The podcast begins with our statement against anti-black racism. We talk about how the sewing community has a racism problem, and we offer our podcast as a platform for black sewists if they wish to talk about these issues and others. If you are interested in this, drop us a line at our website at clothesmakingmavens.com.We then go into the episode we had recorded previously in which Lori and Helena, along with Joy Correspondent Hila and "Font of All Sewing Knowledge" Barbara, discuss the various sewing phases we've been through. The fit-and-flare dress phase? Check. The sew someone's entire bridal party dresses phase? Mercifully short lived, but check. The phase of Magical Thinking (aka forgetting that it takes WORK to transform that pattern you just bought into an actual garment)? Check. The sewing beautiful gowns for fancy parties we never get invited to phase? Also, check!

The podcast begins with our statement against anti-black racism. We talk about how the sewing community has a racism problem, and we offer our podcast as a platform for black sewists if they wish to talk about these issues and others. If you are interested in this, drop us a line at our website at <a href="http://clothesmakingmavens.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">clothesmakingmavens.com</a>. We then go into the episode we had recorded previously in which Lori and Helena, along with Joy Correspondent Hila and "Font of All Sewing Knowledge" Barbara, discuss the various sewing phases we've been through. The fit-and-flare dress phase? Check. The sew someone's entire bridal party dresses phase? Mercifully short lived, but check. The phase of Magical Thinking (aka forgetting that it takes WORK to transform that pattern you just bought into an actual garment)? Check. The sewing beautiful gowns for fancy parties we never get invited to phase? Also, check!

Podcast Ep041: Sewing Phases

Muna and Broad is a new indie pattern company that specializes in making patterns in sizes that start where most other patterns end their sizing. We talk to Leila and Jess of Muna and Broad about why they started the company, what impact it's having on size inclusivity in sewing patterns, how they manage to work together from opposite ends of the planet, and why the beginner's feeling of "being totally free to really suck" is so amazing.

Podcast Ep040: Leila and Jess of Muna & Broad

Our Font of All Sewing Knowledge Barbara laments that the Big Four sewing pattern companies (Vogue, Butterick, McCalls, and Simplicity) aren't what they once were. Has the art and craft of pattern drafting taken a turn for the worse? The Mavens weigh in on what clues to look for to assess how well a pattern might be drafted before you cut your fabric, and talk about their favourite indie pattern alternatives to the Big Four. Inevitably, we find ourselves complaining about taping PDF patterns together, so we explore the emerging practice of using a projector to trace patterns directly onto fabric. Lastly, our Joy Correspondent Hila asks us to imagine what our 'dream sewing life' would look like, and tells us how to help make it happen through mood boards.A note for our listeners: We've chosen to carry on talking about sewing without reference to COVID-19. We hope this provides you with a bit of respite from the harsh realities of the world right now. Stay home, be kind, and stay well.

Our Font of All Sewing Knowledge Barbara laments that the Big Four sewing pattern companies (Vogue, Butterick, McCalls, and Simplicity) aren't what they once were. Has the art and craft of pattern drafting taken a turn for the worse? The Mavens weigh in on what clues to look for to assess how well a pattern might be drafted before you cut your fabric, and talk about their favourite indie pattern alternatives to the Big Four. Inevitably, we find ourselves complaining about taping PDF patterns together, so we explore the emerging practice of using a projector to trace patterns directly onto fabric. Lastly, our Joy Correspondent Hila asks us to imagine what our 'dream sewing life' would look like, and tells us how to help make it happen through mood boards. A note for our listeners: We've chosen to carry on talking about sewing without reference to COVID-19. We hope this provides you with a bit of respite from the harsh realities of the world right now. Stay home, be kind, and stay well.

Podcast Ep039: What's Happened to the Big 4 Pattern Companies?

Emilia Bergoglio

Helena and Lori chat sewing with Emilia Bergoglio, whose minimalist style and sustainable approach are informed by not only Emilia's Italian heritage, but also her current life in Tokyo.

