Take Notes, Boo:  Insights from Garland Hayes-Soto

Take Notes, Boo: Insights from Garland Hayes-Soto

From Stitch Please by Lisa Woolfork

May 27, 2026 · 34 min · Episode 302

About this episode

Lisa Woolfork interviews couture designer Garland Hayes-Soto about his journey in sewing and fashion education.

On this episode of Stitch Please , Lisa sits down with couture designer and sewing educator Garland Hayes-Soto a man who went from singing in church plays and serving prom looks to sewing custom wedding gowns and teaching the next generation how to stitch with confidence. Garland shares how one hand sewn prom vest changed his whole career path, what it was like learning fashion in Hollywood while working at Universal Studios, and why sewing students need to stop showing up to class empty handed and TAKE NOTES, BOO . From quick change costume chaos to couture gowns that almost didn’t happen, this episode is funny, inspiring, and full of real talk about creativity, confidence, and finding your lane in a space that wasn’t always welcoming. ===== Hosted By: Dr. Lisa Woolfork Senior Producer: Krystal Hill Producer: Mike Bryant ===== Where You Can Find Garland! ===== ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also…

People in this episode

Host: Lisa Woolfork

Guest: Garland Hayes-Soto

Topics covered

  • sewing education
  • creativity
  • confidence
  • fashion design
  • Black women in crafts

Keywords

  • sewing
  • fashion
  • education
  • creativity
  • Black women
  • couture
  • confidence

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Black Women Stitch

Places: Charlottesville, Virginia

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