This week on Stitch Please , Lisa hangs out with the fabulous Danesha Anglin (aka Classyfied Life), who proves that grad school stress can actually lead to sewing success. Danesha spills the tea on how she went from “I wonder if I can sew?” to “Look at these Renaissance pants breaking the internet.” They chat about the creative chaos behind designing, the beauty of learning by messing up, and why trusting your gut sometimes leads to the best stitches. Bonus: pattern collection spoilers and plent...
Jun 25, 2025•30 min•Ep. 280
This week on Stitch Please , Lisa breaks down how we all learn to sew—whether you're a visual learner, a hands-on stitch witch, a bookworm with a thimble, or someone who needs their sewing machine to talk it out . She dives into the four main learning styles and why knowing yours can take your sewing game from “meh” to magnificent. Spoiler: mixing and matching styles is totally allowed. Tune in, learn your way, and stitch smarter—not harder! ==== Were delighted to share that STITCH PLEASE has be...
Jun 11, 2025•30 min•Ep. 279
This week on Stitch Please , Lisa is back with Mahdiyyah Muhammad for part 2 of their soulful sewing saga. They dive into denim history, fabric frequencies (yes, cloth has vibes ), and why mending is basically ancestral witchcraft. From fast fashion fails to fiber alchemy, it’s a masterclass in making sustainability stylish. Tune in, get stitched, and feel the frequency. ==== Where You Can Find Mahdiyyah! The Black Fiber & Textile Network Mahdiyyah Muhammad's IG ==== ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfor...
May 28, 2025•27 min•Ep. 278
This week on Stitch Please , Lisa is joined (again!) by the fabulous Mahdiyyah Muhammad for a thread-heavy deep dive into sewing that’s sustainable, soulful, and seriously stylish. They chat denim history, fabric vibes (yes, literal vibrations), and why mending isn’t just for grandma—it’s radical, ancestral, and low-key magical. From fast fashion faux pas to fiber alchemy, this convo stitches together culture, community, and circular fashion with plenty of wisdom and a dash of sass. Tune in and ...
May 14, 2025•27 min•Ep. 277
This week on " Stitch Please" , Lisa is serving fashion, history, and fierce creativity as she dives into the upcoming Met Gala theme inspired by the iconic Black Dandy. Joined by style-savvy guests Julian Collins and Kristine McPartlin, the convo unpacks the power and legacy of Black Dandyism, shines a spotlight on Black designers, and dishes out bold, brilliant outfit inspo. From runway dreams to real-life stitching, they explore what this theme means for the sewing community—and how you can r...
Apr 30, 2025•29 min•Ep. 276
This week on Stitch Please , Lisa threads it up with the fabulous Kimberly Cartwright—art quilter, event mastermind, and all-around creative force! They dive into Kimberly’s colorful journey into quilting, how her artistic style has evolved, and why community and representation are the real MVPs in the quilting world. Kimberly spills the tea on her one-of-a-kind techniques, the magic of hand stitching, and why artists should never undersell their brilliance. From powerful storytelling through fa...
Apr 09, 2025•33 min•Ep. 275
This week on "Stitch Please", Lisa hangs out with the fabulous Oge Ajibe, a Canadian designer with a passion for fashion that "actually" fits. They dish on Oge’s journey from fashion school to running her own brand, tackling size inclusivity, and navigating the not-so-glamorous world of tariffs. Oge shares how sewing helped her find her voice and why joy is stitched into every design. Plus, they spill the details on her upcoming sewing class and how you can support small businesses. Tune in for ...
Apr 02, 2025•35 min•Ep. 274
This week on "Stitch Please", Lisa is back with the amazing Cookie Washington—master quilter, culture keeper, and creative force! From sewing Barbie dresses as a kid to making history with her stunning textile art, Cookie stitches Black heritage into every piece. They chat Smithsonian collabs, breathtaking Black mermaid exhibits, and "Project 112", which transforms textile waste into treasured keepsakes. It’s a convo full of inspiration, creativity, and a little fabric magic—don’t miss it! =====...
Mar 19, 2025•27 min•Ep. 273
This week on "Stitch Please", In Part 1 of this discussion, Lisa gets stitchin’ with the fabulous Cookie Washington—master quilter, culture keeper, and all-around creative powerhouse! From sewing tiny Barbie dresses as a kid to making history with her stunning textile art, Cookie shares how she weaves Black heritage into every stitch. The two dive into everything from her Smithsonian collaborations to her mesmerizing Black mermaid exhibits, plus her latest project, "Project 112", which turns tex...
Mar 05, 2025•28 min•Ep. 272
This week on "Stitch Please", Lisa chats with Shimere Ballou! Shimere takes us on a sewing journey that started at age 11 with a vintage machine and a love for its unique smell. The ladies talk about the difference between sewing with measurements vs. patterns and the importance of mastering the basics first. Shimere also shares her killer style, mixing masculine and feminine vibes, and her obsession with fall fashion and layering. Plus, her tip to always iron as you go to make your pieces pop! ...