Podcast Ep038: Sewing in Japan with Emilia Bergoglio

We decided to start the year with some fun by getting ALL FOUR Clothes Making Mavens together to talk about our plans for the new year. We found that we all have different ways of approaching our sewing project planning! Planning can be fun and inspirational, or suck all the fun out of our creative endeavors. How do we make it work for us? And can Lori guess everyone’s planning style off the top of her head?

Podcast Ep037: A Mavens Extravaganza!

Montoya Mayo

In this episode, Lori invites you to join in the #SlowFashion2020 challenge, our Joy Correspondent Hila recommends some great sewing-themed books for you to slow down and enjoy, and the Mavens chat with Montoya Mayo about her bold and colourful wardrobe that features plenty of Ankara fabric.

Podcast Ep036: Montoya Mayo

After a filling each other in on a few life updates, we get down to what we've sewn lately. Helena had some fails to share and then we move on to talk about more successful projects. We also hear from a listener on her new mantra for sewing up her stash, and the lovely Hila joins us for a fresh perspective on Micromastery. It is an inspiring way to rekindle or continue our sewing mojo when life gets in the way.

Podcast Ep035: sewing, micromastery, and life

Sometimes we like to use our sewing superpowers for good. In this episode, we share ideas for how our passion for sewing can help more than just our own closets. First, Barbara shares her enthusiasm for helping new sewers fall in love with our hobby. Then Lori and Helena interview Pam Damour and Loriann Payne about their trip to Huánuco, Peru to teach beginning sewing skills with Pam's non-profit Sewing with a Mission. During that unforgettable experience, they met and taught sewing to many women, while Loriann's husband offered much needed repairs to sewing machines. We also share many other ways we can contribute with our sewing skills to several different causes closer to home.

Podcast Ep034: Sewing for a Good Cause

After the impromptu pledge of no more fabric buying live on last month's episode, both Lori and Helena have taken another look at their stashes. There are a lot of ways to look at those piles of fabric we inevitably collect as sewers. How do we feel about it, how do we manage it? We asked Psychic Sewer Kathleen about her stash habits, too. We also dove into how Kathleen's psychic abilities play out in her life, profession and in her sewing. And our Joy Correspondent Hila pops in to spread a little, well, joy!

Podcast Ep033: Confessions of a Serial Stasher with Psychic Sewer Kathleen

Pull up a sewing machine and grab a cuppa and get your sewing chat on! Lori &amp; Helena catch up on what they've been sewing, their trip to Portland, Oregon to hang out with 98 of their best sewing friends, and more. They also find themselves accidentally committing to a fabric buying fast for the rest of the year! Barbara Emodi checks in with tales from Tulsa, and we introduce a new correspondent who's on a mission to bring you sewing joy.

Podcast Ep032: Sewing, Stashing and Traveling

Clothes Making Mavens is a sewing podcast about handmade fashion. Helena and Lori discuss their favourite pastime--sewing clothes--and talk to other people who are also passionate about sewing. For information and episodes, visit ClothesMakingMavens.com.

Very impressed

I just listened to Episode #19, and I&#39;m hooked! Going back to Episode #1, so I can hear it all.

Where have you been all my life?

Clothes Making Mavens is a sewing podcast about handmade fashion. Helena and Lori discuss their favourite pastime--sewing clothes--and talk to other people who are also passionate about sewing. For information and episodes, visit <a href="http://ClothesMakingMavens.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ClothesMakingMavens.com</a>.

