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In this episode of the Sewing Social podcast, Emma from Studio 7T7 shares her journey from working in the film industry, specifically in creature costume design, to becoming a bag-making designer and community curator.

She discusses her experiences on iconic films like Harry Potter and Star Wars, the challenges faced in the film industry, and how her passion for sewing led her to create unique bag patterns.

Emma emphasises the importance of problem-solving in her work and the joy of teaching others the skills she has acquired over the years.

In this engaging conversation, Emma shares insights into the world of bag design, the joy of creating patterns, and the importance of community in the sewing world.

She discusses her unique approach to subscription boxes and memberships, emphasising the value of customer experience and creativity.

The conversation also touches on upcoming challenges and patterns, showcasing the vibrant and supportive sewing community.

Key take aways:

• Emma has over 20 years of experience in film and TV.
• She started her career in creature costume design.
• Emma worked on iconic films like Harry Potter and Star Wars.
• The film industry is highly competitive and challenging.
• Costume making involves a lot of collaboration and adaptation.
• Emma transitioned to bag making to balance family life.
• She started Studio 7T7 as a sideline business.
• Emma's bag patterns are unique and innovative.
• She emphasises the importance of teaching sewing skills.
• Problem-solving is a key aspect of Emma's creative process. "There's nothing worse than getting a pattern and then there's no pockets."
• Emma loves to see what people make from her patterns and her boxes.
• The friendships within the membership group are blossoming.
• Emma's subscription box is a curated box of bag making supplies
• The membership is like a snapshot into what the community is like.

Follow me on Instagram:

@thesewingsocialpod

@thedalythread

Guest details:

Instagram: @studio7T7

Website: www.studio7T7.co.uk

Facebook: Studio 7T7

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Emma and Her Journey
01:00 From Film to Fabric: Emma's Career in Creature Costumes
06:00 Behind the Scenes: The Making of Iconic Characters
11:01 Challenges in the Film Industry: The Reality of Costume Making
15:51 Transitioning to a New Path: Family and Career Balance
19:10 The Birth of Studio 7T7: From Toys to Bags
24:59 Innovative Bag Patterns: Merging Skills and Creativity
30:09 The Joy of Bag Design
34:10 Building a Community Through Memberships
37:56 Subscription Boxes: A Unique Approach
42:59 Engaging Challenges and Live Events
46:13 Sneak Peeks and Future Patterns
49:14 Quickfire This or That Game

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In this episode of the Sewing Social Podcast, Gemma Daly interviews Rachel Bearn, who shares her journey into slow living and crafting whilst facing chronic illness.

Rachel discusses the healing power of handmade crafts, her commitment to sustainability, and the physical and mental health benefits of engaging in creative activities.

She also offers insights into managing crafting with chronic illness, her self-taught journey into sewing and knitting, and the positive impact of social media in the crafting community.

Rachel reveals her upcoming projects, including her first book that intertwines her faith with her crafting ethos.

Key Takeaways:

• Rachel's journey into slow living began following the diagnosis of a chronic illness.
• Crafting has been a healing process for Rachel.
• Sustainability is a core principle in Rachel's crafting ethos.
• Mental health benefits are linked to engaging in crafts.
• Setting a timer can help manage energy levels while crafting.
• Rachel emphasises the importance of using what you already have.
• Social media can be a positive space for crafters.
• Rachel's first book will be released in September.
• Crafting should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
• The crafting community on social media is supportive and inspiring.
• Choosing fabrics with ethical supply chains is challenging but important.

Follow me:

Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod

@thedalythread

Guest details:

YouTube and Instagram: @byrachelbearn

Link to Rachel's new book preorder: A year to slow down

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0281091137?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_19WKG2W4E0TZQWG3557G&bestFormat=true

https://www.waterstones.com/book/a-year-to-slow-down/rachel-bearn/9780281091133

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Slow Living and Crafting

00:45 The Journey to Handmade and Homegrown Living

04:04 Sustainability in Crafting and Fashion

06:43 Mental Health Benefits of Crafting

09:08 Crafting with Chronic Illness

12:53 Self-Taught Crafting Journey

15:09 Releasing Patterns and Creative Inspiration

18:01 Kirsty's Handmade Christmas Experience

20:32 Fabric Preferences and Sustainability Challenges

25:10 Inspiration from the Sewing Community

28:36 Upcoming Projects and Book Release

29:49 Fun This or That Game

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In this episode of the Sewing Social podcast, Gemma Daly interviews Hetty, the founder of Modern Sewing Co. a sewing pattern designer with a background in tailored fashion.

We explore how her love for quality finishing and precision has shaped her approach to home sewing - proving that handmade can be every bit as polished as designer.

Whether you're sewing for everyday or aiming for couture level detail, this conversation will inspire you to elevate your makes.

Key take aways:

• Hetty launched her first business, Henry London, in 2016.
• The pandemic prompted a shift from fashion to home sewing.
• Pattern cutting involves transforming 2D shapes into 3D garments.
• Sustainability is a core value in Hetty's business practices.
• Quality and craftsmanship are prioritised in her sewing patterns.
• Community engagement is fostered through online workshops.
• Digital business challenges include adapting to social media changes.
• Hetty draws inspiration from classic design and tailoring.
• The Devon waistcoat was a long-awaited design project.
• Future plans include new patterns and beginner-friendly workshops.

Follow me:

Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod

@thedalythread

Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2499363

Guest details:

Instagram: @modern_sewing_co

Website: www.modernsewingco.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hetty and Her Journey

05:10 The Shift to Home Sewing During the Pandemic

09:58 Understanding Pattern Cutting and Design Process

14:48 Sustainability in Sewing and Business Practices

20:04 Workshops and Community Engagement

25:07 Challenges and Innovations in Modern Sewing Co.

29:58 Future Plans and Exciting New Patterns