Splitting Seams

In this penultimate episode of Season 1, I sit down with Ravon Clark from Luv, Lola. Throughout the conversation, we discuss her ever-evolving business and her designing process now that she has added patterns to her offerings. We also explore the challenges of balancing mental health with customer expectations, representation within the community, and touch on some sewing technical bits here and there. Come for the chat, stay for the vibes, and share in the laughs!Ravon's Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1125046714780758Instagram: @luvlolalooks Tiktok: @Luvlolalooks YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LuvLolaLooks Website: www.luvlolalooks.com Email: ravon@luvlolalooks.comShannon's Linktree: linktr.ee/knottedthreadsco

In this episode of Splitting Seams, I sit down with Jess VanDenBurgh of Sew Many Creations. We had a great time chatting about Jess's journey and evolution of her business over the last two decades, the various dynamics of operating her business in our sewing community, and talk about the importance of authenticity both online and "irl". And, of course, I got to pick her brain about her designing process and what her time was like in the quilting world. Jess's Links: Website: https://www.sewmanycreationsny.com/ YT: @SewManyCreations IG: @SewManyCreations FB: SMC Pattern Dedication & SMC Cork Fanatics Email: jessica@sewmanycreationsny.com Shannon's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/knottedthreadsco

This week I’m joined by Chanova. She is a good friend, fellow striker, and one of my past testers. We talk about authenticity, originality, and what it looks like to support other sewists in the community instead of competing with them. We also get into the reality of staying creative while dealing with our own limitations… both the ones in our heads and the ones life throws at us. Nova's Links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AyNkA6f8V/Instagram: @chanovaalcalaYouTube: @thatssewnovaShannon's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/knottedthreadsco

In this episode, I chat with Elizabeth Meraz - a hobby bag maker, badass lawyer, and content creator. She has been a tester for me, as well as many others, and has garnered a following for her soothing live sewing sessions on the clock app. We chat about how she balances a demanding career, family life, and making time for things that bring her joy, plus the realities of social media, community engagement, and what it's like trying to juggle it all.Elizabeth's Linktree: linktr.ee/handmadebyezmShannon's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/knottedthreadsco

In this episode of Splitting Seams, I'm joined by my good friend Brittany of The Empurrium, who is celebrating 15 years in business. We talk honestly about what that actually looks like — the highs, the chaos, the burnout, and the reality of staying in business for that long when life keeps happening around it. We also discuss Brittany's recent shift from full-time self employment to a more traditional job, and all the emotions, perspective shifts, and realities involved in such a major shift.Fair warning: we definitely go on a few tangents in this one, and there is a lot of cat talk. If you love cats, stories, and conversations that wander a bit, you’ll feel right at home.Brittany's Links:FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheEmPURRiumFB Groups:https://www.facebook.com/groups/empurrium/https://www.facebook.com/groups/empurriumpurrfectstitchesIG & TT: @theempurriumYouTube: @BrittanyEmpurriumWebsite: https://theempurrium.com/PREORDER (Active until Feb 15, 2026): https://theempurrium.com/collections/preorderEmail: brittany@theempurrium.comShannon's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/knottedthreadsco

In this episode of Splitting Seams, Olivia's and I discuss her journey from cosplay to owning a business in our sewing community, her passion for creating fandom art that translates into custom hardware and fabrics, and the challenges of running a small business. Olivia shares insights into her creative process, the importance of community, and the lessons learned from collaborations. We also touch on the significance of mental health and self-kindness in our little creative world.Olivia's Socials!:Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/alchematsInstagram: @alchematsdesignsTikTok: @alchematsAlchemats Website: alchemats.comNew website offering standard hardware and other non-fandom specific items: basic-crafts.comShannon's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/knottedthreadscoSupport the show and get early access to episodes and more by joining the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/SplittingSeams

In this episode of Splitting Seams, host Shannon Timchula welcomes Niko from Sewgnar, a PDF pattern and handmade goods business that almost exclusively uses cork. They discuss the importance of authenticity in business, the challenges and joys of using cork, and the significance of being open to change and learning from failure. The conversation highlights personal growth, community, and the creative process in the sewing industry.Some of Niko's thoughts she wanted added to her remarks on competition in the community: "A rising tide raises all ships and I believe there’s enough room at the table for everyone. I don’t personally find it competitive because I do what I can to include and bring others up with me when possible." - - - - Please also take a moment to check out her site to see how she gives back to various organizations every year! See.. I told you she's got a big ol' heart! https://www.sewgnar.com/giving-backNiko's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SewGnarShannon's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/knottedthreadscoSupport the show and get early access to episodes and more by joining the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/SplittingSeams

Welcome to Splitting Seams. Where every seam has a story. Thanks for being here. I hope you enjoy what's to come this season. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/SplittingSeams YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@knottedthreadscohttps://knottedthreadsco.com