The Sewing Social

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In this episode of The Sewing Social, I’m joined by Chris Wincott (Haus of Wincott) to talk about his journey from experimenting with sewing as a child to developing his own ideas around fashion, textiles and design.
You might recognise Chris from M&S: Dress the Nation, but his creative journey goes much further than the show. We talk about how his early experiences with sewing developed into a passion for fashion, and how his own experiences have influenced the work he wants to create.
Chris has a particular interest in using fashion and textiles to start conversations around men's mental health, as well as exploring how clothing can be more innovative, sustainable and responsive. We chat about the ideas behind some of his projects, the role that sustainability plays in his work, and why clothing can be about so much more than simply what we wear.
We also talk about what happens after appearing on a TV competition and deciding to build something for yourself. Chris is now developing his own fashion house, Haus Of Wincott, and shares his ambitions for the brand and where he wants to take his work next.

In this episode, we talk about:
Chris's journey into sewing and fashion
His experience on M&S: Dress the Nation
Designing textiles with a focus on men's mental health
Sustainability and making fashion more thoughtfully
Innovative and reactive clothing
How personal experiences influence creative work
Building Haus Of Wincott
The relationship between fashion, identity and wellbeing
What it really means to build a career as an independent designer

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                     @thedalythread
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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

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 
The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Affiliate Links:
Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com
     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/
     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Guest Details: 
Instagram: @hausofwincott
                  : @lilsibwinnie
Website: www.hausofwincott.com
Podcast: That's Sew Fashion

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Chris's background in fashion
01:57 Early influences and childhood sewing experiments
03:26 Studying textiles and fashion, and final collection themes
04:53 Designing for men's mental health and emotional wellbeing
05:59 Innovations in reactive and sensory clothing
07:51 Color psychology and mood regulation in fashion
10:59 Experience on M&S Dress the Nation and lessons learned
16:10 Most proud moment on the TV show and overcoming pressure
18:01 Building Haus of Wincott and future vision
21:08 Sustainable fashion week collection and inspiration
25:02 Upcoming projects, collaborations, and podcast
33:03 Final thoughts, advice, and where to find Chris

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What does it take to turn a love of sewing into a successful sewing pattern and fabric business?
In this episode of The Sewing Social, I’m joined by Clair and Charlotte from Emporia Patterns to talk about their journey through the sewing world - from their early experiences with making and dressmaking to building an independent pattern and fabric business.
We chat about designing sewing patterns, the hardships of a small business and  how the sewing community has evolved alongside the rise of The Great British Sewing Bee.
Clair and Charlotte share what they’ve learnt along the way, how their approach to pattern design has developed, and what it’s really like turning something you love into a business.

In this episode, we talk about:
How Clair and Charlotte first discovered sewing and dressmaking
The journey from sewing enthusiast to independent sewing pattern designer
How Emporia Patterns came to be
What goes into creating and developing a sewing pattern
Building a sewing business and connecting with the sewing community
How The Great British Sewing Bee has influenced the world of sewing
The changing landscape of the independent sewing pattern industry
Finding your own creative style
The realities of running a small creative business
What keeps them excited about sewing and making
If you love sewing, dressmaking, indie sewing patterns, fabric and The Great British Sewing Bee, this is one to listen to.

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

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 
The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Affiliate Links:
Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com
     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/
     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Guest Details: 
Website: www.emporia-fabric.co.uk
Instagram: @emporia_patterns
                  : @emporia_designer
                  : @lottejamiesoncrafts

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Clair and Charlotte from Emporia Patterns
00:10 Early sewing stories and childhood influences
00:14 Clair's background in costume and clothing technology
00:16 The growth of the fabric shop and pattern business
00:17 Impact of COVID and online community support
00:21 Business challenges and fabric sale during tough times
00:27 Moving from shop to office and back to home
00:34 The importance of honesty and sharing struggles
00:54 Pattern development process and creative collaboration
01:02 The role of the Great British Sewing Bee and community
01:25 Favourite patterns and design inspirations
01:27 Future plans and hopes for Emporia Patterns

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Neil O’Dwyer has had anything but a conventional career. In this episode of The Sewing Social, Neil shares his unconventional journey from banking to tailoring, teaching and storytelling, and the unexpected role that sewing has played along the way.
We talk about what first drew Neil to tailoring and sewing, making a career change later in life, and how a series of unexpected opportunities led him from one career to the next. From working in banking to becoming a tailor, making lingerie for strippers, working as a film extra and eventually teaching maths and sewing, Neil’s career has taken some surprising turns.
Neil also talks about his storytelling show, Banker, Tailor, Teacher, Guy, and the experiences that inspired it. We explore creativity, learning new skills, changing careers and saying yes to opportunities, even when you don't know exactly where they might lead.
It's a conversation about work, sewing, creativity and finding your way — with a reminder that there isn't necessarily one right career path, and that it's never too late to learn something new or take things in a completely different direction.

