Sew & So...

As the conversation begins, we learn about the individual journeys of Christa and Aaronica, and how sewing has influenced each of their lives. Christy, a plus-size sewist herself and daughter of a tailor, grew up around sewing, and notes that the sewing industry has adapted over the years to be more accommodating to sewists of all sizes. Although she sewed on and off since a young age, Aaronica’s real passion for sewing started when she was pregnant with her second child. For her, quilting is one of the most empowering things ever because you can take unformed pieces of fabric and create garments, handbags, quilts and more that have the power to last lifetimes while telling stories. (1:00-7:45)

As the conversation continues, they discuss the difference between curvy and plus-size sewing, body positivity and the value of body neutrality. While society tries to make us have worth based on our bodies, the truth is we all have them, they’re all different, and regardless of how we feel about our bodies on any given day, they actually play no part in our worth at all. 

As Christy and Aaronica dive into the nuts and bolts of sewing, they talk about everything from where to find patterns and designs for plus sizes, to choosing patterns that fit your body, to adjusting patterns to create amazing outfits for your body. They also discuss the importance of trial and error and of starting with something easier to sew, using a simpler pattern and less expensive fabric. They share some of their favorite places to buy fabric—from bundles to one-of-a-kind fabrics. And because everyone makes mistakes, they talk about ways to fix them, pointing out that sometimes the fix results in an even more exciting piece. Part of the discussion centers on tools Christy and Aaronica feel they can’t live without and why, and the specific tools they would recommend to other sewists. They share their current goals for creating different outfits, what those garments are, and the different techniques and tools to make them “wow.”   (10:00- 45:00)

This conversation is full of insights, inspirations and valuable sourcing information for beginners who are just starting to make plus-size creations as well as for seasoned sewists. So grab your notebook, turn on the podcast and get ready to load up on fun, facts, and fabulous tips. Once you’ve listened to the podcast, you’ll likely want to listen again.  It’s that good. To learn more be sure to check out the “We All Sew” blog, as well as Christy and Aaronica’s individual social media platforms. 

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to [email protected] or complete the form on our website.

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.

SHOW NOTES:

(1:50) Joe takes us through his early work with his father and his easily found interest in the studios. He talks about entertainment and fashion and how these two industries merged for him.

(3:13) Joe meets Mr. Spock on the set of Star Trek. It’s this meeting that led to Joe’s lifelong career. His courage and moxie led the way…with a little help from his friends!

(9:00) Learn about the beginning and early days of Vecchiarelli Brothers.

(10:40) Joe initially knew nothing about fashion. He tells us about Helen Joseph Armstrong and how she taught him everything he needed to know…tutoring him 2 days a week for 2 years!

(12:00) Joe is approached by the executive producer of Dancing With the Stars to help them with the genesis of the series. 23 seasons later, Joe’s proprietary method for dealing with dancers’ weight loss is still being used!

(15:35) How did Joe begin working at America’s got Talent? He tells you…!

(16:20) Joe explains how he branched out from studio work to providing fit forms for home use. It was one phone call that changed things forever.

(22:20) Joe takes us through the secrets to creating custom body fit forms for home use.

(24:42) Joe tells the story of how he first met and began to work with Dolly Parton. Still one of his most very favorite celebrities. Learn about the big mistake he made when fitting Drew Scott from Property Brothers.

(29:15) What’s a typical day like on the set of Dancing With the Stars and how do they manage more than 300 garments a week. Joe takes behind the scenes for a special look into this perennially popular show. Learn how many crystals are sewn into the garments and the step-by-step process for doing this.

(32:55) What’s the most important thing that sewists need to know abut fitting? It all begins with the center of gravity.

(36:22) What’s next for him...what’s his dream? 

(38:06) And finally, what makes him happiest?

If you’d like to get in touch with Joe, go to [email protected] and put “Sew & So podcast” in the subject line. Find him on Facebook and 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.

Born in the United Kingdom, Justine began her first career as a model at 16. From created performance art costumes for artists, plays, and television commercials while earning her master’s degree in Design at the Australian Film, Television, and Radio School.

Seymour designed the wardrobe for the Apple TV+ adaptation of The Mosquito Coast. Her award-winning costume design in the Netflix hit miniseries Unorthodox, was nominated for an Emmy and won the German TV Award for Best Costume Designer.

