Stitch Please

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!==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkReady to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration! ======Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store

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 culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkReady to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration! ======Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store

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 project. Tune in and get your stitch together! ==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkReady to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!======Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon StoreThe Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration!

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 professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkThe Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration! Ready to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!

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 in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkReady to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration!

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, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkReady to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration!

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 African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkReady to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration!

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 and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkReady to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration!

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 explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkReady to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration!

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.=======https://www.baltimorefrocktails.com/==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkReady to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration!

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 Jackson was murdered and the guns Jackson used sent Angela Davis to jail and had her on trial.WARNING:This episode depicts the actual events of police brutality.HUGE SHOUTS OF THANKS and APPRECIATION! Too many roles to list so in alphabetical order.ChloeGabrielle Adkins as Margaret BurnhamJulie AtwellEli BarrazaIan BellJeanette BerryAlan BourkeCole BurkhardtJordan Cobb as Charlene MitchellAlexander Danner as McGovernTK DutesEbonie Ellington as Shirley ChisholmEm ErvolinaJeffrey Nills GardnerMorgan Givens as Howard MooreD. Rubin Green as CongressmanBrandon G. Green as Leo BrantonEvan Gulock as JamesJordan HiggsSean Howard as NYC Mayor LindsayEleanor HydeSteven Hylton as WesleyPeter KillyVictoria LeighEli Hamada McIlveenJimmy Mehiel as President Richard NixonIsaiah Mueller as McClain and Conrad ChisholmMichael Molina MinardMorris NeopolitanoBayo OlukotunSerena RahhalBob RaymondaShawn RegrutoJared RobertsJoshua Rubino as Edgar HooverJohn Sebastian La Valle as HarrisDanielle ShemaiahMichael Sinclair as George JacksonJac'leen Smith as Angela DavisEmilio SmithNina SmithTom SmithJordan Stillman as Rose Mary WoodsJeff Van Dreason as Judge ArnasonViolet TallisChi WilliamsRonald Young, Jr.Tau ZamanSound Design by Xperience J.Editor, Producer, Recording Engineer - T.H. PondersArt by Neville HarveyWritten and directed by Yhane Washington SmithPlease continue to support us by:Rating us 5 stars!ORwriting a lovely reviewORtelling a friendORFollow us:Twitter: @AudioHarlemInstagram: @Yhane.Writes.AudioSupport the good people who support us: Blackbirdletterpress.comTHANK YOU for listening!==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork======Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store

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, showcasing her sublimation creations and how they've added a fun twist to her sewing game.==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkReady to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration!

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==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkReady to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration!

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://quiltcruises.com/cruises/tropical-quilting-retreat-at-sea/==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkReady to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration!

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. So grab some snacks for part one of this SEW-tastic episode!==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkReady to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration!

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!==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkReady to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration!

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-sewing-needles/https://www.madehow.com/Volume-7/Straight-Pin.htmlhttps://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/behavior/making-clothing/bone-awls==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkReady to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration!

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 your hotel and prep your threads early! This event is gonna be a sew-perb blend of creativity and community!=======https://chicagofrocktails.com/Do you love to sew your own clothes, meet your sewing online friends and have a good ​time?! If the answer is yes, join us in the Windy City at Chicago Frocktails June 8 - 9th ​2024! The main event will be held on Saturday, June 8th from 6PM - 11 PM Central at the ​Bellagio 223 located at 2229 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 407 Chicago, Illinois 60616.On Sunday, there will be a complimentary shuttles providing transportation to a fabric ​shopping excursion!==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkReady to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!======Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store

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 lets get ready to get your STITCH TOGETHER! ==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkReady to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration! ======Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store

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 personal and societal healing through slow jams and other styles of music. Latrice shares her thoughts on the emotional connections that music can foster, and the ability to help us collectively heal. The three share lyrics that have shaped their lives, revealing the deep connections they have with music and its power to express complex emotions.Tune In To Our “Slow Jams Can Heal Us” Series: https://qpnt.net/slowjamsseriesListen to “Lyrics & Lessons” by Latrice Sampson Richards: https://qpnt.net/lsrlyricsplaylistLatrice Sampson Richards BioLatrice Sampson Richards is an award-winning podcast producer, host, and speaker with a 14-year background as a dual-licensed mental health counselor. With an in-depth understanding of the human experience, Latrice creates content that blends thoughtfulness, healing, and entertainment, resonating deeply with audiences. Latrice has elevated the podcasting landscape by creating opportunities for podcasters and brands to connect with their audiences via immersive live events and shows through her production company, Pod Melanin. Her work is marked by collaboration with renowned brands such as Afros & Audio, Black Podcasters Association, Black Podcasting Awards, Women of Color Podcasters, Black Women Stitch, She Podcasts, Libsyn, Acast, and The Qube. She has curated live podcasting events and shows nationwide, serving as a catalyst for authentic connection and community building.Follow Latrice OnlineInstagram: http://instagram.com/latricesampsonrichardsLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latrice-sampson-richards-54481224b/Website: http://latricesampsonrichards.com/Email: [email protected]: #SlowJams #SlowJamsCanHealUs #BlackPodcasters #BlackMusic #MusicPodcastBecome a Queue Points Insider: https://qpnt.net/insidersGet More In Queue Points Magazine: https://qpnt.net/magazineSubscribe & Review Us on Apple Podcasts: https://qpnt.net/applepodcastsReview us on Podchaser: https://qpnt.net/podchaserSubscribe on Spotify: https://qpnt.net/spotifyFollow Us On Social MediaFacebook: https://facebook.com/queuepointspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/queuepointspodTwitter: https://twitter.com/queuepointspodTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@queuepointspodFollow DJ Sir Daniel On Social MediaFacebook:  https://facebook.com/djsirdanielInstagram : https://instagram.com/djsirdanielTwitter:  https://twitter.com/djsirdanielMixcloud:  https://mixcloud.com/thesirdanielFollow Jay Ray On Social MediaFacebook:  https://facebook.com/jayrayisthenameInstagram : https://instagram.com/jayrayisthenameTwitter  https://twitter.com/jayrayisthenameOpening Theme: Music by Danya Vodovoz===============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork==============Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store

