The Asian Sewist Collective Podcast

A Conversation with Yaya Han Part 2

In part two of our chat with the amazing Yaya Han, we dive behind the scenes of being a business owner in the sewing space over these last two volatile years, the perils of social media, and what it's like to have your spouse as your business partner.

Thank you to LDH Scissors for sponsoring this episode.

For show notes, resources and a full transcript of this episode: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-73-a-conversation-with-yaya-han-part-2/

If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can support us by joining our monthly membership or making a one-time donation via Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/asiansewistcollective 

A Conversation with Yaya Han Part 1

In this episode, we sit down with the legendary Yaya Han — costume designer, cosplay entertainer, author, and one of the most recognizable figures in global cosplay. Yaya shares how she began cosplaying in 1999, learning to sew from scratch so she could bring her favorite anime characters to life. We talk about her multicultural upbringing across China, Germany, and the U.S., and how her identity as a Chinese sewist influences her artistry today.

Thank you to LDH Scissors for sponsoring this episode.

For show notes, resources and a full transcript of this episode: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-72-a-conversation-with-yaya-han-part-1/

If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can support us by joining our monthly membership or making a one-time donation via Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/asiansewistcollective 

Cutting Tools Maintenance with LDH Scissors

In this episode, Nicole and Ada sit down with Ursula and Roy from LDH Scissors to explore essential tips for caring for your cutting tools. Get to know more about LDH's origins in China and what it's like to manufacture high quality cutting implements. They discuss proper sharpening, cleaning, oiling, and safe storage for shears, snips, pinking shears, and rotary cutters. Learn how to extend the life of your tools and make your sewing experience safer and more enjoyable.

Thank you to Oliso for sponsoring this episode.

For show notes, resources and a full transcript of this episode: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-71-cutting-tools-with-ldh-scissors/

If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can support us by joining our monthly membership or making a one-time donation via Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/asiansewistcollective 

Exploring Blasian Connections with Khensani Mohlatlole & Lisa of Black Women Stitch

In this special collaboration with Lisa Woolfork of Black Women Stitch and the Stitch Please podcast, we sit down with South African writer and creator Khensani Mohlatlole to explore the intersections of African and Asian fashion histories. Khensani shares the story behind her first pattern design, inspired by Xhosa apron-like tops and their unexpected similarities to the Vietnamese áo dài. Together, we talk about design languages beyond Western silhouettes, the cultural connections revealed through textiles, trims, and dyeing practices, and what happens when we stop starting with white as the center of fashion. Thank you to LDH Scissors for sponsoring this episode.

For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-70-exploring-blasian-connections-with-khensani-and-lisa-from-bws/

 

If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can support us by buying our limited edition merch, joining our monthly membership or making a one-time donation via Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/asiansewistcollective 

Hand Embroidering with Tiff

Ada and Nicole do their first catch up in a while, before Nicole interview Tiffany Tzeng, of Stitches by Tiff! She's a hand embroidery artist, business owner, and teacher. Listen as we talk about her passion for embroidery, how she got into teaching, and why our art doesn't have to be "productive." Thank you to Madam Sew for sponsoring this episode.

For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: 

https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-69-hand-embroidery-with-stitches-by-tiff/

If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can support us by buying our limited edition merch, joining our monthly membership or making a one-time donation via Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/asiansewistcollective 

Decluttering with Grace - Part 2

Nicole and Grace continue their conversation about decluttering, diving into scarcity mindset and guilt. Listen for thoughts on how to be gentle with yourself during the process, and Grace's thoughts on the Kondo Method!

For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-68-decluttering-with-grace-part-2/

If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can support us by buying our limited edition merch, joining our monthly membership or making a one-time donation via Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/asiansewistcollective 

Decluttering with Grace - Part 1

As sewists, many of us collect fabric, notions, patterns, ideas and it can become overwhelming. Co-host Nicole reached out to Grace Oczon, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, to ask the critical question, why do we keep stuff? Join them for a discussion about this, and how different experiences like scarcity mindset and guilt affect our ability to declutter our spaces. This is part-1 of a two part discussion. The second part will publish in a couple of weeks! If you have any comments or feedback about part 1, please send feedback to asiansewistcollective@gmail.com.

Follow the pod at @AsianSewistCollective on Instagram.

For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-67-decluttering-with-grace-part-1/

If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can support us by buying our limited edition merch, joining our monthly membership or making a one-time donation via Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/asiansewistcollective 

h+h Americas Trade Show Recap

Cohost Nicole reports back on her experience at the h+h Americas 2025, hosted from May 7-9 at the Donald E. Stephenson Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. Listen to her and Ada discuss exactly what a trade show is, what Nicole learned, and who she met at this large and wonderful fiber and textile arts industry event.

Follow the pod at @AsianSewistCollective on Instagram.

For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-66-hh-americas-trade-show-recap/

If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can support us by buying our limited edition merch, joining our monthly membership or making a one-time donation via Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/asiansewistcollective 

 

History of the Sewing Machine

Do you know where your sewing machine is from? Ada and Nicole discuss their machines, the evolution of the sewing machine, and how design and manufacturing spread from Japan throughout Asia.

Follow the pod at @AsianSewistCollective on Instagram.

For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-65-history-of-the-sewing-machine/

 

If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can support us by buying our limited edition merch, joining our monthly membership or making a one-time donation via Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/asiansewistcollective 

A Farewell to Joann

Joann Fabrics is officially closing! Even if you are not a shopper, Joann Fabrics has been a staple in the American sewing community since 1943. Nicole and Ada share their reflections and visit a couple store to say goodbye.

Follow the pod at @AsianSewistCollective on Instagram.

For show notes and a transcript of this episode, please see: https://asiansewistcollective.com/episode-64-a-farewell-to-joann/

If you find our podcast informative and enjoy listening, you can support us by buying our limited edition merch, joining our monthly membership or making a one-time donation via Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/asiansewistcollective