Back in the early summer when I was over in Portland, Oregon, I had the chance to meet up with Sarai at Colette – but what I didn’t tell you, was that we were also recording a podcast! Sarai is such an inspiration in the way that she’s leading the indie sewing market, and the expansion of Seamwork to include the Seamwork Radio podcast is a masterful  – but totally logical – stroke.
Never one to follow the crowd, Seamwork Radio is quite different to other sewing podcasts – in fact, I’d venture to say that it’s *mostly* not about sewing. Instead, Sarai is talking to people involved in the sewing world about their lives, influences and stories. It makes for some soul-bearing moments, but I think it’ll be be really interesting – I know a few of the upcoming interviewees and I can’t wait to hear their stories!
On the first Seamwork Radio episode, I’m talking about growing up in different places around the world, the legacy of bullying, body image, and how I was a Malawian supermodel. I also say “like” way too much, so apologies in advance.
You can listen to Seamwork Radio here, or on iTunes or Stitcher.
I saw that you were on the radio – congratulations! Agreed that Sarai is an inspiration to me and the industry. And I TOTALLY feel you on noticing your voice/speech when you hear a recording of yourself. When I watched the video of my bra making workshop for The Sewing Party last year, I said, “I highly suggest” like 1000 times!
I heard the podcast yesterday. Wonderful in every way! Now I can “hear” your voice when I read your blog.
Heard the podcast yesterday & am new to your reading blog because of it. Loved the podcast & am loving reading your blog!
I love you podcast. it was incredibly moving and empowering. thank you.
Loved the podcast.
I listened yesterday! Thanks for sharing and being an inspiration!
Jenny, your interview was just so great! At the risk of sounding like a new age weirdo, you have a such a lovely energy, and I genuinely enjoyed listening to your stories.
What an inspirational story of self assurance. I heard the podcast twice. Not only for the story, but I guess I am not used to your accent. LOL. I was surprised for Sarai’s voice so soft spoken. And yes nothing upbeats a soul better than sewing!!!
Loved this Jenny……congratulations on doing so very much and doing it so incredibly well!
It was great and so inspiring for a beginner and a “skinny chick.” Thank you both.
Just listened to your podcast and was so inspired! Love that you are inspiring women to be more confidant with their body image! I have struggled with it myself my whole life too!
I listened to this yesterday whilst cutting out a new dress and loved it! Nice to hear your voice. Thanks for sharing your story, I found it really interesting to hear your background and influences and also really empthasised with a lot you said. Can’t wait to hear future interviews!!
I listened just yesterday… REALLY lovely. I enjoyed every second. So much of what you said resonates with me personally having been very, very overweight for the 1st 34 years of my life. Really well expressed thoughts on your life experiences. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Hi Jenny. First-time commenter here. It’s a great podcast and you are such a good storyteller! It was a pleasure to listen to you, though the experiences you talked about were not easy. Thanks so much for sharing your story, and with a good sense of humor (in addition to fantastic sewing)!
Hi Jenny. I listened to the podcast this morning on my way into work. You’re such a bubbly, friendly person – you definitely made the commute into London much more fun 🙂
Now excuse me while I just go and follow you on all social media outlets…
Elena x
That was a great podcast! So sorry that you were bullied but I enjoyed hearing about your success and overcoming your notions. I have no doubt that my daughters would face the same if they went to a traditional school. We homeschool and they have sports and volunteer work that they enjoy. One day they will face the full onslaught of body bigotry and I will be able to point them to others who are excelling.
I listened to your podcast on Seamwork Radio. You are truly inspiring. I really, really love your attitude.
I’ve been listening to during my lesson planning time, and I loved it! I stumbled upon you and your blog just as my body acceptance journey was coming to a happy place, and you, your blog, and the Curvy Sewing Collective have been so encouraging! One thing you said in the podcast, something like “trying to force your body to fit the clothes” really hit home for me! I’d been trying to sew for the size I wanted, not for my body, and it was so frustrating and discouraging! Once I began to accept that “size” is just a number and as long as I’m happy and healthy, who cares! Life is too short to not enjoy it and make clothes that you love. So thank you, Jenny, for everything you’ve accomplished and for being a leader for us curvy girls of the world!
What a wonderful podcast! Firstly because it was so empowering and it introduced me to your blog and collective! Secondly I’m always glad to hear about someone who has traveled the globe, but also loves so-called “Household Arts”.
A great podcast – thank you for sharing your story. It was so interesting to find out something about the person behind the actual sewing. I love the idea of getting sewing bloggers to talk about their life and experiences outside their blog content. All the best to you.
It was a lovely listen, thank you for sharing your stories. You sounded really different too how I imagined (I thought you’d have an Aberdonian accent, or at least the remains of one! I don’t even know if you’ve lived in Aberdeen, though! LOL)), but it kind of fully rounds you as a person in my mind. Your story was a brave one to share though, and I am utterly in awe of how much you have turned your mindset around. I particularly liked when you mentioned checking in with your existing perceptions about yourself! I am also in awe of your bravery – just going and living in all those different countries. It sounds amazing.
Great podcast!
It was wonderful.
Just listened to the podcast- you rock!
Listening right now! Sounds very inspirational.
I listened to this last night – you have such an interesting life! I loved that bit about Malawi. The part that resonated with me the most was the story about the cashmere coat. You’re right, you can’t really learn something unless you actually try it hands-on, and with sewing, sometimes that’s a big risk for us perfectionists and Type A personalities to take.
Congratulations on being the inaugural guest on Seamwork Radio! Your session was inspiring and interesting, and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing your story.
Loved the conversation with you on the podcast. I found myself nodding my head at times because your story sounded so painfully familiar (um…without the Malawi bombshell part). Look at you now! Amazing and inspiring!
I listened to this today. It sounded great!! And now I have another blog to add to my reader. Looking forward to reading all that you have to post. Thank you!!