Do you listen to anything when you're sewing? Music, audio books, radio? I'm a devoted BBC Radio 4 listener and have it on in the background most of the day. But if it's airing something that *gasp* I don't want to listen to, then I often turn to podcasts and I've been slowly building a library of favourites.
I don't mind admitting that I've been avoiding daytime news programmes during the Covid-19 pandemic. There's so much about the world that seems so out of my control that I've tried to concentrate on the small things i can control. Quilting projects have been more important than ever and these are a few of the podcasts that have kept me company over the past couple of months.
Quilting Podcasts
It goes without saying that I love to listen to quilters talk about our shared obsession. First on my list is The Great British Quilter podcast which is hosted by my friend Sarah Ashford (and I've had the honour of appearing on it myself). Sarah has always waved the flag for British quilters and has interviewed a lovely mix of people from across the industry.
A new podcast to me is Mel Giedroyc Is Quilting (you might remember Mel from the Great British Bake Off). I'm only a few podcasts in, but it's already a favourite: like eavesdropping on two hilarious friends at a sewing retreat.
I'm also including a podcast that isn't current but worth dipping into, The Crafty Planner, because it's host, Sandi Hazlewood, is such a thoughtful interviewer. She's taking a break at the moment, but there are 100+ podcasts to catch up on.
Not Quilting Podcasts
There are moments when I don't think about quilting - I hope you're not disappointed - and am in the mood for something funny, something inspiring or just a bit quirky. My favourites are an eclectic mix so, hopefully, there'll be something here that you love too.
My must-listen every week - unless *tut* they're taking a break - is Fortunately with Fi and Jane. Fi Glover and Jane Garvey are both radio 4 presenters of a certain age (my age, as it happens) and offer a wry look at broadcasting, current affairs and family life.
A newish one to me, The High Low is hosted by writers Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes. Fun, frank and a bit sweary, I listen for the book reviews. Honestly.
Again on a bookish theme (although its polar opposite in style) is the whimsically wonderful Slightly Foxed podcast. The staff off the Slightly Foxed literary review gather around the office kitchen table to discuss their favourite books. You will dream of working there and sitting at that table by the end of the first episode I promise.
I am also eagerly awaiting the return of Time Travellers, hosted by Eleanor Rosamund Barraclough. It's an idiosyncratic collection of themed historical essays that always sparks my imagination. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer.
If you're interested in history then the British Museum and National Trust also make lovely podcasts, or there's Greg Jenner's romp through the past: You're Dead to Me.
I also listen to a few podcasts that could be broadly described as 'motivational'. Running a small business can have it's moments and these are the women who reassure and inspire me: The Marie Forleo Podcast, Sarah Tasker & Jen Carrington's Letters from a Hopeful Creative (Sarah's Hashtag Authentic is lovely too) and Calandre Orton's Up with the Lark.
But I'm always on the lookout for something new, so please leave a comment or find me on Instagram if you think I'm missing out on your favourite podcast,
Nicola xx
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