Sew-organised-style

Digital Pattern Library is Alexandra's sewing community resource for us to use.

Alexandra lives in Cardiff, Wales and she's trained in the fashion industry. Once she was working in couture designer houses, the amount of waste at that level and in high street brands made her rethink her priorities.

Thankfully she found us in the sewing community when she began to develop sewing patterns.

Now Alexandra mainly works with sewists in providing them with skill building opportunities and resources, rather than produce fast sewing patterns.<...

Jane Milburn OAM is TextileBeat on Instagram.

She's a sustainability consultant, Slow Clothing pioneer, TEDx speaker, Churchill Fellow, upcycler and agricultural scientist.

Jane has authored Slow Clothing and The Process of Mending - a recipe book.

Clothing accounts for up to 10 percent of our environmental footprint and everyday practices that extend the lifespan of clothes – caring, repairing, rewearing, restyling, upcycling – can reduce its ecological impact and create independence from fast-fashion cycles.

Mary V Morton and Jeanna Wigger, the authors of Stitch it Don't Ditch it, suggested Jane as a podcast guest and...

Amanda.Stitches on Instagram is both today's podcast guest and guest editor on SewOver50

Her standout roberts.woods drafters grid dress at Perth Frocktails this year took our breath away and we had to invite Amanda to tell us all about this dress. 

As Amanda said 'the #draftersgriddress has been many months in the making, planning started early this year with the sourcing of vintage tablecloths - not just any cloths, but ones that had similar pink tones & were the same shade of white. Several were ordered online, only to find when they arrived they w...

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...

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.

...

Alexis Bailey has come through a period of not designing and rebranded to become WearWereGoing.

A listener suggested I interview Alexis and in this episode, you'll hear how Alexis has been supported by some of her Patreon community to create zero waste patterns.

She's now turned this corner of her life and Alexis is a positive person to speak to.

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.

Alexis was suggested to me to...

Mental wellness advocate and author Olivia Dieterich has released an uplifting book, Random Acts of Crochet Kindness (published by Search Press), that has one purpose: to create something special and then leave it out in the world for someone else to find. 

Olivia creates 25 beginner friendly designs to label with kindness and place in your local community, ready to brighten someone else's day.

These tiny acts of kindness have captivated fans worldwide with the #RandomActsOfCrochetKindness Facebook page which has 357.8K followers where people spread love to strangers. 

Patterns, which you can create in un...

Her Heart Australia was able to provide Ronda Hazell with a cardiologist for her current heart diagnosis.

Maria Theoharous and Dr. Radhika Arunkumar discuss prioritising health, specifically women's health and focusing on key questions about heart attack.

They share a checklist reviewed by health professionals and highlight differences in symptoms of a heart attack between women and men.
Her Heart Australia resources can be found at https://herheart.org/

Listen to the podcast for more healthy heart tips.

Post script: Ronda did more of her own research about...

Yasmin Andrews, Community Programs Manager develops and runs the community programs at Reverse Garbage.

Reverse Garbage is celebrating 50 years of operations and Yaz discusses the breadth of programs provided to the community.

Did you know there are 7 types of plastic?

There's so much Yaz discusses that you'll want to get involved with the community programs.

At Reverse Garbage, they offer a fantastic range of Creative Reuse and Sustainability Programs and Workshops tailored to inspire and engage community members of all ages.

From Early Learning to Tertiary Education, and including...

Kirsten Junor, CEO of Reverse Garbage in Marrickville is making sure everyone celebrates 50 years of operating to give a second life to industrial and home 'waste'.

Reverse Garbage rescues between 4 to 6 tonnes of material each month.

Reducing landfill, providing a safe space for social impact, giving people low cost items, providing education. These are just some of the ways Reverse Garbage has been contributing to the community.

They are not for profit and all money raised from sales goes back into keeping Reverse Garbage operating.

Next week's episode is about how...

Jeanna Wigger and Mary V Morton are the authors of Stitch it, Don't Ditch It.

Mary direct messaged Jeanna when Mary heard Jeanna on Check Your Thread podcast. They teamed up and wrote this really helpful book about mending via hand sewing.

As a sewist, you would assume mending clothes is the focus of this book. 

What Mary and Jeanna have created is a resource for anyone to mend not just clothing but any textile or object they want to give a second or third life to.

Stitch It provides all b...

Ronda Hazell's story started in June 2024 when an echocardiogram showed she had a dilated ascending aorta (a dilation is a bulge where the diameter of the aorta gets bigger when it is more than 1.5 times normal size it is called an aneurysm).

This is a life-threatening medical condition because larger aneurysms can rupture or dissect. Aortic disease is linked to problems with the aortic valve of the heart.

Ronda has regular check-ups with a cardiologist to monitor her heart and aneurysm size.

Finding good medical help was difficult but it is there. 

Christine is Sewing and the City.

Her current life in Valencia Spain allows Christine to reuse existing linens with great embroidery for making garments.

She was introduced to SewOver50 by Suzy because of their connection in Spain.

This year Christine is using her fashion training to run Fit Clinics and she constantly creates new sewing patterns when she's not getting inspiration from others in the sewing and fashion community.

Christine is found via her website, on Instagram and on YouTube.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through...

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...

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.

I...

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 loo...

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 sewi...

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 t...

