For nearly four decades, Becky Peelen has been helping people look and feel their best through the art of custom sewing. As the owner of Becky's Custom Sewing & Design Shoppe in Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood, she has created garments for weddings, graduations, performances, and countless milestone moments, becoming a trusted part of generations of families' lives.

In this special episode of Sew & So, we honor Becky as she prepares for retirement after 37 years in business. Becky reflects on learning to sew from her mother at age eight, balancing family, teaching, and advanced sewing studies, and building a career centered on craftsmanship, creativity, and care for others. Along the way, she shares lessons from influential mentors, stories from decades of custom sewing, and her belief that sewing is truly an art form—where every person is a unique canvas and every garment tells a story.

It's a heartfelt conversation about legacy, creativity, community, and a life beautifully stitched together.

(3:00) How did Becky learn to sew and who inspired her? Learn about her mother Margerite, broomstick skirts and her first store bought dress.

(7:05) When did Becky know that sewing wasn’t just a hobby…it was her path?

(8:44) How did art and her teaching career influence her sewing

(10:30) Becky talks about the season in her life when she was going to school and raising her children and teaching at night – many thanks to her mom!

( 12:21) What specific lesson did Becky learn from Harriet Sherbach?

(14:45) How did teaching influence her sewing practice?

(15:55) What made her open Becky’s Custom Sewing Shop in Milwaukee in 1988?

(16:22) Her favorite thing to talk about…the many stories of the people she’s sewed for…like the Milwaukee Sewing Granny’s, individuals and so many more!

(19:11) How does her family feel about her retiring?

(20:41) Becky is an artist and describes sewing as art. She talks about her creative process of sewing.

(24:39) How dies she feel when she looks back on the families she’s sewed for…and the memories she’s made for them.

(26:15) What’s her dream for retirement?

(27:39) What was her favorite place to visit in her travels? Here some wonderful stories.

(30:20) Some final thoughts from Becky.

Want to reach out to Becky? Facebook – Becky Peelen. Tell her you heard her on this podcast!

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. 

On this episode of Sew & So, we welcome Catherine Holbrook—garment sewist, Bernina Ambassador, former pattern designer, and the creative force behind Bringing Sewing Back. What began as a simple search for a hobby evolved into a thriving creative career built on garment sewing, thrift-store refashioning, pattern design, and a highly engaged online community. Catherine shares her journey from sewing beginner to industry influencer, discusses her audience-designed ball gowns, reflects on teaching her daughter to sew, and explains why sewing continues to be a source of creativity, purpose, and connection in her life.

(2:18) Hear the story about Juniper Joy!

(3:13) How did Catherine start sewing at age 26? Who was her inspiration?

(5:52) How’s Haddie doing learning to sew?

(7:36) Catherine started sewing through refashioning cloths. She explains what this is, how she does it and talks about the first garment she refashioned.

(10:20) Does she still refashion?

(11:18) How did she start working for Styla Patterns and what does it take to design patterns

(14:01) Catherine creates ballgowns twice a year with 50% participation from her Instagram followers. She tells us how this works.

(15:57) What are the big events she designs these gowns for?

(19:02) Catherine talks about her social media audience and what she’s done to successfully grow it. She credits authenticity.

(21:22) She shares a few special stories about interacting with her audience

(22:18) Learn about her mother-in-law’s quilts and why they are so very special to her.

(23:05) Why does she think that quilting is so different that quilting?

(25:00) Catherine introduces us to her family

(27:20) She is a woman of faith…how does this drive and affect her work?

(28:55) What’s next for her and what’s her dream?

(29:58) Is there anything we didn’t ask that she wanted us to? Well – yes there was! Hear her thoughtful response.

(31:39) You can reach out the Catherine on Instagram @bringingsewingback or email her at [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. 

If you've ever purchased a sewing machine, serger, embroidery machine, or any new piece of equipment and then felt completely intimidated by it, today's guest understands exactly how you feel.

Sue O'Very—better known as Sookie of Sookie Sews—has made it her mission to help sewists move from fear to confidence. Since joining us for our 50th episode back in 2023, Sue has become one of the industry's most recognized serger educators, helping thousands of sewists finally take their sergers out of the box and put them to use.

But today's conversation goes far beyond sewing.

