Handicraft and Stitch - The Podcast!

Handmade Holiday Gifts with Nikki & Rachael : S-1/EP-14

Season 1 / Episode 14: Handmade Holiday Gifts with Nikki & Rachael 
This week on Handicraft and Stitch, Nikki and Rachael are unwrapping a real treat: the top handmade holiday gifts from every decade starting in the 1950s. We dive into the evolution of handmade holiday gifts—from post-war practicality to modern-day creativity. Nikki and Rachael explore how each decade shaped the crafts we gave and received, reflecting the culture, materials, and values of the time. Whether you’re planning your own handmade gifts or simply love maker history, this episode is a cozy, insightful listen. What will you make after listening to this episode? 
 
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Do you have ideas for future episodes, or would you like to send us a note? Contact us at handicraftandstitch@gmail.com

The Many Stories of Unhinged Sewing : S-1/EP-13

Season 1 / Episode 13: The Many Stories of Unhinged Sewing
 
Sewing isn’t always serene — sometimes it’s a little… unhinged or is it? In this episode, we’re lifting the seams on our most chaotic crafting moments, along with stories from the community. Whether it’s a project gone sideways or a hilarious recovery, these are the moments that remind us why we keep stitching — even when the bobbin runs out again.
The special guest spotlight on this episode is our dear friend Jodi, who shares her insightful take on Unhinged Sewing. Please make sure to check out our IG for a post all about her sewing projects. 
 
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Do you have ideas for future episodes, or would you like to send us a note? Contact us at handicraftandstitch@gmail.com

Crafters of the Night - Handmade Halloween Costumes : S-1/EP-12

Season 1 / Episode 12: Crafters of the Night - Handmade Halloween Costumes 
 
This Halloween, we’re skipping the store-bought look and getting stitched in the spirit—not shopping at Spirit Halloween! In this episode, we dive into the creative magic of making your own costume, from brainstorming ideas to bringing spooky (or sparkly) visions to life with what you already have.
We’ll share tips for transforming thrifted finds, talk about the joy of standing out in something handmade, and celebrate the creativity that comes from doing it yourself. Plus, we’ve got an extra special guest spotlight joining us to share their costume-making story and what handmade Halloween means to them.
Whether you’re a seasoned sewer or just picking up a needle for the first time, this episode will have you ready to craft into the night!
 
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Do you have ideas for future episodes, or would you like to send us a note? Contact us at handicraftandstitch@gmail.com

What to Consider When Building Your Capsule Wardrobe : S-1/EP-10

Season 1 / Episode 10: What to Consider When Building Your Capsule Wardrobe
 
In this episode of Handicraft and Stitch, we dive into the art of creating a capsule wardrobe—one that’s intentional, versatile, and sustainable. We walk through the key things to consider when building your own capsule, from choosing timeless pieces to making sure your clothes fit your lifestyle (not the other way around).
We also explore the Capsule Wardrobe chapter of Sustainable Minimalism by Stephanie Maria Seferian, unpacking her insights and adding our own thoughts on how to keep fashion simple, practical, and planet-friendly.
If you’ve ever wanted a closet that feels less overwhelming and more empowering, this episode is for you.
 
 
Episode Resources: 
Book - Sustainable Minimalism: Embrace Zero Waste, Build Sustainability Habits That Last, and Become a Minimalist Without Sacrificing the Planet
Book - Color Me Beautiful's Looking Your Best - Color, Makeup and Style
 
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Support our season one podcast sponsor - The Sewing Hive.
 
Do you have ideas for future episodes, or would you like to send us a note? Contact us at handicraftandstitch@gmail.com

The Story Behind Nikki's Handmade Wedding Dress : S-1/EP-11

Season 1 / Episode 11: The Story Behind Nikki's Handmade Wedding Dress
 
In this heartfelt episode of Handicraft and Stitch, Nikki shares all about designing and sewing her very own wedding dress—from the first sketch to the final stitch. Both Nikki and Rachael share about their time working in the alterations room at David’s Bridal. Yes, they have another previous employer in common. This experience shaped how Nikki approached creating a gown that honored tradition while embracing her modern, DIY spirit.
We dive into the highs and hiccups along the way—like choosing the perfect fabric (and a few not-so-perfect ones), balancing creativity with practicality, and what it’s really like to walk down the aisle in something made by your own hands. Plus, congratulations to Nikki and Sage on their one-year anniversary on October 6th!
This episode's special spotlight interview is with Nikki’s maid of honor, who gives us an inside look at what it’s like to stand by a DIY bride through all the threads, fittings, and joyful chaos. This episode is a love letter to handmade artistry, meaningful traditions, and the beauty of making something truly your own.
 
