The Asian Sewist Collective Podcast

In this episode, we discuss the new book, Plus Size Patternmaking for Womenswear with co-author and friend of the pod, Leila Kelleher ( @leila_sews ). We also share an update about the future of the pod and what to expect in your feeds. Buy the book (affiliate link): https://bookshop.org/a/24800/9781350360174 For show notes, resources and a full transcript of this episode: https://asiansewistcolle...

In this episode, we're chatting with friend of the pod and season 1 guest, Nandita ( @divinedita ), about her travels to India and fabric shopping throughout three different states in India.  Thank you to Oliso for sponsoring this episode. For show notes, resources and a full transcript of this episode: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-74-fabric-shopping-in-india-with-nandita-divinedita/...

In part two of our chat with the amazing Yaya Han, we dive behind the scenes of being a business owner in the sewing space over these last two volatile years, the perils of social media, and what it's like to have your spouse as your business partner. Thank you to  LDH Scissors  for sponsoring this episode. For show notes, resources and a full transcript of this episode: https://asiansewistcollect...

In this episode, we sit down with the legendary Yaya Han — costume designer, cosplay entertainer, author, and one of the most recognizable figures in global cosplay. Yaya shares how she began cosplaying in 1999, learning to sew from scratch so she could bring her favorite anime characters to life. We talk about her multicultural upbringing across China, Germany, and the U.S., and how her identity...

In this episode, Nicole and Ada sit down with Ursula and Roy from LDH Scissors to explore essential tips for caring for your cutting tools. Get to know more about LDH's origins in China and what it's like to manufacture high quality cutting implements. They discuss proper sharpening, cleaning, oiling, and safe storage for shears, snips, pinking shears, and rotary cutters. Learn how to extend the l...

In this special collaboration with Lisa Woolfork of Black Women Stitch and the Stitch Please podcast, we sit down with South African writer and creator Khensani Mohlatlole to explore the intersections of African and Asian fashion histories. Khensani shares the story behind her first pattern design, inspired by Xhosa apron-like tops and their unexpected similarities to the Vietnamese áo dài. Togeth...

Ada and Nicole do their first catch up in a while, before Nicole interview Tiffany Tzeng, of Stitches by Tiff! She's a hand embroidery artist, business owner, and teacher. Listen as we talk about her passion for embroidery, how she got into teaching, and why our art doesn't have to be "productive." Thank you to Madam Sew for sponsoring this episode. For show notes and a transcript of this episode,...

Nicole and Grace continue their conversation about decluttering, diving into scarcity mindset and guilt. Listen for thoughts on how to be gentle with yourself during the process, and Grace's thoughts on the Kondo Method! For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-68-decluttering-with-grace-part-2/ If you find our podcast informative and e...

As sewists, many of us collect fabric, notions, patterns, ideas and it can become overwhelming. Co-host Nicole reached out to Grace Oczon, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, to ask the critical question, why do we keep stuff? Join them for a discussion about this, and how different experiences like scarcity mindset and guilt affect our ability to declutter our spaces. This is part-1 of a tw...

Cohost Nicole reports back on her experience at the h+h Americas 2025, hosted from May 7-9 at the Donald E. Stephenson Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. Listen to her and Ada discuss exactly what a trade show is, what Nicole learned, and who she met at this large and wonderful fiber and textile arts industry event. Follow the pod at @AsianSewistCollective on Instagram. For show notes and a transc...

Do you know where your sewing machine is from? Ada and Nicole discuss their machines, the evolution of the sewing machine, and how design and manufacturing spread from Japan throughout Asia. Follow the pod at @AsianSewistCollective on Instagram. For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-65-history-of-the-sewing-machine/   If you find our...

Joann Fabrics is officially closing! Even if you are not a shopper, Joann Fabrics has been a staple in the American sewing community since 1943. Nicole and Ada share their reflections and visit a couple store to say goodbye. Follow the pod at @AsianSewistCollective on Instagram. For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-64-a-farewell-to-...

