Traditional Upholstery and Sewing Cutting Board Innovation with Erica from Sew and Stow

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In this episode, Erica shares her inspiring journey from police officer to skilled traditional upholsterer, transforming her career through creativity and craftsmanship.

She highlights her commitment to sustainable upholstery, using eco-friendly materials and preserving time-honoured techniques.

She also introduces the innovative Sew & Stow cutting board, designed to make fabric cutting easier, more efficient, and more precise for makers of all levels.

Discover how Erica is building a purpose-driven craft business, championing sustainable sewing practices, and empowering others through hands-on upholstery courses and creative education.

Key Takeaways:

• Erica's career transitioned from British Telecom to the Police force, and then onto upholstery
• She emphasises the importance of eco-friendly and natural materials in upholstery
• She developed the Sew & Stow fabric cutting board from a board she had made for herself
• Erica talks about how craft and upholstery can aid mental health and well-being
• Erica explains her approach to teaching upholstery and empowering others

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Guest Details:

Sew and Stow website: https://sewandstow.co.uk

Instagram: @sewandstow.uk

Facebook: byericajane

Discount code for listeners (£10 off a cutting board): Sewingsocialpod

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• Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com

Discount code for 10% off your first month - SOCIALPOD10

Resources:

Leanne Treadwell - Bristol Upholstery Collective - https://www.bristolupholsterycollective.co.uk

Renee Hodson - Master Upholsterer - https://www.reneehodson.co.uk

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties

00:10 Erica's Journey into Sewing and Upholstery

02:22 Transition from Police Officer to Upholsterer

05:13 The Impact of Personal Loss and Finding Purpose

08:04 Traditional Upholstery Techniques and Materials

10:56 The Importance of Natural Materials in Upholstery

13:37 Teaching Upholstery and Community Engagement

16:37 Upholstery as a Therapeutic Craft

19:33 Challenges and Standout Projects in Upholstery

25:28 The Art of Upholstery: Techniques and Insights

28:04 Sewing Journey: From Upholstery to Fashion

30:21 Innovating the Cutting Board: The Sew and Stow Story

49:52 Sew and Stow: Eco-Friendly Solutions and Future Plans

56:33 Outro - Kofi