Today on the Sew & So Podcast, we welcome Meg McElwee and Patrick McElwee—partners in life, work, and creativity. Together they are the co-founders of Sew Liberated, a sewing education company based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Their journey has taken them from the University of Notre Dame to the canyons of northern Mexico, where a combination of Montessori teaching, creativity, and a suitcase full of fabric unexpectedly sparked the beginnings of their business.

Meg and Patrick open up about their mission to help people reconnect with meaningful, mindful making; why sewing can be a powerful rebellion against fast fashion; and how their courses—from Learn to Sew Your Clothes to The Mindful Wardrobe—empower people to reclaim their confidence, creativity, and personal style. They also share the deeply personal story behind Meg’s popular essay A Philosophy of Sewing, written in the wake of their son Lachlan’s early health challenges, and how that experience reshaped their lives and work.

You’ll also learn about their creative household, their love of family music-making, Patrick’s role behind the lens, and their growing catalog of thoughtful, beautifully designed patterns—including their newest hand-sewing-friendly release. This episode is a warm celebration of craft, resilience, and the beauty of making things by hand.

(1:26) when did Meg begin to sew and who was her inspiration?

(3:45) Meg’s grandmother was a big influence on her and her work. She tells us of her ancestors.

(6:25) Meg and Patrick lived in Northern Mexico for several years. They talk about this time in their lives.

(7:10) Meg and Patrick now share the story of their company and why they named is Sew Liberated. They also talk of the early years of their marriage…and the suitcase of fabric that started it all!

(12:35) What is their mission and how does it drive their business purpose?

(16:34) Why do they call sewing a rebellion against fast fashion?

(19:20) They have several courses designed to help people learn to sew. Thay take us through the series and how it was designed to help anyone who wants to learn to sew.

(27:32) Meg shares her story “A Philosophy of Sewing” A Philosophy of Sewing about their son Lachland’s health issues. You can find it on their website…hear Meg talk through it here…and tells how this shifted their world.

(35:00) Hear Meg’s personal manifesto

(36:00) Patrick talks about how he felt during all of this time.

(38:45) Does Meg still lean into this manifesto in her daily life?

(41:33) Meg is obsessed with sparkling water…What’s this all about?!

(42:22) Their whole family loves to make music together. Meg and Patrick talk about the joy they find in this and how it happens…in their very loud house.

(44:43) What are they working on now?

(47:55) What’s their dream? Is it the same or different for each of them?

(50:30) Is there a question I didn’t ask?

(51:36) How can you contact Meg and Patrick? www.Sewliberated.com, Instagram and Facebook, and info@sewliberated.com

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.

In this episode of Sew & So we welcome costume designer and wardrobe freelancer Jessica Cronin, whose work spans film, television, theater, and fashion. Raised across the U.S., Singapore, and England, Jessica brings a globally shaped perspective to the way clothing communicates who we are. With a BA in Art History from Drew University and an MFA in Costume Design from Carnegie Mellon University, she has built a dynamic career designing, styling, and crafting for productions including Gotham Knights, Dead to Me, A League of Their Own (2022), and Gossip Girl. Her experience ranges from large-scale studio work to theatrical design to commercial styling, and she moves fluidly between New York City, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles.
In this episode, Jessica shares the origins of her sewing journey, how global experiences shaped her artistic lens, the truth about fast fashion, the realities of costume work, and the deeper meaning of how we present ourselves through what we wear.

Episode Notes:
(1:49) When did Jessica begin to sew and who was her inspiration?

(3:18) Jessica explains historical sewing and its techniques.

(4:00) Why did Jessica’s childhood take her to Singapore and England? How did living in these countries affect her perceptions of life and her work?

(5:45) She started dancing at the age of three…then had to have Harrington Rod surgery for scoliosis of the spine. She takes us through this experience and how she dealt with the major changes in her life both in activity and mentally.

(11:04) Jessica calls fast fashion “horrendous”? She explains why.

(14:00) How do you handle the recycling in things like undergarments, socks and hard to recycle clothing items?

(15:30) “Costume design isn’t just pretty dreams and pretty people…” It’s so very much more. Jessica takes us inside the craft.

(19:54) Of all the different types of work Jessica has done…what’s her favorite?

(21:42) She talks about the difference in working with professional actors vs. amateur background actors.

(23:45) Hear special stories about some of her costume jobs.

(27:10) Jessica worked with Jennifer May Nickel Sew & So Podcast Episode #92 she talks about how they met and have worked together.

(28:25) Hear about the 50,000-year-old sewing needle and how this information affects Jessica in her work.

