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Houston Festival 2024 – A Golden Anniversary Celebration
21 november 2024 · 53 min
Welcome to Sew & So, brought to you by BERNINA, made to create! I’m Meg Goodman, and today, you’re in for an exclusive treat. Join me on a behind-the-scenes tour of a truly extraordinary milestone—the 50th anniversary of the Houston Quilt Festival. Lees meer
This isn’t just any quilt show; it’s an international celebration of artistry, creativity, and history. We’ll be diving deep with attendees, educators, personalities, and prize-winning quilters, capturing those moments that make this event so iconic. And, of course, we’ll be peeking behind the curtains… because that’s what we love to do on Sew & So, bringing you right into the heart of the action at one of the world’s most renowned quilt festivals.
This legendary event began in 1974, a time when the world was changing fast. Karey Bresenhan, a visionary, opened her quilt shop, Great Expectations, in Houston, Texas, sparking what would become an incredible journey. Just to give you a sense of that time: President Nixon resigned over Watergate, ABBA’s Waterloo was topping charts, and movies like The Godfather Part II and Blazing Saddles were captivating audiences. Nike was filing its first patent, People magazine launched, and fashion was all about flared pants and leisure suits. Quite a backdrop, right?
The Festival’s Remarkable History (1:34)
Bob Ruggiero, Vice President of Communications for Quilts, Inc. (www.quiltsinc.com), shares the fascinating story of how the festival began in 1974 and grew into an international sensation. From behind-the-scenes secrets to exciting plans for the future, Bob’s insights set the stage for our journey.International Flavors and Creative Innovation (6:31)
Meet vibrant vendors like Isabelle Bische from France and Karen Barry of Quilt Passions in Kailua Kona, HI.From Quilts to Mysteries (8:56)
Bestselling author Arlene Sachitano (www.Arlenesachitano.com), known for her Harriet Truman/Loose Threads mystery series, explains how Houston inspires her work and why this festival is close t… -
Lina Owen – Growing the Latino Quilting Community and Staying True to My Why
7 november 2024 · 41 min
Introduction: Lina Owen, a passionate quilter and entrepreneur, shares her journey from Colombia to the United States, her quilting inspirations, and how she’s empowering the Hispanic community through her love of quilting. Lees meer
Early Beginnings (1:42): Despite only starting four years ago, Lina has made incredible strides. Learn how she transitioned from other creative mediums to quilting, inspired by her entrepreneurial parents. With top-quality tools and a supportive family, Lina’s journey has been extraordinary.
Learning from the Best (7:21): Lina credits her quilting teachers from YouTube, including Missouri Star Quilt Company (www.missouriquiltco.com) and Love Jenny (www.lovejennyblog.com), for shaping her skills. She candidly shares why quilting felt daunting at first but continues to captivate her.
Influential Figures (8:40): Lina discusses the impact of Melanie Hamm (www.melaniekhamm.com) and Kimberly Jolly from Fat Quarter Shop (www.fatquartershop.com) on her quilting journey.
Upcoming Bilingual Quilting Book (11:17): Lina is co-authoring a bilingual quilting book with Laura Raquel Duran (www.marygoroundquilts.com), set for release in Fall 2025. Her mission is to make quilting accessible and culturally resonant for the Hispanic community.
Latina Quilting Leaders (12:57): Lina highlights prominent Latina quilters like Veruschka Zarate (www.prideandjoyquilting.com), Vanessa from Crafty Gemini (www.craftygemini.com), and Carolina Oneto (www.carolinaoneto.com), who are joining her initiative to celebrate and grow the community.
Moving to the US (13:47): Lina opens up about moving to the US due to unrest in Colombia, her journey from Florida to Wisconsin, and the resilience her family demonstrated. Quilting became a vital source of community and belonging.
BlueBelle Designs (19:07): Discover the story behind BlueBelle Designs, named in honor of her experiences and triumphs, including being a breast cancer survivor.
Health Journey (21:05): Lina shares update…
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Lynn Schmitt - Risk Taker, Rule Breaker - Living in the World of Why Not
24 oktober 2024 · 40 min
Lynn Schmitt’s journey began in Chicago, where she cultivated her love for art. After attending Bradley University as a Fine Arts major, she went on to graduate from the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts and Roosevelt University with a BFA in Interior Design. For 30 years, Lynn thrived as a commercial interior designer, contributing to high-profile projects like O’Hare Airport’s Delta Concourse (now Terminal 3), international endeavors in Kuwait and Egypt, and numerous commercial spaces across Chicago. Lees meer
In 2005, while working at A Touch of Amish, a quilt shop in Barrington, IL, Lynn shifted gears. Her first quilt pattern was published in Fons & Porter’s magazine in 2006, and in 2010, she launched her own studio, A Different Box of Crayons. Lynn quickly became known for her fresh approach to quilting, blending unexpected fabrics and techniques to push the boundaries of traditional design. Her work has appeared in multiple quilt publications, and she’s contributed to several quilt books, including projects for Needl’love.
When Lynn isn’t designing, she enjoys an active lifestyle, embracing everything from knitting and kayaking to cross-country skiing with her husband, Gerry Gallagher. She’s also eager to dive back into her early love of painting through upcoming mixed media art classes. Today, she calls Glen Ellyn, IL home, where her creative spirit continues to inspire those around her.
Episode Highlights:
(2:27) Early Beginnings: Growing up in Chicago, Lynn discovered her love of sewing early on. She reflects on how taking risks from a young age laid the foundation for her future success.
(4:24) Interior Design to Quilting: Lynn shares stories from her career as an interior designer, including favorite projects in the corporate world and abroad. Listen as she describes a cheeky encounter where a newspaper purposely omitted her name from a major article!
(11:14) The Name Behind the Studio: Ever wondered about the inspiration behind A Different Box of Crayons? Lynn r…
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Deanna Springer – The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show, 20 Years of Honoring the Legacy of Nancy Zieman
10 oktober 2024 · 31 min
In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome back Deanna Springer. Deanna was a close collaborator with the legendary Nancy Zieman, co-founding Nancy Zieman Productions in 2007. Together, they launched a blog, social media channels, and over 40 sewing and quilting products, as well as produced 12 seasons of Sewing with Nancy. Lees meer
Today, Deanna carries Nancy's remarkable legacy forward, sharing their love of sewing with the world through the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show and other initiatives. In our conversation, Deanna reflects on her journey with Nancy, the impact of the Quilt Show, and the vibrant quilting community she’s passionate about supporting. We’ll also explore the ways Deanna continues to inspire and uplift others through her work and community projects like Quilt to Give.
(2:02) For those who haven’t met yet…Deanna tells us about her history in the sewing industry and how she met Nancy Zieman. It’s certainly been an amazing life!
(3:33) The Sewing with Nancy Show started in Nancy’s home in 1984…Deanna tells us how it all started.
(4:15) So, how did this 25-year long TV show evolve to The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show! Well, 4H had a big part of it all! And Nancy was certainly a woman ahead of her time!
(7:35) Deanna talks about how the Nancy Zieman Team is carrying on Nancy’s legacy.
(9:42) Deanna tells us about The quilt to Give Program spearheaded by Nancy and how you can get involved.
(11:05) After 20 years, how has the show evolved? Deanna who has been present tear walks us through the transformation. Oh, and Nancy really did teach Bucky Badger to sew!
(14:42) Deanna reflects on pieces of advice that Nancy Zieman shared with her and how this advice has helped her throughout life.
(16:12) How has Deanna seen the sewing and quilting community evolve? It’s the community…it’s people helping people.
(17:08) What are the challenges and rewards Deanna has experienced in carrying on Nancy’s legacy?
(18:10) Deanna’s two sisters now work with her teaching sew…
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The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show Celebrates 20 Years and Honors the Legacy of Nancy Zieman
26 september 2024 · 41 min
Join us for this special episode as we travel to Madison Wisconsin for the Great American Quilt Show which began largely in thanks to the late Nancy Zieman. Nancy hosted Sewing With Nancy on PBS Wisconsin for 35 years and inspired hobbyists across the country to sew, quilt and embroider. What started as an instructional program filmed in her home in 1982 became the longest-running sewing and quilting education show on public television. Lees meer
This amazing event draws more than 15,000 attendees over the course of three days and enjoys the help of more than 430 volunteers. It features 150 vendors and over 100 unique educational workshops, lectures and presentations. The numbers speak for themselves, this is a notable and must attend event.
We’ll visit with educators, vendors, exhibitors, a special event host, an appraiser and Deanna Springer who is paramount in carrying on Nancy Zieman’s legacy.
(1:30) We begin this episode talking to Deanna Springer, head of Marketing at Nancy Zieman Productions. She shares with us the genesis of this amazing event. She explains the health issue that changed her life with her mother’s encouragement, how 4H played a part in her life and where it all went from there.
(5:05) Deanna shares her thoughts about how this show has grown and evolved. Hear why she and Nancy “held their breath” the first year! Oh, and how she taught Bucky Badger how to sew.
(6:35) Meet Amanda Balistreri, PBS Wisconsin Expo Manager who runs this event as she walks us through all of the behind scenes planning that goes on for this show.
(7:52) Amanda explains exactly what an Expo Manager does for an event like this, and shares some of her biggest challenges.
(9:25) How does one become a volunteer for this show? Amanda explains and tells us how to sign up!
(9:57) Lina Owen from Blue Bell Designs who came to Milton, WI from Columbia talks about her seminar and the topics she taught. She calls this “My Community” and talks about the importance of representing the …
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OMG Fashun Part 2. Meet more Disruptors!
12 september 2024 · 30 min
Welcome back to Part 2 of OMG Fashun – Friends They Never Knew They Needed. In Part one, Co-Executive Producer Rich Brusa and Producer Marcy Guevara-Prete gave us an exclusive peek into the genesis and workings of this show. Then, several of the contestant/disruptors shared personal stories of their paths to this show and how it changed their lives. Lees meer
Join us now as we meet more of the participants and hear their special and unique stories.
(:37) Meet Jarrod Olson (Instagram @jarrodbillieolson)and learn about his brand Billie’s
(2:14) Jarrod cites Rick Owens and Martin Margiela as major influencers. And…there was one more...
(3:27) What was the biggest challenge Jarrod faced. Like many of his fellow disruptors…it was time.
(5:27) What’s Jarrod’s dream?!
(6:27) Learn about designer Natashia Lunt(Instagram @natashia.lunt)and the princess dress! Her mother’s resourcefulness and her grandmother’s keen eye were major influence in her early years. And so was Vogue Magazine!
(10:09) Vivian Westwood and Alexander McQueen influenced her work…and as for her entrée to OMG Fashun?!
(11:07) Highs and lows for Natashia? And oh…how about the bond with her fellow disruptors? How about the stress and pressure?
(13:20) What’s Natashia’s dream?
(13:42) Meet Theo Banzon (Instagram @theobot)winner if episode #4. Learn where he grew up, why he learned to sew and why all of this made him a perfect contestant for OMG Fashun.
(15:36) What was his most memorable moment on the show? How about his treating the show as a summer camp?
(16:47) What’s next for Theo and what should we as consumers know about the fashion industry?
(18:06) Theo tells us about a special group of contestants who bonded and called themselves The Disruptor 6.