We'll talk about Sue's journey from sewing Barbie doll clothes as a child to designing products around the world, how she found clarity and purpose after a difficult chapter in her personal life, and why she believes confidence comes from showing up consistently—for yourself and for others.

Whether you're a dedicated serger user, a lifelong sewist, or simply someone who appreciates stories of personal growth, I think you'll find inspiration in Sue's journey.

(2:45) Sue recounts her life events and what she’s been up to since we last caught up with her.

(9:45) What’s the Serge and Dream Club for Sue’s Serger Bees?!

(10:33) Sue explains the Serger and what it does.

(14:45) Sue shares portions of her personal life and what has occurred since her last Sew & So episode.

(18:50) Sue talks about her favorite author Robin Sharma and her favorite quote about change.

(21:25) She talks about her 100 lb. weight loss and how it’s affected her life overall. How hard was it to stay off of sweets and to begin to eat better.

(23:40) Sue talks about the book “The 5am Club”, how it’s changed her life as she’s put its ideas into practice.

(26:11) Who is Marie Fiallo and how have her programs and writings helped Sue? What is the center of these learnings?

(31:05) What does Sue want people to know about her as she is today?

(34:04) What’s Sue working on right now? Her “New Bees”, growing the Serger Dream Club, fresh content, and the next levels for the intermediate serger course. 

(36:05) What’s her dream?

(37:11) Want to reach out to Sue? Sookie Sews on Instagram, YouTube, Sookiesews.com and join the “Serger Loop” newsletter

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. 

What happens when thousands of makers, sewists, quilters, embroiderers, and creators gather under one roof for a brand-new event? In this episode of Sew & So, we take you directly to the inaugural Fiber & Fabric Craft Festival in Rosemont, Illinois, where creativity, community, and inspiration are everywhere you turn.

From the organizers who brought the show to life, to exhibitors sharing their passion, to attendees discovering new techniques, tools, and friendships, this episode is a behind-the-scenes and on-the-floor look at one of the crafting industry’s newest events. Join us as we meet the people shaping the future of sewing, quilting, cosplay, embroidery, and fiber arts — and discover why experiences like this continue to matter so deeply to makers everywhere.

(1:16) Join us for the grand opening of the inaugural Fiber & Fabric Show

(2:10) Meet Jessica Boweek – the show’s director and learn how this event came to be

(4:10) Jessica explains how her team put this show together – it’s amazing what it all takes!

(6:28) How does the show team build the sense of community into the event?

(7:43) What trends is Jessica seeing in shows like this?

(9:29) Meet Suzie, Judy and Terry – visitors to the sow hand hear their first impressions

(10:54) Join us as we visit with the ladies of Linda Z’s. Linda Z, and her daughters Terry and Debbie

(12:10) Teresa from the Fabric Center in Morris, IL – a first-time exhibitor – explains why it’s important for them to be at this show.

(13:33) Deidre and Erin from So Modern talk about their wares

(14:10) Meet Gail from BERNINA of Naperville and learn what trends she’s seeing this year.

(15:20) Next, we catch up with Melanie Jasmin, a past guest on this podcast

(16:28) Meet Annie Driscol – cosplayer extraordinaire! 

(17:36) Let’s talk with Jeannie from Quilters’ Quest and hear what attendees are looking for.

(18:50) Visit the Content Creator’s booth and meet Kyle who will take us for a tour

(20:27) Meet Darrin Stern the President and General Manager of the show team and learn the behind the scenes working of h&h and this show.

(27:13) Darren talks about the challenges of producing this show.

(29:51) What does Darrin think are the biggest opportunities in this crafting space?

(31:52)Meet a group of people who are attending the show and learn why they chose to do so. Here are Lynn, Sandy, Cathy, Jan and Judy!

(32:45) Let’s stop at Hudson Sewing and talk with Amanda! And by the way, ask her about karaoke! 

(34:01) Let’s chat with Tania Norris and Joe Vechiarelli. Tania of Disney’s Haunted Mansion Purple Wallpaper and Joe of Dancing With the Start and French European. Both past guests on Sew & So.

(38:22) Chris from Simply Classis talks about her up and coming crafts

(39:25) Robin from Robin Ruth designs talks about her quilt rulers and the techniques to use them.

(40:26) Maddy from the Badd Ass quilters talks about her organization and what they do.

(41:29) Let’s review with Jessica and Darrin learning about special experiences they’ve had and how their superior customer service is the norm.

