Stitch Please

This week on Stitch Please, Lisa chats with designer and certified fashion powerhouse Shanya Lewis an FIT and Parsons grad who can turn fabric, leather, and even your old assumptions about fashion into pure art. Shanya spills the tea on her creative journey from stitching knits to slaying in leatherwork and why sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a lifestyle (and a mood). They dive into the highs and lows of freelancing in fashion’s competitive jungle, the power of a good education, and the hustle it takes to build a brand that lasts longer than a fast-fashion trend cycle. With wisdom, warmth, and a few laughs, Shanya reminds us that quality over quantity is always in style and sharing what you know is the best accessory you can have. ==== Where You Can Find Shanya! Shanyalewis.com ==== ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Instagram: Lisa Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork ====== Stay Connected: YouTube: Black Women Stitch Instagram: Black Women Stitch Facebook: Stitch Please Podcast -- Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store

This week on Stitch Please, Lisa chats with costume designer LeVonne Lindsay, who turned a post breakup hobby into a career dressing drama literally. From sewing Barbie outfits to running a college costume shop, LeVonne shares what it really takes to make magic backstage. It’s a fun, insightful dive into the world of stitches, stage lights, and saying no to shortcuts (until you’ve earned them). ==== ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Instagram: Lisa Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork ====== Stay Connected: YouTube: Black Women Stitch Instagram: Black Women Stitch Facebook: Stitch Please Podcast -- Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store

This week on Stitch Please, Lisa and Mind the Force Podcast host Kristine McPartlin geek out over the secret language of Star Wars fashion from Luke’s hopeful robes to Darth Vader’s villain chic. They laugh about the Empire’s tiny hats, dissect Jedi linen minimalism, and revel in Queen Amidala’s 20 yard gowns. It’s a hilarious, insightful dive into how every stitch in a galaxy far, far away tells a story and yes, sometimes that story is simply “Nazis bad.” ==== Where You Can Find Kristine! MInd The Force Podcast ==== ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Instagram: Lisa Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork ====== Stay Connected: YouTube: Black Women Stitch Instagram: Black Women Stitch Facebook: Stitch Please Podcast -- Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store

This week on Stitch Please, Lisa cozies up with quilt artist Kristin Hott to talk fabric, philosophy, and why quilts are basically the original Instagram stories (but way warmer). Kristen shares her journey into quilting, spills on her creative process, and introduces us to the art of “bed turning”aka the world’s coziest runway show. They dive into community, storytelling, and the way every stitch carries a little piece of history (and sometimes a little leftover thread you forgot to snip). Plus, they chat about upcycling, sustainability, and why quilting is equal parts therapy session and legacy project. If you’ve ever wanted your blanket to have more personality than your ex, this episode will have you seeing quilts in a whole new light. ==== Where You Can Find Kristin! Instagram- @Kristinhott ==== ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Instagram: Lisa Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork ====== Stay Connected: YouTube: Black Women Stitch Instagram: Black Women Stitch Facebook: Stitch Please Podcast -- Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store

This week on Stitch Please, Lisa chats with the brilliant and multi-talented Tian Connaughton designer, writer, strategist, and all around creative powerhouse. Tian spills the tea on how she stitched her way through life’s messier moments, proving that crafting isn’t just a hobby it’s therapy with prettier results. From her rise as a go to voice in the knitting and crochet community to championing visibility for Black creators, Tian shares how she’s built a career that’s equal parts artistry and strategy. She dishes out wisdom on chasing your goals, running your business without burning out, and why you don’t have to “have it all together” to belong in the craft world. With laughs, lessons, and plenty of inspiration, this convo is your reminder to take it one stitch at a time and yes, you absolutely belong here. ==== Where You Can Find Tian! Instagram-@knitdesignsbytian Website-www.tianconnaughton.com ==== ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Instagram: Lisa Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork ====== Stay Connected: YouTube: Black Women Stitch Instagram: Black Women Stitch Facebook: Stitch Please Podcast -- Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store

