iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Since 2017, we've learned a few things about making a podcast! But, honestly, these pieces of advice would be helpful for anyone who is making a public creative endeavour. Listen to this week's episode to hear us celebrate 300 episodes!⁠

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

300 EPISODES!!! 🥳🎉⁠ ⁠ This week on the podcast, we chat about 9 years making Love to Sew, including the guest we were the most nervous to interview, our 2026 TNT patterns, and the advice we would give the 2017 versions of ourselves. Plus: fun games, Love to Sew stats, and more!⁠

Helen and Caroline smile and take a selfie in the Blackbird Fabrics warehouse.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

But seriously - flaps over pockets and laps over or under zippers will help you stay dry in the rain! Listen to this week's episode to find out LOTS more about sewing rainwear!⁠

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

This week's episode is all about sewing rainwear! ☔ We talk about some of the most common waterproof fabrics, share some great indie patterns, and give tons of tips for sealing seams, re-waterproofing, and more! ⁠

A person wears a yellow raincoat and holds a metal water bottle. The text reads, "Episode 289: Rainwear."

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Sydney Graham's dreamy sewing room 😍⁠ ⁠ In this week's episode, we chat with Sydney about what makes the perfect sewing space! And she should know - she has created several amazing ones. We also chat with Sydney about building a sewing business, prioritizing comfort in clothing, and more!

Sydney stands in front of hand painted doors with a cross stitch motif.⁠

A brick fireplace with a tulip applique quilt hanging over it. A long desk with a laptop and monitor on it.⁠

Sydney's sewing room, with a counter height cutting table, an ironing board, mirror, blue and brown rug, and colourful curtains by a row of windows.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

Sydney Graham's style phrase is: "Little Witch Hazel!" Inspired by an adorable children's book by Phoebe Wahl, Sydney loves combining comfortable garments with pops of colour and a handmade twist. Listen to this week's episode to hear more from this amazing sewist and pattern designer!

Syd wears a brightly coloured quilt coat with a lone star motif and a red knitted hood.⁠

Syd wears a white puff sleeve top with a ruffle at the neck and green gingham elastic waist pants.⁠

Syd wears a white knit tank top and a red and pink long large-scale check skirt.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

We love Sydney Graham’s style priorities! Comfort and confidence is the way to go - and it doesn't look like potato sacks. It looks fun and creative! Listen to this week's episode to hear about how Sydney built a career in the sewing world, where she gets her style inspiration, and more.⁠

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Our guest for this episode is Sydney Graham! She designs comfy, stylish patterns and makes amazing sewing content on social media. We chat with her about her fascinating career journey, creating work/life balance, and her dreamy DIY sewing spaces.

Sydney graham wears a tie front crochet vest over a tank top and a white elastic waist skirt. The text reads, "Episode 298: Building a Sewing Business with Sydney Graham."

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

Picking a lining fabric is a little bit like matchmaking! 💞⁠ You want to pick a lining that goes with your main fabric- for example, a silky rayon bemberg is a perfect match for this medium-weight wool coating. Listen to Episode 187: Lining for more good matches!

Helen holds up a blue and grey plaid jacket lined with a copper rayon bemberg lining.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

Do you want to sew with yummy, warm wools, but feel a little intimidated? We've got you. In Episode 164: Wool, we demystify this unique fiber. We talk about the characteristics of many common wool fabrics, give sewing tips, and share a bunch of indie patterns that would work well with wool.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

Are you traveling this holiday season? ✈️🚗🧳 Bring your sewing with you!⁠ ⁠ Holiday visits are pretty busy. But if you can squeeze a little bit of sewing in during the quieter moments, it might make the difference between frazzled and festive. Check out Episode 234: Sewing and Travel for tips!

A person hand sewing a hem on a white garment with red trim.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

Pauline Bruce took her sewing friendships off the internet and into real life! In this week's episode, she gives us tips on how to make sewing friends, tells us about her globe-trotting sewing journey, and lots more. Listen in for an episode that's like talking to a friend you've never met before!⁠

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

In this week's episode, we interview Pauline Bruce aka @sewuthinkucan! She’s a pattern hacking genius, Sew the Look specialist, and beloved member of the sewing community.

Pauline wears a black halter top and stands in front of a white background. The text reads, "Episode 292: Sew the Look with Pauline Bruce."

