Why I Sew: Recent Episodes
Sulky of America
Why do we sew? Everyone's story is different. We interview sewing stars & industry professionals, quilters & embroiderers, menders & makers to bring you inspiring stories that give you all the feels. Listen while you sew or on the go and learn about sewists from all walks of life. Then go make something great!
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
Karie Jewell is a pattern designer and quilter. She has over 30 years of experience in quilting. She first started sewing with her mother and grandmother when she was 14 and started her own company with a friend in 2001. Listen as she shares her most precious memories of sewing, the specialty of handmade gifts, her business partner, her love language, and more.
[01.36] Karie’s background – Starting the conversation, Karie shares a brief bio about herself, her career journey, and why she loves hand quilting so much.
[08.07] EPP – Karie explains English paper piecing and how it works.
[11.03] The first memory – Karie dives into her first memory of sewing with her grandmother.
[23.03] Handmade gifts – We talk about the specialty of giving handmade gifts to someone.
[28.10] Business Partner – Karie talks about her friend with whom she started her business.
[35.06] Favorite people – We talk about Karie’s favorite people and how they helped her pursue her career. [42.02] Machine embroidery – Karie shares why she has never done machine embroidery.
[47.20] Spreading Love – At the end of today’s conversation, Karie shares how she gives love to people with everything she sews for them.
Grab Karie's "Orange Jewell-ious" Quilt Pattern: https://sulky.com/orange-jewellious-quilt-digital-pattern
Connect with Karie:
- Website - kariejewell.com
- Instagram - instagram.com/kariejewell
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/
Ellen March is the Director of Content for Sulky, hosting weekly videos, monthly webcasts and videocasts and developing projects and products to inspire creativity. Learn about Ellen's sewing journey and how she made a career out of doing what she loves.
Find Ellen:
- Webcasts & Videocasts: sewingonline.sulky.com
- YouTube: @sulkythread
- Blog
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
Sue Hausmann has been sewing since her first 4-H project at the age of 10 and she has been inspired and mentored by neighbors, friends and work colleagues all her life. Her proficiency in this art resulted naturally from a lifetime of sewing for herself, and her home, her four children, and now ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Her enthusiasm for sharing the life-skill of sewing and quilting with others is her passion, and for more than 50 years her profession focused on sewing education.
Now “retired” Sue and her husband Herb occasionally present programs and share their expertise at Edutainment and Teaching and she presents programs for her local ASG and Quilt Guild. Her focus is to “give the gift of sewing” with handmade quilts, clothing and more for those she loves, teaching others to sew and creating things for herself and her home.
Before retirement Sue was Executive Vice President of Consumer Motivation for a Husqvarna Viking sewing machines and was responsible for the Education and Training programs and was part of the new product development and written material teams in Sweden. She has produced and hosted more than 600 public broadcasting programs and has 33 books to her credit including Sew Fast, Faster, Fastest, published by Rodale Press. She was Executive Producer of the America Sews with Sue Hausmann, America Quilts creatively and Sew Young, Sew Fun Public Television series. Sue received the 2002 American Sewing Guild “Sewing Hall of Fame Award”, the 2007 “Master CSE award from the Sewing Education Alliance” and was inducted into the Sewing Machine Hall of Fame in 2012. She has taped classes for Sulky and Craftsy which are available for purchase on their web sites. She is also enjoying working with the pre-schoolers at Grace Church, Sahuarita and having more time to sew for family and to teach others to sew. Sue attributes much of her success to the encouragement and support of her husband of 62 years, Herb, and is thrilled he joins her in the mission of sharing the joy of sewing and quilting and the joy of life!
Sue's Favorite Things: 1. Sulky KK2000 to hold everything together as you sew and quilt https://sulky.com/kk-2000-temporary-spray-adhesive-150-ml 2. Frixion marking pens https://sulky.com/pilot-frixion-pen-extra-fine-point-turquoise 3. Heat-removable chalk markers 4. Fusible web. I use the sheets for appliqué and the strips for “basting” binding and more. https://sulky.com/sulky-perfect-appliqu-fusible-web-18-x-3-yd-roll 5. Tiny steam iron that heats up in 15 seconds 6. Buttonhole cutter and eyelet cutter that comes with “baby cutting board”
Connect with Sue: Facebook: Sue Hausmann Sewing Life
In a previous life, Jen Carlton Bailly probably sold you a pair of jeans or khakis at The Gap. Today you’ll find her covered in thread and searching down the latest inspiration for a quilt. She is a self-proclaimed master at curves and finds pleasure in creating quilts with secondary patterns that make you stop and wonder.