Feb 26, 2025•31 min•Ep. 271
This week on "Stitch Please", Lisa dives into the drama of Joann Fabrics’ bankruptcy! She unpacks the company's history, what its financial troubles mean for crafters, and how concepts like the WARN Act and stalking horse bids come into play. Plus, a nostalgic look at Joann’s role in the sewing world—because let’s be real, we all have memories in those aisles! ===== Stitch Betta Have My Money Fundraiser ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African Americ...
Feb 05, 2025•29 min•Ep. 270
Black Rhythm is Creative Liberation. This episode of the Stitch Please podcast celebrates Black history through the lens of creative liberation, focusing on Evelyn Sanders, a trailblazer who confronted colorism in the 1940s beauty contest scene when a daring new design not only won her the title of Miss Fine Brown Frame but also challenged prevailing beauty standards. Sewing as a practice of autonomy and self-expression for Black women is tantamount in this conversation as Lisa illustrates, thro...
Jan 29, 2025•20 min•Ep. 269
This week on "Stitch Please", Lisa dives into the world of sewing ergonomics, proving that comfort is queen! From posture to pedal setup, she shares practical tips to keep your sewing game strong and pain-free. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned stitcher, Lisa's got the hacks to make sewing a joy, not a pain in the neck (or back)! ===== ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Blac...
Jan 22, 2025•28 min•Ep. 268
This week on the "Stitch Please podcast", Lisa catches up with Dee from "Patterns By Dee", a powerhouse in the sewing scene. They dive into Dee's sewing odyssey from home economics to crafting her own patterns inspired by personal tales and family memories. They riff on the art-fashion fusion, the magic of creativity in pattern design, and the thrill of spreading wisdom on YouTube. Dee cheers on listeners to stick with their creative flair and keep chasing their passions. ===== Here's Where You ...
Jan 15, 2025•27 min•Ep. 267
This week on "Stitch Please", Lisa hangs out with LaShuan Bethea, a champion for beginner sewists! They dive into LaShuan's sewing journey, the magic of making your own clothes, and why inclusivity is a must in the sewing world. With plenty of laughs, LaShuan dishes on why she loves teaching beginners, common challenges, and the best resources to kickstart your stitching adventures. Get ready for inspiration and a few sewing secrets! ===== Where you can find LaShuan! Youtube- Let's Get Sewcial L...
Jan 08, 2025•29 min•Ep. 266
This week on "Stitch Please", Lisa takes a playful stroll down memory lane with a touch of Sankofa wisdom—looking back to leap forward! She dishes out gratitude for her amazing community and collabs, cheers for the big wins of 2024, remembers those we've lost, and sprinkles in some heartfelt intentions for the year ahead. It's all about creativity, growth, and keeping the stitch strong! ===== ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literatu...
Jan 01, 2025•24 min•Ep. 265
This week on "Stitch Please", we’re diving into another gem from our 2023 Holiday Swatches series! Think of swatches as your creative cheat sheet: tiny fabric samples that help you plan, prep, and match like a pro. When you collect them, they turn into a time capsule of your sewing genius. This December, we’re unwrapping heartwarming (and hilarious!) Holiday Sewing Traditions from our amazing community—think ugly sweater ornaments, full-on Christmas rooms, and more! Plus, stick around for some l...
Dec 25, 2024•28 min•Ep. 264
This week on "Sitch Please", we’re bringing back a fan-favorite: our 2023 Holiday Swatches episode! Think of it as a patchwork of festive inspiration. Swatches aren’t just scraps—they’re mini fabric dreams that help you plan, prep, and save on sewing mishaps. Plus, they double as a creative archive! In this holiday special, we’re stitching together stories from our amazing community. Big thanks to Ashley Chapman, Kya Lee, Ellie L., Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, and Zahiyya Abdul-Karim for shari...
Dec 18, 2024•17 min•Ep. 263
This week on “Stitch Please,” Lisa chats with Heather Grocock, a visual effects artist(The Flash, Supergirl, The Orville, La Brea) with a love for hand sewing. Heather shares how she left Detroit for the bright lights of LA to work in Lighting and VFX, navigating industry challenges as a woman of color along the way. They dive into Heather’s creative journey, from her quirky business, Auntie Bunny, to her passion for quilting, embroidery, and learning from seasoned sewists at the Coachella Valle...
Dec 11, 2024•39 min•Ep. 262
This week on "Stitch Please", In part two of our conversation with Shams El-din Rogers Lisa and Shams go wild about the world of sewing machines—are pricier models worth it, or can thrifty treasures do the trick? Together, they dive into sustainable sewing, the allure of vintage machines, and Shams’ knack for giving old gear new life. From tackling the "replace-it" culture to the ethics of consumer choices, the duo stitches together a thoughtful conversation about the impact of what we buy (or d...