Clothes Making Mavens

Fabric Zeal - What do sewists talk about when they get together? Fabric! Helena and Lori find so much inspiration in fabric and they bet you do, too. This month they talk about their favorite fabrics to sew with, where they buy their treasures, the exciting possibility of designing their own, and challenges they've encountered. They also introduce a new regular contributor to the discussion, Maris Olsen from SewMaris.com.    Show notes are posted here: http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/?p=200

Fabric Zeal - What do sewists talk about when they get together? Fabric! Helena and Lori find so much inspiration in fabric and they bet you do, too. This month they talk about their favorite fabrics to sew with, where they buy their treasures, the exciting possibility of designing their own, and challenges they've encountered. They also introduce a new regular contributor to the discussion, Maris Olsen from <a href="http://SewMaris.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SewMaris.com</a>. Show notes are posted here: <a href="http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/?p=200" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/?p=200</a>

Podcast Ep003: Fabric Zeal

When we sew garments, we're sewing to fit our bodies. But women's bodies change often -- at least once a month. So we're Sewing with the Flow on this episode: sewing for menstruation and menopause. Lori &amp; Helena talk with Erin Van Handel of the sewing blog Sie Macht to talk about garments and accessories that might make us feel comfy during that time of the month. We hear from Erin Beauchamp about her successful quest to sew the perfect period underwear. And Barbara Emodi drops some humourous wisdom on the subject.

Podcast Ep020: Sew with the Flow

Helena and Lori discuss their recent adventures in Mood and LA fashion district when they finally met for the first time! They also discuss some of their thoughts about taking on the RTW Fast challenge for 2018. You'll also hear from another RTW-Faster who is only just learning how to sew! And Barbara Emodi weighs in with thoughts on the need for speed and fast fashion.

Podcast Ep019: Fast Fashion Fasting

It seems that neither Helena nor Lori suffer from being uninspired - they both say the world provides more inspiration than they can handle! In this episode they chat about all the ways their lists of sewing projects grow long, longer and longest.We also hear from several listeners about their proudest sewing moments. We loved the contributions! Maris Olson, our resident sewing teacher, gets passionate about trying all those different sewing feet your machine probably came with. They can really elevate your sewing!Show notes are posted here: http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/?p=221

It seems that neither Helena nor Lori suffer from being uninspired - they both say the world provides more inspiration than they can handle! In this episode they chat about all the ways their lists of sewing projects grow long, longer and longest. We also hear from several listeners about their proudest sewing moments. We loved the contributions! Maris Olson, our resident sewing teacher, gets passionate about trying all those different sewing feet your machine probably came with. They can really elevate your sewing! Show notes are posted here: <a href="http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/?p=221" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/?p=221</a>

Podcast Ep005: Inspiration Overload

Lori and Helena charged through 2018 with high hopes and big dreams, but didn't quite make their goal of not purchasing clothes for the entire year. Both still learned a lot from their experience, and they share their findings. But they didn't learn half as much as our returning guest Emily, who checked back in for a wrap up of her journey to learn how to sew during this year long challenge! And Barbara's personal challenge of trying out smaller Indie patterns reveals some gems and an appreciation of some great drafting and pattern testing.

Podcast Ep029: What we loved, hated, and learned in 2018

An interview with PatternReview.com's fearless leader, Deepika Prakash, about the resources you may not be familiar with on the community-driven site. With her heart full of love for sewing, Deepika facilitates a wonderful community of passionate sewists that offer help, encouragement and knowledge for everyone. She also answers the burning question "What is it like to work in an office stocked with every pattern imaginable?"

An interview with <a href="http://PatternReview.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PatternReview.com</a>'s fearless leader, Deepika Prakash, about the resources you may not be familiar with on the community-driven site. With her heart full of love for sewing, Deepika facilitates a wonderful community of passionate sewists that offer help, encouragement and knowledge for everyone. She also answers the burning question "What is it like to work in an office stocked with every pattern imaginable?"

