Sew & So...

In this episode of Sew & So, we’re stepping into a powerful intersection of storytelling and sewing with filmmaker and artist Valerie Soe.

Valerie is a fourth-generation Chinese American, born and raised in San Francisco, and like so many, her sewing journey started with a single machine—a 1970s Kenmore she still uses today. What began as a practical skill in high school, and later as a way to sew for her family, became something she would return to in a moment when it mattered most.

As an award-winning filmmaker and professor of Asian American Studies, Valerie has built her career around telling stories that reflect identity, memory, and community—stories she didn’t often see growing up. And in early 2020, when the world slowed down and uncertainty set in, she found herself both living and documenting one of those stories in real time.

Through a simple call to action, the Auntie Sewing Squad came together—hundreds of volunteers sewing masks for people who needed them, at a time when supplies were scarce and fear was high. Valerie was part of that effort, sewing alongside others while also capturing the experience as a filmmaker.

Her newest documentary, The Auntie Sewing Squad Resistance Playbook, revisits that moment—what it felt like, what was created, and what it meant to come together in a time of crisis. Many of you may remember our earlier conversation with Kristina Wong. (Episode 75) Today, we return to that story through Valerie’s lens, with a deeper look at the impact of that movement.

This is a conversation about sewing as something more—more than a skill, more than a craft—but a way to connect, to respond, and to care for others when it matters most.

(3:25) Valerie talks about her first sewing machine – a 1970’s Kenmore – and the beginning of her sewing adventures

(4:53) What first drew Valerie to film and telling stories?

(5:34) How did she become involved with The Auntie Sewing Squad?

(7:00) How did she decide that the first film needed to be made?

(8:12) And the second film…why this one?

(9:05) Valerie talks about Kristina Wong

(11:14) Valerie was both film producer and Sewing Squad participant. How did this affect the film?

(12:45) This film was made during the time when Asian Americans were in danger. What was this like for her?

(14:00) What were the most unexpected and powerful moments for her in the film?

(15:25) How did the Auntie Sewing Squad serve the Navajo Nation and what affect did this have?

(16:48) Valerie talks about the tiny details of the film where sewing was a practical tool rooted in community care

(18:05) What does Valerie hope people will take away from the film?

(20:30) What’s next for her and what’s her dream?

(21:25) She takes us behind the scenes and explains the mechanics of making an independent film.

(23:17) Want to see the film? Go to The Auntie Sewing Squad Resistance Playbook.com

(23:36) Anything we didn’t ask?

(24:10) Find Valerie at ValerieSoe.com and let her know you heard her on this podcast!

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.

In this episode of Sew & So, we’re joined by Cody Chenevert—BERNINA specialist, educator, and sales manager at Sew This! in Abita Springs, Louisiana. With more than 25 years of sewing experience, Cody has built a career that blends technical expertise, creative exploration, and a passion for teaching.

From quilting and machine quilting for customers to designing his signature custom button-downs—known as “The Cody Shirt”—Cody’s work is as versatile as it is personal. He’s also the co-creator of the popular YouTube channel Sewing with Cody and Pete, where he helps demystify sewing techniques for a global audience of BERNINA users.

Rooted in south Louisiana, Cody draws inspiration from his background in environmental science, as well as the natural beauty of the bayou. Whether he’s sewing, gardening, tending bees, or creating something entirely new, Cody brings curiosity and creativity to everything he does.

(2:16) How did Cody learn to sew and who is Aunt Mary?!

(7:20) Cody works with his mother. How’s that going?

(9:32) He’s been sewing for more than 25 years…what keeps him inspired?

(11:14) Sewing with Cody and Pete…what’s this show and who’s Pete?

(16:25) Cody was a quilter – then became a sewist. Why the shift?

(20:57) What’s the Cody Shirt?

(22:25) How does his background in environmental science and horticulture influence his creativity?

(25:00) Does his location in south Louisiana influence his creativity as well?

(25:58) Learn why he has the nickname “Cody Stewart”. And how he does all the things he does.

(30:48) Cody loves to hike and kayak in the bayou. Hear some stories of his adventures…and look out for alligators!

(34:41) What’s next for him and what’s his dream?

(36:21) Is there a question we didn’t ask?

(36:39) Want to reach out to Cody? You can at Instagram @lifewithcodyandpete or [email protected]

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.

Today on Sew & So, we welcome Cait Trantham whose creative path is as dynamic and unexpected as the life she’s lived.

Born in Nebraska and raised in a military family, she grew up constantly on the move—an experience that shaped her adaptability, curiosity, and willingness to dive into something new. That sense of adventure carried into adulthood when she married a Marine, and together they’ve continued that lifestyle—moving nearly ten times over the past 17 years while raising their three kids and their dog, Saint.

Along the way, she’s worn a lot of hats—yoga instructor, ride operator, even magician’s assistant—but through it all, there’s been a consistent love of creativity and a drive to explore it in new ways.

Foe Cait, sewing garments wasn’t always part of that story. For years, she was almost exclusively a quilter, with clothing construction feeling just out of reach. But when the pandemic hit and the world slowed down, she found herself searching for inspiration. By deconstructing garments and putting them back together, she taught herself how clothing works from the inside out. That hands-on, approach sparked something deeper which she describes as scratching just the right place in her brain.

She began sharing those upcycled creations online, and over the past six years, that openness has grown into a vibrant and engaged community. Her work has led to opportunities around the world, including traveling to Spain to film an upcycling class, and even collaborating on a reality sewing show concept. 

