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The excellent book ‘Sashiko: The Untold Story’ by my guest this week Atsushi Futatsuya @sashikostory is out now!!!
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Don’t forget, if you can’t afford a new book right now, see if it’s available in your local library. And if it isn’t, ask your library to order it!
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Find the details via @sashikostory and @quadrillebooks
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#saahiko #sashikostitching #checkyourthreadpodcast #sewingpodcast

Most of us think of sashiko as a type of visible mending that we discovered via Instagram or Pinterest. But what actually is sashiko, and how should we engage with it?
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Is it an artform to be revered and put on display? A common household practice borne out of necessity, used for survival? Is it a form of meditation? Or some lovely hand stitching patterns we can emulate to fix and customise our jeans?
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Atsushi Futatsuya @sashikostory is a sashiko practitioner and story teller who helps fill in the blanks in our knowledge about this fascinating and multilayered practice.
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His new book, ‘Sashiko: The Untold Story’, is available NOW!
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Portrait of Atsushi by @kimlightbody_photo
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#sashiko #checkyourthreadpodcast #sewingpodcast

Guys! It works! I listed this piece of fabric on @destasher_uk about a week ago so I could test how the platform works before the episode with Caroline the founder dropped. And it sold!
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I’ll be listing more lengths of fabric and unwanted sewing items this week. UK sewists with unwanted stash, I recommend you give Destasher a go!
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#checkyourthreadpodcast #checkyourthread #sewingpodcast #fabricdestash

There are lots of online marketplaces out there through which you can sell or give away your unwanted crafting materials, but they all have their drawbacks. @destasher_uk is a new UK -based platform JUST for sewists and yarn crafters wanting to buy, sell, giveaway or claim materials and supplies within the maker community.
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In this week’s episode, its creator, Caroline, tells me what makes Destasher such a great option for those of us trying to make more sustainably and affordably.
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Do you ever destash online? What platform/s do you usually use? What are their pluses and drawbacks?
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#checkyourthreadpodcast #checkyourthread #fabricstash #fabricdestash

It was a pretty quiet day for textile crew at the @brightonrepaircafe yesterday, however I did get one meaty challenge. The zip had bust on this huge bag designed to carry fencing 🤺 equipment.
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Obviously, we want to keep everything out of landfill for as long as possible, but apparently this bag cost £400, so there was a significant financial incentive for the owner to keep it in use a while longer.
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The zip was a heavy duty one with metal coil teeth, which had ripped away from the zip tape in one section. The two sliders had come off one of the tracks each also.
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My first move was to check the sliders would still run over the teeth. I watched one of the many excellent YouTube videos by @ucanzippersusa to work out how to manipulate the sliders to get them back on the missing tracks. I borrowed some pliers from one of the mechanical volunteers at the cafe, and with some help from the owner we got them back on both sides.
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Having checked the sliders would still pass over the damaged area ok, I then slowlyyyyyy hand stitched the teeth/coil back to the zip tape. I stitched each tooth/loop down twice to make it as strong as possible.
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Fingers crossed it’ll hold out for many more months 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
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Have you had any head scratching repair jobs lately?
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#repaircafe #mendingmatters #notextilestolandfill

I don’t know about you, but I love hearing and reading practical tips for how to stay creative when your budget is tight.
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But what is rarely acknowledged in those types of content is how rubbish and frustrating trying to maintain a creative hobby when you’re skint actually feels.
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In this week’s episode, we acknowledge and gently challenge some of those negative feelings, so that applying those practical tips feels positive and rewarding.
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As ever, I’d love to hear your thoughts, feelings and experiences on this topic, so don’t be shy!
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#checkyourthreadpodcast #sewingpodcast #sewingonabudget #frugalsewing #checkyourthread