Melanie Keane's sewing journey is very community driven.

This is a two-part series and Melanie began sewing 9 years ago through quilting.

In 2020 Melanie and her family sewed over 100 pairs of scrubs for frontline workers, transforming sewing into a meaningful family activity. This experience deepened her connection to the craft and led her to explore garment and bag making, where she found joy in blending functionality with artistic expression.

Beyond her personal projects, Melanie's dedication to sewing extended into community service.

By fundraising for sewing machines and supplies, she empowered refugee women...

Micah Clasper-Torch is a Los Angeles-based artist, designer, and educator helping to lead the modern revival of punch needle rug hooking. With a background in fashion design from The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and the Politecnico di Milano in Italy, Micah blends fine art, heritage craft, and wearable design to create one-of-a-kind textile pieces that range from coats and accessories to wall hangings and soft sculpture.

In 2019 Micah was formally trained as an Oxford Punch Needle Instructor at the Oxford Rug Hooking School in Vermont, and in 2020 she launched Punch Needle World, an...

Kelsey founded Sew Pittsburg with the vision of creating a sewing community in the Pittsburgh area. As the Instagram account quickly gained traction, Sarah stepped in to help foster the group's growing sense of community. https://www.instagram.com/sewpgh/

Together, they built a welcoming space for sewists to connect, share inspiration, and support one another.

Their efforts transformed Sew Pittsburg into more than just an online presence—it became a thriving hub for makers, encouraging creativity and friendships.

Through meetups, collaborations, and shared enthusiasm, Kelsey and Sarah have cultivated a vibrant sewing cu...

Kelsey founded Sew Pittsburg with the vision of creating a sewing community in the Pittsburgh area. As the Instagram account quickly gained traction, Sarah stepped in to help foster the group's growing sense of community. https://www.instagram.com/sewpgh/

Together, they built a welcoming space for sewists to connect, share inspiration, and support one another.

Their efforts transformed Sew Pittsburg into more than just an online presence—it became a thriving hub for makers, encouraging creativity and friendships.

Through meetups, collaborations, and shared enthusiasm, Kelsey and Sarah have cultivated a vibrant sewing cu...

Alison Smith, MBE, is a visionary in the world of sewing and couture techniques.

As the UK's leading sewing educator, she has revolutionized garment construction, corsetry, and tailoring, making intricate skills accessible to all.

Founder of the School of Sewing, Alison teaches hands-on workshops that empower sewists of all levels. She's also a celebrated author, with books like The Sewing Book and Dressmaking selling over 500,000 copies worldwide. Her expertise extends to online courses and the Members Club, where she shares advanced techniques, pattern hacks, and professional finishing methods.

Alison discusses the u...

Natalie or @Nataliecsews is never seen on her Instagram account until now. On the video version of this podcast, you'll both hear and see Natalie Chim.

She has been industry trained and has sewn commercially for over 40 years.

While Natalie's mother taught her how to sew, it was her father who showed her how to fit clothes properly.

In this podcast Natalie refers to a number of good resources and ways to build your own sewing skills.

You'll only find Natalie on Instagram and she's always available to answer your...

In this podcast, you'll see Mirjam's textile art journey in full colour on YouTube. She does describe her journey so if you want to simply see her textile art, pop on the podcast website.

All of Mirjam's links are there. You can find her on Instagram, her website and just googling Mirjam will show you how extensive her workshops are.

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...

Duane MacLeod is Hold Fast Bespoke.

You can find Duane at Mainely Menswear.com

In this podcast Duane discusses how he's progressed from completing not 1 but 2 qualifications from The Tailoring Academy.

Through some investigation, Duane is really excited and invested in his tailoring business - Hold Fast Bespoke.

Also in this podcast, I've used a new sound track so the YouTube version meets YouTube's copyright rules.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's...

Maaike sees everyone as a maker that she's always willing to give them a good customer experience.

Maaike created Maaidesign when she thought, having a fabric store would give her more time to sew. Her other reason for creating Maaidesign was to have access to fabrics she wanted to sew for her daughter.

Maaike is a trained designer so you can understand why the fabrics Maiike provides us are collaborations with designers. As she says, when you have a business there are many more tasks to do that cut into your...

Mary Connelly-Gale is back to tell us about Days for Girls Australia. https://seworganisedstylepodcast.com/2025/03/29/days-for-girls-aust/

Days for Girls is an international organisation who's mission is to shatter the stigma and limitations associated with menstruation for improved health, education and livelihoods. 

The topics discussed in this podcast are very sensitive.

Days for Girls Australia is a registered Australian not for profit and is a Country Affiliate with Days for Girls International. Volunteers across Australia mobilise to increase access to menstrual products and vital health information for women and girls around the world. https://w...

Jenni Smith and Kay Walsh realised menopause snuck up on them and they shared a few projects to help deal with the effects of menopause.

Menopause Makes is their second book containing sewing projects but they're all about helping ease the various effects of menopause.

The 'What is the Menopause?' foreward by Dr Hannah Davies is very insightful, and provides the perfect starting point for the projects in this book. Dr Davies establishes the facts around Menopause clearly and in enough detail that you can share with others.

Did you know the...

Inge de Groot shares the steps she took to have a custom dressform made locally.

Her website customdressform.com is where Inge shares a to-do list of steps and ideas for getting a dressform made locally.

