CHAT SESSION 134 with Pete Sews

🎧 PODCAST LINK

Topic- A Passion for Sewing and Sharing Skills

Monday 1^st December 2025 1pm https://rppfm.com.au

Pete Sews 'From Passion to Purpose in Capel Sound'

Pete loves to sew — and he loves it even more when other people sew too.

After years of travelling around Australia and trying his hand at a variety of jobs “for the joy of them,” Pete discovered that his true passion was creating with fabric. Not only did he love it — he was pretty good at it, too.

Finding His Thread

Over time, Pete honed his skills by making more and more clothing. First, he filled his own wardrobe, then those of his friends, with unique, custom garments that reflected each person’s style, shape, and personality.

In 2018, a chance meeting with a tailor at a Melbourne fabric store sparked the next stage of Pete’s journey. A few mentoring sessions later, Pete began learning to draft his own patterns — a process he describes as “a long way to a fail.” Mistakes were made, lessons were learned, and through it all, Pete discovered what he truly enjoyed and where his strengths lay.

Turning Passion into Business

As his confidence grew, Pete realised that people valued his technical skills, fabric choices, and style — enough that he could turn his passion into a business. Thus, Pete Sews was born, originally with the light-hearted goal of “making custom shirts for rich old men.”

Of course, a business requires more than an ABN and a website. After meeting a business coach who bluntly told him, “You need help — it doesn’t have to be from me, but you need help,” Pete set out to learn the ropes of entrepreneurship. Marketing, customer service, systems — it was a steep learning curve, but one he embraced with the same enthusiasm he brought to sewing.

Building a Reputation

When COVID-19 hit and his other work disappeared, Pete began offering clothing alterations to make ends meet. Inspired by a carpenter’s ute that listed “Repairs and Renovations,” Pete thought, “I’m a tradesman too.”

He decided to focus on alterations — to become the best at hemming pants, fixing zippers, and reshaping garments. With the help of a few business experts, Pete refined his operations and soon became one of the top-rated alterations specialists on the Sunshine Coast.

A New Chapter in Capel Sound

By 2024, Pete had reached the limits of running a home-based business and was ready for a change. Longing to return to Victoria, he relocated to the Mornington Peninsula and opened a bright, welcoming shop in Capel Sound.

Described as “a colourful loungeroom full of sewing machines,” Pete’s shop is as warm and inviting as he is. Everything is on display — no back room, no hidden studio. Walk through the door, and you’ll find Pete at his machines, ready with a smile and a cheerful greeting.

One of the shop’s standout features is “the biggest mirror in the world” — or at least, it feels that way. Measuring over six square metres, it’s large enough for multiple people (like a group of groomsmen) to stand side by side. It also allows Pete to see each client’s fit from every angle, ensuring clothes are adjusted perfectly.

Sewing with Style and Purpose

Pete’s alteration philosophy is simple:

“Fashion is what they tell you to wear. Style is what looks good on you.”

Many clients come in wanting their clothes to look like they do on the model or the website. Pete’s focus is on making sure they look — and feel — their best in real life.

The Community Sewing Room

Pete’s new shop isn’t just for alterations. It’s also home to the Community Sewing Room — a space where people can come together to sew, learn, and share.

Pete’s dream is to see every machine in the room being used by sewists of all levels. Sewing, he believes, shouldn’t be a “dark art” or something reserved for professionals or grandmothers. With so much clothing already in the world, there’s never been a better time to repair, remake, and learn.

His most popular class, “Not Sew Scary,” is designed for complete beginners. In just three hours, Pete helps students conquer their fears and discover the joy of sewing. Many return to use his machines and continue building their skills.

A Life Well Sewn

Shortly after moving to the Peninsula, Pete met Nikki — now his partner — and her two daughters, aged 13 and 10. Together, they share a love of community, permaculture, and sustainable living. With 11 chooks, 15 fruit trees, and a thriving veggie garden, life is busy and full.

Pete has found both his people and his place — a loving family and a vibrant business that embodies creativity, community, and care.

He is exactly where he is meant to be — needle, thread, and all.

Want to Get Involved?

Follow Pete Sews INSTAGRAM

Follow Pete Sews Facebook

Click the link below to find out how you can join the community sewing room, book a workshop, or simply drop in to see what it’s all about.

Your New Local Hub for Mending, Making & Creative Community

The community sewing room is run out of Pete Sews, located at 

1663 Point Nepean Road, Capel Sound, VIC 3940.

Everyone is welcome.

My hope is that when you’re looking at yourself in the

‘The Daily Mirror’

YOU SMILE

EMBRACE BEING YOU

AND FIND 10 MINUTES IN YOUR DAY TO NOURISH YOUR SOUL!

To get in touch with Cathy email smileinthedailymirror@gmail.com 

'The Daily Mirror' acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.