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In this episode of the Sewing Social Podcast, Abigail Wastie (Thread of Life) shares her journey from a textile artist to a textile activist and educator.

She discusses her passion for sustainable fashion, the importance of asking questions about textile production, and her experiences teaching vulnerable youth about sustainable practices.

Abigail also highlights her projects, including a sustainable school uniform initiative and community events focused on ethical fashion. Throughout the conversation, she emphasises the need for a shift in mindset towards sustainability in both personal and community practices.

Key Takeaways:

• Abigail has always been passionate about activism and sustainability.
• Textile activism involves engaging others in discussions about fabric and production.
• She learned to sew out of necessity and through many mistakes.
• Abigail primarily makes her own clothes and focuses on natural fibres.
• She works with vulnerable youth to provide alternative education in textiles.
• The sustainable school uniform project aims to create plastic-free options for children.
• Abigail practices sustainability in her home, including keeping chickens and using local milk.
• She believes in the importance of community engagement and education.
• Abigail runs events to connect people with ethical fashion makers and discussions.
• Sustainability requires a shift in mindset and behaviour.

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@thedalythread

Guest details:

@threadoflife

www.threadoflife.org.uk

www.abigailwastie.co.uk

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Abigail Wastie and Her Journey

03:00 The Concept of Textile Activism

05:58 Learning to Sew and Overcoming Challenges

09:00 Sustainable Fashion Choices and Practices

12:13 Alternative Education and Working with Vulnerable Youth

15:13 Sustainable School Uniform Project

17:48 Personal Sustainable Practices and Lifestyle Choices

20:00 Reflections on Success and Future Goals

22:52 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

26:03 Promoting Sustainability in the Sewing Community

29:04 Quickfire This or That Game

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Please note this episode was recorded in February 2025.

In this episode of the Sewing Social, the host Gemma Daly engages in a lively conversation with Adam, a passionate male sewist known for his love of Tula Pink fabrics. They explore Adam's journey in the sewing community, discussing the challenges he faces as a male in a predominantly female space, the upcoming QuiltCon event, and the need for more diverse male patterns in sewing. Adam shares insights into his bag pattern designs, including the creative process behind his latest release, the Acorn Backpack. The conversation also touches on the evolution of personal style and the inspiration drawn from the sewing community. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the journey of sewing from childhood to a passionate hobby, discussing the evolution of skills, the joy of teaching others, and the importance of breaking down stigmas around men in sewing. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences, favourite projects, and the community aspect of crafting, emphasising the joy and creativity that comes from making things by hand.

Key Takeaways

• Adam's love for Tulip Pink fabrics has grown over the last few years.
• He finds hidden details in fabric prints that reveal themselves over time.
• Being a male in the sewing community comes with unique challenges.
• QuiltCon is a significant event for quilters, and Adam is excited to attend.
• There is a lack of male-focused patterns in the sewing industry.
• Indie pattern companies are starting to create more interesting designs for men.
• Unisex patterns often do not fit male bodies well due to design biases.
• Adam has created several bag patterns, with more in development.
• The Acorn Backpack was inspired by a fabric featuring squirrels.
• Social media, especially Instagram, serves as a major source of inspiration for Adam. Sewing can start as a childhood interest and evolve into a lifelong passion.
• Teaching others can enhance your own skills and understanding of a craft.
• The pandemic reignited many people's interest in sewing and crafting.
• Creating for oneself can be more fulfilling than making for others.
• Breaking down gender stereotypes in sewing encourages more men to participate.
• Community and social media play a significant role in the crafting world.
• Personal projects can be more enjoyable than repetitive tasks.
• Finding joy in the process of making is essential for creativity.
• Sharing your creations can foster connections and inspire others.
• Embracing your interests without fear of judgment is crucial.

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@thedalythread

Guest details:

@adamsews

www.adamsews.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Sewing Social
00:33 The Love for Tulip Pink Fabrics
03:03 Experiences as a Male in the Sewing Community
06:40 QuiltCon: Anticipation and Insights
07:52 The Need for Male Patterns in Sewing
10:39 Unisex Patterns: Successes and Challenges
14:20 Creating Unique Bag Patterns
16:01 Designing the Acorn Backpack
19:17 Beginner Patterns and Their Utility
21:00 Inspiration in the Sewing Community
22:22 Personal Style Evolution
23:32 Sewing Journey: From School to Passion
25:40 The Journey of Sewing: From Childhood to Passion
30:10 Teaching and Learning: A Shared Craft
34:13 Creating for Joy: The Balance of Making
38:13 Breaking Stigmas: Encouraging Men in Sewing
40:34 Connecting Through Craft: Social Media and Community

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In this episode of the Sewing Social Podcast hosted by Gemma Daly, Lottie Leigh-Gough shares her sewing journey from beginner to expert, focusing on the importance of fitting and pattern cutting. She discusses the emotional connections women have with their bodies and how fitting can empower them. Lottie also introduces her online courses, the Completely Custom Festival, and her mindful sewing sessions, which merge her Buddhist values with her passion for sewing. She reflects on her business evolution from a fabric shop to teaching online, overcoming imposter syndrome, and her future plans.

Key Takeaways

• Lottie specialises in fitting and pattern cutting.
• Fitting is a significant obstacle for many sewists.
• Emotional connections to body image are prevalent in sewing.
• Understanding your body is crucial for successful fitting.
• The full bust adjustment is essential for most sewists.
• Sewing is a labour of love that requires patience.
• Mindful sewing combines meditation with the craft.
• Community building is vital in the sewing journey.
• Lottie's business pivot was driven by the pandemic.
• Imposter syndrome is common but can be overcome.

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@thesewingsocialpod

@thedalythread

Guest details:

@wildorchardsewing

www.wildorchardsewing.co.uk

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lottie Leigh-Gough and Wild Orchard Sewing
02:59 Lottie's Sewing Journey: From Beginner to Expert
05:58 The Importance of Fitting in Sewing
09:12 Emotional Connections: Fitting and Body Image
11:51 Techniques for Fitting: Understanding Your Body
15:07 Common Misconceptions in Fitting
18:02 The Completely Custom Festival: Building Community
20:57 Mindful Sewing: Merging Buddhism and Craft
24:05 Online Courses and Teaching Philosophy
27:03 Business Evolution: From Fabric Shop to Online Teaching
30:00 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Future Plans