In this moving episode of Sew & So, we welcome author, veteran, and storyteller Phyllis Elmore, whose extraordinary life journey is woven together by courage, memory, and fabric. Phyllis is the author of Quilt of Souls, a deeply personal memoir that honors the often-unheard voices of Black women in America—caretakers, survivors, and unsung heroes—whose stories live on in the quilts they stitched. Raised in rural Alabama by her formidable grandmother Lula, Phyllis found healing and purpose in the patchwork of stories that surrounded her. A trailblazer in the military, Phyllis was one of the first female Aircraft Pneudraulic Specialists in the U.S. Air Force and one of a few women to serve in three major military conflicts: Vietnam, Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom. She later became a counselor and advocate for incarcerated youth and survivors of domestic violence. Phyllis shares how quilting, writing, and service have shaped her life—and why reclaiming and preserving our stories is one of the most powerful acts of healing.

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 New York 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.

In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of an extraordinary family business—M&S Schmalberg Flowers, the last of its kind in America. Since 1916, this fourth-generation company has been handcrafting exquisite artificial flowers for fashion, Broadway, Hollywood, and high-profile designers. Our guest, Adam Brand, shares the incredible history of the company, from its humble beginnings to dressing A-list celebrities and hit productions like Hamilton, Bridgerton, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Sex and the City. Join us for an inspiring conversation about tradition, craftsmanship, and the fight to keep a historic family business blooming.

Step inside the buzz and excitement of Linda Z’s inaugural Fall Festival of Sewing, Embroidery, and Quilting! In this episode, we take you back to Fall 2024, where a brand-new event made waves in the sewing community. From October 17–19, 2024, in Glenview, IL, this festival brought together industry experts, top educators, passionate vendors, and enthusiastic attendees for a weekend packed with learning, inspiration, and creativity. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, exclusive interviews, and a front-row seat to the festival’s highlights, including insights from some of the biggest names in the industry.

: In this fascinating episode of the Sew & So Podcast, we sit down with two renowned quilt appraisers, Vickie Coleman and Allison Rainboth, for an engaging discussion on their passion for quilting, their expertise in quilt appraisal, and their personal quilting journeys. Allison, originally from California, has a background in biology and has called Wisconsin home since 1992. A lifelong animal lover, she enjoys restoring her historic home with her husband. Vickie, an "Army brat" with a deep love for textiles, holds degrees in textiles and vocational education. Based in Lexington, KY, she founded Bluegrass Quilt Appraisal, LLC after completing the American Quilter’s Society Appraisal Skills Course. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of quilt appraisal, uncovering how quilts are valued, the skills required to become an appraiser, and the rich stories embedded in these treasured textiles.

Meet Michelle Renee Hiatt, the dynamic Executive Show Director at the American Quilter’s Society. From her impressive corporate career to her passion for quilting, Michelle shares her inspiring journey of leadership, creativity, and her vision for the future of the quilting community.

In this insightful and inspiring episode, we sit down with Lexie Millikan, Executive Director of the Quilts of Valor Foundation. Lexie shares her journey as an artist, educator, and leader, her unique approach to quilt making, and her global adventures in connecting with artisans through the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Learn about the incredible work of the Quilts of Valor Foundation, its impact on military families, and Lexie's passion for creating and teaching.

This episode’s guest is Terry Grahl the Founder and CEO of Enchanted Makeovers, a national non-profit charitable organization based in Taylor, Michigan. She started Enchanted Makeovers after a life-changing visit to a shelter for women and children in Michigan.

Welcome to the 100th episode of Sew & So! We’re celebrating an incredible milestone for this podcast, which began back in February 2021 with our very first guest, the extraordinary artist Bisa Butler. Thanks to the support of BERNINA, Sew & So has become a vibrant community where sewists and quilters who are creators, innovators, and artisans come together to share their stories.

Welcome to Sew & So, brought to you by BERNINA, made to create! I’m Meg Goodman, and today, you’re in for an exclusive treat. Join me on a behind-the-scenes tour of a truly extraordinary milestone—the 50th anniversary of the Houston Quilt Festival. This isn’t just any quilt show; it’s an international celebration of artistry, creativity, and history. We’ll be diving deep with attendees, educators, personalities, and prize-winning quilters, capturing those moments that make this event so iconic.