Episode 46: Linnca Stevens & The Sewing Labs- Sewing for a Better Tomorrow

Linnca Stevens is the co-founder of The Sewing Labs – a non-profit in Kansas City, MO whose mission is to create a community and teach sewing toward employment, entrepreneurship, and enrichment.

Hear Linnca’s biographical journey toward where she is today and why she started the Sewing Labs.

Her grandmother Margaret, a Swedish immigrant taught her to sew and as a young child, Linnca was eager to learn! Enjoying making several types of garments, she works with mixed fabrics and recently created a jacket out of KC Chiefs t-shirts and even a Dolly Parton quilt.

Linnca believes that sewing is a universal language and that it’s a great equalizer. Her explain this belief. Sewing is also a survival skill for her, she describes how the flow through her hands settles her.

She founded the Sewing Labs with two others who she knew for many years when they all saw how sewing can rise people up. She explains that their classes are open to all, and their workforce development program teaches sewing, industrial sewing machine operators and they partner with businesses in the community to place people into jobs. She then shares stories of a few people who have turned their lives around through the Sewing Labs’ program. In total…they have 200+ people per year complete their program.

Linnca talks about the overall impact that sewing has on our overall economy – basically the majority of the items we touch and use every day. She adds that sewing doesn’t get the respect that other skills/professions get and that it should be raised up to that level if one is an amazing sewist. Hear her passion for working on the respect and recognition that sewing deserves.

Linnca then reaches out to the clothing and fashion houses and challenges them to become more intimately involved with sewists and not take them for granted.

During the pandemic, sewing grew. Linnca addresses this benefit and tells her ideas for keeping this momentum going. Volunteer KC is a current recipient of this redoubled efforts. She Talks about the “Sewcials” they host locally to perpetuate this effort.

When asked about her dream – she replies that she’s currently living it. Hear more! She also gives props to her sister and her team for their work and emphasizes community to raise each other up!

You can call Linnca for more information at 816-888-3051 or email her at Linnca@thesewinglabs.community. She and the Sewing Labs can also be found in Instagram and Facebook. Tell her you heard her story on Sew & So!

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