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Welcome to Part 1 of our inspiring conversation with Alison Martin, the creative force behind Sew Like Dotty and the Sew Virtual community. 🌸
Over the past four years, Alison has grown Sew Like Dotty into a safe and fun online space for sewists. She also manages an encouraging and thriving Facebook group, which she now focuses on full-time after retiring earlier this year.
Alison’s passion for sewing was sparked by her mother and the garment industry in her hometown. With her deep-rooted skills and love for community building, she co-founded A Stitch in Tyne with two sewing friends—a local initiative that brings sewists together in the Tyne area for real-life meetups and creative collaboration.
👗 In this episode, we explore:
The origins of Sew Like Dotty Alison’s journey from hobbyist to community leader How Sew Virtual and A Stitch in Tyne are connecting sewists online and offline💬 Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, where Alison shares the exciting sewing challenges she’s hosted for the community!
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to catch the next episode!
If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast.
Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.
Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube.
SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism.
Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist.
Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive.
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In this episode with Melanie Keane, she gives us an insightful chat about how running the sewing groups for refugees has impacted her personally.
In the 18 months after beginning sewing Melanie was asked 'Do I know anyone who can sew...? 2 weeks later she arrived at the refugee centre with 2 old sewing machines and some donated fabric.
4 months later Melanie had 3 volunteers working with her, 8 fairly decent sewing machines and 15 women in the mixed nationality group. The women were voracious in their making and desperate to sew for their families, repair clothes and just escape from their pitiful circumstances for just a few hours. Families had lived in the oppressive centre for over a year feeling hopeless and depressed. Sewing lifted their spirits, formed new relationships across the different cultures and allowed the women to feel like they were nurturing their families again.
Each week Melanie needed 25 metres of fabric and so she reached out to the sewing community, whose generosity astounded her.
She ran the project for 15 months until the centre suddenly closed. In this episode Melanie discusses how this impacted her and how she went on to set up another group for vulnerable women at The Lighthouse in Woking, Surrey.
If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast.
Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.
Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube.
SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism.
Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist.
Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive.
Use LH7KWCRS to get one month of Stash Hub plus for free, which means you have unlimited uploads and can add more photos to their records.
You don’t have to enter your payment details to use it.
At the end of the month you’ll revert to the free version of Stash Hub and you won’t lose anything you’ve already uploaded.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Melanie Keane’s sewing journey is very community driven.
This is a two-part series and Melanie began sewing 9 years ago through quilting.
In 2020 Melanie and her family sewed over 100 pairs of scrubs for frontline workers, transforming sewing into a meaningful family activity. This experience deepened her connection to the craft and led her to explore garment and bag making, where she found joy in blending functionality with artistic expression.
Beyond her personal projects, Melanie’s dedication to sewing extended into community service.
By fundraising for sewing machines and supplies, she empowered refugee women with a creative outlet and a sense of purpose. For many, this initiative became a path to healing and self-confidence.
Melanie’s sewing journey illustrates how sewing can be more than a skill—it can be a tool for reusing textiles, social connection, and something to look forward to each day.
If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast.
Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.
Use LH7KWCRS to get one month of Stash Hub plus for free, which means you have unlimited uploads and can add more photos to their records. You don’t have to enter your payment details to use it.
At the end of the month you’ll revert to the free version of Stash Hub and you won’t lose anything you’ve already uploaded.
Thanks Stash Hub!
Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube.
SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism.
Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist.
Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive.
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Micah Clasper-Torch is a Los Angeles-based artist, designer, and educator helping to lead the modern revival of punch needle rug hooking. With a background in fashion design from The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and the Politecnico di Milano in Italy, Micah blends fine art, heritage craft, and wearable design to create one-of-a-kind textile pieces that range from coats and accessories to wall hangings and soft sculpture.
In 2019 Micah was formally trained as an Oxford Punch Needle Instructor at the Oxford Rug Hooking School in Vermont, and in 2020 she launched Punch Needle World, an online community, shop and educational platform dedicated to uplifting the craft and its history, and making high quality supplies and training accessible around the world.
