Creating Fitted Bodices, with Gretchen Hirsch | Episode 87

Longtime indie patternmaker Folkwear offers vintage and folk patterns that can suit even the most fashion-forward wardrobe.

The editors of Threads share what they're excited about in the magazine's winter 2025 issue and even look forward to the spring.   Find out what's coming up in the holiday issue—from how-to articles, to magnificent wool garments, to gifts for the sewists on your shopping list.

Lynn Brannelly, owner of Sewn Adaptive, talks about how she alters and makes garments that fit and function for those with disabilities.

Threads Contributing Editor Kenneth D. King outlines his approach to ensuring the best results when he sews. Through years of practice, experimentation, and research, he's developed methods that are, in his words, "repeatable and reliable."

The author of a book about creating a hand-sewn wardrobe shares how she got hooked on patternmaking and hand stitching, plus explains what her guide has to offer.

The founder of the Sewing and Design School in Tacoma, Washington, talks about how she caught the teaching bug and how she shares her love of sewing with a diverse group of students from around the country.

Learn from Kiki Smith, director of the Smith College Historic Clothing Collection, about what's in the collection and how it has attracted attention.

Sewing garments for design competitions calls for imagination, problem-solving, time management, and enthusiasm for turning obstacles into learning opportunities. Two winning designers share their strategies for success.

As the quilted garment trend grows, the founders of Fit for Art Patterns talk about sewing quilted jackets, the topic of their latest book.  

Pattern designer, sewing teacher, and author Gretchen Hirsch talks about sewing fitted bodices, working with boning, and what's in her latest book.