Used2Sew
"Used2Sew" is an entertaining podcast about one of the most important inventions to impact American lives outside of the automobile: the sewing machine. Mother-daughter team TR and Aradia will be talking about sewing machines, sewing history, and sewing culture in the past and present. With comedic timing and far-ranging references, we will explore topics including (but not limited to) textiles, technology, transportation, industry, women, business, home sewing, social movements, politics, and the impacts of fast fashion. We will also talk a lot about vintage sewing machines with an emphasis on the Singer company, plus detours into the commercial and industrial textile world. There will also be personal Tales of Sales from when TR worked for Singer, and fun contests and calls to action. Stay threaded!
Episodes
September 27, 2026 • 55 mins
Iron is a vital part of machinery of all sorts, so today we’re going to examine its role in sewing machine history. Not only was it used to make the machines themselves, its physical properties drove the Singer company to push new horizons in global manufacturing.
Get ad-free episodes through our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Used2Sew
Buy stickers: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WYGY99FBLA474 ...
Get ad-free episodes through our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Used2Sew
Buy stickers: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WYGY99FBLA474 ...
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Mark as Played
September 20, 2026 • 45 mins
By request, we intend to talk about thread today, by way of sidequests through fandom and convention sewing, needle types, and the importance of knowing what fabric the thread is going into.
Why TR is not a "boomer" - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_Jones
A catalog! A learning experience! http://wawak.com
All about thread: https://sewingtrip.com/thread-guide-for-different-threads/
Handy Needle Chart:https:/...
Why TR is not a "boomer" - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_Jones
A catalog! A learning experience! http://wawak.com
All about thread: https://sewingtrip.com/thread-guide-for-different-threads/
Handy Needle Chart:https:/...
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Mark as Played
September 13, 2026 • 57 mins
We were going to just talk about doll clothes and fanmail and sewing machine spotting in movies, but then Dolly Parton died, so now we’re learning about her sewing song too.
Interview with Dolly about the Elvis story: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/h26ExTxCSH4
Get ad-free episodes through our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Used2Sew
Buy stickers: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WYGY...
Interview with Dolly about the Elvis story: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/h26ExTxCSH4
Get ad-free episodes through our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Used2Sew
Buy stickers: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WYGY...
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Mark as Played
September 6, 2026 • 36 mins
The concept of magnesium sewing machines has captured our attention this week!
https://sewingiscool.com/domestic-rotary-sewing-machine-153-and-151/
https://tallysew.com/sewing-machines/white-sewing-machines/white-model-77/
https://pungolivinghome.com/2019/04/12/vintage-all-metal-sewing-machines-expanding-the-horizon/
http://www.flight-mechanic.com/corrosion-control-part-eight-corrosion-of-magnesium-alloys/ &nbs...
https://sewingiscool.com/domestic-rotary-sewing-machine-153-and-151/
https://tallysew.com/sewing-machines/white-sewing-machines/white-model-77/
https://pungolivinghome.com/2019/04/12/vintage-all-metal-sewing-machines-expanding-the-horizon/
http://www.flight-mechanic.com/corrosion-control-part-eight-corrosion-of-magnesium-alloys/ &nbs...
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August 30, 2026 • 55 mins
When is a long-shuttle actually a rotary? Journey with us back to the drama of the golden age of sewing machines through a contemporary trade journal!
Free-Westinghouse https://tallysew.com/sewing-machines/westinghouse-sewing-machines/free-westinghouse-type-e-rotary/
I love Lucy with Free-Westinghouse: https://www.50slucy.com/category/sewing-machine
Will C. Free Rotoscillo motion video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=...
Free-Westinghouse https://tallysew.com/sewing-machines/westinghouse-sewing-machines/free-westinghouse-type-e-rotary/
I love Lucy with Free-Westinghouse: https://www.50slucy.com/category/sewing-machine
Will C. Free Rotoscillo motion video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=...
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August 23, 2026 • 52 mins
Building on prior deep dives into various Singer models, we focus today specifically on the progression of their rotary mechanism through the golden age of sewing machines.
What is a hook? https://quiltingroomwithmel.com/sewing-machine-hook/
Singer 101 https://tallysew.com/sewing-machines/singer-sewing-machines/singer-101/
Singer 201 https://tallysew.com/sewing-machines/singer-sewing-machines/singer-201-2/quiltingroomw...
What is a hook? https://quiltingroomwithmel.com/sewing-machine-hook/
Singer 101 https://tallysew.com/sewing-machines/singer-sewing-machines/singer-101/
Singer 201 https://tallysew.com/sewing-machines/singer-sewing-machines/singer-201-2/quiltingroomw...