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

Why do your pants ride up when you sit down? 🤔⁠ ⁠ When you're standing, pants hang pretty much straight down from your waist. When you sit, because of the bends in your hips and knees and the difference in flesh distribution, the same length of fabric has farther to travel.

A person sits in a chair with their legs crossed. They wear light-wash jeans and snakeskin boots.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

Sleeves on your knit garment too tight? It might be due to the DoGS! 🐕⁠ ⁠ DoGS = direction of greatest stretch. And it's as important for sewing knits as the grainline is for sewing wovens! In this week's call-in episode, we chat about this and lots of other topics!

Helen wears a long sleeve knit sheath dress in a blue and yellow jersey print fabric.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

We're BACK! 🎉🎉🎉⁠ ⁠ Our first episode of the fall season is a brand-new call-in episode! We answer sewing questions from our listeners: how to choose your size based on your fabric’s stretch percentage, what patterns to pick for a work capsule wardrobe, how to sew a curved French seam, and lots more!

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

Denim is an amazing fabric - it's somehow both traditional AND cool! But it can be a little scary if you've never worked with it, especially in the heavier weights. Have no fear! In Episode 107: Denim, we talk about how to shop for it, how to sew with it, and what patterns to pick.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 30/08/2025

Episode 15: Capsule Wardrobe Challenge is a fun blast from the past - and there's some great info, too!⁠ ⁠ Back in November 2017, we tried the 10x10 capsule challenge: 10 pieces, 10 days. We chose a (mostly me-made) capsule, styled it, wore it, and talked about the whole thing! ⁠

Helen wears a loose striped top with jeans and styles it alternately with an open cardigan and big scarf.⁠

Caroline wears a brick-coloured tunic top with jeans and styles it alternately with a denim quilted jacket.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 29/08/2025

The BEST water for your iron is... Filtered tap water! If you have a filter pitcher, tap filter, or fridge filter, that's what you want. The goal is to remove minerals that might gunk up the inside of your iron without changing the water all that much. Check out Love to Sew Episode 174: Pressing!

An ironing board with a sleeve board, sleeve roll, tailor’s ham, iron, and jug with iron water by a window.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

Lyocell/Tencel is a wonderful fabric for summer - it's drapey and breathable. But what is it? In Episode 181: Lyocell/Tencel, we answer these questions and more: 🧵 How does it go from plant matter to finished fabric?⁠ ⁠ 🧵 What is the difference between it and rayon?⁠ ⁠ 🧵 What can you sew with it?⁠

Pink, red, and green floral print Tencel fabric draped against a white background.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

How to cut and press crinkly double gauze: ⁠ ⁠ Step 1: Pre-wash and dry your fabric.⁠ ⁠ Step 2: Use a steamy iron to remove any major folds. Just use the steam and finger press the big folds out. ⁠ Step 3: Cut out your pattern pieces!⁠ ⁠ Listen to Episode 231: Double Gauze for lots more tips!⁠

A close-up of soft purple double gauze fabric.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

Sewing is at least 30% cutting, and that's okay! In Episode 189: Cutting Patterns and Fabric, Helen said that she would get so frustrated in her early sewing days by how long the cutting part took. But now, she gives cutting the space and time it needs to be done well.

A sewist pins paper pattern pieces to black fabric that is laid out on a table.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

Caroline sewed up a storm for her trip to Croatia - the vibe was natural fibers, breezy garments, and pops of red. Doesn't she look amazing? ⁠ If you want to hear us chat about sewing for travel, including travel capsules, listen to Episode 273!⁠

Caroline wears a red boatneck tank, white eyelet skirt, and a brown messenger bag with white socks and sneakers.⁠

Caroline wears a relaxed pinstripe linen button-up, brown linen wide leg pants, and slides.⁠

Caroline wears a long green bias-cut linen dress with a tie at the back waist and sandals.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

When you’re making a jumpsuit, don’t skip the muslin! It’s like fitting a top and pants all at once - plus, the length adjustments are super important. For lots more about fitting and sewing jumpsuits, plus some great indie patterns recommendations, check out Episode 257: Overalls and Jumpsuits!

Helen wears a sleeveless green linen Lazo Jumpsuit in her garden.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 16/05/2025

If Caroline could only sew one thing, it would be: block print dresses! 😍⁠ ⁠ In this week's episode, we share a bunch of interesting listener responses to the question: "If you could only sew one thing, what would it be?" And we share our answers, too!

