Sew Ab Fab Podcast (Aly Warner and Caroline Beacon)

Aly interviews Caroline in this first official episode of the Sew Ab Fab Podcast. We listen to the journey that brought Caroline to Sew Ab Fab and how living with a life changing progressive illness drives her to achieve her dreams. We hear how Caroline has had to overcome some phobias to realise her passion for sewing (including the use of the most necessary tool of the trade!). 

Caroline tells us about her sewing business and we also hear about her love of animals and her brief but nevertheless entertaining spell as a veterinary nurse. 

You can see more about us on our websites and the social media links below 

https://www.sewabfab.co.uk

https://bobbinsewingschool.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/sewabfab/

https://www.facebook.com/BobbinSewingSchool/

https://www.instagram.com/bobbinsewingschool/?hl=en-gb

https://www.instagram.com/sewabfab/?hl=en

Sew Ab Fabs Caroline and Aly chat to the wonderfully talented Sian owner of Darn Knit a shop dedicated to Alterations and Wool. Sian shares her journey of taking on this business and her aspirations for the future. Sian also tells us how she has had to adapt during the Pandemic to keep her business fresh. 

https://www.darnknit.co.uk

In our sixth episode Aly and Caroline chat to Damien a Textile Agent who for 12 years has  been the middleman between manufacturer and retailer, he describes his business to us and gives us a peek at what it's like being a travelling fabric salesperson.

We gossip about the Great British Sewing Bee technical challenges and Carolines first trip back to a London hospital after a break of 18 months. 

This week Aly and Caroline answer questions that you gave to us. we discuss our favourite fabrics and sewing machine functions amongst other sewing related queries.

If you've ever printed a PDF pattern at home you will appreciate hearing how Su and Mark went ahead and created Patternsy, becoming the first company dedicated exclusively to printing full size sewing patterns from downloaded sewing patterns for home dressmakers and Designers. And what a journey in life they have taken to get to where they are today, its inspiring. So join us and listen in to this enlightening and informative episode.  

Patternsy have kindly offered 10% off your next order of a printing from your downloaded pattern visit store.patternsy.com  and fill in the code from the question in the episode. The offer is for one use per person 

How many A4 sheets of paper would fit onto an AO sheet and which country is most closely associated with the establishment of the metric system ? (numbercountry) Offer Valid 28/05/21 -28/06/21

Aly and Caroline chat to Nicola owner of Sew Busy a sewing and craft shop in Fleet, Hampshire. Nicola describes how she juggled family and business in the early days of Sew Busy. Nicola also tells us how important Sew Busy has become to many people in her community and how that led to an invitation to one of HRH Queen Elizabeth II Garden Parties.

https://sew-busy.co.uk 

Aly is the co host of the Sew Ab Fab podcast along with Caroline. In this episode Caroline questions Aly so you can find out a bit more about her and how she came to run Bobbin Sewing School. She tells us what plans she has for the future and why giving the best experience to her clients is important to her.

We hear how a competition in her teens led to her love of sewing and how she occasionally swapped Welly boots for Bond Street in her first career. 

Caroline and Aly catch up with what's been happening in their own lives this week and then talk with Fiona Pullen Founder of the fabulous online sewing and craft resource The Sewing Directory. Fiona tells us how The Sewing Directory came about and how she has gone on to write two books for creative people who own or are starting businesses themselves , 'Craft a Creative Business' and 'Making and Marketing a Creative Art and Craft Business'. She tells us her plans for the future and gives us some amazing tips about looking after websites.

https://www.thesewingdirectory.co.uk

In part 1 of this 2 part episode Sew Ab Fabs Aly and Caroline chat with Curly Seams cousins Emma and Tracey about how they journeyed with their families from the UK to the States where Patchwork and quilting became passions for them. They tell us how these hobbies opened up amazing opportunities that turned into careers. 

Tracey was among one of the first people to bring Longarm quilting to the UK and we chat about how quilting has since taken her to far flung places she never imagined she would go to. 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfV2y8nymTFP0TqdRJ6FzjA/about

https://www.instagram.com/curlyseams/?hl=en

https://www.traceypereira.co.uk

In this episode Aly and Caroline chat with Di who has given her time selflessly sharing her sewing knowledge with some of the most disadvantaged people both here in the UK and abroad. She also tells us about the 100 day project and how Sewing helped her learn a new language. 

Di's favourite quote "Each one, teach one" Nelson Mandela.

Aly and Caroline discuss our love affair or not with our craft and give a clue as to what we will be up to in the future.

Purple Community Fund - https://www.p-c-f.org

https://the100dayproject.org

https://www.cashmerette.com

https://shop.tillyandthebuttons.com/collections/sewingpatterns

https://www.lovesewingmag.co.uk/dressmaking/item/a-brief-history-of-shweshwe/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilac-breasted_roller

Aly and Caroline chat with Julia Claridge about the journey that led her to the birth of Bobbins and Buttons. She tells us the processes involved from idea to publishing a sewing pattern and why creating home dressmaking patterns for men is becoming popular. Caroline and Aly talk about Sweet Pea dramas and Aly shares a tale as to why its best to wear appropriate clothing at all times.

https://www.bobbinsnbuttons.co.uk

Aly and Caroline catch up for part two of this episode with Emma and Tracey of Curly Seams. We find out a bit more about their Curly Seams visual Podcast and all the other crafts and hobbies that inspire them. 

We find out which are their favourite bakes and baking presenters and also what a best day would look like. 

We also discuss the next generation of sewers and crafters and touch on what sewing and crafting has given them and the young ones in the families.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfV2y8nymTFP0TqdRJ6FzjA/about

https://www.instagram.com/curlyseams/?hl=en

https://www.traceypereira.co.uk