(30:36) Jessica loves to study how people communicate through clothing. Learn what she’s discovered. Also learn why the color purple is associated with royalty.

(33:32) Why does she think the younger generations aren’t picking up these crafts or techniques?

(36:30) Why is Jessica so mobile?

(37:36) What does she like to do in her spare time?

(38:10) What is she working on now and what is a Surrealist Ball?

(40:00) What’s next for her and what’s her dream?

(42:15) What didn’t we ask?

(43:06) Want to contact Jessica? @jesscronindesigns

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.

Our guest today is William Daniels, an award-winning textile and quilt artist whose work bridges fine art and social commentary. Born in New Orleans and now based in New York, William blends a deep academic background with a hands-on creative spirit. With degrees from the State University of New York and New York University—and nearing completion of his PhD in Art Theory, Philosophy, and Aesthetics—his art reflects both intellect and intuition. Known for his rich use of texture, symbolism, and storytelling, William’s quilts are as thought-provoking as they are visually stunning. Yet, for all his accolades and exhibits, his favorite part of the artistic journey is the camaraderie—the people(6:58) Will talks about the “voice of the quilt”. What does this mean?

(9:08) What are some of his most memorable creations?

(11:33) Meg reads a quote from William about how he creates. He explains what it means to hold a mirror to society.

(13:50) Will’s work has been described as Bohemian, eclectic and experiential. He addresses this description and even takes a little umbridge with one of these descriptors.

(15:05) Will takes us through his creative process

(16:39) How long do his projects take to create? Well…it depends!

(18:00) Will talks about his interest in astronomy and how it affects his work.

(19:57) In addition to his many hobbies – Will is PhD ABD. He talks about his thesis.

(21:25) Camaraderie is deeply important to Will. He talks about those he’s met on his journey and how they’ve helped and influenced him. He tells of these people and particularly an experience at a New York Quilt Guild while in college.

(27:03) What is Will working on now?

(28:50) How does Will make some two-dimensional more human?

(29:52) What does he do in his spare time?

(30:58) What’s next and what’s his dream?

(32:28) Is there a question we didn’t ask? Well…what’s been the most difficult aspect of quilting. Will talks about gender issues in quilting as a male who quilts…for example feminine quilting vernacular.

To reach out to William, you can find him at williamdanielsartist.com, or on Instagram @williamdanielsartist.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.

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.

(1:42) How did Biance learn to sew and who was her inspiration?

(2:57) What was the first project she made? A dress for a dance class end of the term ball! And Yes, she still has it!

(3:48) When did sewing become more than a hobby?

(5:04) Bianca is a commercial pilot and is studying aerospace engineering. Hear the fascinating story about how she chose these career paths.

(6:42) How long does it take to earn a pilot’s license and what’s her vision for aerospace engineering? Think space!

(7:35) What was the impetus for Biance to start her company Dynamics Fashion?

(9:50) Who and what is Blanche Art?

(10:40) How did Bianca come up with this name and what memories does she have about it?

(11:36) Bianca is proficient in English, German, Franch and Chinese. How does this help her run her business and in everyday life?

(12:57) Bianca explains the difference in the fabrics and techniques used in creating activewear.

(14:15) What are some of her recent projects and what are some of the challenges she faces in creating them?

(14:25) Biance is working on a fully self-made wardrobe…she tells us how it’s coming along!

(16:55) What pieces of clothing provide the most challenges for her?

(17:35) How dies Biance balance all that she does?

(18:59) When will Biance complete her degree? And does she still blog for BERNINA?

(19:30) What learnings from starting her business would she share with others thinking of starting their own business?

(20:49) What’s Biance working on now?

(21:10) When flying for her job where does she go, and are there a lot of females?

(21:58) What’s next for Biance and what’s her dream?

(23:26) What didn’t I ask?

(23:19) You can reach out to Biance on Instagram @blancheartsewing

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.

Our guest today is Maddy Ballard, sewist, journalist, author. Born in Syracuse, NY, to a Texan father and a Chinese-New Zealander mother, she grew up in Auckland, New Zealand where she lived until she was 22. She then moved to England to pursue a postgraduate degree in English literature at the University of Oxford. Working in England as a journalist after her degree ended, she returned home during Covid, which is when she learned to sew.

After a couple of years working in Auckland, Maddy moved to Wellington to pursue a master’s in creative writing, which is when she wrote her book "Patchwork".

She now lives in Melbourne Australia and still works as a journalist -splitting most of her spare timebetween writing and sewing but also loving to sing and cook.

