Episode 136 - Cait Trantham – Scratching the Creative Itch

Today on Sew & So, we welcome Cait Trantham whose creative path is as dynamic and unexpected as the life she’s lived.

Born in Nebraska and raised in a military family, she grew up constantly on the move—an experience that shaped her adaptability, curiosity, and willingness to dive into something new. That sense of adventure carried into adulthood when she married a Marine, and together they’ve continued that lifestyle—moving nearly ten times over the past 17 years while raising their three kids and their dog, Saint.

Along the way, she’s worn a lot of hats—yoga instructor, ride operator, even magician’s assistant—but through it all, there’s been a consistent love of creativity and a drive to explore it in new ways.

Foe Cait, sewing garments wasn’t always part of that story. For years, she was almost exclusively a quilter, with clothing construction feeling just out of reach. But when the pandemic hit and the world slowed down, she found herself searching for inspiration. By deconstructing garments and putting them back together, she taught herself how clothing works from the inside out. That hands-on, approach sparked something deeper which she describes as scratching just the right place in her brain.

She began sharing those upcycled creations online, and over the past six years, that openness has grown into a vibrant and engaged community. Her work has led to opportunities around the world, including traveling to Spain to film an upcycling class, and even collaborating on a reality sewing show concept.

Today, she’s taken her skills into working at Walt Disney World in Live Entertainment Costuming. On the creative side of the team, she helps design, create, supply, and maintain costumes for shows and parades, blending storytelling and craftsmanship.

She’s also the creative force behind a tea towel dress project—one that showcases her design perspective, and highlights her passion for community, collaboration, and storytelling through textiles. It’s a project that even caught the attention of her local news.

When  she’s not designing or creating, she enjoys thrifting, hunting for vintage treasures which includes adding to her collections of Pyrex, quilts, and mid-century décor—always inspired by the stories and history behind the pieces she finds.

(3:21) How did Cait learn to sew and who influenced her? And…did she really think sewing was boring?!

(5:21) Did her life as a child in a military family influence her creative choices?

(6:17) Where was her favorite place to live?

(6:40) before the pandemic she found garment sewing to be intimidating. Now that’s the majority of what she does. What changed?

(8:49) What’s the “creative part of her brain” that sewing ultimately scratched?

(9:53) Why did her upcycling resonate so well with her YouTube audience?

(10:34) How about some stories about her interaction with her audience? Learn about the Tea Towel project!

(18:00) Would she do it again?

(18:16) Cait has has some pretty memorable experiences and moments. What was her favorite?

(21:12) Hear more about her sewing reality show.

(21:57) How does her love for vintage influence her design choices today?

(24:36) She has done many things. Hear about her being a ride operator and magician’s assistant.

(28:47) What’s next for Cait and what’s her dream?

(29:45) Is there a question we didn’t ask?!

(30:14) How can you reach out to Cait? Social Media and caitconquers@gmail.com

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Key Words: Cait Trantham, Caitlin Trantham, Cait Conquers, Cait Conquers creator, social media creator, DIY fashion influencer, thrifting content creator, TikTok fashion videos, YouTube sewing tutorials, Instagram sewing content, viral upcycling videos, sewing tutorials, upcycled fashion, thrift flips, sustainable fashion, DIY clothing transformation, wardrobe upcycling, vintage thrift fashion, military spouse creator, mom influencer, family-friendly content, sustainable living, female fashion community, eco-conscious fashion, creative sewing community