A podcast about what inspires the sewing and quilting community.

In this episode of the Sew & So Podcast, we meet Meg McElwee and her husband Patrick—co-founders of Sew Liberated in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. What began in a drafty house on an unnamed street in rural Mexico has grown into one of the most beloved garment-sewing education brands today. Meg shares how her mother and Mexican family heritage shaped her creativity, how a suitcase of fabric launched a business, and how their mission evolved into helping people reclaim creativity, body dignity, and mindfulness through sewing. The couple also discusses raising three creative kids, building a supportive team, developing their popular courses, and the profound impact of their son Lachlan’s early health challenges—an experience that reshaped Meg’s personal manifesto and their approach to the business. Filled with warmth, honesty, and inspiration, this conversation shows how sewing can become an act of rebellion, healing, and profound joy.

Jessica Cronin joins us for a rich conversation about costume design, personal identity, and the power of clothing as communication. From her early sewing inspirations to navigating scoliosis surgery as a young dancer, Jessica’s journey is layered with resilience and creativity. She breaks down historical sewing techniques, the complexities of fast fashion, and the less-glamorous realities behind costume work—while sharing stories from her expansive portfolio across film, television, and theater. Jessica also explores why younger generations may be stepping away from craft traditions, how mobility influences her career, and what she’s dreaming up next. Her thoughtful reflections invite listeners to see clothing not only as adornment, but as narrative.

In this episode of the Sew & So Podcast, we meet William Daniels, an award-winning textile and quilt artist whose work blends fine art, philosophy, and social reflection. From altering jeans at age 12 to pursuing a PhD in Art Theory and Aesthetics, William shares how his creative journey evolved, what inspires his distinctive style, and why camaraderie within the quilting community means so much to him. He discusses the “voice of the quilt,” the role of astronomy in his art, and how he weaves meaning and humanity into every stitch.

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.

In this episode of the Sew & So podcast, we sit down with Maddy Ballard—sewist, journalist, and author of Patchwork: A Sewist’s Diary. Born in the U.S. and raised in New Zealand, Maddy’s creative journey has been shaped by her diverse heritage and global experiences. From learning to sew during the pandemic to weaving her skills into a thoughtful book, Maddy shares how sewing provides comfort, self-expression, and a sense of future possibility. She talks about sustainability, the magic of remaking, her journalism career, and how she balances her many creative passions.

In this episode of the Sew & So Podcast, we sit down with Thadine Wormly—quilter, artist, designer, and proud mother of four. Originally from Brooklyn and later Queens, Thadine’s journey with fabric began in childhood when she learned to sew, crochet, and knit from her mother. After moving to Miami, her passion was nurtured in Home Economics classes, and later at the Barbizon Modeling School, where she often designed and created her own outfits for the runway.

Project Runway Season 21 brought fresh talent, bold designs, and high-pressure challenges to Bravo’s long-running, Emmy-winning fashion design competition. At the heart of it all were the BERNINA and bernette machines—and the skilled BERNINA team who supported contestants as they raced against the clock to bring their visions to life.

In this episode of Sew & So, we welcome artist, educator, and storyteller TaMara Howard of Folk Quilts, whose quilts weave together heritage, innovation, and identity. Inspired by her great-grandmother’s stories, TaMara has grown from self-taught beginnings to becoming an award-winning quilter with work in museum collections nationwide. Joining her is Deanna Springer, co-founder of the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show, who shares how TaMara became part of this year’s featured lineup. Together, they discuss quilting as a cultural statement, a creative outlet, and a bridge between past and future—while giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming Great Wisconsin Quilt Show.

Phyllis is the author of Quilt of Souls, a powerful and deeply personal memoir that has touched readers across the country.

Born in the Detroit and raised by her grandmother Lula in rural Alabama, Phyllis found herself immersed in a world of deep wisdom, quiet strength, and generational resilience. It was there, surrounded by women who stitched their pain, perseverance, and history into quilts, that Phyllis discovered healing—and the true meaning of family.

In this inspiring and comprehensive behind-the-scenes episode, we bring you directly into the heart of BERNINA University 2025 — a celebration of creativity, community, and innovation, held this year in Salt Lake City, Utah as the Sew & So Podcast marks our fourth annual visit to BU!