Threads Magazine Podcast: "sewing With Threads"

Embellishment expert and teacher Ellen W. Miller talks about writing Creating Couture Embellishment, a reference for garment embellishing techniques, in Episode 22 of Sewing With Threads. Her 400-page book is based on a couture details class she taught at Boston School of Fashion. She shares her painstaking process of photographing and writing step-by-step instructions for a whopping 174 embellishment techniques. It took her well beyond her initial time frame of two years. "I wanted to show them in all of their glory, she says of the embellishments. "That guided my exploration into it." Ellen explains three ways to complete each technique in the book, and she talks about the one she found mentally challenging. She also notes which embellishments she left out and discusses another book idea she is considering. Among the techniques featured in the book are grommets and lacing, and manipulated tucks.

Image consultant, teacher, and author Nancy Nix-Rice shares her thoughts and advice on how to create a flattering, versatile wardrobe in the Sewing with Threads Episode 21 video podcast. During the podcast, she explains her philosophy of choosing fabrics for sewing garments. She also delves into the "core four" method of building a wardrobe, and she outlines how to create or choose four core pieces. In addition, she discusses her "points of connection" method of selecting garments that link to an individual's physical characteristics.

In the Sewing with Threads Episode 20 video podcast, custom clothier and teacher Pamela Howard discusses how to select fabrics that work for a chosen pattern and which fabrics are the most flattering for your shape. Her suggestions go well beyond the fabrics recommended on a commercial pattern.

In the Sewing with Threads Episode 19 video podcast, Threads Digital Ambassador and vintage pattern aficionado Peter Lappin shares his latest vintage pattern creations, discusses his upcoming camp shirt class, and delves into garment plackets and interfacings.

Pattern designer, teacher, and author Gretchen Hirsch discusses the growth of her brand and business, her upcoming plans, and her sewing fantasies in the Sewing with Threads Episode 18 podcast.  Gretchen, better known as Gertie, came on to the sewing scene with Gertie’s Blog for Better Sewing. She expanded her business and created By Gertie, which offers online sewing tutorials; announces her upcoming events and traveling workshops; and sells her patterns, fabrics, and books. She also has been a licensed Butterick pattern designer.

In the Sewing with Threads Episode 17 podcast, knit fabrics and serging expert Pamela Leggett discusses ways to sew textured, ribbed, scuba, and other knit fabrics; using stabilizers on knits; machine needles she uses; and the stitch type she selects to get the best results when sewing knits.

In the Sewing with Threads Episode 16 video podcast, Threads staff seamstress Norma Bucko discusses finished and unfinished personal sewing projects. She also shares her tried-and-true technique for installing a ripple-free zipper in a hand-knit garment or  when machine-sewing one into a store-bought sweater knit.

In the Sewing with Threads Episode 15 video podcast, guest Jennifer Stern-Hasemann discusses her focus on—and the importance of getting—a good fit. The garment pattern designer and owner of J Stern Designs also answers a Threads reader's question about proper placement for princess seams.

In the Sewing with Threads Episode 14 video podcast, guest Rae Cumbie talks about how she went from hand sewing at her mother’s side to developing and running an independent pattern company. She also explains why she loves sewing today, discusses her favorite sewing term and fabric, and even offers technical advice for tapering a pair of pants.

In the Sewing with Threads Episode 13 video podcast, guest Daryl Lancaster shares her experiences with designing, weaving, and constructing garments and fiber arts pieces for sewing contests. Daryl has contributed numerous articles to Threads and maintains her own website at DarylLancaster.com. She also travels extensively to teach hand weaving and garment construction.  

Gail Patrice Yellen talks about her embellishing techniques, using fusible interfacing, and sewing over pins.

Fabric trends, fabric favorites, fabric sewing challenges, and even fabric storage solutions were part of the discussion among Threads magazine editors in the Sewing With Threads, Episode 11, now also available as a video podcast on youtube and ThreadsMagazine.com

For clothing pattern designer and teacher Louise Cutting, comfort and looks go hand in hand. The owner of Cutting Line Designs and a Threads contributing editor, Louise spends up to six months developing sportswear designs she says feel great and have the versatility of being worn in casual or dressy settings. She shares some of her methods and some sewing advice with Threads editors as the guest on Sewing With Threads, Episode 10.

In the Sewing with Threads Episode 9 podcast, Contributing Editor Judith Neukam talks about selecting beautiful vintage garments for the Threads magazine back covers and figuring out how sewers can create similar results. Judy also discusses—via a Skype call from her home studio—the merits of making flat-pattern adjustments versus fitting with a test garment, or muslin.

Couture sewing expert and Contributing Editor Susan Khalje shares her insights on sewing for weddings, taking sewing shortcuts, and whether to pretreat fabrics, in the Sewing with Threads Episode 8 podcast.  

Peter Lappin discusses his love of vintage patterns and vintage sewing machines with the Threads editorial team.

Kenneth D. King talks about principles from his new fitting book and fashion icons that have inspired him.

Threads magazine editors discuss how they have tackled sewing challenges and offer tips and advice on overcoming challenges you might face.

Mimi G discusses how she started out developing her MimiGSyle brand that has since earned an immense online and social media following.

Fit and design expert Sarah Veblen joins Threads editors to discuss what defines ideal fit and how it is achieved.