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 community.=======Guest Name: Jasmine Lafleur WITH A VISION TO CELEBRATE THE DEPTH OF BLACK FOLKLORE AND THE FANTASTICAL, JASMINE ESTABLISHED BLACK FAE DAY. THIS ANNUAL EVENT, SET ON THE SECOND SATURDAY OF MAY, IS NOT MERELY A FESTIVITY BUT A BURGEONING MOVEMENT THAT HIGHLIGHTS THE CRITICAL NEED FOR DIVERSITY WITHIN FANTASY. JASMINE TRULY BELIEVES THAT BY JOINING HANDS IN CELEBRATION, WE CAN COLLECTIVELY TURN THE PAGES TOWARD A FUTURE WHERE THE MEDIA WE CONSUME IS AS DIVERSE AS THE WORLD WE LIVE IN.https://blackfaeday.com/#[email protected]://www.instagram.com/blackfaedayofficial/https://www.youtube.com/@blackfaeday==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkReady to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!======Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon StoreFBsbRcXj8Bbrq7Ux2VlM

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 challenges faced during the pandemic, and the need for multiple locations to serve different communities in Atlanta. Jonelle emphasizes the joy and communal aspect of creative reuse and encourages artists to think beyond the function of materials and be experimental in their art. She also shares ways to support Scraplanta through donations and fundraising efforts.=======Guest Name: Jasmine Lafleur [email protected]://www.facebook.com/scraplanta/https://www.instagram.com/blackfaedayofficial/https://blackfaeday.com/#our-storyhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/scraplanta-creative-reuse/==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkThe Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration! Ready to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!======Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store=======

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 improve their business and and to avoid further financial issues. So get ready to get your Stitch on with another spectacular episode! ========Guest Name: Jasmine Lafleur https://www.instagram.com/blackfaedayofficial/https://www.facebook.com/scraplanta/==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkReady to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration! ======Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store

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 scene in the city. While Frocktails was typically a sewing event, Aaronica wants to emphasize that all makers are welcome! Crocheters, knitters, shoemakers, everyone is welcome to come show off their makes! Listen in to get the full scope of what the NEW Atlanta Frocktails is coming to be!Get Your Tickets to Atlanta Frocktails 2024 NOW!Follow Atlanta Frocktails on InstagramSubscribe to the Atlanta Frocktails Newsletter and stay in the know!=======Aaronica Cole Aaronica Cole is a full-time sustainable lifestyle, parenting blogger and entrepreneur still based in the Atlanta area. She's also a mom, wife, and host of Atlanta Frocktails 2024. @aaronicabcole on Instagram Aaronica's Website ==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork=============Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store

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 creativity. We also get a chance to hear Dr. Hale share her journey as a quilter and the challenges she faced in accessing quilting resources. She discusses being a distraction in school and how sewing became her happy place. Dr. Hale also talks about the changes in her sewing practice during the pandemic and the role of TikTok in building a community. She highlights the importance of teaching and sharing knowledge on social media and the connection between quilting and children's literature. Dr. Hale shares her advice for quilters and the benefits of quilting on a long arm machine.=======Guest Name: Jasmine Lafleur WITH A VISION TO CELEBRATE THE DEPTH OF BLACK FOLKLORE AND THE FANTASTICAL, JASMINE ESTABLISHED BLACK FAE DAY. THIS ANNUAL EVENT, SET ON THE SECOND SATURDAY OF MAY, IS NOT MERELY A FESTIVITY BUT A BURGEONING MOVEMENT THAT HIGHLIGHTS THE CRITICAL NEED FOR DIVERSITY WITHIN FANTASY. JASMINE TRULY BELIEVES THAT BY JOINING HANDS IN CELEBRATION, WE CAN COLLECTIVELY TURN THE PAGES TOWARD A FUTURE WHERE THE MEDIA WE CONSUME IS AS DIVERSE AS THE WORLD WE LIVE IN.https://www.facebook.com/scraplanta/https://blackfaeday.com/#our-storyhttps://www.instagram.com/blackfaedayofficial/==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkThe Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration! Ready to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!======Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store

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 creativity. We also get a chance to hear Dr. Hale share her journey as a quilter and the challenges she faced in accessing quilting resources. She discusses being a distraction in school and how sewing became her happy place. Dr. Hale also talks about the changes in her sewing practice during the pandemic and the role of TikTok in building a community. She highlights the importance of teaching and sharing knowledge on social media and the connection between quilting and children's literature. Dr. Hale shares her advice for quilters and the benefits of quilting on a long arm machine.=======Guest Name: Jasmine Lafleur Avid quilter, Dr. Jennifer Hale, has 30 years of experience educating young minds for the School District of Philadelphia. She has worn many educational hats throughout her career that led to her current role as a high school Assistant Principal. Dr. Hale engages in a high- level of creativity, including: quilting, sewing, cooking, and crafting. She enjoys sharing her gifts and talents with her school and community.https://www.facebook.com/scraplanta/==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkThe Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration! Ready to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!======Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store

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 improve your sewing practices and make the process more fun, efficient and enjoyable.==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork=======The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration! ============Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store======Ready to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!