You'll hear why she hugged her dressform when it arrived on her doorstep too.

Go to her website Custom Dress Form Tutorial | A styrofoam replica of yourself when you want a custom dressform made locally.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is...

Isabella Strambio has authored this new macrame book - Mindful macrame - that is also a journalling experience. 

The projects are created to encourage readers utilise the practice of only using 2 knotting techniques to not just create something for themselves (and others) but to also create a mindful and meditative experience. 

While Isabella has authored 3 how-to macrame books, in this book she has created what she calls 'yoga for the mind'. 

The projects range from 30 minute projects, 60 minute projects and projects that take longer. The satisfaction of each project and your learning can be...

Trixi has been running the Global Kids Sewing Party every year since 2019 for kids to sew a soft toy with the guidance of their parents/grandparents/teachers/carers. The toy is then a gift to someone either to others they know or to a community organisation.

In 2024 over 6,500 kids in 22 countries joined the Gobal Kids Sewing Party.

Kids and their carers/parents/teachers all learn to sew while each kid can be creative in their toy creation and determine who gets their hand made gift.

Pop over to Trixi's website for all the...

More dressform options are now available from Mimiquins. Jaire and Mia have created - now get this - legs and arms options for their dressforms.

On their website, you'll see the people who have now received their Mimiquins and why they chose their dressform for their sewing needs. Luke, the winner of the Great British Sewing Bee 2024 had his dressform created for his drag queen persona.

In 2024 we heard Yvonne of The Wheelie Stitcher talk about her dressform for her seated makes.

Many thanks to Tanya https://www.instagram.com/i_still_have...

Hopefully you watched Lindsie's LIVE chat in January. In this podcast Lindsie discusses how the first 2 patterns she's produced for the SewBusty community were purchased from Firebrand and design modified by Lindsie.

Her dress block is being tested and the behind the scenes work is undertaken by experienced people. Lindsie knows what she can achieve and how quality is built in by people who have industry experience. 

Thanks Lindsie for taking on board reaching out for representation from the SewOver50 community.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. E...

Tracey of @an_upcycled_life in New Zealand has just completed a dress using tablecloths and lace she collected from her mother, grandmother and at op shops.

Her Instagram account was originally called @an_upcycled_wedding but as time has gone on, it's now her life that includes reusing existing clothes as her fashion fabrics.

Did you also learn to sew through a monthly sewing series in your country too? Make it Easy was a publication Tracey used to sew as a teenager, with her mother's help. 

After taking part in Me Made M...

Mary Morton talks about how her son's discussion about climate change gave her the fuel to eventually create Edinburgh Street Stitchers. 

In 2019 when Mary's son discussed the climate change adjustments he was making to his life, Mary decided to learn about climate change. Then she took it upon herself to start using her sewing skills to mend clothes for others. 

Not long after that Mary started Edinburgh Street Stitchers.

This is a group that mends and repairs out in the public! 

From April to October, Edinburgh Street Stitchers get together for 90 min...

Well, this is very exciting!

(It's only a teeny video/audio but it's good news!  ⭐️).

SewOver50 has been nominated for a Golden Scissors Award in the Social Impact category organised by the @CraftIndustryAlliance in Chicago in May.

In this podcast, Sandy discusses the work SewOver50 has done since 2018 to support this award nomination.

We certainly do like to be visible, included and represented so it's absolutely terrific to be noticed. #SewOverAgeism!

Of course, this is an award for all of our community who have supported us, many of you over...

Ryn is tookiethings on Instagram. Tookie things are small special things.

Ryn learnt to sew from her mother but you'll need to listen or watch how her mother went that extra mile at night to help Ryn and her sister learn to sew.

Her makes are so eye catching and she's a great SewOver50 follower to get inspired by.

You'll enjoy how Ryn meticulously plans her makes. And yes she does sew for your children. Make sure you follow Ryn on Instagram.

Thanks Ryn for letting us know how helpful Sandy's...

Susie is known on Instagram as Harping mad. That's harping underscore mad.

You'll hear her talk about her family helped Susie develop her Instagram name.

On Instagram you'll see Susie with her harp and at times, play her harp. You'll see her knitting and sewing. You'll even see Susie conquering the walks around the UK. Oh and Susie now manage her pain without the medication she was on.

Here's the link to the house Susie is selling.

Watch/ listen to Susie as she tells her story for SewOver50 on Sew Organised...

In this short announcement, Carol let's us know when Chicago Frocktails is on in 2025.

The full details so far are in the longer LIVE podcast with Carol Crocker-Ware.

Carol chatted with me LIVE on Instagram.

Carol https://www.instagram.com/anncie2001/ officially announced the date for Chicago Frocktails 2025.

Make sure you follow Chicago Frocktails on Instagram and on their website.

Get on their email list today.

 https://chicagofrocktails.com/ Subscribe to Carol's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@carolssewingcorner/featured

Carol chatted with me LIVE on Instagram.

Carol https://www.instagram.com/anncie2001/ officially announced the date for Chicago Frocktails 2025.

Make sure you follow Chicago Frocktails on Instagram and on their website.

Get on their email list today.

 https://chicagofrocktails.com/ Subscribe to Carol's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@carolssewingcorner/featured

Also in 2025, you can stay in touch with Carol on her Instagram account, YouTube channel and in her Facebook group – Carol's Sewing Corner.

