Sew & So...

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1. Anna Escher of So.LaLa - A Little Bit About My Small Universe

   22 oktober 2026 · 38 min

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   Today on Sew & So, we’re talking with Anna Escher of Sew.Lala Patterns, whose creative journey has taken her from fine art and art history to sewing, pattern design, teaching, and a whole lot of other hands-on pursuits. Inspired by her father and grandmother, Anna began sewing around the age of ten, and she’s never stopped exploring what creativity can look like. Lees meer

   From silversmithing and woodworking to pottery, leatherwork, and a love of thrift stores and flea markets, Anna approaches creativity with curiosity and a healthy dose of determination. In fact, she believes you don’t necessarily have to be talented to learn something new—you just have to be willing to try and be a little stubborn!

   We’ll hear how unexpected challenges led her to build Sew.Lala Patterns and find community in the online sewing world, why she’s now found joy in returning to the classroom, and how she views her ADHD as both a superpower and, at times, a source of frustration. Plus, we’ll talk fabric hoarding, creative flow, and what’s next for this multi-talented maker living in Switzerland.

   Join us for a conversation about following your curiosity, embracing the creative process, and giving yourself permission to try something new.

   (2:14) How did Anna learn to so and who influenced her? Her dad is a big part of the mix!

   (4:24) Anna grew up in a family that emphasized creativity…what was this like for her?

   (7:52) Anna calls her dad an autodidactic learner and her spirit animal. She explains…

   (10:31) She explains how her education has supported her creativity

   (12:42) Anna talks about her myriad hobbies

   (15:01) “You don’t have to be necessarily talented…but just try and be a little stubborn” Anna explains what she means by this.

   (18:19) Hear about the beginning of Sew.LaLa and the challenges Anna had during this time. And, where did the name come from?!

   (23:23) Anna is back in the classroom – pausing patternmaking to do so. What about being there makes her feel such joy?

   (24:57) Lear…

2. Andrea Funk - Truly "Too Cool"!

   8 oktober 2026 · 28 min

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   Today, we’re talking about something many of us have tucked away in a drawer or closet—T-shirts that carry memories. Lees meer

   Our guest, Andrea Funk, has spent more than 30 years finding a way to turn those memories into something you can actually see, use and enjoy. She’s the founder of Too Cool T-shirt Quilts and the creator of a multi-size block, puzzle-style approach to T-shirt quilting that grew out of a very simple question: How do you make a T-shirt quilt when nobody has given you the instructions?

   Andrea started making T-shirt quilts professionally in 1992 after being asked to make one without having a pattern, instructions or even an example to follow. That first quilt became the beginning of a career—and ultimately led Andrea to develop several distinctive styles, including her Stained Glass and Ultra Modern T-shirt quilts.

   But there’s much more to Andrea’s story. She has degrees in communications and graphic design, served in the U.S. Army as a military journalist, wrote the book How to Make a Too Cool Style T-shirt Quilt, has written more than 200 articles, and teaches quilters how to think about T-shirts as a design medium.

   Today, we talk about how she learned to sew, the four quilting rules she broke without even realizing it, what makes her approach different, and some of the very special quilts she’s created over the years. We also talk about the stories people bring with their T-shirts, her love of bicycling and quilting, life in Michigan—and, of course, we meet Lucy, her very tiny dog.

   (2:20) Andrea tells us how she learned to sew and all about the first machine she sewed on.

   (3:38) How did Andres get started on t-shirt quilts?

   (5:20) What did Andrea do as her “day jib” when she started her company and how did she balance everything?

   (6:17) What are the four rules Andrea broke without knowing it?

   (7:50) How did she come up with the name of her company?

   (8:25) How is Too Cool different that other t-shirt quilting companies?

   (10:10) What are the t…

3. Amanda Lifvendahl/ Costume Shop Supervisor and Lead Designer at the Interlochen Center for the Arts

   24 september 2026 · 47 min

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   Welcome to Sew & So…we’re excited to introduce you to someone whose work brings together so many of the things we talk about here on Sew & So—sewing, creativity, craftsmanship, and the incredible power of clothing to transform the way we see a person. Lees meer

   Amanda Lifvendahl is the Costume Shop Supervisor and Lead Designer at Interlochen Center for the Arts, the internationally renowned arts education community in northern Michigan. And when you hear Amanda talk about costumes, you quickly realize that what she does is about so much more than making beautiful clothes.

   Amanda grew up in the Chicago area in a very creative family. Her parents were involved in community theater, so theater was part of her life from an early age. In high school, she started working with wardrobes and learning to sew—and somewhere along the way, she caught what she calls the “costume bug.”

   But her path to costume design wasn't exactly a straight line. Amanda was actually studying to become a nurse when an acting class changed everything. She found herself costuming some of the scenes she was acting in, and her instructor suggested she take a closer look at costume design.

