Sew & So...

• William Daniels: From Jeans to Genius to Exploring the Human Voice in Quilts

   Our guest today is William Daniels, an award-winning textile and quilt artist whose work bridges fine art and social commentary. Born in New Orleans and now based in New York, William blends a deep academic background with a hands-on creative spirit. With degrees from the State University of New York and New York University—and nearing completion of his PhD in Art Theory, Philosophy, and Aesthetics—his art reflects both intellect and intuition. Known for his rich use of texture, symbolism, and storytelling, William’s quilts are as thought-provoking as they are visually stunning. Yet, for all his accolades and exhibits, his favorite part of the artistic journey is the camaraderie—the people(6:58) Will talks about the “voice of the quilt”. What does this mean?(9:08) What are some of his most memorable creations?(11:33) Meg reads a quote from William about how he creates. He explains what it means to hold a mirror to society.(13:50) Will’s work has been described as Bohemian, eclectic and experiential. He addresses this description and even takes a little umbridge with one of these descriptors. (15:05) Will takes us through his creative process(16:39) How long do his projects take to create? Well…it depends!(18:00) Will talks about his interest in astronomy and how it affects his work.(19:57) In addition to his many hobbies – Will is PhD ABD. He talks about his thesis.(21:25) Camaraderie is deeply important to Will. He talks about those he’s met on his journey and how they’ve helped and influenced him. He tells of these people and particularly an experience at a New York Quilt Guild while in college.(27:03) What is Will working on now?(28:50) How does Will make some two-dimensional more human?(29:52) What does he do in his spare time?(30:58) What’s next and what’s his dream?(32:28) Is there a question we didn’t ask? Well…what’s been the most difficult aspect of quilting. Will talks about gender issues in quilting as a male who quilts…for example feminine quilting vernacular.To reach out to William, you can find him at williamdanielsartist.com, or on Instagram @williamdanielsartist. 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.

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• Bianca Weber: Sewing, Flying & Aerospace: Her Incredible Journey

   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.(1:42) How did Biance learn to sew and who was her inspiration? (2:57) What was the first project she made? A dress for a dance class end of the term ball! And Yes, she still has it! (3:48) When did sewing become more than a hobby? (5:04) Bianca is a commercial pilot and is studying aerospace engineering. Hear the fascinating story about how she chose these career paths. (6:42) How long does it take to earn a pilot’s license and what’s her vision for aerospace engineering? Think space! (7:35) What was the impetus for Biance to start her company Dynamics Fashion? (9:50) Who and what is Blanche Art? (10:40) How did Bianca come up with this name and what memories does she have about it? (11:36) Bianca is proficient in English, German, Franch and Chinese. How does this help her run her business and in everyday life? (12:57) Bianca explains the difference in the fabrics and techniques used in creating activewear. (14:15) What are some of her recent projects and what are some of the challenges she faces in creating them?(14:25) Biance is working on a fully self-made wardrobe…she tells us how it’s coming along! (16:55) What pieces of clothing provide the most challenges for her? (17:35) How dies Biance balance all that she does? (18:59) When will Biance complete her degree? And does she still blog for BERNINA? (19:30) What learnings from starting her business would she share with others thinking of starting their own business? (20:49) What’s Biance working on now? (21:10) When flying for her job where does she go, and are there a lot of females? (21:58) What’s next for Biance and what’s her dream? (23:26) What didn’t I ask? (23:19) You can reach out to Biance on Instagram @blancheartsewing 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.

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• Maddy Ballard – Patchwork – A Sewist’s Diary

  Our guest today is Maddy Ballard, sewist, journalist, author. Born in Syracuse, NY, to a Texan father and a Chinese-New Zealander mother, she grew up in Auckland, New Zealand where she lived until she was 22. She then moved to England to pursue a postgraduate degree in English literature at the University of Oxford. Working in England as a journalist after her degree ended, she returned home during Covid, which is when she learned to sew.  After a couple of years working in Auckland, Maddy moved to Wellington to pursue a master’s in creative writing, which is when she wrote her book "Patchwork".  She now lives in Melbourne Australia and still works as a journalist -splitting most of her spare timebetween writing and sewing but also loving to sing and cook. (2:00) Born in the US, Maddy’s family moved back to New Zealand when she was 4 years old. Why did they make this move?(3:00) who in her family sewed and how did that influence her love for the craft? It started with her grandmother…and a great friend!(3:40) While Maddy was exposed to sewing quite young, she didn’t take it up in earnest until she was in her 20’s. What was the impetus for this?(5:23) What was her very first sewing project and what are her memories of its creation?(6:20) Maddy is self-taught…how did this work out?(6:40) Maddy calls sewing “magical”. How did sewing provide comfort and stability during the major transitions in her life?(7:52) Maddy talks about her mixed heritage and how it influences her creation choices.(9:37) Maddy talks about her book. How it came together and what started it all.(12:15) Maddy talks about sewing be a way to accept your body. She explains…(14:00) Why does Maddy say that Sewing is an act that helps you believe in the future?(14:47) While researching for her book she found out that sewing was really important to her family. She tells us what she learned and how it touched her.(16:45) Remaking is important to Maddy…she tells a specific story of how this worked for her.(18:52) An advocate for zero waste she talks about sustainability and its challenges.(21:25) Maddy tells us about her work as a journalist. She’s focused on food, restaurants and hospitality. Now she’s in the bicycle industry!(22:20) Maddy writes, sings, cooks and sews. Is it hard to balance it all?(23:13) Maddy talks about sewing as a form of self-expression and how it’s influenced her own projects.(24:23) What’s she working on now?(25:14) What’s next and what are her dreams? There could be a novel…and a quilt in her future!(27:36) Is there a question we didn’t ask?(27:55) Where can you find her book Patchwork - A Sewist’s Diary?(28:20) How can you reach Maddy? Instagram @MaddyBallard 27 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.