(19:18) Meet Chelsea Billingsley (Instagram @Chelseab128) from Chicago. She was the winner of episode 3 and made a name for herself with her crocheted creations. Learn about her brand The House of Chelsea B. Also, she tells us about her first models!
(…
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OMG Fashun Season 1- Behind the Scenes at this Groundbreaking Show(Part 1)
29 augustus 2024 · 36 min
We’re taking you behind the scenes—to give you an exclusive peek into the making of OMG Fashun www.omgfashun.com But that’s not all. We’ll dive deep into intimate conversations with these contestants—scratch that, fashion disruptors—who dared to defy the norm and redefine what it means to create. Lees meer
But before we dive into the world of our extraordinary contestants, we’re sitting down with two of the people behind the show—Co-Executive Producer Rich Brusa and Producer Marcy Guevara-Prete. Rich is no stranger to the limelight, with three Emmy nominations and two Critic’s Choice Awards under his belt. He’s worked on iconic shows like Project Runway, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Top Chef. Marcy, a host and plus-size style expert, has been featured on Rachael Ray, The Dr. Oz Show, Hallmark Home, and Oprah.com. These two powerhouses are here to spill the tea on what went into creating ‘OMG Fashun.’
Rich and Marcy will take us behind the scenes, revealing the trials, triumphs, and everything in between that went into making this show a reality. From Julia Fox’s game-changing vision to the intense vetting process that whittled down the contestants to just 30, they’ll share it all.
We’ll also hear how sustainability played a crucial role in the show, its impact on the fashion industry, and what it was really like to work with fashion heavyweights Julia Fox and Law Roach.
(2:35) What does a show producer do?! Rich Insta (@Rich_But_not_wealthy) and Marcy Insta(@themarcyminute) explain their work and how it affects the show.
(6:11) How did this whole show’s idea begin? Again, Rich and Marcy share its genesis. And a big thanks to Julia Fox!
(12:13) So how did the show choose the contestants? There was quite a process! Rich and Marcy also explain the “types” of people they looked for.
(16:11) How about sustainability and how the show brought its impact to the fashion industry?
(17:56)We asked Marcy and Rich what it was like to work with Julia Fox Insta (@juliafox)and Law Roach …
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Jennifer May Nickel – Storytelling Through Costumes, this Sewist Shares the Behind the Scenes Explanations of TV Costume Creation
15 augustus 2024 · 1 uur 1 min
Settle in with us for a back-stage tour of exactly how costumes are designed for tv shows. Learn how a certain look is achieved and how moving to LA during the writer’s strike was a “terrifying” time for our guest who moved there for the first time to find work! Lees meer
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Jennifer May Nickel completed her undergrad studies at East Stroudsburg University, did summer studies at St. Edmund’s College/Oxford University and earned her MFA in costume design at Carnegie Mellon.
She’s worked on numerous films and commercials for many large, well-known companies. She won the Elizabeth Schrader Kimberly Costume Design Award, The Cecilia Cohen Award for Excellence in Theatre and the WCDAC Achievement award.
She loves to travel the world collecting fabric and vintage clothing along the way. Jennifer currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband Jean-Paul Nickel
(1:58) Jennifer learned to sew in a “multitude of ways” She begins this episode by telling us these stories.
(6:03) Calling herself “A theatre kid who thought she’d go into acting” until a professor saw her work and steered her toward design, Jennifer tells us about this amazing change of course in her life.
(9:36) Precocious as a child…well yes, she admittedly was. She tells us more!
(12:30) Jennifer moved to LA during the writer’s strike…when there was “absolutely no work to be had”. This “terrifying experience” Steeled her resolve and prepared her for the coming events of Covid. She shares this experience with us.
(16:17) So how does one become a costume designer for tv shows? Well, it’s not exactly an easy experience…she walks us through her journey.
(23:04) Jennifer loves to “flex her down and dirty apocalyptic design skills” What exactly does this mean, and how does it relate to the show “The Walking Dead”?! Also learn Hollywood’s secrets to making costumes look distressed and worn! And how does a Kind Bar make mud on shoes?
(29:00) Jennifer takes us through the whole process of d…
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Grace Latz - Olympian Artist-in-Residence Program/Paris 2024
1 augustus 2024 · 57 min
Grace, who was on America’s 2016 Olympic Team placing 5th in the quadruple sculls. A much-decorated rower, she was on 4 national teams, a 2015 World Rowing Champion and walked on the team at the University of Wisconsin, Madison to eventually help the team win their first Big 10 Championship in Women’s rowing. Lees meer
She will be in a different role this year as one of four Olympians selected for the Paris 2024 Olympian Artist-in-Residence Program to implement collaborative and community-based art. Through reassembling donated uniforms and equipment from Olympic sports through a local recycling center, she created a large-scale tapestry of the Olympic rings with the support of senior Parisian citizens in the lead up to the 2024 Olympics. The piece will be on display during the Paris 2024 Games at Clubhouse 24 and will subsequently become part of the collection of the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland.
(2:45) Grace tells how all this happened from her initially learning to sew and the strength of the women in her family.
(4:27) Grace isn’t a traditional quilter, she challenges the rules to develop her creations. She talks about this here.
(6:49) “Traditional processes with non-traditional materials with surprising results”> What does this mean to her? She also talks about a project she created in college made from plastic bags.
(9:30) Grace’s work is “collaborative and made with many hands” She tells us what that means in regard to who owns a piece of art. Does it have to be made by one person to be a quality craft?!
(11:49) What’s it like to be an Olympic athlete? Grace shares her story with us. And how did she find this sport? Well, this story is remarkable! Let’s just say, it’s good to be tall.
((16:27) Grace is one of 4 Olympians chosen to be in the Olympian Artist-in-Residence Program. She explains the program and how it began. Then, she tells us about how she came up with the idea of her special project.
(21:24) It was very important to the IOC that she w…
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Ann Brauer - It Floated Away
18 juli 2024 · 35 min
Ann Brauer’s work has been featured in numerous museums, institutions and private collections including the American Museum of Art + Design, the Lodge at Turning Stone in Verona, NY, the Federal District Courthouse in Springfield, MA and Pat Metheny. Lees meer
When born on a farm in Illinois, her grandmother made a postage stamp quilt made from feed sack cloth which Ann slept under for years and always found different patterns and fabrics she used to create the overall design. She sewed her first doll dress at 5 and made it known to her mother that to spend time together, they would have to do so at the local fabric shop.
Ann quit sewing in college, then took it up again after graduation. Working as a lawyer post education she used some quilting techniques to write complex citations!
She has won numerous awards, been featured in myriad publications and had created several commissioned pieces.
(2:28) Ann tells us about the special quilt her grandmother made for her when she was born.
(3:17) She sewed her first doll clothing at 5 years of age with the help of a family friend and shares that story with us.
(4:02) In high school Ann created costumes for musicals…she tells us about her favorite costume creations and why she chose to do this. And then…there was 4H!
(5:42) Ann loved to create from Vogue patterns…the challenge was so much fun, but she didn’t wear her creations.
(6:57) After college Ann took to quilting as she would hang out in the fabric shops in Boston’s Chinatown. It was her roommate that got her going. And, her first quilt…an Ohio Star!
(8:44) What’s her favorite quilt?
(10:00) While practicing law, Ann used quilting techniques to prepare her briefs. She explains this unusual approach.
(11:46) At age 30, Ann found a cabin, moved there and decided to see if she could support herself as a quilt maker. How did that work out for her? Find out here!
(17:20) Ann talks about life and quilt creation during the Art Quilt movement and described her quilts which…
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BERNINA University 2024 - Behind the Scenes and Introducing the New B990 (#It’s a BIG Day!)
4 juli 2024 · 1 uur 3 min
BERNINA University is the annual dealer conference hosted by BERNINA…this year in Detroit, MI. Detroit, with its rich history of industry and music, embodies a resilience and creativity that inspires us all. Just as the city has reinvented itself through sheer determination and ingenuity, BERNINA continues to evolve, driven by passion and tenacity From the engineers who craft the cutting-edge machines to the dealers who bring them to your sewing rooms, every member of the BERNINA family exemplifies the hard-working spirit that defines both Detroit and the BERNINA brand. Lees meer
Join us as we explore new innovations, share stories, and connect with the incredible individuals who make BERNINA the leader in sewing excellence.
(1:10) Paul Ashworth, President of BERNINA of America once again opened the festivities in the first day ceremonies, followed by Christy Burcham, BERNINA of America VP of Training & Development. Christy had the honors of introducing BERNINA’s new B990 swing machine…but well…we’ll get to that in a minute!
(2:22) This year BERNINA Owner & Chairman Hans Peter Ueltschi was also on hand to welcome those who had traveled to this gathering. Kai Hillebrandt CEO of BERNINA had a few words to share as well. The excitement grew as the B990 was introduced…but well, we’ll get to that in a minute!
(5:20) How did Pam Mahshie and Julian Collins feel about the atmosphere…magnetic?!
(5:50) So, the new BERNINA B990 was the unequivocal star of the show. We had the unique opportunity to sit down with four people who were instrumental in bringing it to market…over the past 15 years. Meet Andi Goddard Product Manager, Johannes Schuster VP of Product Management BERNINA International, Sarah Caldwell Education Manager BERNINA International and Christy Burcham VP Education Training for BERNINA of AMERICA as they share the behind-the-scenes process that made this all happen.
(17:07) Michaelynn Rose, VP of Marketing for BERNINA of America shared the marketing program that she …
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Paris Green - A Positive Heart
20 juni 2024 · 23 min
Paris Green – a current BERNINA Ambassador - is one of the principals of the Couture Beauty and Sewing Academy. She also designs for and leads the online site Scarves and More By Paris. Born and raised in Dallas, TX, Paris began sewing at age 4. She became serious about her sewing at age seven and entered her first sewing competition at 9 years old. She won the Kid’s Beginner Sewing division that year. At age 10 she became BERNINA’s youngest sewing ambassador to share kid-friendly tutorials via the We All Sew blog. Lees meer
In her spare time, Paris loves to sing and write songs, sketch, make jewelry had teach other kids how to do the same. She is home schooled, had two brothers and is…13 years old!
(1:34) How did Paris get interested in sewing at 4 years old? Well, her mom certainly had something to do with it. And why did she think it was a fun thing to do?
(2:55)What is it about sewing that she loves so much…it’s calming, serious and deep!
(3:44) At seven years old she became “serious” about sewing…and entered her first competition at age 9. She tells us this story and her love for “Project Runway”.
(5:08) During Covid Paris made and distributed 100 masks to the less fortunate in her community. She certainly embodies the spirit of service!
(7:27) This year she will repeat this effort, but this time by making and distributing scarves.
(8:04) What are her favorite things to sew? Squish Mellows come to mind! She tells us all about it here!
(8:14) Paris started a company called Scarves & More. She tells us how this came about. And…she’s quite the businessperson!
(10:20) At one point, Paris lost her whole business and had to rebuild it from nothing. She takes us through what happened and her resilient comeback.
(12:06) The Couture Sewing and Beauty Academy www.thecbsacademy.com is a business Paris runs with her mo. She tells us all about it.
(13:08) In her free time, Paris does many things. But what’s her favorite…studying the Bible with her dad.
