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 'velogiant@aol.com' Sound with permission of Kaneef on YouTube

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.

Lou and Lynn organise Coastal Sewcial.

They met through a local sewcial called Sew-Toon. Tamlyn who runs Sew-Toon helped Lou and Lynn borrow some equipment when they first started Coastal Sewcial.

Coastal Sewcial is run onsite at a charity and the bonus for the sewists is there is an onsite cafe there as well. The location is by the sea hence the 'coastal' part of their group's name.

If you're thinking about setting up a sewing sewcial in your area, you can listen or watch Lou and Lynn as they discuss what they're done to create this group.

Shout out to Judy Williment-Ross.

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.

Melissa Galbraith of MCreativeJ talks about how she went back to embroidery and as at last year, this is now her full time job. You'll hear how Melissa decided to make this shift in her life and career.

Melissa tells us how she values the use of therapy to manage the adjustment from being an employee to being a small business owner.

At the Making Zen Online Retreat on 25 to 29 September, Melissa's workshop is called 'Upcycle Your Clothing with Embroidered Flower Pockets.'

Melissa is one of 20 talented textile artists you'll learn from and enjoy at the Making Zen Online Retreat, organised by Kate Ward of Zen Stitching.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sound with permission by bensound.com

Making Zen Online Retreat 2023 is a five day event to inspire creativity and find zen from 25 to 29 September 2023. This is a week of textile workshops led by a selection of international artists.

Who's on the podcast for the upcoming Making Zen Online Retreat on 25 to 29 September 2023?

Kate Ward – founder of Making Zen Online Retreat and owner of Zen Stitching.

Arounna Khounnoraj, Deborah Fisher, Bianca Springer and Melissa Galbraith

You'll hear from each textile artist in the lead up to the next Making Zen Online Retreat.

The Big SewOff is back again. Join Sew Over It and the sewing community on Monday 4th September 2023 for a 24-hour sewathon to raise money for charity!

Alma from the Sew Over It team discusses all of this year's sewathon hubs, charities and local events.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sound with permission by bensound.com

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.

Janene - ooobop on Instagram - will be participating from her home sewing studio for this year's Big SewOff

Last year Janene was in awe of the sewing efforts by the Sew Over It team during their 24 hour sewing marathon to raise funds for Mind Charity.

This year Janene is road testing her patterns to see how many well-made garments she can sew for charity in a 24 hour period.

What are you doing to support this sewing charity event?

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sound with permission by bensound.com

Cathy of CathySewsStuff on Instagram gives us an insight into her sewing and local stitchers club SouthSea Sewn.

Recently Cathy culled her clothes (donated to a clothes swap) and is curating styles to make sure they meet her needs and allows her to sew to her heart's content.

She discusses the influence SewOver50 followers have on her clothing/pattern decision making.

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.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sound with permission by bensound.com

When you learn a new sewing technique, do you share it? Stephanie does. As she learns new techniques or figures out what that 'darn' tool is, she'll show you on her Instagram account.

You'll have to listen to Stephanie to find out what the Institute of Nerd Studies refers to. Then you'll learn how The Stitchuation Room came about.

Stephanie was recommended as a podcast guest by our previous podcast guests, Nancy of @Iusedtobeacurtain.

What is your holy grail of sewing?

Is it a pattern that works well with the fabric you've chosen or getting involved with sewing challenges or even projects that stretch your sewing skills?

SewMuchToDesign Lou Sheffer, has had a positive influence on Stephanie's future sewing goals.

All these questions and more are answered by Stephanie on her very first podcast. She's a true professional at discussing sewing. Aren't you?

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.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sound with permission by bensound.com

Louise @demuredesigns provides the full details of pattern matching so make sure you save both episodes in your podcast app.

Louise recently provided a reel for @SewOver50 followers on Instagram about pattern matching.

Enjoy your sewing and try a simple design to pattern match that loved print in your fabric stash this weekend.

This is the episode you should go back to when you're making that next project with print placement conundrums.

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.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sound with permission by bensound.com

Did you see Louise @DemureDesigns pattern matching basics reel on @SewOver50 on Instagram?

In this episode you'll hear how Louise has been learning couture sewing techniques for many years. Not an easy task when she lives in Perth, Western Australia.

Try a simple design to pattern match that very loved print in your fabric stash this weekend.

Next week's episode Louise provides the full details of pattern matching so make sure you listen and save both episodes in your podcast app.

The tag for the week: #SewAnkaraFabric23 as we are supporting Ankara Appreciation Week hosted by Lena @ThatLenaKing & Juliet @JulietUzor_.

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.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sound with permission by bensound.com

Pam is OneWildPixie on Instagram.

In her own story, you'll hear about her one screen and off screen persona.

She sews the clothes that suit her lifestyle.

SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism. 

Use #SewOver50July for July so we can find you faster this month.

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.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sound with permission by bensound.com

Make sure you listen to Sheila's first podcast about blankets made in Australia from last week. Sheilasewsherclothes on Instagram

In this episode, Sheila shares the international research on blankets she's keenly interested in through the SewOver50 network. That's view emails and messages to a few key people in the SewOver50 community that Sheila has been following as part of the SewOver50 community.

Then Sheila shares some of the tips she has used making her two jackets and one dress from much loved woollen blankets made in Australia.

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.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sound with permission by bensound.com

Claire-Louise Hardie shares her clothes cloning experience in her latest book - Clone Your Clothes. Claire-Louise is a career costumer.

All the images Claire-Louise refers to are on the podcast website and on the YouTube version of this podcast.

Creating clothes for productions means she is constantly ensuring costumes are created for productions in multiples and to last the production run. This means she constantly created clothes by cloning style for the purposes of each production. 

Claire-Louise was the Sewing Producer for the first 4 series of The Great British Sewing Bee.

In 2015 Claire-Louise went to the London College of Fashion and to complete her Masters in Pattern Technology and Garment Technology. 

One of her group assignments was to create a toile of a Balanciaga garment so she used her years of training to create this toile that was then part of the exhibit! 

In Cloning Your Clothes, Claire-Louise shares her technical knowledge and provides us with 3 methods to clone those clothes that we love but can't find in the shops anymore. All the video links and materials Claire-Louise mentions are on the podcast website.

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.

Sheila of Sheilasewsherclothes takes us through her blanket coat research over 2 episodes. National Wool Museum was a source of her research.

Katie Makes a dress used blankets as coat fabric.

Mending Mayhem followers and Morrissews are great people to follow to learn various mending techniques.

Listen to Sheila's report about the information Alf Newby of Albany Mills in Western Australia wrote about the dyeing he did of the woolen yarns. He started working in the mill at the age of 14 and by 40 years old, he was the principal dyer.

More about blankets made outside of Australia next week.

SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism. 

Use #SewOver50June this month as well as #SewOver50 so we can find you faster on Instagram!

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.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel. Sound with permission by bensound.com

Instagram has now removed the "recent" # search. Perhaps you have noticed that the tags are no longer in chronological order.

Our strength has been getting to know our community through checking the tag daily.

Without being able to see your most recent sewing under #SewOver50 it is quite infuriating. @Instagram is not receptive to the outcry so we are instigating a NEW plan to find you.
🙌🙌🙌

For June, use #SewOver50June. 💥
We'll find you fast and can like and comment on your posts everyday again as the volume will be lower and the hashtag will be running for only 30 days or so.

Still use #SewOver50 because we want to keep our community growing. With 235,000 posts and over 47,000 followers it's where our strength lies! 💪 #So50Visible #SewOverAgeism

We'd also appreciate you sharing this to your stories to spread the message from SewOver50.

And remember… #SewOver50June with #SewOver50. 🙌🙌🙌

Cris focusses on different body types, different ages and different skill levels in her tester group.

She also provides insight into her patterns. They will challenge you but Cris will always help you.

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. 

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel. Sound with permission by bensound.com

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.

Cris Wood was kind enough to give us her time to talk about what is involved in getting models who look like they are over 50 years old for a small patternline.

In the research conducted by SewOver50, statistics in 2022 showed there are few companies that represent sewists over 50 on their pattern company grids and on their pattern covers.

Cris has been in contact with Sandy of SewOver50 to source local models that could be 'over 50' models for Cris Wood Sews patterns.

Cris originally worked in a number of sewing jobs and in 2020 she was forced to stop working and had to come up with another way of earning an income.

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.

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. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sound with permission by bensound.com

Anna (@Sew.spanner) is building her new work wardrobe based on black trousers she recently made.

While we're all heading into the next season where we live, Anna talks about her wardrobe building to suit the new job she has taken. How do you build your capsule wardrobe? Do you base your sewing on one garment or on something else entirely?

Anna also buys her fabrics from her local Fabricabrac sale. Monies from sales of these events go to local hospice.

What type of dresses would you make for a trip overseas? Have a listen to what Anna has in mind.

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.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sound with permission by bensound.com

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.

Jill or Sewingsensation has sewn all her life but took sewing up again during covid lockdown.

Jill shares the new skills she learns through her Instagram account.

In the lead up to her daughter's wedding in December, Jill has decided to make her dress using silk fabric. The lessons she is currently learning is what she shares through her Instagram account.

Jill is making the robes for the bridal party and in doing so, she has discovered the highs and lows of using the ruffler foot. 

Most of what Jill has shared is what she has learnt from fellow sewists on Instagram.

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.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sound with permission by bensound.com

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.

Mirjam is teaching layered running stitch as an aspect of organic embroidery at the Making Zen Online Retreat from 15 to 19 May.

Mirjam learnt all her crafts from the women in her family. At the age of 3, Mirjam had a needle in her hands to sew. Her textiles specialty is organic embroidery.

Last Making Zen, Mirjam ran a workshop about the honeycomb stitch - a variation on the blanket stitch.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sound with permission by bensound.com

Making Zen Online Retreat 2023 is a five day event to inspire creativity and find zen from 15 to 19 May 2023. This is a week of textile workshops led by a selection of international artists.

Liz Kettle developed the 'stitch meditation process' through a personal need she had. She is running her workshop to learn how to paint fabric at the Making Zen Online Retreat from 15 to 19 May.

You'll hear from Liz how following the process fuels your creativity. We're human beings, not human doings. You'll hear what Liz means with this phrase.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sound by Bensound.com

Making Zen Online Retreat 2023 is a five day event to inspire creativity and find zen from 15 to 19 May 2023. This is a week of textile workshops led by a selection of international artists.

Liz Haywood is running a workshop to create closures that are compostable and/or use resources you have where you live at the Making Zen Online Retreat from 15 to 19 May.

Liz is a local Australian who authored Zero Waste Sewing and The Dressmaker's Companion

Liz also talks about her latest A Year of Zero Waste Sewing ezines.

You can find Liz's website at The Craft of Clothes - a sewing and fashion blog (lizhaywood.com.au)

Her Instagram account is 

The Craft of Clothes - a sewing and fashion blog (lizhaywood.com.au)

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sound by Bensound.com

Making Zen Online Retreat 2023 is a five day event to inspire creativity and find zen from 15 to 19 May 2023. This is a week of textile workshops led by a selection of international artists.

Judith and Sandy discuss the background of the research released today on the SewOver50 account.

Judith Staley with a team of 4 SewOver50 followers conducted research of pattern companies from 1 January to 31 December 2022 to identify the visibility of older sewists. This research helps to show if the SewOver50 account and the community has made a difference since 2018.

This episode is about the research that was conducted. The full version is episode 387.

On the SewOver50 account, there are 2 posts that cover the results of this research. Comments are available on the first post so all comments can be made on 1 post. You don't need to feel you have to duplicate your views about this research over 2 posts.

The team who participated in this study with Judith were Judy Henwood, Kris Doyle, Sarah Allen and Camilla Lindberg

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.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sound with permission by bensound.com

Sew Like Dotty returns this week with ideas about starting your own sewing group.

I'm thrilled to welcome back Alison Martin, the heart and hands behind Sew Like Dotty, for the second episode in our series!

Alison is a beloved figure in the sewing world – a SewOverIt Pattern Insider, YouTuber, and the creator of the inspiring A Gift to November Challenge.

In this episode, Alison dives deeper into her journey, shares fresh ideas for starting your own sewing group, and talks about the joy of building community through creativity. 

Whether you're looking to connect with fellow sewists or spark your own local meet-up, Alison's insights are full of warmth and practical wisdom. 🎁

Don't miss her tips on handmade gifting through A Gift to November challenge, community sewing, and what it means to be part of the SewOverIt insider circle. 🧷 

Subscribe, like, and join us as we celebrate the power of sewing to bring people together!

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.

Judith and Sandy discuss the background of the research released today on the SewOver50 account as well as their SewOver50 journey and how friendships have been made while raising the visibility of older sewists.

Judith Staley with a team of 4 SewOver50 followers conducted research of pattern companies from 1 January to 31 December 2022 to identify the visibility of older sewists. This research helps to show if the SewOver50 account and the community has made a difference since 2018.

This episode is about the research chat. Episode 386 is just about the research that was conducted. 

On the SewOver50 account, there are 2 posts that cover the results of this research. Comments are available on the first post so all comments can be made on 1 post. You don't need to feel you have to duplicate your views about this research over 2 posts.

The team who participated in this study with Judith were Judy Henwood, Kris Doyle, Sarah Allen and Camilla Lindberg

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.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sound with permission by bensound.com

Jayne will be running a workshop that focuses on play with textiles at the Making Zen Online Retreat from 15 to 19 May.

Jayne completed a B tech in fashion design, then completed a multi media textiles degree and finally completed a Masters at Central St Martins. She also has an MA in Print.

Sustainability plays a big role in her textiles work as does the element of play in her workshops.

Jayne's workshop will help you 'be in the moment' and not think about the end product.

Members of the 'no rules textiles society' will know exactly what Jayne's work is all about.

You can find Jayne's website at www.jayneemerson.co.uk

Her Instagram account is 

https://www.instagram.com/jayneemersontextiles/

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Making Zen Online Retreat 2023 is a five day event to inspire creativity and find zen from 15 to 16 May 2023. This is a week of textile workshops led by a selection of international artists.

Meredith is back to run another great workshop at Making Zen Online Retreat. In the previous retreat workshop participants learnt to use her freeform sewing machine technique for a way to use threads and water soluble fabric. This year, Meredith will share her preparation process with participants through drawing.

Meredith began her work during her Fine Arts degree in 2006 and participants will take away another skill to use on their own projects from the latest Making Zen Online Retreat.

Her focus on free hand embroidery on water soluble fabric is what motivates her creativity and is another skill you can explore to add from this latest retreat. She has a degree in Natural History Illustration that is reflected in the workshop she is running this year.

Making Zen Online Retreat 2023 is a five day event to inspire creativity and find zen from 15 to 19 May 2023. This is a week of textile workshops led by a selection of international artists. Link to Making Zen: https://www.zenstitching.ca/a/2147521766/9zkhZcmF

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Yasmeen of Sand and Stars is one for the talented textile artists at the next Making Zen Online Retreat hosted by Kate Ward of Zen Stitching.

Yasmeen is running a needle turn hand applique design development workshop at Making Zen Online Retreat 15 to 19 May 2023. Her aim is to help people find their confidence and creativity through needle turn hand applique.

After completing her art college textiles specialty, Yasmeen took a few years off before she went to the Royal School of Needlework. She did a foundation degree in hand embroidery and she really enjoyed using traditional skills to create beautiful projects. Yasmeen is indeed talented.

Making Zen Online Retreat 2022 is a five day event to inspire creativity and find zen from 15 to 19 May 2023. This is a week of textile workshops led by a selection of international artists.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Kate Ward has created a new Making Zen online Retreat for 15 to 19 May 2023.

There is still the option to watch workshops from skilled textile artists for free each day and the simple option to purchase these workshops for $59.

This is one of the few online retreats that has always provided a free option to all subscribers and this year Kate has made sure this option remains available to everyone.

In the lead up to Making Zen, on the podcast you'll hear from Kate Ward, Yasmeen of Sand and Stars, Meredith Woolnough, Jayne Emerson, Mijam Gielen, Liz Kettle and our podcast regular and SewOver50 supporter, Liz Haywood.

Each textile artist is talented in their own area of textiles and want to provide a workshop to retreat students. The full list of textile artists is about to be released so stay listening.

Making Zen Online Retreat 2023 is a five day event to inspire creativity and find zen from 15 to 19 May 2023 and each day provides the day's workshops for free. This is a week of textile workshops led by a selection of international artists.

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. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

'Sewing is an act of emotional repair' is a term Rosie Perl discusses towards the end of this podcast. This is a term quoted from Louise Bourgeois.

She's also now learning to adjust patterns to suit her body shape with her good friend Donna.

You can hear the joys that sewing brings Rosie in this podcast.

Her husband is now hooked on restoring pre-loved vintage sewing machines too.

Lots of great stories from a wonderful textile artist and Sydney local.

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.

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. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Today's episode features Diane of Style Falcon patterns with the investigation work she did on protecting yourself on Instagram.

In December there were a number of SewOver50 follower accounts that were cloned. This fuelled Diane to investigate why this happens and how you can ensure your accounts remain safe.

There's no rhyme or reason why it happened but Diane has a handful of ways you can both protect your online accounts and the accounts of your friends and families.

Many thanks for coming back and helping your SewOver50 follower friends Diane. This is the next in our Protect your accounts now podcast series. 

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.

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. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

In this episode, Ronda discusses the good work SewOver50 has provided our community on Instagram. Ronda did a guest post for SewOver50 and she is awe of the amazing work Judith and Sandy to help keep our community together and safe.

Of course Ronda has many positive things to say about Stokx patterns owner Lindy and other indie pattern companies that raise the awareness of mature sewists.

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.

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. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Ronda Hazell mostly wears the clothes she sews and occasionally her quilt art projects.

Ronda is a SewOver50 follower based in country Victoria in Australia. When we recorded this podcast we realised there was so much more to her story than the usual 20 minutes so in this episode you'll hear about how sewing is an integral part of of her life and that of her family and friends. 

Next week we'll expand on the SewOver50 community, ageism and our admiration for Lindy of Stokx Patterns.

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.

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. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Duane tells us his background prior to sewing. He's always been a maker and he comes from a family of makers.

If you're interested in how the classes are run at The Tailoring Academy in the UK, Duane talks about how the classes are run and what the accommodation is like for the 6 international students.

He is still thinking about what he will do when he gets home after this amazing intensive tailoring experience. 

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.

Contact Judith and Sandy at SewOver50 to offer your support for this wonderful IG account. 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 can, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Welcome to Part 1 of our inspiring conversation with Alison Martin, the creative force behind Sew Like Dotty and the Sew Virtual community. 🌸

Over the past four years, Alison has grown Sew Like Dotty into a safe and fun online space for sewists. She also manages an encouraging and thriving Facebook group, which she now focuses on full-time after retiring earlier this year.

Alison's passion for sewing was sparked by her mother and the garment industry in her hometown. With her deep-rooted skills and love for community building, she co-founded A Stitch in Tyne with two sewing friends—a local initiative that brings sewists together in the Tyne area for real-life meetups and creative collaboration.

👗 In this episode, we explore:

• The origins of Sew Like Dotty
• Alison's journey from hobbyist to community leader
• How Sew Virtual and A Stitch in Tyne are connecting sewists online and offline

💬 Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, where Alison shares the exciting sewing challenges she's hosted for the community!

🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to catch the next 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.

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.

Duane tells us the story about why he's currently at The Tailoring Academy in the UK right now. 

The Tailoring Academy course Duane is working through started in September 2022 and is 10 months in total. As he says, they started with only a few body measurements.

Many people who have been following Duane for years will remember his kilt sewing work. He called this fabulous tartan - Loud McLeod.

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.

Contact Judith and Sandy at SewOver50 to offer your support for this wonderful IG account. 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 can, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Ros relearned to sew in the last 2 years. She did learn at school and Ros now uses her sewing skills to help her local community.

Oh and did you see her exhibit at the Dundee V&A museum last year. Ros and her son entered a new designer contest and their refashion entry was included in this inaugural contest.

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.

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. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Mel is a SewOver50 follower and as her bio says, she loves to start making things, many things, collect stuff, but to people who know Mel, wearing vintage inspired clothes she has made is what makes her happy. You'll love how Mel developed her Instagram name puddingandpeas

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.

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 or directly via paypal. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Sigrid sews and knits and you may have been following her blog for many years. In 2022 Sigrid's Instagram account was copied as a fake account by scammers. This has happened and keeps happening to many SewOver50 followers. 

Be aware that fake accounts are created and the criminals behind these accounts prey on the followers of these accounts. If you are approached by what seems to be a fake account, let the actual person (account owner) know and then report the fake account to Instagram and then block it, for your safety and for the safety of your sewing friends.

When reporting fake accounts on Instagram, if the fake account uses your name/handle/photos, this is a copyright infringement. Report the fake account for copyright infringement to Instagram as well as the fake account as a scam.

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. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Tee Jay Lee is a regular client of Sewn Adaptive - Lynn and Alex - and he's given his time to talk about how the work that Lynn and Alex do keeps him wearing the clothes he loves. You can hear the Sewn Adaptive podcast we published last year.

As a sewist, we have the skills to tailor and tweak clothes for ourselves and our loved ones.
The work Lynn and Alex have been doing on Instagram that shows how they adapt clothing for people who need their clothes adapted is really appreciated by their clients. Tee Jay is one of their regular clients and this is his story.
He was born and raised in California and Tee Jay was in the dance scene and is now helping dancers with his OT skills. Being able to wear the fashion he wants to wear is made accessible for him through the tailoring Lynn and Alex do for him.

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. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Adam Wheeler is The Seamsters Apprentice on Instagram. He decided to sew one day when the curtains in his study just happened to break.

Once Adam made the curtains in his home study 6 years ago, he became fascinated by sewing machines and sewing. Well, he tells a story about his first fascination with sewing machine as a 5 year old. The first garment Adam made was a 'simple' tshirt.

In the early sewing days, sewing was his shared hobby with his late sister Sarah when she founded Dragon Café The Dragon Cafe is the project flagship of the Mental Fight Club. Sewing keeps the memory of his sister with him as Adam sews his projects for himself, his family and his friends.

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. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.

Andrew is SewAndrew and he has a history of learning skills and then teaching them to his local community.

He's a hairdresser by trade and was a dancer and with both of these talents, Andrew gives back to the community by teaching.

This includes his teaching sewing to the local Andrew's first real sewing project was a waistcoat that he sewed with a costume designer who guided his sewing. He's not looked back since that time.

Here's where you can find more about Eco Life Eastbourne where Andrew has been running in person sewing classes for the community.

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. Every podcast is free. 

Miriam has been helping Ruth Collins get the word out about top down center out method and it's easy to understand why when you hear Miriam's sewing story.

Miriam was encouraged to sew through 4H programs.

Miriam has a phD in English and she immediately realised Ruth is a scientist by how Ruth was communicating about Top Down Center Out method. She tells us about her experience of using a dress form to get good fitting clothes but this meant Miriam had to make the dress form fit her body shape.

You'll hear how Miriam describes Top Down Center Out method as 'body agnostic'.

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. Every podcast is free.

When you look a Marja-Liisa's Instagram feed, you'll not know she has only been sewing her own clothes or the last 2 and a half years.

In 2019 Marja-Lisa found The Avid Seamstress patterns at Liberty in London and that is when she began to think about sewing her own clothes. At the start of the first lockdown, and after watching a few episodes of the Great British Sewing Bee, she decided to try sewing clothes.

When Marja-Lisa first tried to sew her first dress, she used a very old bedsheet to learn the construction process involved before she cut into her Liberty of London fabric.

Since then she has become a pattern tester and helped out SewOver50 and managed a guest post on Instagram.

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. Every podcast is free.

Ruthie is well known for her sewing floral fabrics, hence her Instagram name sewmanyflowers

Florals are the basis of Ruthie's clothes and they make her happy. Ruthie gives some easy to follow advice about how to find your floral and use them to sew clothes that make you happy.

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. Every podcast is free.

In this episode with Melanie Keane, she gives us an insightful chat about how running the sewing groups for refugees has impacted her personally.

In the 18 months after beginning sewing Melanie was asked 'Do I know anyone who can sew...? 2 weeks later she arrived at the refugee centre with 2 old sewing machines and some donated fabric. 

4 months later Melanie had 3 volunteers working with her, 8 fairly decent sewing machines and 15 women in the mixed nationality group. The women were voracious in their making and desperate to sew for their families, repair clothes and just escape from their pitiful circumstances for just a few hours. Families had lived in the oppressive centre for over a year feeling hopeless and depressed. Sewing lifted their spirits, formed new relationships across the different cultures and allowed the women to feel like they were nurturing their families again. 

Each week Melanie needed 25 metres of fabric and so she reached out to the sewing community, whose generosity astounded her. 

She ran the project for 15 months until the centre suddenly closed. In this episode Melanie discusses how this impacted her and how she went on to set up another group for vulnerable women at The Lighthouse in Woking, Surrey.

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.

Use LH7KWCRS to get one month of Stash Hub plus for free, which means you have unlimited uploads and can add more photos to their records.

You don't have to enter your payment details to use it.

At the end of the month you'll revert to the free version of Stash Hub and you won't lose anything you've already uploaded. 

Thanks Stash Hub!

Margaret  who is Northinstitches and her daughter Kat is makingwithneedles share their sewing interests and also attended the SewOver50 frocktail event in Edinburgh in September.

This podcast was recorded with both Margaret and Kat in their home and they both thoroughly enjoy frocktails and meeting in real life all the people who you chat to on Instagram in the SewOver50 community.

Both Margaret and Kat attend sewing days as SewToon in Newcastle, Toon is a dialect version of Town because that's how Geordies pronounce the word. Lynne and Linda who were sewing friends on the podcast who also attend SewToon. SewToon is organised by Lynne's daughter Tamlyn.

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. Every podcast is free.

Elke does have an actual thread bear, hence her Instagram name sewthreadbear. She tells us the how close to her heart this bear is to her.

While Elke can't remember who taught her to sew, she has always sewn and in a way was influenced by her 2 aunts on her father's side. Her aunts had a knitting machine and they created the most beautiful knitted garments.

What Elke did realise that using a knitting machine would mean she would need lots of storage space for all the wool yarns used, as she saw from her aunts.

Elke talks about how as a sewist, we get caught in the perfection of the pattern we're using. She has learnt that if the garment looks good from 3' away, you've done a great job.

She has sewn some amazing garments using Julia Allison Cost fabrics too.

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. Every podcast is free.

Rebecca Ryan and Jodi Dynan are co founders of Love for Lismore HeART Space. Susan Goodwin of Measure Twice Cut Once and Rebecca talk about their experience with the floods in Lismore and the surrounding communities this year.

Rebecca and Susan provide listeners with ways people can help this huge community rebuilding their lives. The links for all of these ways people can help are on the podcast website.

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. Every podcast is free.