Why I Sew

Let's celebrate the beauty and artistry of stitching, one thread at a time. This episode features Kate Johnson, a blogger and creative genius behind YOU TOO MORE, a delightful space where she shares her love for all things cross-stitch and quirky. Join us as we unravel the threads of Kate's stitching journey, explore her creative process, and dive into the joyous cross-stitch world. Kate is an extraordinary individual who has found her true calling in the art of stitching. With a needle in hand and a thread full of creativity, she has immersed herself in the enchanting world of cross-stitch. But how did she stumble upon this captivating craft? After years of exploring various artistic pursuits, Kate unexpectedly tripped and face-planted into the cross-stitch world. And from that moment on, she was hooked! Prepare to be inspired, entertained, and perhaps even motivated to pick up a needle and thread yourself! Cross-Stitch Resources Check out our cross-stitch resources and grab some products that will have you stitching successfully from the start: https://sulky.com/makers-lounge-handwork/ Connect with Kate: Website: linktr.ee/youtoomore Instagram: instagram.com/youtoomore/?hl=en "Everybody has a different technique, a different style, a different way of finishing things, or how they store things like threads, how they manage their color, just a whole bunch of different things. Everybody has a different method to their madness. And I love that I like seeing that I'm constantly inspired. I'm constantly rearranging my stash of supplies to find out what works best for me."

We have the pleasure of sitting with the incredibly talented and multi-passionate artist Debbie Hodge. Debbie is the founder of Stitched Stories, a creative business that combines her love for embroidery, writing, and storytelling. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind Debbie's unique approach to combining crafts and storytelling and how she continues to inspire and engage with her audience through Stitched Stories. Whether you're a seasoned artist or someone looking to explore new creative frontiers, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiring anecdotes! [01:17] Crafting Chronicles: A Journey Through Passion and Stitching [12:34] Artistic Adventures: Exploring Mixed Media and Embroidery Puzzles [17:32] Embroidery Adventures: Debbie’s Tools, Techniques, and Inspirations [24:49] Creative Explorations: From Teaching to Designing, Finding The Path in Sewing" [28:43] From Stitches to Stories: The Intersection of Sewing, Scrapbooking, and Writing [32:51] Crafting a Creative Renaissance: The Rise of Handmade and the Human Touch Connect with Debbie: https://shop.stitchedstories.comhttps://www.instagram.com/stitchedstories.embroidery/https://www.facebook.com/stitchedstories.embroideryhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCypBxI-zbioAFULI2bxoelQhttps://www.pinterest.com/stitchedstories/ "There is a real sense of moving back to something more creative with your hands and mind."

Valori Wells is a professional quilter, author, fabric and pattern designer, painter and photographer. She was born into and raised surrounded by fabric from birth by her loving and creative mother. She has been designing fabrics for about twenty years, and her products can be found all over the world. She has written a total of twelve books, nine alongside her mother and three by herself. Join us as we talk about Valori’s younger self, her first exposure to sewing, the balance between professional and personal life, hand-carved blocks, building connections in the community and more. [02.30] Younger self – Starting the conversation, Valori shares a brief bio about herself and the journey she took to decide she wanted to design fabric. [07.42] First exposure – How Valori absorbed fabric her entire life without even realizing it [15.11] The balance – The importance of balancing professional life and personal life [20.57] Hand-carved blocks – Valori shares how she fell in love with block printing and the Japanese block printing tools she uses. [28.06] Favorite tools – Valori’s favorite tools in her sewing room [35.33] Creating Connection – We dive into how Valori and her mom started doing virtual classes during the COVID-19 period to build a community connection. [42.17] Open-minded people – Valori explains why she thinks she has the most amazing people in the industry. [50.00] The satisfaction – It’s not always about the destination but the journey. What you're doing at the moment brings all the bliss. Connect with Valori

Reen Wilcoxson is the talented owner of Embroidery Garden. Reen is a passionate entrepreneur and expert in machine embroidery, specializing in captivating in-the-hoop designs. With over 20 years of experience, she has carved her niche in the sewing world, creating remarkable 3D products like bags, purses and wallets. Join us as we delve into Reen's world and explore the captivating realm of machine embroidery and beyond. [01:03] Reen's Journey – Reen traces her transformative journey from her earliest sewing memories to her current pursuits. [23:02] Favorite Items - Reen mentions the essential items or tools she considers indispensable in her sewing endeavors. [28:03] Transformative Power of Sewing – We discuss how sewing has provided Reen with opportunities in her life. [31:54] Sewing "Bucket List" Items - Reen's sewing aspirations beyond machine embroidery. [39:54] Beyond Materials - How sewing evokes emotions of accomplishment and pride in Reen's journey. Connect with Reen: linkedin.com/in/reen-wilcoxson-1948248a/

