Episodes
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With guest Tamanna Rahman, a textile artist, clothes maker, and psychiatric nurse practitioner who integrates holistic mental health practices into her craft. Tamanna shares her journey, from her early love for textiles inspired by her grandmother to how COVID sparked her passion for sewing and embroidery and drove home that life doesn't have to look like it always has.
She discusses her work, Slow Work Sewing, and where she teaches embroidery workshops that guide students in translating daily experiences and emotions into abstract mark-making and stitch . The conversation touches on the therapeutic benefits of repetitive, bilateral motions in craft, the importance of aligning lifestyle with seasonal and personal cycles, and the concept of living a life that honors one's creative soul. Tamanna also share her exciting future workshop ideas and tips on self-care, creativity, and the freedom to live a fulfilling life on one’s own terms.
Tamanna studied literature and social movements at Williams College, and completed her graduate training at Yale University. She is originally from Los Angeles, and currently splits her time between New Haven, CT and Newfoundland, Canada. Find her online on Instagram @slow.work.sewing or www.slowworksewing.com. -
Episodes manquant?
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So, tell me if you know this story.
This week I shopped for way too many groceries and then in an epic showing of avoiding what I SHOULD have been doing, I pulled everything out of the pantry, fridge and freezer. Yes all of it. Washed everything down and reorganized all food items in my life. I donated the "no-longer-what-I-want-to-be-eating-but-still-good", purged the outdated, composted the pickles that were gifted back in 2018 and scraped the gunk out from underneath the crisper draw.
Then and only then could I put away my massive grocery haul, full of the ingredients for no less than the 3 intensive meals to be made THIS week and meats to be turned into pressure canned meals. Yes, an activity that will take no less than 6,000 hours to complete.
Because, you know, it's the perfect time for that.
In the midst of a growing Christmas-gifts-to-make list, more work than I can accomplish and a fairly persistent case of the "mehs" (the sneaky kind that dull you down, but don't knock you out).
Why do we unearth the big, dirty project that we've been avoiding for months and do it, in a desperate frenzy, the moment we have other things that are arguably more important? To be fair, I found the big organization and clean-up to be like a giant, soothing exhale in my soul, aside from the guilt tucked in my belly that said, yes but what about the important and timely things? You have to do this RIGHT now?
This is actually one of my tips for life...when you're avoiding doing something important, simply drum up something even more important and in your frenzy to avoid that, you'll happily do the first one! You're welcome. (but don't tell me you're not already using this tip!)
Gah!
But honestly, it was the soothing I was after, wasn't it? The feeling of having things in order and well-tended...and under control. Maybe that's where the "meh's" came in. I believe we do things for a reason. Not simply because we lack discipline (although I like to berate myself from time to time with the best of them, I mean honestly what was I thinking with the canning project right now?) but because we are out of balance or out of sorts and we're trying to right ourselves.
And that, that I can have empathy for. That pantry/canning project took my time and added stress to be sure, but it also gave me something. The soothing I mentioned earlier, the feeling of order and control, but also the satisfaction of a job started and completed and the security that comes from ready-to-eat meals in the (sparkly clean) pantry.
And while I didn't consciously choose to overload my compact shopping cart so much so that I had to swap it out for a larger one at the checkout, I was, after all, looking out for myself.
Aren't we amazing creatures!?!
Now to sit with those feelings I was trying to sooth and see where I can bring balance back into my life in a non-time consuming, frenzied way. Again and again and again...
https://kinshiphandwork.com/ -
With guest Elina Puaohiniemi.
I met Elina 5 or 6 years ago in an online community and have had the pleasure of watching her share her illustrations, books and so much love with the world.from Elina’s website: (this delightful bit is exactly why I want to have Elina on the podcast!)
“Elina Puohiniemi aka elinap is an artist, life coach and the creator of Mira(cle)Doodles series.
She has been illustrating her spiritual path with doodles since 2010. At first she doodled lizards while trying to solve her struggles and cope with daily blunders in parenting, self-love and other areas of life –
The lizards did bring her answers, but not deep enough, she thought, barely scratching the surface.Onward she went on her quest to understand life and studied to become a life coach, and then a Master Coach. Maybe that would bring her the depth she desired from life, she thought… While studying she made observations on different personality types, and the bigger picture of life, and finally came to the conclusion that it was the ego that she had been drawing. Lizards weren’t enough!!!” read more
Elina lives in Finland with her husband, their two teenage sons, and a poodle.
http://www.doodlingmiracles.com
http://www.elinap.me/books -
My guest today is Nan Webb, Founder at Bolt and Spool, a cloth merchant in Cleveland, OH.
