Why I Sew

Michelle Morris is the Editor-in-Chief of the colorful fashion, sewing and DIY blog That Black Chic. This is a platform on which she shares her own fashions, sewing tips, reviews and tutorials. Michelle is a sewing influencer on the scene who has become known for her loud and unusual prints and her ability to mix and match. She's also known for working with her fabric of choice, denim, and making showstopping pieces of clothing. In 2017 Michelle took this same idea to the pages of a new sewing publication called Sewn Magazine. This multicultural magazine is a space to showcase makers and artist of all colors.

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Mary Fons, editorial advisor of Quiltfolk magazine and host of her live video magazine, "Quilt Nerd" on Twitch, talks about her sewing journey and what keeps her coming back for more.

Mary is a writer, editor, and livestreamer who specializes in quilt history and the life of quilts in popular culture. 

From 2017 to 2021, Mary served as editor in-chief of Quiltfolk magazine; she now serves as an editorial advisor to Quiltfolk publications and occasional workshop instructor. From 2010 to 2015, Mary was editor and creative director of Quilty magazine. She has hosted a combined 250 episodes of instructional programming on public television (Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting) and the internet (Quilty). She is the author of Make & Love Quilts: Scrap Quilts for the 21st Century (C&T/StashBooks, 2014) and Dear Quilty (F&W Media, 2015) and wrote a bi-monthly column, The Quilt Scout, for Quilts, Inc. Her articles on quilt history and culture have appeared in Quiltfolk, Curated Quilts, Modern Patchwork, and Love of Quilting, among others. 

Mary serves on the board of the International Quilt Museum at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and lectures across the country at universities and major quilt events, such as QuiltCon. She holds a BA in Theater from the University of Iowa and an MFA in Writing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. 

She is currently in pre-production for America’s Quilt, a 10-part docuseries on America’s untold quilt histories. Mary was born in a small town in Iowa but she lives in Chicago (and sometimes in London), with her husband, Eric. 

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Suzy Williams produces handcrafted quilts, original designs and thoughtfully constructed patterns on her site, SuzyQuilts.com. She takes us through crafting a quilty career, with two littles in tow.

“At age 15, I would wander into my friend's basement to peek into her mom's sewing room. To me, it seemed like such a magical place with its miniature towers of jelly rolls, stacks and stacks of yardage, a shiny BERNINA regally perched in the corner, and quilt blocks lined up on a design wall. After timidly asking if I could "maybe sew a little," my quilt mother and mentor, Brenda Winkelmeyer, taught me the basics of piecing a quilt. Sixteen years later, I am still completely addicted, smitten and obsessed (some may say) with making quilts.” - SUZY

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Why do we sew? Everyone's story is different and fascinating. We interview sewing stars & industry professionals, quilters & embroiderers, menders & makers to bring you inspiring stories that give you all the feels. Listen while you sew or on the go and learn about sewists from all walks of life. Get inspired to learn something new and create with needle and thread.