Melissa Mora of Melly Sews is a pattern designer, author and sewing blogger. She designs fabric for Riley Blake and her "Learn to Sew" posts with easy-to-follow instructions are timeless. Listen and learn more about her journey in the sewing world. Author of Sundressing, Melissa spent 12 years in the classroom as a high school theatre teacher before leaving to become a full time sewing writer and pattern designer. Now she claims the entire internet as her classroom. She is also the co-editor of and contributor to the book Sew Place Like Home, a collection of stories for those who love sewing. Her fabric line, Idle Wild, launched with Riley Blake fabrics in fall 2015, and sewing patterns from her brand Blank Slate Patterns are carried in Joann stores nationwide. Melissa blogs at Melly Sews, where she gets to combine her love of sewing, teaching and writing in one creative place. A native Texan, Melissa lives in Austin with her family. Find Melissa: Website: mellysews.comSocial: @mellysews

Karie Jewell is a pattern designer and quilter. She has over 30 years of experience in quilting. She first started sewing with her mother and grandmother when she was 14 and started her own company with a friend in 2001. Listen as she shares her most precious memories of sewing, the specialty of handmade gifts, her business partner, her love language, and more. [01.36] Karie’s background – Starting the conversation, Karie shares a brief bio about herself, her career journey, and why she loves hand quilting so much. [08.07] EPP – Karie explains English paper piecing and how it works. [11.03] The first memory – Karie dives into her first memory of sewing with her grandmother. [23.03] Handmade gifts – We talk about the specialty of giving handmade gifts to someone. [28.10] Business Partner – Karie talks about her friend with whom she started her business. [35.06] Favorite people – We talk about Karie’s favorite people and how they helped her pursue her career. [42.02] Machine embroidery – Karie shares why she has never done machine embroidery. [47.20] Spreading Love – At the end of today’s conversation, Karie shares how she gives love to people with everything she sews for them. Grab Karie's "Orange Jewell-ious" Quilt Pattern: https://sulky.com/orange-jewellious-quilt-digital-pattern Connect with Karie:

Liesl Gisbon is a pattern designer and the designer behind Oliver + S and Liesl + Co. She used to design clothing for large companies like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. She started her own business, Oliver + S, in 2008. Liesl + Co. is a line of patterns for women’s clothing that features all the details you expect from the very best independent patterns. Liesl is also the author of Oliver + S: Little Things to Sew. She chats about her career between fashion and craft, starting her own business, being a minimalist, the satisfaction of being a teacher and more. [00.43] Liesl’s background – We start the conversation with a brief bio about Liesl, including her educational background and her career journey. [04.15] Fashion and craft – Liesl explains why she built her career between fashion and craft. [13.55] Own business – Liesl shares why she decided to start her own business. [19.29] Creating something – We talk about what Liesl likes to sew if she has spare time. [22.35] A minimalist – Liesl shares why she likes being a minimalist and her favorite tools when it comes to sewing. [27.51] Sewing personalities – We talk about Liesl’s the two people who influenced her the most in the industry. [35.06] Satisfaction – Liesl shares why she likes being a teacher more than a pattern designer. Connect with Liesl: Website - lieslandco.com/ oliverands.com/ Instagram - instagram.com/lieslgibson/

Ellen March is the Director of Content for Sulky, hosting weekly videos, monthly webcasts and videocasts and developing projects and products to inspire creativity. Learn about Ellen's sewing journey and how she made a career out of doing what she loves. Find Ellen: sewingonline.sulky.comFacebook Instagram@sulkythreadBlog

Karlee Porter is an award-winning quilter and the creator of “Graffiti Quilting: A Simple Guide to Complex.” Her mission is to help new people navigate the quilting world, take opportunities, and create something special. She shares her journey in quilting, her favorite tools and books, and more. [01.47] Memories of sewing – Starting the conversation, Karlee shares her first memories of sewing with her grandmother when she was a child. [12.05] Learning quilt – Karlee shares her reasons behind learning to quilt. [20.44] Graffiti quilting – We dive into how Karlee came up with the name ‘Graffiti Quilting’ for her book. [27.50] Favorite tools – Karlee shares her favorite tools she uses for machine quilting. [38.06] Honest fabric – Karlee shares how honestfabric.com introduces new people to the industry and makes connections between quilters and non-quilters. [47.15] Helping other people – We talk about how Karlee always finds it interesting to help other people. Connect with Karlee Hand Lettered Quilting: A Union of Text & Textile Bookhttps://sulky.com/hand-lettered-quilting-a-union-of-text-textile-karlee-porter