Join us at this event in 2027 – April 30 – May 2 in Rosemont, IL

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’re stepping into a powerful intersection of storytelling and sewing with filmmaker and artist Valerie Soe.

Valerie is a fourth-generation Chinese American, born and raised in San Francisco, and like so many, her sewing journey started with a single machine—a 1970s Kenmore she still uses today. What began as a practical skill in high school, and later as a way to sew for her family, became something she would return to in a moment when it mattered most.

As an award-winning filmmaker and professor of Asian American Studies, Valerie has built her career around telling stories that reflect identity, memory, and community—stories she didn’t often see growing up. And in early 2020, when the world slowed down and uncertainty set in, she found herself both living and documenting one of those stories in real time.

Through a simple call to action, the Auntie Sewing Squad came together—hundreds of volunteers sewing masks for people who needed them, at a time when supplies were scarce and fear was high. Valerie was part of that effort, sewing alongside others while also capturing the experience as a filmmaker.

Her newest documentary, The Auntie Sewing Squad Resistance Playbook, revisits that moment—what it felt like, what was created, and what it meant to come together in a time of crisis. Many of you may remember our earlier conversation with Kristina Wong. (Episode 75) Today, we return to that story through Valerie’s lens, with a deeper look at the impact of that movement.

This is a conversation about sewing as something more—more than a skill, more than a craft—but a way to connect, to respond, and to care for others when it matters most.

(3:25) Valerie talks about her first sewing machine – a 1970’s Kenmore – and the beginning of her sewing adventures

(4:53) What first drew Valerie to film and telling stories?

(5:34) How did she become involved with The Auntie Sewing Squad?

(7:00) How did she decide that the first film needed to be made?

(8:12) And the second film…why this one?

(9:05) Valerie talks about Kristina Wong

(11:14) Valerie was both film producer and Sewing Squad participant. How did this affect the film?

(12:45) This film was made during the time when Asian Americans were in danger. What was this like for her?

(14:00) What were the most unexpected and powerful moments for her in the film?

(15:25) How did the Auntie Sewing Squad serve the Navajo Nation and what affect did this have?

(16:48) Valerie talks about the tiny details of the film where sewing was a practical tool rooted in community care

(18:05) What does Valerie hope people will take away from the film?

(20:30) What’s next for her and what’s her dream?

(21:25) She takes us behind the scenes and explains the mechanics of making an independent film.

(23:17) Want to see the film? Go to The Auntie Sewing Squad Resistance Playbook.com

(23:36) Anything we didn’t ask?

(24:10) Find Valerie at ValerieSoe.com and let her know you heard her on this podcast!

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’re joined by Cody Chenevert—BERNINA specialist, educator, and sales manager at Sew This! in Abita Springs, Louisiana. With more than 25 years of sewing experience, Cody has built a career that blends technical expertise, creative exploration, and a passion for teaching.

From quilting and machine quilting for customers to designing his signature custom button-downs—known as “The Cody Shirt”—Cody’s work is as versatile as it is personal. He’s also the co-creator of the popular YouTube channel Sewing with Cody and Pete, where he helps demystify sewing techniques for a global audience of BERNINA users.

Rooted in south Louisiana, Cody draws inspiration from his background in environmental science, as well as the natural beauty of the bayou. Whether he’s sewing, gardening, tending bees, or creating something entirely new, Cody brings curiosity and creativity to everything he does.

(2:16) How did Cody learn to sew and who is Aunt Mary?!

(7:20) Cody works with his mother. How’s that going?

(9:32) He’s been sewing for more than 25 years…what keeps him inspired?

(11:14) Sewing with Cody and Pete…what’s this show and who’s Pete?

(16:25) Cody was a quilter – then became a sewist. Why the shift?

(20:57) What’s the Cody Shirt?

(22:25) How does his background in environmental science and horticulture influence his creativity?

(25:00) Does his location in south Louisiana influence his creativity as well?

(25:58) Learn why he has the nickname “Cody Stewart”. And how he does all the things he does.

(30:48) Cody loves to hike and kayak in the bayou. Hear some stories of his adventures…and look out for alligators!

(34:41) What’s next for him and what’s his dream?

(36:21) Is there a question we didn’t ask?