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 a zipper, and sewing the cushion. She concludes with some lessons learned and her plans for future cushions.==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork=======Ready to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!=============Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store

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 early life in Alabama, training in New York, moving to Harlem during the Renaissance, and most famously designing Jacqueline Kennedy's wedding dress.Timeline:Early Life & TrainingBorn in Clayton, AL in 1898Learned sewing from her mother and grandmotherMoved to NYC in 1917 to formally train at S.T. Taylor Design SchoolSegregated at school but still excelled and finished earlyBuilding Her BrandOpened successful dress salon in Tampa, FL from 1919-1928Saved $20,000 to move to Harlem, NYC during the RenaissanceQuickly built clientele among NYC elites and socialitesDesigned Olivia de Havilland's Oscars dress in 1947Peak YearsClient list included Rockefellers, Roosevelts, duPonts and moreHired to design 1953 wedding dress for Jacqueline KennedyWater pipe disaster destroyed original dress 10 days before weddingRemade it in 5 days with help of employees and communityLate Career StrugglesFocused more on artistry than business side, fell into debtWealthy clients anonymously paid off $13k in back taxes she owedDied in 1981 at age 82 after inspiring new generation of designersKey Quote: "I love my clothes and I'm not interested in sewing for café society or social climbers. I sew for the families of the Social Register." - Anne LoweImpact: Lowe's elegant designs broke racial barriers in high fashion. She paved the way for future Black designers through her perseverance and excellence.Subscribe, review & learn more at www.blackisamericapodcast.com=======Ayeshia Smith @ayeshia.apparel on Instagram Ayeshia 's Website Ayeshia 's Facebook page =======Ready to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!=============Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store

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 to make square cushions instead.=======Ready to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork=============Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store

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 for these charming objects. Phebe reveals the meticulous process behind her hand-stitched pieces, from a scrumptious felt apple pie complete with its own recipe card to a touching sweet potato pie design that is sure to evoke memories of sisterhood and solidarity.And for those of you who seek to "get your stitch together," Phebe has some thread-perfect advice that will inspire you to reach for patience, grace, and joy in your sewing projects. So, grab your needles and let's felt the love on today's episode of the Stitch Please podcast.=======Phebe Higgins Phebe Higgins, the founder of Felt The Food, was inspired by her shy son's transformation during playdates. Witnessing his newfound joy in a play kitchen, she embarked on a journey to craft handmade felt food despite lacking sewing skills. With support from a crafty community, Phebe discovered the joy of creating and its positive impact on her son's development. Felt The Food offers ready-cut felt food kits, complete with materials and YouTube tutorials, fostering creativity and bonding through crafting and imaginative play. Phebe's mission is to empower families to create lasting memories together. @feltthefood on Instagram Phebe's Facebook page Phebe on YouTube Phebe's Website =======Ready to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork=============Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store

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 strives to stitch together a narrative of resistance and preservation. From discussing the decolonization of museums to the history of laws governing black attire during slavery in the United States, this conversation promises to be as thought-provoking as it is enlightening.Gather your threads of curiosity and join us as we sew together the pieces of Sasha Huber's remarkable journey, and discover how her art becomes a protective and healing force against the scars of history. Let's "get our stitch together" by learning how to make meaning out of the materials handed down to us. =======Sasha Huber Sasha Huber (b. 1975) is a Helsinki-based internationally recognized visual artist-researcher of Swiss-Haitian heritage. Huber's work is concerned with the politics of memory, care and belonging in relation to colonial residues left in the environment. Connecting history and the present, she uses and responds to archival material within a layered creative practice that encompasses performance-based reparative interventions, video, photography, and collaborations. Huber also usurps the staple gun, aware of its symbolic significance as a weapon, while offering the potential to renegotiate unequal power dynamics and the possibility of repair, symbolically stitching wounds together (pain-things). Known for her artistic research contribution to the “Demounting Louis Agassiz” campaign, she is aiming at reassessing the glaciologist’s contentious racist heritage. Sasha's Website @sashahuber on Instagram =======Ready to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork=============Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store

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 and gatekeeping that was included with working the white elite. The conversation explores the power of cross diasporic connections and storytelling in fashion. It highlights the work of Anne Lowe and her advocacy for creativity in fashion. The importance of embracing creativity and nurturing it is emphasized. While this exhibition is over you can still order the book and purchase recordings by visiting the museum's website=======Elizabeth Way Elizabeth Way is an Associate Curator at the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), as well as a fashion historian whose personal research focuses on the intersection of Black American culture and fashion. =======Ready to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork=============Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store

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 conversation urges us to evolve as advocates for one another, emphasizing the pivotal role sisterhood plays as a life force for Black women and delving into the challenges inherent in this potent bond. We journey through insights on building resilient communities, managing disappointments, and embracing the therapeutic power of creative expression. The dialogue pivots towards the significance of Therapy for Black Girls, highlighting the importance of embracing growth and the transformative power of the therapeutic process. The episode concludes with a powerful focus on actionable steps and the perpetual journey of nurturing sisterhood in our lives. Join us for a riveting conversation guided by the wisdom and warmth of Dr. Joy Harden Bradford.=======Ready to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!=======Dr. Joy Harden BradfordDr. Joy Harden Bradford is a Licensed Psychologist and the host of the wildly popular, award-winning mental health podcast Therapy for Black Girls. Her work focuses on making mental health topics more relevant and accessible for Black women, and she delights in using pop culture to illustrate psychological concepts. Named by Glamour as a Game Changer for her work in the mental health field, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Xavier University of Louisiana, her Master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from Arkansas State, and her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Georgia. Her work has been featured in Essence, Oprah Daily, The New York Times, HuffPost, Black Enterprise, and Women’s Health. Dr. Joy lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and two sons.Purchase Sisterhood HealsInstagram: @therapyforblackgirls==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork=======The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration! =============Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store

