Can Modern Technology Save Heritage Craft? - With Genevieve Sweeney (#167)

Genevieve returns to Garmology four years after her last appearance—and a lot has changed. Since we last spoke (just weeks before she gave birth), Genevieve has been quietly building something remarkable: a knitwear micro‑factory in rural Hertfordshire, training apprentices, preserving endangered skills, and bringing more of her luxury British knitwear production in‑house. In this episode, we talk heritage crafts and modern knitting machines, the reality of factories closing and skills disappearing, the joy (and complexity) of running your own machines, and why making fewer, better garments still makes sense in 2026. From naturally dyed yarns and hand intarsia to washing, mending, moth anxiety, and the odd globe‑maker next door, this is a warm, honest, deeply nerdy conversation about how clothes are actually made—and why it still matters. You can find Genevieve Sweeney on the web at genevievesweeney.com and on Instagram as @genevievesweeney.    Garmology is by Nick Johannessen. There is no advertising or sponsorship, but you are welcome to support the podcast via my Patreon at patreon.com/garmology or you can buymeacoffee.com/garmologyNick Johannessen is also the editor of the WellDressedDad blog and WellDressedDad on Instagram. You can email Nick as Garmology (at) WellDressedDad.com.Garmology theme music by Fabian Stordalen.