   That little nudge eventually led her to Illinois State University, a 16-year adventure at Broadway Costumes in Chicago, and then, in 2018, to Interlochen Center for the Arts.

   Today, Amanda designs costumes for theater and dance, works with productions ranging from Shakespeare to Broadway-style musicals and ballet, and mentors young artists who are discovering their own creative voices.

   Hear about Amanda’s philosophy about what a costume really does. She sees it as the outer layer of a character—something that can tell us who that person is before they ever speak a word.

   We’re going to talk about all of that …and we're also going to talk about the chickens! Because when Amanda and her husband moved to Interlochen, they were gifted 20 chickens. Today they have 24 chickens, 12 goldfish and a Cock-a-Poo named Delilah!

   (4…

4. 3 Incredible Women - 3 Amazing Stories About Making a Difference

   10 september 2026 · 46 min

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   This episode of Sew & So is a little different. Instead of one conversation, you're getting three! Lees meer

   While recording at BERNINA University 2026 in New Orleans, we had the opportunity to sit down with three remarkable women who are each making an impact in very different ways.

   You'll meet Shelancia Daniel, founder of Creativity Shell, a nonprofit using sewing and other creative trades to build confidence, life skills, and resilience in children—including some of our most vulnerable youth.

   Then we'll head to Switzerland, at least figuratively, with Sarah Caldwell, who leads international training and product development for BERNINA International. We talk innovation, the changing ways people learn, AI, customer input, and the beautiful new BERNINA Liberty Edition machines.

   And finally, you'll meet Allison Parker, founder of ricRACK in New Orleans—a nonprofit that's giving fabric a second life while teaching a new generation how to sew, create, repair, and rethink textile waste.

   Three women. Three completely different stories. One powerful connection: they each saw something that needed to change and decided to do something about it.

   (1:39) Meet Shelancia Daniel!

   (2:09) Shelancia tells us what’s she’s been up in the last year with Creativity Shell

   (2:50) How did Creativity Shell get started and why did she name it Creativity Shell?

   (3:40) What new programs does Creativity Shell have going on this year?

   (5:40) How does Shelancia come up with ideas for new programs?

   (6:36) Where is Creativity Shell located and what are their plans for expansion and the future?

   (8:59) How many kids have gone through their program?

   (9:25) Shelancia talks with us about human trafficking and how people can be aware of what’s going on and make a difference?

   (12:10) Shelancia talks about Creativity Shell’s relationship with BERNINA.

   (13:48) What can someone do if they are suspicious of human trafficking?

   (15:38) How can you support the Creativity Shell?

   (16:53)www.creativityshel…

5. Annye Driscoll - Being Maker Fishmeal

   27 augustus 2026 · 30 min

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   What happens when sewing, cosplay, writing, teaching, natural history, horses, gaming, and a whole lot of curiosity come together? You get Annye Driscoll, better known online as Maker Fishmeal. Lees meer

   Annye is a writer, teacher, software developer, cosplayer, and self-described “very slow crafter.” They’ve written books including The Ultimate Glue Guide, Finish Your Cosplay!, and Ultimate Encyclopedia of Fabrics and Unconventional Materials, and they have a fascinating approach to creativity and making.

   In this episode, Annye takes us into the world of cosplay, talks about how they learned to sew, explains why the cosplay community is so special to them, and shares what goes into creating their costumes. We also get into their books, their love of natural history, their many hobbies—and what it really means to be a “slow crafter.”

   It’s a great conversation about making things, following your curiosity, and finding your people. So, let’s get started. This is Sew & So.

   They live in Ohio with their partner, kitties, pony, and school of fancy guppies.

   (1:25) Meet Annye Driscoll!

   (1:54) Who is Maker Fishmeal and how did Annye come up with this name?

   (3:10) How did they learn to sew and who was their inspiration?

   (4:55) When did they realize that creating was going to be a part of their life?

   (6:18) What was Annye’s first experience with Cosplay?

   (7:28) Annye talks about the Cosplay community and why it’s so special to them.

   (9:07) What goes into the costumes they create and what’s the process?

   (10:34) How does someone learn to work with foam? Cosplay’s Ultimate Guide to EVA Foam by Beverly Downan

   (11:57) What’s the one thing about the Cosplay culture that Annye wants people to know?

   (13:13) Annye calls themselves “a very slow crafter”. What does that mean?

   (14:14) They say that cosplayers come to their craft from an unconventional place. What does that mean?

   (16:41) Annye talks about their many and diverse hobbies…and what is their theory about horses?

