A podcast about what inspires the sewing and quilting community.

In this heartwarming, family-themed episode of Sew & So, we welcome sisters, award-winning quilters, and lifelong collaborators Sue Nickels and Pat Holly. With more than four decades of quilting experience between them, these two legends share not only their creative journey but the deeply personal story of how quilting became a family affair. This episode is full of memories, milestones, and a few never-before-told secrets.

From sewing Troll doll clothes as kids on their shared sewing machine, to crafting miniature masterpieces and the celebrated Beatles Quilt, Pat and Sue invite us into their world of fabric, family, and friendship. You'll hear about their early influences—including their grandmother and quilting trailblazers like Jinny Beyer and Harriet Hargrave—plus how they embraced machine quilting before it was mainstream.

They reflect on the evolution of their artistry, the founding of quilt guilds and retreats, their role as original BERNINA Ambassadors, and the upcoming 2025 special exhibit The Two of Us at Quilt Week Paducah, which features interactive QR codes. Pat’s miniature quilts, and of course, the iconic Beatles Quilt will also be on display.

With humor, humility, and a whole lot of heart, Pat and Sue talk about what it means to create, collaborate, and inspire—together.

In this episode, we’re joined by Beth Donaldson—quiltmaker, author, and Associate Director of The Quilt Index, an online archive preserving the stories and artistry of quilts. From making her first quilt in 1974 to helping build a digital archive with over 96,000 quilt entries, Beth shares her fascinating journey through quilt guilds, retreats, and academia. She also reveals how Rosa Parks and Susan B. Anthony are tied to quilting, what makes the Quilt Index unique, and how listeners can contribute to this remarkable living history. It’s a deep dive into the fabric of quilting’s past, present, and future.

From Broadway to the sewing machine, Harvey Fierstein has never been afraid to say “yes” to life’s adventures. In this heartwarming and engaging episode of Sew & So, the legendary actor, playwright, and quilter takes us on a journey through his artistic beginnings, his love for storytelling (in fabric and on stage), and the surprising ways sewing has shaped his creative world. He shares behind-the-scenes stories, reflects on the importance of family—both biological and chosen—and offers insight into the philosophy that’s guided his extraordinary career.

A small gathering of women from BERNINA dealerships across the country had come together, as they do each year, to share stories, sewing tips, and business ideas—all while strengthening the bonds that make this community feel like family.

In this special episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with four groups of remarkable women to learn more about their journeys, their businesses, and their dreams for the future. Their passion and camaraderie are truly what make BERNINA more than just a brand—it’s a family.

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

 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.