Sew & So...

In this episode, Ingrid Alteneder shares her sewing journey from fashion training in Germany to founding Joe, June and Mae later in life. She talks about her inspirations, favorite projects, fabric reuse, and how her background in retail, marketing, and sales shaped her business. Ingrid also reflects on ageism, social media, the importance of community, and how travel fuels her creativity. The conversation explores the future of sewing as a mainstream business and what’s next for Ingrid, including her book and upcoming projects.

In this episode of the Sew & So Podcast, we meet Meg McElwee and her husband Patrick—co-founders of Sew Liberated in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. What began in a drafty house on an unnamed street in rural Mexico has grown into one of the most beloved garment-sewing education brands today. Meg shares how her mother and Mexican family heritage shaped her creativity, how a suitcase of fabric launched a business, and how their mission evolved into helping people reclaim creativity, body dignity, and mindfulness through sewing. The couple also discusses raising three creative kids, building a supportive team, developing their popular courses, and the profound impact of their son Lachlan’s early health challenges—an experience that reshaped Meg’s personal manifesto and their approach to the business. Filled with warmth, honesty, and inspiration, this conversation shows how sewing can become an act of rebellion, healing, and profound joy.

Jessica Cronin joins us for a rich conversation about costume design, personal identity, and the power of clothing as communication. From her early sewing inspirations to navigating scoliosis surgery as a young dancer, Jessica’s journey is layered with resilience and creativity. She breaks down historical sewing techniques, the complexities of fast fashion, and the less-glamorous realities behind costume work—while sharing stories from her expansive portfolio across film, television, and theater. Jessica also explores why younger generations may be stepping away from craft traditions, how mobility influences her career, and what she’s dreaming up next. Her thoughtful reflections invite listeners to see clothing not only as adornment, but as narrative.

In this episode of the Sew & So Podcast, we meet William Daniels, an award-winning textile and quilt artist whose work blends fine art, philosophy, and social reflection. From altering jeans at age 12 to pursuing a PhD in Art Theory and Aesthetics, William shares how his creative journey evolved, what inspires his distinctive style, and why camaraderie within the quilting community means so much to him. He discusses the “voice of the quilt,” the role of astronomy in his art, and how he weaves meaning and humanity into every stitch.

Our guest today is Bianca Weber—founder and owner of Dynamics Fashion, a German sewing and fabric shop offering patterns, accessories, and online tutorials. Bianca grew up in a small village in southern Germany and has carved an extraordinary path: she is not only an entrepreneur but also a commercial pilot and currently studying aerospace engineering. A multi-talented creator, Bianca contributes sewing tutorials to the BERNINA blog, specializing in activewear, overlock and cover stitch techniques, and inspires others through her social media presence. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, when she’s not flying, studying, or sewing, she enjoys scuba diving, rock climbing, yoga, and staying active.