Love to Sew
@lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social
A weekly podcast about garment sewing • hosted by Caroline Somos of Blackbird Fabrics + Helen Wilkinson of Helen's Closet • recorded in Vancouver 🇨🇦
https://lovetosewpodcast.com
https://lovetosewpodcast.com
Pauline Bruce took her sewing friendships off the internet and into real life! In this week's episode, she gives us tips on how to make sewing friends, tells us about her globe-trotting sewing journey, and lots more. Listen in for an episode that's like talking to a friend you've never met before!
October 15, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Pauline Bruce took her sewing friendships off the internet and into real life! In this week's episode, she gives us tips on how to make sewing friends, tells us about her globe-trotting sewing journey, and lots more. Listen in for an episode that's like talking to a friend you've never met before!
In this week's episode, we interview Pauline Bruce aka @sewuthinkucan! She’s a pattern hacking genius, Sew the Look specialist, and beloved member of the sewing community.
October 14, 2025 at 9:35 PM
In this week's episode, we interview Pauline Bruce aka @sewuthinkucan! She’s a pattern hacking genius, Sew the Look specialist, and beloved member of the sewing community.
Why do your pants ride up when you sit down? 🤔
When you're standing, pants hang pretty much straight down from your waist. When you sit, because of the bends in your hips and knees and the difference in flesh distribution, the same length of fabric has farther to travel.
When you're standing, pants hang pretty much straight down from your waist. When you sit, because of the bends in your hips and knees and the difference in flesh distribution, the same length of fabric has farther to travel.
September 12, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Why do your pants ride up when you sit down? 🤔
When you're standing, pants hang pretty much straight down from your waist. When you sit, because of the bends in your hips and knees and the difference in flesh distribution, the same length of fabric has farther to travel.
When you're standing, pants hang pretty much straight down from your waist. When you sit, because of the bends in your hips and knees and the difference in flesh distribution, the same length of fabric has farther to travel.
Sleeves on your knit garment too tight? It might be due to the DoGS! 🐕
DoGS = direction of greatest stretch. And it's as important for sewing knits as the grainline is for sewing wovens!
In this week's call-in episode, we chat about this and lots of other topics!
DoGS = direction of greatest stretch. And it's as important for sewing knits as the grainline is for sewing wovens!
In this week's call-in episode, we chat about this and lots of other topics!
September 11, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Sleeves on your knit garment too tight? It might be due to the DoGS! 🐕
DoGS = direction of greatest stretch. And it's as important for sewing knits as the grainline is for sewing wovens!
In this week's call-in episode, we chat about this and lots of other topics!
DoGS = direction of greatest stretch. And it's as important for sewing knits as the grainline is for sewing wovens!
In this week's call-in episode, we chat about this and lots of other topics!
We're BACK! 🎉🎉🎉
Our first episode of the fall season is a brand-new call-in episode! We answer sewing questions from our listeners: how to choose your size based on your fabric’s stretch percentage, what patterns to pick for a work capsule wardrobe, how to sew a curved French seam, and lots more!
Our first episode of the fall season is a brand-new call-in episode! We answer sewing questions from our listeners: how to choose your size based on your fabric’s stretch percentage, what patterns to pick for a work capsule wardrobe, how to sew a curved French seam, and lots more!
September 10, 2025 at 7:08 PM
We're BACK! 🎉🎉🎉
Our first episode of the fall season is a brand-new call-in episode! We answer sewing questions from our listeners: how to choose your size based on your fabric’s stretch percentage, what patterns to pick for a work capsule wardrobe, how to sew a curved French seam, and lots more!
Our first episode of the fall season is a brand-new call-in episode! We answer sewing questions from our listeners: how to choose your size based on your fabric’s stretch percentage, what patterns to pick for a work capsule wardrobe, how to sew a curved French seam, and lots more!
Denim is an amazing fabric - it's somehow both traditional AND cool! But it can be a little scary if you've never worked with it, especially in the heavier weights. Have no fear! In Episode 107: Denim, we talk about how to shop for it, how to sew with it, and what patterns to pick.
September 5, 2025 at 3:02 AM
Denim is an amazing fabric - it's somehow both traditional AND cool! But it can be a little scary if you've never worked with it, especially in the heavier weights. Have no fear! In Episode 107: Denim, we talk about how to shop for it, how to sew with it, and what patterns to pick.
Episode 15: Capsule Wardrobe Challenge is a fun blast from the past - and there's some great info, too!
Back in November 2017, we tried the 10x10 capsule challenge: 10 pieces, 10 days. We chose a (mostly me-made) capsule, styled it, wore it, and talked about the whole thing!