Le Stash! As much as I’ve bemoaned how IKEA products seem to have become the default look for aspirational sewing areas (Shams @sepia_textiles and I have ranted about this on a previous episode), I must admit I’ve wanted to store my fabric in a Kallax for ages!
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Well thanks to a lucky charity shop score last week, my dream has come true. I recently had a huge sort out of my fabric and scraps when I reorganised my sewing space, and I was left with bags of fabric on my bedroom floor, unsure what to do with them. Now my fabric lengths are all neatly stored by type in this (not a Kallax but same width and height) set of shelves.
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I was very interested to find out how much stash I have in International Kallax Units (IKUs) - coined by the lovely also-former-guest Shelly @encodedstudio. The result is 3.6 IKUs. My swimwear fabric, toiling fabric, ribbing and scraps are stored elsewhere but that’s still less than I thought. And what’s great is that I have plans for, or can see myself using, every piece here (more on this in next week’s episode).
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Given my current rate of sewing output, I estimate I have about 2.5 years worth of fabric here. Is that a good amount? Too much? Not enough?! I’m very open to your comments!
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What about you? Where does your stash stand on the IKU scale? Does it feel like a good amount? Are you inspired by it all? How many years-worth of fabric do you estimate you own?
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#checkyourthreadpodcast #checkyourthread #sewingpodcast #fabricstash

Time for next installment of the #stitchitdontditchitbook tour with Jeanna @thepeoplesmending and Mary @mvm13! In this week’s episode I speak to Charlotte from @stitchedupcoop – a Manchester-based not-for-profit with the goal of building an alternative fashion future by sharing sewing, mending and upcycling skills, and facilitating clothing swaps and textile recycling.
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I spoke to Charlotte Vinsen @charlottevinsen who freelances with Stitched Up, about what Stitched Up do, how it works and who it’s for.
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I also catch up with Jeanna and Mary after they deliver their first interactive talk, and we debrief on what went down and what went well.
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If you love finding out about cool, inspiring initiatives that are doing good in the world, then you’ll love this episode.
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#checkyourthreadpodcast #checkyourthread #sewingpodcast #sewingmoresustainably

I’ve landed on my pledge for this year’s #memademay! I’ve been challenging myself for 16 years now, so my relationship with my handmade wardrobe is pretty robust at this point. So the challenge is often to come up with a useful challenge!
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But improvements can always be made, and I’ve found a way to make #memademay2026 useful and fun. I’m going to use Me-Made-May as an opportunity to focus on and explore my evolving style.
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As mentioned in episode 207 Style Shifts and Sustainability with @lindsayashworthfraser, I’ve felt my sense of style shift over the last year towards a #frenchgirlchic 🇫🇷 kind of look.
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Because of the shift in style and body shape, I’m no longer wearing a lot of my older clothes. Plus I don’t have a ton of ‘go to’ outfits that I can reliably reach for when I’m in a rush. So exploring outfits and looks will be really useful from that perspective. And above all, I want to have some FUN!
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I will be using my #memademayworkbook to record what works and what doesn’t, and where any potential gaps lie. The workbook is entirely optional but very useful for recording such lessons (find it via the link tree in bio).
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I love seeing people’s pledges rolling in at this time of year. If you’re participating and challenging yourself, I hope you have a wonderful and illuminating month!
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#wardrobechallenge

I’ve landed on my pledge for this year’s #memademay! I’ve been challenging myself for 16 years now, so my relationship with my handmade wardrobe is pretty robust at this point. So the challenge is often to come up with a useful challenge!
.
But improvements can always be made, and I’ve found a way to make #memademay2026 useful and fun. I’m going to use Me-Made-May as an opportunity to focus on and explore my evolving style.
.
As mentioned in episode 207 Style Shifts and Sustainability with @lindsayashworthfraser, I’ve felt my sense of style shift over the last year towards a #frenchgirlchic 🇫🇷 kind of look.
.
Because of the shift in style and body shape, I’m no longer wearing a lot of my older clothes. Plus I don’t have a ton of ‘go to’ outfits that I can reliably reach for when I’m in a rush. So exploring outfits and looks will be really useful from that perspective. And above all, I want to have some FUN!
.
I will be using my #memademayworkbook to record what works and what doesn’t, and where any potential gaps lie. The workbook is entirely optional but very useful for recording such lessons (find it via the link tree in bio).
.
I love seeing people’s pledges rolling in at this time of year. If you’re participating and challenging yourself, I hope you have a wonderful and illuminating month!
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#wardrobechallenge