Nan began sewing at the young age of 8. Her love for pattern design, texture, and all things uncommonly beautiful inspired her to open her historic Murray Hill Road boutique in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood in 2010. The storefront is a space where sewists of all levels can feel welcomed and inspired. Nan is equally comfortable with needle and thread as she is with a golf club, trowel, or bike handle in hand. Merging her passions with a degree in journalism from Ohio University and an MBA from Case Western Reserve she has established a thriving business that nourishes the sewing and crafting community in Cleveland and around the world.
You can see what she’s up to at…
Bolt and Spool -
Jasmine Petrie is my guest on this episode, follow along as we talk about weaving, natural dyeing and being in the right place at the right time...or is it following the sparks to be on the right path?
[email protected]
howlattheloom.com
@howlattheloom
Bio:
Weaver, natural dyer, zine maker, loom doctor, life artist, teacher, and lifelong learner, Jasmine Petrie of Howl at the Loom resides in the forests of her childhood in Northern Michigan. She enjoys spending time with her family, tending garden, being in nature, and occasionally traveling afar.
Jasmine holds an A.A. and Certificate in Textiles from North Central Michigan College and continues to fulfill a hunger for deeper knowledge of fiber arts by seeking further study under seasoned instructors.
Artist statement:
I find inspiration from the symbiosis of the natural world, passing of the seasons, and the dilapidation of our industrialized society – and how it is all connected. I enjoy the different textures of various textiles and let them tell me what they want to be during my process, as I seek to utilize discarded materials as the focal point of many pieces. Through my studio practice, it is my mission to have as little waste as possible and to source any new materials from local and sustainable sources. -
Today's guest, Liz Murphy is one of those you eagerly follow online (she was a knitting pattern designer and shared her family's homesteading journey) and feels like you know her in real life.
In fact, even though she doesn't know your name, you're pretty sure she's one of your dear friends, she just doesn't know it yet! At least that's what happened to me! (is that sketchy? ;-)
Over a year ago, Liz announced online that, to her very own surprise, she was shifting gears from designer knitting patterns and into offering mediumship readings.
Her email was grounded and heart-centered and I remember reading it in awe of her bravery.
Shortly after I booked a reading and had an experience that I can't logically explain. We talk a bit about it on the show!
We also talk about how Liz and her family live a life different than most and how allowing herself to shift gears and pivot when it feels right have given her a life she loves.
mediumlizmurphy.com -
Intentionality. And if there's one thing that my guest on this episode has in spades, it's intentionality!
From her self-built, off-grid tiny house compound (her words!) to her work as a textile artist, clothing and sewing pattern designer, and garment construction instructor, Ann Tilley lives in her values and on her own terms and she's a joy to behold!
Listen in as we talk about building a tiny house on wheels, the why of it and how it feels to live in it, what it's like to have solar power and what drives the desire to both live small and sustainably, as well as about beekeeping and sewing clothes and embracing life on our own terms.
Give it a listen!
Mentioned in the podcast:
Those magic pants!
Ann's Website YouTube Instagram -
I'm over the moon that I got to talk with Sarai Mitnick, of Seamwork!
Years and years ago, as a pretty new garment sewist I found Colette Patterns and promptly devoured the Colette Sewing Handbook.
It was the intention and depth in that book, not just in the technical aspects but on the mindfulness around wardrobes and choices that struck a deep chord in my own soul and I began a journey of mindful making and learning to show up in the world fully and authentically myself.
That book was a gateway.
I've been following Sarai online for many years and I'm thrilled I got to talk with her on the podcast.
Her personal project Making Time, a substack newsletter, has the same depth and thoughtful conversation that you'll find in this episode on the podcast.
Sarai shares how she structures her day to give herself the most grounding and ease, the ways in which she gives herself grace to simply be herself and how there really isn't a finish line. We even find a wee bit of time to talk about making things and what she's excited to work on.
Give it a listen!
