Becky Peelen – A lifetime of making memories…and now she’s retiring
About this episode
Becky Peelen reflects on her 37-year career in custom garment creation and the relationships that shaped her journey.
After 37 years of serving the Milwaukee community through custom garment creation, educator and artist Becky Peelen joins Sew & So to reflect on a remarkable career and the relationships that made it meaningful. Becky traces her sewing roots back to rural Wisconsin, where she learned at her mother's side and made her first garments from flour-sack fabric. What began as a childhood skill quickly became a lifelong calling. From sewing her own clothes in junior high to creating bridal gowns in college, Becky never questioned that sewing would be part of her future. A graduate of Alverno College with degrees in art and education, Becky built parallel careers as a teacher and seamstress. She shares how her artistic training shaped her approach to garment design and why creativity remains essential to the human experience. Becky also recounts the transformative influence of master instructor Harriet Sherbach, whose insistence on precision and excellence elevated Becky's craftsmanship and helped define the quality standards that became the hallmark of her business. Throughout the conversation, Becky reflects on opening Becky's Custom Sewing & Design Shoppe in 1988 and the countless…
People in this episode
Guest: Becky Peelen
Topics covered
- sewing
- custom garment creation
- community impact
- art education
- career reflection
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Becky's Custom Sewing & Design Shoppe, Alverno College
Places: Milwaukee, rural Wisconsin
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