Episode 305: The Language of Sewing with Maddie Ballard

We're back with the first episode of our Fall 2026 season! In this one, we answer listener questions about fitting small and large busts, pattern matching, how to get jeans to cup your butt, our current TNT patterns, and more. Plus, we recap our summer break and share some fun listener feedback! Show Notes

We announce the We Sew topics for our fall season and discuss how YOU can join the fun! Release Dates: October 6th: We Sew Thrift Flips October 20th: Shirtmaking October 27th: We Sew Jeans (NOTE: We mentioned a different date in the episode - this is the updated, correct date.) November 10th: We Sew Outerwear Show Notes

We share our listeners' stories and suggestions for sewing with others in real life! We chat about guilds, clubs, classes, Zoom sewcials, friend meet-ups, and even sewing birthday parties. And we share our own stories, too. Show Notes

We made garments from our fabric scraps and we reveal them to each other ON THE PODCAST! We chat about how we decided which scraps to put together, our patchwork techniques, and how we feel about our scrap stashes now.  Show Notes

We interview Maddie Ballard, author of Patchwork: A Sewist's Diary! We chat with her about learning to sew during the pandemic, connecting to her roots through her projects, and transforming painful moments into beautiful work. Show Notes

This episode is all about presser feet! We cover all the basics, plus take you into truly mysterious territory. Like: how do you use a ruffler foot? Do you need a blind hem foot to sew a blind hem? And does my machine have a high shank or a low shank? We've got your answers! Show Notes

In this episode, we chat with Nyala Rowe from Crochet Junction! She gives us an intro to crochet, including the best beginner projects, yarn, and resources. Plus: finding crafty community, the tools you need to get started with crochet, and more! Show Notes

We each sewed a bag in secret, and in this episode, we reveal them to each other for the first time! We chat about the patterns and fabrics we chose, what techniques helped us out during the sewing process, and how we plan to style our new bags.  Show Notes

Today's guest is Leila Kelleher: professor of fashion design, co-owner of pattern company Muna and Broad, ready-to-wear designer for A Space in Between, and co-author of the new book, Plus-Size Patternmaking for Womenswear! We talk with Leila about this groundbreaking book, her practical, neutral approach to plus size design and pattern drafting, and how to use the book as a home sewist. Show Notes

This is our 300th episode celebration! We chat about 9 years making Love to Sew, including the guest we were the most nervous to interview, our 2026 TNT patterns, and the advice we would give the 2017 versions of ourselves. Plus: fun games, Love to Sew stats, and more! Show Notes