Sew & So...

What happens when a 26-year-old searches Google for a hobby and discovers sewing? For Catherine Holbrook, it led to a creative journey that transformed her life. In this episode, Catherine shares how she taught herself to sew after moving to North Carolina, beginning with thrift-store refashioning projects before growing into a respected garment maker, pattern designer, Bernina Ambassador, and social media influencer. Catherine discusses her years designing patterns for Styla Patterns, the technical process of pattern grading, and her unique approach to creating elaborate ball gowns twice a year with direct input from her online audience. Her followers vote on design decisions, turning each gown into an interactive creative experience that has become a hallmark of her brand. The conversation also explores Catherine’s growing interest in quilting, inspired in part by unfinished quilts left behind by her husband’s grandmother. She reflects on the differences between garment sewing and quilting, the joy of learning new skills, and her hope of finishing family heirloom projects to carry on a meaningful legacy. Throughout the episode, Catherine shares stories about teaching her daughter Hattie to sew, balancing creativity with family life, growing an authentic social media community, and how her faith influences her passion for refashioning garments and finding beauty in unexpected places. Ultimately, Catherine reminds listeners that sewing is about far more than fabric and thread—it’s about creativity, connection, legacy, and creating something lasting in a world where so much is temporary.

When Sue O’Very first joined Sew & So for Episode 50 , she was already a respected sewing educator and pattern designer. Three years later, she returns with a story of remarkable personal and professional transformation. Known throughout the sewing world as "Sookie" of Sookie Sews, Sue shares how a simple childhood sewing lesson from her mother sparked a lifelong passion that eventually led her from costume design at Busch Gardens and cruise ships to international product development in China and technical design work for Harley-Davidson. Today, Sue has become one of the sewing industry's leading serger educators. After listening closely to her audience, she shifted her business entirely toward helping sewists overcome their fear of sergers through her Year of the Serger initiative, Serger Escape course, Serger Dream Club community, and her book, Pocket Guide to Sergers. Beyond sewing, Sue opens up about navigating a difficult marriage, rebuilding her life as a single mother, losing 100 pounds through lifestyle changes, and creating a healthier, more intentional future for herself and her daughter. She discusses the mentors, mindset shifts, and daily habits that helped her move from survival to fulfillment. This conversation is about much more than sewing machines. It's about resilience, reinvention, and discovering that confidence—whether in sewing, business, or life—is built one step at a time.

Step onto the show floor with Sew & So as we bring you the sights, sounds, and stories from the inaugural Fiber & Fabric Craft Festival in Rosemont, Illinois. In this special on-location episode, we meet the people who made the event happen — from organizers and exhibitors to attendees, creators, educators, and industry innovators — all united by a shared passion for sewing, quilting, embroidery, cosplay, and creative making. Show Director Jessica Boweek and President & General Manager Darrin Stern pull back the curtain on what it takes to launch a brand-new event of this scale, from cultivating community to creating memorable customer experiences. Along the way, we hear from vendors, educators, content creators, and attendees about the trends shaping the crafting world, why in-person events still matter, and the joy of connecting face-to-face with fellow makers. You’ll also meet familiar Sew & So friends and past guests, discover emerging trends in quilting and sewing, and hear firsthand why this event quickly became a meaningful gathering place for the creative community. Whether you sew, quilt, embroider, cosplay, or simply love handmade artistry, this episode captures the energy and inspiration of a show built by makers, for makers.

Filmmaker and artist Valerie Soe joins Sew & So to explore the powerful intersection of storytelling, identity, and sewing. A fourth-generation Chinese American, Valerie reflects on her creative journey—from learning to sew on a 1970s Kenmore machine to becoming an award-winning documentary filmmaker. The conversation centers on her latest film, The Auntie Sewing Squad Resistance Playbook, which documents a grassroots movement that mobilized during the COVID-19 pandemic to produce and distribute masks to underserved communities. Valerie shares how sewing became both a practical tool and a symbol of collective care, how her dual role as participant and filmmaker shaped the story, and what this moment revealed about resilience, community, and action in times of crisis.

Cody Chenevert shares his journey from lifelong quilter to innovative garment maker, educator, and content creator. He discusses the evolution of his signature “Cody Shirt,” the inspiration he draws from nature and his Louisiana roots, and how he balances creativity, teaching, and business. Plus, hear the story behind Sewing with Cody and Pete and what’s next for this multi-talented maker.