Our guest today is Trixi Symonds, the founder of Sew a Softie, a global initiative that encourages adults—especially parents, teachers, and community leaders—to teach children how to sew. As Sew a Softie celebrates 10 years in 2026, the movement has grown into an international creative community that has helped tens of thousands of kids discover the joy of making something with their own hands.

Trixi is a former primary school teacher who has spent more than three decades introducing children to sewing through classrooms, workshops, books, and softie patterns designed specifically for young makers. Through Sew a Softie, she created a simple, welcoming way for families and educators to pass on sewing skills while building confidence, creativity, and problem-solving in kids.

Her work has been featured in Simply Sewing Magazine, Country Living, Homespun, Handmade, Casa Creativa, Patchwork & Quilting, and major publications including The Herald Sun, The Daily Telegraph, The Chicago Tribune, Parade, and Uppercase Magazine. Trixi has also designed softie characters for the Ugly Dolls Movie and the beloved children’s book series Piranhas Don’t Eat Bananas, bringing her playful designs to an even wider audience.

She has taught and led workshops in Kyoto, Amsterdam, Melbourne, and throughout her home city of Sydney, Australia, and she continues to inspire families around the world through Sew a Softie’s annual Global Kids Sewing Party, books, and online community.

Today, Trixi joins us to talk about how Sew a Softie began, what she’s learned from kids over the years, and why teaching children to sew is really about much more than just fabric and thread

(1:56) How did Trixi Learn to Sew?

(3:34) Why did Trixi’s family relocate all the way to Australia

(4:16) Who influenced Trixi’s  sewing?            

(7:05) Sew-A-Softie turns 10 this year. What was the moment that it clicked for her to start this movement? And what’s a Zenki?

(12:48) What inspires Trixi’s Softie designs?

(14:37) Trixi shares a few stories about people in the Sew A Softie program

(16:58) What’s the Global Kids Sewing Party and how did it come to be?

(22:13) How many softies have been created over the years?

(23:10) What surprises her most about Sew & Softie?

(24:05) What have the kids taught her over the years?

(26:23) How does living in Sydney, Australia influence her and her work?

(26:30) Trixi talks about her new book Sew A So Softie Workbook #3.

(26:10) when not sewing or teaching, how does Trixi like to spend her time?

(29:40) What’s next for her and what’s her dream?

(30:12 ) Is there a question we didn’t ask?

(30:35) Want to reach out to Trixi? You can find her at [email protected], Instagram and Facebook

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. 

Born in Pennsylvania, he attended the University of Delaware and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science with a concentration in global studies and a triple minor in African Studies, Asian Studies and Women’s Studies. Considering law school, Terrance decided to pursue his dream of being a fashion designer. He is a self-taught sewist who learned how to sew in 2010.

He founded and now runs Terrance Williams Designs where he designs and sews ethically sourced and sustainably produced clothing and accessories. Everything is genderless and size inclusive.

(1:25) A self-taught sewist, how did Terrance learn his trade and who was his inspiration?

(3:25) What’s the first thing Terrance made and how did it turn out?

(5:00) Considering law school, Terrance decided to follow his dream and sew. What was behind this decision?

(7:40) Terrance explains sustainably produced and ethically sourced means. 

(12:04) He explains how through his sewing career he is truly doing the work he wanted to pursue through practicing law.

(12:46) You learn how you can follow the sustainable path…it’s not a perfect road!

(14:21) Terrance is a Minerva Ambassador. He explains what this means and walks through his process of designing fabric patterns. Learn about hos you can do your own designs on www.spoonflower.com  

(17:09) What served as the inspirations for his fabric designs? Learn about the three different parts of his collection and the colors each features.

(19:32) Terrance contributes 5% of his sales to Stripe Climate. He explains this group, what they do and why it’s important to him.

(21:46) Inclusivity is paramount in Terrance’s designs. He explains what this means and how it manifests itself in his work.

(24:05) When asked about his biggest challenge, Terrance shares his story of a life altering event that almost ended his life. And there was more loss in his family. Hear how he found the passion and drive to heal.

(28:00) So, how’s he doing?

(28:13) How did he find the strength to persevere? Learn the sage advice his sister gave to him.

(31:40) Brittnay Spears and The Dallas Farmers’ Market…each brings him great joy. Learn why.

(35:03) What’s he working on now?

(36:09) What’s his dream?

(37:50) How can you reach out to Terrance? All social media platforms and terrancewilliamsdesigns.com

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. 