(14:08) Paris is a…
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Amanda Richline - Unshattered
6 juni 2024 · 39 min
Join us for this amazing episode which takes us into through the life experiences of Amanda Richline their Product Manager & Creative Lead at Unshattered. Amanda shares her deeply personal story of addiction, recovery and building an amazing future for herself, her children and the women she works with at Unshattered. This organization is dedicated to working with women to end the addiction relapse cycle by providing pathways toward economic independence and sustained sobriety. Lees meer
Show Notes:
Welcome to a very special episode of Sew & So. Our guest is Amanda Richline, Product Manager & Creative Lead at Unshattered an organization in Hudson Valley, NY dedicated to working with women to end the addiction relapse cycle by providing pathways toward economic independence and sustained sobriety.
Born and raised in the Poconos of Pennsylvania, Amanda was first introduced to the Unshattered program in 2015. Her journey and the story of Unshattered are hopeful and inspiring. Amanda learned to sew as a result of Unshattered. In her time with them she has become a homeowner, is a certified Peer Recovery Advocate, a Yoga instructor certified as a trauma-informed facilitator and is on the verge of receiving her bachelor’s degree with honors. She is a mom of three amazing kids and recently celebrated 7 years of continuous sobriety.
(1:50) How and why did Amanda learn to sew? She shares her story.
(2:47) What was Amanda like when she was a little girl growing up in the Poconos? And hear how a move in the 5th grade changed her life trajectory. Hear her story here!
(4:17) Amanda has shared her story all over the country. She tells us here about her struggles and recovery. Tales of bullying, medical emergencies that led to pain killer addictions, graduating from high school while pregnant and while 2015 was the worst year of her life. And finally in a moment of sheer desperation…she found the path to recovery!
(10:51) But her story of recovery wasn’t a straight path. She openly …
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Bonnie Browning – Stories of My Life and Adventures at AQS. (Bonnie Retired after 40 years at AQS following Quilt Week 2024 where this interview was recorded)
23 mei 2024 · 52 min
We are live and in person today at the American Quilt Society’s Quilt Week in Paducah KY with our very special guest Bonnie Browning – AQS’s Executive Show Director. Lees meer
Bonnie learned to sew - taught by her mom -at a young age. She made her first quilt top in 1979 in a Welcome Wagon Group in Burlington, IA. She finished her first quilt in college.
Bonnie has won numerous awards with her quilting, including a third place at the 1986 AQS Quilt Show & Contest, Paducah, Kentucky. That quilt, A Little Bit of Candlewicking, is now in the collection of The National Quilt Museum (NQM). In the early 1980s, Bonnie was a member of the DBQs, a group of seven quilting friends in Dubuque, Iowa. The DBQs were the first group to develop a quilting challenge and publish the process in the Spring 1986 issue of American Quilter magazine.
After becoming an NQA certified quilt judge in 1986, Bonnie began teaching and judging for quilt guilds and conferences across the U.S. and every continent except Antarctica. In 1999 Bonnie represented McCall's Quilting on the committee to select the Best 100 Quilts of the Twentieth Century.
Bonnie became a Certified Teacher of Zentangle Art in 2011 and has since combined her love of drawing and quilting into Zentangle quilting designs.
Bonnie served as a technical director for the AQS quilting television show, American Quilter that aired in 2005 on Lifetime Real Women. She has appeared on numerous TV shows and has written 13 books – one of which was a cookbook.
Bonnie was named a Duchess of Paducah in April 1996.
And after 40 years…and a full rich life giving so very much to quilters worldwide…Bonnie plans to retire after this year’s AQS show!
2:42 – How and why did Bonnie learn to sew? She takes us back to her youth!
4:03 – Why did Bonnie begin to quilt? It all began with America’s bicentennial and a few long-term goals and her husband’s transfer with JC Penney.
7:20 – So, what else about Bonnie’s youth is worth noting? She tells us about ma…
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AQS Quilt Week 2024 Live from Paducah, KY- Celebrating 40 years of AQS
9 mei 2024 · 44 min
(:44) This show opens with the amazing sounds of the Paducah Tilghman Marching Band who annually opens Quilt Week with their exciting showmanship and award-winning music! Lees meer
(2:07) Bill Schroeder III President and CEO of AQS opens the awards ceremony and Susan Cleveland www.piecesbewithyou.com announced the Best of Show Winning Quilt. Hear personal experiences direct from those attending the ceremony from Alaska, Wisconsin and Nebraska
(6:16) Catherine Gross District Manager for BERNINA talks about the importance of being at quilt week and how special those in the community are.
7:41) Bonnie Browning walks us through all the changes she’s experiences throughout her career with AQS.
(10:18) Award winners for Best Movable Machine Award Jan Hutchinson and Gail Stephanik share their quilt Dot…Dot…Dot.
(11:27) Becky Glasby Director of Learning and Engagement at the National Quilt Museum www.nationalquiltmuseum.org explain this year’s contest New Quilts from an old favorite. Then, we meet two of the artists whose quilts were featured. Jessica Jernan and Mary Lynn Izzo.
(15:38) Not, walk with us through the three magnificent display currently featured at the National Quilt Museum with Karen K. Stone www.karenkstonequilts.com, Barbara McCraw www.quiltasart.com and Dr. Karen Nyberg www.karennyberg.com .
(23:26)Join us as we catch up with past Sew & So Guests Ricky Tims www.rickytims.com, Amanda Murphy www.amandamurphydesign.com and Alex Anderson www.alexandersonquilts.com.
(30:27) Meet Vickie Coleman, the only certified quilt appraiser in the state of Kentucky and learn what she looks for when she appraises a quilt. (Look for Vickie in her own Sew & So episode later this year)!
(32:41) Meet the founding family of AQS as Meredith Schroeder and her Daughter Lynn Lloyd explain the genesis of AQS and Quilt Week and share some on the most notable moments of the past 40 years. Then Bill Schroeder III the new President and CEO of AQS talks about growing up in the first famil…
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George Kalajian - Standing Next to My Father
25 april 2024 · 45 min
Our guest in this episode is George Kalajian the owner/operator of Tom’s Sons International Pleating which was founded more than 50 years ago by his grandfather. Lees meer
Born in Lebanon and moving to the US when he was 5 years old. After working with his father for a time, he went off on his own and worked in technology, as a teacher and as a bartender. Coming back to the family business…George has worked with myriad designers, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and on many tv shows, films and Broadway plays. George traces his family’s involvement in the business back 150 years to his great, great grandfather Krikor Tutounjian who owned a fabric factory in Turkey.
(2:00) George takes us through his the rich and touching story of his family and how they got him to where he is today. It all started 150 years ago!
(7:25) George learned from his father…was he interested in learning? Absolutely not! It was the equivalent to “being dipped in boiling oil”! In fact, her left the business entirely for a while.
(9:00) What was George’s life like outside of the family business? He grew up in New York City where he went to school then worked/played at the factory in his free time. What were holidays like in his family? All work…and Clint Eastwood!
(11:12) How did George realize he “got the bug”? After several years away from the business - one day he came back to visit and SAW…really saw his mother and father in the business and understood that he needed to step in to continue the family business. Hear him tell this story.
(14:25) Pleating…the life blood of his business…what is it? George explains here.
(15:54) What are the different types of pleating? He walks us through this and includes how it’s all done.
(18:23) He’s worked with numerous designers…here he talks about some of the special projects he’s done with them and why they are notable. Coach, Calvin Klein, and many more!
(21:27) He has done several restoration projects for the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Dior. He tell…
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Robyn J. Cuthbertson - I feel SO lucky
11 april 2024 · 32 min
Our guest in this episode is Robyn Cuthbertson. Born in Melbourne Australia and raised in Lower Plenty (about an hour northeast of Melbourne), she learned to sew from her mom. Robyn was always interested in crafting, so sewing was a natural progression for her. Lees meer
She graduated from Melbourne University with degrees in Engineering and Physics and spent most of her university free time hanging out with the juggling club and perfecting her circus skills on a unicycle. At age 30, while working on her PhD in Engineering, Robyn was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease and was forced to give up her engineering career. Her mom suggested that she try machine quilting and as Robyn puts in…it was “love at first stitch”!
When not creating, Robyn practices snorkeling, underwater photography and her newfound passion for free diving.
(2:09) How did her mom start teaching Robyn to sew? Robyn’s persistence had a lot to do with it.
(3:00) Her grandmother – a tailor – was instrumental as well.
(3:32) What’s the first thing Robyn made…she tells us here.
(4:10)At university, Robyn studied engineering and physics…why these subjects?! For fun and to get a job!
(5:08) Have her scholastic degrees helped her get to where she is now? Why yes…they have!
(7:39) The juggling club and the unicycle…why? Oh…and fire twirling too!
(10:32) Sewing carried Robyn for years – then she was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease. Hear her remarkable story of illness and moving forward in both her body and mind. And then…Robyn and her mom decided to start a business doing something neither of them knew anything about and were initially “terrible” at doing.
(13:11) Robyn tells us about mitochondrial disease and what it’s like to live with.
(16:10) Who inspires Robyn? There are four individuals who have made a lasting impression on her and her work. Annamieke Mein https://www.annemiekemein.net.au/, Bethanne Nemesh https://whitearborquilting.com/, Judi Madsen https://www.judimadsen.com/ and Cindy Needh…
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Jessica Barrera - Sallie Tomato
28 maart 2024 · 25 min
Designer, author, educator, and entrepreneur Jessica Barrera is our guest in this episode of Sew & So. Born and raised in Wisconsin, she learned to sew at an early age. She studied entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Lees meer
When not running her growing company, she enjoys coffee, being a mom, coffee, home decorating, travelling and black and white movies!
(1:20) How did she learn to sew? Her mom taught Jessica when she was 5 years old. The first thing she made?! A quilt for her American Girl Doll!
(1:56) Who/What inspired her to sew…and keep going? It was her mom who worked for Nancy Zieman! And all of her many moms who worked for Nancy.
(3:12) In college she started her pattern and supply company on the side. Learning marketing and teaching she was aiming for a “real job” ...but she also wanted to follow her heart. When she graduated her business was so strong she could continue. Hear how her mom’s suggesting charted her new course! And how supplies grew as an offering!
(5:12) Entrepreneurship was her area of study at UW…which course meant the most to her? She tells us here!
(6:10) What’s the Puppy Pillow? This pivotal project helped her company grow, and it was her first pattern.
(7:05) How did she name her business Sallie Tomato? She shares that story with us here!
(7:36) Jessica loves black and white movies and Cary Grant!
(7:51) She uses her patterns to attract new generations of makers while still serving an older demographic. She walks us through how she does this.
(9:09) Jessica talks to us about the uniqueness of the new generation of sewists. Pinterest and Instagram are notable drivers in how they make decisions. Fabrics and upcycling too!
(9:58) Sallie Tomato is successful and growing. To what does she attribute this to? She tells all here! It all boils down to community and collaboration!
(11:13) What unique things does Jessica bring to the table. She shares her special niche.
