In this special collaboration with Lisa Woolfork of Black Women Stitch and the Stitch Please podcast, we sit down with South African writer and creator Khensani Mohlatlole to explore the intersections of African and Asian fashion histories. Khensani shares the story behind her first pattern design, inspired by Xhosa apron-like tops and their unexpected similarities to the Vietnamese áo dài. Together, we talk about design languages beyond Western silhouettes, the cultural connections revealed through textiles, trims, and dyeing practices, and what happens when we stop starting with white as the center of fashion. Thank you to LDH Scissors for sponsoring this episode.

For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see:

If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can support us by buying our limited edition merch, joining our monthly membership or making a one-time donation via Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/asiansewistcollective

Ada and Nicole do their first catch up in a while, before Nicole interview Tiffany Tzeng, of Stitches by Tiff! She's a hand embroidery artist, business owner, and teacher. Listen as we talk about her passion for embroidery, how she got into teaching, and why our art doesn't have to be "productive." Thank you to Madam Sew for sponsoring this episode.

For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see:

https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-69-hand-embroidery-with-stitches-by-tiff/

If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can support us by buying our limited edition merch, joining our monthly membership or making a one-time donation via Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/asiansewistcollective

Nicole and Grace continue their conversation about decluttering, diving into scarcity mindset and guilt. Listen for thoughts on how to be gentle with yourself during the process, and Grace's thoughts on the Kondo Method!

For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-68-decluttering-with-grace-part-2/

If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can support us by buying our limited edition merch, joining our monthly membership or making a one-time donation via Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/asiansewistcollective

As sewists, many of us collect fabric, notions, patterns, ideas and it can become overwhelming. Co-host Nicole reached out to Grace Oczon, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, to ask the critical question, why do we keep stuff? Join them for a discussion about this, and how different experiences like scarcity mindset and guilt affect our ability to declutter our spaces. This is part-1 of a two part discussion. The second part will publish in a couple of weeks! If you have any comments or feedback about part 1, please send feedback to asiansewistcollective@gmail.com.

Follow the pod at @AsianSewistCollective on Instagram.

For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-67-decluttering-with-grace-part-1/

If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can support us by buying our limited edition merch, joining our monthly membership or making a one-time donation via Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/asiansewistcollective

Cohost Nicole reports back on her experience at the h+h Americas 2025, hosted from May 7-9 at the Donald E. Stephenson Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. Listen to her and Ada discuss exactly what a trade show is, what Nicole learned, and who she met at this large and wonderful fiber and textile arts industry event.

Follow the pod at @AsianSewistCollective on Instagram.

For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-66-hh-americas-trade-show-recap/

If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can support us by buying our limited edition merch, joining our monthly membership or making a one-time donation via Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/asiansewistcollective

Do you know where your sewing machine is from? Ada and Nicole discuss their machines, the evolution of the sewing machine, and how design and manufacturing spread from Japan throughout Asia.

Follow the pod at @AsianSewistCollective on Instagram.

For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-65-history-of-the-sewing-machine/

If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can support us by buying our limited edition merch, joining our monthly membership or making a one-time donation via Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/asiansewistcollective

Joann Fabrics is officially closing! Even if you are not a shopper, Joann Fabrics has been a staple in the American sewing community since 1943. Nicole and Ada share their reflections and visit a couple store to say goodbye.

Follow the pod at @AsianSewistCollective on Instagram.

For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-64-a-farewell-to-joann/

If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can support us by buying our limited edition merch, joining our monthly membership or making a one-time donation via Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/asiansewistcollective

Nicole and Ada check in about what's been going on in their lives, what happens when your sewjo is low, and ideas for falling back in love with sewing.

Follow the pod at @AsianSewistCollective on Instagram.

For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-63-falling-out-of-love-with-sewing/

If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can support us by buying our limited edition merch, joining our monthly membership or making a one-time donation via Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/asiansewistcollective