She did the costuming on many films including Mission Impossible II, Moulin Rouge, Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Son of the Mask, The Sessions, Backtrack, All-Nighter, and Destination Wedding. And she’s designed episodic television shows for various networks including Netflix’s Messiah and Medal of Honor; TNT’s I Am the Night; and Amazon Studios’ One Mississippi. 

Justine begins by telling the story of how she began to sew at age four because of her grandmother. (3:00). Sewing was something she took too quickly through sewing costumes for her dolls. The Waldorf school curriculum had a profound effect on her creativity (5:59). There she sewed entirely by hand perfecting her craft. It gave her the ability to think outside the box and quickly find solutions. 

Listen to her fascinating story about her modeling career and her costuming for artists, plays, and television commercials throughout the 1980s and early 1990s (7:30). Justine talks in-depth about her costuming experiences for two features Women of the Movement follows Mamie Till in her fight for civil rights and True Spirit, which is based on Australian Jessica Watson’s memoir about her journey as the youngest person ever to sail solo, non-stop around the world (11:30).

Justine treats us to a behind-the-scenes explanation of the processes she uses to costume for a production. Her meticulous approach to detail and inclusion of the actors in the final look. While in grad school she was the only costume designed but worked in the art department and learned the technique of aging fabrics. Enjoy her story about Moulin Rouge and her contribution to the soft furnishings in one of the key scenes. She also shares her experience on-set on this film...and the moment at which she knew that costuming was what she wanted to do (18:29). 

Known for authentically building character through costume (29:30) Justine talks about how she earned this reputation through her costuming work on Unorthodox on Netflix. Travel with her into the Satmar community of Williamsburg, The Bronx New York as she shares her adventure in preparing for this production for which she won many costuming awards. (29:54) 

Justine has words of advice for those who are interested in following in her footsteps (36:55). A road that she’s traveled for the past 22 years...she’s learned that observing is the most important skill to have. What makes an outfit fantastic?! And finally, what’s next for her...what’s her dream? Listen at (40:10)! If you’d like to get in touch with Justine, you can learn more at www.justine-seymour.com and connect with her on Instagram, @justineseymourcostumedesign.

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.

After living in the United States for seven years, Marisa and her husband moved back to Spain in the late 1990s to help her parents with their sewing machine business. While working at the store, she and her sister introduced quilting to help modernize the business. Marisa also managed the store and taught sewing before returning to the United States in 2019.

It was while she was in Spain that Marisa discovered her love of free motion quilting. Although she’s been quilting for the past 22 years, Marisa didn’t create her first themed art quilt until 2014. She named her quilt Regeneration, and it was the first time she used the elements of nature and symbolism in her quilting. The thread painting figure was a phoenix, which represented the elements in nature; how they are born, live, and die—and how they don't die in vain, but rather to create new life. The quilt, which received its first award in Spain and was accepted to be exhibited at a quilt market in Houston, is currently hanging in her son’s room. Since then Marisa has made about 20 art quilts. (1:51- 11:14)

She talks in detail about her love of teaching and of free motion quilting; of choosing a theme, using thread to paint a story, and how different techniques can be used to create quilt art. She also shares how different words, colors, and themes can take on different meanings based on the region and culture they’re from. So before she begins a project, she always researches her subject or theme. This helps her to understand the different nuances of a theme, so she can present a unique perspective on the subject. She believes that owning a subject is the first step to creating a quilt. Once you do that, you can give it a fresh twist; something that is totally different.  

Early on in her career, Marisa was too intimidated to exhibit her work, because she didn’t think she was good enough to be in the company of such accomplished artists. However, a conversation she had with the President of the Studio Art Quilt Association (SAQA) in 2014, gave her the courage to forge ahead. “She told me you just have to start from something, and you have to start somewhere, and this is a good place to start.” So Marisa took the leap and since then, her work has appeared in numerous exhibits around the world. She continues to challenge herself and encourages others to do the same. (17:22- 20:19)

Her advice to traditional quilters who may want to go from creating quilts for a bed to creating an art quilt that hangs on a wall is to start where they’re comfortable and then, little by little, step outside their comfort zone and try something different. She says that if you want your work to be exhibited, it must be unique. You need to add a fresh twist to what you’re creating, whether it’s a log cabin pattern or a traditional block pattern. It doesn’t matter if it turns out perfect. You just have to try to be your best, and if it’s not “the best,” it doesn’t matter because it’s your best. You learn from your failure and try again. (20:31-22:27)

As you listen to this engaging podcast, you’ll find that Marisa’s enthusiasm and passion are contagious. You may find yourself ready to take a few leaps of your own. If you’d like to reach out to Marisa to share your ideas or get a little inspiration, you can email her at [email protected] or check out her blog, MarisaMarquezQuilts.WordPress.com!