This week on Stitch Please, Lisa sits down with cosplay powerhouse Daemeryss aka the genius who can turn a pile of fabric into jaw dropping, Con -crushing magic. From her early sewing inspo to creating her own fabric (yes, custom Beyoncé inspired textiles, because why not?), Daemeryss spills all the tea on what it really takes to bring a cosplay vision to life. They get into build books (your cosplay diary/survival guide), the tricky ethics of copying, and why the creative community thrives when we actually share knowledge instead of gatekeeping it. It’s equal parts inspiration, education, and cosplay chaos so whether you’re threading your first needle or hand stitching a ten foot cape, this episode will remind you to embrace the mess, trust the process, and find your own fabulous voice in the craft. ==== Where You Can Find Daemeryss! Instagram Facebook X ==== ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Instagram: Lisa Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork ====== Stay Connected: YouTube: Black Women Stitch Instagram: Black Women Stitch Facebook: Stitch Please Podcast -- Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store

This week on Stitch Please, Lisa gets real about the politics of pressing yes, we’re talking seams, class, and why your iron might be more revolutionary than you think. From cosplay critiques to sewing history, she unpacks why pressing isn’t elitist it’s care, clarity, and craft all rolled into one. Press play and prepare to rethink your ironing board. ==== ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Instagram: Lisa Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork ====== Stay Connected: YouTube: Black Women Stitch Instagram: Black Women Stitch Facebook: Stitch Please Podcast -- Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store ==== “Be impeccable with your word.”: The Four Agreements," by Don Miguel Ruiz, outlines four principles for personal freedom and happiness. These agreements, rooted in

This week on Stitch Please, Lisa gets cozy with Marian Davis and Regina Jennings aka the hilarious hosts of Two Sisters, Nitten and Talkin Shit. These yarn slinging pros spill all the tea (and maybe a little wine) about their knitting journeys, the magic of swatching and blocking, and why choosing the right yarn is basically a spiritual experience. From crafting as meditation to turning chaos into cozy, this episode is full of laughs, real talk, and stitching wisdom for anyone looking to level up their maker game. ==== Where You Can Find Marian and Regina! Instagram Youtube ==== ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Instagram: Lisa Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork ====== Stay Connected: YouTube: Black Women Stitch Instagram: Black Women Stitch Facebook: Stitch Please Podcast -- Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store Mentioned in this episode: Stitch Betta Have My Money Cold Open

This week on Stitch Please, Lisa is joined by the amazing Delita Martin, a printmaker who knows how to stitch, print, and wow you with her art. They chat about Delita's creative journey, which includes growing up surrounded by art, the deep connection between printmaking and quilting, and how she manages to make tea sound like a vital part of the creative process (spoiler: it is). Delita shares her spiritual take on art, her passion for uplifting other artists, and why storytelling and self-affirmation are key to keeping your creative spark alive. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your art both powerful and soothing, this conversation is your new blueprint. And yes, there will be tea—both literal and metaphorical. ==== ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Instagram: Lisa Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork Ready to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you! ====== Stay Connected: YouTube: Black Women Stitch Instagram: Black Women Stitch Facebook: Stitch Please Podcast -- Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store

This week on Stitch Please, Lisa hangs out with the fabulous Danesha Anglin (aka Classyfied Life), who proves that grad school stress can actually lead to sewing success. Danesha spills the tea on how she went from “I wonder if I can sew?” to “Look at these Renaissance pants breaking the internet.” They chat about the creative chaos behind designing, the beauty of learning by messing up, and why trusting your gut sometimes leads to the best stitches. Bonus: pattern collection spoilers and plenty of laughs for anyone who's ever screamed at their sewing machine. ==== Where you can Catch up with Danesha! IG-@classyfiedlife ==== ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Instagram: Lisa Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork ====== Stay Connected: YouTube: Black Women Stitch Instagram: Black Women Stitch Facebook: Stitch Please Podcast -- Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store Ready to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!