Thanks again Car...

Sandy's 2 podcast about hashtags in 2020 are numbers 1 and 2 in the top 20 countdown.

This recording is the audio version of the Instagram LIVE chat Sandy did on both SewOver50 and Sew Organised Style podcast Instagram accounts.

I encourage you to go to the YouTube account so watch the hashtag research Sandy shared with us.

Sandy updates us about the best ways to now use hashtags.

In 2025, to be visible on SewOver50 use the hashtags #SewOver50Jan, #SewOver50Feb and so on for each month.

If you are able, consider supporting...

This year has given Carrie more to enhance her sewing life and the sewing lives of others.

Last episode was about the community work Carrie does. 

In this episode Carrie talks about her website, private Facebook group, Instagram, YouTube account and the Black Sewing Network she's a part of on TikTok.

Her highlight for 2024 was being a committee member of Chicago Frocktails. Get ready for 2025 event by signing up for their email.

Are you committed to just sewing your stash like Carrie is?

This week, I'm featuring 2 new episodes of Carrie Cunningham. Her original podcast was listened to over 15,000 times.

Carrie is number 3 in the Top 20 Countdown.

Carrie asked that we record a new podcast and that's what we've done.

In this first episode I ask Carrie about the two community works she told us about in 2020 to see how these works were still happening.

Spoiler alert: They're both going really well with some very thoughtful developments.

You can see all the Little dresses for Africa details Carrie chats about.

Rebekah Johnston is a textile artist and educator from Nottingham, UK. Her art intertwines artistic self-discovery, sustainability, and the meditative practice of hand stitching. Embracing the unhurried rhythm of her craft, she finds solace and introspection in the deliberate act of slow stitching, allowing her thoughts to settle and reflect. 

Rebekah Johnston is a brilliant textile artist sharing her Found Shapes Patchwork tutorial at the Making Zen Online retreat.

Rebekah has a gorgeous website

Rebekah offers free applique tips too https://www.rebekahjohnston.co.uk/free-applique-tips

If you are able, consider s...

Cennetta was on the podcast in October 2020 for SewOver50 Thursday. Today this episode is number 6 in the Top 20 Countdown and her podcast has been downloaded over 15,000 times.

Now the great news is Cennetta is teaching sewing at Calumet Middle School in Chicago. The school has established an after-school enrichment program that includes tailoring and sewing, culinary, theatre, music and more. Cennetta says 'It's the best!'

One of the great things about bringing people for you to listen to on Sew Organised Style podcast is that not only do you hear their stories, I stay...

Carol or CeeSews was on the podcast in November 2020 for SewOver50 Thursday. Today this episode is number 6 in the Top 20 Countdown. 

Carol continues to run sewing classes to help people know how to sew knit fabrics.

Thank you Carol for staying in contact with me and providing advice about how to go about retiring from working full time.

One of the great things about bringing people for you to listen to on Sew Organised Style podcast is that not only do you hear their stories, I stay in contact with them because we s...

Tricia was on the podcast in August 2020. Today this episode is number 7 in the Top 20 Countdown.

One of the key themes know about Tricia is her strong values to not add to landfill. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle are what Tricia's followers have seen on her Instagram account and through her SewOver50 posts.

You need to follow Tricia to find out all the ways to bring new life to not just your existing clothes but any item in your household. By mending and reusing what you have in your life, you are contributing to being sustainable...

Alma from SewOverItLondon tells us about The Big Sew Off, a 24 hour charity sewathon now in its 3rd year.

The Big Sew Off starts on Thursday 7 November at 10am UK time

As Alma says: 'The Sew Over It Team will be sewing at the HQ based at the gorgeous New Craft House in East London, together with many exciting sewing personalities. We'll be raising money for mental health charity Mind and sewing clothes to donate to Give Your Best.

The whole 24 hours will be live-streamed on YouTube and we'll be going...

Susan Young has written many researched pieces for SewOver50 and this podcast is a reflection of one of those she wrote back in 2020. 

This episode is number 8 on the Top 20 Countdown!

Susan Young Sewing blog is still available and I encourage you to pop into it and read the full research she published.

You'll find Susan on Instagram under Susan Young Sewing.

While the number of bricks and mortar shops have closed sine 2020, finding fabric both in real life and online still has the same challenges.

The information and i...

Last episode I did say Karen is an ongoing contributor to the podcast and Sewover50. Today Karen's second episode called Style is Ageless is number 9 on the Top 20 countdown.

This is a true reflection of not just Karen's contribution to our community but also how relevant this topic continues to be for us as sewists.

Karen provides some really simple ways to find your style because you can find all sorts of topics about style that won't cost a cent. Have fun with it.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through...

Karen Dolen was kind enough to be on the podcast in 2020. Today's episode is the initial podcast about Karen and this is number 10 on the Top 20 Countdown.

Karen has an inspiring sense of style that is reflected in not just what she sews but how her work is photographed too. She does credit her daughter for some of her photos and if you go to the SewOver50 account, Karen was a guest editor sharing her photo skills.

When you look at her sewing progress photos they're just as stunning.

She started sewing 60 years...

Susan Young has written many researched pieces for SewOver50 and this podcast is a reflection of one of those she wrote back in 2020. 