Nicole and Ada check in about what's been going on in their lives, what happens when your sewjo is low, and ideas for falling back in love with sewing. Follow the pod at  @AsianSewistCollective  on Instagram. For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-63-falling-out-of-love-with-sewing/ If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listen...

Ada recaps her trip to Southeast Asia and provides recommendations for textile exhibits: In Singapore, Batik Nyonyas is on view at the Peranakan Museum until August 31, 2025.  In Bangkok, the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles houses 2 exhibits on royal textiles and "Decades of Style", an overview of Queen Sirikit's fashion diplomacy and promotion of Thai textiles.  Follow the pod at  @AsianSewistCo...

Ada and Nicole have been busy traveling this summer - so we thought it would be a great time to sit down and chat about capsule wardrobes, sewing capsule wardrobes and travel wardrobes in general.  Follow the pod at @AsianSewistCollective on Instagram. For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-61-capsule-sewing/  

In this month's episode, we're chatting with Sue-Ching Lascelles ( @suechinglascelles ), multidisciplinary artist and founder of the Close to My Heart Project. Follow the pod at @AsianSewistCollective on Instagram. For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-60-sewing-for-good-with-sue-ching-lascelles-suechinglascelles/  

In this month's episode, we're celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month! We chatted with our researcher Cindy Chan ( @CationDesigns ) to talk about cosplay basics and her experience cosplaying.  Follow the pod at @AsianSewistCollective on Instagram. For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see:  https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-59-cosplay-with-cindy-cationdesignsepisode-59/  

This month, we’re bringing you a throwback episode. We spoke with producer Mariko Abe ( @marikoabecreative and @theunicornhoax on Instagram), about hers and Ada’s trip to the LA Fashion District last year. This episode was originally recorded on June 25, 2023 on Instagram Live.  Follow the pod at @AsianSewistCollective on Instagram. For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: http...

Recent shopping experience led Ada and Nicole to ponder just what is it about sales that gets them going. Plus, feedback from our last episode. Follow the pod at  @AsianSewistCollective  on Instagram. For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-57-shopping-for-sewing/   If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can suppo...

We're back! Well, sort of. In this episode, we're sharing a few podcast updates and talking about what you can expect from us in 2024. We also talk a lot about Ada and Nicole's respective holiday trips and fabric hauls.   Follow the pod at  @AsianSewistCollective  on Instagram. For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-56-vacation-fabric...

We're ending season 5 with the second part of our Quilting Through the Ages episode! In this episode, we focus on popular quilts throughout the ages, ranging from the Young family's quilts made in the late 1800s to the AIDS Memorial Quilt and quilts made by Rohingya women refugees.  Follow the pod at @AsianSewistCollective on Instagram. For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: ...

In this week's episode, we're taking you through the history of quilting. We talk about what a quilt is, techniques used in quilting, common types of quilts and the history of quilting - and how its evolved and changed over time. We wrap up this episode by looking into quilting in Asian cultures and traditions. Next week, we'll end season 5 (and kick off the new year!) with a focus on popular quil...

In this week's episode, we're chatting with Man Yee Woo ( @manyee.woo ). Man Yee was a 2022 finalist on the Great British Sewing Bee, and we talked about her time on the show, what she learned from the experience, how she got started sewing and her favorite makes & indie pattern recommendations.  Follow the pod at  @AsianSewistCollective  on Instagram. For show notes and a transcript of this e...

In this week's episode, we're talking about wedding garments and wedding sewing. And for more in-depth sewing talk, we're joined by Collective team members Shilyn ( @ShilynSews ) and Esther ( @EstherMakesAdventures ) who share a bit more about their own wedding sewing.  Follow the pod at @AsianSewistCollective on Instagram. For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asian...

In this week's episode, we're exploring the history of the ao dai, a traditional Vietnamese garment. We explore the construction of the ao dai, variations in its design and how it evolved from other garments. Follow the pod at @AsianSewistCollective on Instagram. For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: asiansewistcollective.com/episode-51-history-of-the-ao-dai/  If you find ou...