Talk Gertie To Me

Gretchen "Gertie" Hirsch
  • 5.0 (41)
  • FASHION & BEAUTY

Step into the wildly creative, deeply personal world of Charm Patterns with founder Gretchen “Gertie” Hirsch as she stitches together vintage glamour, pop culture obsessions, body positivity, and unapologetic queerness. From behind-the-scenes design inspo like “Slutty Italian Summer” to candid conversations on beauty, Broadway, and the messiness of creative life, this podcast is part sewing salon, part slumber party, and always ridiculously fun.

Episodes

  1. Your Questions Answered - part 2

    SEP 26

    Your Questions Answered - part 2

    In this lively episode of Talk Gertie to Me, we dive into the personal stories behind Gertie's tattoos, body image reflections, and tips for setting up the perfect sewing space.  Gertie and Andrea discuss the evolution of their body art, the challenges of body changes, and the importance of creating a functional and inspiring sewing room. With a mix of humor and vulnerability, they also share their vintage inspirations and practical sewing advice, making this a delightful and informative listen for fans of vintage fashion and creative sewing. Links & Images Charm Patterns mentioned include:Gertie Sews Jiffy DressesElizabeth CaftanReddit Tattoo Cover UpGrey GardensWilliam Morris WallpaperLiberty of London - Lawn Strawberry ThiefBrabantia ironing board For more vintage-inspired sewing patterns in sizes 2-34 (with A-H bust cups), check out us out at Charm Patterns.

    47 min
  2. Your Questions Answered - part 1

    SEP 19

    Your Questions Answered - part 1

    In this 2-part episode of 'Talk Gertie to Me,' hosts Gretchen (Gertie) and Andrea begin to wrap up Season 1 with a lively reflection on vintage glamor sewing, creative processes, and the joys and struggles of monetizing a beloved hobby. Engaging with listener questions, they dive into the realities of running a pattern-making business, from the financial and logistical challenges to the emotional rollercoaster of creative work. They also discuss the careful planning required for their themes and patterns on Patreon, tease upcoming projects, and share personal insights on maintaining inspiration and creative flow amidst deadlines and business demands. Links & Images Charm Patterns mentioned include:Lamour DressLucille TrousersLoretta ShortsBetty DressMiss Yvonne’s iconic dress on Gertie’s Blog!Sophia Loren in Christian Dior dressDesigner Charles James’s Clover Gown and another!For more vintage-inspired sewing patterns in sizes 2-34 (with A-H bust cups), check out us out at Charm Patterns.

    48 min
  3. Why We’ll Always Love Broadway (and Costumes!)

    AUG 26

    Why We’ll Always Love Broadway (and Costumes!)

    Gretchen and Andrea LOVE Broadway! Learn about their separate backgrounds in theatre, the shows they're loving now, and how those shows have inspired patterns at Charm. Plus, they drop tips on how to see theatre in NYC on a budget! Links & Images Charm Patterns mentioned include:The Starlet GownThe /Broadway subreddit (with discount tix)RENT (the musical from the 1990s)The 2025 Tony Award nominees and winnersSome Like It Hot musicalFloyd Collins with Jeremy JordanDeath Becomes Her musicalOh, Mary! playJoin the Theatre Development Fund (TDF) for discounted ticketsUse the Theatr app for discounted last-minute ticketsA View From My Seat isn't just for theatre! Use it for sports venues and concerts, too.For more vintage-inspired sewing patterns in sizes 2-34 (with A-H bust cups), check out us out at Charm Patterns.

    45 min
  4. RIP Joann. Where do we buy fabrics now???

    AUG 15

    RIP Joann. Where do we buy fabrics now???