Listen and learn how she took her sewing to next-level greatness and why she calls herself "Betty Crocker Ass."
Find Jen:
Social Handles: bettycrockerass
Website: https://bettycrockerass.com/
Find Jen's "Red Skies at Night" Quilt Pattern at sulky.com and try your hand at sewing curved the "bettycrockerass" way: https://sulky.com/red-skies-at-night-digital-quilt-pattern
Jen's Favorite Techniques:
- Glue Basting
- Sewing Curves
- Know your machine...RTFM (read the frecking manual) - not really a technique but no one ever does it.
Jen's Favorite Notions:
- Glue Stick
- Clover 18 and 28 mm rotary cutter (with a FRESH blade)
- Design Wall
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:
Becky Thompson is the owner of the YouTube channel, Power Tools With Thread. She retired from the US Air Force in 2003 and Air Force Civilian Service in 2020 as a Cyber Security Analyst. She uses the instructor skills taught to her by the military to now teach others how to expand their embroidery craft using the incredible technology available in today's home machines and embroidery software. She makes the process fun and easy so anyone from beginners to seasoned embroiderers can stitch along!
Register for our webcast, Holiday Mug Rug In the Hoop, to take a free class with Becky and get to know her even more! Register HERE>
Find Becky:
- Blog
- YouTube
- Facebook Group
Cathie Filian has always been crafty. She began sewing at age 8, making jewelry with paper clips by 9 and by high school making almost all her own clothing, including party dresses. She studied Textile Science and Design at The Ohio State University and spent the early part of her career in the Fashion Industry.
Cathie spent 10 years working behind the scenes as a stylist on Hollywood films before she moved to the other side of the camera. She worked on films such as Rushmore, Twister, Heartbreakers, Bottle Rocket, and Vanilla Sky during her 10 years as a stylist. She was the Co-Producer, Co-Host and Co-Designer on HGTV’s Creative Juice and DIY Network’s Halloween Witch Crafts, both Emmy Nominated shows. She also produced on TLC’s Craft Wars.
Recently, Cathie co-invented the Mod Melter and she has a line of products for Mod Podge that are sold in major craft retailers across America, Canada and internationally. Her embroidery kits are available at all Walmart stores in the USA.
Listen as Cathie shares why she sews, a hobby that shaped her life and career.
Learn more:
- Watch Cathie have fun with Sulky Stick 'n Carve as she creates fun Halloween pumpkins: https://youtu.be/QlFRQjkJ_J0
- Grab Stick 'n Carve sheets here: https://sulky.com/stick-n-carve-valuepack-10-sheets
- Find more info on Cathie here: https://www.cathiefilian.com
- Handmade Happy Hour with Cathie Filian and Steve Pizcenza: https://www.facebook.com/cathiefilianstevepiacenza
- Cathie and Steve's Handmade Happy Hour: https://www.youtube.com/c/handmadehappyhour
- Follow Cathie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathiefilian/
Desiree Habicht, owner and designer of Desiree's Designs, creates machine embroidery designs, patterns and more. She truly has an artist's eye and loves sharing her creations with others. Learn how she honed her sewing skills through her competitive Girl Scout spirit. Plus, hear how a family tragedy sparked her creativity and rejuvenated her spirit.
Take a free class from Desiree and learn:
- How to Make a Unicorn Hooded Towel In the Hoop>
- How to Make a Steampunk Pumpkin Pouch>
- How to Make a Chameleon Quilt>
- How to Make a Moonlight Serenade Mug Rug>
- How to Make a Lovely Llama Pillow>
Find Desiree:
- DesireesDesigns.com
- Instagram @desireesdesignstudio
- Facebook @desireesdesignstudio
"I was so isolated and looking for a friend and [sewing] gave me a community." ~Desiree
Mark Montano strives to make the world a better place through creativity. He's a Best-Selling Author, Designer and TV Host. He writes THE BIG-ASS CRAFT BOOK series (Simon & Schuster) which are best-selling craft books in the U.S. Mark has worked in television for over 12 years and can be seen on the new Discover + show, MEET YOUR MAKERS SHOWDOWN with co-hosts Chrissy Metz and LeAnn Rimes. Learn about his background and what motivated him to dive into the world of sewing and creating.