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to [email protected] or complete the form on our website.

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.

As a former social worker with zero art experience, Kelly Rae picked up her first paintbrush at age 30 - that's when everything started to change. Although she had been collaging and card making at home after work, it was when she started adding painting to her cards and scrapbooking that Kelly’s passion ignited. 

She explains painting brought her what she was craving: healing, unburdened joy, and awakening. Kelly Rae started blogging about her process, and before long, her cards turned into paintings with collaging mixed in. In 2006, when Etsy was first starting out, she began showing her work there, and before long she got a licensing partner through Etsy. She started exhibiting wall art and was approached by a book editor to turn her blog post into a book. Her style of truth-telling and her possibility-driven approach to life, work, and art quickly spread, reaching people from around the country. She shares her journey of being “an accidental artist,” becoming a full-time artist in 2008, having her art up in 60,000 retail shops, launching her own shop, and creating a community of “possibilitarians” —people who believe in the spirit of possibility and that encourage each other to do the things they never thought they could do. (3:55-11:11) 

Her inspirational style goes back to high school when she recalls her love of all things that had wings. From high school through college, she had butterflies, that turned into angels, all over her walls. Today, these winged figures are a hallmark of her work. Another source of inspiration is the conversations Kelly Rae has with her creative community, friends, and family and the sentiments sparked by them. Today, she works with Benartex to bring her artistry to fabric.

Although she’d been interested in fabric design for a long time, it wasn’t until Benartex reached out to her, and Kelly Rae Roberts is founder of KellyRaeRoberts.com and fabric designer for Benartex, the Bernina sister company. She's a creator of several E-courses, books, home decor, gifts, stationery products, and retreats that focus on the idea that when we let art out, we let love in. She began collaborating with one of their designers, and she was able to translate her ideas into fabric. The process starts with Kelly Rae creating a painting using multiple layers of vintage wallpaper and paint to create patterns and depth. She then adds texture and paints the hero image on top, an angel or other winged creature. Once done, she works with the fabric designer to create arresting patterns. It’s a fascinating process; and one that attracts a lot of interest. Her fabrics are used by all different types of quilters in all kinds of quilts, from traditional to super-modern. She loves that she now lives in Sister, Oregon, which is known for its quilting community and is home to the International Quilt Festival. The Stitching Post is a local store that carries her line; the staff has also made several quilts using her fabric. She says, “It’s been fun to be doing fabric while living in this small town that is all about quilting.” (13:44 – 25:25)

Kelly Rae’s fascinating story is a testament to the power of synchronicity, trusting in the process, paying attention to the tugs on our sleeves, what wants attention, and then following the breadcrumbs. It’s obvious that Kelly puts her heart and soul into everything she creates. After listening to the podcast, you’re going to want to connect with her.  You can do so at her website, KellyRaeRoberts.com, and by sending her an email at [email protected].  

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to [email protected] or complete the form on our website.

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.

Becky loves all aspects of quilting—from choosing the pattern to cutting the fabric, to stitching and piecing and mixing up patterns and colors. She also loves machine quilting—especially free motion quilting. Because she doesn’t have to follow a set pattern and can basically do whatever she wants, she feels that it enhances her ability to create and be artistic. She compares free motion quilting to handwriting. “Whether it's meanders or stipples, or swirls or squiggly lines, you know whatever it is you're creating it's not always going to look exactly the same from one person to the next…like handwriting, you have your own speed, your own density of the quilting.” And as Becky explains to her students, like handwriting it takes practice. (6:56 -11:02)

She speaks in-depth about the inspiration she gets from the exhibitions at the museum and the artists she’s met through her work there. She explains that it’s impossible to pick just one quilt or artist, or exhibit that stands out because there’s always something new and exciting happening. She loves meandering through the museum and talking to the guests about the quilts and exhibits. Becky is involved in a lot of different things at the museum, from the youth program to the school block challenge to the junior quilter’s club, to meeting artists and being involved in social media.