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 up.=======Ready to tap in to the visuals of Stitch Please? Then join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you can get all of the video versions of the pod. PLUS more goodies at higher patron levels. We couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you!==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork=============Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store

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 'Alabama Authors' quilt. Plus as a loyal listener of the pod, Tiavalya has the perfect advice to help us get our stitch together!The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration! ==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork=======Tiavalya Befecadu A third generation sewing enthusiast, and a proud member of the Professional Photographers of America, Rocket City Modern Quilt Guild and the Historic Huntsville Foundation Board of Directors. @tiavalya on Instagram Tiavalya's Facebook page Tiavalya's Website =============Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store

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 everything extra proprietary? Diane and Lisa get into all of this and more!TakeawaysDon't let fear hold you back from pursuing your passion for sewing.Embrace your creativity and explore different artistic mediums.Share your knowledge and help others in their creative journey.Be patient and celebrate the successes of others, knowing that your time will come.The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration! ==============Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork=======Diane Roney Meet Diane Roney, a creative coach and small business owner with over 20 years of experience in the industry. With a passion for all things creative, Diane has built a name for herself as a multi-talented artist, designer, and educator. Diane's extensive skillset includes Creative Stamping scrapbooking, Digital artistry, Quilt design, sublimation and DTF Printing, Quilting coaching and education, seasoned Greeting card design, Afrocentric African Inspired gifts, and social media content creation. Her ability to combine these various mediums has allowed her to create unique and captivating pieces that have garnered attention from clients and fans alike. As a coach and educator, Diane is committed to sharing her knowledge and expertise with others, helping them to unlock their own creative potential and achieve their goals. @dianeroneycreates on Instagram Diane's Website =======Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon StoreStay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast

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 your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration! Episode Art is January by Karina Cruz Ortiz. =======Lisa WoolforkLisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork=======Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon StoreStay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast

Celebrate! Vote! Share! The Black Women Stitch Sew Black at QuiltCon is a finalist for an Anthem Award in the category of Community Engagement in Education Arts and Culture. Please vote for us here and share widely! Voting ends 12/21 . The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available  NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to  and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration!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 hearing from you all. For the month of December we will be sharing Holiday Sewing Traditions. In the final edition of 2023 we hear all about New Years Eve dresses, some adorable ideas for advent calendars (it's never to early to start!), the importance of a thoughtful gift and Eid! A special thank you to Ashley Chapman, Kya Lee, Ellie L, Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich and Zahiyya Abdul-Karim for sharing their stories this week!=======Lisa WoolforkLisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork=======Ashley ChapmanInstagram: @madebybertha Kya LeeWebsite: kyaarts.com Ellie LInstagram: @sallieandsamstyle Olugbemisola Rhuday-PerkovichInstagram:@olugbemisolarhudayperkovichWebsite:https://www.olugbemisolabooks.com/ Zahiyya Abdul-KarimInstagram : @covermechicYoutube: @covermechic Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon StoreStay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast

Celebrate! Vote! Share! The Black Women Stitch Sew Black at QuiltCon is a finalist for an Anthem Award in the category of Community Engagement in Education Arts and Culture. Please vote for us here and share widely! Voting ends 12/21 . The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available  NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to  and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration!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 hearing from you all. For the month of December we will be sharing Holiday Sewing Traditions. From dance moms who are on the emergency stitch team (raise your hand if you've been there) to family sweaters, we have a great series of traditions this week.  A special thank you to Neci Harmon, Aaronica Cole, Kristin Taylor, Tanisha Robertson and Jaszmine Howard for sharing their stories this week!=======Lisa WoolforkLisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork=======Neci HarmonInstagram: @whatsshecreating Shop: What's She CreatingTikTok: @whatsshecreating Aaronica ColeInstagram: Aaronica B. ColeYoutube: Aaronica B. ColeAudaSEWtea PodcastSimplicity Kristen TaylorInstagram: @unsewcialWebsite:www.unsewcial.com Tanisha RobertsonInstagram:@yimicraftsWebsite:yimicrafts.com Jaszmine HowardTikTok : @jaszminehowardInstagram: @jaszminehoward  Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon StoreStay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast

Celebrate! Vote! Share! The Black Women Stitch Sew Black at QuiltCon is a finalist for an Anthem Award in the category of Community Engagement in Education Arts and Culture. Please vote for us here and share widely! Voting ends 12/21 .SHIPPING 12/14...The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration!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 hearing from you all. For the month of December we will be sharing Holiday Sewing Traditions. From ugly sweater ornaments to full christmas rooms, we have a great series of traditions this week. Plus! some great gift ideas at the very end if you're scrambling for a last minute idea (thanks Nikki!) A special thank you to Bianca Springer, Dr. Jennifer Hale, Tiffany Turner, Johanna Ali and Nikki Digulis for sharing their stories this week!=======Lisa WoolforkLisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork=======Bianca SpringerInstagram: @thanksimadethemWebsite: biancaspringer.comDr. Jennifer HaleInstagram: @jennygee06TikTok: @jennygee066Tiffany TurnerBlog: TipStitchedInstagram: TipStitchedFacebook: TipStitchedTikTok: TipStitchedPinterest: TipStitchedJohanna AliInstagram:@soveryjoYouTube: SoVeryJoNikki DigulisTikTok : NikkiDInstagram:@seamsnsuchboutiqueWebsite: seamsnsuchboutique.comSign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon StoreStay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon StoreStay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast

The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available for preorder NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to  and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration!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 hearing from you all. For the month of December we will be sharing Holiday Sewing Traditions. From handbags to to scrap projects, new stitchers to the most skilled knitters, we have a great series of traditions this week. A special thank you to Jonelle Dawkins,  Byrd Wadhams, Jamara Alexander, Stacie Sturdivant and DeJanee Kletke for sharing their stories this week!=======Lisa WoolforkLisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork=======Jonelle DawkinsInstagram: @scrapatlTikTok: @scraplantaScraplanta Byrd WadhamsInstagram: @yogabyrdsewsFacebook: Yoga Byrd Jamara AlexanderInstagram: sewsewjam Stacie SturdivantInstagram: @sewsewstacieTikTok: @sewsewstacieShop DeJanee KletkeInstagram: deja_made _it  Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon StoreStay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon StoreStay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast

The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available for preorder NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to  and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration!In this episode of the Stitch Please podcast, Lisa welcomes Tiffany Turned, a talented sewist, to share her transformative journey into sewing. Initially skeptical, she discovered her passion through a 30-minute skirt tutorial. 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.Tiffany praises the sense of community in live sewing sessions, crediting the Black Sewing Network for fostering camaraderie. She discusses setting ambitious goals, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in the face of unforeseen circumstances. Tiffany's digital sketches in Adobe Photoshop serve as a visual guide for her projects, especially in intricate color-blocking. Recognizing the strengths of different platforms, Tiffany adapts her content creation process, emphasizing the visual appeal of sewing on Instagram. Her sewing journey is a testament to analytical thinking, creativity, and an enduring love for the craft, evident in her carefully crafted content and active engagement in live sessions.This episode showcases how Tiffany's sewing journey is a tapestry woven with threads of analytical thinking, boundless creativity, adaptability, and an unwavering love for her craft. Her dedication to enriching the sewing community is palpable in her meticulously crafted content and enthusiastic participation in live sewing sessions. Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store Lisa WoolforkLisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Tiffany TurnerTiffany Turner is a passionate sewist who discovered her love for sewing in adulthood. Tiffany always admired the idea of creating her own garments to have the perfect fit and style. In 2014, she finally took the plunge, inspired by a tutorial from Mimi G. Over the past decade, sewing has become her unwavering hobby. Tiffany has a background in civil engineering and her analytical mindset is evident in her meticulous approach to sewing. She enjoys breaking down sewing projects step by step, much like her engineering work. Tiffany encourages others to embrace this creative outlet and is dedicated to sharing tips, tricks, and reviews reflecting her commitment to building a supportive sewing community. Embracing social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, Tiffany continues to inspire fellow sewists while maintaining her love for this fulfilling hobby. Insights from this episode:How Tiffany, a seasoned influencer, leverages her engineering background for a meticulous and analytical approach to sewing, treating patterns as blueprints for her creations.Tiffany's journey started with a desire for custom-made clothing as an adult, overcoming initial challenges with support from her husband. Tiffany's engineering mindset seamlessly integrates into her projects, relying on templates and structured approaches for planning and organization.Employing tools like Adobe Photoshop as a strategy for strategic planning, especially for complex tasks like color-blocking, showcasing the importance of digital sketches.Flexibility is key in Tiffany's approach; she advocates for adapting patterns, emphasizing creativity and liberation in the sewing process.How strategically utilizing various platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and her blog, tailoring content to each one's strengths and target audience can help to further reach.Actively participating in sew-alongs with the Black Sewing Network, Tiffany values the sense of community and shared experience these events offer.Tiffany encourages listeners to prioritize enjoyment and avoid unnecessary stress, highlighting the importance of finding joy in the process of sewing.Sharing know

The Black Women Stitch 2024 Wall Calendar is available for preorder NOW! Do not miss out on your chance to  and get your stitch together with a year of artistic inspiration!In this episode of the Stitch Please podcast, Lisa interviews 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 (US) with her one-year-old child. Growing up in Nigeria, Grace had been exposed to her mother's sewing, but it wasn't until later that she truly delved into the craft. Grace's sewing journey began with an old treadle machine but when she moved to the US, she acquired an electric sewing machine, making her sewing experience more accessible. Her early projects were primarily for herself and her son, driven by a desire to connect with her Nigerian heritage. As Grace's sewing skills grew, so did her interest in different types of fabrics. She now offers a wide range of fabrics on her website, including Knit Ankara, Silk Adire, and Kampala. Grace provides insights into the cultural significance and unique characteristics of each fabric type, shedding light on their origins and traditional uses. Grace's approach to designing garments is influenced by her desire to celebrate the diversity of African fashion. She emphasizes the importance of allowing the fabric to speak for itself and encourages people to experiment with different styles and fabric combinations. Grace actively builds a sense of community among her customers through sew-alongs and challenges. These events provide opportunities for individuals to explore their creativity and gain confidence in working with African fabrics. The podcast episode concludes with Grace expressing her aspiration to flood the streets with African prints and her dedication to empowering others to embrace and incorporate these fabrics into their own creations. The conversation exemplifies the rich cultural tapestry that sewing can encompass, and the potential for creativity to connect people across continents.Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon StoreGrace ChristopherGrace Christopher's journey is an extraordinary fusion of law and creative passion. Initially drawn to law, she devoted years to her legal career. However, her early exposure to her mother's sewing ignited a lasting passion. From her mother's vintage machine to crafting her own garments as a teenager, Grace's creativity found its roots. A move to the US and motherhood rekindled her love for sewing, inspiring her to blend her Nigerian heritage with her creative passion for sewing. Grace's designs breathe life into African fabrics, infusing them with modern flair. Through approachable teaching and challenges, she cultivates a community of creatives, aiming to saturate the streets with African fashion. As a mother, business owner, and designer, Grace exemplifies the transformative power of self-expression and celebrates the beauty of diversity. Lisa WoolforkLisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Insights from this episode:How Grace’s experience with sewing was both a way to stay busy and to feel connectedGrace’s transition from practicing law to pursuing a career in sewing, driven by a desire to keep her mind active and find joy in creativityAfrican Zesty Couture, specializes in offering various types of fabrics that have cultural and regional significance, and she aims to provide a wide range of options to cater to different tastes and preferencesThe silk adire fabric, traditionally associated with the Yoruba people, is known for its tie-dye patterns and is now also produced in silk, giving it a unique texture.How Grace approaches design: sometimes starting with a specific fabric that inspires a creation, while other times she envisions a style and looks for a fabric to matchTikTok as a strategy to connect with others through sew-alongs and challenges, encouraging others to explore their creativity with African fabricsGrace hosts live TikTok session primarily on Fr