Podcast Ep014: Deepika from Pattern Review

Barbara Emodi

Lori and Helena talked holiday sewing with the hilarious and enthusiastic Barbara from Sewing on the Edge. We discuss sewing gifts and also Barbara's book, SEW ...The Garment-Making Book of Knowledge: Real-Life Lessons from a Serial Sewist, which is available for pre-order now. Show notes - http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/episode-16-barbara-from-sewing-on-the-edge/

Lori and Helena talked holiday sewing with the hilarious and enthusiastic Barbara from Sewing on the Edge. We discuss sewing gifts and also Barbara's book, SEW ...The Garment-Making Book of Knowledge: Real-Life Lessons from a Serial Sewist, which is available for pre-order now. Show notes - <a href="http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/episode-16-barbara-from-sewing-on-the-edge/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/episode-16-barbara-from-sewing-on-the-edge/</a>

Podcast Ep016: Barbara Emodi from Sewing on the Edge

Clothes Making Mavens is a sewing podcast about handmade fashion. Helena interviews the prolific sewing blogger Lori VanManaan, who sews beautiful garments and bags for herself, her daughters and now her little grandson. She contributes to the Mood Sewing Network and IndieSew.com, so she has access to beautiful fabrics and the latest indie patterns.  We talk about her wonderful podcast Sew Forth Now, which was one of the first podcasts specific to garment sewing. We talked about the amazing guests she had on and what helpful information they offered so generously. I hope this interview inspires you to check out her old episodes as well as Lori’s current creations on her blog.Show notes are posted here: http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/?p=215

Clothes Making Mavens is a sewing podcast about handmade fashion. Helena interviews the prolific sewing blogger Lori VanManaan, who sews beautiful garments and bags for herself, her daughters and now her little grandson. She contributes to the Mood Sewing Network and <a href="http://IndieSew.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">IndieSew.com</a>, so she has access to beautiful fabrics and the latest indie patterns. We talk about her wonderful podcast Sew Forth Now, which was one of the first podcasts specific to garment sewing. We talked about the amazing guests she had on and what helpful information they offered so generously. I hope this interview inspires you to check out her old episodes as well as Lori’s current creations on her blog. Show notes are posted here: <a href="http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/?p=215" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/?p=215</a>

Podcast Ep004 : Lori of Girls in the Garden

In this episode, we reached out to hear some different perspectives on the question of "What do in-person sewing community meet-ups contribute to your sewing experience?"Lori and Helena recap their fun experience at PR weekend, then we hear from Mimi G, sewing and blogging superstar. We also reached out to three of our new friends from PR weekend to find out what they thought, and our Maven Barbara shares some thoughts.

In this episode, we reached out to hear some different perspectives on the question of "What do in-person sewing community meet-ups contribute to your sewing experience?" Lori and Helena recap their fun experience at PR weekend, then we hear from Mimi G, sewing and blogging superstar. We also reached out to three of our new friends from PR weekend to find out what they thought, and our Maven Barbara shares some thoughts.

Podcast Ep023: Sewing Community IRL

Emily Hallman

Color

One thing that we love about Emily Hallman is that she knows her style! Her blog and especially her Instagram feed is a party for the eyes as she organizes her sewing into "collections" that tell a strong color story and mix and match in such a pleasing way.

Podcast Ep025: Emily Hallman Designs in Color

Marcy Harriell

In this interview with the fabulous Marcy Harriell of the Oonaballoona blog, Lori and Helena got the scoop on Marcy's exciting new project, where she combines her comfort in front of a camera (she is a working actor) with her flair for fashion and sewing. Marcy stars in the new Bluprint (formerly Craftsy Unlimited) show entitled "Re:Fashion" where she takes basics or thrift store finds and gives them that Oonaballoona flair that we all love so much.

Podcast Ep024: An Interview with Marcy Harriell of Oonaballoona

Here is another Sew Small Talk between Helena and Lori – but neither has been sewing much! Does your sewing output sometimes slump? They wanted to overcome this lack of SewJo (sewing motivation) and gathered some tips and tricks to try themselves and hope maybe these ideas could help you overcome your lack of sewjo, too.Lori fills us in on her exciting trip to Africa and the moving reason for her trip. Warning: this episode gets a little graphic as we discuss the horrifying details of Female Genital Circumcision that is currently practiced in many parts of Africa. It may raise some questions with younger listeners. Lori’s awesome students are helping to educate us all on what is happening and, more importantly, how AMREF Canada (African Medical Research and Education Foundation) is changing the practice. And Lori unexpectedly found some sewing joy in Kenya, too!Show notes are posted here: http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/?p=254