The creativity and jumping from one project to another keeps things fun and interesting. One of her favorite aspects of the job is teaching the next generation of quilters at quilt camp, which is held every June. Some are beginners, many of whom are learning about quilting and using a sewing machine for the first time. The intermediate group is using machines to do binding and learning other techniques. Because they’ve been in the program for four or five years, it’s exciting to see how their personalities evolve and how they’re reflected in their quilting. The advanced quilters get to do free quilting and put their own spin on the patterns provided. You hear the pride in Becky’s voice as she talks about being able to pass the skill in this art form onto to the next generation and watching them grow with it from year to year. (18:37-22:22)

An international destination for quilters, The Quilt Museum is celebrating its 30th Anniversary. The process of selecting artists and pieces to be exhibited in its contemporary collection is fascinating, and quite involved, as there are two side galleries with at least three rotating exhibits at any given time. As a non-profit organization, most of their more than 660 quilts are donated; about half our hand-stitched, half-machine sewn, with others using a combination of both techniques. 97% of the work exhibited is by women artists. The museum has between 40,000 to 50,000 visitors from around the globe each year; many of them are in the spring for Quilt Week. Another global attraction is the online Block of the Month Club. Started in 2018, it currently has 21,000 members globally. As Becky talks about the wealth of programs offered by the museum, its growing community of passionate quilters, and the many little-known facts about the museum, you can see that this is a woman who is 100% dedicated to celebrating contemporary quilters and their work. (37:49-44:52) 

Be sure to join us for this fascinating podcast, brimming with possibilities, potential, and passion. Becky’s contact information is on the museum’s website, quiltmuseum.org. You can also connect with Becky and the museum on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to [email protected] or complete the form on our website.

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.

After hearing how the dedicated teachers at North Charleston High School created a Makerspace for their students, BERNINA and Craig Conover from Bravo TV, Southern Charm, and the owner of Sewing Down South, decided to outfit the space so that NCHS scholars could dream, create and pursue their passion.

This story of creativity and hope began when Ms. Connell, an art teacher at NCHS and founder of the school’s Makerspace, noticed that there was a lot of interest in sewing and fashion. After receiving a donation of fabric, she had the students experiment with sewing pillows, and from there the idea of a Makerspace started to take shape.  Ms. Connell has teamed up with Ms. Murray, a team member and librarian at NCHS to further develop the program. Meanwhile, Ms. Clegg, who runs the Liberty Hill STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Initiative in the North District, has also jumped in to help. 

Thanks to the participation of several partners including Boeing and CCFC, the Makerspace has expanded to additional schools in the northern district and will now include grades K-12. As these dedicated professionals share their stories and the evolution of a Makerspace program for aspiring scholars, the excitement is palpable. According to Ms. Clegg, the machines donated by BERNINA, and the other partnerships they’ve formed will be the foundation for the Makerspace in the area, which will help these young scholars learn life skills and artistic ways to express themselves.

BERNINA credits Craig Conover’s sewing journey as the initial source of their inspiration to get involved with this amazing local effort—so when BERNINA donated 12 Bernette machines to NCHS, Craig Conover accompanied them. He provided words of support and encouragement, while also presenting them with a challenge to create. Craig shares that he was bullied a lot growing up, and that sewing was one of his outlets for dealing with it—although he mostly did it in the privacy of his home. He also talks about how, when he was growing up there were no Makerspaces, and goes on to say, “Having a space in the school where you can explore your creative side comfortably and encourage each other, it's just great.” 

Craig’s ability to escape negative feelings through the act of sewing and his realization that there’s beauty in imperfection informed his decision to start Sewing Down South. He talks about his journey of starting the business with his business partner Jerry Casselano, how sewing is therapeutic, and how the machines that were donated will enable young scholars to bring a lot of joy to people. He knows that while the pressure about gender norms isn’t as great as it used to be, kids still aren’t really introduced to sewing and cooking. He also knows that a lot of them don’t have a sewing machine at home, so they don’t have the chance to discover their talent.  He shares his excitement at the prospect that Programs like Makerspace can really help students discover a talent they didn’t even know they had.  (5:26-9:23)

We talked to so many wonderful individuals at this event; professionals who are committed to helping these students grow and evolve their passions. As Ms. Clegg so aptly states, “What's special about our scholars is a lot of people sell them short… We not only want to show our neighborhoods, our cities, our state, and the world that our scholars can fly, we want to prove to them that they can fly.” 