This episode is number 11 on the Top 20 Countdown!

Susan Young Sewing blog is still available and I encourage you to pop into it and read the full research she published.

If you're at London Frocktails this week, say hello to Susan.

Thank you again Susan for being on the podcast for SewOver50.

Sue Stoney has been on the podcast a few times and this was her first podcast where we met her on the podcast in 2020. This episode is number 12 in the Top 20 Countdown.

You heard Sue Stoney in the Magam Sewalong episode with Suzy and Helene. This episode is where we focussed on Sue only.

Sustainability and careful use of our resources are important to Sue. She's also one of her local 3 sewing friends with Meggipeg and sewblooms on Instagram and Sue has always been there for Sarah Pondevie. Sue's global collaboration skills are varse 

Lynda Maynard was on the podcast in September 2020 and her podcast is number 13 in the Top 20 countdown. Don't you think we've had a variety of community spirited guests in the Top 20 so far?

Back In 2020 I never thought an accomplished teacher like Lynda Maynard would agree to recording a podcast with me and for SewOver50. She was so obliging and there is a link on her website about page to this recording. As Jen Hogg said, Lynda is one of the many sewing heros we've seen in Threads magazine.

Lynda is an author and a...

Elizabeth is @earletted on Instagram and I first 'met' her through her blog.

When you finally meet an online friend and start chatting you find out how rich their background of experience is.

I hope you'll listen to Elizabeth and see she has held half a dozen amazing jobs that have been inspired by her motivation to be creative.

She has a music background, a theatre background in both design and wardrobe supervisor and the list goes on. I felt with her wardrobe supervisor experience, Elizabeth knows how to mend clothes for theatre...

Susan Young, the blog writer for SewOver50 was on the podcast in June 2020. She is number 14 in the Top 20 Countdown.

You'll find Susan on Instagram under Susan Young Sewing. 

Most recently you may have noticed that Susan is an organiser of London Frocktails. When the first SewOver50 meet up in London happened before lockdown, you could already see how many of us in the sewing community wanted to be together.

We were able to rally together online through the SewOver50 community and today we can meet in person and celebrate at Frocktails events i...

Jayne Wright was on the podcast in November 2020. She is number 15 in the Top 20 Countdown.

Since 2020 Jayne has moved to Margate and she does a mixture of things now.

Violin teaching, ceramic art, open water synchronised swimming and a bit of sewing for herself. She sewed her own wedding dress using a vintage Dior pattern.

If you live in the Thanet area, she runs a tile making workshop now with Thanet Visitor Information Centre. As you can tell, Jayne contributes to her local community.

Thank you Jayne for coming back to y...

Bobo_bun is Lisa's online name. Lisa was on the podcast in September 2020. She is number 16 in the Top 20 Countdown. 

At the time Lisa was developing her YouTube channel to bring her vintage sewing joy to everyone who shared a passion for all things vintage.

Lisa is a lifelong vintage inspired seamstress and dressmaking teacher.

She created Bobo_Bun's sewing school in Norwich UK. As a child Lisa was always making something or could be found curled up with a book. Does this sound like you too?

Lisa first learnt to s...

Saremy of SewSewLive and was on the podcast in November 2020. Saremy is number 17 in the Top 20 Countdown. 

While you can find Saremy on Instagram, you'll always find Saremy teaching on YouTube. She's industry trained and Saremy has a really full commitment to providing great teaching content in her sewing school.

On her Instagram account, she posts her weekly schedule.

Saremy provides an amazing community space for curios sewists of all abilities and it's free to join her sewsewguild.com

On Wednesdays she funs a live stream sewing a project from cutting t...

Suzy, Sue and Hélène are the Make a garment a month or Magam sewalong team who's podcast was published in July 2020. Suzy and Sue and Hélène gave their time to tell us about how Magam sewalong began and what they do to keep this initiative running. Magam Sewalong is number 18 in the Top 20 Countdown.

You would have noticed that since 2020, they have had guests to run this challenge each month and with a theme. Love a good theme. They've had about 37 guests.

Here's an interesting fact. They try not to count entri...

Instagram is where SewOver50 account lives and started on 18 August 2018 by Judith Staley. She was shortly joined by Sandy Bach and together they built SewOver50 from 0 to 50,000 followers this month.

Their hard work to bring the face of older sewists to Instagram has delivered 1,821 posts; worked with 144 guest editors on a range of topics; created 18 engaging challenges and commissioned #So50Live.

In this podcast Judith and Sandy discuss their challenges with the many changes Instagram has thrown us all making it harder to find each other the way you would normally chat up with your...

JenLegg_TeesCreatives is number 19 in the Top 20 Countdown. 

Most recently you would know Jen @jenlegg_teescreatives  who with Sharlene @sosewdressmaking  run #SewRecreateTheLook In 2024 they've run Sew Recreate the Look for the fourth time.

Sew Recreate the look encourages us to make things we have seen on the high street, IG and designer brands feeding our 'sewing souls'. Jen with Sharlene contribute to the sewing community by running this on a voluntary basis.

Jen is a Fibremood Insider. She's sewn for Abakhan fabrics. Pattern tested for Friday Pattern Company and many others. She's...

At number 20 is Jen Hogg in the Top 20 Countdown.

Jen Hogg is number 20 in the Top 20 Countdown.