Today on the Sew & So Podcast, we welcome Ingrid Alteneder, founder and CEO of Joe, June and Mae an online quilt pattern shop who is joining us from Frankfurt Germany.

Born and raised in Germany, she has travelled most of the world with her jobs and kids. Starting out in the fashion industry receiving her training through a combination of schooling and working at Peek & Cloppenburg. After learning to sew garments she began to quilt and achieved a great deal of notoriety for her work. 

She is the author of the book Adorable Animal Quilting. In her spare time, she loves to bike, walk, travel and shop. She lives in Germany with her husband and three children.

(1:40) Ingrid tells us the story of how she learned to sew and who inspired her.

(2:15) Who else inspired her?

(2:58) What were some of her favorite sewing projects?

(3:50) Ingrid reuses fabric and repurposes it. How does she use it?

(4:45) She explains her training Peek & Cloppenburg) and how it’s different from training in the United States.

(5:55) How did her schooling in retail, marketing and sales help her with her business?

(6:55) Learn about a few of the patterns she’s designed and what inspired them…she’s always on the lookout for patterns wherever she goes!

(7:55) She started her company Joe, June and Mae when she was in her 50’s…hear this story and how

(9:55) She wants young people to know that it’s never too late to start a company…Ingrid shares her philosophy of this and why it can be harder for women to do.

(11:55) Did she run into ageism as she started her company?

(11:38) Her love/hate relationship with social media is prevalent in her life. She explains why.

(12:40) What changes has she seen in social media since she started working with it? There are a lot!

(13:47) She and her online community interact quite a bit. Learn what this looks like!

(14:25) A prolific traveler, Ingrid shares a few of her favorite adventures…the pyramids in Egypt in 1993 leads this list.

(15:40) Where is that special place she has yet to travel and how do her travels inspire her work?

(16:57) Vancouver Canada is a favorite destination of Ingrid and her family. She still visits there on a regular basis…learn about her love for this special place.

(18:22) To Ingrid community is everything and she attributes her accomplishments to this community. She explains why.

(19:31) There are special stories of those she’s met in this community – she shares a few of them.

(21:18) It’s important to take sewing out of the craft closet and into the mainstream of business. She walks us through her reasoning

(23:40) What would it look like in the future if the image of sewing were to evolve as Ingrid hopes?

(25:06) What’s Ingrid working on now? Well…where should she start?! Be sure to check out the We All Sew Blog!

(26:35)Learn about her book Adorable Animal Quilting

(27:55) What’s next for Ingrid and what’s her dream?

(29:15) Is there any question we didn’t ask that she wishes we had?

(29:40) How can you contact Ingrid? [email protected].

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. 

Today on the Sew & So Podcast, we welcome Meg McElwee and Patrick McElwee—partners in life, work, and creativity. Together they are the co-founders of Sew Liberated, a sewing education company based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Their journey has taken them from the University of Notre Dame to the canyons of northern Mexico, where a combination of Montessori teaching, creativity, and a suitcase full of fabric unexpectedly sparked the beginnings of their business.

Meg and Patrick open up about their mission to help people reconnect with meaningful, mindful making; why sewing can be a powerful rebellion against fast fashion; and how their courses—from Learn to Sew Your Clothes to The Mindful Wardrobe—empower people to reclaim their confidence, creativity, and personal style. They also share the deeply personal story behind Meg’s popular essay A Philosophy of Sewing, written in the wake of their son Lachlan’s early health challenges, and how that experience reshaped their lives and work.

You’ll also learn about their creative household, their love of family music-making, Patrick’s role behind the lens, and their growing catalog of thoughtful, beautifully designed patterns—including their newest hand-sewing-friendly release. This episode is a warm celebration of craft, resilience, and the beauty of making things by hand.

(1:26) when did Meg begin to sew and who was her inspiration?

(3:45) Meg’s grandmother was a big influence on her and her work. She tells us of her ancestors.

(6:25) Meg and Patrick lived in Northern Mexico for several years. They talk about this time in their lives.

(7:10) Meg and Patrick now share the story of their company and why they named is Sew Liberated. They also talk of the early years of their marriage…and the suitcase of fabric that started it all!

(12:35) What is their mission and how does it drive their business purpose?

(16:34) Why do they call sewing a rebellion against fast fashion?

(19:20) They have several courses designed to help people learn to sew. Thay take us through the series and how it was designed to help anyone who wants to learn to sew.

(27:32) Meg shares her story “A Philosophy of Sewing” A Philosophy of Sewing about their son Lachland’s health issues. You can find it on their website…hear Meg talk through it here…and tells how this shifted their world.

