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.

Step onto the show floor with Sew & So as we bring you the sights, sounds, and stories from the inaugural Fiber & Fabric Craft Festival in Rosemont, Illinois. In this special on-location episode, we meet the people who made the event happen — from organizers and exhibitors to attendees, creators, educators, and industry innovators — all united by a shared passion for sewing, quilting, embroidery, cosplay, and creative making. Show Director Jessica Boweek and President & General Manager Darrin Stern pull back the curtain on what it takes to launch a brand-new event of this scale, from cultivating community to creating memorable customer experiences. Along the way, we hear from vendors, educators, content creators, and attendees about the trends shaping the crafting world, why in-person events still matter, and the joy of connecting face-to-face with fellow makers. You’ll also meet familiar Sew & So friends and past guests, discover emerging trends in quilting and sewing, and hear firsthand why this event quickly became a meaningful gathering place for the creative community. Whether you sew, quilt, embroider, cosplay, or simply love handmade artistry, this episode captures the energy and inspiration of a show built by makers, for makers.

Filmmaker and artist Valerie Soe joins Sew & So to explore the powerful intersection of storytelling, identity, and sewing. A fourth-generation Chinese American, Valerie reflects on her creative journey—from learning to sew on a 1970s Kenmore machine to becoming an award-winning documentary filmmaker. The conversation centers on her latest film, The Auntie Sewing Squad Resistance Playbook, which documents a grassroots movement that mobilized during the COVID-19 pandemic to produce and distribute masks to underserved communities. Valerie shares how sewing became both a practical tool and a symbol of collective care, how her dual role as participant and filmmaker shaped the story, and what this moment revealed about resilience, community, and action in times of crisis.

Cody Chenevert shares his journey from lifelong quilter to innovative garment maker, educator, and content creator. He discusses the evolution of his signature “Cody Shirt,” the inspiration he draws from nature and his Louisiana roots, and how he balances creativity, teaching, and business. Plus, hear the story behind Sewing with Cody and Pete and what’s next for this multi-talented maker.

In this episode of Sew & So, we meet Cait Trantham, a dynamic creator whose journey from quilting to garment sewing is as adventurous as her life. From growing up in a military family to traveling and working around the world, Cait shares how she taught herself to sew, built a vibrant online community, and brought her creativity to Walt Disney World Live Entertainment Costuming. She also discusses her tea towel dress project, upcycling, and how vintage treasures influence her designs today.