Her debut book, Punch Needle Fashion, comes out next month, in June 2025 from Quadrille and brings punch needle into the world of contemporary fashion through 15 original projects and a beautifully photographed exploration of the medium.Punch Needle Fashion pre-order link
Web: www.micahclasper-torch.com
IG: @claspertorch & @punchneedle.world
If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast.
Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.
Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube.
SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism.
Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist.
Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive.
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Kelsey founded Sew Pittsburg with the vision of creating a sewing community in the Pittsburgh area. As the Instagram account quickly gained traction, Sarah stepped in to help foster the group’s growing sense of community. https://www.instagram.com/sewpgh/
Together, they built a welcoming space for sewists to connect, share inspiration, and support one another.
Their efforts transformed Sew Pittsburg into more than just an online presence—it became a thriving hub for makers, encouraging creativity and friendships.
Through meetups, collaborations, and shared enthusiasm, Kelsey and Sarah have cultivated a vibrant sewing culture, proving that community flourishes when passion meets dedication.
Find out how Discord allows their community to also run regular interest meetups!
Photo credits: Kitoko Chargois. https://www.instagram.com/photo_by_kitoko/
If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast.
Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.
Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube.
SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism.
Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist.
Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive.
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Kelsey founded Sew Pittsburg with the vision of creating a sewing community in the Pittsburgh area. As the Instagram account quickly gained traction, Sarah stepped in to help foster the group’s growing sense of community. https://www.instagram.com/sewpgh/
Together, they built a welcoming space for sewists to connect, share inspiration, and support one another.
Their efforts transformed Sew Pittsburg into more than just an online presence—it became a thriving hub for makers, encouraging creativity and friendships.
Through meetups, collaborations, and shared enthusiasm, Kelsey and Sarah have cultivated a vibrant sewing culture, proving that community flourishes when passion meets dedication.
Find out how Discord allows their community to also run regular interest meetups!
Photo credits: Kitoko Chargois. https://www.instagram.com/photo_by_kitoko/
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Alison Smith, MBE, is a visionary in the world of sewing and couture techniques.
As the UK’s leading sewing educator, she has revolutionized garment construction, corsetry, and tailoring, making intricate skills accessible to all.
Founder of the School of Sewing, Alison teaches hands-on workshops that empower sewists of all levels. She’s also a celebrated author, with books like The Sewing Book and Dressmaking selling over 500,000 copies worldwide. Her expertise extends to online courses and the Members Club, where she shares advanced techniques, pattern hacks, and professional finishing methods.
Alison discusses the updates to the recent edition of The Sewing Book. It's now available as Kindle version.
Alison made history as the first person to receive an MBE for services to sewing and corsetry, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the industry. Whether through her books, workshops, or online resources, she continues to inspire sewists worldwide, transforming sewing from a skill into an art.
For those seeking to master dressmaking, Alison Smith, MBE, is the ultimate mentor.
If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast.
Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.
Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube.
SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism.
Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist.
Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive.
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Natalie or @Nataliecsews is never seen on her Instagram account until now. On the video version of this podcast, you’ll both hear and see Natalie Chim.
She has been industry trained and has sewn commercially for over 40 years.
While Natalie's mother taught her how to sew, it was her father who showed her how to fit clothes properly.
In this podcast Natalie refers to a number of good resources and ways to build your own sewing skills.
You'll only find Natalie on Instagram and she's always available to answer your questions in direct messages.
If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast.
Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.
Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube.
SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism.
Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist.
Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive.
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In this podcast, you'll see Mirjam's textile art journey in full colour on YouTube. She does describe her journey so if you want to simply see her textile art, pop on the podcast website.
All of Mirjam's links are there. You can find her on Instagram, her website and just googling Mirjam will show you how extensive her workshops are.
If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast.
Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.
Sound by Kaneef on YouTube.
SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism.
Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist.
Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive.
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Duane MacLeod is Hold Fast Bespoke.
You can find Duane at Mainely Menswear.com
In this podcast Duane discusses how he's progressed from completing not 1 but 2 qualifications from The Tailoring Academy.
Through some investigation, Duane is really excited and invested in his tailoring business - Hold Fast Bespoke.