(35:00) Hear Meg’s personal manifesto

(36:00) Patrick talks about how he felt during all of this time.

(38:45) Does Meg still lean into this manifesto in her daily life?

(41:33) Meg is obsessed with sparkling water…What’s this all about?!

(42:22) Their whole family loves to make music together. Meg and Patrick talk about the joy they find in this and how it happens…in their very loud house.

(44:43) What are they working on now?

(47:55) What’s their dream? Is it the same or different for each of them?

(50:30) Is there a question I didn’t ask?

(51:36) How can you contact Meg and Patrick? www.Sewliberated.com, Instagram and Facebook, and [email protected]

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. 

In this episode of Sew & So we welcome costume designer and wardrobe freelancer Jessica Cronin, whose work spans film, television, theater, and fashion. Raised across the U.S., Singapore, and England, Jessica brings a globally shaped perspective to the way clothing communicates who we are. With a BA in Art History from Drew University and an MFA in Costume Design from Carnegie Mellon University, she has built a dynamic career designing, styling, and crafting for productions including Gotham Knights, Dead to Me, A League of Their Own (2022), and Gossip Girl. Her experience ranges from large-scale studio work to theatrical design to commercial styling, and she moves fluidly between New York City, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles.
In this episode, Jessica shares the origins of her sewing journey, how global experiences shaped her artistic lens, the truth about fast fashion, the realities of costume work, and the deeper meaning of how we present ourselves through what we wear.

Episode Notes:
(1:49) When did Jessica begin to sew and who was her inspiration?

(3:18) Jessica explains historical sewing and its techniques.

(4:00) Why did Jessica’s childhood take her to Singapore and England? How did living in these countries affect her perceptions of life and her work?

(5:45) She started dancing at the age of three…then had to have Harrington Rod surgery for scoliosis of the spine. She takes us through this experience and how she dealt with the major changes in her life both in activity and mentally.

(11:04) Jessica calls fast fashion “horrendous”? She explains why.

(14:00) How do you handle the recycling in things like undergarments, socks and hard to recycle clothing items?

(15:30) “Costume design isn’t just pretty dreams and pretty people…” It’s so very much more. Jessica takes us inside the craft.

(19:54) Of all the different types of work Jessica has done…what’s her favorite?

(21:42) She talks about the difference in working with professional actors vs. amateur background actors.

(23:45) Hear special stories about some of her costume jobs.

(27:10) Jessica worked with Jennifer May Nickel Sew & So Podcast Episode #92 she talks about how they met and have worked together.

(28:25) Hear about the 50,000-year-old sewing needle and how this information affects Jessica in her work.

(30:36) Jessica loves to study how people communicate through clothing. Learn what she’s discovered. Also learn why the color purple is associated with royalty.

(33:32) Why does she think the younger generations aren’t picking up these crafts or techniques?

(36:30) Why is Jessica so mobile?

(37:36) What does she like to do in her spare time?

(38:10) What is she working on now and what is a Surrealist Ball?

(40:00) What’s next for her and what’s her dream?

(42:15) What didn’t we ask?

(43:06) Want to contact Jessica? @jesscronindesigns

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. 

Our guest today is William Daniels, an award-winning textile and quilt artist whose work bridges fine art and social commentary. Born in New Orleans and now based in New York, William blends a deep academic background with a hands-on creative spirit. With degrees from the State University of New York and New York University—and nearing completion of his PhD in Art Theory, Philosophy, and Aesthetics—his art reflects both intellect and intuition. Known for his rich use of texture, symbolism, and storytelling, William’s quilts are as thought-provoking as they are visually stunning. Yet, for all his accolades and exhibits, his favorite part of the artistic journey is the camaraderie—the people(6:58) Will talks about the “voice of the quilt”. What does this mean?

(9:08) What are some of his most memorable creations?

(11:33) Meg reads a quote from William about how he creates. He explains what it means to hold a mirror to society.

(13:50) Will’s work has been described as Bohemian, eclectic and experiential. He addresses this description and even takes a little umbridge with one of these descriptors. 

(15:05) Will takes us through his creative process

(16:39) How long do his projects take to create? Well…it depends!

(18:00) Will talks about his interest in astronomy and how it affects his work.

(19:57) In addition to his many hobbies – Will is PhD ABD. He talks about his thesis.

(21:25) Camaraderie is deeply important to Will. He talks about those he’s met on his journey and how they’ve helped and influenced him. He tells of these people and particularly an experience at a New York Quilt Guild while in college.