I’ve landed on my pledge for this year’s #memademay! I’ve been challenging myself for 16 years now, so my relationship with my handmade wardrobe is pretty robust at this point. So the challenge is often to come up with a useful challenge!
.
But improvements can always be made, and I’ve found a way to make #memademay2026 useful and fun. I’m going to use Me-Made-May as an opportunity to focus on and explore my evolving style.
.
As mentioned in episode 207 Style Shifts and Sustainability with @lindsayashworthfraser, I’ve felt my sense of style shift over the last year towards a #frenchgirlchic 🇫🇷 kind of look.
.
Because of the shift in style and body shape, I’m no longer wearing a lot of my older clothes. Plus I don’t have a ton of ‘go to’ outfits that I can reliably reach for when I’m in a rush. So exploring outfits and looks will be really useful from that perspective. And above all, I want to have some FUN!
.
I will be using my #memademayworkbook to record what works and what doesn’t, and where any potential gaps lie. The workbook is entirely optional but very useful for recording such lessons (find it via the link tree in bio).
.
I love seeing people’s pledges rolling in at this time of year. If you’re participating and challenging yourself, I hope you have a wonderful and illuminating month!
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#wardrobechallenge

In recent years there’s been a growing amount of research and understanding around neurodiversity: the variety of ways in which different people’s brains and nervous systems work. More and more people are getting formerly diagnosed, or at least identifying as being neurospicy to some degree.
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This week, regular guest, Kim Witten @witten.kim who is a coach, writer and one of my cleverest friends, is back on the podcast to explore what it means to be neurodivergent, and how neurodivergence intersects with craft.
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We consider if and how neurodiversity might affect someone’s engagement with craft, and also the role that craft might have in functioning well as a neurodivergent person.
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Neither Kim nor I are experts in any aspect of neurodiversity. The main goal of this week’s episode is to open the floor to listeners to share their thoughts and experiences of the intersection of neurodiversity and craft.
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So please give the episode a listen to find out how YOU can push the conversation forward and help us all gain a greater understanding.
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Photographer: Gideon Fisher @gideon_fisher
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#sewingpodcast #neurodiversity #checkyourthreadpodcast #checkyourthread

What are the biggest challenges AND the biggest joys of running a business making products from upcycled textiles? ♻️
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For this week’s episode, legendary guest interviewer, Kat Camfield @cooperativekatsews has rounded up three intensely talented Canadian upcyclers: Brynn from @bbotclothing , Emily from @woodbrick and Meagan from @saltlegacy .
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In the episode, we hear how they each started their businesses and their different approaches to the same problem: trying to divert textile waste from landfill.
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They all share tips and advice, including sourcing secrets for others wanting to get into upcycling, either for themselves or to start a business.
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Are you a regular upcycler? Do you feel unsure where to begin? Any upcycling triumphs you’d care to share?
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#checkyourthreadpodcast #upcycling #sewingpodcast #sewingmoresustainably #usewhatyouhave