Jen was my first guest from the Great British Sewing Bee in November 2020 because Jen is a strong supporter of the SewOver50 community. In August 2021 Jen recorded a podcast about So50sustainable sewing.

Jen sent through a note about what she's achieved since this podcast was published in November 2020. If you're a Bridgerton fan, I'll start her note with a Lady Whistledown vibe. The full version of Jen's letter is on her podcast blog post.

Firstly, the Top 20 Countdown starts in August. Have you wondered what the top 20 episodes are after publishing over 440 episodes over 5 years on Sew Organised Style podcast?
Grab a cuppa and relax while you hear a retrospective intro to all the people who continue to contribute to the sewing community.

Next up. You'll be seeing short tutorials for you to learn how to use your devices without asking others for help. You'll be your very own 'help desk'. As you learn more, you can pass these new skills on to others as well.

Send your...

Have you been sewing since you've stopped work full time or are you still finding your way?

Maxine Dunn is Dunncorner on Instagram and she's a SewOver50 follower. Maxine tells her story and shares how she's using this time to increase her skills in sewing and not just for herself.

Living close to Papercut Patterns, she's had a first hand view of what it takes to be an independent sewing designer. In New Zealand Maxine also mentions Paper Theory and The Sewing Revival.

We recorded this podcast in May so you'll have to...

Julie is Hastings436 on Instagram and lives in Newcastle Australia.

She gives us a secret about the 2025 Newcastle Frocktail so if you're interested, have a listen to her podcast and start planning your efforts to attend it.

Even though Julie has lots of fabric, and she cares for her fabric is a very unique way, she is thoughtful in how she gives it to her local community to share her love of sewing.

Yes Julie is part of the sewing ladies who lunch that Karen mentioned last week. Everyone who wants to attend...

Karen is sewingbyKaz on Instagram and she's on the Newcastle Frocktail committee in Australia.

Sewing means many things to different people. Karen Lennox tells us what sewing has meant in her life and vital it is to her right now.

Karen has learnt her sewing through her mother's sewing life as she grew up. Karen knew the basics before she went to school. Now she's helping her 6 year old granddaughter to sew. This important skill is bring passed through Karen's family tree.

Next week you'll hear from Karen's Frocktails committee member, Julie Hastings...

You've heard my story now who would you like to hear from next on Sew Organised Style podcast?

The July podcasts are scheduled and after producing over 400 episodes there may be someone you'd like to have on the podcast.

Is there a topic you'd like an expert to discuss?

All suggestions are welcome!

Send me your ideas and suggestions either via direct message on the podcast Instagram account email me at seworganisedstyle@gmail.com

Your ongoing support for 5 years of podcasting is much, much appreciated. This is as much...

This Check Your Thread Podcast episode #54 is the first of two featuring a conversation with Swedish-Australian designer Birgitta Helmersson.

Known in the sewing community as a zero waste (ZW) pattern designer, Birgitta also produces a range of ZW clothing which she sells from her shop/studio in Malmö. Prior to this, Birgitta had a diverse and convoluted career in fashion design, costume, alterations, pattern cutting and garment manufacture, which makes for a fascinating tale that we'll hear in this episode. We also learn what sparked her interest in ZW design, the route she took to adopting ZW pr...

A behind the scenes chat with Zoe Edwards. Her sewing podcast Check Your Thread keeps her motivated. Actually her manifesto is what drives Zoe's podcast.

What drives your podcast?

Everyone wants to podcast about a topic that is close to their hearts. That's what both Zoe and I do every week and in this episode we chat on about the processes behind making a sewing podcast, or any podcast for that matter.

As always in this episode I've edited it so you hear Zoe's personal dedication to her podcast as it fulfills much...

Zoe Edwards has just finished a very successful Me Made May 2024. She's here to Feed swap from her podcast Check your thread. 

We're sharing one podcast episode next week from our own archives. This is really exciting to know 1 episode from Sew Organised Style will forever be available on Check your thread podcast.

However this week we're playing a variation on '20 questions'.

In today's episode, we delve into the feedswapping concept.
I've never heard about feedswapping and I am thankful to Zoe for proposing this entertaining initiative, which is our focus t...

Dell is an avid sewist, a SewOver50 follower and a very supportive listener of this sewing podcast.

She learned to sew from her grandmothers and Dell discusses the value of the sewing teaching by Mary Brooks Picken.

Dell saved lots of money sewing her dresses for vocal performances using Bemberg lining because it was more affordable than silk fabric was. She is a classically trained vocalist...like an opera singer.

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

Mitch Bridgewater describes himself as the worst of the best bunch of the Sewing Bee and in this sewing podcast, you'll realise why.

Mitch was in Series 8 of the Great British Sewing Bee in 2022.

During lockdown he learned how to sew and knit and after sewing for 3 months, he entered the Sewing Bee.

In series 8 there were over 8,000 applications for the Great British Sewing Bee so he was in the top 12. If you're interested in TV production or have entered for Series 11, listen to the inside world of producing The Great British Sewing...

Make sure you register for the Making Zen Online Retreat 
27 to 31 May 2024. This is a free 5 day textile art online event.

Betz White is one of the 20 textile artists you can enjoy her workshop at this retreat. 'Warm fuzzies', 'Sewing Green' and 'Present Perfect are her 3 published books too. Betz has so many great embroidery ideas, workshops and videos on her website.