(12:05) In 2018 Jessica switched from selling…
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Karen Nyberg - "I Did It - I'm Here"
14 maart 2024 · 37 min
(2:04) Karen brings us back up to speed on how she learned to sew. Her mom was the influencer on her – one of six children who learned to sew at the age of 6! Hear how this all began for Karen. Lees meer
(4:03) Were any of her sewing skills applicable for her training and life as an astronaut? Yes, they were…she explains here.
(4:55) How did Karen get into the space program? As a kid she started to proclaim that she wanted to be an astronaut! She put it out there and made it happen!
(6:16) Karen sewed on the space station in 2013. Hear what she created and what it took to do this in her “free time”. She also explains why it was tough to get into her “creative space”. She talks about the Quilts Inc./NASA Quilt Block Challenge and the resulting quilt of 28 blocks.
(9:57) Where are these items now? She tells us!
(10:51) Is sewing in space different than sewing on earth? Yes, it is in many ways!
(14:07) So, since we last talked Karen put together an exhibit for the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY. www.quiltmuseum.org She tells us what she put together and what else will be displayed.
(16:35) What was her inspiration for curating this exhibit?
(17:37) How long does it take to put together an exhibit of this type? She takes us through the journey.
(18:44) Karen put together two portraits to celebrate women in space that was on exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center… Valentina Tereshkova and Sally Ride
Karen tells us about this exhibit and why it’s important.
(21:00) Karen has a partnership with Osom Brand www.osombrand.com a textile recycler who she met through Instagram! Hear this story and the Scrap Cycle Program
(24:03) Anything else she’s been up to? Well, she had two fabric lines. Earth Views with Robert Kauffman and Orbital Sunrise!
(25:38) Karen now shares what it takes to be an astronaut and what it’s like to be in space. Today, there are more than 18,000 applications for the space program. She is also on the astronaut selection board, so she shares what the…
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Cristina Arcenegui Bono - My 40 Cousins - My Inspiration
29 februari 2024 · 40 min
Travel with us to Andalusia, Spain for an amazing conversation with Cristina Arcenegui Bono whole cloth quilter extraordinaire! Lees meer
(2:27) How did Cristina learn to sew? Well…she never really did!
(3:15)Who is her inspiration? How about her 40 cousins?! And wait…there’s more!
(5:16) Cristina started out her career in the Travel & Tourism industry in London…to help improve her English. She shares that story here.
(7:05) Cristine used to frequent haberdashery shops www.libertylondon.com which fueled her love for textile art. It all began when she came to London and the first thing she did was to visit the museums. And then there’s the story of how she learned to cross-stitch because she became very ill.
(10:10) The movie How to Make an American Quilt was a springboard for her ambitions, hear the story here…it was all about community!
(13:07) Her work is stunning…many of which are made for the sole purpose of entering contests. She shares a story of one these competitions, the quilt and what made this so meaningful.
(16:40) Her quilts are based on the illustrations of Johanna Basford www.johannabasford.com, Daira Song @daria486, Rita Berman @rite.berman and Svete Dorosheva www.svetsdorosheva.com. She explains her focus on children living authentic childhoods!
(20:50) Her signature quilts are pictorial whole cloth quilts. She explains what this is. And, what it’s like to listen “incognito” to people experiencing her quilts at exhibitions.
(24:43) Patchwork quilts weren’t popular in Spain at the turn of the century. Why? She explains. www.SpanishPatchworkAssociation.org
(27:35) in 2005 she bought her first longarm and opened her quilting business. How’s it going?! She tells us here.
(29:54) The pandemic opened a whole new world for Cristina teaching on line. She talks about the positives that came into her life!
(32:10) What inspires her? Her childhood…and her cousins! Traveling means a lot as she saw her first hummingbird…and a Zebra. Not to mention all those s…
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Emily Blumenthal - The "What Now" Moment
15 februari 2024 · 41 min
Handbag Designer 101 – is synonymous with Emily Blumenthal as she has done it all. What makes her different is that she takes her creations one step further in teaching not only HOW to design…but what to do next with your creations. Born and raised as a New Jersey Girl, she now makes her home on the lower East side of New York. Lees meer
(2:55) It was the entrepreneurial spirit that her parents instilled in her that got her on her way to where she is today. Hear how ADHD helped her along the journey.
(4:24) Who else was an influence on her? Well, both parents of course in the garment industry…and there was more as her whole family were entrepreneurs!
(6:05) What were her first creations? Well…first she learned how to find things to sell.
(7:28) So, why did she choose to design handbags? Necessity is the mother of invention – combined with dance parties!
(8:47) What’s her process for design? She tells us about this and how Kate Spade had a hand in things with her.
(13:50) Learn the difference between a utility patent and a design patent!
(14:50) How are the various designers she works with? They are “all the same”! And she offers words of caution and advise for those who create.
(16:55) Emily works with investors and provides counsel to designers about the future. How does this work? She also explains why items in color cost more than items in black or white.
(22:35) And then there’s the “what Now” moment. Emily explains what this is and how to manage it.
(23:30) Emily is a podcasted…Handbag Design 101. She takes us inside this show.
(25:41) Why did the New York Times call her the Handbag Fairy Godmother?
(39:59) The handbag awards launched the careers of multiple designers. Emily tells us about some of them!
(31:55) Kidpreneurship and Savvy Suzanna. What are these? Emily tells us.
(35:54) What’s next for Emily? How about an Out of Office on her email!
(37:56) And what didn’t I ask…?
(39:00) How do you find Emily? HBD101 on Facebook and Handbag Designed on eve…
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Linda Diak - Stronger
1 februari 2024 · 44 min
Only coming to quilting 5 years ago, Linda Diak has had a life full of creativity. She’s raised and sheered her own sheep for fibers to spin. She’s crafted knitting needles and crochet hooks, and beautiful bespoke art quilts. Her newfound love for quilting began at a chance opportunity to sit down at a long arm and well…let’s let her tell you more. Lees meer
(2:00) How did she learn to sew? Her grandmother was a tailor and furrier who took the reins. However, it wasn’t easy because grandma did it faster! Her mother was a maker too.
(3:45) Marietta Jones was quite an influence on both Linda and her grandmother. Founder of the Shuttle Craft Hand Guild in the 1940’s and 50’s whose focus was on bringing hand weaving back to America. Looms were everywhere in her home. Linda tells us her story.
(5:49) At 18 years old, Linda went to Atlanta to go to design school and where this ended up was not initially apparent to her. The first of many twists and turns.
(9:00) A heard of sheep, guard llamas, dogs, cats and more. Linda tells us how this menagerie came to be, how she crafted fibers and the evolution of her company to DyakCraft.
(12:35) Linda takes us through the process of creating fibers from sheering the sheep to spinning the fibers. It’s not easy…learn more than you ever thought was involved!
(15:32) And how did Grafton Fibers become DiakCraft…yet another unforeseen twist!
(19:00) What was the impetus for Linda to begin to create art quilts? Yet another life event led her to this new endeavor.
(20:54) How does she choose the subjects of her quilts? She shares this with us here.
(21:50) What are her favorite creations? Baskim Farms for one! Hear about this organization and the wonderful sustainable work they do.
(24:08) Sitting down at a long arm five years ago at Waterwheel Quilt Shop in Londonderry, VT was life changing. She knew in this moment that quilting would play a large part in the rest of her life.
(25:30) The Rutland Plywood Company played a part in yet ano…
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Tina VanDenburg - A Fully Lit-Up Life
18 januari 2024 · 48 min
Owner of Kinship Handwork, Tina VanDenburg has lived life others simply dream of. Ready for chances, and learning from experiences, Tina left no stone unturned in searching for passion, peace, and a fully lit-up life. Lees meer
Born and raised near Grand Rapids, MI, her sewing journey began when she couldn’t find cloths that fit her body. Before that she lived in Alaska then returned to Michigan and built houses as a carpenter.
She blogs and has a vibrant podcast called In Kinship.
(2:06) How did Tina learn how to sew…through osmosis and independence!
(2:55) Tina’s grandmother was a sewist – but Tina never really paid attention. Her grandmother’s creativity left an indelible mark on her…but Tina really didn’t understand…until it was too late. She explains…here and how her grandmother is still with her now anytime she sews.
(6:04) In her 20’s Tina traveled to Alaska to live – she takes us on this adventure to Denali National Park, Anchorage and Seward. She also talks about her decision about college and her future and how a BIG job changed her life when she realized that there was more to living than a bag phone. Alaska opened her mind and changed her trajectory.
(10:45) And then…she returned to Michigan missing her family and wanting to meet her new nephew. Alaska was never far from her heart.
(11:25) Being curious and adventurous got her into the next phase of her life…the purchase of a brick-and-mortar bookstore. It was that “little voice”! And then…she learned to sew…and there was a “gateway dress.”
(20:25) Tina believes that we can take our lives – the whole experience” into our own hands. She loves to disconnect from the “should” to create the life she wants. This free spirit tells us more. Some of this came from an experience in Alaska – go figure!
(23:45) Learn about her four steps to a peace filled, joyful day. These practices have and continue to set her up to feel grounded and capable.
(25:09) Tina does many things to remain empowered…she talked about her…
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Yvette Todd - It Began With Rat Hammocks
4 januari 2024 · 29 min
Show Notes: Yvette Todd Lees meer
Yvette Todd’s creation Stash Hub is only one year old, but it’s already made bold strides in helping sewists organize their fabric, patterns, and plan sewing projects.
Only sewing since 2020, Yvette grew up in Portsmouth England. She attended the University of Bath where she met her husband…a union that proved essential to the creation and success of the Stash Hub App.
(1:59) Yvette shares stories of her childhood and how these experiences led to where she is today.
(4:00) As Yvette began her sewing journey her projects became more frequent and more complex. There was no one in her family that actually sewed so her inspiration came from within!
(5:25) Prior to founding Stash Hub…her studies focused on Biochemistry. Her husband Doug was a biochemist as well.
(6:17) So, how did she come up with the idea for Stash Hub?She tells us here.
(7:58) Her mission is to help sewists fall back in love with their fabric stashes. She explains why managing fabric inventory is a universal challenge.
(9:33) So what does she recommend for sewists who come home with arm loads of emotional fabric purchases? She offers advice here!
(12:08) Yvette works with her husband Doug in this venture…she talks about how this works and is working.
(13:35) Celebrating 1 year the app has gone through multiple iterations. She talks about this evolution.
(15:12) Hosting “Stash Chats” online, Yvette has shared numerous experiences with participants. She shares several stories with us.
(17:00) Does Yvette share life experiences with others in the sewing community? Well, there’s Natalie…
(18:12) She goes in depth about those members of her community and why this is so very important to her. Especially when she sewed through her finger!
(20:16) Yvette share’s information about Mel’s Refugees and how sewists can de-stash their fabric and donate items to this organization.
(21:20) Yvette loves to talk about sewing. She explains this passion.
(24:03) And…what’s next for…
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Susan Khalje - Sewing's Equivalent to Gourmet Cooking
21 december 2023 · 44 min
Show Notes: Susan Khalje Lees meer
Susan Khalje joins us for this episode of Sew & So to take us into the world of couture sewing. Owner of the eponymous Susan Khalje Couture, she is also the longest contributing author to Threads Magazine. www.threadsmagazine.com Author of Bridal Couture and Linen and Cotton she also hosted Sew Much More on HGTV, teaches internationally, and hosts annual trips for groups of couture enthusiasts to Paris and London.