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Support our season one podcast sponsor - The Sewing Hive.
 
Do you have ideas for future episodes, or would you like to send us a note? Contact us at handicraftandstitch@gmail.com

Mending and Making Do : S-1/EP-9

Season 1 / Episode 9: Mending and Making Do
In this episode of Handicraft and Stitch, we dive into the roots of the “Mend and Make Do” movement that began in Britain during wartime—when creativity, thrift, and necessity came together in powerful ways. We’ll connect those historic lessons to today’s growing movement of mending as an act of rebellion against fast fashion and throwaway culture.
Rachael and Nikki also share a peek into their own mending piles (yes, those baskets overflowing with projects we keep putting off!)—what they’re stitching, patching, and breathing new life into right now.
Tune in for a conversation that blends history, sustainability, and the simple joy of making the most of what we have.
 
Episode Resources: 
https://celiapym.com/
10 Top Tips For Winning At World War 2 'Make Do And Mend'
8 Facts about Clothes Rationing in Britain During the Second World War
 
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Support our season one podcast sponsor - The Sewing Hive.
 
Do you have ideas for future episodes, or would you like to send us a note? Contact us at handicraftandstitch@gmail.com

Fabric Care for All! : S-1/EP-8

Season 1 / Episode 8: Fabric Care for All!
Confession time: we’ve all let fabric sit a little too long in a bin or wondered if we can really throw that delicate textile in the wash. In this episode, we’re tackling the mysteries of fabric care with easy, down-to-earth tips. Because when you care for your fabric, your fabric takes care of your making. Nikki, our fabric care expert, discusses the journey of fabric care- where to start, how to identify fabric, and what to avoid along the way. 
 
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Support our season one podcast sponsor - The Sewing Hive.
 
Do you have ideas for future episodes, or would you like to send us a note? Contact us at handicraftandstitch@gmail.com

Her Story - Ancient Egypt: : S-1/EP-7

Season 1 / Episode 7: Her Story - Ancient Egypt
Linen & Knitted Socks of Ancient Egypt
We’re kicking off our brand-new Her Story mini-series, where we explore the women, hands, and histories behind the textiles throughout time. In this first installment, we travel back thousands of years to Ancient Egypt to uncover how linen was grown, spun, and woven into the fabric of daily life — and how a pair of surprisingly stylish knitted socks tells us more than you’d expect about craft, culture, and connection.
Join Nikki and Rachael for a journey through time, stitches, and stories that remind us why handmade matters.
Nal Binding Socks
Linen
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Support our season one podcast sponsor - The Sewing Hive.
 
Do you have ideas for future episodes, or would you like to send us a note? Contact us at handicraftandstitch@gmail.com

Where the F*ck Did Home Economics Go?!? : S-1/EP-6

Season 1 / Episode 6: “Where the F*ck Did Home Economics Go?!?”
Home Ec isn’t just about sewing aprons and baking casseroles—and it never was. In this fiery episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the real roots of Home Economics and asking why it disappeared from classrooms (and our lives). Spoiler: it has everything to do with power, gender, and who gets to decide what's considered "serious education."
We spotlight the story of Ellen Swallow Richards, the unsung science badass and first female student at MIT who practically invented the field of Home Economics. She believed women deserved access to science and viewed the home as a site of innovation and empowerment, rather than drudgery.
We’re talking kitchen chemistry, class dynamics, and the slow erasure of skills that should’ve never gone out of style. So grab your embroidery, your grocery list, or just your curiosity, and let’s reclaim the radical roots of “women’s work.”
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Support our season one podcast sponsor - The Sewing Hive.
 
Do you have ideas for future episodes, or would you like to send us a note? Contact us at handicraftandstitch@gmail.com

Curating Your Sewing Toolkit - Hand Sewing Edition: S-1/EP-5

Season 1 / Episode 5: Curating Your Sewing Toolkit – Hand Sewing Edition
Ready to thread the needle on your sewing journey? In this episode, we’re going back to basics—and making them beautiful. Rachael and Nikki break down the essential tools every hand-sewist should have in their starter kit (spoiler alert: it’s less than you think!), plus a few fun extras if you’re ready to level up.
We’re also spilling the tea on the biggest beginner mistakes we’ve seen (and made!) and sharing our favorite dos and don’ts to keep your stitches strong and your spirits high. Whether you’re mending jeans, sewing a patch, or just starting from scratch, this episode is your warm, no-judgment invitation to start building a toolkit that works for you.
Let’s stitch slow, stitch proud, and stitch together. 💛✂️
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Support our season one podcast sponsor - The Sewing Hive.
 
Do you have ideas for future episodes, or would you like to send us a note? Contact us at handicraftandstitch@gmail.com