When I was talking to @sasha__starlight about body fluctuation friendly and adaptive sewing patterns for episode 219 of @checkyourthread, I was reminded of the excellent #burnsidebibs sewing pattern by @sewhouse7. They’re dungarees that give waist definition that can also easily be let out or tightened throughout the day. WIN 🏆
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I made a pair about five years ago out of army green coloured cotton/linen which I wore to death. And having recently concluded that they would probably fit ok with my #frenchgirlchic style vibe, I’d been planning to make another pair but not actually got round to it.
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Talking to Sasha gave me the kick up the bum I needed to actually find the pattern. Due to body changes (ironically), I needed to retrace it and size down two sizes (my first version felt a little loose anyhow).
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I used this denim blue coloured I-have-no-idea-what-type-of-fabric-this-is-and-can’t-be-arsed-to-do-a-burn-test that I got in a sample lengths sale at @fabricgodmother probably about 18 months ago. The fabric is definitely on the thicker end of suitability for this pattern but I think it’s just about ok.
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I made Version 1 which includes back waist darts and a side zip for a slightly sleeker silhouette. I made them full length but I may choose to crop them a bit at a later date, if the laundry process doesn’t do it for me.
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This pattern was super popular amongst the sewing community when it came out, and everyone I’ve spoken to who’s made the pattern previously has said that they used to love their pair. I think this pattern is well due a revival, least of all because the adjustability allows the wearer to feel comfortable THE WHOLE DAY. I want that for you.
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I’ll share a video of them shortly so you can see them in action.
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#fluxfriendlypattern #adjustablesewingpattern #sewingforbodychanges

When I was talking to @sasha__starlight about body fluctuation friendly and adaptive sewing patterns for episode 219 of @checkyourthread, I was reminded of the excellent #burnsidebibs sewing pattern by @sewhouse7. They’re dungarees that give waist definition that can also easily be let out or tightened throughout the day. WIN 🏆
.
I made a pair about five years ago out of army green coloured cotton/linen which I wore to death. And having recently concluded that they would probably fit ok with my #frenchgirlchic style vibe, I’d been planning to make another pair but not actually got round to it.
.
Talking to Sasha gave me the kick up the bum I needed to actually find the pattern. Due to body changes (ironically), I needed to retrace it and size down two sizes (my first version felt a little loose anyhow).
.
I used this denim blue coloured I-have-no-idea-what-type-of-fabric-this-is-and-can’t-be-arsed-to-do-a-burn-test that I got in a sample lengths sale at @fabricgodmother probably about 18 months ago. The fabric is definitely on the thicker end of suitability for this pattern but I think it’s just about ok.
.
I made Version 1 which includes back waist darts and a side zip for a slightly sleeker silhouette. I made them full length but I may choose to crop them a bit at a later date, if the laundry process doesn’t do it for me.
.
This pattern was super popular amongst the sewing community when it came out, and everyone I’ve spoken to who’s made the pattern previously has said that they used to love their pair. I think this pattern is well due a revival, least of all because the adjustability allows the wearer to feel comfortable THE WHOLE DAY. I want that for you.
.
I’ll share a video of them shortly so you can see them in action.
.
.
.
.
.
#fluxfriendlypattern #adjustablesewingpattern #sewingforbodychanges

When I was talking to @sasha__starlight about body fluctuation friendly and adaptive sewing patterns for episode 219 of @checkyourthread, I was reminded of the excellent #burnsidebibs sewing pattern by @sewhouse7. They’re dungarees that give waist definition that can also easily be let out or tightened throughout the day. WIN 🏆
.
I made a pair about five years ago out of army green coloured cotton/linen which I wore to death. And having recently concluded that they would probably fit ok with my #frenchgirlchic style vibe, I’d been planning to make another pair but not actually got round to it.
.
Talking to Sasha gave me the kick up the bum I needed to actually find the pattern. Due to body changes (ironically), I needed to retrace it and size down two sizes (my first version felt a little loose anyhow).
.
I used this denim blue coloured I-have-no-idea-what-type-of-fabric-this-is-and-can’t-be-arsed-to-do-a-burn-test that I got in a sample lengths sale at @fabricgodmother probably about 18 months ago. The fabric is definitely on the thicker end of suitability for this pattern but I think it’s just about ok.
.
I made Version 1 which includes back waist darts and a side zip for a slightly sleeker silhouette. I made them full length but I may choose to crop them a bit at a later date, if the laundry process doesn’t do it for me.
.
This pattern was super popular amongst the sewing community when it came out, and everyone I’ve spoken to who’s made the pattern previously has said that they used to love their pair. I think this pattern is well due a revival, least of all because the adjustability allows the wearer to feel comfortable THE WHOLE DAY. I want that for you.
.
I’ll share a video of them shortly so you can see them in action.
.
.
.
.
.
#fluxfriendlypattern #adjustablesewingpattern #sewingforbodychanges