(1:39) Susan learned to sew in high school when sewing was a part of the school curriculum…her grandmother helped too!
(2:57) The first few things she sewed were definitely products of the times! She explains…
(4:10) What exactly is couture? “Sewing’s Equivalent to Gourmet Cooking!” And…she explains why loving the entire process is so very important.
(5:20) Chez Cez et Bez https://www.taunton.com/contributors/susan-khalje/ where Susan trained was a turning point for her. She tells us the story of her transformation. She, Cez and Bez formed a trio of powerful committed couture sewists. And the pace…it was “lovely” and exhilarating!
(8:24) Post Cez et Bez Susan went to a ready to wear company knowing that if she wanted to be on her own, she needed to learn more about the business. And…learn she did!
(10:09) Susan lived abroad for many years in Afghanistan then Amsterdam. She tells us about this experience and her ultimate return to the States. First, there was a call to Nina Hyde Fashion Editor at the Washington Post to seek career counsel. This started her down the road of wedding dress couture.
(12:24) Her escape from Afghanistan turned out to be more than she has anticipated – she explains.
(13:23) Susan has a wonderful process for designing wedding dress couture…she walks us through it all!
(16:42) And her favorite creation…? 17th century lace and a detachable train.
(18:24) Who were her well known clients? Mrs. Rockefeller, Lauren Bacall, Kitty Carlisle, Mrs. Richard Rodgers to name a few! Cez et Bez were quite the d…
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Sarah Veblen - Designing From the Inside Out
7 december 2023 · 44 min
Sarah Veblen from Sarah Veblen Clothing Originals has led a life dreaming of owning hew own business and in 1985 it all came true. Now an Haute Couture mainstay, she shares her story of taking chances and achieving her dream! Lees meer
(2:28) Sarah shares her story of learning to sew…her mom said she was already sewing circles around her by 9th grade. She also explains what it means to be a “thinking sewer”.
(4:30) Why does she feel that sewists shouldn’t blindly follow instructions? The person who drafted the pattern and the one who wrote the instructions don’t know anything about the specific sewist and their unique needs and skills. She works with her students to individualize each product.
(7:26) Sarah shares her story of when she worked as an Executive Secretary and how that had an impact on her sewing skills.
(8:40) Sewing her daughter’s clothing had a profound impact on how she sews…she explains…!
(10:40) What inspires her today?! Well, it’s fabric…she tells us why.
(13:49) Sarah has a degree from Stanford…how has she applied this education to her career today? It was the rigorous amount of writing she did throughout college that prepared her to use language, write and edit. Then when David Coffin from Threads Magazinewww.threadsmagazine.com called…she was all ready to go!
(16:32) In all the work she was doing…she decided to add teaching to her repertoire. Loving the fitting part of the process was the imputes for this…she explains. She also tells us how creating custom clothing is extremely stressful as you are creating something that doesn’t exist!
(20:25) Sarah shares a story about how her guidance helped an unenthusiastic bride understand what she wanted and then alter her wedding dress to make is just perfect.
(23:50) She loved the complexity of garment making. What does this mean to her and how does this inspire her work?
(26:20) Sarah discusses the importance of fitting a garment correctly. “When we feel right in our cloths, we are more relaxed in our…
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Kelly Dempsey - When You Think It’s Falling Apart…It’s Really Falling Into Place
23 november 2023 · 34 min
Our guest today is Kelly Dempsey – a sustainable fashion designer and Project Runway Season 14 runner-up. She has become a leading voice for sustainability and equitability in the fashion industry and has been featured on Good Morning American and in Marie Claire. Lees meer
Born and raised in Munsen, MA, Kelly taught herself to upcycle when she was 9 years old. Bullied in school, she used these experiences to eventually launch a terrifically successful career.
Her passion for upcycling has led her to numerous opportunities - several of which are her courses on sewing and upcycling.
When not teaching or creating, Kelly loves to be in nature. She currently lives in Boston with her boyfriend of 10 years.
(1:34) How did Kelly learn to sew? As a 9-year-old she started to experiment! As a kid she would shop at the secondhand store two doors down and since she was in a small town…she inevitably ended up buying her school mate’s clothes. This led to some pretty intense bullying. So…she experimented and learned to make her own clothing.
(3:45) In the bullying she experienced, Kelly said it ignited her to be strong. Listen as she gives advice to those who are being bullied today.
(5:17) And then there’s “Kelly from the Deli” who stared on Project Runway. Here’s her story about this adventure. And…she got a surprise email to be on the show.
(7:10) While on Project Runway, Kelly took Tim Gunn to the Deli where she had worked. She had often dreamed of this…and 10 years to the day she first thought of it…he was there!
(8:00) How did she finally get to be on the show. Well after sleeping in her car many times…she never gave up. She takes us on the journey.
(9:30) She was he only self-taught designer on the show…she explains how this felt and how it motivated her!
(10:28) Kelly takes us behind the scenes of Project runway and shares with us the different requirements. And how she had to put her life on hold for the duration of filming the show.
(13:30) Kelly talks about fast fash…
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Kenneth D. King - The Universe Just Might Say Yes
9 november 2023 · 53 min
Born in Salinas Kansas and eventually raised in Oklahoma, Kenneth knew at a very young age who he was and what he wanted to do. He just didn’t understand the road he would travel to get there. Lees meer
He earned a BS in fashion merchandising from Central State University in Wilberforce, OH and learned pattern making in San Francisco from Paris trained Simmin Sethna
Kenneth has sold to boutiques across the country such as Maxfield, Wilkes Bashford, and Ultimo. His work has appeared in music videos and television commercials…he designed for Geena Davis, Cloris Leachman, Bernie Taupin and Elton John He’s also been featured on the red carpet for the Oscars. His creations are in the permanent collections of the De Young Museum in San Francisco, the L.A. County Museum of Art, The Oakland Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Fashion Institute of New York and teaches around the United States and online. He’s a Contributing Editor and author to Threads Magazine, has courses on Craftsy and Burda, and has written many books on couture sewing techniques.
Kenneth currently lives in New York with his husband Andrew Marley.
(2:19) Kenneth takes us back to his childhood, talks of his parents and the people who have powerful influences in his life. He tells us when he started and what he liked to sew. His move to Oklahoma was traumatic, but he used this to fuel his resolve.
(6:44) Why did Kenneth choose to sew as an outlet? He explains… And he introduces us to Estelle.
(7:55) His grandmother was his champion in his finding himself. He introduces us to her.
(9:55) Who is Norma and how did she influence Kenneth? He talks us back to their meeting in 1983 and shares this story…
(13:36) Kenneth expounds on the influence that San Francisco’s Beaux Arts architecture had had on his work.
(15:00) How does Kenneth feels about beauty in creativity in today’s modern design? Pretty strongly as he explains. And don’t use the word…
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Catherine Stephenson - The Hidden Profession
26 oktober 2023 · 54 min
Our guest in this episode is Catherine Stephenson who lives in Ajijic, Mexico. The owner and name behind Catherine Stephenson Couture, she’s been in the sewing world doing what she loves for more than 35 years. Lees meer
Originally from Portland OR, she travelled to Madison WI to earn her BA in textiles and clothing from the University of Wisconsin. Returning to Portland after that, she opened her business and worked to create the Custom Clothing Guild that eventually became the Professional Association of Custom Clothiers (PACC). All of this led to…well, let’s let her tell you her story!
(3:06) Catherine tells us how she began to sew and who inspired her as a youth, then in Madison, WI as a high school sophomore. Then, when she went to the University, there was a sewing program that enticed her to attend there. AND – a textile chemistry lab. Then, she talks about the ready to wear industry and why it wasn’t for her.
(9:26) What initially took her to Madison from Portland. Well, there was a connection there from the beginning.
(10:26) She was taught in a system that funneled people into the ready to wear industry. Why? Catherine explains!
(12:36) Catherine talks about fast fashion and where it’s going…what our culture supports. (14:42) Catherine talks about what it took to found the Custom Clothing Guild of Oregon in January of 1992…to her…is was easy peazy!
(20:02) Catherine explains the quality standards and how they are implemented industry wide by the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals (ASDP) (31:01) She talks about Linda Stewart and how together they developed the Master Sewing & Design Certification Program.
(24:10) Catherine talks about her own career and the long-term relationships she has with her clients. It’s the specialness of each unique piece. It’s all a symbiotic process and price range/timing is a part of it! And, why she’ll only do special events now.
(30:40) Why did she close her business? Well, global warming had a little to do with it……
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Philippa Naylor - Gobsmacked
12 oktober 2023 · 51 min
(3:00) Her thirteenth birthday was a watershed event as she received her very first sewing machine – it was second hand. Sewing by necessity she hand sewed up until this time. Lees meer
(4:18) Who’s the equivalent of Barbie in the UK…Philippa tells us about these dolls.
(5:19) Philippa shares the training regimen people who want to learn to sew must follow.
(6:43) She went to work with Courtaulds Lingerie in the UK in the mid 1980’s. Learn how she got this job and what working there was like.
(9:00) After 5 years at Courtaulds, Philippa and her husband moved to Dhahran Saudi Arabia. She shares her stories of the move and living in Saudi Arabia. Her motto was wherever you are in the world, there are both positives and negatives. Also, real life is where we are today.
(11:48) She talks about the birth of her two sons Daniel and Benjamin and their “idyllic 1950’s like childhood”. She was also called “the funky mom”! Oh, and her boys were using power tools at the age of three!
(14:59) While in Saudi Arabia, she started a business creating bespoke dresses…she tells us why it was so very successful. And she explains how the process of creating bespoke pieces is so different.
(16:25) Here she shares the story of the chance meeting that changed her life and what it was about quilting that pulled her in.
(19:09) What’s her very favorite quilt? Well, she dropped her kids off at her mom’s and flew to New York to a quilt retreat. This is where Gobsmacked came in! Better than her honeymoon she says!!! And that phone call from Meredith Schroeder…. Well just listen!
(24:30) Philippa tells us of the contents of her two books. The autobiography “Quilting in the Limelight” and Applique Mastery. Hear about her 10,000-mile drive back to England from Saudi Arabia. “Whatever you do informs what else you do.”
(28:00) And that 10k journey…Philippa shares some of her adventures.
(29:10) Philippa explains why her famous quilt was named after Anne Lamott’s https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne…
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Maritza Atayde – Illinois State University’s Gamma Phi Circus Fate and a Chihuahua
28 september 2023 · 48 min
(2:28) Maritza shares the beginnings of her sewing learnings and her journey of improvement. She takes us through her progression in costume creation and how she was affected by the events of 9/11. She even “almost” had an opportunity to meet Mikhail Baryshnikov. Lees meer
(15:21) She grew up in a circus family and gives us a first-hand account of what it was like. She also shares some of the superstitions held by circus performers.
Also, circus “hand balancers” once looked down upon are now held in really high regard. She explains how this happened.
(18:13) At 13 she started performing with the circus as an aerialist. How do people learn to do this? She explains!
(20:38) Celebrating her 10th year with Illinois State University’s Gamma Phi Circus, Maritza shares how she connected with them and became a part of this phenomenal institution.