Also in this podcast, I've used a new sound track so the YouTube version meets YouTube's copyright rules.
If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast.
Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.
Sound with permission by Kaneef on YouTube.
SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism.
Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist.
Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive.
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Maaike sees everyone as a maker that she's always willing to give them a good customer experience.
Maaike created Maaidesign when she thought, having a fabric store would give her more time to sew. Her other reason for creating Maaidesign was to have access to fabrics she wanted to sew for her daughter.
Maaike is a trained designer so you can understand why the fabrics Maiike provides us are collaborations with designers. As she says, when you have a business there are many more tasks to do that cut into your sewing time. Maaike gives us some behind the scenes info about how she sources fabrics and patterns. Modern Makers is her latest online sewing space that will open again to new subscribers in May 2025. https://www.modernmakers.com.au/
If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. There are 3 new tiers to choose from to support SewOver50's only podcast.
Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.
Sound with permission by bensound.com
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Mary Connelly-Gale is back to tell us about Days for Girls Australia. https://seworganisedstylepodcast.com/2025/03/29/days-for-girls-aust/
Days for Girls is an international organisation who’s mission is to shatter the stigma and limitations associated with menstruation for improved health, education and livelihoods.
The topics discussed in this podcast are very sensitive.
Days for Girls Australia is a registered Australian not for profit and is a Country Affiliate with Days for Girls International. Volunteers across Australia mobilise to increase access to menstrual products and vital health information for women and girls around the world. https://www.daysforgirls.org/australia/ The education aspect provided by Days for Girls Australia is aimed at all parts of the community.
Basic information about menstruation, reproduction and also sexually transmitted diseases. In the reusable menstruation kits given to girls and women reusable menstruation pants and liners sewn by the volunteers in teams around Australia.
Information about menstruation is also provided in these kits that help girls and women learn about their cycles.
Mary tells a story about how a father needed to help his daughters with their periods through his regular need to go to his local food bank.
Mary references the Bloody Big Survey conducted by Share the Dignity to show that period poverty exists in Australia. https://www.sharethedignity.org.au/
The first Days for Girls Australia was only audio. I am very thankful to Mary for giving her time to record this video version.
If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.
Sound with permission by bensound.com
SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism.
Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist.
Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive.
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Jenni Smith and Kay Walsh realised menopause snuck up on them and they shared a few projects to help deal with the effects of menopause.
Menopause Makes is their second book containing sewing projects but they're all about helping ease the various effects of menopause.
The 'What is the Menopause?' foreward by Dr Hannah Davies is very insightful, and provides the perfect starting point for the projects in this book. Dr Davies establishes the facts around Menopause clearly and in enough detail that you can share with others.
Did you know the first book authored by Jenni Smith involved 15 quilt projects using archived Liberty prints through the decades - Quilting with Liberty Fabrics.
Their Liberty connections helped Jenni and Kay include two designers who also love Liberty fabrics - Sally Kelly and Alice Garret. If you're a Ruby Star fabric enthusiast, Rashia Coleman-Hale provided her design within their 10 projects for Menopause Makes.
And it's brilliant Jenni and Kay included Kylie and the Machine labels for their projects. A bit of an Australian connection there.
Photo styling credit goes to Stacey Grant with Mark Davison and Becky Robbins for their photos.
Thanks to Midas Group and Search Press for contacting me about this very useful publication.
If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.
Sound with permission by bensound.com
SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism.
Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist.
Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive.
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Inge de Groot shares the steps she took to have a custom dressform made locally.
Her website customdressform.com is where Inge shares a to-do list of steps and ideas for getting a dressform made locally.
You'll hear why she hugged her dressform when it arrived on her doorstep too.
Go to her website Custom Dress Form Tutorial | A styrofoam replica of yourself when you want a custom dressform made locally.
If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.
Sound with permission by bensound.com
SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism.
Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist.
Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive.
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Isabella Strambio has authored this new macrame book - Mindful macrame - that is also a journalling experience.
The projects are created to encourage readers utilise the practice of only using 2 knotting techniques to not just create something for themselves (and others) but to also create a mindful and meditative experience.