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Mark as Played
August 16, 2026 • 49 mins
August is so busy we just have a crumb quilt of topics today, including but not limited to part 2 of our reactions to the new adaptation of Little House on the Prairie by Netflix.
The Etsy shop that sold us the fabric we wanted: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SewEmQuilting
Industrial machines in use: http://viapiana.com & https://youtu.be/Rm1olAOpLxU?si=ws_4iE4Fnu84giQ-
A piece of "Still Stitchin...
The Etsy shop that sold us the fabric we wanted: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SewEmQuilting
Industrial machines in use: http://viapiana.com & https://youtu.be/Rm1olAOpLxU?si=ws_4iE4Fnu84giQ-
A piece of "Still Stitchin...
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Mark as Played
August 9, 2026 • 60 mins
Little House on the Prairie has been adapted by Netflix, so of course we had to watch it! This is part 1 of 2 of our initial reactions to the show.
The Singer machine shown in the general store https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/singer_machines/domestic_machines/models/15/ (1890)
The actual Singer machine available in 1869https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/early_singer_history_new_family.html ...
The Singer machine shown in the general store https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/singer_machines/domestic_machines/models/15/ (1890)
The actual Singer machine available in 1869https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/early_singer_history_new_family.html ...
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August 2, 2026 • 46 mins
Fanmail, thrifting adventures, and getting a treadle to a friend.
New! LRCrafts' serial number resource:https://www.lrcrafts.it/find-vintage-singer-sewing-machine-info/
Out-of Print book: "Rigmaroles & Ragamuffins, Unpicking Words we Derive from Textiles" by Elinor Kapp
WWII village destroyed - Sewing Machine skeletons:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oradour-sur-Glane_massacrehttps://pieceworkmagazine.com...
New! LRCrafts' serial number resource:https://www.lrcrafts.it/find-vintage-singer-sewing-machine-info/
Out-of Print book: "Rigmaroles & Ragamuffins, Unpicking Words we Derive from Textiles" by Elinor Kapp
WWII village destroyed - Sewing Machine skeletons:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oradour-sur-Glane_massacrehttps://pieceworkmagazine.com...
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Mark as Played
July 26, 2026 • 50 mins
Understanding the purpose and properties of lubrication is an important part of machine maintenance.
Oregon Country Fair https://www.oregoncountryfair.org/
David Werther https://www.cafe-disco.com/sewing-machines/still-stitching-vintage-sewing-machines-profile-david-werther-vsm-collector-instructor-and-photographer/
Featherweightology https://www.facebook.com/groups/845924948802691/
Shungite https://www.youtub...
Oregon Country Fair https://www.oregoncountryfair.org/
David Werther https://www.cafe-disco.com/sewing-machines/still-stitching-vintage-sewing-machines-profile-david-werther-vsm-collector-instructor-and-photographer/
Featherweightology https://www.facebook.com/groups/845924948802691/
Shungite https://www.youtub...
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Mark as Played
July 19, 2026 • 43 mins
TR reminisces about the wide variety of fabric stores she had access to in the 1980s.
Get ad-free episodes through our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Used2Sew
Buy stickers: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WYGY99FBLA474
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Used2Sew/61565705042098/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/used2sew/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@...
Get ad-free episodes through our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Used2Sew
Buy stickers: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WYGY99FBLA474
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Used2Sew/61565705042098/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/used2sew/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@...
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Mark as Played
July 12, 2026 • 55 mins
Today focuses on items that TR has never seen, from needle cases to rare decals.
The Singer 48K - https://sewalot.com/singer_48k.htm
Boye " Commodity Cabinet" - https://ismacs.net/needlebar/main/boye/index.html
Ottoman Carnation decal - https://ismacs.net/needlebar/main/otto/
picture of 48K - https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rRSnfvFDzM4/maxresdefault.jpg
Carnation meanings
https://izni...
The Singer 48K - https://sewalot.com/singer_48k.htm
Boye " Commodity Cabinet" - https://ismacs.net/needlebar/main/boye/index.html
Ottoman Carnation decal - https://ismacs.net/needlebar/main/otto/
picture of 48K - https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rRSnfvFDzM4/maxresdefault.jpg
Carnation meanings
https://izni...
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Mark as Played
July 5, 2026 • 61 mins
TR has a bone to pick with the concept of a sewing machine “workhorse.”
Wind Sand and Stars: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind,_Sand_and_Stars
Wawak online catalog - learn about thread and needles!
https://online.fliphtml5.com/kjzal/wtrspn/#p=1
ISMACS page on the 66, includes, cabinets, manuals.
https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/singer-class-66-se...
Wind Sand and Stars: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind,_Sand_and_Stars
Wawak online catalog - learn about thread and needles!
https://online.fliphtml5.com/kjzal/wtrspn/#p=1
ISMACS page on the 66, includes, cabinets, manuals.
https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/singer-class-66-se...