(31:18) Maritza mentors student sewists in the costuming department for Gamma Phi. She tells us about the early stages of her involvement and how she grew this program and enhanced the sewist’s skills.
(34:30) There are many hidden secrets in circus costumes. The average person in the audience never sees or knows about there, but Maritza gives us the super scoop! You’ll be on the inside and never look at these costumes the same again!
(36:18) Special stories about behind the scenes? Hear them right here. (And that little Chihuahua – yep…that’s her in the background!)
(39:43) Over her 10-year tenure with Gamma Phi the student participation has more than doubled. She tells us about this.
(40:30) What’s her dream? Hear it here! She also talked about how some of her students have pursued their dreams.
(45:00) Want to reach out to Maritza? You can at Matayde@yahoo.com. And don’t forget how hard these kids work juggling all they do!
If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.
Be sure to subscribe to, review and r…
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Abby Riba - The Clothes Horse Goes Snoop Shopping
14 september 2023 · 36 min
(2:25) Abby shares why she initially didn’t like sewing when she took her first course in high school. But reading Vogue magazine turned this around for her as she wanted the fashion she saw in the magazine – but couldn’t afford. She also talks about how her children were the genesis of her learning to sew for uniquely sized people. Lees meer
And she talks about how her unique talent for doing what “just made sense” helped her get through tough sewing situations.
(5:48) Listen as Abby shares what it is about sewing that means so much to her.
(7:44) She is a wizard at creating tips and tricks for sewing. She shares just a few of them here.
(10:43) Abby founded Kandi Corp in 2001 by identifying the need for DIY hot fix crystals. She shares the story of founding this company and, how it all started with her own cancer diagnosis.
(15:520 After selling Kandi Corp, Abby saw the need to create better lighting for sewists, so she founded ViviLux Lighting. Hear how she identified the need for these products and how she and her husband Dave founded and grew the company!
(20:49) What’s it like to work with her husband? Easy and hard at the same time…hear why!
(23:28) Abby tells us how she named her products ViviLux. Then she explains her unique technique for identifying the need for and developing new products.
(25:25) Abby introduces us to the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals, their charter and how they help each other.
(29:43) She tells us about her love of “snoop shopping” and how this serves as her inspiration.
(31:30) What’s her dream? Going to Japan has long been a burning desire for her to visit to learn their ancient sewing techniques.
(32:50) Abby shares the story about her own personal battle with cancer and gives some very wise and pointed health advice for all of us.
(33:35) Abby gives great credit to her husband to her husband for all she’s accomplished.
(34:41) To reach Abby you can email her at Abby@abbydesigns.com and be sure to put PODCAST in…
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Mary Grabenstatter, Needle Sharp – The Worst of Times, the Best of Times
31 augustus 2023 · 29 min
Show Notes: Mary Grabenstatter Lees meer
(1:40) Mary shares her story about why arts and crafts were important to her as a child. Hear about the origami birthday party and her favorite crafts!
(3:20) Studying French and Film in college and working at Barnes & Noble her early adult years were filled with many experiences…starting with being a chemistry major. Hear about her adventures!
(7:07) When The Hunger Games was first released, Jennifer Lawrence came to the bookstore. Hear how this event closed the whole store down!
(7:50) At the age of 32, Mary learned to sew…she tells us how and why! And lovingly shares this special connection with her mom.
(11:15) Within a two-year timeframe, Mary realized she loved sewing, quit her job in New York, started Needle Sharp…and learned her mom had cancer…so she moved back home. Learn also how Needle Sharp got its name – and why it caused her some unforeseen challenges.
(14:05) She talks about the blind courage she found to move forward.
(16:28) Mary shares her process for providing a subscription service for her company Needle Sharp
(18:20) What’s it like to run into someone wearing one of her creations? She shares the excitement!
(19:09) How have the last 10 years been the most challenging and rewarding in her life? She takes us on this journey.
(20:12) Mary talks about her mom and how she was inspired by her and how she honors her legacy.
(22:25) What words of advice does Mary have for beginning sewists? “Have a beginner’s mind.
(22:34) What’s next, what’s her dream? And will she ever design her own fabric?
(25:36) And…what didn’t I ask that she wanted to share? Hear about her favorite book Caesar’s Last Breadth by Sam Kean
(27:25) To contact Mary go to her website at needle-sharp.com and on Instagram @needlehsharp.
If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.
Be sure to subscribe to, review and rat…
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R'Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe 2023 - If Not Now, When?!
17 augustus 2023 · 33 min
R'Bonney Gabriel is an eco-friendly fashion designer, model, and sewing instructor based in Houston, TX, and New York City who also happens to be the current Miss Universe titleholder. Born in Houston, TX she became the 1st Miss Universe of Filipino descent. As the first Filipino American to win Miss Universe and Miss USA, much of her platform is about embracing her culture. She is a voice for Asian-Americans, opening the door for more diversity and representation in society. Lees meer
She attended the University of North Texas, where she earned her degree in Fashion Design and Fibers.
R'Bonney is the lead sewing instructor at Magpies & Peacocks, a Houston-based nonprofit design house that is dedicated to using "Fashion as a force for good" through sustainability and community impact. She combines her latent for design with caring for the environment in her own sustainable clothing line, R’Bonney Nola.
(1:46) R’Bonney tells us how she learned to sew by watching her mom and shopping at thrift stores. R’Bonney tells of one of her favorite projects – the big purple gown with puffy sleeves…a Halloween costume.
(3:35) She tells us how important the sewist community is to her and why.
(5:10) She’s always upbeat and positive…she lets us in on her youth, parent’s influence and how sports, music, church, and ballet influenced her outlook.
(7:39) Travel is a big part of her current life as Miss Universe. She tells us what it’s like to be Miss Universe!
(10:57) R’Bonney takes us back to the beginning and on her journey to becoming Miss Universe.
(16:00) She talks about how she became passionate about sustainable fashion.
And the documentary ”A True Cost” which opened her eyes to clothing consumption worldwide.
(17:50) Magpie and Peacocks name – a truly unique identifier – has an interesting story which R’Bonney shares with us.
(18:45) She explains ethical sewing practices and sustainable fashion as she exemplified with her Miss Universe Cape. She also explains how we …
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Bernina University 2023 - Sharing the Joy
3 augustus 2023 · 57 min
(2:39) The opening ceremonies raised the excitement of the crowd – kicked off by Paul Ashworth – President of BERNINA of North America. (https://www.sewandsopodcast.com/episodes/episode-22-paul-ashworth) Lees meer
He was followed by several more BERNINA luminaries…Christy Burcham - VP Training and Education BERNINA of America, Claudia Stauber – VP Marketing BERNINA International, and Kai Hillebrandt – CEO BERNINA Textile Group.
(5:12) Then Yaya Han (https://www.sewandsopodcast.com/episodes/episode64-courage-cosplay-yaya-han) namesake of the new bernette 79 Yaya Han edition took the stage.
(8:42) Hear the first impressions of those who tried out the brand-new BERNINA 790 Pro
(10:18) Claudia Stauber, VP/Marketing BERNINA International joins us to explain the new BERNINA campaign “It’s a Big Day”. In addition, we got to know her a little better!
(15:04) Annette Varner, Brand Manager of BERNINA International, added her input to the work of building this new campaign.
(17:07) Michaelynn Rose, VP/Marketing BERNINA of America, jumps in to talk about BERNINA’s new products.
(18:04) Some of our favorite Sew & So moments are to catch up with past guests on this podcast. We talked with Sarah Caldwell (https://www.sewandsopodcast.com/episodes/episode31-sarah-caldwell-from-frogs-to-frodo), Sarah Joiner (https://www.sewandsopodcast.com/episodes/episode54-sarah-joiner), Sue from Sookie Sews (https://www.sewandsopodcast.com/episodes/episode50-sue-overy-pruitt) and Sylvain Bergeron (https://weallsew.com/author/snbergeron/) who will join us on a future episode
(25:10) The cosplay market is a new focus for BERNINA in the coming year. Carolyn Kinder Brand Manager for bernette tells us how this came to be and how Yaya Han became the name/face of this project. She also talks about the importance of this community.
(28:40) Then Yaya Hahn herself joined us to talk about her love of sewing, how the dream of working with BERNINA began and how it resulted in the bernette 79 Yaya Han Edition.
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Courage + Cosplay = Yaya Han
20 juli 2023 · 53 min
Born in China, raised in her early years in Germany, Yaya moved on her own to the United States in 1998 while still a teen. It didn’t take her long to make a name for herself in the cosplay community. Now a successful designer, model, author, tv personality and social media influencer with more that 3 million followers. Lees meer
(2:24) Yaya tells us of how she learned to sew out of necessity through getting involved in cosplay 24 years ago. Using a $40 sewing machine she prepared to go to her very first expo the 1999 Anime Expo in Anaheim, CA. She literally started with almost nothing.
(5:35) What’s her fashion style? It varies from very feminine to Korean inspired streetwear. She goes into detail on this with us.
(6:21) What sparked her interest in Anime and Manga…escapism! Learn what started all of this.
(7:39) She moved to the United States much to the dismay of her parents. She takes us with her on this journey with her. In 2005 she quit her “day job” and became a costume artist full time.
(12:06) She persevered through some pretty tough times – sewing was what got her through this. She shares how she found her strength.
(13:16) Her love for the cosplay community is notable. She describes this community, shares why it’s so very important to her and explains her personal growth within the community.
(18:09) DragonCon in Atlanta is a huge expo for those in the cosplay community. It’s especially important to Yaya as she met her husband Brian there 23 years ago. Today they are business partners and live the dream together.
(21:16) Find out who is her favorite cosplay character.
(22:13) How did she build a 3 million + community of followers – she shares her secrets.
(26:17) Having met thousands of fans – Yaya is always energized by these engagements. How important is this to her? She lets us know and even shares a specific instance at ACon.
(29:00) BERNINA University’s new campaign is “It’s a Big Day”. Yaya walks us through her relationship with BERNINA, her role …
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Cookie Washington - The Divine Feminine
6 juli 2023 · 1 uur 4 min
Cookie Washington, born in Morocco, is a fourth-generation needle worker, award winning textile artist and guest curator of the African American Fiber Arts Exhibit which is part of the North Charleston Arts Festival. Lees meer
Her passion for fiber art is infectious and she comes from a long line of sewists dating back to her great-grandmother.
She’s been selected as one of 44 master quilters to create a quilt for Barak Obama’s inauguration and has been featured in documentary films.
(2:28) At four years old, Cookie was paid 50 cents by her grandfather for sewing her first Barbie dress - she shares this story. In addition, she talks about the female lineage in her family that inspired, mentored, and encouraged her sewing. She also talks of her sewing plans for her three granddaughters.
(7:00) Then, Cookie transitioned to fabric art during a difficult time in her life - she shares this story. A Communion of Sprits; African American Quilters, Preservers, and Their Stories by Roland Freeman created a tipping point in her creativity and she opens up about how this happened.
(10:46) Cookie talks about her personal connection to the attack at Mother Emanuel Church and how she used her quilts to help heal the city. Her art to her is a meditative prayer.
(13:21) What’s the Divine Feminine and what does it mean to her? She shares the meaning of this and how it led to her work with mermaids.