(27:03) What is Will working on now?

(28:50) How does Will make some two-dimensional more human?

(29:52) What does he do in his spare time?

(30:58) What’s next and what’s his dream?

(32:28) Is there a question we didn’t ask? Well…what’s been the most difficult aspect of quilting. Will talks about gender issues in quilting as a male who quilts…for example feminine quilting vernacular.

To reach out to William, you can find him at williamdanielsartist.com, or on Instagram @williamdanielsartist.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. 

Our guest today is Bianca Weber—founder and owner of Dynamics Fashion, a German sewing and fabric shop offering patterns, accessories, and online tutorials. Bianca grew up in a small village in southern Germany and has carved an extraordinary path: she is not only an entrepreneur but also a commercial pilot and currently studying aerospace engineering.

A multi-talented creator, Bianca contributes sewing tutorials to the BERNINA blog, specializing in activewear, overlock and cover stitch techniques, and inspires others through her social media presence.

Based in Stuttgart, Germany, when she’s not flying, studying, or sewing, she enjoys scuba diving, rock climbing, yoga, and staying active.

(1:42) How did Biance learn to sew and who was her inspiration?

(2:57) What was the first project she made? A dress for a dance class end of the term ball! And Yes, she still has it!

(3:48) When did sewing become more than a hobby?

(5:04) Bianca is a commercial pilot and is studying aerospace engineering. Hear the fascinating story about how she chose these career paths.

(6:42) How long does it take to earn a pilot’s license and what’s her vision for aerospace engineering? Think space!

(7:35) What was the impetus for Biance to start her company Dynamics Fashion?

(9:50) Who and what is Blanche Art?

(10:40) How did Bianca come up with this name and what memories does she have about it?

(11:36) Bianca is proficient in English, German, Franch and Chinese. How does this help her run her business and in everyday life?

(12:57) Bianca explains the difference in the fabrics and techniques used in creating activewear.

(14:15) What are some of her recent projects and what are some of the challenges she faces in creating them?

(14:25) Biance is working on a fully self-made wardrobe…she tells us how it’s coming along!

(16:55) What pieces of clothing provide the most challenges for her?

(17:35) How dies Biance balance all that she does?

(18:59) When will Biance complete her degree? And does she still blog for BERNINA?

(19:30) What learnings from starting her business would she share with others thinking of starting their own business?

(20:49) What’s Biance working on now?

(21:10) When flying for her job where does she go, and are there a lot of females?

(21:58) What’s next for Biance and what’s her dream?

(23:26) What didn’t I ask?

(23:19) You can reach out to Biance on Instagram @blancheartsewing

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. 

Our guest today is Maddy Ballard, sewist, journalist, author. Born in Syracuse, NY, to a Texan father and a Chinese-New Zealander mother, she grew up in Auckland, New Zealand where she lived until she was 22. She then moved to England to pursue a postgraduate degree in English literature at the University of Oxford. Working in England as a journalist after her degree ended, she returned home during Covid, which is when she learned to sew. 

After a couple of years working in Auckland, Maddy moved to Wellington to pursue a master’s in creative writing, which is when she wrote her book "Patchwork". 

She now lives in Melbourne Australia and still works as a journalist -splitting most of her spare timebetween writing and sewing but also loving to sing and cook.

(2:00) Born in the US, Maddy’s family moved back to New Zealand when she was 4 years old. Why did they make this move?

(3:00) who in her family sewed and how did that influence her love for the craft? It started with her grandmother…and a great friend!

(3:40) While Maddy was exposed to sewing quite young, she didn’t take it up in earnest until she was in her 20’s. What was the impetus for this?

(5:23) What was her very first sewing project and what are her memories of its creation?

(6:20) Maddy is self-taught…how did this work out?

(6:40) Maddy calls sewing “magical”. How did sewing provide comfort and stability during the major transitions in her life?

(7:52) Maddy talks about her mixed heritage and how it influences her creation choices.

(9:37) Maddy talks about her book. How it came together and what started it all.

(12:15) Maddy talks about sewing be a way to accept your body. She explains…

(14:00) Why does Maddy say that Sewing is an act that helps you believe in the future?

(14:47) While researching for her book she found out that sewing was really important to her family. She tells us what she learned and how it touched her.

(16:45) Remaking is important to Maddy…she tells a specific story of how this worked for her.

(18:52) An advocate for zero waste she talks about sustainability and its challenges.

(21:25) Maddy tells us about her work as a journalist. She’s focused on food, restaurants and hospitality. Now she’s in the bicycle industry!