Back in November 2017, we tried the 10x10 capsule challenge: 10 pieces, 10 days. We chose a (mostly me-made) capsule, styled it, wore it, and talked about the whole thing!
August 30, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Episode 15: Capsule Wardrobe Challenge is a fun blast from the past - and there's some great info, too!
Back in November 2017, we tried the 10x10 capsule challenge: 10 pieces, 10 days. We chose a (mostly me-made) capsule, styled it, wore it, and talked about the whole thing!
Back in November 2017, we tried the 10x10 capsule challenge: 10 pieces, 10 days. We chose a (mostly me-made) capsule, styled it, wore it, and talked about the whole thing!
The BEST water for your iron is...
Filtered tap water! If you have a filter pitcher, tap filter, or fridge filter, that's what you want. The goal is to remove minerals that might gunk up the inside of your iron without changing the water all that much. Check out Love to Sew Episode 174: Pressing!
Filtered tap water! If you have a filter pitcher, tap filter, or fridge filter, that's what you want. The goal is to remove minerals that might gunk up the inside of your iron without changing the water all that much. Check out Love to Sew Episode 174: Pressing!
August 29, 2025 at 12:27 AM
The BEST water for your iron is...
Filtered tap water! If you have a filter pitcher, tap filter, or fridge filter, that's what you want. The goal is to remove minerals that might gunk up the inside of your iron without changing the water all that much. Check out Love to Sew Episode 174: Pressing!
Filtered tap water! If you have a filter pitcher, tap filter, or fridge filter, that's what you want. The goal is to remove minerals that might gunk up the inside of your iron without changing the water all that much. Check out Love to Sew Episode 174: Pressing!
Lyocell/Tencel is a wonderful fabric for summer - it's drapey and breathable. But what is it? In Episode 181: Lyocell/Tencel, we answer these questions and more:
🧵 How does it go from plant matter to finished fabric?
🧵 What is the difference between it and rayon?
🧵 What can you sew with it?
🧵 How does it go from plant matter to finished fabric?
🧵 What is the difference between it and rayon?
🧵 What can you sew with it?
July 10, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Lyocell/Tencel is a wonderful fabric for summer - it's drapey and breathable. But what is it? In Episode 181: Lyocell/Tencel, we answer these questions and more:
🧵 How does it go from plant matter to finished fabric?
🧵 What is the difference between it and rayon?
🧵 What can you sew with it?
🧵 How does it go from plant matter to finished fabric?
🧵 What is the difference between it and rayon?
🧵 What can you sew with it?
How to cut and press crinkly double gauze:
Step 1: Pre-wash and dry your fabric.
Step 2: Use a steamy iron to remove any major folds. Just use the steam and finger press the big folds out.
Step 3: Cut out your pattern pieces!
Listen to Episode 231: Double Gauze for lots more tips!
Step 1: Pre-wash and dry your fabric.
Step 2: Use a steamy iron to remove any major folds. Just use the steam and finger press the big folds out.
Step 3: Cut out your pattern pieces!
Listen to Episode 231: Double Gauze for lots more tips!
July 6, 2025 at 11:16 PM
How to cut and press crinkly double gauze:
Step 1: Pre-wash and dry your fabric.
Step 2: Use a steamy iron to remove any major folds. Just use the steam and finger press the big folds out.
Step 3: Cut out your pattern pieces!
Listen to Episode 231: Double Gauze for lots more tips!
Step 1: Pre-wash and dry your fabric.
Step 2: Use a steamy iron to remove any major folds. Just use the steam and finger press the big folds out.
Step 3: Cut out your pattern pieces!
Listen to Episode 231: Double Gauze for lots more tips!
Sewing is at least 30% cutting, and that's okay! In Episode 189: Cutting Patterns and Fabric, Helen said that she would get so frustrated in her early sewing days by how long the cutting part took. But now, she gives cutting the space and time it needs to be done well.
July 3, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Sewing is at least 30% cutting, and that's okay! In Episode 189: Cutting Patterns and Fabric, Helen said that she would get so frustrated in her early sewing days by how long the cutting part took. But now, she gives cutting the space and time it needs to be done well.
Caroline sewed up a storm for her trip to Croatia - the vibe was natural fibers, breezy garments, and pops of red. Doesn't she look amazing?
If you want to hear us chat about sewing for travel, including travel capsules, listen to Episode 273!
If you want to hear us chat about sewing for travel, including travel capsules, listen to Episode 273!
June 20, 2025 at 3:20 AM
Caroline sewed up a storm for her trip to Croatia - the vibe was natural fibers, breezy garments, and pops of red. Doesn't she look amazing?