    The episode where we diss on JOANN Fabrics (RIP) and share our favorite places and tips for shopping for fabric & notions online. The Charm Studio is in a very small city - we have to drive at least 90 minutes to touch fancy fabrics, too! Links & Images Charm Patterns & books mentioned include:The Betty DressGertie's Charmed Sewing Studio bookAndrea's crouton recipe comes from The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook by America's Test KitchenCome visit the NY Garment District - do you have nearby turkey sandwich recommendations?Maybe Happy Ending musical on BroadwayOur favorite thread is Mettler Metrosene CorsetMaking.com is where we buy spiral steel boning & corsetry supplies and Wawak.com is where we buy lots of notionsSalmon Gros de Londre fabric with rose dotsThe obscenely expensive black lace used on Gretchen's favorite Charm make to date (which will be revealed on the cover of the Fall issue of Vintage by Gertie magazine, coming out Sept 15)Fabric for Fashion swatch book with the pink coverSilkbaron.com's Lesbian Sunset and other Pride fabricsThe inexpensive rayon challis we use for drapey muslinsThe inexpensive ITY jersey we use for jersey knit muslins (and knit linings)For more vintage-inspired sewing patterns in sizes 2-34 (with A-H bust cups), check out us out at Charm Patterns.

    1h 8m
  5. Sage Advice with the Hilarious Susie Dahl

    AUG 8

    Sage Advice with the Hilarious Susie Dahl

    Come join us for a laughter-filled chat with one of our favorite models and Charm team members, Susie Dahl. She's been with us for over seven years and she knows ALL of our secrets! Links & Images Charm Patterns (great for burlesque!) mentioned include:The Vargas PantiesThe Hollywood Dress and RobeThe Wanda Pencil Skirt with secret thigh slit zipperThe Bryant GownSusie Dahl's Instagram page (NSFW): https://www.instagram.com/brwnpaperdolliNyx Cosmetics Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner: https://www.nyxcosmetics.com/eye/eyeliner/epic-ink-waterproof-liquid-eyeliner/NYX_409.html Trixie Cosmetics Red Scare lipstick: https://trixiecosmetics.com/products/lipstick-red-scare-1 Pat McGrath Labs lipstick: https://www.patmcgrath.com/collections/lips Fab Scrap shop for fabric by the pound: https://shopfabscrap.orgFor more vintage-inspired sewing patterns in sizes 2-34 (with A-H bust cups), check out us out at Charm Patterns.

    57 min
  6. Caftans = Freedom (with Elizabeth Taylor)

    JUL 31

    Caftans = Freedom (with Elizabeth Taylor)

    Why are caftans/kaftans so popular among Hollywood icons from the golden age as well as the queer community? In this solo episode, Gertie discusses the fashion (and cultural) history of this gender-free garment, spanning from ancient Egypt through to the modern day. Links & Images Charm Patterns mentioned include:The Elizabeth CaftanThe Pride CaftanElizabeth Taylor swanning down the stairs in 1974's That's EntertainmentElizabeth Taylor's website archiveSee 17-year-old Elizabeth Taylor cinched in A Place in the SunSee her less cinched (and barely covered!) in CleopatraThe Elizabeth Taylor Collection auctioned by Christie'sVanity Fair article about Taylor's AIDS workAnother article (in The Guardian) about her AIDS workProvincetown, MA (P-Town) fabulousnessPalm Springs, CA Hollywood history and queer historyTrina Turk's modern caftansNon-gendered designs by Rudi Gernreich (with more photos in this Vogue article)The caftan-like designs of Paul Poiret and the Balenciaga Sack DressThe Chiffon Trenches book by Andre Leon TalleyFor more vintage-inspired sewing patterns in sizes 2-34 (with A-H bust cups), check out us out at Charm Patterns.