When I was talking to @sasha__starlight about body fluctuation friendly and adaptive sewing patterns for episode 219 of @checkyourthread, I was reminded of the excellent #burnsidebibs sewing pattern by @sewhouse7. They’re dungarees that give waist definition that can also easily be let out or tightened throughout the day. WIN 🏆
.
I made a pair about five years ago out of army green coloured cotton/linen which I wore to death. And having recently concluded that they would probably fit ok with my #frenchgirlchic style vibe, I’d been planning to make another pair but not actually got round to it.
.
Talking to Sasha gave me the kick up the bum I needed to actually find the pattern. Due to body changes (ironically), I needed to retrace it and size down two sizes (my first version felt a little loose anyhow).
.
I used this denim blue coloured I-have-no-idea-what-type-of-fabric-this-is-and-can’t-be-arsed-to-do-a-burn-test that I got in a sample lengths sale at @fabricgodmother probably about 18 months ago. The fabric is definitely on the thicker end of suitability for this pattern but I think it’s just about ok.
.
I made Version 1 which includes back waist darts and a side zip for a slightly sleeker silhouette. I made them full length but I may choose to crop them a bit at a later date, if the laundry process doesn’t do it for me.
.
This pattern was super popular amongst the sewing community when it came out, and everyone I’ve spoken to who’s made the pattern previously has said that they used to love their pair. I think this pattern is well due a revival, least of all because the adjustability allows the wearer to feel comfortable THE WHOLE DAY. I want that for you.
.
I’ll share a video of them shortly so you can see them in action.
.
.
.
.
.
#fluxfriendlypattern #adjustablesewingpattern #sewingforbodychanges

When I was talking to @sasha__starlight about body fluctuation friendly and adaptive sewing patterns for episode 219 of @checkyourthread, I was reminded of the excellent #burnsidebibs sewing pattern by @sewhouse7. They’re dungarees that give waist definition that can also easily be let out or tightened throughout the day. WIN 🏆
.
I made a pair about five years ago out of army green coloured cotton/linen which I wore to death. And having recently concluded that they would probably fit ok with my #frenchgirlchic style vibe, I’d been planning to make another pair but not actually got round to it.
.
Talking to Sasha gave me the kick up the bum I needed to actually find the pattern. Due to body changes (ironically), I needed to retrace it and size down two sizes (my first version felt a little loose anyhow).
.
I used this denim blue coloured I-have-no-idea-what-type-of-fabric-this-is-and-can’t-be-arsed-to-do-a-burn-test that I got in a sample lengths sale at @fabricgodmother probably about 18 months ago. The fabric is definitely on the thicker end of suitability for this pattern but I think it’s just about ok.
.
I made Version 1 which includes back waist darts and a side zip for a slightly sleeker silhouette. I made them full length but I may choose to crop them a bit at a later date, if the laundry process doesn’t do it for me.
.
This pattern was super popular amongst the sewing community when it came out, and everyone I’ve spoken to who’s made the pattern previously has said that they used to love their pair. I think this pattern is well due a revival, least of all because the adjustability allows the wearer to feel comfortable THE WHOLE DAY. I want that for you.
.
I’ll share a video of them shortly so you can see them in action.
.
.
.
.
.
#fluxfriendlypattern #adjustablesewingpattern #sewingforbodychanges