(2:00) Born in the US, Maddy’s family moved back to New Zealand when she was 4 years old. Why did they make this move?

(3:00) who in her family sewed and how did that influence her love for the craft? It started with her grandmother…and a great friend!

(3:40) While Maddy was exposed to sewing quite young, she didn’t take it up in earnest until she was in her 20’s. What was the impetus for this?

(5:23) What was her very first sewing project and what are her memories of its creation?

(6:20) Maddy is self-taught…how did this work out?

(6:40) Maddy calls sewing “magical”. How did sewing provide comfort and stability during the major transitions in her life?

(7:52) Maddy talks about her mixed heritage and how it influences her creation choices.

(9:37) Maddy talks about her book. How it came together and what started it all.

(12:15) Maddy talks about sewing be a way to accept your body. She explains…

(14:00) Why does Maddy say that Sewing is an act that helps you believe in the future?

(14:47) While researching for her book she found out that sewing was really important to her family. She tells us what she learned and how it touched her.

(16:45) Remaking is important to Maddy…she tells a specific story of how this worked for her.

(18:52) An advocate for zero waste she talks about sustainability and its challenges.

(21:25) Maddy tells us about her work as a journalist. She’s focused on food, restaurants and hospitality. Now she’s in the bicycle industry!

(22:20) Maddy writes, sings, cooks and sews. Is it hard to balance it all?

(23:13) Maddy talks about sewing as a form of self-expression and how it’s influenced her own projects.

(24:23) What’s she working on now?

(25:14) What’s next and what are her dreams? There could be a novel…and a quilt in her future!

(27:36) Is there a question we didn’t ask?

(27:55) Where can you find her book Patchwork - A Sewist’s Diary?

(28:20) How can you reach Maddy? Instagram @MaddyBallard 27

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.

Our guest today is Thadine Wormly, quilter, artist, proud mother of 4! Originally from Brooklyn, she moved to Flushing Queens in the 1970’s. As a young girl she loved making doll clothes…and learning from her mother how to crochet and knit. Following a move to Miami, FL Thadine took Home Ec in Junior High which allowed her to continue her love of working with fabric. A graduate of the Barbizon Modeling School, she modeled in numerous shows often designing and making her outfits.

While working in the fur market in New York City for 16 years, she learned and became adept at patternmaking for fur, leather and cloth.

During all of this, she always had an interest in quilts. Through a chance meeting at The Women of Color exhibit…she became hooked and has since found great joy in sourcing just the right fabric for each project.

Thadine is a member of numerous quilt guilds and the founder of a few as well. Most importantly…she is a proud mom of four amazing children

(2:00) Who taught Thadine to sew? She shares stories of her childhood and how her sewing adventures began.

(3:30) After her parents divorced, Thadine was sent to Miami – she was 12 years old. Her Junior High Home Economics class what an important anchor for her in this tumultuous time. Hear this story.

(6:05) Thadine attended the Barbizon Modeling school. She tells us about the school, their curriculum and how it affected her life.

(7:30) What were her memorable experiences while at Barbizon?

(8:45) During a special fashion show she met Muhammad Ali, George Frazier and the Staples Singers.

(9:23) Thadine spent 16 years working in the New York fur market. How did this begin for her and what was it like? Then, she goes on to share more of her story and how she got involved in sewing guilds and how quilting became such a large part of her life.

(10:42) Quilting has taken Thadine on travels all over the world. What were some of her favorite places to visit and what are a few of her favorite stories about these adventures?

(31:40) Let’s learn more about Thadine as she talks about being ordained an Evangelist and how her faith influences her work.

(38:26) What’s Thadine working on now?

(38:50) Where can you find Thadine’s work?

(39:45) What’s next for Thadine and what’s her dream?

(40:27) What didn’t we ask that Thadine wants to talk about? Well, she talks about the Gees Bend Quilters and her experiences working with them…and arranged marriages in Tangiers.

(44:26) You can reach out to Thadine on Instagram @thadinewormly

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.

In this episode of Sew & So, we sit down with four of those “sewing fairies”—Jaime David (Education Project Manager), Megann Freese (Educator), Hayley Grzych (Educator), and Fabian Renteria (Associate Educator). Together, they pull back the curtain on what it’s like to be behind the scenes of one of fashion TV’s most iconic shows. From early call times and prepping challenges, to watching contestants “make it work” in real time, the team shares stories of intensity, camaraderie, and unforgettable creative energy.

Whether you’re a Project Runway fan, a sewist, or just curious about how TV magic comes together, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and plenty of BERNINA pride.

