About this episode
Send us a text This week, host Gemma Daly chats with the inspiring and down-to-earth Melanie Keane, a passionate sewist whose journey started with patchwork and led to something truly powerful. Mel opens up about how sewing became more than just a hobby—it became a way to build confidence, create community, and support vulnerable women through her incredible Lighthouse sewing project. 🌟 They also dive into the buzz around the Sew-Fizz-Teacated event (yes, there will be bubbles involved 🍾) and explore the joy that comes from making something with your own two hands. It’s a heartwarming, motivating, and feel-good conversation that’ll leave you reaching for your fabric stash—and maybe even dreaming up a sewing project of your own. 💬🪡 Tune in, get inspired, and sew along with us! Key Takeaways: Sewing can boost personal confidence and creativity. Community projects can have a profound impact on individuals. Sewing offers a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Mel started sewing with patchwork during health challenges. The Sew-Fizz-Teacated event raises funds for community projects. Sewing projects can help vulnerable women connect and learn. Mel's sewing journey began with a basic machine from Hobbycraft. Sewing has allowed Mel to embrace bold patterns and colours. The Lighthouse project supports vulnerable women through sewing. Follow me: Instagram : @thesewingsocialpod @thedalythread Tiktok : thesewingsocialpod If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please Tip me on Ko-fi : https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email: thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com Guest details: Instagram: @melaniekeane : @surreysews Challenge/afternoon tea event: #Sewfizzteacated25 The Lighthouse Community Project: https://www.the-lighthouse.info/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:10 The Journey into Sewing 06:52 Community Projects and Impact 13:01 The Therapeutic Nature of Sewing 13:44 Community Engagement Through Fundraising Events 15:11 The Sewfizzteacated Challenge: A Unique Fundraising Initiative 16:14 Encouraging Creativity and Community Projects 18:02 The Lighthouse: A Hub for Transformation 19:17 Upcoming Events and Future Plans 20:01 Fun and Games: This or That with Mel 24:45 Connecting with Mel: Where to Find Her 25:37 Outro