This week on Stitch Please, Lisa breaks down how we all learn to sew—whether you're a visual learner, a hands-on stitch witch, a bookworm with a thimble, or someone who needs their sewing machine to talk it out. She dives into the four main learning styles and why knowing yours can take your sewing game from “meh” to magnificent. Spoiler: mixing and matching styles is totally allowed. Tune in, learn your way, and stitch smarter—not harder! ==== Were delighted to share that STITCH PLEASE has been nominated for a Best of Cville Award! https://bestof.c-ville.com/2025/podcast Please vote and share! ==== ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Instagram: Lisa Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork ====== Stay Connected: YouTube: Black Women Stitch Instagram: Black Women Stitch Facebook: Stitch Please Podcast -- Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store Ready to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!

This week on Stitch Please, Lisa is back with Mahdiyyah Muhammad for part 2 of their soulful sewing saga. They dive into denim history, fabric frequencies (yes, cloth has vibes), and why mending is basically ancestral witchcraft. From fast fashion fails to fiber alchemy, it’s a masterclass in making sustainability stylish. Tune in, get stitched, and feel the frequency. ==== Where You Can Find Mahdiyyah! The Black Fiber & Textile Network Mahdiyyah Muhammad's IG ==== ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Instagram: Lisa Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork ====== Stay Connected: YouTube: Black Women Stitch Instagram: Black Women Stitch Facebook: Stitch Please Podcast -- Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store

This week on Stitch Please, Lisa is joined (again!) by the fabulous Mahdiyyah Mohammed for a thread-heavy deep dive into sewing that’s sustainable, soulful, and seriously stylish. They chat denim history, fabric vibes (yes, literal vibrations), and why mending isn’t just for grandma—it’s radical, ancestral, and low-key magical. From fast fashion faux pas to fiber alchemy, this convo stitches together culture, community, and circular fashion with plenty of wisdom and a dash of sass. Tune in and get mended, mentally and materially. ==== Where You Can Find Mahdiyyah! The Black Fiber & Textile Network Mahdiyyah Mohammed's IG ==== ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Instagram: Lisa Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork ====== Stay Connected: YouTube: Black Women Stitch Instagram: Black Women Stitch Facebook: Stitch Please Podcast -- Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store

This week on "Stitch Please", Lisa is serving fashion, history, and fierce creativity as she dives into the upcoming Met Gala theme inspired by the iconic Black Dandy. Joined by style-savvy guests Julian Collins and Kristine McPartlin, the convo unpacks the power and legacy of Black Dandyism, shines a spotlight on Black designers, and dishes out bold, brilliant outfit inspo. From runway dreams to real-life stitching, they explore what this theme means for the sewing community—and how you can rock your own unique style with confidence and flair. Get ready for fashion talk with flair, culture with heart, and tips to slay your next stitch! ==== Where You Can Find Kristine! Mindtheforce.com Mind The Force IG Where You Can Find Julian Julian's Instagram The AudaSEWtea Podcast ==== ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Instagram: Lisa Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork ====== Stay Connected: YouTube: Black Women Stitch Instagram: Black Women Stitch Facebook: Stitch Please Podcast -- Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store Ready to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of...

This week on Stitch Please, Lisa threads it up with the fabulous Kimberly Cartwright—art quilter, event mastermind, and all-around creative force! They dive into Kimberly’s colorful journey into quilting, how her artistic style has evolved, and why community and representation are the real MVPs in the quilting world. Kimberly spills the tea on her one-of-a-kind techniques, the magic of hand stitching, and why artists should never undersell their brilliance. From powerful storytelling through fabric to making space for Black creativity to shine, this convo is stitched with heart, passion, and plenty of inspiration. Tune in—you’ll be sew glad you did! ==== Kindred Spirits Quilting Conference ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Instagram: Lisa Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork Ready to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you! ====== Stay Connected: YouTube: Black Women Stitch Instagram: Black Women Stitch Facebook: Stitch Please Podcast -- Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store

