The Sewing Social

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In this episode of The Sewing Social Podcast, Gemma Daly is joined by Alice O’Connell, founder of Learn to Knit, to chat about creativity, career changes and the unexpected ways a hobby can shape your life.
With over 20 years’ experience teaching knitting, Alice shares how she went from working as an actress to building a business around her love of making. We talk about the calming benefits of knitting, the confidence that comes from learning something new, and why it’s so important to let yourself be a beginner and embrace the mistakes along the way.
Alice also opens up about her experience of breast cancer and how knitting helped her find comfort, connection and a sense of normality through a difficult time. We finish by exploring sustainable crafting, making more thoughtful choices with materials, and finding joy in creating something by hand.
Whether you’re an experienced knitter, a complete beginner or simply looking for a little more creativity in your life, there’s plenty to take away from this conversation.

Key Topics: 

Alice describes a 14-year acting career and how knitting began as a calming way to spend time on set.
A chance suggestion from an assistant director led Alice to learn from her mother, books, and plenty of trial and error.
After moving from London to Amsterdam, Alice gave herself space to shift from acting toward teaching and knitting.
Learn to Knit grew from informal lessons into online classes and personalized tutorials for students around the world.
Alice shares her breast cancer diagnosis in 2024, treatment, and how knitting helped her manage anxiety and feel connected to herself.
She says beginner confidence is often held back by perfectionism, and encourages learners to celebrate early progress and build skills through small projects.
Alice explains how repetitive handcraft can provide a slower, soothing rhythm and fit into everyday moments.
She suggests secondhand yarn, charity-shop sweaters, and asking questions about materials as more sustainable ways to craft.
Alice previews plans to bring knitting to unexpected spaces, including a cinema, and to experiment with beads and unconventional materials.

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Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod
                     @thedalythread
Website and studio details: www.thedalythreadstudio.com

If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 
Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod
Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:
thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 
The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Affiliate Links:
Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com
     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/
     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Guest Details: 
Website: www.learntoknit.nl
Instagram: @learntoknitonline

Chapters
00:00 Meet Alice O’Connell, actor turned knitting teacher
03:10 A chance suggestion sparks Alice’s knitting journey
06:14 From teaching friends to becoming Amsterdam’s knitting teacher
08:04 Leaving London and making room for a new creative identity
13:15 How Learn to Knit grew from in-person lessons to global classes
17:53 Why Alice teaches beginners with DK yarn and 4 mm needles
19:17 Breast cancer, early detection, and knitting through treatment
26:03 Knitting as portable, calming, everyday craft
30:10 How perfectionism keeps beginners from celebrating progress
34:01 Small projects, mistakes, and building creative confidence
37:06 Why slow crafts can restore attention and energy
39:39 Secondhand yarn and more sustainable making
43:41 Taking knitting to cinemas and other unexpected places
45:14 Alice’s knitting favourites and where to find her

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In this episode of The Sewing Social Podcast, Gemma Daly chats with Mila Moiso, co-founder and co-owner of Tauko Magazine, the international sewing magazine celebrating independent designers, creative sewing and the joy of making your own clothes.
Mila shares her journey from working in the sustainable fashion industry to launching Tauko Magazine with her childhood friend Kaisa Rissanen. Having spent over a decade running their own fashion label, they discovered a new way to support creativity and independent designers by creating a sewing publication that brings together talented makers and diverse perspectives from around the world.
We explore the relationship between sewing and sustainability, discussing how making your own clothes can change the way you think about fashion, consumption and the resources involved in producing garments. Mila explains why sewing, mending and making can help us become more conscious consumers and develop a deeper appreciation for the time and skill behind the clothes we wear.
We also discuss clothing as a form of storytelling and self-expression, the importance of diversity in sewing pattern design, and the creative community that has grown around Tauko Magazine.
Whether you're passionate about sustainable fashion, independent sewing patterns, dressmaking or simply finding inspiration for your next sewing project, this is a fascinating conversation about the value of making things for yourself.

