The Asian Sewist Collective Podcast

In this episode, Ada interviews Andrea Tsang Jackson, the artist and designer behind 3rd Story Workshop. They discuss Andrea's journey to starting her business, the stories that inspire her art, and modern quilting. Follow Andrea's work at @3rdStoryWorkshop on Instagram and at 3rdstoryworkshop.com .  For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/epi...

In this episode, we're talking about color theory, color palettes and how they can influence our identities and our sewing. For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-25-color-theory-and-palettes/ If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can support us by joining our monthly membership or making a one-time donation via...

In this episode, we're talking about batik and batik fabric. We explore the history of this fabric dyeing technique and its availability today.   For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-24-batik/   If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can support us by joining our monthly membership or making a one-time donation...

In this episode, Nicole and Ada share what they've been up to while the podcast has been off the air for the past few months. We also share a sneak peek at what the team has been working on for Season 3, and what you can expect.  For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-23-were-back-for-season-3/   If you find our podcast informative an...

Surprise! To close out the year, we're back with a mailbag episode. In this episode, we're sharing all of the listener feedback we received this year and some of our thoughts about where the podcast is headed next. We are so grateful for everyone who has listened to seasons 1 & 2 of the Asian Sewist Collective podcast and we're excited to return in 2022 with plenty of new content. For show not...

In this episode, we talk to Indianapolis-based designer and sewing blogger Macy Camile. Macy ( @macycamile ) identifies as Filipino-American and specializes in sewing special occasionwear, she shares her sewing story and tips for working with tulle and other delicate fabrics. Macy's gowns and other makes can be seen on her website: macycamile.com For show notes and a transcript of this episode, pl...

In this episode, we talk to Nics Asawasudakorn, designer and founder of the petite show fashion brand Lovanie. Nics is originally from Thailand and currently based out of Seattle, and a sewist herself. For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-20-slow-fashion-intergenerational-sewing-with-nics-asawasudsakorn/ If you find our podcast info...

In this episode, we learn about the history of the sari, how draping styles have changed over time and its cultural significance. We also invite 2 guests to share their perspectives: Ceci Chalasani ( @thesecretsewist ) and Gowri Paary ( @bypaary ). For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-19-history-of-the-sari/ If you find our podcast...

In this episode, we're talking to fiber artist, designer and small batch studio owner Joy Mao. We discuss how she learned to sew in college, her experience as an artist in residence at The W.O.W. Project in Manhattan's Chinatown, and her journey from hobbyist to full-time designer and small batch studio owner. For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollecti...

In this episode, we're talking about imposter syndrome. We define the term, talk about how it shows up in our sewing practices and discuss how our identities intersect with imposter syndrome. For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-17-imposter-syndrome-in-sewing/ If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can support...

In this episode, we're talking to Sandeep Sandhu, founder of Sister Mintaka. We talk about Sandeep's Indian heritage, her experience learning to sew in the UK and learn more about how she started and built an impactful fabric shop. Sister Mintaka is a UK-based online fabric shop that carries a unique range of fabrics. Learn more about Sister Mintaka and shop their range at sistermintaka.com . Foll...

In this episode, we chat with Jennifer Wiese from Workroom Social. Jennifer identifies as Asian and Taiwanese American, and in our discussion, she shares about her experience being a mixed American running a sewing business. Workroom Social is a sewing studio based in Brooklyn, New York that provides sewing classes and events to teach people how to sew clothes that fit their individual styles and...

In this episode, we continue our discussion about mindful fabric selection. We discuss mainstream fabrics and other alternatives to consider when sourcing fabrics for sewing project, and greenwashing (especially in the context of deadstock fabric). We also talk about what sustainability means to us, how it intersects with our identities and how sustainability shows up in our own sewing practices....

In this episode, we're talking about mindful fabric selection. When we say mindful, we’re not talking about picking the right fabric for a specific sewing project. What we mean is: taking into consideration the environmental and human rights issues involved with your fabric choices. The fashion industry is the second-most polluting industry, after oil. The growing, production and processing of fab...

In this episode, we get to know Ella Clausen of @HandmadeMillennial. Ella is a Black and Filipinx garment sewist based in Oakland, California. Her Instagram account highlights her adventures in making, including sewing, natural dyeing and other fiber and textile arts. Learn more about Ella at: https://instagram.com/handmademillenial For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: http...

We are back for season 2! On our season premiere, we discuss the history of the qipao/cheongsam, how the garment has changed over time and its cultural significance. We also share important podcast updates, what we were up to this summer and of course, our latest sewing projects. For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-11-history-of-th...

On this week's episode, we discuss Asian identity, size inclusivity in sewing and patternmaking for large bodies with Leila Kelleher (@leila_sews), half of the team behind Muna and Broad (@munaandbroad). For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-10-size-inclusivity-with-leila-kelleher-leila_sews/ If you find our podcast informative and e...

In our first Asian Dress in Pop Culture episode, we discuss the costumes in Raya and the Last Dragon with guests, Nam and Duy. Both are accomplished cosplayers & costume sewists who put together a viral Raya costume for the movie’s premiere. You can find Nam at @nammai & his business Evermore Wigs @evermorewigs, and you can find Duy at @cafededuy. For show notes and a transcript of this ep...

This is our first textiles episode! Today, we’re talking about silk: its history, production and the various silk fabrics you can use in your sewing practice. For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-8-silk/ If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can support us by joining our monthly membership or making a one-time...

In this episode, we talk all things bag making with Ellie Lum of Portland-based Klum House (@klumhouse). We talk about her background and experience as a mixed race Asian American entrepreneur. For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-7-bag-making-with-ellie-lum-klumhouse/ If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can...

In this episode, we continue the discussion around cultural appropriation in the online sewing community and respond to listener questions and comments. For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-6-cultural-appropriation-in-sewing-part-two/ If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can support us by joining our monthly...

In this episode, we talk to Bhiravi Rathinasabapathi, the independent quilt pattern designer behind Strawberry Creek Quilts. We talk about learning how to quilt, being an Indian American quilter, and what it’s like to start a sewing business. For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-5-quilting-with-bhiravi-rathinasabapathi-of-strawberry...

In this episode, we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month and Asian American Pacific Heritage Month by inviting Asian Sewist Collective team member Erica to discuss self-care. We talk about how our identities shape our thoughts on self-care, and our own self-care practices as they relate to sewing. For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episo...

On this week’s podcast, we’re talking to Nandita of @divinedita about pattern testing for independent sewing pattern designers. Nandita has written for the Curvy Sewing Collective and Sewcialists, and identifies as a first generation Indian American, born and raised outside of Detroit. For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-3-pattern-...

In the United States, Mental Health Awareness month is celebrated in May. In this week's episode, we will be chatting with Filipino-American seamstress, pattern designer, fiber artist and DIY maker Angelica from @Angelica_Creates . Angelica is also an avid mental health advocate in the sewing community, who recently hosted a 12-hour making marathon to raise awareness for World Bipolar Day and fund...