Caroline wears a yellow shirred block print dress and a Panama hat. ⁠

Caroline wears a long sleeved green block print dress with a gathered tier and a matching mask.⁠

Caroline wears a dark blue block print dress with puffy elbow-length sleeves.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

If she could only sew one thing, Helen would choose: denim! 👖❤️⁠ ⁠ In this week's episode, we share a bunch of listener answers to the question, "If you could only sew one thing, what would it be?" And, of course, we share our own answers, too! Here are some of Helen's denim me-mades. 👖❤️

Helen wears light wash barrel leg jeans and a yellow top. ⁠

Helen wears dark wash overalls and a black top.⁠

Helen wears a shift dress with patch pockets and bracelet-length sleeves.⁠

Helen wears a patchwork shift dress in three different shades of denim. In the other half of the image, she wears it inside out.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

In this week's episode, we share our listeners' answers to the question: "If you could only sew one thing, what would it be?" @CelebratingNanaSkills had a great answer - and Helen couldn't resist imagining all the loopholes she could take advantage of! 😂⁠

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

It's a hard question! 🤔⁠ ⁠ We asked our listeners: “If you could only sew one thing, what would it be?” In this episode, we share their answers (and ours)! Listen in and get inspired - there are so many different kinds of answers!⁠ ⁠ What would your answer be?

A person wears a thimble and chooses a pin from a box of pins and needles. Bright pink fabric and a pair of scissors lay on the table in front of them.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

In this week's episode, we each made an eyelet garment and then revealed it to each other for the first time! Helen made a honeydew-coloured dress and Caroline made a red cropped peasant top. We weren't sure how we would feel about eyelet going in - but coming out, we were both loving it. ⁠

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 06/05/2025

Our newest "We Sew" episode is here! 🎉⁠ ⁠ We each sewed an eyelet garment, and now we’re going to tell each other about it for the first time! We discuss our fabric choices, pattern choices, sewing experiences, and lots more.⁠ ⁠ Have you ever sewed with eyelet?

Helen wears a bright green sleeveless eyelet dress with pearl buttons down the front. Caroline wears a red eyelet peasant top with short sleeves and jeans.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

Caroline had a Gap jacket from the early aughts that she loved and wore on a trip to Italy. When listener Julia told us about HER fave velvet Gap jacket, it inspired Caroline to dig out her photos. We found a couple of indie patterns in case our listeners want to make their own!

A teenage Caroline in jeans, a grey hoodie tee, and a brown velvet blazer.⁠

A model in a single breasted pink wool blazer with one button.⁠

A model in a single breasted tweed blazer with three buttons.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

A tip from this week’s episode: re-use patterns that you have already made adjustments to! You can change up the look by choosing a different fabric or a different sleeve view, for example. But skipping the fitting process will save you a lot of time and uncertainty!

Helen wears black overalls with silver hardware and a printed tee.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

It's okay if you don't love to sew! 🫶⁠ ⁠ People sew for different reasons, including purely practical ones. And that is totally okay! We want all sewists to feel proud. ❤️⁠ ⁠ In this week's episode, we discuss how to make sewing more enjoyable (or less painful)!

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

In this episode, we chat about a really interesting email we got from a listener who doesn’t enjoy the sewing process. We talk about sewing for practical reasons versus sewing for the process, how to make the sewing process more enjoyable, and how to decide whether sewing is worth it.

A pair of black scissors on a white background. The text reads, "Episode 284: What If I Don't Love to Sew?"

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

A few of our hemp makes! ⁠ ⁠ ✂️ Helen’s hemp and organic cotton denim June Pants. ✂️ Helen’s hemp and cotton jersey Jackson Tee. ⁠ ✂️ Caroline’s hemp and organic cotton denim Pona Jacket. ⁠ Listen to this week's episode to find out more about sustainable, breathable, comfortable hemp fabrics!⁠ ⁠

Helen wears wide leg elastic waist denim pants with a block print wrap top.⁠

Helen wears a relaxed fit orange t-shirt and jeans.⁠

Caroline wears a thigh-length denim jacket with wide lapels, a graphic tee, and brown pants.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

If you don't know much about hemp, it's a good time to learn! Hemp is one of the oldest fibers used for clothing. It's strong, breathable, antimicrobial, and has GREAT eco-credentials. In this week's episode, we talk about how it's made into fabric, what to sew with it, and where to buy it! ⁠