In this episode, we discuss:
How Mila learned to sew growing up in Finland.
The journey from running a sustainable fashion brand to launching Tauko Magazine.
Why making your own clothes can encourage more sustainable fashion choices.
The connection between sewing, creativity and self-expression.
How clothing can communicate stories and personal identity.
The importance of showcasing diverse designers and perspectives.
Behind the scenes of creating an international sewing magazine.
Finding inspiration for garment making in everyday life.
Building a supportive and creative sewing community.

Follow me: 
Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod
                     @thedalythread
Tiktok: thesewingsocialpod
If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 
Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod
Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:
thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 
The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Affiliate Links:
Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com
     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/
     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Guest Details:
Tauko is an international sewing magazine based in Helsinki and Berlin, founded by Mila Moiso and Kaisa Rissanen. It brings together independent sewing pattern designers, inspiring photography, thoughtful articles and creative ideas for the home sewing community.
Discover more about Tauko Magazine through their website and explore their collection of inspiring sewing patterns and publications.
Website: www.taukomagazine.com
Instagram: @taukomagazine

Chapters

00:00 Meet Mila Moiso, Tauko’s co-founder
02:09 A childhood friendship built around making
03:01 How clothing became a storytelling medium
05:02 What a decade in sustainable fashion taught Mila
08:14 Finnish culture, scarcity, and consuming less
11:26 Does sewing make consumption more sustainable?
13:00 Finding lasting reward in making and mending
15:09 The pivot from fashion label to sewing magazine
20:01 Why the name Tauko means a pause
22:02 Behind the scenes of editing an issue
26:40 The denim issue and trusting the community
28:00 Why Tauko makes space for many designers
29:28 Mila’s design philosophy and sources of inspiration
31:33 Future workshops and the sewing this-or-that game

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What happens when fashion design dreams take an unexpected turn? In this episode, Rosie Briscoe, better known as The Linen Thief, shares her creative journey into upcycling, thrift flips and sustainable sewing.
Rosie explores how second-hand fabrics and pre-loved clothing can be transformed into unique, wearable pieces through creativity, experimentation and a willingness to think differently about fashion. She discusses the importance of sustainability, making the most of what you already have, and finding inspiration in unexpected places.
Whether you're passionate about sewing, love hunting for charity shop bargains, or want to embrace a more sustainable approach to fashion, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you rethink your wardrobe and discover the possibilities of upcycling.

In this episode, we explore:
Rosie's journey from fashion design ambitions to becoming The Linen Thief.
How upcycling and thrift flips turn pre-loved clothing into something new.
Sustainable fashion and reducing textile waste through creative reuse.
Finding inspiration in second-hand fabrics and forgotten garments.
Building sewing confidence through experimentation and creativity.
The importance of community, shared knowledge and support in sewing.
Why you don't need to buy new to create something original.

Follow me: 
Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod
                     @thedalythread
Tiktok: thesewingsocialpod
If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 
Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod
Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:
thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 
The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Affiliate Links:
Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com
     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/
     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Guest Details: 
Instagram: @linen_thief
Tiktok: @linen_thief
Facebook: @linen_thief

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rosie and her sewing journey
02:20 Starting sewing during lockdown and learning through trial and error
07:14 The moment Rosie realised her niche in thrift flips
11:30 The story behind the Linen Thief name and brand identity
16:49 Most unpromising garments turned into brilliant creations
22:21 Learning to see potential in fabrics and garments
25:37 What draws Rosie to designer fashion and its details
30:50 Rosie's thoughts on sustainability and secondhand shopping
38:53 Rosie's upcoming project: a photo shoot collection
41:25 Rosie's plans for a new creative collection
43:41 Where to find Rosie online and community support

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In this episode of The Sewing Social, I’m joined by Chris Wincott (Haus of Wincott) to talk about his journey from experimenting with sewing as a child to developing his own ideas around fashion, textiles and design.
You might recognise Chris from M&S: Dress the Nation, but his creative journey goes much further than the show. We talk about how his early experiences with sewing developed into a passion for fashion, and how his own experiences have influenced the work he wants to create.
Chris has a particular interest in using fashion and textiles to start conversations around men's mental health, as well as exploring how clothing can be more innovative, sustainable and responsive. We chat about the ideas behind some of his projects, the role that sustainability plays in his work, and why clothing can be about so much more than simply what we wear.
We also talk about what happens after appearing on a TV competition and deciding to build something for yourself. Chris is now developing his own fashion house, Haus Of Wincott, and shares his ambitions for the brand and where he wants to take his work next.

