Why I Sew

Let's celebrate the beauty and artistry of stitching, one thread at a time. This episode features Kate Johnson, a blogger and creative genius behind YOU TOO MORE, a delightful space where she shares her love for all things cross-stitch and quirky. Join us as we unravel the threads of Kate's stitching journey, explore her creative process, and dive into the joyous cross-stitch world. Kate is an extraordinary individual who has found her true calling in the art of stitching. With a needle in hand and a thread full of creativity, she has immersed herself in the enchanting world of cross-stitch. But how did she stumble upon this captivating craft? After years of exploring various artistic pursuits, Kate unexpectedly tripped and face-planted into the cross-stitch world. And from that moment on, she was hooked! Prepare to be inspired, entertained, and perhaps even motivated to pick up a needle and thread yourself! Cross-Stitch Resources Check out our cross-stitch resources and grab some products that will have you stitching successfully from the start: https://sulky.com/makers-lounge-handwork/ Connect with Kate: Website: linktr.ee/youtoomore Instagram: instagram.com/youtoomore/?hl=en   "Everybody has a different technique, a different style, a different way of finishing things, or how they store things like threads, how they manage their color, just a whole bunch of different things. Everybody has a different method to their madness. And I love that I like seeing that I'm constantly inspired. I'm constantly rearranging my stash of supplies to find out what works best for me."

Valori Wells is a professional quilter, author, fabric and pattern designer, painter and photographer. She was born into and raised surrounded by fabric from birth by her loving and creative mother. She has been designing fabrics for about twenty years, and her products can be found all over the world. She has written a total of twelve books, nine alongside her mother and three by herself. Join us as we talk about Valori’s younger self, her first exposure to sewing, the balance between professional and personal life, hand-carved blocks, building connections in the community and more. [02.30] Younger self – Starting the conversation, Valori shares a brief bio about herself and the journey she took to decide she wanted to design fabric. [07.42] First exposure – How Valori absorbed fabric her entire life without even realizing it [15.11] The balance – The importance of balancing professional life and personal life [20.57] Hand-carved blocks – Valori shares how she fell in love with block printing and the Japanese block printing tools she uses. [28.06] Favorite tools – Valori’s favorite tools in her sewing room [35.33] Creating Connection – We dive into how Valori and her mom started doing virtual classes during the COVID-19 period to build a community connection. [42.17] Open-minded people – Valori explains why she thinks she has the most amazing people in the industry. [50.00] The satisfaction – It’s not always about the destination but the journey. What you're doing at the moment brings all the bliss. Connect with Valori Twitter - twitter.com/valoriwells Website - valoriwells.com/ Facebook - web.facebook.com/valoriwells/

Melissa Mora of Melly Sews is a pattern designer, author and sewing blogger. She designs fabric for Riley Blake and her "Learn to Sew" posts with easy-to-follow instructions are timeless. Listen and learn more about her journey in the sewing world. Author of Sundressing, Melissa spent 12 years in the classroom as a high school theatre teacher before leaving to become a full time sewing writer and pattern designer. Now she claims the entire internet as her classroom. She is also the co-editor of and contributor to the book Sew Place Like Home, a collection of stories for those who love sewing. Her fabric line, Idle Wild, launched with Riley Blake fabrics in fall 2015, and sewing patterns from her brand Blank Slate Patterns are carried in Joann stores nationwide. Melissa blogs at Melly Sews, where she gets to combine her love of sewing, teaching and writing in one creative place. A native Texan, Melissa lives in Austin with her family. Find Melissa: Website: mellysews.com Social: @mellysews