   (18:36)…

6. Carl Mack and the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes & Culture

   13 augustus 2026 · 53 min

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   Welcome to a special edition of Sew & So, brought to you by BERNINA — Made to Create. While attending BERNINA University in New Orleans, the Sew & So team had the privilege of sitting down with Carl Mack—artist, musician, storyteller, preservationist, and founder of the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture. As Carl welcomed us into his world, every answer sparked another fascinating story about the history, artistry, music, and traditions that have shaped Mardi Gras for generations. Lees meer

   From designing elaborate costumes to explaining the meaning behind Carnival customs, Carl's passion is contagious. More than a collector, he is a guardian of New Orleans culture, preserving not only spectacular costumes but the stories and people behind them.

   Join us for this special Sew & So takeover as Carl Mack takes us on a colorful journey through one of the world's most celebrated cultural traditions.

   (2:04) Meet Carl Mack

   (2:50) How did the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture come to be?

   (4:27) Carl takes us through the process of creating a Mardi Gras costume

   (7:23) What is the history of the Mardi Gras colors purple, green and gold?

   (8:42) Meet Alexis Romanoff and learn his influence on Mardi Gras

   (10:26) Learn of Carl’s own special contribution to Mardi Gras

   (11:16) What’s a Second Line parade?

   (15:38) How long does it take to create a Mardi Gras costume?

   (20:19) Carl provides definitions of common Mardi Gras terms.

   (26:46) What’s the difference between Carnival and Mardi Gras?

   (30:47) What does Carl want visitors to his museum to know before they arrive…and take away when they leave?

   (32:41) Let’s talk a walk through the museum with Carl as our guide! He gives us an upfront and personal tour of his amazing collection and the history behind the costumes.

   (37:35) Carl is the Captain of a Carnival Origination…the Krewe of Stars. Learn more about them…

   (41:47) What costumes does Carl have that belong to Mardi Gras stars and royalty?

   (44:17) What’s a Me…

7. Dr. Cindie Husbands of the American Tailors and Sewing Association – Her Incredable Journey

   30 juli 2026 · 47 min

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   : In this episode of Sew & So, we’re joined by Dr. Cindie Husbands, founder of the American Tailors and Sewing Association. Lees meer

   Few people can say they've been a professional mime at SeaWorld, designed award-winning bridal veils, produced performances at Carnegie Hall, Broadway Theatre, and the Sydney Olympics, built dance studios, manufactured casino uniforms in Las Vegas, launched a company that produced antimicrobial masks during the pandemic, and then founded a national organization to transform the future of tailoring in America. But Dr. Cindie Husbands can.

   Every chapter of her extraordinary life has been connected by one constant—sewing. From learning to sew as a young girl to building businesses across the country, Cindie has embraced every opportunity that came her way. Today, as founder of the American Tailors and Sewing Association, she's on a mission to address the growing shortage of skilled sewists, establish professional standards for the tailoring industry, and create new pathways for people to build meaningful careers through sewing.

   Join us for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, reinvention, and why sewing isn't just a craft—it's a skill that can truly change lives.

   (3:00) How did Cindie first learn to sew and who was her inspiration?

   (4:40) What’s the first item she created and does she still have it?

   (4:55) Cindie takes us on a ride with her through the journey to where she is today. Hear about the now famous people she still knows from high school and why she became a mime at Sea World. Buckle-up…this is amazing! Hear about Carnage Hall, the Sydney Olympics, Alaska, Las Vegas, Casino Uniforms, Kokomo, IN, the realization that she had gone to high school with her husband and more! And in all of this…she earned her Doctorate Degree!

   (21:26) Hear about the performances she’s produced and which are her favorites.

   (22:20) Cindie talks about why quilting in Alaska is so pervasive and why quilting became important to her

   (25:46) He…

8. BERNINA University 2026 - New Orleans, LA

   16 juli 2026 · 1 uur 7 min

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   New Orleans has long been a city where imagination comes to life. From the vibrant colors of the French Quarter and the rhythms of live jazz to the artistry behind Mardi Gras costumes, historic architecture, and unforgettable cuisine, creativity is woven into every corner of the city. It's the perfect backdrop for BERNINA University 2026, where this year's theme, "Imagine More," challenged dealers, educators, and makers from across North America to dream bigger, learn more, and inspire one another. Lees meer

   In this special edition of Sew & So, we're taking you inside BU 2026 for exclusive conversations with BERNINA leadership, the Ueltschi family, vendors, dealers, educators, and special guests. You'll hear about exciting new products, innovative partnerships, inspiring stories, and even venture beyond the convention center to discover some of New Orleans' unique sewing destinations. Whether you attended BU or are experiencing it for the first time, this episode brings you front and center for one unforgettable week of creativity and community.

   Laissez les bons temps rouler!

