Breaking the Bias: Men who sew with Adam Sews

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Please note this episode was recorded in February 2025.

In this episode of the Sewing Social, the host Gemma Daly engages in a lively conversation with Adam, a passionate male sewist known for his love of Tula Pink fabrics. They explore Adam's journey in the sewing community, discussing the challenges he faces as a male in a predominantly female space, the upcoming QuiltCon event, and the need for more diverse male patterns in sewing. Adam shares insights into his bag pattern designs, including the creative process behind his latest release, the Acorn Backpack. The conversation also touches on the evolution of personal style and the inspiration drawn from the sewing community. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the journey of sewing from childhood to a passionate hobby, discussing the evolution of skills, the joy of teaching others, and the importance of breaking down stigmas around men in sewing. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences, favourite projects, and the community aspect of crafting, emphasising the joy and creativity that comes from making things by hand.

Key Takeaways

• Adam's love for Tula Pink fabrics has grown over the last few years.
• He finds hidden details in fabric prints that reveal themselves over time.
• Being a male in the sewing community comes with unique challenges.
• QuiltCon is a significant event for quilters, and Adam is excited to attend.
• There is a lack of male-focused patterns in the sewing industry.
• Indie pattern companies are starting to create more interesting designs for men.
• Unisex patterns often do not fit male bodies well due to design biases.
• Adam has created several bag patterns, with more in development.
• The Acorn Backpack was inspired by a fabric featuring squirrels.
• Social media, especially Instagram, serves as a major source of inspiration for Adam. Sewing can start as a childhood interest and evolve into a lifelong passion.
• Teaching others can enhance your own skills and understanding of a craft.
• The pandemic reignited many people's interest in sewing and crafting.
• Creating for oneself can be more fulfilling than making for others.
• Breaking down gender stereotypes in sewing encourages more men to participate.
• Community and social media play a significant role in the crafting world.
• Personal projects can be more enjoyable than repetitive tasks.
• Finding joy in the process of making is essential for creativity.
• Sharing your creations can foster connections and inspire others.
• Embracing your interests without fear of judgment is crucial.

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@thesewingsocialpod

@thedalythread

Guest details: 

@adamsews

www.adamsews.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Sewing Social
00:33 The Love for Tulip Pink Fabrics
03:03 Experiences as a Male in the Sewing Community
06:40 QuiltCon: Anticipation and Insights
07:52 The Need for Male Patterns in Sewing
10:39 Unisex Patterns: Successes and Challenges
14:20 Creating Unique Bag Patterns
16:01 Designing the Acorn Backpack
19:17 Beginner Patterns and Their Utility
21:00 Inspiration in the Sewing Community
22:22 Personal Style Evolution
23:32 Sewing Journey: From School to Passion
25:40 The Journey of Sewing: From Childhood to Passion
30:10 Teaching and Learning: A Shared Craft
34:13 Creating for Joy: The Balance of Making
38:13 Breaking Stigmas: Encouraging Men in Sewing
40:34 Connecting Through Craft: Social Media and Community