(22:20) Maddy writes, sings, cooks and sews. Is it hard to balance it all?

(23:13) Maddy talks about sewing as a form of self-expression and how it’s influenced her own projects.

(24:23) What’s she working on now?

(25:14) What’s next and what are her dreams? There could be a novel…and a quilt in her future!

(27:36) Is there a question we didn’t ask?

(27:55) Where can you find her book Patchwork - A Sewist’s Diary?

(28:20) How can you reach Maddy? Instagram @MaddyBallard 27

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. 

Our guest today is Thadine Wormly, quilter, artist, proud mother of 4! Originally from Brooklyn, she moved to Flushing Queens in the 1970’s. As a young girl she loved making doll clothes…and learning from her mother how to crochet and knit. Following a move to Miami, FL Thadine took Home Ec in Junior High which allowed her to continue her love of working with fabric. A graduate of the Barbizon Modeling School, she modeled in numerous shows  often designing and  making her outfits.

While working in the fur market in New York City for 16 years, she learned and became adept at patternmaking for fur, leather and cloth.

During all of this, she always had an interest in quilts. Through a chance meeting at The Women of Color exhibit…she became hooked and has since found great joy in sourcing just the right fabric for each project.

Thadine is a member of numerous quilt guilds and the founder of a few as well. Most importantly…she is a proud mom of four amazing children

(2:00) Who taught Thadine to sew? She shares stories of her childhood and how her sewing adventures began.

(3:30) After her parents divorced, Thadine was sent to Miami – she was 12 years old. Her Junior High Home Economics class what an important anchor for her in this tumultuous time. Hear this story.

(6:05) Thadine attended the Barbizon Modeling school. She tells us about the school, their curriculum and how it affected her life. 

(7:30) What were her memorable experiences while at Barbizon?

(8:45) During a special fashion show she met Muhammad Ali, George Frazier and the Staples Singers.

(9:23) Thadine spent 16 years working in the New York fur market. How did this begin for her and what was it like? Then, she goes on to share more of her story and how she got involved in sewing guilds and how quilting became such a large part of her life.

(10:42) Quilting has taken Thadine on travels all over the world. What were some of her favorite places to visit and what are a few of her favorite stories about these adventures?

(31:40) Let’s learn more about Thadine as she talks about being ordained an Evangelist and how her faith influences her work.

(38:26) What’s Thadine working on now?

(38:50) Where can you find Thadine’s work?

(39:45) What’s next for Thadine and what’s her dream?

(40:27) What didn’t we ask that Thadine wants to talk about? Well, she talks about the Gees Bend Quilters and her experiences working with them…and arranged marriages in Tangiers.

(44:26) You can reach out to Thadine on Instagram @thadinewormly

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. 

In this episode of Sew & So, we sit down with four of those “sewing fairies”—Jaime David (Education Project Manager), Megann Freese (Educator), Hayley Grzych (Educator), and Fabian Renteria (Associate Educator). Together, they pull back the curtain on what it’s like to be behind the scenes of one of fashion TV’s most iconic shows. From early call times and prepping challenges, to watching contestants “make it work” in real time, the team shares stories of intensity, camaraderie, and unforgettable creative energy.

Whether you’re a Project Runway fan, a sewist, or just curious about how TV magic comes together, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and plenty of BERNINA pride.

(:45) Let’s meet :

Jaime David, Education Project Manager

Megann Freese, Educator

Hayley Grzych, Educator

Fabian Renteria, Associate Educator

(1:35) What one word would each of the team members use to summarize their experience on the set?

(3:40) How did each member of the team find out that they would be going to the show?

(6:48) How did this overall opportunity to work with the show come about? And how did the experience unfold?

(12:04) Hear about a “typical” day on the set!

(14:07) How was communication with the contestants monitored to make sure that everyone got the same information and no secrets were revealed?

(16:40) Learn about how each challenge were prepped and how the BERNINA team participated.

(19:11) The team talk about some of the “make it work” minutes.

(21:07) What was the most memorable moment for each team member? You’ll want to pay attention to these answers!

(26:24) What surprised the team members while on the set?

(27:50) Are there any moments they’d like to relive? The team also calls out Nick, David, Rich and Noel for their amazing support!

(33:59) What did this experience teach each of them both personally and professionally?

(36:48) The team represented BERNINA on set. How did this experience affect how they feel about the brand?!

(38:39) Are there any messages the team members would like to send to the contestants?

(41:02) Any questions we didn’t ask that they wish we had asked?

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.