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

This episode is all about a lesser-known fiber: hemp! ⁠ ⁠ It’s environmentally friendly, breathable, antibacterial, and has great body and texture. We talk about hemp’s long history, how it goes from plant to fabric, and what to sew with it. Have you ever sewn with hemp?⁠

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

Read the instructions, Helen! 🤣⁠ ⁠ In this week's episode, Helen and Caroline each made skorts! Although Helen was happy with her finished project, she totally missed the part about inserting elastic in the back waistband. 🤦‍♀️ Listen in for more about our skort sewing journeys!⁠

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

This episode is like a mini sewing challenge! ⁠ ⁠ We each sewed a skort and we discuss it for the first time on the pod. We chat about the patterns and fabrics we chose for our skorts, our experiences sewing them up, and how we wear them!⁠ ⁠ What do you think of skorts? Tell us in the comments!⁠

Helen wears a denim skort with a floral tank and Caroline wears a brown and cream gingham skort with a brown tank.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

Sewing historical gowns is a fun activity in itself, but wearing them to events must be a next-level feeling. In this week's episode, Christine Millar (aka Sewstine) tells us about learning historical dances in the Palace of Versailles and planning her own ball in Chicago. So amazing!⁠

Christine wears a gold-toned brocade robe a la francaise at the Palace of Versailles.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

In this week's episode, we ask Christine Millar (aka Sewstine) all of our burning machine embroidery questions. She answers them all, plus tells us about costuming events, her fave features of historical costumes, and her path to historical costuming!

Christine wears a magenta court suit with a black waistcoat, all embroidered with lilies of the valley.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

Christine Millar’s sumptuous historical gowns and court suits aren't just works of art - they're therapeutic to make. A lot of us find that sewing is good for our mental health! Just one of many benefits of our favourite activity.⁠ ⁠ To hear more from Christine, listen to this week's episode!⁠

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

In this week's episode, we interview Christine Millar, aka Sewstine! She talks to us about her stunning historical costumes, from drafting the patterns to designing and machine embroidering the sumptuous fabrics. ⁠

Christine wears a peacock blue 18th century gown with pink bows and trimmed with roses.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

Wearing ease is the minimum ease that patternmakers add so people can move around in their clothes. Design ease is added just for looks! For example, in Helen's #FalconerPants, there is minimum wearing ease from the waist to the hips - then design ease added to the legs to create the barrel shape! ⁠

Helen wears a green tee and burgundy barrel leg pants with pink patchwork panels on the sides.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

The type of fabric you use can change up how much ease you need!⁠ A fitted knit top, like Caroline's #BFCarrieCrop, can have zero ease or even negative ease - the stretch of the fabric makes up for it. Woven garments, like Helen's #LockhartJumpsuit, have minimum requirements for positive ease.⁠

Caroline wears a berry-coloured cropped tee and a floral skirt and Helen wears a sleeveless red fitted jumpsuit.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

If you know how much ease you prefer, you can use that info to pick a pattern size that fits you the way you want it to! Listen to this week's episode for lots more info about how ease works and how to make it work for YOU. ⁠

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

Ease-y does it 😉⁠ ⁠ Ease is the extra length and width that pattern designers add so that you can move in your clothes. In this episode, we talk about how ease works and how to figure out the amount of ease that YOU like. It’s a game-changer for making clothes that fit!

Colourful tape measures in a pile. The text reads, "Episode 280: Ease."

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

Collegiate clothing styles are a rising trend for spring '25. Here are a few indie patterns to get the look!⁠ ⁠ ✏️ The Carly Dress by Sew Over It ⁠ ✏️ The Candice Skirt by Style Arc ⁠ ✏️ The Causeway Bomber Jacket by Itch to Stitch ⁠ Listen to this week's episode for more trends!

A fitted polo shirt with a collar, partial button placket, long sleeves, and a dress view.⁠

A floral bomber jacket with deep blue ribbing at the neck, cuffs, and hem.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

In this week's episode, we react to rising fashion trends for spring 2025, including Soft Power: flowy, drapey, soft versions of traditional suiting. Helen immediately thought of these pinstripe trousers she made as a hack for the Lockhart Jumpsuit pattern. Perfect for this trend!

Helen wears flowy wide-leg pinstripe trousers with a yellow crop top.

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Love to Sew @lovetosewpodcast.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

Would you wear a candy-coloured coat? 🍭⁠ ⁠ We definitely would! In this week's episode, we react to rising trends for spring '25 and recommend ways to incorporate them into your me-mades. Listen in for lots more!⁠

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