In this episode, Lisa delves into the world of independent pattern makers. Learn about the history of indie patterns, their commitment to size inclusivity, and how they're embracing innovative technologies. Discover the vibrant community behind indie pattern companies and get inspired to try them in your sewing projects. Find resources to explore indie patterns and elevate your sewing journey. Plus, make sure to check out our links to support some of Lisa's favorite indie pattern makers and find...
Sep 18, 2024•29 min•Ep. 250
In this weeks episode of The Stitch Please podcast, Lisa dives into the nitty-gritty of commercial sewing patterns! She breaks down the guide sheet, spills the tea on pattern markings (hello, notches, grain lines, and bust lines!), and shares her top tips for staying organized with pattern pieces. Plus, Lisa reminds us why reading those instructions more than once is a game-changer and how sew alongs and online sewing buddies can be your secret weapon. Stitch smarter, not harder! ======= =======...
Sep 11, 2024•30 min•Ep. 249
In this episode, Lisa celebrates five years of the Stitch Please podcast with her kids, Riley and Ryan, chatting about their back-to-school sewing adventures. They reminisce about wearing their mom's handmade clothes, how their views on sewing have evolved, and the impact on their style. Plus, they dish out fun tips for families looking to start their own sewing traditions! ======= ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and cult...
Sep 04, 2024•29 min•Ep. 248
This week on Stitch Please, get ready to unravel the mystery of commercial patterns! In this episode, Lisa breaks down everything you need to know about those pattern envelopes and guide sheets that can feel a bit like deciphering a secret code. From understanding sizes and fabric choices to nailing down those all-important finished garment measurements, Lisa’s got you covered. Plus, she shares why those little line drawings are your new best friend when it comes to visualizing your next sewing ...
Aug 28, 2024•29 min•Ep. 247
This week on *Stitch Please,* Lisa is joined by Salina, Toni, and Shon—the dynamic trio behind the upcoming Raleigh Frocktails! They dish on how the Atlanta Frocktails sparked their idea and how they pulled off planning the Raleigh event in just 4 months (with a little HOO-DEE-HOO action, of course). Tune in to hear how mood boards are fueling the buzz and pushing everyone to step out of their comfort zones! ======= https://www.raleighfrocktails.com/home ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate...
Aug 21, 2024•35 min•Ep. 246
This week on Stitch Please, Lisa unpacks the essentials for sewing on the go! From picking the perfect travel sewing machine to finding a bag that fits just right, Lisa’s got you covered. She shares her top tips on packing all your must-have tools—scissors included! Whether you're jet-setting or road-tripping, Lisa’s advice will help you sew smoothly wherever you are. So let us help you get your stitch together! ======= ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing ...
Aug 14, 2024•23 min•Ep. 245
This week on Stitch Please, Lisa spins through the fascinating realm of sewing thread—unraveling its history, production secrets, various types, and even tips for upkeep! From picking the perfect thread to nailing its TLC and storage, Lisa’s lively chat threads together wisdom for sewing rookies and pros alike. ======= ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Blac...
Aug 07, 2024•31 min•Ep. 244
This week on Stitch Please, we unravel the sweet link between chocolate bars and the birth of the rotary cutter. Tune in as the Lisa uncovers how the design of the chocolate bar sparked the creation of the snap-off blade, paving the way for Ulfa. We'll also explore the rotary cutter's journey, from blade sizes and handle styles to safety tips. Stay sharp and safe with our guide on picking your perfect cutter! ======= ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in ...
Jul 31, 2024•21 min•Ep. 243
This week on Stitch Please, Lisa dives into the fascinating world of scissors! She dishes out everything from their historical journey to becoming a plural wonder to giving tips on picking the perfect pair for sewing. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, get ready for some scissor-savvy advice on what to look for and how to keep your snippers snappy! ======= ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching ...
Jul 24, 2024•26 min•Ep. 242
This week on the podcast, Lisa spills the beans on her Paris fabric shopping spree! Get the lowdown on how to prepare, how to find the best fabric haunts, and mastering the metro. Plus, she’s got tips on charming the shopkeepers like a pro. Grab a snack, pull up a comfy chair, and get ready for an exciting adventure with a Sewist in Paris! ======= ======= Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research expl...
Jul 17, 2024•31 min•Ep. 241
This week on the podcast, Bertha Chapman and Jasmine Howard, the creative minds behind Baltimore FrockTails, join Lisa to talk about their exciting sewing journeys. They share how they sewed their way into the scene, celebrating inclusivity and body positivity so everyone shines in their sewing circle. They spill all the details on the dazzling Baltimore FrockTails event, where this year’s maximalism theme encourages attendees to unleash their creativity and shine in bold, eye-catching fashion. ...
Jul 10, 2024•31 min•Ep. 240
Audio dramas are the perfect companion for sewing! Lisa can't watch TV and sew as she needs to concentrate on what she's doing. Today, the Stitch Please podcast is sharing one of our favorite audio dramas: 1972 - The Chisholm Campaign Trail and the Davis Trial an amazing podcast by Yhane Washington Smith. Listen in to the first episode with us, then make sure you go and check out the full series! ========== This episode dramatizes the events on August 7, 1970. On that day, 17 year old, Jonathan ...
