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What does it take to turn a love of sewing into a successful sewing pattern and fabric business?
In this episode of The Sewing Social, I’m joined by Clair and Charlotte from Emporia Patterns to talk about their journey through the sewing world - from their early experiences with making and dressmaking to building an independent pattern and fabric business.
We chat about designing sewing patterns, the hardships of a small business and how the sewing community has evolved alongside the rise of The Great British Sewing Bee.
Clair and Charlotte share what they’ve learnt along the way, how their approach to pattern design has developed, and what it’s really like turning something you love into a business.
In this episode, we talk about:
- How Clair and Charlotte first discovered sewing and dressmaking
- The journey from sewing enthusiast to independent sewing pattern designer
- How Emporia Patterns came to be
- What goes into creating and developing a sewing pattern
- Building a sewing business and connecting with the sewing community
- How The Great British Sewing Bee has influenced the world of sewing
- The changing landscape of the independent sewing pattern industry
- Finding your own creative style
- The realities of running a small creative business
- What keeps them excited about sewing and making
If you love sewing, dressmaking, indie sewing patterns, fabric and The Great British Sewing Bee, this is one to listen to.
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Guest Details:
Website: www.emporia-fabric.co.uk
Instagram: @emporia_patterns
: @emporia_designer
: @lottejamiesoncrafts
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Clair and Charlotte from Emporia Patterns
00:10 Early sewing stories and childhood influences
00:14 Clair's background in costume and clothing technology
00:16 The growth of the fabric shop and pattern business
00:17 Impact of COVID and online community support
00:21 Business challenges and fabric sale during tough times
00:27 Moving from shop to office and back to home
00:34 The importance of honesty and sharing struggles
00:54 Pattern development process and creative collaboration
01:02 The role of the Great British Sewing Bee and community
01:25 Favourite patterns and design inspirations
01:27 Future plans and hopes for Emporia Patterns