   (2:18)Ryan O’Hare director or rooms at the Hyatt New Orleans welcomed the crowed and presented the city’s BERNINA Day Proclamation.

   (4:14) Paul Ashworth – BERNINA Of American CEO & President welcomes a very special family to the opening ceremony stage.

   (4:36) Let’s meet HP Ueltschi, Philipe Ueltschi and Felix Ueltschi – the family’s 4th, 5th and 6th generations! Hear why New Orleans is a special city for Mr. HP Ultchie.

   (5:45) And here’s Christy Berchem VP of Training and Education at BERNINA of America.

   (6:48) Meet Shelancia Danial of The Creativity Shell

   (9:26) Meet dealers Cindy, Deniese, Jenny, Colleen and Rachael who tell us what they’re looking forward to at BU.

   (11:10) Meet a few of the vendors too!

   (11:58) Walk with us through the Merchant Mall.

   (12:09) Joe Vechiarelli from Dancing with the Stars and Project Runway visits with us.

   (15:24) Meet Michael from The Goat Notions Company

   (…

9. Becky Peelen – A lifetime of making memories…and now she’s retiring

   2 juli 2026 · 33 min

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   For nearly four decades, Becky Peelen has been helping people look and feel their best through the art of custom sewing. As the owner of Becky's Custom Sewing & Design Shoppe in Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood, she has created garments for weddings, graduations, performances, and countless milestone moments, becoming a trusted part of generations of families' lives. Lees meer

   In this special episode of Sew & So, we honor Becky as she prepares for retirement after 37 years in business. Becky reflects on learning to sew from her mother at age eight, balancing family, teaching, and advanced sewing studies, and building a career centered on craftsmanship, creativity, and care for others. Along the way, she shares lessons from influential mentors, stories from decades of custom sewing, and her belief that sewing is truly an art form—where every person is a unique canvas and every garment tells a story.

   It's a heartfelt conversation about legacy, creativity, community, and a life beautifully stitched together.

   (3:00) How did Becky learn to sew and who inspired her? Learn about her mother Margerite, broomstick skirts and her first store bought dress.

   (7:05) When did Becky know that sewing wasn’t just a hobby…it was her path?

   (8:44) How did art and her teaching career influence her sewing

   (10:30) Becky talks about the season in her life when she was going to school and raising her children and teaching at night – many thanks to her mom!

   ( 12:21) What specific lesson did Becky learn from Harriet Sherbach?

   (14:45) How did teaching influence her sewing practice?

   (15:55) What made her open Becky’s Custom Sewing Shop in Milwaukee in 1988?

   (16:22) Her favorite thing to talk about…the many stories of the people she’s sewed for…like the Milwaukee Sewing Granny’s, individuals and so many more!

   (19:11) How does her family feel about her retiring?

   (20:41) Becky is an artist and describes sewing as art. She talks about her creative process of sewing.

   (24:39) How dies she feel whe…

10. Catherine Holbrook - Bringing Sewing Back

    18 juni 2026 · 33 min

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    On this episode of Sew & So, we welcome Catherine Holbrook—garment sewist, Bernina Ambassador, former pattern designer, and the creative force behind Bringing Sewing Back. What began as a simple search for a hobby evolved into a thriving creative career built on garment sewing, thrift-store refashioning, pattern design, and a highly engaged online community. Catherine shares her journey from sewing beginner to industry influencer, discusses her audience-designed ball gowns, reflects on teaching her daughter to sew, and explains why sewing continues to be a source of creativity, purpose, and connection in her life. Lees meer

    (2:18) Hear the story about Juniper Joy!

    (3:13) How did Catherine start sewing at age 26? Who was her inspiration?

    (5:52) How’s Haddie doing learning to sew?

    (7:36) Catherine started sewing through refashioning cloths. She explains what this is, how she does it and talks about the first garment she refashioned.

    (10:20) Does she still refashion?

    (11:18) How did she start working for Styla Patterns and what does it take to design patterns

    (14:01) Catherine creates ballgowns twice a year with 50% participation from her Instagram followers. She tells us how this works.

    (15:57) What are the big events she designs these gowns for?

    (19:02) Catherine talks about her social media audience and what she’s done to successfully grow it. She credits authenticity.

    (21:22) She shares a few special stories about interacting with her audience

    (22:18) Learn about her mother-in-law’s quilts and why they are so very special to her.

    (23:05) Why does she think that quilting is so different that quilting?

    (25:00) Catherine introduces us to her family

    (27:20) She is a woman of faith…how does this drive and affect her work?

    (28:55) What’s next for her and what’s her dream?

    (29:58) Is there anything we didn’t ask that she wanted us to? Well – yes there was! Hear her thoughtful response.

    (31:39) You can reach out the Catherine on Instagram @bringingsewingback or ema…

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