Craig and his partner Jerry are providing an opportunity for these young scholars to do just that. They shared their support of them and put forth a challenge that could result in some young scholars having the opportunity to sell their creations from the “creator’s corner” in their store. His show, and his store, are about breaking down gender stereotypes and showing boys and girls that they can succeed at anything they want, from sports to sewing. “Let’s get out of the shadow,” he encourages them, “let’s have fun and connect,” (15:43 – 17:56)

Talking with all of the wonderful people in this podcast proves that good still exists and that it’s this good that will shape the futures of the young scholars at NCHS. If you want to be uplifted this holiday, listen to this special podcast and share the power of love, giving back, and helping our students understand that they can do more than just walk through this life…they can fly!

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to [email protected] or complete the form on our website.

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.

British by birth, Paul Ashworth is an avowed world traveler and has lived and worked in multiple countries. Bernina of America represents half of Bernina's business worldwide, and during his time there, he has successfully grown the business by over 65%. 

When asked what brought him to Bernina, he says, “…I guess you can say it’s luck.” He shares that if someone had told him he’d one day be joining the sewing industry, he probably would have chuckled to himself. He had it in his head that the wine and spirits industry was where he belonged, but when BERNINA approached him with the opportunity to be its CEO, he couldn’t pass it up.

When asked what inspires him on a daily basis, he doesn’t miss a beat before exclaiming it’s the passion, the people, and the power of the brand. He talks about waking up daily, thrilled at the opportunity to move the company and the brand forward. He believes that his European background enables him to bring a unique perspective as to what the Swiss might be thinking. He also talks about working with premium and luxury products—from the Louis Vuitton Hennessy group to BERNINA—and how critical it is to work with the BERNINA dealers to bring a product to life, nurture the product, maintain its premium appeal, and never dilute the brand.  (3:55-6:52)  

When he talks about how BERNINA on the outside BERNINA on the inside is, he explains that the passionate professionals at BERNINA make and control every step of the production, manufacturing, and sourcing process. He goes on to explain that every product, across every segment it competes in, is made in its own production facilities. He explains that this type of precision, control, and craftsmanship is part of the brand and the company’s DNA. He takes great pride in the fact that the company doesn’t outsource anything, and that includes their new longarm machines and high-end sergers.  I shared with him that while many of our guests didn’t start out on a BERNINA, they always aspired to owning one, and once they got one, they ultimately got more. He says that is quite common, because once you get into using the best, one is never enough.  He talks about how BERNINA is very much about quality stitches. “It is,” he says, “a bit of an obsession.” Once people work on a BERNINA, they can see, hear, and feel the difference.  (15:07- 18:44)

The more we talk, the more apparent it becomes that Paul is truly passionate about the people he works with. As he continues with the details of his time at BERNINA and his insights into the industry, his pride in being part of this family-owned company is evident.  It’s not surprising that he shares 30% of his time on developing and nurturing talent. Mr. Ashworth is convinced that everyone who is part of the BERNINA team shares his commitment to ensuring that every aspect of the BERNINA experience is a quality one, and that everything works together to enhance the sewist’s creativity. Everything from the parts to the dealerships, the software to the technology, the in-store offerings to the online classes, is designed to create a premium user experience. It’s not surprising then that the relationship between the sewist and their BERNINA becomes a sort of love affair. (21:49 - 37:36

If you’d like to know more about the vision of the company and its leader, you can visit Bernina.com or reach out to Mr. Ashworth himself at [email protected]

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to [email protected] or complete the form on our website.

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.

Ricky began designing and making quilts in 1991 and has been named one of the 30 most distinguished quilters in the world. He was selected by the readers of Quilters Newsletter Magazine as the most influential person in the quilting industry and was profiled on CBS Sunday Morning. Ricky is passionate about sharing his creative experience and enthusiasm and encourages individuals to cultivate self-expression, to reach for the unreachable, and to believe in the impossible.  

