A podcast about what inspires the sewing and quilting community.

Andrea Funk, founder of Too Cool T-shirt Quilts, joins Sew & So to talk about how an unexpected request in 1992 led her to create a whole new approach to T-shirt quilt design. From her first quilt—made without instructions or examples—to developing her signature multi-size block, puzzle-style quilts, Stained Glass and Ultra Modern designs, Andrea has spent more than 30 years turning treasured T-shirts and memories into one-of-a-kind quilts. She also shares how her background in communications and graphic design influences her work, the stories behind some of her most meaningful quilts, her teaching and writing, and what she hopes to create next.

Meet Amanda Lifvendahl, Costume Shop Supervisor and Lead Designer at Interlochen Center for the Arts, and hear how a childhood surrounded by theater, a sewing machine, and a little movie inspiration eventually led her to a career in costume design.

Amanda shares her journey from studying nursing to discovering costume design at Illinois State University, spending 16 years at Broadway Costumes in Chicago, and eventually finding her home at Interlochen. She talks about designing for Shakespeare, musicals, ballet and dance, mentoring young artists, and why she believes a costume can tell us who a character is before they ever say a word.

Three inspiring women. Three very different paths. One shared belief in the power of creativity.

Recorded at BERNINA University 2026 in New Orleans, this special episode of Sew & So features Shelancia Daniel of Creativity Shell, Sarah Caldwell of BERNINA International, and Allison Parker of ricRACK.

Three conversations. Three unique missions. All proving that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is see what's needed—and create a way to make a difference.

Annye Driscoll, aka Maker Fishmeal, is a writer, teacher, cosplayer, and self-described “very slow crafter” who has built a creative life around making, learning, and sharing what they know. In this episode, Annye talks about learning to sew, discovering cosplay, the welcoming and unconventional world of cosplay culture, and the process behind creating elaborate costumes. They also share the stories behind their books, their love of natural history and their many hobbies—from horseback riding to fencing and gaming. It’s a fun, wide-ranging conversation about creativity, curiosity, and why there’s no right speed for making.

During a special visit to New Orleans for BERNINA University, the Sew & So team steps inside the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture for what becomes one of the most memorable conversations in the show's history. Museum founder Carl Mack shares the rich traditions, artistry, music, history, and community that make Mardi Gras far more than a single day of celebration. From elaborate hand-crafted costumes and royal regalia to Second Lines, Mardi Gras Indians, and Carnival Krewes, Carl offers an unforgettable behind-the-scenes look at one of America's most vibrant cultural traditions while sharing the personal journey that led him to dedicate his life to preserving it.

Dr. Cindie Husbands has never followed a conventional path—and that's exactly what makes her story so compelling. From performing as a mime at SeaWorld Orlando to designing award-winning bridal veils, producing performances at Carnegie Hall, Broadway Theatre, and the Sydney Olympics, launching manufacturing businesses, and eventually founding the American Tailors and Sewing Association, her career has been defined by reinvention, creativity, and saying "yes" to opportunity.

BERNINA University 2026 transformed New Orleans into a week-long celebration of creativity, innovation, and community as dealers, educators, vendors, and sewing enthusiasts gathered under this year's theme, "Imagine More." In this special behind-the-scenes episode of Sew & So, host Meg Goodman takes listeners from the opening ceremonies to the closing banquet, capturing the excitement of new product launches, educational sessions, merchant exhibits, and inspiring conversations with the people who make the BERNINA community so unique.

After 37 years of serving the Milwaukee community through custom garment creation, educator and artist Becky Peelen joins Sew & So to reflect on a remarkable career and the relationships that made it meaningful.

Becky traces her sewing roots back to rural Wisconsin, where she learned at her mother's side and made her first garments from flour-sack fabric. What began as a childhood skill quickly became a lifelong calling. From sewing her own clothes in junior high to creating bridal gowns in college, Becky never questioned that sewing would be part of her future.

What happens when a 26-year-old searches Google for a hobby and discovers sewing? For Catherine Holbrook, it led to a creative journey that transformed her life. In this episode, Catherine shares how she taught herself to sew after moving to North Carolina, beginning with thrift-store refashioning projects before growing into a respected garment maker, pattern designer, Bernina Ambassador, and social media influencer.

When Sue O’Very first joined Sew & So for Episode 50 Sue O'Very Episode 50, she was already a respected sewing educator and pattern designer. Three years later, she returns with a story of remarkable personal and professional transformation. 

Known throughout the sewing world as "Sookie" of Sookie Sews, Sue shares how a simple childhood sewing lesson from her mother sparked a lifelong passion that eventually led her from costume design at Busch Gardens and cruise ships to international product development in China and technical design work for Harley-Davidson. 

Today, Sue has become one of the sewing industry's leading serger educators. After listening closely to her audience, she shifted her business entirely toward helping sewists overcome their fear of sergers through her Year of the Serger initiative, Serger Escape course, Serger Dream Club community, and her book, Pocket Guide to Sergers.  

Beyond sewing, Sue opens up about navigating a difficult marriage, rebuilding her life as a single mother, losing 100 pounds through lifestyle changes, and creating a healthier, more intentional future for herself and her daughter. She discusses the mentors, mindset shifts, and daily habits that helped her move from survival to fulfillment. 

This conversation is about much more than sewing machines. It's about resilience, reinvention, and discovering that confidence—whether in sewing, business, or life—is built one step at a time.