Here is another Sew Small Talk between Helena and Lori – but neither has been sewing much! Does your sewing output sometimes slump? They wanted to overcome this lack of SewJo (sewing motivation) and gathered some tips and tricks to try themselves and hope maybe these ideas could help you overcome your lack of sewjo, too. Lori fills us in on her exciting trip to Africa and the moving reason for her trip. Warning: this episode gets a little graphic as we discuss the horrifying details of Female Genital Circumcision that is currently practiced in many parts of Africa. It may raise some questions with younger listeners. Lori’s awesome students are helping to educate us all on what is happening and, more importantly, how AMREF Canada (African Medical Research and Education Foundation) is changing the practice. And Lori unexpectedly found some sewing joy in Kenya, too! Show notes are posted here: <a href="http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/?p=254" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/?p=254</a>

Podcast Ep009: Sewjo

We thought, while the new year is still fresh, that we would highlight some of fun Challenges and Sewalongs in case you wanted to jump in with us! We have 3 mini interviews to share, a primer on interfacing from our expert Maris, as well as a fun segment by our newest contributor, Barbara Emodi.

Podcast Ep018: Pick a Challenge or a Sewalong!

Michelle Morris

Lori had a chat with one of the most daring and innovative sewing bloggers out there; Michelle from www.ThatBlackChic.com. She designs, sews and photographs her garments with such an artistic vision that we can’t help but admire her work. Michelle dives into the how and why of her amazing creations during this interview, as well as her exciting plans for a future sewing magazine that includes diverse perspectives on sewing, but with an emphasis on fashion sewing while learning and trying new things. Show notes are posted here: http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/?p=313

Lori had a chat with one of the most daring and innovative sewing bloggers out there; Michelle from <a href="http://www.ThatBlackChic.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ThatBlackChic.com</a>. She designs, sews and photographs her garments with such an artistic vision that we can’t help but admire her work. Michelle dives into the how and why of her amazing creations during this interview, as well as her exciting plans for a future sewing magazine that includes diverse perspectives on sewing, but with an emphasis on fashion sewing while learning and trying new things. Show notes are posted here: <a href="http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/?p=313" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/?p=313</a>

Podcast Ep010: Michelle Morris of That Black Chic

Alex of Sewrendipity is our guest. We love her style and you're going to love her energy! She tells us what it was like to be a contestant on the Great British Sewing Bee, her thoughts on crafting a meaningful wardrobe and sewing sustainably, and much more.

Podcast Ep028: Alex of Sewrendipity on the Great British Sewing Bee and Sustainable Sewing

Clothes Making Mavens is a sewing podcast about handmade fashion. In this Sew Small Talk episode, hosts Helena and Lori chat with guest Dawn of Two On Two Off (http://twoontwooff.blogspot.ca)all about sewing athletic wear. Show notes are posted here: http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/?p=317

Clothes Making Mavens is a sewing podcast about handmade fashion. In this Sew Small Talk episode, hosts Helena and Lori chat with guest Dawn of Two On Two Off (<a href="http://twoontwooff.blogspot.ca" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://twoontwooff.blogspot.ca</a>)all about sewing athletic wear. Show notes are posted here: <a href="http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/?p=317" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/?p=317</a>

Podcast Ep011: Athletic Wear with Dawn from Two On Two Off

Helena and Lori chat about sewing contests and sewalongs; listeners give us their take on what makes something look handmade and whether that's a good or bad thing; and Maven Maris gives her tips on hand-sewing.Show notes are posted here: http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/?p=237

Helena and Lori chat about sewing contests and sewalongs; listeners give us their take on what makes something look handmade and whether that's a good or bad thing; and Maven Maris gives her tips on hand-sewing. Show notes are posted here: <a href="http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/?p=237" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.clothesmakingmavens.com/?p=237</a>

Podcast Ep007: Sewing Contests & Sewalongs

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