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. And yes…there are chickens! Amanda and her husband now have 24 chickens, 12 goldfish and a Cock-a-Poo named Delilah. It’s a fun conversation about creativity, craftsmanship, theater, finding your calling—and the unexpected turns that can lead you exactly where you belong.

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. Shelancia shares how Creativity Shell is using hands-on creative education to build confidence and life skills for thousands of children, including vulnerable youth and survivors of human trafficking. Sarah takes us inside BERNINA International to talk about innovation, changing learning styles, AI, product development, and the new BERNINA Liberty Edition machines. And Allison introduces us to ricRACK, the New Orleans nonprofit transforming textile waste into opportunity through sewing education, creative reuse, and sustainability. 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. In this inspiring episode of Sew & So, Cindie shares how sewing has been the common thread through every chapter of her remarkable life. She explains why the American tailoring industry is facing a critical workforce shortage, the lack of standards in alterations and tailoring, and how her association is working to professionalize the trade through certification, education, and workforce development. She also discusses her vision for Mobile Sew Labs that could help thousands of people build meaningful careers through sewing. Whether you're a hobby sewist, quilter, entrepreneur, or simply someone who believes it's never too late to reinvent yourself, Cindie's story is proof that sewing can change lives—and perhaps even your own

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. Listeners meet the six generations of the Ueltschi family who continue to guide the company's legacy, hear from BERNINA leadership about the future of the brand, discover exciting collaborations—including the new partnership with Liberty Fabrics—and explore the Merchant Mall with vendors showcasing the latest fabrics, notions, embroidery designs, and sewing innovations. The episode also ventures beyond the convention center into New Orleans, visiting unique sewing destinations and the city's vibrant Mardi Gras costume culture. From dealer excitement and fashion show winners to emotional farewells and new beginnings, this episode captures the creativity, relationships, and inspiration that define BERNINA University.

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. A graduate of Alverno College with degrees in art and education, Becky built parallel careers as a teacher and seamstress. She shares how her artistic training shaped her approach to garment design and why creativity remains essential to the human experience. Becky also recounts the transformative influence of master instructor Harriet Sherbach, whose insistence on precision and excellence elevated Becky's craftsmanship and helped define the quality standards that became the hallmark of her business. Throughout the conversation, Becky reflects on opening Becky's Custom Sewing & Design Shoppe in 1988 and the countless people she has served since. From creating wedding attire for multiple generations of the same family to sewing costumes for community performance groups like the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies, Becky has woven herself into the fabric of her community. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: every person deserves clothing that fits beautifully and reflects who they are. As retirement approaches, Becky shares her hopes for spending more time painting, writing, traveling through memories of adventures in Tanzania and Nepal, and enjoying her growing family. Looking back, she expresses deep gratitude—not for what she gave others, but for what sewing gave her: a life filled with purpose, creativity, friendship, and joy. This touching episode celebrates a woman whose artistry, generosity, and dedication have impacted generations of sewists, students, and clients alike.

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. Catherine discusses her years designing patterns for Styla Patterns, the technical process of pattern grading, and her unique approach to creating elaborate ball gowns twice a year with direct input from her online audience. Her followers vote on design decisions, turning each gown into an interactive creative experience that has become a hallmark of her brand. The conversation also explores Catherine’s growing interest in quilting, inspired in part by unfinished quilts left behind by her husband’s grandmother. She reflects on the differences between garment sewing and quilting, the joy of learning new skills, and her hope of finishing family heirloom projects to carry on a meaningful legacy. Throughout the episode, Catherine shares stories about teaching her daughter Hattie to sew, balancing creativity with family life, growing an authentic social media community, and how her faith influences her passion for refashioning garments and finding beauty in unexpected places. Ultimately, Catherine reminds listeners that sewing is about far more than fabric and thread—it’s about creativity, connection, legacy, and creating something lasting in a world where so much is temporary.

When Sue O’Very first joined Sew & So for 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.