A podcast about what inspires the sewing and quilting community.

 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.

In this inspiring episode, we welcome Lina Owen, founder of BlueBelle Designs and co-owner of Quilting with Latinas. Born and raised in Colombia, Lina came to the United States in 2006, having studied International Business in Bogotá. She discovered quilting through her mother-in-law and YouTube tutorials, and in just four years, she has honed her craft and made a significant impact in the quilting world.

Join us for an energetic and inspiring conversation with Lynn Schmitt, the fearless owner of A Different Box of Crayons in Glen Ellyn, IL. Discover how her journey from commercial interior designer to pattern and quilt kit creator took unexpected twists. Learn how Lynn's bold approach to art and design has led her to embrace innovation and take risks in the world of quilting—proof that there's no limit to where creativity can take you.

You’re about to join us for a very special conversation we recorded in-person in Madison, WI at the 20th anniversary of the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show! In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome back Deanna Springer a close collaborator with the legendary Nancy Zieman, co-founding Nancy Zieman Productions in 2007.