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Mark as Played
June 28, 2026 • 55 mins
We talk about a massive modern memorial quilt, some fanmail, and sewing machines in warfare.
Get ad-free episodes through our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Used2Sew
Buy stickers: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WYGY99FBLA474
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Used2Sew/61565705042098/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/used2sew/
YouTube: https://www.yo...
Get ad-free episodes through our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Used2Sew
Buy stickers: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WYGY99FBLA474
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Used2Sew/61565705042098/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/used2sew/
YouTube: https://www.yo...
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Mark as Played
June 21, 2026 • 33 mins
TR explains how sewing at home for fun requires a different kind of sewing machine than sewing at scale for profit.
Industrial or Domestic? https://sewingers.com/industrial-vs-domestic-sewing-machines/
Singer 31 Class https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/model-31-tailors-sewing-machine.html
Get ad-free episodes through our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Used2Sew
Buy st...
Industrial or Domestic? https://sewingers.com/industrial-vs-domestic-sewing-machines/
Singer 31 Class https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/model-31-tailors-sewing-machine.html
Get ad-free episodes through our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Used2Sew
Buy st...
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Mark as Played
June 14, 2026 • 55 mins
Ready to wear clothing used to be a rare commodity, but now it is the norm. How did that come to happen, and is it a good thing?
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2026/may/28/patagonia-sues-drag-queen-pattie-gonia-trademark-infringement-ntwnfb
https://workingwomanreport.com/home-sewn-clothes-are-making-a-comeback-but-is-it-too-late-for-dying-fabric-stores/
https://discover.hubpages.com/style/Ready-to-Wear-A-Short-His...
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2026/may/28/patagonia-sues-drag-queen-pattie-gonia-trademark-infringement-ntwnfb
https://workingwomanreport.com/home-sewn-clothes-are-making-a-comeback-but-is-it-too-late-for-dying-fabric-stores/
https://discover.hubpages.com/style/Ready-to-Wear-A-Short-His...
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Mark as Played
June 7, 2026 • 53 mins
Did Betsy Ross actually sew the revolutionary flag? Did you know how quilts have been used for social change? How did sewing machines arrive in Indian reservations? These questions and more are answered in today’s episode of Used2Sew.
https://www.notesfromthefrontier.com/post/frontier-quilts
Pa’s Fiddle Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8LA1AyyRB4
Southern Cloth Dance (women) - 201...
https://www.notesfromthefrontier.com/post/frontier-quilts
Pa’s Fiddle Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8LA1AyyRB4
Southern Cloth Dance (women) - 201...
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Mark as Played
May 31, 2026 • 43 mins
We’re back with a new season of the show, and we’re starting off with simply using our sewing machines to get grounded after traveling. We also talk about thrifting and salvaging machines, and when not to do so.
Skagit Sewing Machine Salvage and Service https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582156160088&sk=photos
Get ad-free episodes through our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Used2Sew ...
Skagit Sewing Machine Salvage and Service https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582156160088&sk=photos
Get ad-free episodes through our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Used2Sew ...
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Mark as Played
May 24, 2026 • 58 mins
Originally published on March 15th 2026
We return to reading sections of the book Fabricating Consumers by Andrew Gordon, specifically the parts about the growth of Singer sales once the ice had been broken and before WWII.
https://www.ucpress.edu/books/fabricating-consumers/hardcover https://www.siuslawpioneermuseum.com/ https://letsgetsewingspokane.com/
Kirin music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lHnv3RYwhg&...
We return to reading sections of the book Fabricating Consumers by Andrew Gordon, specifically the parts about the growth of Singer sales once the ice had been broken and before WWII.
https://www.ucpress.edu/books/fabricating-consumers/hardcover https://www.siuslawpioneermuseum.com/ https://letsgetsewingspokane.com/
Kirin music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lHnv3RYwhg&...
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Mark as Played
May 17, 2026 • 48 mins
Originally published January 11th 2026
Thanks to our Patreons we have a hefty new book to talk about over this entire season of Used2Sew! We also have fanmail, exciting supply hoards, and a new Patreon to thank.
Fabricating Consumers by Andrew Gordon: https://www.ucpress.edu/books/fabricating-consumers/hardcover
Get ad-free episodes through our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Used2Sew
Buy stickers:&nb...
Thanks to our Patreons we have a hefty new book to talk about over this entire season of Used2Sew! We also have fanmail, exciting supply hoards, and a new Patreon to thank.
Fabricating Consumers by Andrew Gordon: https://www.ucpress.edu/books/fabricating-consumers/hardcover
Get ad-free episodes through our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Used2Sew
Buy stickers:&nb...
Listen
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Mark as Played
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