    37 min
  7. Vintage Swimsuits (and their modern interpretations)

    JUL 25

    Vintage Swimsuits (and their modern interpretations)

    We've made two vintage-inspired swimsuits at Charm and they are WILDLY different. Learn why with Gertie and Andrea, who dive deep into the making of these two projects, as well as the aquamusical, submechanophobia, and the "famous" Jewels of the Sea ad that has lived rent-free in Gertie's mind for decades. Links & Images Charm Patterns mentioned include:The Esther Swimsuit (with Pride rainbow photoshoot)The Jane Set (Jumpsuit)The Liz DressThe Lana DressThe Foundations Petticoat (i.e. "the sea monster")The Bathing Beauty SwimsuitGertie's Charmed Sewing Studio book for more vintage swimsuit infoRose Marie Reid info (and swimsuit collection photos at the bottom of the page)The "famous" Jewels of the Sea ad that Gertie is obsessed withAll about LastexHair flowers from La Casa de FloresSabrina Carpenter's "Espresso"Esther Williams info and filmographyA clip from Bathing Beauty with Esther WilliamsFor more vintage-inspired sewing patterns in sizes 2-34 (with A-H bust cups), check out us out at Charm Patterns.

    1h 1m
  8. Recreating Audrey Hepburn's lace dress from the 1952 Oscars

    JUL 17

    Recreating Audrey Hepburn's lace dress from the 1952 Oscars

    Join me while I discuss recreating the white lace dress that Audrey Hepburn wore to the 1952 Oscars. It's a bit of fashion history mixed with some sewing fun! Links & Images Charm Patterns mentioned include:The Waterfall DressThe Sabrina DressThe Holly Bodice Backs Expansion pattern for the Sabrina DressThe Lamour DressThe free Charm Circle SkirtChristine Lingerie in VancouverIconic Atomic in Palm SpringsInfo about Audrey Hepburn's 1952 Oscars Dress and the Roman Holiday Coat DressMy version of the dress, on the cover of the Spring 2025 issue of Charm's Vintage by Gertie magazineSabrina with Audrey Hepburn (1954)The Great British Sewing BeeThe Fasturn fabric turnerFor vintage-inspired sewing patterns in sizes 2-34 (with A-H bust cups), check out us out at Charm Patterns.

    43 min
  9. Slutty Italian Summer

    JUL 11

    Slutty Italian Summer

    What is "Slutty Italian Summer" and how has it influenced Gertie and the patterns at Charm? Listen in as Gretchen and Andrea talk about the vintage and modern inspiration behind this catch phrase, and how it has impacted the Charm summer collections for the past few years. Links & Images Charm Patterns mentioned include:The Lisa BodiceThe Gina BustierThe Sophia DressThe Elsa CulottesThe Vargas PantiesWhite Lotus (particularly Season Two)Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring 1992 collectionVanity Fair cover with k.d. lang and Cindy CrawfordThe Merry Widow film from 1952 with Lana TurnerCamila Cabello 2017 Guess adsMore Camila Cabello from 2018 in The EditCharm's Vintage by Gertie magazine (Summer 2025 issue) heavily inspired by the Slutty Italian Summer aesthetic For more vintage-inspired sewing patterns in sizes 2-34 (with A-H bust cups), check out us out at Charm Patterns.

    22 min
  10. Who We Are

    JUL 11

    Who We Are

    Welcome to the first real episode of Talk Gertie To Me! Come get to know Andrea and Gertie as they talk about who they are, how they've come together, and why they're excited to be doing this podcast. Links & Images Maintenance Phase podcast - What's Our Deal? episodeGertie's 2020 daily livestreams on YouTubeGertie's Blog for Better Sewing (2009-2017)Vanity Fair magazine cover with k.d. lang and Cindy Crawford"Vintage style, not vintage values" - Dandy WellingtonFor vintage-inspired sewing patterns in sizes 2-34 (with A-H bust cups), check out us out at Charm Patterns.

    46 min
  • 10 Episodes

5
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

Step into the wildly creative, deeply personal world of Charm Patterns with founder Gretchen “Gertie” Hirsch as she stitches together vintage glamour, pop culture obsessions, body positivity, and unapologetic queerness. From behind-the-scenes design inspo like “Slutty Italian Summer” to candid conversations on beauty, Broadway, and the messiness of creative life, this podcast is part sewing salon, part slumber party, and always ridiculously fun.

Information

  • Creator
    Gretchen "Gertie" Hirsch
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Gretchen Hirsch
  • Show Website
    Talk Gertie To Me

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