In this episode of the Sew & So Podcast, we meet Meg McElwee and her husband Patrick—co-founders of Sew Liberated in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. What began in a drafty house on an unnamed street in rural Mexico has grown into one of the most beloved garment-sewing education brands today. Meg shares how her mother and Mexican family heritage shaped her creativity, how a suitcase of fabric launched a business, and how their mission evolved into helping people reclaim creativity, body dignity, and mindfulness through sewing. The couple also discusses raising three creative kids, building a supportive team, developing their popular courses, and the profound impact of their son Lachlan’s early health challenges—an experience that reshaped Meg’s personal manifesto and their approach to the business. Filled with warmth, honesty, and inspiration, this conversation shows how sewing can become an act of rebellion, healing, and profound joy.

Jessica Cronin joins us for a rich conversation about costume design, personal identity, and the power of clothing as communication. From her early sewing inspirations to navigating scoliosis surgery as a young dancer, Jessica’s journey is layered with resilience and creativity. She breaks down historical sewing techniques, the complexities of fast fashion, and the less-glamorous realities behind costume work—while sharing stories from her expansive portfolio across film, television, and theater. Jessica also explores why younger generations may be stepping away from craft traditions, how mobility influences her career, and what she’s dreaming up next. Her thoughtful reflections invite listeners to see clothing not only as adornment, but as narrative.

In this episode of the Sew & So Podcast, we meet William Daniels, an award-winning textile and quilt artist whose work blends fine art, philosophy, and social reflection. From altering jeans at age 12 to pursuing a PhD in Art Theory and Aesthetics, William shares how his creative journey evolved, what inspires his distinctive style, and why camaraderie within the quilting community means so much to him. He discusses the “voice of the quilt,” the role of astronomy in his art, and how he weaves meaning and humanity into every stitch.

Our guest today is Bianca Weber—founder and owner of Dynamics Fashion, a German sewing and fabric shop offering patterns, accessories, and online tutorials. Bianca grew up in a small village in southern Germany and has carved an extraordinary path: she is not only an entrepreneur but also a commercial pilot and currently studying aerospace engineering. A multi-talented creator, Bianca contributes sewing tutorials to the BERNINA blog, specializing in activewear, overlock and cover stitch techniques, and inspires others through her social media presence. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, when she’s not flying, studying, or sewing, she enjoys scuba diving, rock climbing, yoga, and staying active.

In this episode of the Sew & So podcast, we sit down with Maddy Ballard—sewist, journalist, and author of Patchwork: A Sewist’s Diary. Born in the U.S. and raised in New Zealand, Maddy’s creative journey has been shaped by her diverse heritage and global experiences. From learning to sew during the pandemic to weaving her skills into a thoughtful book, Maddy shares how sewing provides comfort, self-expression, and a sense of future possibility. She talks about sustainability, the magic of remaking, her journalism career, and how she balances her many creative passions.

In this episode of the Sew & So Podcast, we sit down with Thadine Wormly—quilter, artist, designer, and proud mother of four. Originally from Brooklyn and later Queens, Thadine’s journey with fabric began in childhood when she learned to sew, crochet, and knit from her mother. After moving to Miami, her passion was nurtured in Home Economics classes, and later at the Barbizon Modeling School, where she often designed and created her own outfits for the runway.

Project Runway Season 21 brought fresh talent, bold designs, and high-pressure challenges to Bravo’s long-running, Emmy-winning fashion design competition. At the heart of it all were the BERNINA and bernette machines—and the skilled BERNINA team who supported contestants as they raced against the clock to bring their visions to life.

In this episode of Sew & So, we welcome artist, educator, and storyteller TaMara Howard of Folk Quilts, whose quilts weave together heritage, innovation, and identity. Inspired by her great-grandmother’s stories, TaMara has grown from self-taught beginnings to becoming an award-winning quilter with work in museum collections nationwide. Joining her is Deanna Springer, co-founder of the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show, who shares how TaMara became part of this year’s featured lineup. Together, they discuss quilting as a cultural statement, a creative outlet, and a bridge between past and future—while giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming Great Wisconsin Quilt Show.

Phyllis is the author of Quilt of Souls, a powerful and deeply personal memoir that has touched readers across the country.

Born in the Detroit and raised by her grandmother Lula in rural Alabama, Phyllis found herself immersed in a world of deep wisdom, quiet strength, and generational resilience. It was there, surrounded by women who stitched their pain, perseverance, and history into quilts, that Phyllis discovered healing—and the true meaning of family.

In this inspiring and comprehensive behind-the-scenes episode, we bring you directly into the heart of BERNINA University 2025 — a celebration of creativity, community, and innovation, held this year in Salt Lake City, Utah as the Sew & So Podcast marks our fourth annual visit to BU!

In this episode of Sew & So, we sit down with Kristine Frailing, founder of The New York Sewing Center, a vibrant, hands-on sewing school with two locations in NYC and virtual classes that reach students in all 50 states. A fashion designer, entrepreneur, and mom, Kristine brings her passion for sewing and empowering others into everything she creates.

In this captivating episode of Sew & So, we meet Tania McKnight Norris—a designer, world traveler, and creative force whose life story is nothing short of extraordinary. From her childhood in Scotland to working alongside Walt Disney on the famed Club 33 and New Orleans Square, Tania shares unforgettable stories, including how her hands became part of Disney history and how she helped create the now-famous Haunted Mansion purple wallpaper. A lifelong sewist whose skills were shaped during World War II, she continues to find joy in creating with needle and thread. With over 130 countries visited, a passion for botanical art, and an insatiable curiosity, Tania inspires beyond beyond!