(36:39) Want to reach out to Cody? You can at Instagram @lifewithcodyandpete or [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 Sew & So, we welcome Cait Trantham whose creative path is as dynamic and unexpected as the life she’s lived.

Born in Nebraska and raised in a military family, she grew up constantly on the move—an experience that shaped her adaptability, curiosity, and willingness to dive into something new. That sense of adventure carried into adulthood when she married a Marine, and together they’ve continued that lifestyle—moving nearly ten times over the past 17 years while raising their three kids and their dog, Saint.

Along the way, she’s worn a lot of hats—yoga instructor, ride operator, even magician’s assistant—but through it all, there’s been a consistent love of creativity and a drive to explore it in new ways.

Foe Cait, sewing garments wasn’t always part of that story. For years, she was almost exclusively a quilter, with clothing construction feeling just out of reach. But when the pandemic hit and the world slowed down, she found herself searching for inspiration. By deconstructing garments and putting them back together, she taught herself how clothing works from the inside out. That hands-on, approach sparked something deeper which she describes as scratching just the right place in her brain.

She began sharing those upcycled creations online, and over the past six years, that openness has grown into a vibrant and engaged community. Her work has led to opportunities around the world, including traveling to Spain to film an upcycling class, and even collaborating on a reality sewing show concept. 

Today, she’s taken her skills into working at Walt Disney World in Live Entertainment Costuming. On the creative side of the team, she helps design, create, supply, and maintain costumes for shows and parades, blending storytelling and craftsmanship.

She’s also the creative force behind a tea towel dress project—one that showcases her design perspective, and highlights her passion for community, collaboration, and storytelling through textiles. It’s a project that even caught the attention of her local news.

When she’s not designing or creating, she enjoys thrifting, hunting for vintage treasures which includes adding to her collections of Pyrex, quilts, and mid-century décor—always inspired by the stories and history behind the pieces she finds.

(3:21) How did Cait learn to sew and who influenced her? And…did she really think sewing was boring?!

(5:21) Did her life as a child in a military family influence her creative choices?

(6:17) Where was her favorite place to live?

(6:40) before the pandemic she found garment sewing to be intimidating. Now that’s the majority of what she does. What changed?

(8:49) What’s the “creative part of her brain” that sewing ultimately scratched?

(9:53) Why did her upcycling resonate so well with her YouTube audience?

(10:34) How about some stories about her interaction with her audience? Learn about the Tea Towel project!

(18:00) Would she do it again?

(18:16) Cait has has some pretty memorable experiences and moments. What was her favorite?

(21:12) Hear more about her sewing reality show.

(21:57) How does her love for vintage influence her design choices today?

(24:36) She has done many things. Hear about her being a ride operator and magician’s assistant.

(28:47) What’s next for Cait and what’s her dream?

(29:45) Is there a question we didn’t ask?!

(30:14) How can you reach out to Cait? Social Media and caitconquers @gmail.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 we’re thrilled to welcome back Susan Khalje of Susan Khalje Couture. Susan first joined us on Sew & So in 2023 (Episode 75), where she shared her remarkable journey into couture sewing and her passion for teaching these refined techniques around the world. Since then, her work has continued to evolve—expanding her global reach through online education and immersive experiences abroad. Widely regarded as one of the foremost authorities on couture sewing, Susan trained at the legendary New York salon Chez Cez et Bez, designed on Seventh Avenue, and later built a celebrated custom bridal and eveningwear business before dedicating herself fully to teaching.

A longtime contributing editor to Threads Magazine and author of Bridal Couture: Fine Sewing Techniques for Wedding Gowns and Evening Wear and Linen and Cotton: Classic Sewing Techniques, many also recognize her from Sew Much More, which aired for six years on HGTV and DIY Network. Today, she continues to inspire sewists worldwide through her Couture Sewing School, her online Couture Sewing Club, and her curated educational trips to Paris and London.

(2:40) Susan recaps her journey to couture sewing.

(5:05) what’s Susan been doing since her last visit with us in 2023?

(5:42) Her Couture Sewing Club has taught sewists worldwide. She talks about it’s beginning and how it’s evolved. Also, what’s important to her about this online community?

(7:25) Couture sewing is very tactile. How does she teach this online?

(8:52) What’s her favorite couture technique?(10:36)Susan explains couture sewing

(12:24) Is every garment designed with the owner and event in mind? Hear her very unique point of view!

