Episodes
This week on the podcast, Lisa Jasmine LaFleur, the founder of Black Fae Day. They discuss the magic and enchantment of Black Fae, the success of the Black Fae Day events, and the upcoming Black Fae Family Reunion. Jasmine emphasizes the importance of rekindling the sense of wonder and imagination through fantasy and mythology. She encourages people to tap into their inner child and affirm their own magical being. The conversation also touches on the benefits of adult play and the power of...
Published 04/24/24
Published 04/24/24
In this episode, Lisa interviews Jonelle Dawkins, the executive director of Scraplanta, a creative reuse center in Atlanta, Georgia. They discuss the growth and vision of Scraplanta, the importance of creative reuse in art practices, and the future developments of the organization. Jonelle shares how Scraplanta serves as a third space for the community, where people can come together to make art and build connections. They also talk about the programs and classes offered at Scraplanta, the...
Published 04/17/24
This week, Lisa interviews Keisha Tanay, fashion designer a sewist and retail worker, about the recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by Joann Fabrics. Keisha shares her sewing story and her vision for creating a sewing space in Detroit. They discuss the implications of Chapter 11 bankruptcy for Joann Fabrics and the possibility of acquisitions. Keisha offers insights into consumer behavior and the challenges faced by retail stores. She gives her insights on whats needed for Joann Fabrics to...
Published 04/10/24
In this episode, Lisa and Aaronica Cole discuss the upcoming Atlanta Frocktails event. They talk about the planning process, the decision to move the event to May, and the theme of the year: Secret Garden. This is Aaronica's first time hosting the event and she went all out! From amazing door prizes, to a fabulous caterer, you can expect to have ana amazing time in Atlanta! Lisa, and Aaronica also discuss other activities you can do during your time in Atlanta as well as the fabric shopping...
Published 04/03/24
On this weeks episode, Dr. Jennifer Hale. shares her sewing and quilting journey, starting with her grandmother teaching her to sew at a young age. She emphasizes the importance of community and the role it played in her early sewing experiences. Dr. Hale also discusses her transition from sewing to quilting and the influence of the Quilting Academy in her creative process. Dr Hale highlights the significance of representation in her quilting projects and the impact of community on her...
Published 03/27/24
On this weeks episode, Dr. Jennifer Hale. shares her sewing and quilting journey, starting with her grandmother teaching her to sew at a young age. She emphasizes the importance of community and the role it played in her early sewing experiences. Dr. Hale also discusses her transition from sewing to quilting and the influence of the Quilting Academy in her creative process. Dr Hale highlights the significance of representation in her quilting projects and the impact of community on her...
Published 03/20/24
In this episode of the Stitch Please podcast, Lisa Woolfork shares lessons from the I'm a Sewist series on the Stitch Please Instagram and provides tips for sewists of all levels. She discusses the importance of using a prescription pill bottle for sharps as a safe and convenient way to dispose of needles. Lisa also recommends using a bodkin for threading elastic and drawstrings, and highlights the benefits of investing in a heat press for advanced sewists. Hopefully, these tips will help you...
Published 03/13/24
In part 2 of The Scrap Cushion episode, Lisa discusses her success with a rectangular cushion and then moves on to the main topic of the episode, the scrap cushions. Lisa divides the episode into three sections: a summary of the cushion, making the math work, and lessons learned. She explains how she calculated the volume of her scraps and realized that the cushion she made was too big. Lisa then shares her process of making a circle cushion, including measuring and cutting the fabric,...
Published 03/06/24
Hey Stitchers! We are so excited that our good friend and 22x(!) award winning podcaster Dominic Lawson has shared this beautifully crafted history of Ann Lowe with us as a Black History Month leap day treat. Black is America is one of my favorite pods so take a listen and when you're done, click the link and check out the rest of his episodes! === Anne Lowe was a pioneering African American fashion designer who dressed high society elites in the early to mid 20th century. We learn about her...
Published 02/29/24
In this conversation, Lisa discusses her sustainability project of creating a scrap cushion using vintage resources. She introduces the Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing as a valuable book for beginners and shares her idea of using fabric scraps as a form of archive. Lisa explores the importance of having a clean sewing trash bin and the memories associated with fabric scraps from previous projects. She discusses the challenges she faced in making a round cushion and ultimately decides...
Published 02/28/24
In this episode, we meet Phebe Higgins the stitcher behind Felt the Food. Learn about Phebe's journey, sewing background, and how her graduate education has woven into her crafting of appetizing felt creations. We explore the concept of "functional play," its enriching impact on children, and how Phebe's felted food is at the crossroads of play, learning, and creativity. Together, we stitch through the soft, flexible, and durable nature of felt, as Lisa shares some of her personal affection...
Published 02/21/24
This week, Lisa speaks with talented Swiss-Haitian-Finnish artist Sasha Huber to explore the intersections of art, activism, and healing. Sasha shares her journey from her family's legacy of textile arts to her cutting-edge activist-based art practice. As Sasha unfolds her story of "reparative intervention," using her pneumatic staple gun to highlight social and historical injustices, we'll examine how her art taps into the deep-rooted pain of colonialism and the ways in which her work...