His discovery story is rich in details. As he takes us on his journey, he shares that he was smitten with the process of quilting from the moment he made his first quilt in the privacy of his home. He says, “I wasn’t aware of the “quilt police” when I made my first quilt…and while it was pretty pathetic in many ways, I wouldn’t be where I am without that first quilt, so I’m not ashamed of it, and I usually display it when I’m doing my seminars.” 

When new quilters come across his path, Ricky tells them that he doesn’t want them to be perfect and that they should simply enjoy the process, knowing that through the process they’re going to get better. Ricky believes that making a quilt is a journey and while you’re making the quilt, life unfolds, and as it does, those events, those moments, go into the quilt. Whether it’s a struggle or a celebration, those memories are fixed in the quilt so that when you look at it, you’re not just seeing a quilt but remembering the things you experienced in life. (7:02-11:40)

Ricky refers to himself as a creative soul and shares that he’s happiest when he’s creating. His first creative outlet was music; he learned to read music before he learned the alphabet. Then photography and quilting came along, and now he does all of them.  Ricky doesn’t want to be a “one-trick pony,” and wants people to engage with him whether he’s talking about quilting or music or photography or things that happen in his day-to-day life. His overall message is one of inspiration and positivity, and he genuinely believes that we can all be more than we ever imagined possible. “I want my legacy to be that I’ve inspired people, entertained people, and hopefully educated them along the way.” 

Ricky waxes eloquently about the ebb and flow to creating, and how different art forms inform and influence one another. He believes that quilters can become better artists through photography, saying that photography can teach us to see the world through new eyes, and once we do, we’ll never see it the same way again. (17:45 - 21:28 ) 

Whether he’s sharing the adventures of “Lizzy Albright and the Attic Window,” his young adult novel set in the 1960s,  his special bond with ravens, or his pull to live in the mountains, one thing is clear: Ricky is passionate, colorful and inspirational.  When you listen to the podcast, you’ll learn that his theme is “Carpe Diem,” and you’ll understand that he not only seizes the moment he embraces each and every one of them.  (35:20-37:14) 

To keep the inspiration going,  visit rickytims.com, or check out his Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter pages. 

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.

Leah’s passion for fashion began when she was a young girl.  When she was in the fifth grade, her mother enrolled her in a summer sewing class.  Leah loved it and begged her mom to enroll her in another class. Unfortunately, none were available, so her grandmother became her teacher.  Her first major creations were three hand-sewn A-Line dresses for herself, her sister, and their friend.  Once they all had their dresses on, they decided to try them out on a friend’s trampoline. According to Leah, “One jump and a toe touch and them suckers split all the way down the side.” She laughs, saying that from that moment on it was, “game on.”  (4:44-9:11) 

Leah’s grandpa used to say to her, “Baby, you’re only as good as your tools.” After buying a very cheap machine when she was just starting out, Leah learned firsthand that having the right equipment can make a world of difference. She admits to being a perfectionist and says that now she always makes sure she has the right tools to ensure that what she creates looks professional. ( 13:45 – 16:18)

Leah started out sewing and doing pattern testing for several leading pattern companies. After about five years, she became a designer for Violet Field Threads. Soon, however, she knew it was time to dive in and follow her dream of designing her own patterns and opening her own company.  The company’s name, Vintage Little Lady came from her telling her little girls, “You look like a vintage little lady,” every time one of her daughters put on one of her creations. She talks a lot about the ins and outs of starting a company and her process of making her dream come true. “When a dream is written down with a date, it becomes a goal, then it’s broken down into steps which becomes a plan, then it’s backed up by action, which becomes a reality. And the action for me is diving in.”  (17:45 – 21:30)

Leah talks in-depth about the process of creating a pattern: the vision, the research, the designing, drafting, checking, re-designing, re-drafting, re-checking, and doing it all again until everything is perfect.  Then she explains that you have to fit the models, style their hair, and do the fashion shoot.  The process she says, takes 6 to 8 weeks of very long days, with a lot of back and forth. A lot of trial and error. (24:30  – 34:26) 

The Vintage Little Ladies store has been up for over two years, and Leah has no plans for slowing down.  When you listen to the podcast, you’ll be engaged, uplifted, and 100% inspired. If you have questions or would like to share your inspiration, you can reach out to Leah and her team at vintagelittlelady.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.