Listen "#194: Replay – Fabric First with Rachel Kirby"
Episode Synopsis
Could you sew only with second hand fabric? No more fabric shopping, only thrifting and receiving donations. Would that feel frustrating, or would it unlock some inner creativity and resourcefulness? Space scientist and passionate maker, Rachel Kirby, sews almost exclusively within this limitation, and she shares how and why it works for her.
Support the podcast over on Patreon!
Rachel Kirby can be found on her website, @fibre.and.space on Instagram and @GeoPlaneteer on Twitter.
Rachel’s self-designed Solar System jumper went viral!
Rachel was inspired by Samantha @pippy_eve on Instagram to try her hand at sewing her first garment by using the Justine skirt pattern by Ready to Sew and some cotton fabric she found at an op shop.
The only piece of from-the-bolt fabric Rachel has used for herself was to make some Arenite pants, pattern by Sew Liberated.
Image source: Rachel Kirby
Listen to Episode 69: Making Mindfully with Judy Williment-Ross.
Rachel’s TNT (‘tried and tested’, or ‘tried and true’) patterns:
Hinterland dress pattern by Sew Liberated
Gilbert top pattern by Helen’s Closet
Yanta Overalls by Helen’s Closet
Image source: Rachel Kirby
Support the podcast over on Patreon!
Rachel Kirby can be found on her website, @fibre.and.space on Instagram and @GeoPlaneteer on Twitter.
Rachel’s self-designed Solar System jumper went viral!
Rachel was inspired by Samantha @pippy_eve on Instagram to try her hand at sewing her first garment by using the Justine skirt pattern by Ready to Sew and some cotton fabric she found at an op shop.
The only piece of from-the-bolt fabric Rachel has used for herself was to make some Arenite pants, pattern by Sew Liberated.
Image source: Rachel Kirby
Listen to Episode 69: Making Mindfully with Judy Williment-Ross.
Rachel’s TNT (‘tried and tested’, or ‘tried and true’) patterns:
Hinterland dress pattern by Sew Liberated
Gilbert top pattern by Helen’s Closet
Yanta Overalls by Helen’s Closet
Image source: Rachel Kirby
More episodes of the podcast Check Your Thread: Sewing More Sustainably
#206: How to Sew More Sustainably for Kids
24/11/2025
#202: London Fabric Swap 2025
20/10/2025
#200: Making CYT with Zoe & Kat, Part 1
06/10/2025
#199: Wardrobe Curation and Care
29/09/2025
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