While Isabella has authored 3 how-to macrame books, in this book she has created what she calls 'yoga for the mind'.
The projects range from 30 minute projects, 60 minute projects and projects that take longer. The satisfaction of each project and your learning can be written is Mindful Macrame.
Isabella talks about the people around her that have directly influenced her ability to find a craft like macrame to give her something she can do for her own mindful state.
Sew Organised Style features people who freely support the sewing community. You're welcome to be a podcast guest by contacting us via DM on Instagram.
SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism.
Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist.
Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive.
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Trixi has been running the Global Kids Sewing Party every year since 2019 for kids to sew a soft toy with the guidance of their parents/grandparents/teachers/carers. The toy is then a gift to someone either to others they know or to a community organisation.
In 2024 over 6,500 kids in 22 countries joined the Gobal Kids Sewing Party.
Kids and their carers/parents/teachers all learn to sew while each kid can be creative in their toy creation and determine who gets their hand made gift.
Pop over to Trixi's website for all the details. This sewing party is held throughout March.
If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.
Sound with permission by bensound.com
SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism.
Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist.
Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive.
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More dressform options are now available from Mimiquins. Jaire and Mia have created - now get this - legs and arms options for their dressforms.
On their website, you'll see the people who have now received their Mimiquins and why they chose their dressform for their sewing needs. Luke, the winner of the Great British Sewing Bee 2024 had his dressform created for his drag queen persona.
In 2024 we heard Yvonne of The Wheelie Stitcher talk about her dressform for her seated makes.
Many thanks to Tanya https://www.instagram.com/i_still_have_nothing_to_wear/ for her permission to use the photos of her mimiquin purchase.
There's nothing Jaire and Mia won't try to create for their customers.
The core of their dressform consists of sustainable cardboard.
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Hopefully you watched Lindsie's LIVE chat in January. In this podcast Lindsie discusses how the first 2 patterns she's produced for the SewBusty community were purchased from Firebrand and design modified by Lindsie.
Her dress block is being tested and the behind the scenes work is undertaken by experienced people. Lindsie knows what she can achieve and how quality is built in by people who have industry experience.
Thanks Lindsie for taking on board reaching out for representation from the SewOver50 community.
If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.
Sound with permission by bensound.com
SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism.
Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist.
Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive.
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Tracey of @an_upcycled_life in New Zealand has just completed a dress using tablecloths and lace she collected from her mother, grandmother and at op shops.
Her Instagram account was originally called @an_upcycled_wedding but as time has gone on, it's now her life that includes reusing existing clothes as her fashion fabrics.
Did you also learn to sew through a monthly sewing series in your country too? Make it Easy was a publication Tracey used to sew as a teenager, with her mother's help.
After taking part in Me Made May, Tracey is rethinking style and the type of clothes she will sew in the future. Have you had the same experience as Tracey?
If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.
Sound with permission by bensound.com
SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism.
Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist.
Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive.
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Mary Morton talks about how her son's discussion about climate change gave her the fuel to eventually create Edinburgh Street Stitchers.
In 2019 when Mary's son discussed the climate change adjustments he was making to his life, Mary decided to learn about climate change. Then she took it upon herself to start using her sewing skills to mend clothes for others.
Not long after that Mary started Edinburgh Street Stitchers.
This is a group that mends and repairs out in the public!
From April to October, Edinburgh Street Stitchers get together for 90 minutes each month so the public can see how simple it is to mend their clothes.
These are the Instagram accounts that she mentions that will help you do your own research.
@shrubcoop
@twistedtwee (Suzi Warren who started street stitching)
@repair_what_you_wear @theedinburghremakery (other local sewing cafe)
@remodecollective (overlocker course)If you are able, consider supporting this podcast through our patreon account. Every podcast is free and the archive is gradually being uploaded on to the podcast YouTube channel.
Sound with permission by bensound.com
SewOver50 intersects with all communities. SewOver50 where we are so over ageism.
Our focus is the sewing talent each person shares on social media and providing recognition of their willingness to share their skills whether a beginner or experienced sewist.
Make sure you listen to your SewOver50 friends in our SewOver50 podcast archive.
- Visa fler