Liesl Gisbon is a pattern designer and the designer behind Oliver + S and Liesl + Co. She used to design clothing for large companies like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. She started her own business, Oliver + S, in 2008. Liesl + Co. is a line of patterns for women’s clothing that features all the details you expect from the very best independent patterns. Liesl is also the author of Oliver + S: Little Things to Sew. She chats about her career between fashion and craft, starting her own business, being a minimalist, the satisfaction of being a teacher and more. [00.43] Liesl’s background – We start the conversation with a brief bio about Liesl, including her educational background and her career journey. [04.15] Fashion and craft – Liesl explains why she built her career between fashion and craft. [13.55] Own business – Liesl shares why she decided to start her own business. [19.29] Creating something – We talk about what Liesl likes to sew if she has spare time. [22.35] A minimalist – Liesl shares why she likes being a minimalist and her favorite tools when it comes to sewing. [27.51] Sewing personalities – We talk about Liesl’s the two people who influenced her the most in the industry. [35.06] Satisfaction – Liesl shares why she likes being a teacher more than a pattern designer.   Connect with Liesl: Website - lieslandco.com/                 oliverands.com/ Instagram - instagram.com/lieslgibson/

Karlee Porter is an award-winning quilter and the creator of “Graffiti Quilting: A Simple Guide to Complex.” Her mission is to help new people navigate the quilting world, take opportunities, and create something special. She shares her journey in quilting, her favorite tools and books, and more. [01.47] Memories of sewing – Starting the conversation, Karlee shares her first memories of sewing with her grandmother when she was a child. [12.05] Learning quilt – Karlee shares her reasons behind learning to quilt. [20.44] Graffiti quilting – We dive into how Karlee came up with the name ‘Graffiti Quilting’ for her book. [27.50] Favorite tools – Karlee shares her favorite tools she uses for machine quilting. [38.06] Honest fabric – Karlee shares how honestfabric.com introduces new people to the industry and makes connections between quilters and non-quilters. [47.15] Helping other people – We talk about how Karlee always finds it interesting to help other people. Connect with Karlee Website - karleeporter.com Facebook - facebook.com/karleeporterquilts Instagram - instagram.com/karleeporterdesign Hand Lettered Quilting: A Union of Text & Textile Book - By Karlee Porter: https://sulky.com/hand-lettered-quilting-a-union-of-text-textile-karlee-porter Register for Karlee's FREE Sulky webinar: https://sewingonline.sulky.com/offers/RjLwxzZU/checkout

Amy Barickman is the founder of Indygo Junction, a pattern company, featuring designs for home and fashion. She's the author of the best-seller, Vintage Notions and loves to discover vintage textile and needle arts treasures.  Amy grew up immersed in the sewing and crafting business, spending hours at her mother's creative arts retail store working and watching the business evolve along with the trends. The seeds of entrepreneurship took root in Amy, and she started her business designing and marketing collectible teddy bears while still in high school.  After graduating from the University of Kansas with a degree in art and design, Amy founded Indygo Junction in 1990 to publish and market sewing books and patterns and to showcase the work of leading designers. Amy’s knack for anticipating popular trends has led her to discover more than 45 innovative artists and designers. Over her years in our industry, Amy has: published over 1200 pattern titles sold nearly three million book and pattern titles. licensed craft kits and fabric lines published over 80 books that have sold at stores throughout the U.S. and internationally.  Amy, an avid collector, has one of the largest archives of vintage fashion and sewing books, images, and ephemera in the United States. This vintage collection is inspiration for many of Amy's modern patterns. Amy’s research into sewing history led her to discover her muse, Mary Brooks Picken, the founder of The Woman’s Institute of Domestic Arts & Science who was a fashion and sewing authority in the early 20th century. Amy realized she was compelled to share Picken’s timeless work with modern audiences. That dream was brought to fruition when Amy published Amy Barickman's Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion and Fun. Vintage Notions is a treasury of the best lessons and domestic arts wisdom from Mary and The Woman’s Institute. Amy recently had the opportunity to sell Indygo Junction to Prym Consumer USA, makers of Dritz® and Omnigrid® products. This change offered Amy the ability to focus on her passion for vintage made modern style creating content and products featured on AmyBarickman.com. She recently produced a series of online courses, showcasing the history of handmade which are focused on specific vintage textiles and notions. Themes range from Redwork Embroidery to Pearl Buttons, visit VintageModernMakers.com to see her Primer Courses. Amy has also jumped back into the pattern business, with a new format that includes access to online Bonus Video Content and Look Books to inspire the maker. 2023 has offered Amy another brand to build. ABCreative is her new joint venture with Colonial Patterns makers of Aunt Martha’s Hot Iron Transfers. Her initial product launch is Treasured Threadz™, a series of fabric panels based on her collection of vintage art and textiles created specifically for upcycling with patchwork appliqué and small projects. Amy encourages the use of thrifted fabrics and embellishing favorites from your closet. Her signature technique for Fusible Patch Applique includes ideas for adding hand quilting and embroidery accents to her Treasured Threadz™ panels. Be sure to visit her blog to see her latest creative adventures!  Find Amy: Website: amybarickman.com Vintage Made Modern Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/amybarickmansvintagemademodern/ Instagram: @amybarickman_studio YouTube: @amybarickman Check out Amy's Sulky Thread collections: Amy Barickman Designer Boutiqué -  https://sulky.com/amy-barickman/

