Sew with Confidence | Sewing, Fabric, Sewing Patterns, Sewing with Knits

Lisa Hawkes - Pattern Designer & Sewing Teacher
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Do you want to sew clothes but are worried that the clothes will look homemade?  Are you afraid of wasting your time, money & fabric? Tired of sewing beautiful clothes that never actually get worn, but just hang in the back of the closet?  Do you want to expand your sewing skills but are nervous about trying new techniques?   Welcome to Sew with Confidence! This podcast will help expand your sewing skills, provide guidance in choosing the materials for your next project, and help you confidently sew clothes that you and others will love to wear!  Hi, I’m Lisa, the host of Sew with Confidence and the owner and designer behind Pink Hollybush Designs, a line of sewing patterns for children’s garments. I have been sewing since I was a little girl and my background is in smocking and heirloom sewing. I’ve had my share of sewing fails - garments that didn’t fit, choosing the wrong fabric, and sewing pieces that just weren’t my style or appropriate for my life. I hate the thought of the time and money that has been wasted.  Through trial and error, along with many sewing classes, I have figured out how to sew with confidence. I discovered that choosing the right fabric and sewing techniques can make all the difference between a garment looking homemade or being one that you're proud to wear.    If you are ready to expand your sewing skills, confidently sew clothes that you and others will love to wear, and be part of a supportive sewing community, then fire up that sewing machine, dive into your fabric stash, join me, and let’s Sew with Confidence!

  1. 3d ago

    EP 21: Working with PDF Sewing Patterns: Some People Love 'em & Some People Hate 'em

    Are you one of those people who hate PDF patterns or do you love them? I have to admit that I started out as one of those people who hated PDF patterns but I have changed my mind and now I am one of those who love them. Well, love them or hate them, PDF patterns are here to stay, unless of course they get replaced by projector files, but that is a topic for another day. Today if you are one of the haters, I am hoping to change your mind and if you love PDF patterns I have a simple assembly hack and some storage ideas. So let’s delve in I remember the time I first tried a PDF sewing pattern. I had purchased the book Twinkle Sews by Wenlan Chia. The book came with a series of patterns on a CD in an envelope in the back. I know that I am dating myself now. I made a dress for my daughter from the book and I remember printing out what I think  was 70 pages for the dress. I can’t double check because even though I still have the book, I don’t have any way to print from a CD. But I remember thinking, PDF patterns will never take off. Well, I was wrong. PDF patterns have indeed taken off. I won’t go so far to say that they are here to stay because I could certainly see projector sewing files replacing them, but for today so many wonderful patterns are only available if you are comfortable working with PDF patterns. So in this episode, I am going to try and get you there! And if you are entirely comfortable putting PDF patterns together, stick around because I have a hack for you on how to assemble them quickly as well as some storage recommendations. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit Check out the Sewing Circle at: Seamwork patterns: https://colettemedia.pxf.io/Gb5Bak Ikatee Free patterns: https://ikatee.fr/en/pages/rh-ikatee-is-hiring Tilda Blouse: https://www.maison-fauve.com/en/products/patron-couture-gratuit-blouse-tilda-pdf-a-telecharger?_pos=1&_sid=a6307e136&_s Other Resources: Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter Ways to Connect: Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/ YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

  2. Oct 6

    EP 20: 3 Cozy Knit Fabrics to Sew for Fall From Easiest to More Challenging.

    I know that cooler temperatures are on the way even if the weather hasn’t gotten the message. We want to be prepared when that cooler weather arrives. I also hear from many of you that you are afraid to sew with knit fabrics. Cozy knit fabrics are some of the easiest knits to sew, so into today’s episode I am ranking 3 cozy knit fabrics for you to try  from easiest to one that is more of a challenge. If you are a beginner to sewing with knits, the first two are definitely beginner friendly  and the last one is for those of you who have a little more experience sewing with knits. So with that, let’s delve in and Get Cozy! Resources Mentioned in This Episode: EP 18: Successfully Purchase Fabric Online Using This Key Metric: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sew-with-confidence-sewing-fabric-sewing-patterns/id6786780019?i=1000791067992 Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit   Other Resources: Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter   Ways to Connect: Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/ YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

  3. Sep 29

    EP 19: How to Find Focus and Support for Your Sewing Journey

    Do you struggle to find time for your sewing practice or the focus to finish your sewing projects? Have you ever wished that you could finish that project for a beloved child or even yourself? I can’t give you more hours in your day, but in today’s podcast, I have a story about a sewing legacy and a possible solution to help you get the support you need. Enrollment is currently open for the Sewing Circle, our online sewing membership community. If you would like to be part of a supportive sewing community to enable you to expand your sewing skills, confidently sew clothes that you and others would love to wear, and be encouraged in your sewing practice, I invite you to check out the Sewing Circle. You can find all the details at: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/sewingcircle Other Resources: Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here Ways to Connect: Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/ YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

  4. Sep 22

    EP 18: Successfully Purchase Fabric Online Using This Key Metric.