Dec 04, 2024•30 min•Ep. 261
This week on "Stitch Please", Lisa chats with Shams El-din Rogers about the wild world of sewing machines—are pricier models worth it, or can thrifty treasures do the trick? Together, they dive into sustainable sewing, the allure of vintage machines, and Shams’ knack for giving old gear new life. From tackling the "replace-it" culture to the ethics of consumer choices, the duo stitches together a thoughtful conversation about the impact of what we buy (or don’t). They also sprinkle in tips on me...
Nov 27, 2024•32 min•Ep. 260
This week on "Stitch Please", Lisa hangs out with the fabulous Laverne Benton—better known as Busy Peach—for a fun and lively chat about her fiber arts journey. From learning crochet as a kid to rediscovering her love for it as an adult, Laverne spills all the yarn (pun intended) about her creative adventures. They dive into the magic of fiber, the power of perseverance, and the beauty of embracing those "oops" moments in crafting. Laverne also shares the scoop on her Saturday Shenanigans show, ...
Nov 20, 2024•35 min•Ep. 259
On this week's episode of “Stitch Please,” Lisa takes a fun, deep dive into the world of industrial sewing machines, especially the mighty cylinder arm! She’s joined by bag-making pros Renee Thomas and Rochelle Wadley, who share their journeys into sewing and how they fell in love with these powerful machines. Renee tells us how she started sewing as a teen, took a break, then came back to it in her twenties, while Rochelle recalls learning the ropes from her dad and stitching since she was litt...
Nov 13, 2024•41 min•Ep. 258
In this week’s episode of “Stitch Please”, Lisa sits down with Khensani Mohlatole, the talent behind the “ClothesMinded”podcast and “Hanger Management” blog. Together, they dive into Khensani’s sewing journey, her passion for South African fashion history, and the rich significance of African textiles. Khensani explains why celebrating and reclaiming African fashion matters and explores the effects of colonization on African textiles. They also talk about what luxury means in African fashion and...
Nov 06, 2024•40 min•Ep. 257
This week on "Stitch Please," Lisa dives into the colorful world of cosplay with special guest SheShe from CDC Cosplays! Together, they unpack what makes cosplay more than just a costume—it’s about research, dedication, and the thrill of bringing a character to life. From the craft of creating each look to the excitement of conventions (badges, panels, and even celeb sightings!), they cover it all. SheShe shares her journey of jumping into cosplay as an adult, highlighting how important it is fo...
Oct 30, 2024•30 min•Ep. 256
This week on "Stitch Please," Lisa dives into her Boston adventure, blending her book projects with insights from the Susan Newhouse Center for the Humanities at Wellesley College. She unpacks her studies on Black women's sewing traditions, celebrates communal learning, and reflects on adapting to big city life. Lisa also chats about how walking and embracing urban living have brought her unexpected joys. ======= ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in Afri...
Oct 23, 2024•26 min•Ep. 255
This week on "Stitch Please," Lisa sits down with Erica Bunker, a sewing influencer and pattern designer. They delve into Erica's sewing journey, tracing it back to her home economics class in eighth grade and her beginnings in making her own maternity clothes. Erica shares her passion for Vogue patterns and the empowerment she found in crafting her own maternity wardrobe. They also chat about Erica's discovery of blogging through pattern review websites, highlighting the lack of representation ...
Oct 16, 2024•36 min•Ep. 254
This week on "Stitch Please", join Lisa as she unzips the intriguing world of zippers! From their origins and evolution to handy tips on picking and installing them. This episode dives deep into everything zipper-related. Discover how these nifty fasteners have shaped fashion, practicality, and DIY sewing projects alike. Are you ready to get your zip on? ===== ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and ...
Oct 09, 2024•27 min•Ep. 253
This week on "Stitch Please", We get you prepared to buy your first sewing machine. Lisa gives you the pitfalls that you should avoid, when looking for a machine, that will keep you from making some of the same mistakes that other new sewers might have made. We also get a chance to hear from other fellow sewers who give you great advice when you are in the market to make such a big investment. Buying your first sewing machine can be frustrating, but let Lisa and friends help you find the machine...
Oct 02, 2024•25 min•Ep. 252
This week on "Stitch Please", Lisa dives into the world of presser feet for sewing machines. These little gadgets are like tiny engineering marvels that make sewing a breeze! Lisa highlights several types: standard, zipper, buttonhole, button, and quarter inch feet. Each has its own superpower, so choosing the right one can make your sewing adventures smoother and more fun. So let this episode help you unleash your creativity by exploring these magical presser feet that come with your sewing mac...
Sep 25, 2024•26 min•Ep. 251