Today, she’s taken her skills into working at Walt Disney World in Live Entertainment Costuming. On the creative side of the team, she helps design, create, supply, and maintain costumes for shows and parades, blending storytelling and craftsmanship.

She’s also the creative force behind a tea towel dress project—one that showcases her design perspective, and highlights her passion for community, collaboration, and storytelling through textiles. It’s a project that even caught the attention of her local news.

When she’s not designing or creating, she enjoys thrifting, hunting for vintage treasures which includes adding to her collections of Pyrex, quilts, and mid-century décor—always inspired by the stories and history behind the pieces she finds.

(3:21) How did Cait learn to sew and who influenced her? And…did she really think sewing was boring?!

(5:21) Did her life as a child in a military family influence her creative choices?

(6:17) Where was her favorite place to live?

(6:40) before the pandemic she found garment sewing to be intimidating. Now that’s the majority of what she does. What changed?

(8:49) What’s the “creative part of her brain” that sewing ultimately scratched?

(9:53) Why did her upcycling resonate so well with her YouTube audience?

(10:34) How about some stories about her interaction with her audience? Learn about the Tea Towel project!

(18:00) Would she do it again?

(18:16) Cait has has some pretty memorable experiences and moments. What was her favorite?

(21:12) Hear more about her sewing reality show.

(21:57) How does her love for vintage influence her design choices today?

(24:36) She has done many things. Hear about her being a ride operator and magician’s assistant.

(28:47) What’s next for Cait and what’s her dream?

(29:45) Is there a question we didn’t ask?!

(30:14) How can you reach out to Cait? Social Media and caitconquers @gmail.com

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.

Today we’re thrilled to welcome back Susan Khalje of Susan Khalje Couture. Susan first joined us on Sew & So in 2023 (Episode 75), where she shared her remarkable journey into couture sewing and her passion for teaching these refined techniques around the world. Since then, her work has continued to evolve—expanding her global reach through online education and immersive experiences abroad. Widely regarded as one of the foremost authorities on couture sewing, Susan trained at the legendary New York salon Chez Cez et Bez, designed on Seventh Avenue, and later built a celebrated custom bridal and eveningwear business before dedicating herself fully to teaching.

A longtime contributing editor to Threads Magazine and author of Bridal Couture: Fine Sewing Techniques for Wedding Gowns and Evening Wear and Linen and Cotton: Classic Sewing Techniques, many also recognize her from Sew Much More, which aired for six years on HGTV and DIY Network. Today, she continues to inspire sewists worldwide through her Couture Sewing School, her online Couture Sewing Club, and her curated educational trips to Paris and London.

(2:40) Susan recaps her journey to couture sewing.

(5:05) what’s Susan been doing since her last visit with us in 2023?

(5:42) Her Couture Sewing Club has taught sewists worldwide. She talks about it’s beginning and how it’s evolved. Also, what’s important to her about this online community?

(7:25) Couture sewing is very tactile. How does she teach this online?

(8:52) What’s her favorite couture technique?(10:36)Susan explains couture sewing

(12:24) Is every garment designed with the owner and event in mind? Hear her very unique point of view!

(12:33) How long does it take to create a couture item?

(14:08) What’s it like for her to experience a student’s first “ A Ha” moment?

(15:16) Why are her curated trips to Paris and London so special? What do the participants learn?

(18:01) What’s her favorite thing to do on these trips?

(19:04) What continues to inspire her?

(20:42) What changes has she seen in the sewing audience since she’s been involved in writing/teaching?

(23:25) What’s next for her and what’s her dream?

(25:05) Is there a question we didn’t ask that she wishes we had asked? Well, get with a group of people who sew!

(26:10) Want to contact Susan? [email protected]

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.

From a childhood surrounded by fabric and family to leading a team of talented sewists at Disney, Mary Lou Cox has stitched together a remarkable career in the entertainment industry. As Area Manager of the Creative Workroom at Disney, Mary Lou oversees the creation of magical garments and specialty pieces that help bring unforgettable guest experiences to life.

Born in Mexico and raised in California from six months old, Mary Lou grew up in a large family of sewists. Her grandparents owned a store in Tampico, and her mother lovingly made her school clothes. By age 10, Mary Lou was sewing herself. That early foundation launched a 25-year career in entertainment costuming, global factory visits across Asia and the U.S., and teaching fashion design at LA Trade Tech. Passionate about patternmaking, specialty techniques, and mentoring the next generation, Mary Lou continues to blend craftsmanship, creativity, and heart in everything she does.

(1:29) How did Mary Lou learn to sew and who influenced her?

(2:18) Mary Lou recounts her career path and how she ended up working at Disney.

(4:13) She talks about what she and her team of sewists create every day.

(4:52) Mary Lou shares examples of how these creations bring joy to Disney guests.

(6:04) What about the work she does with Dancing With the Stars?

(6:33) How is sewing for entertainment different than everyday sewing?

(8:13) What changes has she seen in the industry in the last 25 years?

(9:25) She shares the story of Kayla and Briar Rose. And making Teddy Bears.

(12:20) She loves to make patterns and teach sewing techniques. She explains why.

(15:44) Mary Lou shares special stories of her many travels.

(19:51) What about the memorable people she’s met? Crab Hearts and elephant orphanages. 

(23:30) What were her very favorite specialty classes? How about quilting, bra making and tutu making?!

(28:35) What does she do in her spare time?

(30:53) What’s next for her and what’s her dream?

(32:48) Is there a question we didn’t ask?

(35:15) Want to reach out to Mary Lou? You can at Instagram @sewingwildflowers

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.