsHZDrvHRTrXW6UwJp3dakK&si=ZLeucGukVpKNRpd1

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 Amy's Sewing Journey Begins
02:27 Career Path in the Sewing Industry
04:35 Freelancing and Current Projects
05:26 Writing for Sewing Magazines
07:32 Inspiration and Learning in Sewing
08:15 Personal Style and Dopamine Dressing
11:36 Favorite Patterns and Tips for Beginners
15:25 The Evolution of Sewing Patterns
17:49 Sewing as a Creative Outlet
20:08 Body Positivity Through Sewing
22:21 Me Made May: A Fun Experiment
25:19 YouTube Journey and Content Plans
27:45 Current Projects and Future Aspirations
29:50 Rapid Fire: This or That Game
33:39 Substack

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In this episode, Luke-Matthew Iveson, winner of The Great British Sewing Bee, shares his inspiring journey from learning to sew with his grandmother as a child to becoming one of the UK's best-known sewing personalities and content creators.
Luke reflects on his experience of winning The Great British Sewing Bee, how the show transformed his life, and the opportunities that followed. 
We discuss the power of sewing as a form of self-expression, the positive impact creativity can have on mental wellbeing, and how finding a supportive sewing community helped shape his confidence and career.
From teaching and content creation to inspiring the next generation of sewists, Luke offers a fascinating insight into life after the Sewing Bee and why sewing remains such an important part of who he is.
Whether you're a fan of The Great British Sewing Bee, looking for sewing inspiration, or curious about how creativity can support wellbeing and personal growth, this episode is packed with warmth, encouragement, and practical insights.

Key Takeaways:
Luke learned to sew as a child with his grandma
He won Season 10 of The Great British Sewing Bee
Luke explains the role of drag in his sewing and self-expression, and the importance of representation in the sewing community
He talks through how he created a capsule wardrobe and its impact on style
His Sewing for strangers series has given him purpose
Luke's new book 'Around the World in Eighty Sews' is available for pre-order now!

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.sewlukeivo.com
Instagram: @sewlukeivo
Facebook: Luke-Matthew Iveson
Tiktok: @sewlukeivo
YouTube: @sewlukeivo
Book: https://www.dashbook.fr/book/around-the-world-in-80-sews

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 Luke Iveson
00:42 The Early Days of Sewing
03:35 Journey to the Sewing Bee
05:36 Experiences on the Show
08:25 Navigating Fame in the Sewing Community
09:15 Sewing as Self-Expression
13:02 Transitioning to Full-Time Sewing
15:07 The World of Drag and Sewing
17:54 The Importance of Representation
19:40 Sewing for Well-Being
21:47 Sewing for Strangers
25:42 Around the World in Eighty Sews
29:17 Future Plans and Projects
32:29 Substack

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In this episode, Dr Claire Ashley shares how she discovered sewing during a challenging period in her life and how it grew from a practical skill into a powerful source of creativity, confidence, and wellbeing. 
From teaching herself to sew, to building a colourful handmade wardrobe, Claire reflects on the lessons, challenges, and joys of her sewing journey.
We explore the mental health benefits of sewing, including how creative hobbies can boost self-efficacy, reduce stress, and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Claire also shares her passion for sustainable fashion, upcycling clothes, and embracing a more mindful approach to making.
Whether you're new to sewing, looking to rekindle your sew-jo, or interested in the connection between creativity and wellbeing, this inspiring conversation is packed with practical tips, encouragement, and fresh ideas for your next sewing project.

Claire Discusses: 
Her self-taught sewing journey during the pandemic
The role of sewing in mental health and wellbeing
Upcycling charity shop finds into new garments
Challenges and rewards of sewing from scratch and upcycling
Inspiration from nature and social media for sewing projects

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: @wiredtomake
Tiktok: @wiredtomake
Book: The Burnout Doctor 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1399412809

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 Claire Ashley and her sewing journey
06:25 Claire’s inspiration for her own sewing 
07:41 Upcycling charity shop garments
12:16 What sewing brings in one sentence
12:36 Exciting plans
14:03 Where you can find Claire
14:35 Join my Substack