Stuff You Missed in History Class: Behind the Scenes Minis – Sewing Basket
Release Date: July 18, 2025
Hosts: Holly Fry & Tracy B. Wilson
Production: iHeartRadio
In the "Behind the Scenes Minis: Sewing Basket" episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Holly Fry and Tracy B. Wilson delve into the intricate and creative world of sewing. This episode offers listeners an engaging exploration of sewing projects, pattern scaling, historical patterns, and the personal journeys of the hosts in their sewing endeavors.
Opening Remarks and Setting the Stage (02:10 – 02:57)
The episode kicks off with Holly and Tracy sharing their current moods and the unusual timing of their recording session. Holly expresses her excitement about discussing one of her passions: patterns and sewing.
Holly Fry (02:51): "Listen, I'm also just excited and wiggly. Cause we have behind the scenes where we get to talk about one of my favorite things, which is patterns and sewing."
Tracy humorously mentions her recent time off and the challenges of adjusting to a new work computer, setting a lighthearted tone for the discussion ahead.
Current Projects and Passion for Sewing (02:58 – 05:40)
Holly reveals she is in the midst of a significant sewing project—a wedding dress for a friend—which fuels her enthusiasm for the topic.
Holly Fry (02:58): "I'm in the middle of a giant sewing project right now. I'm making a wedding dress for a friend. So I'm like, sewing all the time when I'm not doing my job. And that just makes me want to talk about sewing all the time."
Tracy admits she hasn't scaled up patterns but shares memories of learning to sew from her mother, highlighting the foundational skills passed down through generations.
Tracy B. Wilson (03:35): "So my mom taught me to sew, taught me to sew with patterns. So I learned the things like figuring out what size you are and, you know, how to cut out that size from the pattern..."
Debate on Modern vs. Hand-Drawn Patterns (03:27 – 05:40)
The conversation shifts to the complexities and frustrations of scaling patterns. Holly recounts a lengthy argument on a sewing and costuming message board about recommending modern patterns versus hand-drafted ones.
Holly Fry (04:31): "I just looked at my computer screen, I was just like, ah, gotcha. This technology's already solving so many cases."
She emphasizes the challenge of scaling up patterns, which she admits is a "big pain in the tuchus," while also linking it to her ongoing plush koala project.
Preservation and Modern Techniques in Pattern Making (05:40 – 07:12)
Holly shares a nostalgic journey of rediscovering sewing patterns from a magazine of her youth, particularly the elusive plush Christmas koalas. Thanks to modern technology, she was able to scan and scale old patterns using Photoshop, making them accessible for contemporary use.
Holly Fry (06:25): "The koalas are ongoing. I have not posted an update lately, but I am posting them on Instagram because they're so fun."
She appreciates the preservation efforts that have allowed patterns to remain intact over decades, contrasting it with the deteriorated older patterns made without acid-free materials.
Iconic Patterns and Their Impact (07:12 – 12:00)
A highlight of the episode is Holly's admiration for the Butterick Walkaway Dress, a pattern so popular in 1952 that Butterick halted other productions to meet demand. She details the simplicity and enduring appeal of the dress, which remains a favorite among retro enthusiasts.
Holly Fry (10:25): "This pattern has been reissued many times. You can buy it now. Maybe if you're going to order it directly from the website, do that now, because I don't know how long that's going to be around."
Tracy confirms familiarity with the pattern package, underscoring its iconic status in the sewing community.
Sewing as a Creative Outlet and Personal Expression (12:00 – 22:54)
The hosts transition into a heartfelt discussion about their relationship with sewing. Holly clarifies that her passion lies not just in sewing itself but in creating unique, personalized garments.
Holly Fry (20:48): "I always tell people it's not so much that I love to sew. It's that I love having clothes. And a lot of them."
Tracy shares her mixed feelings about sewing, acknowledging both her enjoyment and the frustrations from past sewing disasters. She reflects on how societal pressures and bullying during her formative years impacted her enthusiasm for sewing.
Tracy B. Wilson (22:22): "I have had some sewing disasters that were, like, so upsetting and so frustrating that I can't put it all into the category of I love this, you know?"
Holly, contrastingly, speaks about overcoming negativity and embracing her unique style through sewing, drawing strength from designing her own fabrics and garments.
Holly Fry (23:00): "I just hit a different moment. And then by the time I was like, 13, 14, I was like, I'm making all my clothes. And I loved wearing my weird stuff."
The Evolution of Sewing Patterns and Industry Changes (22:55 – 19:42)
Holly expresses concerns about the future of commercial pattern companies, highlighting the rise of independent pattern companies that offer specialized and retro designs. She encourages listeners to explore these new avenues amidst potential changes in the industry.
Holly Fry (17:41): "There are ones that specialize in retro patterns. There are ones that specialize in like really, really like simple shape, easy to make knits. There are ones that specialize in almost anything you could want."
The episode takes a serious turn as Holly addresses the controversial history of Berta Patterns, whose founder was involved with the Nazi party. She grapples with the ethical implications and the challenge of separating the art from the individual's past.
Holly Fry (18:40): "The founder of Berta Patterns got involved with the Nazi party. And when you re. And I Won. It's a different game than this. It was going on in Germany."
Tracy supports Holly's discomfort, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and interrogating such historical associations.
Tracy B. Wilson (19:39): "Yeah. More interrogation of all that."
Embracing Creativity and Encouraging Listeners (22:54 – 24:38)
Returning to a lighter tone, Holly and Tracy discuss the joys and challenges of sewing as a means of creative expression. They share personal anecdotes about their sewing processes, including altering patterns to better fit their needs and the satisfaction of creating unique garments.
Holly Fry (21:00): "It's the absolute best. Yeah. I just love sewing."
They encourage listeners to engage in creative activities that bring them peace and fulfillment, whether it’s sewing or another passion.
Holly Fry (23:35): "I hope if you have time off that you get time to do whatever it is that you like or that makes you feel peaceful or fulfills your creative urges."
Conclusion and Final Thoughts (24:38 – 27:01)
As the episode wraps up, Holly and Tracy reiterate their love for sewing and the importance of personal creativity. They hint at upcoming episodes, promising a blend of classic and new content to keep their audience engaged.
Holly Fry (24:38): "We are gonna be right back here tomorrow with a classic episode and then on Monday we will have something brand new."
Notable Quotes:
- Holly Fry (02:51): "We have behind the scenes where we get to talk about one of my favorite things, which is patterns and sewing."
- Holly Fry (04:31): "Scaling up patterns is a big pain in the tuchus."
- Holly Fry (10:25): "This pattern has been reissued many times. You can buy it now."
- Holly Fry (20:48): "I always tell people it's not so much that I love to sew. It's that I love having clothes."
- Tracy B. Wilson (22:22): "I have had some sewing disasters that were, like, so upsetting and so frustrating."
Final Thoughts:
This episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class offers a rich and personal look into the world of sewing, blending historical insights with the hosts' own experiences. Whether you're an avid sewist or simply curious about the craft, Holly and Tracy provide a thoughtful and entertaining narrative that highlights the enduring passion and creativity inherent in sewing.