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. 

Our guest today is Maelynn Wood, quilt pattern designer and owner of Mae Just Sew. Born and raised in Maine and now a West Coast transplant, Maelynn draws deep inspiration from the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest—a place that mirrors her design style: grounded, thoughtful, and quietly modern. She learned to hand sew in a high school home-ec class and honestly can’t remember a time when a needle and thread weren’t close at hand. Although she began quilting seriously in 2021, Maelynn has quickly become known for patterns that blend traditional techniques with a fresh, approachable aesthetic designed to welcome quilters of all skill levels.

When she’s not designing, Maelynn is raising two kids with her husband Ben, gardening, reading the classics, sipping lattes, traveling with her family—and occasionally sharing the spotlight with her pup, Butter, who makes frequent appearances on Instagram.

When not quilting, she can be found in her vegetable garden, her rose garden, reading the classics of slipping a latte. AND…she loves to travel!

(1:40) How did Maelynn learn to sew?

(2:40) Who were the women who taught her to sew and what kind of influences did they have? Hear about the square dancers!

(4:00) Hear about a deeply fond memory Maelynn has of spending time with her grandmother.

(6:35) As an expectant mom she sewed a lot for each child. She shares why this was so very important to her.

(11:34) in 2021 she began to quilt…why?

(15:23) Maelynn decided to take a pattern writing class…why?

(19:44) She used to call quilting “the dark side”? Why and what’s changed for her now?!

(22:59) Learn why she named her company Mae Just Sew.

(24:12) What did her life look like prior to Mae Just Sew?

(27:59) Learn the three reasons why Maelynn quilts.

(31:14) There are many things she loves to do when not sewing…one of the biggest is travelling with her family. She tells of some of her favorite adventures.

(35:30) How have her adventures influenced her work?

(36:54) What’s next and what’s her dream?

(38:29) What didn’t I ask? Get ready for a little…no, a LOT of encouragement!

(41:50 ) You can reach out to Maelynn at www.maejustsew.com, #mae.just.sew on Instagram

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 the incomparable Kenneth D. King, returning to the Sew & So Podcast after first joining us on Episode 72.Kenneth is a New York–based haute couturier renowned for his mastery of evening wear, couture technique, and design education.

Born and raised in Salinas, Kansas, and later moving to Oklahoma, Kenneth’s path to fashion excellence led him to earn a degree in fashion merchandising from Central State University and to study patternmaking in San Francisco under Paris-trained Simmin Sethna. His extraordinary career includes selling to elite boutiques such as Maxfield, Wilkes Bashford, and Ultimo, designing for icons like Geena Davis, Cloris Leachman, Bernie Taupin, and Elton John, and having his work featured on red carpets, music videos, and television commercials.

Kenneth’s creations now reside in the permanent collections of the De Young Museum, LACMA, The Oakland Museum, and London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. In addition to designing, he is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Fashion Institute of New York, a Contributing Editor for Threads Magazine, an instructor for Craftsy and Burda, and the author of multiple acclaimed books on couture sewing techniques.

In this episode, Kenneth joins us to discuss his newest book, Doll Couture – The Red-Carpet Edition, his inspirations, collaborations, and what continues to drive his creativity today.

(3:35) Kenneth reminds us how he learned to so and who influenced him.

(4:40) He tells about his grandmother and her influence on him.

(5:20) He talks about why people are forced to create in a certain style and what can be done to more out of this mold.

(7:53) He talks about his new inspirations and gives us a history lesson on new York’s Ladies’ Mile.

(10:26) Learn about Kenneth’s collaborations

(11:40) What was it like for Kenneth to work with his husband Andrew?

(14:23) What’s new with Kenneth?

(16:07) Learn about Kenneth’s new book Doll Couture – The Red-Carpet Edition.

(18:15) How is this new book different from the first one?

(21:00) Learn about the book’s Easter Eggs

(21:15) What Red Carpet moments inspired his character’s designs?

(22:33) Does working on a small-scale change how he thinks about proportions and other considerations?

(24:05) What items from doll sized couture will help those creating full-sized garments?

(25:20) How long did it take Kenneth to complete his book?

(27:06) There was an untraditional path to publishing Kenneth’s books…he shares this with us.

(31:48) What’s it like when he is finally handed his first copy of a new book?

(33:40) Kenneth recounts the story of his relationship with Elton John and the hats he created for him.

(36:00) What’s next for Kenneth?

(37:34) What’s his dream? And, how can you help?!

(38:10)What question didn’t we ask that he wished we had asked?

(38:33) Reach out to Kenneth 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. 

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.