    Help - I want to purchase fabric online but how do I know I will receive something that I love? I understand - we have all been there. We want to feel the fabric, see how it drapes, feel the weight in our hands. But the reality for many of us is that we don’t have a local fabric store, or if we are lucky enough to have one, this time around it doesn’t have what we are looking for. Online may be our only option so how do we make an informed  decision so we end up with a fabric that we love? I have many tips to offer when it comes to purchasing fabric online, but today I am going to explain the key thing that I look for that consistently helps me to successfully purchase fabric online. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Enrollment for the Sewing Circle, our online sewing membership community will open in a few days. If you would like to be part of a supportive sewing community to enable you to expand your sewing skills, confidently sew clothes that you and others would love to wear, and be encouraged in your sewing practice, I invite you to check out the Sewing Circle. You can sign up for the waiting list and can find all the details at: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/sewingcircle The Fabric Swatch Template: https://pinkhollybush.myflodesk.com/fabricswatch EP 17 Four Go-To Woven Fabrics for Fall that You Will Love to Sew: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sew-with-confidence-sewing-fabric-sewing-patterns/id6786780019?i=1000789734641 Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit Other Resources: Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here Ways to Connect: Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/ YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

  5. Sep 15

    EP 17: 4 Go-To Woven Fabrics for Fall that You Will Love to Sew

    Have you had your first pumpkin spice latte yet? Are you noticing the cooling temperatures and a few changing leaves? Have you picked up your mums? Here in Connecticut it is still warm but Fall is definitely on the way - the temperatures are cooler and I am not opening the windows when I get up. . But maybe you live in an area where Fall is still a long way off. Well today I am thinking Fall even if the temperatures are not cooperating and I have 4 easy to sew woven fabrics for you that will help you through the transition even if you live in an area where it won’t feel like Fall for quite a while. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit Ep 9: 3 Tips to Help Pick Quality Cotton Fabric for Your Next Sewing Project: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sew-with-confidence-sewing-fabric-sewing-patterns/id6786780019?i=1000778667924 The Free Sew With Confidence Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast Other Resources: Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here   Ways to Connect: Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/ YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

  6. Sep 8

    EP 16: Finally Getting to a Fabric Store? Make the Most of Your Visit With a Little Pre-Planning.

    Do you have a fabric store near where you live? If you don’t and then you had the opportunity to finally visit a fabric store, were you able to take advantage of the opportunity? Did you have what you needed with you to make decisions in the time you had or did you get 50 miles down the road and remember the 10 things that you should have picked up? Here in the US, most of us don’t have a nearby fabric store so when we can physically get to one, it’s important to make the most of the opportunity. With a little pre-planning we can do just that. Let’s dive in Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Fabric Store Checklist: https://pinkhollybush.myflodesk.com/llml12zjzt The Free Sew With Confidence Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast Other Resources: Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here Ways to Connect: Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/ YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

  7. Sep 1

    EP 15: Assess Your Style so Your Next Sewn Garment is One You Love!

    How do you decide on the next sewing pattern or fabric that you are going to sew for yourself? Do you pick the pretty fabric and then it never gets sewn? Do you just go with the latest pattern that your favorite sewist is showing on instagram? Maybe you love a particular type of garment and you always sew that type? Do you sew for the special occasion, or for your everyday life? Don’t get me wrong, I love sewing for the special occasion, but the goal of this podcast is to help you sew garments that you love and want to wear often, so in today’s episode, I have 8 questions for you to ask yourself to help you choose the next garment you are going to sew for yourself so it one that you love and wear often Resources Mentioned in This Episode: The Free Sew With Confidence Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast EP 5: Understand the 3 Types of Ease to Sew a Garment You Love: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sew-with-confidence-sewing-fabric-sewing-patterns/id6786780019?i=1000776727498 Other Resources: Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here   Ways to Connect: Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/ YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

  8. Aug 25

    EP 14: Favorite Sewing Machine Feet to Take Your Sewing From Homemade to Polished

    Did you know that Bernina and Husqvarna manufacture over 100 specialty feet for their sewing machines and that Pfaff, Babylock and Janome make at least 60. Did you know that there is such a thing as a twin welting foot for the sewing machine? Typically only a small number of feet come with your sewing machine so you can spend a small fortune on additional feet. But having the right foot can help you achieve accurate sewing and make your garments look more polished. Now if you are someone who regularly applies double cording to your home dec projects then a twin welting foot may be worth it, but for the rest of us who are primarily sewing garments, which are the feet that probably didn’t come with your machine that are worth investing in? In today’s episode I am discussing the feet that didn’t come with my machine but that I reach for almost every time I am sewing a garment. Resources Mentioned: The Free Sew With Confidence Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast EP 12: Achieve a Polished (Not Homemade) Sewn Garment With These 5 Tips: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sew-with-confidence-sewing-fabric-sewing-patterns/id6786780019?i=1000782630130 Other Resources: Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here Ways to Connect: Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/ YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

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Do you want to sew clothes but are worried that the clothes will look homemade?  Are you afraid of wasting your time, money & fabric? Tired of sewing beautiful clothes that never actually get worn, but just hang in the back of the closet?  Do you want to expand your sewing skills but are nervous about trying new techniques?   Welcome to Sew with Confidence! This podcast will help expand your sewing skills, provide guidance in choosing the materials for your next project, and help you confidently sew clothes that you and others will love to wear!  Hi, I’m Lisa, the host of Sew with Confidence and the owner and designer behind Pink Hollybush Designs, a line of sewing patterns for children’s garments. I have been sewing since I was a little girl and my background is in smocking and heirloom sewing. I’ve had my share of sewing fails - garments that didn’t fit, choosing the wrong fabric, and sewing pieces that just weren’t my style or appropriate for my life. I hate the thought of the time and money that has been wasted.  Through trial and error, along with many sewing classes, I have figured out how to sew with confidence. I discovered that choosing the right fabric and sewing techniques can make all the difference between a garment looking homemade or being one that you're proud to wear.    If you are ready to expand your sewing skills, confidently sew clothes that you and others will love to wear, and be part of a supportive sewing community, then fire up that sewing machine, dive into your fabric stash, join me, and let’s Sew with Confidence!

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