Sue Hausmann has been sewing since her first 4-H project at the age of 10 and she has been inspired and mentored by neighbors, friends and work colleagues all her life. Her proficiency in this art resulted naturally from a lifetime of sewing for herself, and her home, her four children, and now ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Her enthusiasm for sharing the life-skill of sewing and quilting with others is her passion, and for more than 50 years her profession focused on sewing education. Now “retired” Sue and her husband Herb occasionally present programs and share their expertise at Edutainment and Teaching and she presents programs for her local ASG and Quilt Guild. Her focus is to “give the gift of sewing” with handmade quilts, clothing and more for those she loves, teaching others to sew and creating things for herself and her home. Before retirement Sue was Executive Vice President of Consumer Motivation for a Husqvarna Viking sewing machines and was responsible for the Education and Training programs and was part of the new product development and written material teams in Sweden. She has produced and hosted more than 600 public broadcasting programs and has 33 books to her credit including Sew Fast, Faster, Fastest, published by Rodale Press. She was Executive Producer of the America Sews with Sue Hausmann, America Quilts creatively and Sew Young, Sew Fun Public Television series. Sue received the 2002 American Sewing Guild “Sewing Hall of Fame Award”, the 2007 “Master CSE award from the Sewing Education Alliance” and was inducted into the Sewing Machine Hall of Fame in 2012. She has taped classes for Sulky and Craftsy which are available for purchase on their web sites. She is also enjoying working with the pre-schoolers at Grace Church, Sahuarita and having more time to sew for family and to teach others to sew. Sue attributes much of her success to the encouragement and support of her husband of 62 years, Herb, and is thrilled he joins her in the mission of sharing the joy of sewing and quilting and the joy of life! Sue's Favorite Things: Connect with Sue: Facebook: Sue Hausmann Sewing Life

Amy Barickman is the founder of Indygo Junction, a pattern company, featuring designs for home and fashion. She's the author of the best-seller, Vintage Notions and loves to discover vintage textile and needle arts treasures. Amy grew up immersed in the sewing and crafting business, spending hours at her mother's creative arts retail store working and watching the business evolve along with the trends. The seeds of entrepreneurship took root in Amy, and she started her business designing and marketing collectible teddy bears while still in high school. After graduating from the University of Kansas with a degree in art and design, Amy founded Indygo Junction in 1990 to publish and market sewing books and patterns and to showcase the work of leading designers. Amy’s knack for anticipating popular trends has led her to discover more than 45 innovative artists and designers. Over her years in our industry, Amy has: sold nearly three million book and pattern titleslicensed craft kits and fabric linespublished over 80 books that have sold at stores throughout the U.S. and internationally. Amy, an avid collector, has one of the largest archives of vintage fashion and sewing books, images, and ephemera in the United States. This vintage collection is inspiration for many of Amy's modern patterns. Amy’s research into sewing history led her to discover her muse, Mary Brooks Picken, the founder of The Woman’s Institute of Domestic Arts & Science who was a fashion and sewing authority in the early 20th century. Amy realized she was compelled to share Picken’s timeless work with modern audiences. That dream was brought to fruition when Amy published Amy Barickman's Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion and Fun. Vintage Notions is a treasury of the best lessons and domestic arts wisdom from Mary and The Woman’s Institute. Amy recently had the opportunity to sell Indygo Junction to Prym Consumer USA, makers of Dritz® and Omnigrid® products. This change offered Amy the ability to focus on her passion for vintage made modern style creating content and products featured on AmyBarickman.com. She recently produced a series of online courses, showcasing the history of handmade which are focused on specific vintage textiles and notions. Themes range from Redwork Embroidery to Pearl Buttons, visit VintageModernMakers.com to see her Primer Courses. Amy has also jumped back into the pattern business, with a new format that includes access to online Bonus Video Content and Look Books to inspire the maker. 2023 has offered Amy another brand to build. ABCreative is her new joint venture with Colonial Patterns makers of Aunt Martha’s Hot Iron Transfers. Her initial product launch is Treasured Threadz™, a series of fabric panels based on her collection of vintage art and textiles created specifically for upcycling with patchwork appliqué and small projects. Amy encourages the use of thrifted fabrics and embellishing favorites from your closet. Her signature technique for Fusible Patch Applique includes ideas for adding hand quilting and embroidery accents to her Treasured Threadz™ panels. Be sure to visit her blog to see her latest creative adventures! Find Amy: Website: amybarickman.comVintage Made Modern Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/amybarickmansvintagemademodern/@amybarickman_studio@amybarickman Check out Amy's Sulky Thread collections: Amy Barickman Designer Boutiqué - https://sulky.com/amy-barickman/