Sarai Mitnick
Sarai is the founder of Seamwork, a Creative Sewing Platform that helps you to design and sew your own wardrobe. She's the author of a bestselling sewing book, the host of the Seamwork YouTube channel, and co-host of the Seamwork Radio podcast. Sarai's been helping people to sew for 15 years, and loves to share the joy of this versatile craft. She lives in rural Oregon with her partner Kenn, her dog Lucy, and two mischievious felines named Rusty and Duke.
Links:
Seamwork: https://www.seamwork.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/seamworkvideo
Podcast: https://www.seamwork.com/podcast
Making Time (personal newsletter): https://makingtime.saraimitnick.com/ -
Have you always wanted to talk to a Burlesque dancer? Me too!
I met Kellita last year at a virtual event and was immediately drawn to her spark and playfulness.As a five-time finalist at the Burlesque Hall of Fame, she's had a lifelong journey in dance, but also in finding her soul and our conversation did not disappoint!
We talked about living fully alive and witnessed, diving deep into the concept that to perform (or live, really) fully embodied, make it feel good to YOU! And that resonance will allow others to feel good too!
Take a listen!
You can find her online at her website, where this took my breath away...
"The most compelling part of burlesque for me is to make the soul and spirit visible via the body.
To make the mind, the heart, the body (the animal self), the soul and the spirit all visible via the body. And to carry and exude that presence and visible essence into all of life."
Or listen to her TEDx talk on the Power of Being Seen.
I had the pleasure of talking with Kellita today aboutKellita Maloof is a Conscious Burlesque Mentor, Teacher Trainer and TEDx speaker lovingly known as the Showgirl Shaman. She works at the intersection of burlesque, attachment, individuation, somatics, autoimmune recovery and soul retrieval. For 20+ years, she's been helping kind, highly sensitive women spaceholders + creatives who've been over-editing, over-adapting and over-giving – and are attracted to dance theater, expressive performance art and glitter – to trust and express themselves with confidence, presence and radiance. Kellita's mission is to support folks in dusting off the fountain of Self-Love that was hiding right in the center of their very own shimmy.
Site :: https://www.showgirlawakening.com/
Quiz :: https://www.showgirlawakening.com/quiz
IG :: https://www.instagram.com/kellitatheshowgirlshaman
TEDx :: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz1-_Y0L4GM&t=5s
22-min Doc :: https://www.showgirlawakening.com/doc
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Listen in as I share how choosing just a wee bit of creativity, instead of rushing through what I usually do, elevated my project! I also share about the free series I did recently...Break the Rules of Sewing.
You can catch the replays for free!
https://courses.kinshiphandwork.com/f/break-the-rules-of-sewing -
Being a beginner at something you already know, seems counterintuitive. But when I was looking to deepen my artistry, reconnect to my mojo, and embrace new ways to do what I love doing, being a beginner was just what I needed.
Learning anew gave me a deeper connection to my craft and a mindset that allows for more curious experimentation rather than rushing to the end product. I highly recommend it!
Give it a listen!
Mentioned in the episode:
Brooks Ann Camper's Skirt Skills
Laureen Nowlan-Card
Episode 18 - with Laureen
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In this episode, I talk about that space between. Like the time between Christmas and New Year’s or the space between the end of one way of living and the beginning of another and how that space, that pause, can be beautiful and uncomfortable at the same time.
I also share about our move and where we are now physically and emotionally. And about having a great deal of grace with ourselves.And did I manifest a SLLLOOOOWWW electric hookup?
It’s a good question.
I also share my thoughts for sewing workshops in the new year, my guest appearance on the Sew and So podcast, a new online show I’m putting together, and in mid-January a free workshop to create our intentions for a Vibrant Year!
And finally…I have decided to ground myself back into my making by taking a course on custom sewing!Sometimes being a beginner again is just what we need to settle back into the next layer of our artistry! I am signed up for Brooks Ann Camper’s Skirt Skills (doors open Dec 30th and class starts January 10th) and I am excited to start it with fresh eyes and see where her methods take me! Want to join me? See all the details here.
Take a listen!
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{w/ Megan Frey}
In this episode I caught up with my dear friend Megan Frey just days before she embarks on her next voyage.