(16:15) Cookie does a lot of curatorial art to foster introspection, communication and provide education. She walks us through her process for this, and how we can celebrate our sameness and be inquisitive about our differences. She shares stories about her work “A Dialog in Black and White” and how she believes her ministry is to bring people together.
(10:25) “I want to make art that challenges people to feel. Art that makes them soar and annoys.” Cookie explains how this drives her creations. She also talks about Henrietta Lacks and “The Immortal Cell” and the art she created to celebra…
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Amanda Carye - Quilting Since Forever
22 juni 2023 · 30 min
Amanda Carye, the owner of Broadcloth Studio and the co-host of Quilt Buzz has been quilting “since forever”. On this episode she shares her journey outside her comfort zone and shares her adventures in starting both her business and podcast Lees meer
Show Notes
Amanda Carye, who owns Broadcloth Studio and hosts the Quilt Buzz Podcast has been quilting for her whole life. From Boston, she currently lives in New York City.
(1:30) Amanda tells all about learning to sew, and how her grandmother taught her to hand sew.
(3:09) What is it about quilting that keeps her coming back to this craft? She explains how sewing always seems to take precedence over all other crafts. It had something to do with puzzles and meditation!
(6:10) Amanda takes us through her journey of the “unexpected upside” of her business. It was the overall community of quilters that made a major difference in how she saw her work.
(9:02) In 2020 social media became a lifeline for many, but Amanda was way ahead of the curve…so what did she do? She started her Quilt Buzz podcast!
(10:00) What’s the hardest thing Amanda does? Find out here.
(11:24) Life balance is paramount for her – learn how she does this while doing so much.
(14:11) How did she name her company? She shares this story. Then learn about her podcast Quilt Buzz!
(18:10) Amanda talks in depth about her new book, what inspired her to write it and her goals for her readers.
(23:57) What excites Amanda about her days? Hear that here! And what’s next for her? She let’s us in on her “going off road”!
Want to contact Amanda? You can reach her at @broadclothstudio and Broadclothclothstudio.com
If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.
Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.
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Alex Anderson from thequiltshow.com - Claim Your Space
8 juni 2023 · 44 min
(2:30) Alex takes us back to the beginning of her sewing journey and tells us of the first thing she ever sewed! Lees meer
(4:47) Alex takes back to her very first quilt studio and tells us of the moment she began to take herself seriously as a quilter. The “Quilt Life” (7:25) became a mantra for her as she found that she really belonged…Alex explains how this happens and what this means to her. What is “The Quilt Life”? She tells us!
(9:34) Over the years her favorite things about quilting have changed. Owning a BERNINA was a key part of this…so is the quilting community. (11:13) She shares the story about the business she had with her dad.
(13:08) Alex has an intense appreciation for quilts and quilt design. She tells the story of Lucy Hilti and the influence she had on this love.
(17:00) Alex describes her work and her brand.
(18:17) Alex and Ricky Tims the power duo behind thequiltshow.com…how did they meet – Alex tells us this story along with what it’s like to work with him and the genesis of streaming for them.
(25:19) “Every guest will bring you a gift…you just don’t know what it is.” Alex tells us about what this means to her shows and which episode is her favorite and why.
(28:49) A recent cancer survivor, a third generation in her family to have cancer, shares her story or fear, courage, and the unknowing journey through her health challenges. She shares her words of encouragement for those travelling the same journey.
What inspires her (37:52) she tells us! And what she’s doing now to reignite her creativity. (39:55) What’s next…what’s her dream? If she were to write her personal script…it wouldn’t have been written the way her life went.
Want to reach out to Alex? Write to her at alexandrsn@gmail.com.
If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.
Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and vi…
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Jedimanda - My Life in Cosplay
25 mei 2023 · 38 min
Jedimanda is a professional seamstress, author and avid costumer. She’s been features in numerous publications, won awards for her costuming, and loves travel as much as she loves cosplay. Lees meer
At (1:54) she tells us why C2E2 Chicago is her vary favorite convention…and shares the story of how she learned to sew…and how this led to her first job in college. She takes us through her Senior thesis project and how she made things work to her liking.
(5:34) Jedimanda provides a detailed description of the costume she wore during our interview and how she took this idea from imagination to reality.
(6:42) How did she discover and get into cosplay? She shares her journey. And how many costumes has she made…listen to find out.
(10:12) Convention competitions are a part of every event – she walks us through the specifics of how these work. And opens up about how it feels for her when she participates in one., also talking of how special she feels to interact with other participants.
(14:47) Why does she attend conventions? Her friends play a big part in this for her.
(16:09) After college, Jedimanda worked for the Louisville Ballet, her love and appreciation for theatre grew exponentially during this time. Hear how this shaped her future.
(17:34) She has a deep love and works with SheProp! – a female centered; non-binary LGBTQ centered Facebook Group founded by her good friend Beverly Downing. Jedimanda talks about this group, their work and why it’s important to her.
(21:00) How did she choose the name Jedimanda? She tells us the story. And what’s her brand? At (21:59) she tells us.
(23:03) Her brand-new book – her second- “Level-Up Creative Cosplay” recently launched. Hear the myriad topics she covers in this terrific new venture.
(25:20) Her 9 to 5 is leading marketing at the Speed Museum in Louisville, KY. Jedimanda calls this her dream job…learn how cosplay was instrumental in her landing this position. Also, learn who she calls her favorite artist.
(28:37) What …
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C2E2 Chicago - 2023
11 mei 2023 · 37 min
The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo or C2E2 is a Chicago fan convention dedicated to comics, pop culture, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. Now celebrating its 13th year, this event is a place for self-proclaimed geeks, nerds and introverts to connect and fit in. We had full access to attendees, vendors, fabricators and even some well-known authors and cosplayers. Join us as we experience C2E2 2023. Lees meer
We start this fun day talking to several cosplayers who share their experiences in designing their costumes and talk about what C2E2 means to them. An interesting perspective shared as well is the fact that Cosplayers are in every fabric of life, and you might not know they are into cosplay!
Of course, as we always do at events, we found a non-profit, ExtraLife and talked with them about their mission and their work.
Equally as fun, we met-up with Desi Desu – a previous guest on this podcast – and found out what she’s been up to since we visited last.
We visited with Maggy Urso from BERNINA of America and talked about BERNINA’s/bernette’s commitment to the cosplay community. We met a quilt vendor – Sew Quiltable and spent considerable time on Artist’s Alley talking with noted author Art Baltazar.
Fabricator Adam Catt shared his C2E2 stories, talks about his fabrication work and how his whole family is involved in C2E2.
Jedimanda spent time with us talking about this event and why she so loves this community (Listen for a special episode with Jedimanda coming soon).
While the exhibits, artists, vendors, celebrities, and costumes were certainly pervasive and mainstays of the event. It was truly more about inclusion, belonging, being who you are and cosplaying who you dream of being. The respect, recognition, and acceptance we saw and experienced really set C2E2 apart as something magical. To a person…this was not lost…
And that’s C2E2 2023– a home for geeks, nerds, introverts and all who want to fit in. It’s a place to go …
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Meeting Black Sewists Where They Are
27 april 2023 · 35 min
Aleeda Crawley, President of the Modern Quilt Guild shares her personal journey into the world of quilting and tells of how she became president of the guild. The Guild itself is a powerhouse in the world of quilting – she tells us about its purpose and overall work. The Guild can be found at www.themodernquiltguild.com. Lees meer
Karen Cooper – Executive Director of the Guild drops in to explain how the Guild has taken a stand for DEAI and is committed to being a place where all feel safe in expressing their opinions and coming together as a community to create together.
Chawne Kimber, (@cauchycomplete) the internationally known 2023 keynote speaker at QuiltCon and respected quilter whose work can be found in the Smithsonian Museum, tells of the genesis of her art, her purpose, and her love for the quilting community.
Latifa Saafir, the 2022 keynote, recounts her 2022 keynote, tells how she started the LA MQG, and shares her thoughts on modern quilting as well as her personal quilting storytelling journey. www.latifasaafirstudios.com
Lisa Woolfork, of Black Women Stitch recounts her personal journey in founding this organization. An Associate Professor at the University of Virginia, Lisa’s work was shaped by personal experience and her work toward a better future for black sewists is notable. Hear also of her adventures with her “little Bernette 33” sewing in transit across the country. www.blackwomenstitch.org
At the age of 13, Sara Trail became a powerhouse in the quilting community. She tells us how she learned to sew, wrote her first book at 13, released her first DVD at 15, attended UC Berkley and Harvard and became the Executive Director of the Social Justice Sewing Academy. Sara’s story is not to be missed! www.sjsacademy.org.
Finally, Peggy Martin, President of the Brown Sugar Stitchers shares her own personal sewing journey, the mission and the work of the organization founded in 2000, how the group got their name and their special relationship with the Gee’s…
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Nick Verreos - From the Little Boy Sketching Under the Tree to Project Runway
13 april 2023 · 34 min
Growing up in South America, Nick spent his days under a tree drawing his mother’s dress designs for the diplomatic parties she attended with his father…an American diplomat in Caracas. He called her “Jay-Lo before there was Jay-Lo”! He credits his success to his mom for her support and encouragement. Learn too who Nick considers his mentor. Lees meer
(5:36) What was the moment he knew he was a success? Nick shares that with us – the retailer Henri Bendel had a lot to do with this.
(8:15) Project Runway…behind the scenes and exclusive scoops…this conversation doesn’t disappoint! He also talks about the many doors that being a designer opened for him.
(14:01) Nick answers the question…” who are you”?
(15:26) Beyonce, Katy Perry, Heidi Klum, Carrie Underwood…he’s designed for them all! Oscars, Emmy’s SAG awards…he talks about what’s it like to work with the famous. And all of this led to his very own line on QVC!
(20:04) Endearingly humble, his work ethic remains intact, and he has never forgotten how he got to where he is today – listen to what continues to inspire him. He takes this a step further in words of wisdom for aspiring designers…find your voice!
(22:17) Nick walks us through the Sewing and Stitchery Expo and points out the things that made a big impression on him. This was his first time visiting this event after several invitations…he shares why he wishes he had attended years earlier.
(26:43) The genesis of Nikolaki, his fashion brand’s name – Nick shares the story! It was born out necessity and in a rush.
(28:18) The Red Carpet is a place where outfits must be perfect. Learn how Nick deals with the little imperfections that stars experience travelling to the event. And, what’s it like to do interviews on the Red Carpet…let Nick tell you.
Finally, what’s next for him and what’s his dream? He also reaches out to and encourages the next generation of designers to take a chance and push themselves! “The world is starving for creatives!”
If you know someone…
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SewExpo 2023 – A Gathering of Friends in the Pacific Northwest
30 maart 2023 · 50 min
This exclusive/all-access episode takes you through the 2023 version of SewExpo at the Washington State Fairgrounds in Puyallup, WA Lees meer
In it’s 39th year, the Sewing and Stitchery Expo was back in full force after a two year Covid 19 hiatus.
Hear directly from Show Manager Janet McLoughlin and Education Manager about how they were brought out of retirement to make this all happen.
There are vendors who will talk about their wares and as always interviews with charities and non-profits who use sewing and quilting to serve unique needs.