Rae Cumbie is Creative Director at Fit for Art Patterns whose four core patterns yield one great wardrobe! Her coaching, blog posts, online classes, retreats, Threads articles and Sew News fitting column encourages stitchers to sew successfully: adding fun, comfortable, fabulously fitting, artful and creative additions to their wardrobe. Learn why SHE sews and get inspired to create a fabulous garment that fits and flatters your body type. Find Rae: Blog: Sew! Let’s Get Dressed at fitforartpatterns.com

Born into a very artsy home, Elizabeth found the quilting world around age 28. She continued to quilt and learn and in 2009, opened her own cottage business. Elizabeth thought she'd focus "mostly" on making T-shirt quilts. But Elizabeth Beck Quilts quickly grew into much more than that.  She met a refugee in 2017 who had been creating and constructing wedding dresses in Damascus, Syria. They began working together, which led her to more and more refugee women who had such amazing sewing skills and wild survival stories. Soon after, she decided to pivot her business and change the mission. Tandem Quilting Co. grew as a place where people worked "together" like a tandem bike. They are a humble, apartment-based company where each woman is able to work out of her home, therefore eliminating the need for childcare or a car. Elizabeth travels to them, they drink tea while discussing the next project, communicating with google translate if needed. The women are such a joy and work very hard. They now employ 8 women who are originally from Burma, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan.  Tandem Quilting Co strives to employ, empower and encourage local women with global roots. They have two main hashtags:  #bettertogether and #everystorymatters Instagram:  tandemquiltingco Facebook:  Tandem Quilting Co. Website:  www.tandemquiltingco.com   Elizabeth's Favorite Notions:  seam ripper ( of course!), knit picker (to hide knots on quilts), Fabric sheets for InkJet Printers and always Sulky Thread!

Embroidery Expert Zandra Shaw, of the Embroider Shoppe, focuses on a variety of techniques that include organza, appliqué, lace, patches, and 3D flower embroidery. Her philosophy: “Don’t hoop yourself in! There is life beyond the small hoop.” Find Zandra: Website: embroidershoppe.com Sulky Webcast: Hexis in the Hoop Social: Facebook: @Embroidershoppe Instagram: @embroidershoppe1 YouTube: @embroidershoppe