This week on "Stitch Please", Lisa hangs out with the fabulous Oge Ajibe, a Canadian designer with a passion for fashion that "actually" fits. They dish on Oge’s journey from fashion school to running her own brand, tackling size inclusivity, and navigating the not-so-glamorous world of tariffs. Oge shares how sewing helped her find her voice and why joy is stitched into every design. Plus, they spill the details on her upcoming sewing class and how you can support small businesses. Tune in for style, inspiration, and plenty of laughs! ===== Where You Can Find Oge! Ogeajibe.com Oge's Instagram ===== ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Instagram: Lisa Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork Ready to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you! ====== Stay Connected: YouTube: Black Women Stitch Instagram: Black Women Stitch Facebook: Stitch Please Podcast -- Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store

This week on "Stitch Please", Lisa is back with the amazing Cookie Washington—master quilter, culture keeper, and creative force! From sewing Barbie dresses as a kid to making history with her stunning textile art, Cookie stitches Black heritage into every piece. They chat Smithsonian collabs, breathtaking Black mermaid exhibits, and "Project 112", which transforms textile waste into treasured keepsakes. It’s a convo full of inspiration, creativity, and a little fabric magic—don’t miss it! ===== Where You Can Catch Up With Cookie! https://www.cookiesewsquilts.com/ ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Instagram: Lisa Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork Ready to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you! ====== Stay Connected: YouTube: Black Women Stitch Instagram: Black Women Stitch Facebook: Stitch Please Podcast -- Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store Mentioned in this episode: Stitch Betta Have My Money Cold Open

This week on "Sitch Please", Lisa chats with Shimere Ballou! Shimere takes us on a sewing journey that started at age 11 with a vintage machine and a love for its unique smell. The ladies talk about the difference between sewing with measurements vs. patterns and the importance of mastering the basics first. Shimere also shares her killer style, mixing masculine and feminine vibes, and her obsession with fall fashion and layering. Plus, her tip to always iron as you go to make your pieces pop! ===== Stitch Betta Have My Money Fundraiser ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Instagram: Lisa Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork Ready to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you! ====== Stay Connected: YouTube: Black Women Stitch Instagram: Black Women Stitch Facebook: Stitch Please Podcast -- Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store Mentioned in this episode: Stitch Betta Have My Money Cold Open

This week on "Stitch Please", In Part 1 of this discussion, Lisa gets stitchin’ with the fabulous Cookie Washington—master quilter, culture keeper, and all-around creative powerhouse! From sewing tiny Barbie dresses as a kid to making history with her stunning textile art, Cookie shares how she weaves Black heritage into every stitch. The two dive into everything from her Smithsonian collaborations to her mesmerizing Black mermaid exhibits, plus her latest project, "Project 112", which turns textile waste into meaningful keepsakes. Get ready for a convo packed with inspiration, creativity, and a little fabric magic—you won’t want to miss it! ===== Where You Can Catch Up With Cookie! https://www.cookiesewsquilts.com/ ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Instagram: Lisa Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork Ready to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you! ====== Stay Connected: YouTube: Black Women Stitch Instagram: Black Women Stitch Facebook: Stitch Please Podcast -- Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store Mentioned in this episode: Stitch Betta Have My Money Cold Open

This week on "Stitch Please", Lisa dives into the drama of Joann Fabrics’ bankruptcy! She unpacks the company's history, what its financial troubles mean for crafters, and how concepts like the WARN Act and stalking horse bids come into play. Plus, a nostalgic look at Joann’s role in the sewing world—because let’s be real, we all have memories in those aisles! ===== Stitch Betta Have My Money Fundraiser ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Instagram: Lisa Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork ====== Stay Connected: YouTube: Black Women Stitch Instagram: Black Women Stitch Facebook: Stitch Please Podcast -- Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store