If you want to hear us chat about sewing for travel, including travel capsules, listen to Episode 273!
If you want to hear us chat about sewing for travel, including travel capsules, listen to Episode 273!
When you’re making a jumpsuit, don’t skip the muslin! It’s like fitting a top and pants all at once - plus, the length adjustments are super important. For lots more about fitting and sewing jumpsuits, plus some great indie patterns recommendations, check out Episode 257: Overalls and Jumpsuits!
June 4, 2025 at 7:11 PM
When you’re making a jumpsuit, don’t skip the muslin! It’s like fitting a top and pants all at once - plus, the length adjustments are super important. For lots more about fitting and sewing jumpsuits, plus some great indie patterns recommendations, check out Episode 257: Overalls and Jumpsuits!
If Caroline could only sew one thing, it would be: block print dresses! 😍
In this week's episode, we share a bunch of interesting listener responses to the question: "If you could only sew one thing, what would it be?" And we share our answers, too!
In this week's episode, we share a bunch of interesting listener responses to the question: "If you could only sew one thing, what would it be?" And we share our answers, too!
May 16, 2025 at 5:29 PM
If Caroline could only sew one thing, it would be: block print dresses! 😍
In this week's episode, we share a bunch of interesting listener responses to the question: "If you could only sew one thing, what would it be?" And we share our answers, too!
In this week's episode, we share a bunch of interesting listener responses to the question: "If you could only sew one thing, what would it be?" And we share our answers, too!
If she could only sew one thing, Helen would choose: denim! 👖❤️
In this week's episode, we share a bunch of listener answers to the question, "If you could only sew one thing, what would it be?" And, of course, we share our own answers, too! Here are some of Helen's denim me-mades. 👖❤️
In this week's episode, we share a bunch of listener answers to the question, "If you could only sew one thing, what would it be?" And, of course, we share our own answers, too! Here are some of Helen's denim me-mades. 👖❤️
May 15, 2025 at 6:09 PM
If she could only sew one thing, Helen would choose: denim! 👖❤️
In this week's episode, we share a bunch of listener answers to the question, "If you could only sew one thing, what would it be?" And, of course, we share our own answers, too! Here are some of Helen's denim me-mades. 👖❤️
In this week's episode, we share a bunch of listener answers to the question, "If you could only sew one thing, what would it be?" And, of course, we share our own answers, too! Here are some of Helen's denim me-mades. 👖❤️
In this week's episode, we share our listeners' answers to the question: "If you could only sew one thing, what would it be?" @CelebratingNanaSkills had a great answer - and Helen couldn't resist imagining all the loopholes she could take advantage of! 😂
May 14, 2025 at 7:13 PM
In this week's episode, we share our listeners' answers to the question: "If you could only sew one thing, what would it be?" @CelebratingNanaSkills had a great answer - and Helen couldn't resist imagining all the loopholes she could take advantage of! 😂
It's a hard question! 🤔
We asked our listeners: “If you could only sew one thing, what would it be?” In this episode, we share their answers (and ours)! Listen in and get inspired - there are so many different kinds of answers!
What would your answer be?
We asked our listeners: “If you could only sew one thing, what would it be?” In this episode, we share their answers (and ours)! Listen in and get inspired - there are so many different kinds of answers!
What would your answer be?
May 13, 2025 at 10:00 PM
It's a hard question! 🤔
We asked our listeners: “If you could only sew one thing, what would it be?” In this episode, we share their answers (and ours)! Listen in and get inspired - there are so many different kinds of answers!
What would your answer be?
We asked our listeners: “If you could only sew one thing, what would it be?” In this episode, we share their answers (and ours)! Listen in and get inspired - there are so many different kinds of answers!
What would your answer be?
In this week's episode, we each made an eyelet garment and then revealed it to each other for the first time! Helen made a honeydew-coloured dress and Caroline made a red cropped peasant top. We weren't sure how we would feel about eyelet going in - but coming out, we were both loving it.
May 7, 2025 at 7:04 PM
In this week's episode, we each made an eyelet garment and then revealed it to each other for the first time! Helen made a honeydew-coloured dress and Caroline made a red cropped peasant top. We weren't sure how we would feel about eyelet going in - but coming out, we were both loving it.
Our newest "We Sew" episode is here! 🎉
We each sewed an eyelet garment, and now we’re going to tell each other about it for the first time! We discuss our fabric choices, pattern choices, sewing experiences, and lots more.
Have you ever sewed with eyelet?
We each sewed an eyelet garment, and now we’re going to tell each other about it for the first time! We discuss our fabric choices, pattern choices, sewing experiences, and lots more.
Have you ever sewed with eyelet?
