Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Erica shares her inspiring journey from police officer to skilled traditional upholsterer, transforming her career through creativity and craftsmanship.

She highlights her commitment to sustainable upholstery, using eco-friendly materials and preserving time-honoured techniques.

She also introduces the innovative Sew & Stow cutting board, designed to make fabric cutting easier, more efficient, and more precise for makers of all levels.

Discover how Erica is building a purpose-driven craft business, championing sustainable sewing practices, and empowering others through hands-on upholstery courses and creative education.

Key Takeaways:

• Erica's career transitioned from British Telecom to the Police force, and then onto upholstery
• She emphasises the importance of eco-friendly and natural materials in upholstery
• She developed the Sew & Stow fabric cutting board from a board she had made for herself
• Erica talks about how craft and upholstery can aid mental health and well-being
• Erica explains her approach to teaching upholstery and empowering others

Follow me:

Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod

@thedalythread

Tiktok: thesewingsocialpod

If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please

Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod

Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:

thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

Guest Details:

Sew and Stow website: https://sewandstow.co.uk

Instagram: @sewandstow.uk

Facebook: byericajane

Discount code for listeners (£10 off a cutting board): Sewingsocialpod

Affiliate Links:

• Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com

Discount code for 10% off your first month - SOCIALPOD10

Resources:

Leanne Treadwell - Bristol Upholstery Collective - https://www.bristolupholsterycollective.co.uk

Renee Hodson - Master Upholsterer - https://www.reneehodson.co.uk

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties

00:10 Erica's Journey into Sewing and Upholstery

02:22 Transition from Police Officer to Upholsterer

05:13 The Impact of Personal Loss and Finding Purpose

08:04 Traditional Upholstery Techniques and Materials

10:56 The Importance of Natural Materials in Upholstery

13:37 Teaching Upholstery and Community Engagement

16:37 Upholstery as a Therapeutic Craft

19:33 Challenges and Standout Projects in Upholstery

25:28 The Art of Upholstery: Techniques and Insights

28:04 Sewing Journey: From Upholstery to Fashion

30:21 Innovating the Cutting Board: The Sew and Stow Story

49:52 Sew and Stow: Eco-Friendly Solutions and Future Plans

56:33 Outro - Kofi

Send a text

In this episode, Izzy shares her inspiring journey from a career in landscape architecture to launching her own sewing business, Izzo Sew Studio.

She talks about how her passion for sewing grew into a platform that helps others build confidence in making and fitting their own clothes.

Izzy discusses the power of sewing as a form of self-expression, a more sustainable approach to fashion, and a way to connect with a supportive creative community.

We also dive into her approach to garment fitting and pattern drafting, along with practical insights that can help sewists better understand their bodies and achieve clothes that truly fit.

Izzy shares what inspired her to start hosting sewing retreats, workshops, and socials, and how these events bring people together to learn, share skills, and enjoy sewing in a welcoming environment.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to develop your sewing skills further, this episode is full of inspiration, practical advice, and encouragement for anyone interested in making their own wardrobe. 🧵✨

Key Takeaways:

• Izzy began her sewing journey in Nepal in the foothills of the Himalayas
• She qualified as a Landscape Architect but now runs her own business as a Pattern Designer and Fitting Expert
• Izzy runs Izzo Sew Studio with her husband Tim
• They run several retreats across the country including The Lake District, The Peak District and Ascot.
• Izzy feels that making your own clothes is a reflection of who you are and repeatedly wearing your handmade wardrobe makes it sustainable.

Follow me:

Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod

@thedalythread

Tiktok: thesewingsocialpod

If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please

Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod

Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:

thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

Affiliate Links:

• Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com

Discount code for 10% off your first month - SOCIALPOD10

Guest Details:

Instagram - @izzosewstudio

Website - https://www.izzosewstudio.com

Facebook: Izzo Sew Studio

New Beginner Bespoke Dressmaking Course: https://www.izzosewstudio.com/learn-to-sew

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Izzy and Izzo Sew Studio

00:43 Izzy's Sewing Beginnings

02:37 Career Transition to Sewing

08:26 A Day in the Life of Izzy

10:33 Benefits of Learning to Sew

14:32 Sewing Retreats: A Creative Escape

18:03 Personalised Guidance and Fitting Techniques

22:31 Sewing Social Days: Community and Connection

22:48 Sewing and Sustainability: A Perfect Match

24:17 Exciting Upcoming Events and Workshops

28:56 Fun and Games: This or That?

31:49 Outro

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Becky from Pattern, Paper, Scissors, shares her journey from fashion designer to founder of a creative sewing brand designing patterns for children and families.

Becky also sells fabrics, kits and designs sewing labels in her online shop.

We talk about the realities of balancing motherhood and business, the power of creativity, her passion for sustainable fashion, and why making time for the things you love truly matters.

She also gives us an insight into her pattern designing work for Prima Magazine.

Key Takeaways:

• Becky has a background in fashion design and studied this at University
• She started her business Pattern Paper Scissors after she'd had her first child
• Becky talks about the importance of sustainable fashion and slow sewing
• She gives some tips for carving out sewing time as a busy parent/busy person
• Designing versatile, unisex, and practical kids' patterns is the heart of her business
• She balances multiple roles: pattern designer/editor, fabric seller, and business owner
• Becky talks about the emotional and educational value of handmade clothing for children

Follow me:

Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod

@thedalythread

TikTok: thesewingsocialpod

If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please

Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod

Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:

thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

Guest details:

Instagram: @pattern_paper_scissors

Website: www.patternpaperscissors.co.uk

Facebook: Pattern Paper Scissors

TikTok: @patternpaperscissors

Sponsor details:

Debbie: @thismummysews

Click the link below to find out what your special treat is!

www.thismummysews.com/free-resources

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Becky and Her Sewing Journey
02:09 Transitioning from Fashion Industry to Entrepreneurship
06:59 Sustainability in Fashion and Its Impact on Children
08:43 Designing and Drafting Skills in Fashion
10:47 Creating a Collection for Kids
13:06 The Importance of Comfort in Children's Clothing
19:15 The Value of Handmade Clothing
23:08 Overview of Pattern Paper Scissors
27:07 Exciting Future Plans
28:55 Fun This or That Game
31:21 Outro tip on Kofi