(:45) Let’s meet :

Jaime David, Education Project Manager

Megann Freese, Educator

Hayley Grzych, Educator

Fabian Renteria, Associate Educator

(1:35) What one word would each of the team members use to summarize their experience on the set?

(3:40) How did each member of the team find out that they would be going to the show?

(6:48) How did this overall opportunity to work with the show come about? And how did the experience unfold?

(12:04) Hear about a “typical” day on the set!

(14:07) How was communication with the contestants monitored to make sure that everyone got the same information and no secrets were revealed?

(16:40) Learn about how each challenge were prepped and how the BERNINA team participated.

(19:11) The team talk about some of the “make it work” minutes.

(21:07) What was the most memorable moment for each team member? You’ll want to pay attention to these answers!

(26:24) What surprised the team members while on the set?

(27:50) Are there any moments they’d like to relive? The team also calls out Nick, David, Rich and Noel for their amazing support!

(33:59) What did this experience teach each of them both personally and professionally?

(36:48) The team represented BERNINA on set. How did this experience affect how they feel about the brand?!

(38:39) Are there any messages the team members would like to send to the contestants?

(41:02) Any questions we didn’t ask that they wish we had asked?

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.

In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome TaMara Howard of Folk Quilts, an extraordinary artist, educator, and storyteller whose quilts speak volumes about heritage, identity, and innovation.

Born in Virginia and raised in Maryland, TaMara began her quilting journey in 1996—without even owning a sewing machine. Inspired by the colorful stories of her great-grandmother, Maggie V. Folk McClellan, TaMara pursued quilting as a craft and calling. What started as personal exploration has evolved into a full artistic practice, fusing African and American textile traditions with contemporary design.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo and earned her MBA from the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz Graduate School of Business.

Known for her intricate geometric patterns and custom motifs, TaMara creates quilts that are as visually stunning as they are meaningful. Her award-winning work has been exhibited across the country and is part of permanent collections at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and the Heinz History Center. She’s a published contributor to Curated Quilts, PBS Wisconsin’s University Place, and the Modern Quilt Guild Journal, and she has been recognized by the Pittsburgh Foundation and Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council for her contributions to the arts.

Through longarm quilting, engaging lectures, and hands-on workshops, TaMara continues to inspire students and communities alike encouraging each to stitch their own stories while honoring the past. As she beautifully puts it, quilting allows her to “kente weave the threads of past and present” into every piece—a living tribute to her family’s legacy and a gift to future generations.

Also joining the conversation is Deanna Springer, a repeat guest on this podcast. A lifelong sewist, Deanna worked alongside the late Nancy Zieman as VP Marketing for Nancy Zieman Productions, and carries on Nancy’s legacy through the NZP Blog, and the new Nancy Zieman Sewing Studio & Quilt Shop. She launched the Stitch it! Sisters video series and is a co-founder of The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show. Deanna also serves as the moderator and creative guide for the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show, curating meaningful experiences for quilters of all backgrounds.

This episode is a forerunner of the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show, taking place September 4–6, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. This beloved annual event brings together thousands of quilters for workshops, exhibits, challenges, and celebration—and this year, TaMara Howard will be among the featured artists.

(3:12) Tamara introduces Maggy, her great-grandmother and inspiration for her work.

(4:40) How did TaMara start to quilt without a sewing machine?

(7:05) How does TaMara fuse innovation with historical design?

(8:43) TaMara has several degrees…business and engineering. How does this education shape her work?

(10:47) How did Deanna meet Tamara and what did she do to convince her to become a part of the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show?

(11:43) TaMara walks us through her creative process!

(14:22) TaMara explains Kente weaving and what it means to her work.

(16:00) A reoccurring guest on Sew & So, Deanna Springer talks of the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show and what she’s been up to since our last visit at this show.

(18:29) What do they do at the quilt show to support diverse voices in the Quilting World?

(19:33) What makes the quilt show stand out among the many quilt show offerings?

(21:15) How does the team create and moderate the show’s content. Learn the behind-the-scenes secrets! And how many volunteers does it take?

(23:49) So, what can attendees look forward to this year?

(27:35) What role does quilt play today as a creative outlet and cultural statement?

(30:00) As leaders in their respective areas of expertise…how do TaMara and Deanna expect to influence the history of quilting?

(34:20) What can attendees expect from TaMara’s classes at this year’s quilt show?

(35:30) Are their questions we didn’t ask? Hear Deanna’s special question for TaMara!

(36:00) Go to www.quiltshow.com to learn more about the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show.

To contact Tamara, go to www.folkquilts.com and Deanna can be found at www.shopNZP.com

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.