Find Mark:
Facebook: MarkMontanoLA
Instagram: themarkmontano
Pinterest: MarkMontano
YouTube: Subscribe to his channel for DIYs aplenty!
Shop Mark's favorite Sulky Thread - Glowy™: https://sulky.com/glowy-sampler-pack-6-spools
Angela Wolf specializes in fashion sewing and is the host of the PBS show "It's Sew Easy" and "Behind the Seams" on YouTube and Facebook. She's the founder of Angela Wolf Patterns and Angela Wolf Academy. Learn about her journey into fashion design and how she keeps things fresh for her students in a variety of mediums.
Find Angela:
FACEBOOK @AngelaWolfCouture
TWITTER @Angela_Wolf
INSTAGRAM @AngelaWolfFashion
PINTEREST @AngelaWolfPins
YOUTUBE @aboapparel
BLOG www.FashionSewingwithAngelaWolf.com
Michelle Morris is the Editor-in-Chief of the colorful fashion, sewing and DIY blog That Black Chic. This is a platform on which she shares her own fashions, sewing tips, reviews and tutorials. Michelle is a sewing influencer on the scene who has become known for her loud and unusual prints and her ability to mix and match. She's also known for working with her fabric of choice, denim, and making showstopping pieces of clothing. In 2017 Michelle took this same idea to the pages of a new sewing publication called Sewn Magazine. This multicultural magazine is a space to showcase makers and artist of all colors.
Find Michelle:
- That Black Chic
- SewnMagazine
- Social: @thatblackchic & @sewnmagazine
"I love creating textiles with denim and dying denim with my bleach art. I love creating wall décor items, and right now I’m into creating framed food art."
Mary Fons, editorial advisor of Quiltfolk magazine and host of her live video magazine, "Quilt Nerd" on Twitch, talks about her sewing journey and what keeps her coming back for more.
Mary is a writer, editor, and livestreamer who specializes in quilt history and the life of quilts in popular culture.
From 2017 to 2021, Mary served as editor in-chief of Quiltfolk magazine; she now serves as an editorial advisor to Quiltfolk publications and occasional workshop instructor. From 2010 to 2015, Mary was editor and creative director of Quilty magazine. She has hosted a combined 250 episodes of instructional programming on public television (Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting) and the internet (Quilty). She is the author of Make & Love Quilts: Scrap Quilts for the 21st Century (C&T/StashBooks, 2014) and Dear Quilty (F&W Media, 2015) and wrote a bi-monthly column, The Quilt Scout, for Quilts, Inc. Her articles on quilt history and culture have appeared in Quiltfolk, Curated Quilts, Modern Patchwork, and Love of Quilting, among others.
Mary serves on the board of the International Quilt Museum at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and lectures across the country at universities and major quilt events, such as QuiltCon. She holds a BA in Theater from the University of Iowa and an MFA in Writing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
She is currently in pre-production for America’s Quilt, a 10-part docuseries on America’s untold quilt histories. Mary was born in a small town in Iowa but she lives in Chicago (and sometimes in London), with her husband, Eric.
Find Mary:
- maryfons.com
- social: @yomaryfons
Suzy Williams produces handcrafted quilts, original designs and thoughtfully constructed patterns on her site, SuzyQuilts.com. She takes us through crafting a quilty career, with two littles in tow.
“At age 15, I would wander into my friend's basement to peek into her mom's sewing room. To me, it seemed like such a magical place with its miniature towers of jelly rolls, stacks and stacks of yardage, a shiny BERNINA regally perched in the corner, and quilt blocks lined up on a design wall. After timidly asking if I could "maybe sew a little," my quilt mother and mentor, Brenda Winkelmeyer, taught me the basics of piecing a quilt. Sixteen years later, I am still completely addicted, smitten and obsessed (some may say) with making quilts.” - SUZY
Find Suzy:
- SuzyQuilts.com
- Instagram @suzyquilts
- Facebook @SuzyQuilt
Why do we sew? Everyone's story is different and fascinating. We interview sewing stars & industry professionals, quilters & embroiderers, menders & makers to bring you inspiring stories that give you all the feels. Listen while you sew or on the go and learn about sewists from all walks of life. Get inspired to learn something new and create with needle and thread.