12 or so years ago, I was working at a natural food co-op and Megan hired on to earn some cash for her next adventure. She waltzed in, this tall blond, glowing human with a gorgeous accent and I KNEW we were already friends. And we were.For this recording I caught up with Megan on the island of Maui (gah! online not, sadly, in person!) where she’s been resting on the land, the ocean ever in view.
For the last decade, Megan has been sailing the world, chasing her dream.
I think of her like a graceful sea bird. Most at home in the winds and water, but from time to time, landing on shore, wings spread and eyes closed, spent and ready to be held by the earth.On our show, she shares a wee bit of her story; the first place that comes to mind that she’d like to revisit in this wide world she’s criss-crossed by sea, how she chose herself and stepped off a path that was once a dream and what she’s learned about trust and the journey.
In her words…
“And a lot of that really, for me, right now in my life means creating more space for myself. However that looks, whatever feels good for Megan to do, or not to do, even more so, even more importantly, actually, is to do less.
It’s really being honest and checking in with yourself every day. Not just because one day you make this decision and then you, yep, this is the one, and then you just write it out.
That, to me, doesn’t feel authentic either to who I am.
You have to put effort into yourself every day. You can’t just check the box, sign the subscription, or membership, pay for it, and it’s over. This one isn’t signing up for that subscription.”
Take a listen! You’ll be glad you did.
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(w/ Ricki Oldenkamp)
Do you know what's better than foraging for fresh wild blueberries while chatting with friends and hoping the grizzly bears have a different spot? NOTHING!
My guest today talks about her love of foraging and kitchen witching as a way to be part of nature, a welcome juxtaposition from her days observing nature in her work as a scientist.
She also shares how she went from living out her "Jane Goodall" dreams to taking a chance and responding to her environment to become a teller of stories. As a self-proclaimed nosey person, Ricki Oldenkamp speaks with passion and joy of her career now as a copywriter and of the honor she feels in hearing, translating, and telling another's story.
Before that though, and in the midst of years of travel, she followed her intuition and took a trip that didn't necessarily make sense, but unfolded beautify, one step at a time.
Take a listen! You'll be glad you did. -
So...you've made a list of what brings you joy and you've been practicing some gratitude every day!
You've thought about your energy flow throughout the day and what your ideal day would look like. You took some tests, read some things and you know yourself and how you operate in flow a bit more.
Then you got clear on the habits and commitments in your life that do not bring you ease and joy and determined what of those you want to cull, delegate or limit.
NOW...we're bringing it all together with our calendars and starting to put some JOY into place. Scheduling it first. Allowing life to flow around the most important things to us.
Give the audio a listen. Get your calendar and to do list and start sorting all this information into what you want more of in your life. While you're at it, add tasks to your to do list that put culling and delegation into motion.
Create a list for daily things, weekly things, monthly things and quarterly/yearly things. These are the things you want to ensure are part of your rhytym. Things like walking, meditating, visiting an art museum, sitting in front of your watercolor paper, live music, a solo adventure, cermonies...you get the idea. Things that will inherently bringing connection and joy into your life.
Now, schedule them!!! Put them in first and honor that commitment to yourself. After all as Dr Edith Egar says, the only person that you will be in a relationship with for your entire life, is YOU! -
Today's lesson can be both a YES! kind of lesson and a "oh, but wait, that's too hard" kind of thing! Culling out the things in your life that are not making you happy can be HUGE and can be simple. But, we only have so much time and energy each day and if we commit to all the things, we won't have space for what matters.
So, let's begin!
Give the audio a listen. (above)Make a list (YES, I love lists!) of all of your commitments and daily habits and rate them.
First mark all the the things on your list that excite you. Things you love doing and that are clear yeses.
Next, give the list a critical view and cross off everything that doesn't really need to be done and that can easily be culled away.
Then, look at what's left and determine what does not in fact need to be done by YOU! Be really honest about this and find ways to delegate or hire out these things. (ideas in the audio!)
Finally, turn a really critical eye to what's left. The things that you don't really want to do, but that you feel you have to. Do you REALLY have to? Is there another way to accomplish what this task does? Can it be cut anyway? What story do you have in your mind about what it means about you if you don't do this? Saying no, opens your life up to what you are meant to be doing and how you can stay in joy and ease.Tomorrow, we'll get out our calendars and start to pull some of things we're learning about ourselves together!
Comment below and tell me what you are no longer doing!
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