Learn all about Barbara Emodi, an incredible sewist who has made her own clothes since she was twelve. Barbara has had a fascinating double life. While working as a journalist, public relations professional, political communicator, and radio commentator in her public life, she has also pursued her passion for sewing and teaching sewing classes in Canada, the US, and Australia in her private life. As an experienced sewist, Barbara is particularly interested in solving construction puzzles and writing about the process. She has a long-running sewing blog and has published books about sewing, sharing her knowledge and expertise with others. Join us as we delve into Barbara's unique journey and learn more about the art and science of sewing. [00:39] Introduction - Barbara recounts her upbringing, how she learned to sew, and how it has become an integral part of her life. [08:00] From Zero to Sew - Advice for first-time garment makers [09:31] Tools and Techniques – We discuss common problems experienced sewers may encounter while making garments and how these can be solved with tools and notions. Also, Barbara shares her preferred weights of thread for topstitching garments. [12:43] Writing About Sewing - Barbara's transition from sewing as a hobby to writing instructional content about sewing, including the target audience for her instructional writings, the source of her sewing techniques, and tips. [23:02] Barbara's Book – We cover Barbara's motivations for writing her book, Crafting for Murder: A Gasper's Cove Cozy Mystery. [27:08] Passion and Inspiration - Barbara shares what draws her to sewing and the people who significantly impacted her journey. Connect with Barbara: Mentioned in the episode: https://amzn.to/40avrd6 The above links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links Sulky may receive a commission.

Rae Cumbie is Creative Director at Fit for Art Patterns whose four core patterns yield one great wardrobe! Her coaching, blog posts, online classes, retreats, Threads articles and Sew News fitting column encourages stitchers to sew successfully: adding fun, comfortable, fabulously fitting, artful and creative additions to their wardrobe. Learn why SHE sews and get inspired to create a fabulous garment that fits and flatters your body type. Find Rae: Blog: Sew! Let’s Get Dressed at fitforartpatterns.com

Eileen Roche is the founder and creative visionary behind Designs in Machine Embroidery, focused on inspiring and educating readers on all aspects of machine embroidery. Eileen’s talent, creativity and enthusiasm distinguish her from others in the industry and are the driving force behind the company’s success. Many have been clamoring for more, more, and more inspiration and information on machine embroidery. That’s how Eileen’s Machine Embroidery Blog began. Find Eileen & Designs in Machine Embroidery: BlogWebsite

Born into a very artsy home, Elizabeth found the quilting world around age 28. She continued to quilt and learn and in 2009, opened her own cottage business. Elizabeth thought she'd focus "mostly" on making T-shirt quilts. But Elizabeth Beck Quilts quickly grew into much more than that. She met a refugee in 2017 who had been creating and constructing wedding dresses in Damascus, Syria. They began working together, which led her to more and more refugee women who had such amazing sewing skills and wild survival stories. Soon after, she decided to pivot her business and change the mission. Tandem Quilting Co. grew as a place where people worked "together" like a tandem bike. They are a humble, apartment-based company where each woman is able to work out of her home, therefore eliminating the need for childcare or a car. Elizabeth travels to them, they drink tea while discussing the next project, communicating with google translate if needed. The women are such a joy and work very hard. They now employ 8 women who are originally from Burma, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Tandem Quilting Co strives to employ, empower and encourage local women with global roots. They have two main hashtags: #bettertogether and #everystorymatters Instagram: tandemquiltingco Facebook: Tandem Quilting Co. Website: www.tandemquiltingco.com Elizabeth's Favorite Notions: seam ripper ( of course!), knit picker (to hide knots on quilts), Fabric sheets for InkJet Printers and always Sulky Thread!