May 6, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Our newest "We Sew" episode is here! 🎉
We each sewed an eyelet garment, and now we’re going to tell each other about it for the first time! We discuss our fabric choices, pattern choices, sewing experiences, and lots more.
Have you ever sewed with eyelet?
We each sewed an eyelet garment, and now we’re going to tell each other about it for the first time! We discuss our fabric choices, pattern choices, sewing experiences, and lots more.
Have you ever sewed with eyelet?
Caroline had a Gap jacket from the early aughts that she loved and wore on a trip to Italy. When listener Julia told us about HER fave velvet Gap jacket, it inspired Caroline to dig out her photos. We found a couple of indie patterns in case our listeners want to make their own!
May 2, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Caroline had a Gap jacket from the early aughts that she loved and wore on a trip to Italy. When listener Julia told us about HER fave velvet Gap jacket, it inspired Caroline to dig out her photos. We found a couple of indie patterns in case our listeners want to make their own!
A tip from this week’s episode: re-use patterns that you have already made adjustments to! You can change up the look by choosing a different fabric or a different sleeve view, for example. But skipping the fitting process will save you a lot of time and uncertainty!
May 1, 2025 at 6:08 PM
A tip from this week’s episode: re-use patterns that you have already made adjustments to! You can change up the look by choosing a different fabric or a different sleeve view, for example. But skipping the fitting process will save you a lot of time and uncertainty!
It's okay if you don't love to sew! 🫶
People sew for different reasons, including purely practical ones. And that is totally okay! We want all sewists to feel proud. ❤️
In this week's episode, we discuss how to make sewing more enjoyable (or less painful)!
People sew for different reasons, including purely practical ones. And that is totally okay! We want all sewists to feel proud. ❤️
In this week's episode, we discuss how to make sewing more enjoyable (or less painful)!
April 30, 2025 at 6:05 PM
It's okay if you don't love to sew! 🫶
People sew for different reasons, including purely practical ones. And that is totally okay! We want all sewists to feel proud. ❤️
In this week's episode, we discuss how to make sewing more enjoyable (or less painful)!
People sew for different reasons, including purely practical ones. And that is totally okay! We want all sewists to feel proud. ❤️
In this week's episode, we discuss how to make sewing more enjoyable (or less painful)!
In this episode, we chat about a really interesting email we got from a listener who doesn’t enjoy the sewing process. We talk about sewing for practical reasons versus sewing for the process, how to make the sewing process more enjoyable, and how to decide whether sewing is worth it.
April 29, 2025 at 5:07 PM
In this episode, we chat about a really interesting email we got from a listener who doesn’t enjoy the sewing process. We talk about sewing for practical reasons versus sewing for the process, how to make the sewing process more enjoyable, and how to decide whether sewing is worth it.
A few of our hemp makes!
✂️ Helen’s hemp and organic cotton denim June Pants.
✂️ Helen’s hemp and cotton jersey Jackson Tee.
✂️ Caroline’s hemp and organic cotton denim Pona Jacket.
Listen to this week's episode to find out more about sustainable, breathable, comfortable hemp fabrics!
✂️ Helen’s hemp and organic cotton denim June Pants.
✂️ Helen’s hemp and cotton jersey Jackson Tee.
✂️ Caroline’s hemp and organic cotton denim Pona Jacket.
Listen to this week's episode to find out more about sustainable, breathable, comfortable hemp fabrics!
April 24, 2025 at 6:20 PM
A few of our hemp makes!
✂️ Helen’s hemp and organic cotton denim June Pants.
✂️ Helen’s hemp and cotton jersey Jackson Tee.
✂️ Caroline’s hemp and organic cotton denim Pona Jacket.
Listen to this week's episode to find out more about sustainable, breathable, comfortable hemp fabrics!
✂️ Helen’s hemp and organic cotton denim June Pants.
✂️ Helen’s hemp and cotton jersey Jackson Tee.
✂️ Caroline’s hemp and organic cotton denim Pona Jacket.
Listen to this week's episode to find out more about sustainable, breathable, comfortable hemp fabrics!
If you don't know much about hemp, it's a good time to learn! Hemp is one of the oldest fibers used for clothing. It's strong, breathable, antimicrobial, and has GREAT eco-credentials. In this week's episode, we talk about how it's made into fabric, what to sew with it, and where to buy it!
April 24, 2025 at 12:12 AM
If you don't know much about hemp, it's a good time to learn! Hemp is one of the oldest fibers used for clothing. It's strong, breathable, antimicrobial, and has GREAT eco-credentials. In this week's episode, we talk about how it's made into fabric, what to sew with it, and where to buy it!