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

Send us Fan MailIn 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 upholsteryShe emphasises the importance of eco-friendly and natural materials in upholsteryShe 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-beingErica explains her approach to teaching upholstery and empowering othersFollow me: Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod                     @thedalythreadTiktok: thesewingsocialpodIf you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpodAlso, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:[email protected] Details: Sew and Stow website:  https://sewandstow.co.ukInstagram: @sewandstow.ukFacebook: byericajaneDiscount code for listeners (£10 off a cutting board): Sewingsocialpod Affiliate Links:Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com     Discount code for 10% off your first month - SOCIALPOD10Resources:Leanne Treadwell - Bristol Upholstery Collective - https://www.bristolupholsterycollective.co.ukRenee Hodson - Master Upholsterer - https://www.reneehodson.co.ukChapters00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties00:10 Erica's Journey into Sewing and Upholstery02:22 Transition from Police Officer to Upholsterer05:13 The Impact of Personal Loss and Finding Purpose08:04 Traditional Upholstery Techniques and Materials10:56 The Importance of Natural Materials in Upholstery13:37 Teaching Upholstery and Community Engagement16:37 Upholstery as a Therapeutic Craft19:33 Challenges and Standout Projects in Upholstery25:28 The Art of Upholstery: Techniques and Insights28:04 Sewing Journey: From Upholstery to Fashion30:21 Innovating the Cutting Board: The Sew and Stow Story49:52 Sew and Stow: Eco-Friendly Solutions and Future Plans56:33 Outro - Kofi