Jennifer Tryon spent 20 years as a television news reporter, covering some of the most important moments in recent history. But nothing felt as good as making. So her two worlds merged. She regularly appears as the DIY expert on Global TV’s The Morning Show, create during Craft & Sewing events on TSC in Canada and HSN in the US. Learn why she loves to sew and what keeps her going. Find Jennifer: Websitehttps://homemade.ca/Bloghttps://homemade.ca/blog/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/jennifer_tryon/Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/jennifer.tryon.56

Embroidery Expert Zandra Shaw, of the Embroider Shoppe, focuses on a variety of techniques that include organza, appliqué, lace, patches, and 3D flower embroidery. Her philosophy: “Don’t hoop yourself in! There is life beyond the small hoop.” Find Zandra: embroidershoppe.comHexis in the Hoop@Embroidershoppe@embroidershoppe1@embroidershoppe

Abby Glassenberg co-founded Craft Industry Alliance and now serves as its president. She’s a sewing pattern designer, teacher and journalist. She has created an outstanding trade association for the crafts industry. Abby lives with her family in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Find Abby Craft Industry Alliance "I enjoy English Paper Piecing, and of course sewing stuffed animals and dolls with fleece. Hemostats are my favorite sewing tool of all time!"

Dale Allen-Rowse, a.k.a the Quilting Cowboy, has been quilting since the birth of his niece in 1999 when he first taught himself how to make baby quilts on a tour bus for a ballet company. Ever since, Dale has been sewing up a storm. Learn more about his journey in the sewing world and what keeps him going. In 2009 Dale enrolled in college for Graphic Design to better his color theory, graphic design and computer skills. What he learned through a formal education really launched his creativity and enabled him to put to use graphic design skills in his work. Dale’s quilts have appeared in the Ontario Museum of History & Art, the current issue of Las Vegas Night Beat where he’s the feature cover story, numerous quilt shows around Southern California and most recently was asked to submit his work to be considered as set design for NBC's Making It, starring Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. FROM DALE: People have asked me why 'Quilting Cowboy’ as my brand? I guess it’s because I feel the most comfortable in my cowboy boots, a baseball cap and a flannel shirt... But, if I’m completely honest, it really began like this: The day my first marriage ended I had really no where to go so I got in the car and drove and drove. Eventually I found myself dreary eyed and exhausted on every level from all that had passed, not just that day, but for years. At that moment I felt lost and yet somehow found. The weight of that relationship falling off my shoulders and nothing but opportunity ahead. A mix of emotions I had not previously known. When I finally stopped driving, I got out to assess where I was. In front of me was a Feed, Bait and Tackle Shop where I saw this incredible pair of cowboy boots. I tried them on and they felt like home. Ever since then, I have worn these same boots almost every day. They are an expression and a reminder to always remain true to who I am. This sentiment is also reflected in my logo, the sewing needles and pins represent my North Star which is creativity and joy. Find Dale: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuiltingCowboy/ Website: http://quiltingcowboy.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/QuiltingCowboy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quiltingcowboy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@userquiltingcowboy Tumblr: https://quiltingcowboy.tumblr.com/aboutauthor

Martha Pullen is a legendary teacher in the sewing world. Her devoted students became loyal customers because she made them believe they could do anything - even the most intricate and delicate heirloom sewing technique. Martha started Sew Beautiful, a bi-monthly magazine that brought new awareness of top designers to the sewing market. In print for more than 30 years, this magazine was a staple in the homes of sewists who loved to make beautiful garments. Many designers got their start in the pages of Sew Beautiful and launched successful design businesses. Her television show, Martha’s Sewing Room, was well received by the PBS audience, and it aired in all 50 states and Canada for 17 years. It was even translated into Japanese, making Martha Pullen a household name in sewing internationally. In 2014, she wrote her business book, G.R.A.C.E, Keys to Entrepreneurship. She's as passionate about sharing her business knowledge and expertise as she ever was about teaching her heirloom sewing techniques. Martha Pullen has received many honors and accolades throughout her life. And most recently, the Alabama Department of History has mounted an exhibit devoted to Martha Pullen’s lifetime of work. The Alabama Museum of Archives and History is located in the Capital and the Martha Pullen Exhibition will be open to the public sometime in 2022. When asked what’s next for her, Martha indicated there is a whole new chapter coming. She said, “It’s going to be a whole new Martha Campbell Pullen, and I think people will be surprised. I love learning almost as much as I love teaching, and it feels like technology has finally caught up with my desire to teach everybody in the world." FIND MARTHA Rockstar Sewing Facebook "I'm in love with Sulky Thread, I've always used it. It has the most beautiful sheen to it." ~ Martha Pullen