Published 02/14/24
Welcome back Stitchers, today Lisa welcomes Elizabeth Way, associate curator at The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology and the curator of Ann Lowe: American Couturier at the Winterthur Museum. They discuss Anne Lowe's significance as an American couturier and her impact on the fashion industry. They delve into the difference between couture and haute couture and discuss Anne Lowe's experiences in Paris. Ann Lowe was a creating work beyond her time and had to navigate the racism...
Published 02/07/24
Welcome back stitchers! Today Lisa welcomes Dr. Joy Harden Bradford of Therapy for Black Girls to discuss her new book 'Sisterhood Heals' and the journey of creating it. She explains how the book captures the spirit of an in-person event focused on conversations about sisterhood and challenges us to be better to and for one another. Dr. Joy emphasizes the importance of sisterhood as a vibrant life force for Black women and the need to navigate the challenges that come with it. The...
Published 01/31/24
It's here Stitchers! Lisa's first (full) make of 2024 and it's the Vogue 1982 ! Today Lisa breaks down her process from top to bottom which included basting anything and everything, which needle she needed for this specific project, and just what adjustments she made to make sure she absolutely loved herself in the dress! If you picked up this pattern make sure you connect with us on social and let us know if you stuck with the pattern as is or if you were like Lisa and changed it...
Published 01/24/24
Welcome back Stitchers! Today Lisa is chatting with Tiavalya Befecadu a quilter and photographer, as she shares her sewing journey and the inspiration behind her beautiful quilts. Tiavalya is a 3rd generation sewing enthusiast who found herself restarting the craft during the pandemic and using family fabrics to create sentimental quilts. She shares her experiences with local quilt shops and highlights the beautiful pieces she has made, including the 'Space is the Place' quilt and the...
Published 01/17/24
Welcome back stitchers! Today host Lisa Woolfork interviews Diane Roney, a quilter, sewist, and graphic AI artist. Diane shares her sewing journey, including her first outfit at the age of 68. She also discusses her brand, Diane Roney Creates, which encompasses various creative endeavors. Diane talks about her Soulful Stitchers coloring book and the process of creating it. What does it take to be a multi-hyphenate creative? Why does a jumpsuit bring so much joy? Why do Brother printers keep...
Published 01/10/24
Welcome back stitchers! Happy 2024! Today we celebrate in the spirit of Sankofa. Sankofa is a word of the Akan people of Ghana, meaning "to go back and get it" in the Twi language. The retrieval concept is symbolized by interlocking hearts or a bird with her feet facing forward but her head turned backward and carrying an egg in her beak. What is the core concept of 2024? Plus what is Lisa's first make of 2024? The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on...
Published 01/03/24
Welcome back stitchers! We are sew excited to bring you a new tradition to the Stitch Please Podcast: Holiday Swatches. A fabric swatch is a small sample of fabric that allows you to visualize a project before cutting into yardage. Swatches are useful for sewing because they help us match fabrics, guide fabric prep, and prevent waste. Most importantly, if cultivated, swatches can become an archive of your creativity. This swatch series is here to celebrate the stitch please community by...
Published 12/27/23
Welcome back stitchers! We are sew excited to bring you a new tradition to the Stitch Please Podcast: Holiday Swatches. A fabric swatch is a small sample of fabric that allows you to visualize a project before cutting into yardage. Swatches are useful for sewing because they help us match fabrics, guide fabric prep, and prevent waste. Most importantly, if cultivated, swatches can become an archive of your creativity. This swatch series is here to celebrate the stitch please community by...
Published 12/20/23
Welcome back stitchers! We are sew excited to bring you a new tradition to the Stitch Please Podcast: Holiday Swatches. A fabric swatch is a small sample of fabric that allows you to visualize a project before cutting into yardage. Swatches are useful for sewing because they help us match fabrics, guide fabric prep, and prevent waste. Most importantly, if cultivated, swatches can become an archive of your creativity. This swatch series is here to celebrate the stitch please community by...
Published 12/13/23
Welcome back stitchers! We are sew excited to bring you a new tradition to the Stitch Please Podcast: Holiday Swatches. A fabric swatch is a small sample of fabric that allows you to visualize a project before cutting into yardage. Swatches are useful for sewing because they help us match fabrics, guide fabric prep, and prevent waste. Most importantly, if cultivated, swatches can become an archive of your creativity. This swatch series is here to celebrate the stitch please community by...
Published 12/06/23
In this episode of the Stitch Please podcast, Lisa welcomes Tiffany Turner, a talented sewist, to share her transformative journey into sewing. With a background in civil engineering, Tiffany approaches sewing with precision and relishes in its step-by-step nature, appreciating the nuances that make a garment special. She champions cost-effective sewing, laying the foundation for her blog and vibrant social media presence where she shares valuable insights and reviews.
Published 11/29/23
Today, Lisa welcomes Grace Christopher, the creative genius behind African Zesty Couture. Grace shares her journey into sewing, which began as a way to keep her mind active after moving to the United States with her one-year-old child. From growing up in Nigeria to her aspiration to flood the streets with African prints, including Knit Ankara, Silk Adire, and Kampala, her dedication to empowering others to embrace and incorporate these fabrics into their own creations is testament to...
Published 11/22/23