Hear me chatting on the Modern Sewciety Podcast

Do you listen to sewing podcasts? I've started listening to them recently while sewing - whether at home at the weekend or on a marathon session stitching samples for the new pattern (it's at the printers!).

I love sewing podcasts for two reasons. One is that I find that they really help me sit and stay focused on my sewing, and less likely to get distracted by my to do list - or, let's face it, checking social media. The other reason I enjoy sewing podcasts is that it's like listening to friends having a chat... about sewing! And sewing businesses! Which are my two favourite subjects, obvs.

I was chuffed to be interviewed by Stephanie recently for the Modern Sewciety podcast. She's such a passionate champion of the sewing community, and just so lovely to chat to. I've been enjoying her podcasts for a while now, so during the interview I kept having to remind myself that I wasn't listening to a pre-recorded episode featuring someone else, it was me she was talking to so I needed to respond to her questions!

If you want to hear me chat about sewing, how Tilly and the Buttons grew into a business, and what goes into putting together a book - oh and getting seriously confused about dates ("I quit my job a year ago... no - six months ago! But it seems like ages ago..." Err yes, that's because it was actually over a year ago, hahaha!) - then you can listen to it here.

And if you want to find out more about the podcast's host, I interviewed Stephanie a few months ago, so go read more about her.

Ooh and if you've just found this blog from listening to the podcast - welcome! If you're interested in finding out more about some of the things Stephanie and I chat about, you might like these links:

Tour of my studio
How I got a craft book deal
The process of writing a sewing book
Behind the scenes at my sewing workshops
My sewing pattern (and gifts!) shop
My book on Amazon.co.uk and on Amazon.com

Bon weekend, tout le monde!

Featured!

With excitement building around Love at First Stitch, I've been lucky to have been featured in some lovely magazines recently...

I made this project tutorial for Mollie Makes. It's a variation idea for one of the patterns in the book, the Megan dress, or you can add it to another top or shift dress. I love the design of the title and washi tape that the magazine added!

This interview for Making magazine was a lot of fun - I met the journalist in a Brixton Village cafe, we chatted for ages and ended up going food shopping together at the market. Ooh and yes, these are sneaky peeks of some of the patterns in the book!

The back page of Homemaker magazine has a piece about my home - everything from my love of Expedit to DIY fails (think Chuckle Brothers).

Last but not least, have you seen the new UK magazine Love Sewing? In the first issue I share an insight into the process of designing and producing the patterns for the book, my love of indie pattern companies, and how sewing blogs and my blog readers keep me inspired. The rest of the magazine includes lots of sewing news, some really cute projects, and a free dress pattern download. I have high hopes for this magazine!

Have you read any great craft magazines recently?

Featured! In Lovely Magazines

My lurrrrrve for Betty has grown stronger by the day since I first discovered the magazine, so I was hyperventilating with excitement when they requested an interview for their stunning Summer issue. Flick through the most dreamy fashion shoot ever (Breton shorts anyone?) and a recipe for scotch eggs, and right at the back you'll find moi, talking sewing inspiration and how I attempt to channel Benjamin Franklin's productivity strategy. Yip. Plus the magazine still smells amazing.

Crafty is another magazine that has me jumping for joy. Headed up by Sarah Adie, whose Day in the Life features here, it fills a real gap in the market (and on the newsagent shelves) for a publication portraying craft as cool. The current issue features a piece written by moi on tips for newbies wanting to teach themselves to sew. I'm delighted that this isn't just a one-off - they have invited me to become a regular columnist (not every month, but I'll be in the August issue), joining the likes of Sarah Corbett from Craftivist Collective and Mr X Stitch. Yowzers!

The latest issue of Sewing World, out today, includes an article all about sewing blogs. Written by the lovely Fi from The Sewing Directory, it features me, Rachel House of Pinheiro and Lily's Quilts sharing our top tips on blogging. Can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy to see what the others have to say! I'll be sharing plenty more tips during my talk at the Folksy Summer School.

Just one more thing. With the sad news that Cloth magazine is closing (I know!! Can you believe it?), it's more important than ever to support the magazines that represent our interests. I'll be sure to keep buying the craft mags that I love, and maybe try some new ones too. Which magazines do you think reflect your lifestyle? Anything new we should be checking out?

[Soundtrack: 'What a Man' by Linda Lyndell]

Talking Slow Fashion with Pharrell (sort of)

Check this out! Tis moi, talking handmade style in a fashion video exec produced by none other than Pharrell Williams!!! Alas, that didn't mean he was standing behind the camera with a clipboard, it's just for his website and YouTube channel, but a girl can dream that maybe just maybe he'll watch it and be inspired to hand paint his own Breton top or maybe write a song about sewing, possibly called 'Toile It Up, Baby'. Watch out for me gyrating in his next music video... it could happen! (Oh and do please excuse that bulge in my pocket - it's my watch, not a packet of sweeties, honest.)

[Soundtrack: 'Frontin' by Pharrell - my man was horrified when I performed the entire Jay-Z rap section while listening to this the other day]

The Marielle Skirt

A few months ago I was invited to contribute a sewing pattern to Sewing World magazine. Well, it's out now in the May 2013 issue! This is the Marielle Skirt, a high-waisted, hip-hugging side-button skirt. I made it in a navy linen blend fabric with white ribbon trimming, polka dot facings, and red bias binding. The design was inspired by cross-between Edwardian skirts, art deco lines and sexy sailors (what?). I'm planning to make another version for myself in yellow gabardine or similar weight fabric... although I'm struggling to find some - any leads?

I do believe this model has been off rolling in the hedge... the crumpled fabric and guilty grin gives it away!

Update! We have now released a shiny new version of this pattern called the Arielle skirt!

[Soundtrack: 'These Days' by Nico]

I'm in Handmade Living!

Eep! Please forgive the shameless self-promotion and indulge me a little - I'm in Handmade Living magazine! Just a little mention, but the first time my blog has been featured in a printed magazine, so I was pretty chuffed when I saw it. It's the first time I'd seen this magazine - it's great to see a celebration of all things handmade, from artisan baking to a vintage loom, slippers to sweeties. Oh and did I mention that I'm in it? Sorry!!! :)

[Soundtrack: 'No Easy Way Down' by Dusty Springfield]