Key Topics: 
Neil’s diverse career journey from banking to tailoring to teaching and storytelling
The importance of saying yes to opportunities and embracing change
How creativity can be a lifelong pursuit and a career path
Experiences at Saville Row and the impact on Neil’s skills
Using storytelling to inspire students and share life lessons
Neil’s involvement in Edinburgh Fringe and clown courses
The value of networking and connections in career development
Advice for those considering career changes and pursuing passions

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

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 
The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Affiliate Links:
Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com
     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/
     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Guest Details: 
Instagram: @uphereimalreadythere
                    @bankertailorteacherguy
Substack: Career Escapism

Chapters

00:00 Neil’s diverse career journey from banking to storytelling
01:53 The leap from banking to tailoring inspired by a friend
03:55 Training at Newham College and working on Savile Row
06:02 Experiences working at Savile Row and self-training
08:07 Transitioning from tailoring to film and fashion projects
09:57 Storytelling at Edinburgh Fringe and performing on stage
11:53 The importance of saying yes and embracing new experiences
13:54 Neil’s advice for career changers and lifelong learning
15:50 Using storytelling to inspire students and share life lessons
18:02 Balancing creativity with teaching and everyday life
19:54 Upcoming projects and future plans for Neil

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What happens when a passion for sewing grows into a platform designed to help sewists make more sustainable choices?
In this episode of The Sewing Social, Caroline Bacle joins us to talk about her journey from Montreal to London, her love of sewing and dressmaking, and the story behind Destasher - a platform created to help sewists give unwanted fabrics, sewing patterns, haberdashery and other sewing supplies a second life.
Caroline shares how her own experiences as a sewist led her to think differently about the amount of fabric and sewing supplies we accumulate, and how Destasher has grown into a community where sewists can buy, sell, share and discover materials that might otherwise go unused.
We chat about sustainable sewing, slow fashion, fabric destashing and the sewing community, as well as the challenges of building a platform around a community of people who love to make their own clothes.

In this episode, we talk about:
Caroline's journey from Montreal to London
How she discovered her passion for sewing and dressmaking
The story behind Destasher
Why sewists end up with so much fabric and sewing stash
Fabric destashing and giving unwanted materials a second life
The connection between sewing, slow fashion and conscious consumption
Building a community around sewing and making
The challenges of creating a platform for the sewing community
Why sharing resources can be an important part of more sustainable sewing
What she has learned from the sewing community along the way
The future of Destasher and where Caroline hopes to take it next

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

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 
The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Affiliate Links:
Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com
     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/
     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Guest Details: 
Instagram: @destasher_uk
Website: www.destasher.co.uk

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Caroline Bacle and her sewing journey
00:52 How lockdown sparked Caroline’s passion for sewing
02:03 The story behind Destasher and its community focus
02:59 Upcoming sewing events and initiatives
04:09 Tips for managing your sewing stash
05:06 The importance of sustainability and storytelling in textiles
06:00 Caroline’s future vision for Destasher
07:04 Closing thoughts and how to connect with Caroline

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In this episode of The Sewing Social, Lydia Finney (known online as "Lovely Lydia") talks about her journey into fabric printing, dressmaking and making clothes, exploring the technical skills and creative processes behind her work.
We chat about combining traditional sewing and textile techniques with modern creativity, developing confidence as a maker, and why craft should be accessible and inclusive to everyone - whatever your experience or skill level.
From fabric design and printing to dressmaking and the realities of learning new sewing skills, Lydia shares what she has discovered along the way and what continues to inspire her as a maker.
Whether you're new to sewing, an experienced dressmaker, or simply interested in fabric and textiles, this episode is full of inspiration and practical insight.

Key Topics: 

Lydia's transition from civil service to fabric printing and dressmaking
The importance of technical skills in sewing and printing
How to combine fabric printing with garment making
The role of colour and pattern in personal style
Opportunities for craft education and inclusivity in the community
The process of lino and woodblock printing for textiles
Upcycling garments with fabric printing
Overcoming self-doubt and celebrating craft achievements

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

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 
The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Affiliate Links:
Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com
     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/
     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Guest Details: 
Instagram: @lovely_._lydia
                  : @she_who_sews
Website: www.lovelylydia.co.uk

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction to Lydia Finney and her creative background
04:05 Discovering vintage Bernina and early sewing experiences
07:22 The technical complexity of dressmaking and its artistry
08:08 The reality of making mistakes and sharing imperfect work
09:23 The importance of craftsmanship in mass-produced clothing
11:22 Lydia's career before craft and her move to Suffolk
12:47 Everyone's creative potential and opportunities for craft
14:02 The accessibility of lino and block printing for beginners
15:52 Tools and techniques for lino and woodblock printing
16:39 The joy of teaching and inspiring all ages in craft
17:25 Access to craft
20:58 Lydia's first lino design and inspiration from Suffolk
22:28 Creating unique garments with fabric printing
24:28 Combining fabric printing with sewing for custom designs
27:24 Fixing fabric paint and tools for printing
28:34 The process of creating lino designs and tools needed
31:47 Safety tips for lino carving and craft tools
32:36 Natural fabrics versus synthetics for printing
33:25 The role of colour in Lydia's creative life
34:45 Upcoming projects and workshops with Lydia