In this episode of Sew & So, we welcome author, designer, and entrepreneur Amy Barickman. From founding Indygo Junction to launching ABC (Amy Barickman Creative), Amy shares how vintage fashion, family inspiration, and a passion for upcycling have guided her decades-long career. We explore her latest projects, including her book Love You to Pieces, and hear about her deep ties to the sewing and quilting community. It's a heartwarming and insightful look at one of the industry's most beloved storytellers and innovators.

In this episode of Sew & So, we thread together sewing, storytelling, and fate with the extraordinary team behind Sew Torn—a bold, visually inventive new film that’s turning heads on the festival circuit.

A dark comedy and thriller stitched with style and suspense, Sew Torn follows Barbara Duggen, a mobile seamstress who stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong. Faced with a suitcase of cash and two wounded men, Barbara's split-second decisions unravel across multiple timelines—each with irreversible consequences.

Joining us are Freddy Macdonald, the 24-year-old visionary director and youngest-ever Directing Fellow at the American Film Institute; his father and producing partner Fred Macdonald, a seasoned media executive; and Irish actor Eve Connolly, who brings grit and heart to the role of Barbara.

Together, they share how thread becomes both weapon and metaphor—from embroidered “talking portraits” and stitched title cards to practical thread-powered effects. We explore the creative risks, emotional complexity, and sewn-in symbolism that make Sew Torn a cinematic tapestry of tension, transformation—and the staggering ripple effects of every decision.

In this episode of Sew & So, we welcome back quilt artist Barbara Ann McCraw, whose work continues to move and inspire. We first met Barbara at her Life Stories exhibit at the National Quilt Museum during Quilt Week 2024 in Paducah. That brief encounter left us wanting more—and today, we dive deeper into her incredible journey.

Barbara shares how growing up on the south side of Chicago and her loud, loving family sparked her creativity. With degrees in English and medical technology, Barbara pursued a career in pathology before retiring in 2000 to focus on quilting full-time. Her award-winning quilts are now part of private collections, major exhibits, and have been featured in national media.

In this episode of Sew & So, we welcome Pat and Walter Bravo, founders of Art Gallery Fabrics. Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pat and Walter share the story of how Pat’s love of sewing and design, combined with Walter’s business savvy, gave birth to their Miami-based textile company. They talk about their creative journey, the heart behind their designs, and what it’s like to work as a husband-and-wife team. The Bravos reflect on their talented team of designers, the signature look of AGF fabrics, and their commitment to quality. Plus, they share the inspiration behind collections like “Indie,” tell sweet stories about their dogs Sol and Luna, and look ahead to future dreams.

In this heartwarming, family-themed episode of Sew & So, we welcome sisters, award-winning quilters, and lifelong collaborators Sue Nickels and Pat Holly. With more than four decades of quilting experience between them, these two legends share not only their creative journey but the deeply personal story of how quilting became a family affair. This episode is full of memories, milestones, and a few never-before-told secrets.

From sewing Troll doll clothes as kids on their shared sewing machine, to crafting miniature masterpieces and the celebrated Beatles Quilt, Pat and Sue invite us into their world of fabric, family, and friendship. You'll hear about their early influences—including their grandmother and quilting trailblazers like Jinny Beyer and Harriet Hargrave—plus how they embraced machine quilting before it was mainstream.

They reflect on the evolution of their artistry, the founding of quilt guilds and retreats, their role as original BERNINA Ambassadors, and the upcoming 2025 special exhibit The Two of Us at Quilt Week Paducah, which features interactive QR codes. Pat’s miniature quilts, and of course, the iconic Beatles Quilt will also be on display.

With humor, humility, and a whole lot of heart, Pat and Sue talk about what it means to create, collaborate, and inspire—together.

In this episode, we’re joined by Beth Donaldson—quiltmaker, author, and Associate Director of The Quilt Index, an online archive preserving the stories and artistry of quilts. From making her first quilt in 1974 to helping build a digital archive with over 96,000 quilt entries, Beth shares her fascinating journey through quilt guilds, retreats, and academia. She also reveals how Rosa Parks and Susan B. Anthony are tied to quilting, what makes the Quilt Index unique, and how listeners can contribute to this remarkable living history. It’s a deep dive into the fabric of quilting’s past, present, and future.

From Broadway to the sewing machine, Harvey Fierstein has never been afraid to say “yes” to life’s adventures. In this heartwarming and engaging episode of Sew & So, the legendary actor, playwright, and quilter takes us on a journey through his artistic beginnings, his love for storytelling (in fabric and on stage), and the surprising ways sewing has shaped his creative world. He shares behind-the-scenes stories, reflects on the importance of family—both biological and chosen—and offers insight into the philosophy that’s guided his extraordinary career.

A small gathering of women from BERNINA dealerships across the country had come together, as they do each year, to share stories, sewing tips, and business ideas—all while strengthening the bonds that make this community feel like family.

In this special episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with four groups of remarkable women to learn more about their journeys, their businesses, and their dreams for the future. Their passion and camaraderie are truly what make BERNINA more than just a brand—it’s a family.