Dale Allen-Rowse, a.k.a the Quilting Cowboy, has been quilting since the birth of his niece in 1999 when he first taught himself how to make baby quilts on a tour bus for a ballet company. Ever since, Dale has been sewing up a storm. Learn more about his journey in the sewing world and what keeps him going. In 2009 Dale enrolled in college for Graphic Design to better his color theory, graphic design and computer skills. What he learned through a formal education really launched his creativity and enabled him to put to use graphic design skills in his work. Dale’s quilts have appeared in the Ontario Museum of History & Art, the current issue of Las Vegas Night Beat where he’s the feature cover story, numerous quilt shows around Southern California and most recently was asked to submit his work to be considered as set design for NBC's Making It, starring Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. FROM DALE: People have asked me why 'Quilting Cowboy’ as my brand? I guess it’s because I feel the most comfortable in my cowboy boots, a baseball cap and a flannel shirt... But, if I’m completely honest, it really began like this: The day my first marriage ended I had really no where to go so I got in the car and drove and drove. Eventually I found myself dreary eyed and exhausted on every level from all that had passed, not just that day, but for years. At that moment I felt lost and yet somehow found. The weight of that relationship falling off my shoulders and nothing but opportunity ahead. A mix of emotions I had not previously known. When I finally stopped driving, I got out to assess where I was. In front of me was a Feed, Bait and Tackle Shop where I saw this incredible pair of cowboy boots. I tried them on and they felt like home. Ever since then, I have worn these same boots almost every day. They are an expression and a reminder to always remain true to who I am. This sentiment is also reflected in my logo, the sewing needles and pins represent my North Star which is creativity and joy. Find Dale: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuiltingCowboy/  Website: http://quiltingcowboy.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/QuiltingCowboy  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quiltingcowboy/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@userquiltingcowboy  Tumblr: https://quiltingcowboy.tumblr.com/aboutauthor

So Sew English was founded by Amanda Carita, a single mother with a passion for sewing. This passion began in childhood and was deeply ingrained in her throughout her life. As she pursued her craft, however, she ran into difficulty sourcing materials, discovering that beautiful fabrics were expensive and affordable fabrics low quality. Thus, began her dream to provide beautiful and affordable fabrics to the sewing community. She started small, but customers recognized her vision and her business quickly grew.  So Sew English is built upon two core tenants: 1) self-made fashion can be more economical than purchasing ready to wear, and 2) we need not sacrifice beauty or quality to make this possible. More than a brand, SSE is a movement to make the dream of self-made fashion a reality for everyone.  Find Amanda: Website: sosewenglishfabrics.com Social:  facebook.com/sosewenglishfabrics instagram.com/ssefabrics YouTube

Cheryl Kuczek, of Paradiso Designs, designs eclectic style sewing patterns for handbags and clothing, including plus sizes. Cheryl describes her creative process and shares her inspiring sewing journey. Take Cheryl's Sulky Webcast, Posh Project & Tech Trapper, and get a taste of her teaching style while making a fabulous, modern-day Trapper Keeper. REGISTER> Find Cheryl: ParadisoDesigns.com Instagram @paradisodewingpatterns Facebook @paradisodesigns

Anna He has an extensive, professional background in the fashion industry as a designer. With a passion for sewing and anime, she merged her dream job and her love of all things anime and high fantasy. Raised in New York City, Anna started sewing around age 14 and never looked back. She went on to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. After college, she worked for many fashion labels in New York City and Seattle. On-the-job training sharpened her eyes for details and workmanship. Working with higher priced labels refined her hands for good quality fabric and their ability to drape. It also taught her about best-practice construction methods. As she became more acclimated with anime, Japanese culture and epic high fantasy, she discovered that all of those costumes could be made to fit a real person! That’s when she started to really investigate theater art and Cosplay. Anna has a wide array of experience working with leather, woven fabric, knit fabric, brocade silk, lace, mesh, feather as well as beading, embroidery and painting. She has created over 200 high-quality, award winning costumes for herself and customers – ranging from video games, to Epic Fantasy, to comic and Sci-fi and of course, her own original designs. LEARN MORE: Find Seattle Cosplay at http://www.seattlecosplay.com. Make one of Anna He's original patterns, the Halloween Bucket Bag, with our free pattern: https://sulky.com/halloween-bucket-bag-digital-pattern Sew up her matching Halloween-themed apron: https://sulky.com/halloween-pinafore Create Anna's Flower Fascinator project using freestanding lace designs: https://blog.sulky.com/flower-fascinator/ CONNECT WITH ANNA: Facebook Twitter Instagram