Jul 03, 2024•26 min
In part 2 of Sewing and Sublimation, Lisa dives into her passion for crafting, spilling the beans on her sewing and sublimation adventures. She chats about how she jazzes up her kids' clothes and whips up cool fabric labels with sublimation. Lisa breaks down the pros and cons of sublimation printing, revealing its magic in her DIY projects. She gets a bit nostalgic, sharing how garment labels tie into her family history. Lisa also plays around with different fabrics like polyester and satin, sho...
Jun 26, 2024•17 min•Ep. 239
In this lively "Restitch" episode of the Stitch Please podcast, Lisa chats with Jasika Nicole about breaking creative boundaries in showbiz. They dive into Hollywood's limits, championing diversity, and the empowering art of setting boundaries, even in the online sewing community. Jasika shares her journey, from handling unwanted advice to ditching cop roles, urging everyone to carve out their own creative space with joy and authenticity. ======= Jasika Nicole IG: @jasikaistrycurious ======= ===...
Jun 19, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 238
This week’s Stitch Please podcast is a can't-miss episode for any quilter. Lisa chats with quilting superstars Gyleen X. Fitzgerald, Latifah Saafir, and Geraldine Wilkins, about the incredible Tropical Quilting Retreat at Sea. Dive into the details of the upcoming retreat, with workshops, fabric fun, port stops, and more. They dish out tips and highlight why this event is a must for quilters looking for a unique, inspiring experience. If you're a quilter, this episode is for you. ======= https:/...
Jun 12, 2024•39 min•Ep. 237
In this fun-filled episode of the Stitch Please podcast, Lisa dives into the nitty gritty world of sewing and sublimation printing. She shares her passion for this vibrant technique, exploring its history, necessary materials, and step-by-step process. Lisa also chats about her personal projects, revealing the pros and cons of sublimation printing. It's a versatile and exciting way to customize garments and fabrics, bringing sewing projects to life with brilliant colors and lasting durability. S...
Jun 05, 2024•36 min•Ep. 236
Take a trip with Black Women Stitch as Lisa whisks listeners away on a 24-hour adventure through LA's Fashion District. From fabric shopping sprees and meeting Josie from LA Finch Fabric to diving into the colorful fabric scene, she shares it all. Lisa dishes out travel tips for anyone who likes to buy pieces while they're traveling. Plus, which fashion district is better, LA or NY? There's so much to talk about, but don't worry this episode is much shorter than a commute in LA traffic! ======= ...
May 29, 2024•32 min•Ep. 235
This week on the podcast Lisa dives into the fascinating history and handy uses of sewing pins and needles. From ancient origins to modern-day must-haves. Discover the best pins and needles for your projects, get tips on selecting the right ones, and hear about her favorite brands. Whether you're a sewing newbie or a seasoned stitcher, this episode is packed with fun facts and practical advice just in time TO GET YOUR STICH TOGETHER! ======= https://www.sapiens.org/archaeology/fashion-history-se...
May 22, 2024•36 min•Ep. 234
In this episode, Lisa chats with the Chicago FrockTails crew about their exciting two-day event celebrating sewing and style in the Windy City. From blues to bites to beautiful threads, they spill the beans on what makes this bash unique. Get ready for monochrome magic, chiffon chic, and a whole lotta plaid! With fashion shows, workshops, and more, it's shaping up to be a stitchin' good time. Plus, they've snagged sponsors like Sew-it Academy, Oliso, and Apparel Redefined. Don't forget to book y...
May 15, 2024•36 min•Ep. 233
In this episode of the Stitch Please podcast, your favorite sewist Lisa discusses the history and importance of pin cushions in sewing. She explores the origins of the tomato pin cushion and its symbolism, as well as the different types of needles and how to organize them in a pin cushion. Lisa also shares a fun decorative idea for marking special needles on the pin cushion. Lisa also emphasizes the value of the pin cushion as a tool for organizing and preserving needles in the sewing room. So l...
May 08, 2024•28 min•Ep. 232
Just as sewing helps heal us, so does music. As Lisa takes a moment to catch up on some self-care the Stitch Please Podcast is proud to present Queue Points and an episode of their Slow Jams Can Heal Us series: Slow Jams, Intimacy and Lyrics That Touch the Soul (Guest: Latrice Sampson Richards) In this episode of Queue Points Podcast, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray are joined by special guest Latrice Sampson Richards. The conversation focuses on the themes of lyrics and intimacy in music, exploring p...
May 01, 2024•58 min
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 commu...
Apr 24, 2024•26 min•Ep. 230
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 chall...
Apr 17, 2024•35 min•Ep. 229
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 impro...
Apr 10, 2024•33 min•Ep. 228
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 scen...
Apr 03, 2024•28 min•Ep. 227
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 creativit...
Mar 27, 2024•34 min•Ep. 226
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 creativit...
Mar 20, 2024•33 min•Ep. 225
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 to...
Mar 13, 2024•24 min•Ep. 224
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, choosing ...
Mar 06, 2024•26 min•Ep. 223
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 ear...
Feb 29, 2024•50 min
