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So this week has been the big official launch of the Curious Handmade Wardrobe Challenge! If you haven’t gotten involved yet, don’t worry, there’s still lots of time. We’re all still in the dreaming stage! You can get all the details on the official post here on the blog, and make sure that you pop into the Curious Handmade Ravelry Group to get in on all the community conversations and support.
Onto today’s podcast: it’s the first one that ties into the Challenge, and although it was recorded months ago, it’s so perfect to usher us into this project. I’m talking with maker, designer and teacher Cal Patch of Hodge Podge Farm. We were cabin mates at Squam this year, and I was so thrilled to sit down and record this interview with her right there in that magical environment. I’ve been squirreling the recording away until now and I’m bursting to share it with all of you: it’s a really special one.
Show Sponsors
Today’s show is sponsored by The Fibre Co, and their magnificent Acadia yarn.
Acadia is named after the oldest American national park east of the Mississippi river, a place of natural beauty where the sea and mountains meet, slopes are densely forested and wild blueberries abound. Acadia National Park is in the state of Maine, The Fibre Co.’s birthplace. The yarn inspired by this beautiful region has a rustic look and a soft hand. A subtle tweed effect is created by the silk noil that is combined with a heathered base made from fine merino wool and brown baby alpaca. The yarn is a classic DK weight and makes a beautiful textured fabric that is perfect for next to the skin accessories as well as garments.
You can get your hands on some Acadia of your own at our other sponsor’s shop, Meadow Yarn:
Meadow Yarn is an inviting online retailer selling yarn, needles and notions. It’s a small, family business based in rural Suffolk in the UK. Meadow Yarn was born out of a passion for beautiful yarn and knitting accessories and aims to bring you a range of great products. Yarns stocked include madelinetosh, Eden Cottage Yarn, the Fibre Co and many more.
Show Links
Cal mentions her Borealis Shawl design in Jill Draper Makes Stuff yarn
We mention Cal’s amazing online class on CreativeBug. You can find them all right here if you’d like to browse. Some that are especially good for learning foundational sewing and pattern drafting skills are
Market Tote Bag (this is Cal’s recommended very first sewing project!)
Patternmaking Simplified: A-Line Skirt
Cal’s always busy teaching and sharing her knowledge with other crafters. She generally has a bunch of workshops coming up all around the world. All the details and dates can be found on her teaching page. The next few in line are:
in August:
Make Your Own Dress Immersion Weekend at Drop Forge & Tool in Hudson, NY
Print & Sew Folk Dress (with Maya Donenfeld) at Craftstitute in Ithaca, NY
in September:
Sew Your Own Leggings at Fiber College of Maine
in November:
Sewing and Crochet Classes at Lucky Star Art Camp in Texas
As if all that online and offline teaching wasn’t enough work, Cal has somehow found time to bring out an absolutely wonderful book which really demystifies pattern making, a subject which intimidates a lot of sewists. It shouldn’t! Especially if you have Cal’s book by your side.
Design it Yourself Clothes: Pattern Making Simplified
You can find out more about everything she’s up to by visiting her at:
Announcements
Just a reminder! I’m still pinching myself that Curious Handmade has made it to the finals of the UK Podcasting Awards! Every vote counts and I’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to vote for us here! Thank you so much!
Please come along on September 5th for the Great London Yarn Crawl! I’m sharing a stand on a rotating basis with a bunch of wonderful designers as part of their pop up marketplace Indie Designer Spotlight.
I’m working with Emily Quinton from Makelight Studios and my friend Vicki Hillman, fashion stylist to plan the first Curious Handmade live workshop on Friday the 9th of October. Save the date!
I really hope you enjoyed listening to that episode as much as I loved recording it: you can hear how much fun we had. Don’t forget to get in on the Creative Handmade Wardrobe Challenge! Until next time, happy making!
