Sewing can be an important component of the slow fashion way of life. This is part 2 in a series about all things sewing with Ruby Gertz of Spokes & Stitches. This episode is full of information and advice for anyone who is already sewing or looking to get started: Advice for finding your own secondhand sewing machine: where to look, what to look for, how to choose a good one, and even how much you should expect to spend.Sewing patterns: how to choose them, how to use them, and what to expect.And Ruby will explain why she has started her own line of petite plus sewing patterns, Starling Petite Plus and all of the work that goes into creating a sewing pattern.Amanda gets things started with a history of how home sewing has been marketed over the last 100-ish years. Find Ruby on Instagram: @spokesandstitchesStarling Petite PlusSpokes & Stitches Some deadstock/closeout fabric recs for you:L'Etoffe FabricsFABSCRAPJomarMake + Mend If you have more thoughts or advice to share about sewing, send it my way via email to [email protected].  You can send an email or an audio message that you have recorded on your phone. Join the conversation on the Clotheshorse Slack! Sign up here! Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/ If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording:  [email protected] Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses: The Pewter Thimble Is there a little bit of Italy in your soul? Are you an enthusiast of pre-loved decor and accessories? Bring vintage Italian style — and history — into your space with The Pewter Thimble (@thepewterthimble). We source useful and beautiful things, and mend them where needed. We also find gorgeous illustrations, and make them print-worthy. Tarot cards, tea towels and handpicked treasures, available to you from the comfort of your own home. Responsibly sourced from across Rome, lovingly renewed by fairly paid artists and artisans, with something for every budget. Discover more at thepewterthimble.com St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month.  New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens. Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality--made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people to ask important questions like, “Where was this made? Was this garment made ethically? Is this fabric made of plastic? Can this garment be upcycled and if not, can it be recycled?” Signup at decodenim.com to receive $20 off your first purchase. They promise not to spam you and send out no more than 3 emails a month, with 2 of them surrounding education or a personal note from the Founder. Find them on Instagram as @deco.denim. Vagabond Vintage DTLV is a vintage clothing, accessories & decor reselling business based in Downtown Las Vegas. Not only do we sell in Las Vegas, but we are also located throughout resale markets in San Francisco as well as at a curated boutique called Lux and Ivy located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jessica, the founder & owner of Vagabond Vintage DTLV, recently opened the first IRL location located in the Arts District of Downtown Las