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• Thadine Wormly -Making history tangible through fabric with faith, family and cultural experiences

  Our guest today is Thadine Wormly, quilter, artist, proud mother of 4! Originally from Brooklyn, she moved to Flushing Queens in the 1970’s. As a young girl she loved making doll clothes…and learning from her mother how to crochet and knit. Following a move to Miami, FL Thadine took Home Ec in Junior High which allowed her to continue her love of working with fabric. A graduate of the Barbizon Modeling School, she modeled in numerous shows  often designing and  making her outfits. While working in the fur market in New York City for 16 years, she learned and became adept at patternmaking for fur, leather and cloth. During all of this, she always had an interest in quilts. Through a chance meeting at The Women of Color exhibit…she became hooked and has since found great joy in sourcing just the right fabric for each project. Thadine is a member of numerous quilt guilds and the founder of a few as well. Most importantly…she is a proud mom of four amazing children(2:00) Who taught Thadine to sew? She shares stories of her childhood and how her sewing adventures began.(3:30) After her parents divorced, Thadine was sent to Miami – she was 12 years old. Her Junior High Home Economics class what an important anchor for her in this tumultuous time. Hear this story.(6:05) Thadine attended the Barbizon Modeling school. She tells us about the school, their curriculum and how it affected her life. (7:30) What were her memorable experiences while at Barbizon?(8:45) During a special fashion show she met Muhammad Ali, George Frazier and the Staples Singers.(9:23) Thadine spent 16 years working in the New York fur market. How did this begin for her and what was it like? Then, she goes on to share more of her story and how she got involved in sewing guilds and how quilting became such a large part of her life.(10:42) Quilting has taken Thadine on travels all over the world. What were some of her favorite places to visit and what are a few of her favorite stories about these adventures?(31:40) Let’s learn more about Thadine as she talks about being ordained an Evangelist and how her faith influences her work.(38:26) What’s Thadine working on now?(38:50) Where can you find Thadine’s work?(39:45) What’s next for Thadine and what’s her dream?(40:27) What didn’t we ask that Thadine wants to talk about? Well, she talks about the Gees Bend Quilters and her experiences working with them…and arranged marriages in Tangiers.(44:26) You can reach out to Thadine on Instagram @thadinewormly 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.

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• Project Runway Season 21 BERNINA Crew -The Sewing Fairies Have Arrived!

  In this episode of Sew & So, we sit down with four of those “sewing fairies”—Jaime David (Education Project Manager), Megann Freese (Educator), Hayley Grzych (Educator), and Fabian Renteria (Associate Educator). Together, they pull back the curtain on what it’s like to be behind the scenes of one of fashion TV’s most iconic shows. From early call times and prepping challenges, to watching contestants “make it work” in real time, the team shares stories of intensity, camaraderie, and unforgettable creative energy.Whether you’re a Project Runway fan, a sewist, or just curious about how TV magic comes together, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and plenty of BERNINA pride.  (:45) Let’s meet :Jaime David, Education Project ManagerMegann Freese, EducatorHayley Grzych, EducatorFabian Renteria, Associate Educator(1:35) What one word would each of the team members use to summarize their experience on the set?(3:40) How did each member of the team find out that they would be going to the show?(6:48) How did this overall opportunity to work with the show come about? And how did the experience unfold?(12:04) Hear about a “typical” day on the set!(14:07) How was communication with the contestants monitored to make sure that everyone got the same information and no secrets were revealed?(16:40) Learn about how each challenge were prepped and how the BERNINA team participated.(19:11) The team talk about some of the “make it work” minutes.(21:07) What was the most memorable moment for each team member? You’ll want to pay attention to these answers!(26:24) What surprised the team members while on the set?(27:50) Are there any moments they’d like to relive? The team also calls out Nick, David, Rich and Noel for their amazing support!(33:59) What did this experience teach each of them both personally and professionally?(36:48) The team represented BERNINA on set. How did this experience affect how they feel about the brand?!(38:39) Are there any messages the team members would like to send to the contestants?(41:02) Any questions we didn’t ask that they wish we had asked? 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.

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