Preorder your 2024 BWS Wall Calendar TODAY!  Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon StoreAaronica B. ColeAaronica B. Cole is a dynamic force in the world of sewing and creative expression. With a passion for using thread as a transformative tool, she's known for her audacious approach to style and fashion. Her journey has led her to embrace variegated threads, infusing her creations with unexpected contrasts and vibrant hues. Through her bold designs and unapologetic self-expression, Aaronica challenges norms and inspires others to do the same. Her recent venture into podcasting with the AudaSEWtea Podcast showcases her commitment to amplifying diverse voices and stories in the sewing community. With a genuine warmth and relatable charm, Aaronica brings a fresh perspective to the sewing world, proving that audacity and creativity go hand in hand. Lisa WoolforkLisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Insights from this episode:How Aaronica's presence has grown and flourished with regards to her career since her last appearance on the podcast three years agoThe episode focuses on three key aspects of Aaronica's work: her designing ventures, including the Aurifil thread collection and Know Me pattern collection pattern collection, her family sewing endeavors, and her new podcast project with Julian CollinsAaronica introduces her Rustic Chic Thread CollectionThe Know Me pattern collection is praised for its representation and inclusivity in fashion design, highlighting the need for more diverse perspectives in the industryDiscussion of the historical lack of inclusivity in fashion design knowledge systems with an emphasis on the importance of creating designs that cater to a wide range of body types and backgroundsAaronica's new podcast venture, AudaSEWtea co-hosted with Julian, is introducedThe episode ends with Lisa extending an invitation for Aaronica and Julian to share their podcast journey on a future episode, showing support for their new endeavor Quotes from the show:“The notion that you don't have to be within one color scheme... You can mix and match these contrasting colors to create something that is so beautiful and uniquely you." - Aaronica B. Cole, Stitch Please, Episode #206"People think of clothing as something superficial... They don't dig deeper and understand the psychology behind fashion and behind the clothing choices that we make. Imagine walking around and only feeling good enough to wear a sack... as opposed to being able to see your body as being beautiful enough to actually adorn it." - Aaronica B. Cole, Stitch Please, Episode #206"I think what I've been thinking a lot about is a lot of the knowledge systems that have been developed for sewing in particular and for fashion by extension, were never made with black bodies in mind, period done. And it is, I think a flaw, a type of little flaw in the industry that started as something small in the 1940s but has never changed." - Lisa Woolfork, Stitch Please, Episode #206"And so it's become in my mind malignant. I find it malignant and I find it very negative, right? When we look at size charts, when we look at what proportions are supposed to be, but those were designed by, they looked only at the bodies of white women." - Lisa Woolfork, Stitch Please, Episode #206"Why should I look at this mainstream over here when, in fact, I am the mainstream." - Aaronica B. Cole, Stitch Please, Episode #206"I think that for too long marginalized people, the process of marginalization requires that we set aside what feels good and right to us because it's not what the majority does but that it's ridiculous. It's kind of like trying to make sure that you can fit in somebody else's clothes, right? We, we make our own clothes because we want things to fit us." - Lisa Woolfork, Stitch Please, Episode #206"I'm always talking about possibility models. It is important. It is hard for you to become that which you have never seen and you are visible out in the world doing amazing things and the victory is in the visibility and you have

Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store Black Sewing NetworkBlack Sewing Network is a platform that celebrates and amplifies black voices in the sewing community. We host daily sewalongs on social media that encourage and motivate members of the sewing community to sew daily!Lisa WoolforkLisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Insights from this episode:How the Garment Girlies got started with the Black Sewing NetworkHow LaShuan originally connected with Carmen Green through instagram, where Carmen hosted “Sew Saturdays”Why TikTok is a more vibrant platform to hostThe Black Sewing Network provided guidance, explanations for sewing terminology, and strategies for community membersHow going live on social media platforms helps to strengthen the community of sewers by supporting each other through challengesThe Black Sewing Network community encourages collaboration and mutual support, even helping each other to gain followers on social mediaBenefits of feeling safe and welcome in a communityEmphasis on how the Black Sewing Network community feels encouraged to pursue their own sewing styles and interests without pressure to conform to specific aestheticsExpressions of gratitude for the Black Sewing Network’s positive impact on their unique sewing journeysConversations surrounding garments include discussions about patterns used, various challenges faced during the sewing processes, and the significance of pieces createdThe Garment Girlies strategies to help us get our stitch together Quotes from the show:“BSN is really all about you being yourself and expressing yourself how you want to.” - Aiysha, Stitch Please, Episode # 205“It's just really that simple that you can be who you want to be and who you are and you can elevate that you could do it, how you want to do it, hack it, play around, I think with BSN it allows us to just play and have fun and try stuff out and seam rip a lot.” - Aiysha, Stitch Please, Episode #205“BSN is that environment where there are teachers, everybody's a teacher no matter what level you are… Whether you're in the role of the teacher or the role of the student, it's a safe place where we know that there's really an opportunity for everyone to learn.” - LaShuan, Stitch Please, Episode #205“I think that breaking down barriers can be one of the first steps to learning.” - Lisa Woolfork, Stitch Please, Episode #205“Just start. It doesn't matter where you're starting from. Like I said earlier, I started my Instagram and tiktok in March of this year and here I am a BSN host. I never would have thought I would have that even, no one would have even known who I was at this point in time.The community will meet you where you're at and just start, you never know who you're going to influence who you're gonna impact and what your story could do for somebody else, even if we're just sewing.” - DeJanee, Stitch Please, Episode #205“To those that are listening, those that are watching, to just simply be you. Like, I think when it comes to sewing, you have so many opportunities, so many ways to be able to express yourself. There was always a saying that I would say that style is the inner workings of you and fashion is the show for everyone to see.” - Aiysha, Stitch Please, Episode #205 Resources Mentioned:Black Sewing Network Stay ConnectedYouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please PodcastLisa WoolforkInstagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork Black Sewing NetworkWebsite: Black Sewing NetworkFacebook: Black Sewing NetworkInstagram: Black Sewing NetworkTiktok: Black Sewing NetworkLinkTree: Black Sewing NetworkEmail: [email protected] The BSN Garment GirliesTikTok accountsTyJari @mightysewAiysha @maloriadesignsByrd @yogabyrd (Instagram: @yogabyrdsews)DeJanee @deja_made_itLaShuan @sewphistocateddesigns Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry.Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merc

Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletter!   Check out our merch here Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonAmazon StoreBlack Sewing NetworkBlack Sewing Network is a platform that celebrates and amplifies black voices in the sewing community. We host daily sewalongs on social media that encourage and motivate members of the sewing community to sew daily!Black Sewing NetworkWebsite: Black Sewing NetworkFacebook: Black Sewing NetworkInstagram: Black Sewing NetworkTiktok: Black Sewing NetworkLinkTree: Black Sewing NetworkEmail: [email protected] BSN Bag GirliesTiktok: Nikki DTiktok: LanaeTiktok: Tanisha Lisa WoolforkLisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation. Insights from this episode:Why the Bag Girlies love bags and how they started their sewing journeysNikki’s gorgeous bag sets and details behind each bagWhat NCW stands for and its different sizes and styles, as well as, the reason behind its popularityDifferent materials that the Bag Ladies use in making their bagsThe balance between functionality and form in bag-makingThe creative process behind the Bag LadiesThe “Melesi Tote” sewing techniqueInsights about the “Could I Be Any Clearer?” stadium bagSew Motivee’s design modifications that are being done by TanishaNikki and Tanisha’s collaboration on designsDetails behind Lanae’s “Fiona Foldover” bagThe Bag Girlie’s different styles and how they’re all connected with a strong line of creativity and clean sewing.Insights about the “T-Rex” bag style and why Nikki loves itThe difference between zipper-sewing in a bag and zipper-sewing in a garmentSome final words of wisdom Quotes from the show:“I do love how you each have your own style, your own different origin story for coming to bags, but, the thing that I find so, just so remarkable about all of your work is the way that it’s kind of connected with this strong line of creativity, a clean sewing, they’re really ambitions, they encourage people to try something new” – Lisa Woolfork, Stitch Please, Episode #204“I think that it represents a really great aspect of the Black Sewing Network; that you all are Bag Girlies, but you are as different from one another, right, and you’re not all sewing the same things, you’re all doing different things. You’re using different fabrics and even if you use some of the same fabrics, it would be different outcomes. If you use some of the same shapes, it will look a bit different” – Lisa Woolfork, Stitch Please, Episode #204“Just do it! Just try it! Even if you are scared, like, I was scared to death to start bags, but I just did it. The first one, very questionable, but I did it. And the second part to that, is “Take your time!”. I am doing a bag right now and it’s taking me forever. I think Nikki asked about it on one of my Tiktoks. It’s fifty million pieces, but I’m not a quitter, so I’m gonna finish that bag. But take your time because you wanna make sure that you grasp whatever concept it is that’s telling you to do the bag or the process, and then you wanna make sure it sticks and then that will help you in the end, as far as other bag making.” – Lanae, Stitch Please, Episode #204“Give yourself grace! You’re not gonna be out the gate perfect at anything, you’re gonna have that first test run. So, give yourself grace and be patient.” – Nikki, Stitch Please, Episode #204“Enjoy the journey! I’ve been growing my hair for nineteen years, so, same rules apply with bag-making. Do not try to go from “brand new” to “professional” overnight, it ain’t gonna happen, plus you’re gonna skip learning so many amazing feels. Enjoy the journey, enjoy that first bag you make, enjoy that first wallet you make, enjoy that first hand-bag you make.” – Tanisha, Stitch Please, Episode #204 Resources Mentioned:Necessary Clutch WalletThe “Melesi Tote” sewing techniqueTiktok https://www.tiktok.com/Sew Your Bag https://sewyourbag.com/Etsy https://www.etsy.com/ Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast Lisa WoolforkInstagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork  Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This episode was produced a

Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletter!   Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonAmazon Store Black Sewing NetworkBlack Sewing Network is a platform that celebrates and amplifies black voices in the sewing community. We host daily sewalongs on social media that encourage and motivate members of the sewing community to sew daily! Lisa WoolforkLisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Insights from this episode:Brittanie and SheShe’s sewing journey and in Black Sewing NetworkBrittanie’s goal of learning, to basically understand what she’s doing. Her approach to developing her skills, being strategic and choosing who to learn fromSheShe’s habit of “over consuming” and her goal of passing on her knowledge to others, in the easiest possible wayBrittanie and SheShe’s current products when sewingThe difference between hoarding and provisioningInsights about whether to choose the design or the fabric first“Knit Fabric” as a textileLisa talks about her two upcoming books; a book about “Black Stitch Liberation” and a book about where certain fabrics came fromBrittanie and SheShe uncover the Black Sewing Network storySome final words of wisdom Quotes from the show:“Once you have your machine and you take it out of the box, first of all take it out of the box, don’t waste that money; because if you’re not gonna take it out of the box, you shouldn't have bought it. There is no such thing as a “beginner”. You will forever be a “beginner” if you never try, you have to try. It’s a whole community that will literally walk you through the project step-by-step. We have set up work of one hour to eleven hours on live, we’re not gonna leave you. Take it out of the box, we got you.” – Brittanie, Stitch Please, Episode #203“Start somewhere! Find somewhere to start. It’s like if you have a mess in your house, focus on one thing and start there first and then tackle a little at a time. And don’t try to think you can do everything, starting off at the back; because then you’re gonna get overwhelmed, and when you get overwhelmed, you just wanna quit. So, find somewhere to start and start there.” – SheShe, Stitch Please, Episode #203 Resources Mentioned:Emerald Curtain https://emeraldcurtainfabric.com/Nicole Elise https://www.nicoleelise.shop/Accuquilt https://www.accuquilt.com/ Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast Lisa WoolforkInstagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork Black Sewing NetworkWebsite: Black Sewing NetworkFacebook: Black Sewing NetworkInstagram: Black Sewing NetworkTiktok: Black Sewing NetworkLinkTree: Black Sewing NetworkEmail: [email protected] BrittanieInstagram: BrittanieTiktok: Brittanie SheSheInstagram: SheSheTiktok: SheShe, SheShe   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry.Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon StoreStay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast

Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletter!   Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonAmazon Store Lisa WoolforkLisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Sahara ClemonsSahara Clemons is a multimedia artist and designer born in Washington D.C and based in Charlottesville, Virginia. Clemons revels in the fluidity of artistic mediums and interweaves painting, textiles, and dance in her creative process. Her work explores the intersection of race and gender and provides commentary on the socio-political forces that shape identity. Her work has been shown at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Second Street Gallery, The Bridge Progressive Arts Institute, and McGuffey Art Center. Clemons is a YoungArts alumni and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Rhode Island School of Design.Insights from this episode:How to go from ‘sketch’ to ‘stitch’The techniques behind textile manipulationThe importance of defining your purpose when doing creative workTips for overcoming your fear of making mistakes and taking chancesBeing creative when you don’t have a lot of resourcesQuotes from the show:“I feel like I’m a very conceptual person when it comes to making, and I think it always starts off with the story. Mainly I think the core aspect of that is making it personal and authentic to my journey as not just an artist, but as a person.” – Sahara Clemons, Stitch Please, Episode #202 [05:53]“I think too often we think about sewing or fashion and manufacturing, but that’s not all that you’re doing and this is one of the reasons I think that fashion is art. The same things that we see in art, or the things that go into making art, go into making the garments that we ultimately see.” – Lisa Woolfork, Stitch Please, Episode #202 [08:51]“What I appreciate about fashion is that idea of community-building and bringing people into the clothing.” – Sahara Clemons, Stitch Please, Episode #202 [11:35]“I wanted the collection to go through the transition of a person’s mindset when it comes to body exploration… knowing that it is a healing process rather than, ‘this is okay, my scars are okay.’ With all of society and you yourself, it’s hard to feel that way and it’s really challenging to go through that process, and that’s what I wanted to share. That it’s more about this healing and embracing a new perspective of yourself rather than an immediate dopamine rush of what it is, because it is hard sometimes to let go.” – Sahara Clemons, Stitch Please, Episode #202 [25:40]“I paralleled [pearls] with this idea of feeling like your body is an antagonizing force. Seeing how you can turn that around and how that creates in yourself this beauty and thing you have to overcome with yourself is a powerful journey that ends up being very beautiful.” – Sahara Clemons, Stitch Please, Episode #202 [35:40]Resources Mentioned:Sahara’s first appearance on the Stitch Please podcastSupima Design CompetitionCLO computer-assisted 3D design programThis week’s episode is sponsored by AccuQuiltStay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please PodcastLisa WoolforkInstagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa WoolforkSahara ClemonsWebsite: Sahara ClemonsInstagram: sgcoriginalsSubscribe to our podcast + download each episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry.Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon StoreStay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast

Sponsored by Accuquilt!    Sign up for the Black Women Stitch  newsletter!   Check out our merch here   Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Amazon StorePatterns Mentioned: Vogue 1940, Simplicity 8982, Mimi G for Simplicity 9687 KnowMe 2046, The Rushcutter Dress by In the Folds, The Naomi Shirt by Coffee and ThreadLisa WoolforkLisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Get Your Stitch Together tips from the episode:Lisa's fall sewing plans to accommodate her medical bootHer plans to make a failed Simplicity knit pattern againHow wide leg pants could fit over her bootIdeas for hacking a Vogue dress into a tunicTips for extending a shirtdress into a tunicTricks for adjusting patterns for curvy figuresLisa's thoughts on dress pockets and stretchy zippersHow Mimi G's wide pants could work with the bootFabrics Lisa enjoys for fall sewing Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon StoreStay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast