Explore every episode of the podcast Sew with Confidence | Sewing, Fabric, Sewing Patterns, Sewing with Knits

Have you ever ordered cotton fabric online and been surprised when the fabric arrived and by surprised I don’t mean in a good way. Was the feel not what you anticipated? Was it too thick or thin? Maybe it didn’t have the drape you were expecting. If you have, you are not alone and it is no wonder!

Cotton fabric labels are confusing! Different terms are used between the US and Europe and terminology has changed over time. Now this wasn’t that much of a problem when we could all go to our local fabric store and feel and see the fabric. But in this day and age when so many of us have to order online and rely on fabric labels, we need to understand them. So in today’s episode I am tackling some of the common fabric labels for cotton, explaining why they are confusing, and what you need to know the next time you are online fabric shopping

In this Episode I Mentioned:

Episode 9: 3 Tips to Help Pick Quality Cotton Fabric for Your Next Sewing Project: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sew-with-confidence-sewing-fabric-sewing-patterns/id6786780019?i=1000778667924

Other Resources:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit

Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here

Ways to Connect:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

Is cotton fabric the fabric that you sew with most often? Have you been disappointed with the quality of the cotton fabric that you purchased? Have you ever wondered why some cotton fabrics have that wonderfully soft luxurious hand and others are scratchy and stiff

Chances are that cotton was the first fabric you ever sewed and it is probably the fabric you continue to sew with most often. But the quality of cotton fabric varies tremendously. So in today’s episode, which is the first of at least a two part episode, I am offering you 3 tips on how to purchase quality cotton fabric.

In this Episode I Mentioned:

Come join the Free Facebook Group & Let’s Continue the Conversation! https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Grab your copy of the Free Essential Sewing Tool Kit: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit

Other Resources:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit

Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here

Ways to Connect with Lisa:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

Do you want to sew clothes but are worried that the clothes will look homemade?  Are you afraid of wasting your time, money & fabric? Tired of sewing beautiful clothes that never actually get worn, but just hang in the back of the closet?  Do you want to expand your sewing skills but are nervous about trying new techniques? 

Welcome to Sew with Confidence! This podcast will help expand your sewing skills, provide guidance in choosing the materials for your next project, and help you confidently sew clothes that you and others will love to wear!

Resources:

Join the Free Sewing With Confidence Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/sewing-essentials-toolkit

Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here

Connect with Lisa:

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

How many sewing fails have you had? I hope they have been few and far between! In today’s episode we are going to dive into the 4 basic elements that are necessary to creating a garment that you love, some strategies for how to achieve those necessary elements, and finally what I believe is the quickest and fastest way to create a garment you love

In this Episode I Mentioned:

Sew with Confidence Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Episode 7: Sewing a Woven Top? 4 Things to Check to Ensure a Great Fit https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sew-with-confidence-sewing-fabric-sewing-patterns/id6786780019?i=1000777683003

Essential Sewing Tool Kit: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit

Pattern Review: https://sewing.patternreview.com/

Other Resources:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit

Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here

Ways to Connect with Lisa:

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

Facebook - > https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

Do you always make a muslin before you cut your fabric? Do you just live dangerously, cut the fabric and go for it

How about if we adopt a third option that hopefully minimizes sewing fails but quickly gets you to the fun part of sewing? While I often skip the muslin, that doesn’t mean that I don’t spend a little time doing some checking.  That checking can often clue me in that I do indeed need to make a muslin. Here are 4 things I always check before sewing a woven top that help minimize the chance of a sewing fail and help me sew a garment that I love!

In this Episode I Mentioned:

Podcast Ep 5: Understand the 3 Types of Ease to Sew a Garment You Love: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sew-with-confidence-sewing-fabric-sewing-patterns/id6786780019?i=1000776727498

Raising & Lowering a Dart: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/2019/05/02/raising-lowering-a-dart-a-sewing-tutorial

Other Resources:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit

Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here

Ways to Connect with Lisa:

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

Facebook - > https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

Do you prefer sewing with knit fabrics or woven fabrics? Does one fill you with joy and the other with dread, or are you comfortable moving back and forth between the two.

In this episode we will explore some of the different characteristics of knit and woven fabrics and how understanding those differences as well as approaching them with the correct mindset can lead to a more enjoyable sewing experience and more polished finished garment.

In this Episode I Mentioned:

The Free Sewing with Confidence Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

EP 1: Sewing Garments You Love (and How This Podcast Will Help You do Just That): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sew-with-confidence-sewing-fabric-sewing-patterns/id6786780019?i=1000775763377

Ep 2: Pick the Perfect Linen for Your Next Sewing Project With These 5 Tips: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sew-with-confidence-sewing-fabric-sewing-patterns/id6786780019?i=1000775763298

Other Resources:

Join the Free Sewing With Confidence Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit

Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here

Ways to Connect with Lisa:

Facebook Sew with Confidence Group - > https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

Do you know that the exact same style of garment can have dramatically different amounts of ease?  Did you know that those differing amounts can be the difference between whether you will love a garment and wear it often or whether it just hangs in the closet? Wondering how understanding ease can help improve your sewing - this podcast episode will give you practical tips on how to use ease to help pick your next sewing project.

Ease in a sewing pattern is often just something that is in the background and that we don’t often think about. But being conscious of ease can be the difference between a garment that we love and one that disappoints. A quick internet search will tell you there are 2 types of ease, but I am arguing that there are 3 and that the third is the most important! 

In this episode I mentioned:

Pattern Review:https://sewing.patternreview.com

Other Resources:

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit

Join the Free Sew with Confidence Facebook Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here

Ways to Connect with Lisa:

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

Have you ever thought about how fabric is manufactured?

Did you know that understanding how fabric is made could help you achieve better results in your sewing?

Understanding the basics of how fabric is manufactured - whether it is a knit or woven,  along with some of the basic properties of each can help you choose the right pattern and avoid a lot of frustration during the sewing process. Let’s get a little nerdy about fabric manufacturing and how that can help you plan your next sewing project!

Resources Mentioned

Grab your Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit and check out my favorite sewing tools, fabric resources, notions & even a special discount on Pink Hollybush Patterns!

https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/sewing-essentials-toolkit

Additional Resources:

Join the Free Sewing With Confidence Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here

Connect with Lisa:

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

Do you want to sew something for someone that will actually get used and used often? Would you like to expand your sewing skills at the same time?

This episode will help you do just that! Sewing for baby is a wonderful way to bless a new family, sew something that will be used often, and improve your sewing skills at the same time. In this episode I'm sharing 5 free baby patterns, from the easiest to the most challenging so you always know exactly where to start. If you've been wanting to sew something that actually gets used and loved, this one's for you.

In this Episode I Mentioned:

Double Gauze Swaddle Blanket: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/sewing-a-baby-swaddle-blanket-two-ways

Knit Blanket: 

https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/a-self-bound-knit-blanket

Bandana Bib Pattern: https://www.applegreencottage.com/bandana-bib-tutorial-with-free-pattern/

Purl Soho Winter Baby Hat with modifications: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/2016/02/11/winter-hats-for-brady

Purl Soho Romper with modifications: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/a-quick-easy-baby-gift-to-sew

Ikatee Vega Sweater : https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/an-easy-free-pattern-to-sew-your-first-knit-garment

Other Resources:

Join the Free Sewing With Confidence Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at

https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/sewing-essentials-toolkit

Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here

Ways to Connect with Lisa:

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

Have you tried sewing with Linen? Do you think this fabric is difficult to sew and only for advanced Sewists? What if I told you that linen is a great beginner fabric?

The benefits of linen are amazing. It is naturally breathable and it doesn’t hold in your body heat. It is a natural fiber made from the flax plant and is entirely biodegradable. Linen is also a very easy fabric to sew and great for a beginner. It works with a huge variety of sewing patterns, it keeps garment details well, and it’s easy to care for.  What more could you ask for? - Let’s get you sewing linen with these 5 tips!

In this Episode I Mentioned:

Bloom Blouse by Seamwork Patterns*: https://colettemedia.pxf.io/2RRQJM

*Links noted with an asterisk are affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no additional charge to you if you purchase through the link.

Other Resources:

Join the Free Sewing With Confidence Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit

 Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here

Ways to Connect with Lisa:

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkholly

Do you find yourself wanting to sew but are afraid that garment you have sewn won’t be something that you want to wear?

Do you sew for others but the things you have sewn are just hanging in the back of the closet and not being worn?

Wondering if a podcast could possibly help?

In this episode, I'm sharing the one thing that makes the difference between garments that get worn and loved and those that end up hanging in the back of the closet. You'll also learn why I started the Sew with Confidence Podcast, what you can expect from future episodes, and how this show will help you make more confident sewing decisions

In this episode I mentioned:

Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit:

https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/sewing-essentials-toolkit

Mood Fabrics: https://www.moodfabrics.com/

Loom and Stars: https://loomandstars.com/

Other Resources:

Join the Free Sewing With Confidence Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

1: Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/sewing-essentials-toolkit

2: Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

3: Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here

Connect with Lisa:

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

Do you want to use your sewing talents to sew a garment as a tangible demonstration of your love for those special people in your life? Maybe it’s a dress or shirt for that special child in your life. But the last thing you want to sew up an outfit and then have it just hang in the closet never getting worn by that child. I know personally I would rather they wear it and ruin it than it never gets worn!

Modern society has changed. Many of the garments that we used to sew for children don’t fit today’s modern lifestyle or aesthetic.  Moms are often working full time. They don’t have time to iron. They are trying to do all the things and just get through the day! At the same time society has become less formal. Children often do not dress in fancy clothes and often are dressing themselves. Functionality and Practicality are the key for garments that fit today’s modern lifestyle. So in today’s podcast I have 5 Tips to help you sew a child’s garment that both moms and children will love!

In this Episode I Mentioned:

The Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit

Pink Hollybush Patterns: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/pinkhollybush-sewing-patterns

Other Resources:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit

Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here

Ways to Connect with Lisa:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

Do your sewn garments look polished? We all have different styles and preferences when it comes to how we dress and what garments we choose to sew, but I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want to look polished, even if that is just a simple jeans and T-shirt. In today’s episode we are going to cover 5 easy tips that you can incorporate in your sewing that will help you achieve that polished look whatever garment you are sewing

In this Episode I Mentioned:

The Free Sew With Confidence Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Related Episodes: EP 7 Sewing a Woven Top? 4 Things to Check to Ensure a Great Fit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sew-with-confidence-sewing-fabric-sewing-patterns/id6786780019?i=1000777683003

Other Resources:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit

Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here

Ways to Connect:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

You have worked late into the night to finish that garment that you have been sewing. Maybe you are trying to get it finished for the upcoming trip or special event. You finish up the last details, eagerly go to slip it on and rather than admiring your beautiful self in this new garment - you look in the mirror and its disappointment. The fit is fine - if that were the problem you would dive in and start working to correct that, but that isn’t the problem. It just doesn’t look like you pictured it. It doesn’t move the way you had hoped. It doesn’t really go with that other garment the way you had imagined. It just doesn’t meet your expectations. Now what? Is all lost? In this week’s episode I have 5 tips with a bonus 6 on how to hopefully save that garment and turn it into one you love

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

The Free Sew With Confidence Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

The Donny Shirt: https://fridaypatterncompany.com/products/donny-shirt-pdf-pattern?srsltid=AfmBOooY5imulAHjoxJ_OzNPqsQZJ579Ff6O_kuHpBlMKRBJz2cWChKP

Donny Shirt Review: https://youtube.com/shorts/onAVInf7XJU?feature=share

The Nova Coat: https://papercutpatterns.com/products/nova-coat?srsltid=AfmBOoru0j_BSVWw9Y0iqCsmmOCK-rrYxAvCVT7No2Q8WNSKJEdbJvPj

The Nova Coat Review: https://youtu.be/XdZX7qlHneE

Own Your Magic Dress: https://patternemporium.com/products/own-your-magic-fitted-dress-with-side-splits-wide-binding-sewing-pattern?srsltid=AfmBOor__3K_FtpF-CCXX87YGa41RCGetj9zyzGAxNu3m1dPkRSOiQIA

Own Your Magic Dress Review: https://youtube.com/shorts/oIgaHtA6Ijw?feature=share

Other Resources:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit

Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here

Ways to Connect:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/