This is your time to keep your creative mind fueled.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is g...

Make sure you register for the Making Zen Online Retreat 
27 to 31 May 2024. This is a free 5 day textile art online event.

Trixi brings her textile art and teaching skills for this retreat. She uses her Sew a Softie approach to teach hand stitching to both children and adults.

This is your time to keep your creative mind fueled.

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 b...

Make sure you register for the Making Zen Online Retreat 
27 to 31 May 2024. This is a free 5 day textile art online event.

Youngmin Lee practices traditional Korean textile techniques - Bojagi and Jogakbo handstitching.

28 years ago, after Youngmin trained in clothing, textiles and fashion design in Seoul, South Korea, she moved to the United States and she has continued to use her training in traditional Korean techniques of Bojagi and Korean wrapping skills. The skills she learnt and used in the Korean textiles industry is what we are able to get a glimpse of in Y...

During May, Lolie and Yvonne are running the pledge Seated Makes Challenge.

Take a chair and sit on it.

Have a bit of fun during Me Made May and include seated photos. We did discuss making sure your feet are parallel to the floor, no matter what your height is. Seated photos show how to fabric drapes over your mid-section.

Done is better than perfect.

There are prizes in this challenge but Lolie and Yvonne simply want you to add seated makes on your posts.

Be your creative self...

Make sure you register for the Making Zen Online Retreat 
27 to 31 May 2024. This is a free 5 day textile art online event.

Today Kate Ward of Zen Stitching discusses the amazing artists but wait for it... there are a few new features that might peak your interest this year.

You can still purchase the lifetime VIP access pass.

There is also a Creative Club on offer.

And to keep you creative, there's also an additional set of cards you can purchase to fuel your creative needs.

We kept this p...

Melanie is Sewmelwyk and she's been sewing and blogging for many years.

Melanie also a cofounder of the Stratford Garment Guild and has a great group of local sewists that meet monthly to share their makes.

You'll also find Melanie share her book reviews on her book IG account.

If her home ec teacher could see the sewing Melanie does now, she wouldn't believe it.

You can find Melanie's Following the Thread blog here

She uses Sewmelwyk on Instagram, Twitter and you can find Melanie on Pattern Review.

Matthew describes himself as a heel wearing stud muffin channelling his authentic otherness.

You'll find Matthew on Instagram and Tik Tok @hessewmatthew

Did I mention Matthew was a contestant on the Great British Sewing Bee Series 9? He is very easy to chat to and so supportive of the people around him. Matthew is a huge fan of Esme.

You'll hear his story and the type of sewing he is known for. Matthew breaks the rules and is always interested in showing a bit of skin with his designs. I love his plaid fabric...

Today's podcast features Lisa in a discussion where she reveals the heartbreaking story behind her dedication to spreading awareness for missing persons on her Instagram account, intertwined with her love for sewing.

What you will hear is how the sewing community has embraced both her sewing love and commitment to posting missing person posters on her Instagram account.

Please be aware, the discussion includes topics that might be distressing.

Below are the links to the organisations Lisa mentions in her podcast.

Locate International

Missing People

Missing People...

Kay, Sarah and Jo talk about how they're involved with The Nest Community and how their involvement means something to them too.

Kay and Sarah volunteer at The Nest Community. Jo is a teacher at Mitchelton High School and has brought groups of students to take part in The Exhange Project since 2021.

The Nest Community is a Brisbane charity that connects women purposefully through craft. The organisation has just undergone expansion and moved from a beautiful old house in Everton Part to a larger commercial space in Brendale.

Reselling fabric and notions through...

Louisa describes herself as the oldest person within the SewOver50 community. damselfly.ca 

She describes her body shape a diamond related. Louisa is a rarity and talented with her sewing, gardening and anything textile related.

Did you know she reads 200 books a year? This means her online friends at SewOver50 are who she hangs out with when she's not sewing or crafting.

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.

S...

Sarah of Sarahcsewing makes her sewing posts fun.

She looks at life. She sees the humour in life. Then Sarah consults with her kids and her husband. The mirth from their conversations comes through in her posts.

Sarah is a long time SewOver50 follower and she happily discusses a few of the videos she's posted that show just how funny life can be.

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 January we heard from Yvonne – The Wheelie Stitcher tell us about her experience in finding Mimiquins to create her seated dress form.

Today we'll hear from Jaire and Mia, the team who created mimiquins. Mimiquins is based in the UK. While they're based in the UK Jaire and Mia are making Mimiquins available to people who live outside of the UK.

Mia's background is in biochemistry and she has always sewn her end of year ballgowns, during her university years.

Jaire describes her background as boring 'business by accident'.

If you...

Roz Holt is the founder and CEO of The Nest Community in Brisbane, Queensland. She tells us about how her initial Craft Nest Project was the starting point for future collaborations and the eventual creation of The Nest Community.

The Nest Community is a Brisbane charity that connects women purposefully through craft. The organisation has just undergone expansion and moved from a beautiful old house in Everton Part to a larger commercial space in Brendale.

Reselling fabric and notions through their 130 volunteers at the shop provides lots to see and buy by over 500 visitors per...

Alethia of Sew Much Talent has created a community of sewists that share their sewing and design skills through their joy of being a community. "Sew, Create, Inspire, Teach"

Have you seen their facebook group yet?