(12:33) How long does it take to create a couture item?

(14:08) What’s it like for her to experience a student’s first “ A Ha” moment?

(15:16) Why are her curated trips to Paris and London so special? What do the participants learn?

(18:01) What’s her favorite thing to do on these trips?

(19:04) What continues to inspire her?

(20:42) What changes has she seen in the sewing audience since she’s been involved in writing/teaching?

(23:25) What’s next for her and what’s her dream?

(25:05) Is there a question we didn’t ask that she wishes we had asked? Well, get with a group of people who sew!

(26:10) Want to contact Susan? [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. 

From a childhood surrounded by fabric and family to leading a team of talented sewists at Disney, Mary Lou Cox has stitched together a remarkable career in the entertainment industry. As Area Manager of the Creative Workroom at Disney, Mary Lou oversees the creation of magical garments and specialty pieces that help bring unforgettable guest experiences to life.

Born in Mexico and raised in California from six months old, Mary Lou grew up in a large family of sewists. Her grandparents owned a store in Tampico, and her mother lovingly made her school clothes. By age 10, Mary Lou was sewing herself. That early foundation launched a 25-year career in entertainment costuming, global factory visits across Asia and the U.S., and teaching fashion design at LA Trade Tech. Passionate about patternmaking, specialty techniques, and mentoring the next generation, Mary Lou continues to blend craftsmanship, creativity, and heart in everything she does.

(1:29) How did Mary Lou learn to sew and who influenced her?

(2:18) Mary Lou recounts her career path and how she ended up working at Disney.

(4:13) She talks about what she and her team of sewists create every day.

(4:52) Mary Lou shares examples of how these creations bring joy to Disney guests.

(6:04) What about the work she does with Dancing With the Stars?

(6:33) How is sewing for entertainment different than everyday sewing?

(8:13) What changes has she seen in the industry in the last 25 years?

(9:25) She shares the story of Kayla and Briar Rose. And making Teddy Bears.

(12:20) She loves to make patterns and teach sewing techniques. She explains why.

(15:44) Mary Lou shares special stories of her many travels.

(19:51) What about the memorable people she’s met? Crab Hearts and elephant orphanages. 

(23:30) What were her very favorite specialty classes? How about quilting, bra making and tutu making?!

(28:35) What does she do in her spare time?

(30:53) What’s next for her and what’s her dream?

(32:48) Is there a question we didn’t ask?

(35:15) Want to reach out to Mary Lou? You can at Instagram @sewingwildflowers

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 Melanie Jasmine a costume designer and makeup artist based in Texas.

With more than 10 years of experience in sewing and design, she began her involvement in the cosplay community at age 15. Within the community she hosts panels and crafting sessions, judges cosplay contests and is a brand ambassador. She represents a newer generation of professional cosplayers who combine costume design, performance, makeup artistry, and branded content creation into dynamic character work. In addition to sewing and fabrication, she is known for using advanced makeup techniques to complete fully immersive transformations.
She has worked with a variety of brands, such as Lootcrate, 20th Century Fox, Dreamhack, AVC Entertainment, Anime Expo, Dallas Fuel, Hulu, Coca Cola, and Blizzard Entertainment; creating promotional content and organizing meetups. She also shares insight into how brand partnerships differ from competition builds, what she looks for when judging contests, and how the cosplay industry has evolved over the years.

Her work has won numerous awards and when not busy creating, she can be found doing guest appearances around the country.

(1:53) How did Melanie learn to sew and who were her influencers?

(4:10) What was Melanie like as a little girl before cosplay?

(5:28) What brought her to the United States?

(8:30) What drew Melanie to costume making and what was the first costume she ever made?

(10:00) How did her early years in cosplay affect what she does today?

(11:47) How does her work on makeup and costuming influence each other?

(14:23) What are some of the tools and materials that are important to her?

(17:00) Melanie explains how working with brands and collaborations is different than other projects.

(22:51) What does she look for when judging competitions?

(26:44) What changes has she seen over her involvement in cosplay.

(30:10) What skills do sewists and quilters have that will help them get started I cosplay?

(32:56) Where does she find her inspiration?

(34:10) What’s next for her and what’s her dream?

(35:26)Is there a question we didn’t ask?

(35:42) You can reach her at her email [email protected] and on Instagram.@mjasminedesign

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.