Hear from Becky Groves of Project Linus tell about how they’ve delivered more than 9 million blankets to children in need since 1995 (www.projectlinus.org)
Visit with Kali Basi as she tells of the origins and work of Conscious by Kali, (https://www.consciousbykali.com) an organization that works to help human trafficking survivors. And then Leslie Unruh of Sew Powerful (www.sewpowerful.org) shares the story of her organization and how sewing a purse can keep a girl in school.
Then settle into your front row seat for a night of fun, prizes and an exclusive fashion show hosted by Nick Verreos. Learn how he constructs dresses for stars such as Beyonce, Katie Perry, Heidi Klum and more.
As always, we catch-up with past Sew & So guests. This time we caught up with Pam Mahshie, Aaroica Cole, Amanda Carrita and Joe Vechiarelli.
As this event looks forward to a 40th year anniversary celebration in 2024, Janet and Ann take us back to the year 2001…to the highest attendance ever…and the big earthquake.
You won’t want to miss this exclusive journey through one of sewing’s premier events, where everyone learns, shops and in always among friends.
If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.
Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more …
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QuiltCon Atlanta 2023 - In the Aisle and Behind the Scenes
16 maart 2023 · 35 min
This exclusive all-access episode takes you through the 2023 version of QuiltCon in Atlanta, Georgia. Lees meer
The definition of Modern Quilting varies from person to person. Hear the thoughts of Modern Quilt Guild (MQG) President Aleeda Crawley, Karen Cooper Executive Director of MQG, Christa Watson BERNINA Ambassador, Last Year’s Keynote Speaker Latifa Safir, and attendees from around the world.
Learn from Elizabeth Dackson – MQG Director of Events exactly what it takes to put on QuiltCon…and she shares a hidden secret about the show!
Then Karen Cooper added her two cents on putting the show together, and she shares a very special story you won’t want to miss about a devotee of this event. She also talks about an interesting challenge this year’s event faced.
Chawne Kimber, this year’s keynote speaker and renowned activist/artist talks about her experience at this year’s event.
Black Women Sewist had a prominent voice, and they shared their perspectives on the progress that’s been made – and what’s still left to be accomplished. Latifa Saafir explains her POV, Aleeda Crawley describes the MQG focus for the coming year - and by the way…don’t touch the quilts! She also acknowledges volunteers.
Lisa Woolfork talks about community and safety, the genesis of Black Women Stitch, and sewing on Amtrack on her way to QuiltCon.
Peggy Martin, President of the Brown Sugar Stitchers shares the story about this group’s founding and how this group got its name.
Next, meet Uzoma Samuel, a first-time quilter from Nigeria. Learn about his family, his process, how he sees fabric as paint, and his long journey to finally getting to QuiltCon. Sara Trail – a friend of Uzoma’s, tells how they met on Facebook and how she worked tirelessly to help him.
One of our favorite things to do is to catch up with past Sew & So Guests. At QuiltCon we talked with Becky Glasby from the National Quilt Museum (Episode 24) and Marisa Marquez from Brewer (Episode 26). Becky shares updates from the Museu…
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Sarah Joiner - Make What You Want!
2 maart 2023 · 35 min
(2:00 – 6:35) She begins the conversation by explaining that she learned to sew with her grandmother’s basement sewing machine, using fabric from her grandma’s (who she never met) magical craft cupboard. This cupboard held all of her deceased grandmother’s scraps, thread, etc., and inspired her with her grandmother’s spiritual presence. In high school, she wanted to learn to sew clothes and created her first 1950s-style dress. She’s always been drawn to vintage silhouettes creating her first design from a princess/full-skirted pattern. Lees meer
(7:25 –11:19) She explains why she named her blog the Lilac Elk. In September 2018, Sarah learned to knit and tells us why and how. Then, she practiced and created her first sweater…then she dove right in and created The Beauty School Top from Poison Grrls knowing nothing about how to buy yarn and needles…with the help of YouTube.
(12:07 - 15:05) She tells us the definition of a “frog” pile, and why it’s important. “Vintage Inspired” is her named style…she explains why and how Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor inspire her creations.
(15:35 – 18:28) Sarah shares with us what it took for her to move to 100% online teaching when the pandemic hit after building a large successful in-person following at Pintuck and Purl. Starting with a beginner sewing class that was a hit, she not only taught sewing but began to build a large, vibrant online community. She shares why online is a little challenging and how she addresses that. Also, what the real plusses are of online sewing classes.
(18:30 – 19:58) Sarah fondly talks about the community that grew during the pandemic and how she’s still in shock that people still want to learn from her. Her students in her very first class are still with her and though she’s not met them in person, they’ve become a part of each other’s sewing family.
(21:10 – 24:30) Sarah takes us through how she grew her passion for teaching and why she chose this vocation over being a flight attendant. Sarah, who …
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Sarah Ramberg - Everything Old is New Again
16 februari 2023 · 31 min
Sarah Ramberg worked for an environmental engineering and consulting firm for 15 years. After being laid off in 2017, she decided to turn her passion for sewing with flannel and upcycling into a full-time career. Sarah was bitten by the antiquing, thrifting, and garage sale bug when she was in Junior High. Today, she feels a fundamental need to repurpose and recycle broken and neglected items in lieu of buying new things whenever possible. Lees meer
She describes upcycling as taking something that already exists and improving it to your own personal tastes. Maybe you want to transform one style into another, or infuse more color into something, or create something that’s distinctly you. Sarah shares some of her own projects and says that an upcycling project can be anything from turning old flannel shirts into a wreath to painting a picture frame or turning a bed frame into a bench. Whether simple or complex, you’re taking something old and turning it into a wonderful creation that’s borne from your imagination.
Her suggestion for those just getting started is to go to a local thrift store and look around to see what you feel drawn to. She also encourages aspiring upcyclers to check out Pinterest or YouTube for inspiration, and shares that, as a vlogger, she loves getting emails from people who share photos of their finds, be it a window or a funk flannel shirt. (2:25-17:19)
Sarah’s love of flannel likely began in the early 90s when grunge was the rage and flannel was virtually a social icon. Having done several flannel projects on her blog, she was excited when she was approached by a publisher who wanted to create a book about flannel crafts. Crafting with Flannel is full of creative and engaging craft tutorials, designed to motivate and inspire.
Another great source of inspiration is her website and blog, Sadie Seasongoods, which is about, “Living a firsthand life using secondhand things.” Sarah loves traveling, and many of her blogs are about projects that came out o…
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Brooks Ann Camper - A Wrinkled Dress
2 februari 2023 · 49 min
A wrinkled dress changed the trajectory of Brooks Ann's career. It all began her senior year at Centenary College, where she was a theater major. She had been cast in a play and was behind the stage when the head of the department, “a brilliant, but grumpy old man,” noticed her dress was wrinkled he sent her off to iron it. When she confessed, she’d never ironed before, he assigned her—against her will—to work with him in the costume shop for the next production. “I unexpectedly just had a total blast making costumes with the grumpy old man and I found out that I really like sewing.” Lees meer
On a whim, she applied for an internship at Yale School of Drama, and much to her surprise was accepted. It was there she created her first dress, a big fancy bustle dress with a huge collar and lag mutton sleeves. While there, she discovered her love for pattern-making and sewing. After completing her internship at Yale, Brooks Ann received her MFA in costume production at the University of North Carolina. (2:33 - 14:45)
Although she loved her time in New York, she realized that neither she nor her boyfriend (now husband) were the hustle and bustle type. Upon leaving, she took a brief hiatus from sewing. Then, at a Thanksgiving dinner, her husband’s sister got engaged. She got so swept up in the moment, she offered to make her wedding dress. Then she made another, and another, and another…including one for her own wedding. Suddenly realizing she was now a wedding dressmaker, she put together a portfolio of her designs and made herself a website. In 2009, she started a blog and really got into the sewing community. (22:14-32:58)
For the past nine or so years, Brooks Ann has been teaching and blogging, where she develops her own easy-to-follow, beginner-friendly methods for creating pattern blocks. Her blogs are about custom sewing. There’s no fashion formula. No fashion textbooks. She shows people how to sew for where they’re at, with no sizes, no pear or apple ranges. She loves the…
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Carina Gardner - The Art of Dreaming Big
19 januari 2023 · 34 min
A lifetime learner and prolific entrepreneur, Carina Gardner learned to sew by sneaking downstairs and using her mom’s sewing machine to create Barbie clothes from fabric scraps. As time went on, she found herself in the scrapbooking world at a time when scrapbooking crossed over into fabric. The first fabric company she designed for was Northcott. She also designed a fabric line for Riley Blake, who was so impressed, it started producing a variety of Carina Gardner-branded products. According to Carina, it was a lovely way to take her creativity to a whole new level. Lees meer
Carina is always striving for that next level of creative excellence. When she was contemplating starting her own scrapbooking company, she was contacted by the creative director at Echo Park. He asked if she’d be interested in working with them to create a sister company. It was out of that conversation that Carta Bella was born. All the designers reported to her, and all design works went through her. As the creative director, she got to focus on all things creative, while Echo Park dealt with all the business aspects. It was a perfect arrangement. (:24-13:21)
Always evolving and aspiring to reach the next level, Carina has worked for a variety of entities over the years—always from home, always on her own terms. She currently has eight shops on the Internet and a Design Suite where she teaches aspiring designers to make their mark and make money. Her one-year program is different from other classes because she believes that if you want to have a successful design company, you have to understand how cells work and how money work. In addition to doing creative critiques, she also gives a lot of business advice. She believes that learning how to make money is creative in its own way.
When it comes to business and design, Coco Chanel is one of the great inspirations of Carina’s life. “What I love about her is that when everybody was going one way, she was going the opposite way.” Carina believes tha…
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Sue O'Very-Pruitt - Living the Dream
5 januari 2023 · 30 min
Sue O’Very Pruitt’s love of sewing began very early and has taken her to places near and far. She went from designing dresses for her Barbie doll at six years old to creating customers at Busch Gardens when she graduated college. After leaving Busch Gardens, she created costumes on a cruise ship for six months, before going on to become lead designer for a leather manufacturing company in China. While there, she designed leather cases for Verizon, and small leather goods for Hartman Luggage, Nautica, and numerous other companies. She’s traveled to China 22 times and to other marketplaces around the globe for her job. Her final job, before launching Sookie Sews was at VF Imagewear, where she was the Technical Designer for Harley Davidson. (2:17-18:02) Lees meer
Although she started designing hoop projects long before she started her business, she’s recently been focusing on them more. The entirety of each project is created on an embroidery machine, perhaps with a little hand stitching or hardware added at the end. As she talks about her projects, passion, and the progression of her career, she shares how the pandemic changed the way she did things. Sue and her husband Joey were home together a lot more, and he would challenge her to take a fresh look at things. “I love him for challenging me like that, because it really made me better, and he continues to challenge me now.”
According to Sue, his inspiration during that time breathed new life into her business.
She goes on to say that he's very good at color. She’ll sketch something and he’ll kind of help her put it together. The company was recently rebranded, and Joey helped with the video for the design rebrand. According to Sookie, “We're a good little team and I hope we get to work together more and more in the future.” (18:02 to 25:30)
Before meeting Joey, Sue ran her business from top to bottom, without any help. And while she gets some insights and assistance from Joey, she is basically a solo entrepreneur. She th…