In this episode, we talk about:
Chris's journey into sewing and fashion
His experience on M&S: Dress the Nation
Designing textiles with a focus on men's mental health
Sustainability and making fashion more thoughtfully
Innovative and reactive clothing
How personal experiences influence creative work
Building Haus Of Wincott
The relationship between fashion, identity and wellbeing
What it really means to build a career as an independent designer

Follow me: 
Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod
                     @thedalythread
Tiktok: thesewingsocialpod
If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 
Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod
Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:
thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 
The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Affiliate Links:
Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com
     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/
     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Guest Details: 
Instagram: @hausofwincott
                  : @lilsibwinnie
Website: www.hausofwincott.com
Podcast: That's Sew Fashion

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Chris's background in fashion
01:57 Early influences and childhood sewing experiments
03:26 Studying textiles and fashion, and final collection themes
04:53 Designing for men's mental health and emotional wellbeing
05:59 Innovations in reactive and sensory clothing
07:51 Color psychology and mood regulation in fashion
10:59 Experience on M&S Dress the Nation and lessons learned
16:10 Most proud moment on the TV show and overcoming pressure
18:01 Building Haus of Wincott and future vision
21:08 Sustainable fashion week collection and inspiration
25:02 Upcoming projects, collaborations, and podcast
33:03 Final thoughts, advice, and where to find Chris

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What does it take to turn a love of sewing into a successful sewing pattern and fabric business?
In this episode of The Sewing Social, I’m joined by Clair and Charlotte from Emporia Patterns to talk about their journey through the sewing world - from their early experiences with making and dressmaking to building an independent pattern and fabric business.
We chat about designing sewing patterns, the hardships of a small business and  how the sewing community has evolved alongside the rise of The Great British Sewing Bee.
Clair and Charlotte share what they’ve learnt along the way, how their approach to pattern design has developed, and what it’s really like turning something you love into a business.

In this episode, we talk about:
How Clair and Charlotte first discovered sewing and dressmaking
The journey from sewing enthusiast to independent sewing pattern designer
How Emporia Patterns came to be
What goes into creating and developing a sewing pattern
Building a sewing business and connecting with the sewing community
How The Great British Sewing Bee has influenced the world of sewing
The changing landscape of the independent sewing pattern industry
Finding your own creative style
The realities of running a small creative business
What keeps them excited about sewing and making
If you love sewing, dressmaking, indie sewing patterns, fabric and The Great British Sewing Bee, this is one to listen to.

Follow me: 
Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod
                     @thedalythread
Tiktok: thesewingsocialpod
If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 
Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod
Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:
thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 
The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Affiliate Links:
Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com
     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/
     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Guest Details: 
Website: www.emporia-fabric.co.uk
Instagram: @emporia_patterns
                  : @emporia_designer
                  : @lottejamiesoncrafts

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Clair and Charlotte from Emporia Patterns
00:10 Early sewing stories and childhood influences
00:14 Clair's background in costume and clothing technology
00:16 The growth of the fabric shop and pattern business
00:17 Impact of COVID and online community support
00:21 Business challenges and fabric sale during tough times
00:27 Moving from shop to office and back to home
00:34 The importance of honesty and sharing struggles
00:54 Pattern development process and creative collaboration
01:02 The role of the Great British Sewing Bee and community
01:25 Favourite patterns and design inspirations
01:27 Future plans and hopes for Emporia Patterns