Sew Much Talent has continued since the periscope days and with Alethia's various moderators, sewing challenges and stash busting are among the various activities this group thrives on.

Alethia talks about how she loves to keep the group humming along and from this group of 10,000 on Facebook, there are constant Live chats, celebrations within the group and...

In today's podcast Julie Eilber talks about sewing vintage styles and gives us some tips to sew fabric on the bias

In last week's episode you would have loved listening to Julie's knowledge of Claire McCardell and all the influences Claire had on American fashion in the early 1900s.

Julie is a fashion historian who re-creates 20th century designer looks.

Julie is very fascinating and has sewn since she was 8 years old. I first followed Julie on her blog Jet Set Sewing.

You can read...

Julie Eilber talks about Claire McCardell and all the influences Claire had on American fashion in the early 1900s.

Julie is a fashion historian who re-creates 20th century designer looks.

Julie is very fascinating and has sewn since she was 8 years old. I first followed Julie on her blog Jet Set Sewing.

You can read some of Julie's background on her blog. You can keep up to date with Julie through her Instagram account.

She also discusses her book about Claire...

Yvonne shares her story of finding a seated dressform.

She was also an amazing guest editor for SewOver50 recently too. Yvonne's guest post has been liked by over 1,300 accounts on the SewOver50 Instagram account. There were over 120 really insightful comments as well.

Please consider using #SewnShownSeated on your social media posts to provide valuable visibility for people who make clothes for seated positions.

Mimiquins is the seated dressform Yvonne has bought.

If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast...

Yvonne is an enthusiastic sewist and she's really keen to find makes that use #SewnShownSeated.

There are many people who also need to wear clothes that fit them well when they're seated so the need to sewn makes where you model them is a seated position is actually bigger than anyone realises.

In the next podcast, Yvonne is back to discuss some groundbreaking work she has been a part of.

I hope you enjoy Yvonne's sewing enthusiasm and help out by posting seated photos for your future makes.

If you are...

Lisa Walters is the owner and creator of A Sewing Life Sewing kits and sewing patterns for stuffed animals (asewinglife.com)

Her sewing journey started at the tender age of 8 years old when she sewed soft toys and sew each toys clothes. You could say those early days are what we're able to now enjoy through the toy patterns Lisa creates.

On today's episode you'll hear how her daughter Grace adds the story for each of the toy patterns and kits both Lisa and Grace create.

Lisa's sewing life has gone through many...

Jenny Rushmore is Cashmerette patterns. She's a supporter of the SewOver50 community on Instagram.

Representation is definitely very important to Cashmerette patterns and as Jenny says, 'while we can always improve, I'm pleased that we are doing a fairly decent job.'

Earlier this year Jenny helped SewOver50 with their very first visibility research project.

In this podcast we hear how Jenny saw the need to develop sewing patterns that she wanted to wear and that catered for women needing full cup adjustments, l...

Kathryn Hoang approached a few of us on Instagram to help her engineer a cutting tool to make the sewing process easier.

Did you comment on the 2 SewOver50 posts recently? Those 2 posts that many of you commented on, were designed to add a practical element to Kathryn's engineering project.

Kathryn's project scope was to design a product that aids in cutting fabric so that seniors may engage in their sewing hobby conveniently and with less strain compared to current tools on the market. 

Now be aware, her p...

Today we hear how sewing vintage clothes takes time and is great to do no matter what your body shape is or what your age is.

Sewing and wearing vintage clothes is not age defined.

Make sure you go to Jo's Instagram account to marvel at the well constructed vintage clothes she keeps sewing and loves to wear.

Just try it.

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

Joanna found her style when she turned 50. Did you have the same experience when you turned 50? 

On the podcast, Jo talks about how her natural grey hair and vintage style preference makes her work as an 'extra' a fun part of her lifestyle.

Jo started working as an 'extra' at a time when she needed to closely care for her son.

Being an 'extra' can be confronting. Especially when you're on a production set getting your hair and makeup done in the era of your parents. Have you had the experience of when y...

Christina not only sews her own activewear, she road tests them and will share those reviews on her Instagram account and on her YouTube account.

Here's how she reviews her work, "I started the day in a Rad CYOA slim and sweats (with an LBB and hellebore) and then changed for running into Sparks, Endurance, secret tank, pacific pullover. It started as 52F and overcast and poured rain when I was 3/4mi from home. Damp. The only thing you can see is the pullover so you'll just have to take my word for it.'

...

Jody Halliday upcycles because there's really no need to create new clothes from fresh fabric.

The British Fashion Council tells us there are enough garments already on planet Earth to clothe the next six generations of humanity.

As Jody says, 'I invite you to join me in using upcycled, existing materials as you continue your sewing journey.'

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. S...

Cassie of Primrose Dawn Designs recently developed a sewing pattern to create a breast form using her pattern developed for her sister-in-law called the Val breastform

Cassie had previously worked with Tina Bricolagedk (@bricolagedk) • Instagram photos and videos who we know is an advocate for sewing patterns that meet the needs of people living with the affects of cancer treatments.

You'll find previous breast cancer series podcasts on the podcast website at Breast cancer series – Sew organised style podcast

There are so many great resources on Cassie's website at Home (primrosedawn.com)

All...