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In this special roundup episode of Seamwork Radio, hosts Sarai and Haley discuss their current sewing projects, creative experiments, and upcoming Seamwork offerings. This casual conversation covers everything from trench coat design ideas to new patterns and skill workshops.
Reflections on Past Projects
The episode opens with both hosts sharing regrets about handmade garments they've parted with over the years. Haley mentions a green seersucker plaid dress she wore for her engagement photos: "I was like, why did I get rid of that? It's so cute. And also it's kind of sentimental."
Sarai recalls a beautiful 1930s-style bias cut seersucker dress with chevron stripes in shades of brown, as well as a special burgundy silk outfit she made for her sister's wedding with a one-shoulder top and bias cut skirt with a ruffle.
This conversation leads them to consider creating personal "archives" for their handmade garments. As Haley notes, "If you have constraints on what things qualify as an archival piece in your wardrobe, then it makes sense."
Designing the Perfect Trench Coat
In a segment called "What Would You Sew?", the hosts describe their ideal trench coat designs. Both are drawn to unique colors rather than the traditional beige:
Sarai envisions "a longer, more full-length, loose-fitting trench coat" in chocolate brown, with storm flaps, raglan sleeves, and tabs on the sleeves. She's inspired by vintage London Fog trenches with removable linings and details like plaid fabric on the underside of the collar.
Haley describes her dream coat in a unique green color "that's part chartreuse, part khaki," with a MAC-style silhouette rather than lapels, in an "oversized straight cut, mid-calf length." She'd add special details like collar tabs and adjustable back waist tabs with buttons. For an unlined coat, she'd finish the inside with red Hong Kong seams for a striking contrast.
Current Sewing Projects
Haley's Queue
Haley is currently making blue linen Joss pants as a wearable muslin. "Once I'm done with this pair, I'm going to make a pair that's a cream and green, like chartreuse green linen that I got from Blackbird," she shares.
Sarai's Projects
Sarai recently completed a cashmere kerchief scarf using leftover fabric from a previous project. "It's just like a big triangle. I hemmed the edges and then I did a shell tuck hem. So it's got a little bit of subtle scalloping around the edges and it is so adorable."
She's also cut out Chelsea jeans in dark denim, planning to modify the leg to make the flare come up higher as she did with a previous corduroy version. She's still deciding on topstitching - considering navy, gold, white, or a lighter blue for contrast.
Next in her queue is an Everly skirt, a bias-cut short skirt in black silk that will be part of her spring capsule wardrobe.
Trying New Approaches
Sarai's Creative Project Management
To combat the feeling of endless to-do lists, Sarai is creating a visual project board with colored post-it notes. "I'm going to use a wall in my office to kind of visualize either for the quarter or for the month what I'm doing so that at the end of each day I can move things from the to-do pile into the done pile."
She's exploring the concept of a "to-da list" instead of a to-do list - celebrating accomplishments rather than focusing on what remains undone. "How can I make it feel like I'm building something instead of like I'm just trying to keep up?"
Haley's Seasonal Routines
With spring approaching, Haley is redesigning her morning and evening routines: "Instead of letting my to-do lists dictate the routine, I'm being really intentional about what I'm including in my mornings and evenings and creating more intentional time for creativity and play."
She notes that building play into her daily routine helps combat the cyclical nature of work and parenting that can feel like "Groundhog's Day, repeating the same tasks over and over again."
Recommendations and Tools
Digital Wardrobe Tools
Haley recommends the Shuffles app for creating outfit collages: "It's integrated with Pinterest, so once you create an account, it's attached to your Pinterest account and you can grab elements from images on Pinterest." She uses it to visualize outfit combinations and refine her sewing plans.
Sarai uses the Indyx app for cataloging her wardrobe and creating outfits with pieces she already owns. "It adds them to a calendar so you can actually see how often you're wearing things," which helps her analyze what she actually wears versus what she owns.
Podcasts for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Sarai recommends the Tooth and Claw podcast about animal encounters and safety in the wilderness. "You learn a lot, not just about the animals, but also about how to not do things that might antagonize the animals into an attack," which is valuable for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
New at Seamwork
Spring Patterns
Seamwork has just released two new patterns perfect for transitional weather:
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Bloom Blouse: A square-neck blouse with heirloom details including pintucks and lace insets. As Haley explains, "I wanted to create something where the seam allowance and the width of the trim was all accounted for, so it could be a really nice entry level into those heirloom details." -
Fern Shirt: A button-up shirt with raglan sleeves and a gathered neckline that gathers into a band collar. "It's just really sweet and romantic without being too fussy or frilly," Haley describes. It features clustered buttons in sets of two for a unique detail.
Upcoming Workshops and Classes
Seamwork is launching monthly skills workshops, starting with knit hems. "Every month, except for the months where we're doing the Design Your Wardrobe class, we're going to be doing a skill workshop on a different sewing skill," Sarai explains.
Coming up:
- April: Knit Hems Workshop
- May: Summer Session of Design Your Wardrobe
- June: Invisible and Lapped Zippers Workshop
These workshops allow members to learn and practice specific skills while working on projects of their choice, building techniques they can apply to future sewing.
Final Thoughts
This relaxed roundup episode highlights how both hosts approach their creative practice - balancing project planning with spontaneity, incorporating play alongside productivity, and continuing to explore new techniques even as experienced sewists.
Whether you're looking for pattern recommendations, creative management techniques, or just enjoyment of a sewing chat between friends, this episode offers inspiration for incorporating more intentional making into your routine.
