Sew & So...

BERNINA University 2026 - New Orleans, LA

New Orleans has long been a city where imagination comes to life. From the vibrant colors of the French Quarter and the rhythms of live jazz to the artistry behind Mardi Gras costumes, historic architecture, and unforgettable cuisine, creativity is woven into every corner of the city. It's the perfect backdrop for BERNINA University 2026, where this year's theme, "Imagine More," challenged dealers, educators, and makers from across North America to dream bigger, learn more, and inspire one another. In this special edition of Sew & So, we're taking you inside BU 2026 for exclusive conversations with BERNINA leadership, the Ueltschi family, vendors, dealers, educators, and special guests. You'll hear about exciting new products, innovative partnerships, inspiring stories, and even venture beyond the convention center to discover some of New Orleans' unique sewing destinations. Whether you attended BU or are experiencing it for the first time, this episode brings you front and center for one unforgettable week of creativity and community. Laissez les bons temps rouler! (2:18)Ryan O’Hare director or rooms at the Hyatt New Orleans welcomed the crowed and presented the city’s BERNINA Day Proclamation. (4:14) Paul Ashworth – BERNINA Of American CEO & President welcomes a very special family to the opening ceremony stage. (4:36) Let’s meet HP Ueltschi, Philipe Ueltschi and Felix Ueltschi – the family’s 4th, 5th and 6th generations! Hear why New Orleans is a special city for Mr. HP Ultchie. (5:45) And here’s Christy Berchem VP of Training and Education at BERNINA of America. (6:48) Meet Shelancia Danial  of The Creativity Shell (9:26) Meet dealers Cindy, Deniese, Jenny, Colleen and Rachael who tell us what they’re looking forward to at BU. (11:10) Meet a few of the vendors too! (11:58) Walk with us through the Merchant Mall. (12:09) Joe Vechiarelli from Dancing with the Stars and Project Runway visits with us. (15:24) Meet Michael from The Goat Notions Company  (16:15) Melanie from Brewer and David from Benartex talk about the fabrics they are offering at BU this year. (19:22)there is a new partnership between BERNINA and Liberty Fabric. We talk to Odette and Maithe from Liberty who tell us about this wonderful new collaboration. (22:35)Martha Porter has been creating with Liberty Fabrics for years. She explains how she uses the fabric and provides a few tips as well. (25:31)Carrie, Jordan and Ashley from OESD share their exciting new offerings (27:17) Here’s Amanda Murphy to tell us what’s new with her (28:55)Travel with us now to the outskirts of the French Quarter to visit three special places focused on sewing. Each of these conversations will be featured in full in upcoming Sew & So episodes. Here’s Brett from Dressed New Orleans and Allison from RicRack New Orleans. (32:19) Meet Carl Mack and as we visit his Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture. (35:34) Back at BU we got to visit with the Ultchie family – especially 3-year-old Felix. First…HP Ueltschi. (37:36) Now 5th generation Philip Ueltschi (38:46)Finally, 6th generation – 3-year-old Felix! (39:02) Carolyn and Fabian from BERNINA International walk us through the new offerings from the serger/overlocker line. (42:30) Danielle VP of Marketing for BERNINA International visits with us in her third BU. (44:53)Hey Christy Burcham, what’s new in Training and Education at BERNINA of North America? (46:57)Let’s check in with previous Sew & So Guests Pam Mahshie, Sarah Caldwell and Tania Norris (52:10) Kai Hildebrand – CEO of BERNINA International…how was BU?! (52:48) Michaelynn Rose – VP of Marketing for BERNINA of North America – shares her thoughts of BU 2026  (53.33)Meet Amera from Going Batty Reno, NV– the winner of this year’s BU Fashion show! (54:34) Jeanne Delpit – 30-year BERNINA veteran and Manager of National Events shares her big news! Then share in the heartfelt sendoff from Mr. Ueltschi at the closing banquet (1:00:00)Introducing the new Manager of National Events for BERNINA…Candy Pennacchi (1:02:35) Christy Burcham sums up the whole event experience So another BERNINA University is in the books. Our thanks to everyone who gave us their time, shared their stories, and helped us bring a piece of BU 2026 to you. And to all of you Sew & So’ers listening there is so much to look forward to from BERNINA and from this remarkable community of sewists, quilters, makers, and dreamers. Until next time — keep imagining more. Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.

Becky Peelen – A lifetime of making memories…and now she’s retiring

For nearly four decades, Becky Peelen has been helping people look and feel their best through the art of custom sewing. As the owner of Becky's Custom Sewing & Design Shoppe in Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood, she has created garments for weddings, graduations, performances, and countless milestone moments, becoming a trusted part of generations of families' lives. In this special episode of Sew & So, we honor Becky as she prepares for retirement after 37 years in business. Becky reflects on learning to sew from her mother at age eight, balancing family, teaching, and advanced sewing studies, and building a career centered on craftsmanship, creativity, and care for others. Along the way, she shares lessons from influential mentors, stories from decades of custom sewing, and her belief that sewing is truly an art form—where every person is a unique canvas and every garment tells a story. It's a heartfelt conversation about legacy, creativity, community, and a life beautifully stitched together.   (3:00) How did Becky learn to sew and who inspired her? Learn about her mother Margerite, broomstick skirts and her first store bought dress. (7:05) When did Becky know that sewing wasn’t just a hobby…it was her path? (8:44) How did art and her teaching career influence her sewing (10:30) Becky talks about the season in her life when she was going to school and raising her children and teaching at night – many thanks to her mom! ( 12:21) What specific lesson did Becky learn from Harriet Sherbach? (14:45) How did teaching influence her sewing practice? (15:55) What made her open Becky’s Custom Sewing Shop in Milwaukee in 1988? (16:22) Her favorite thing to talk about…the many stories of the people she’s sewed for…like the Milwaukee Sewing Granny’s, individuals and so many more! (19:11) How does her family feel about her retiring? (20:41) Becky is an artist and describes sewing as art. She talks about her creative process of sewing. (24:39) How dies she feel when she looks back on the families she’s sewed for…and the memories she’s made for them. (26:15) What’s her dream for retirement? (27:39) What was her favorite place to visit in her travels? Here some wonderful stories. (30:20) Some final thoughts from Becky. Want to reach out to Becky? Facebook – Becky Peelen. Tell her you heard her on this podcast! Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.

Catherine Holbrook - Bringing Sewing Back

On this episode of Sew & So, we welcome Catherine Holbrook—garment sewist, Bernina Ambassador, former pattern designer, and the creative force behind Bringing Sewing Back. What began as a simple search for a hobby evolved into a thriving creative career built on garment sewing, thrift-store refashioning, pattern design, and a highly engaged online community. Catherine shares her journey from sewing beginner to industry influencer, discusses her audience-designed ball gowns, reflects on teaching her daughter to sew, and explains why sewing continues to be a source of creativity, purpose, and connection in her life. (2:18) Hear the story about Juniper Joy! (3:13) How did Catherine start sewing at age 26? Who was her inspiration? (5:52) How’s Haddie doing learning to sew? (7:36) Catherine started sewing through refashioning cloths. She explains what this is, how she does it and talks about the first garment she refashioned. (10:20) Does she still refashion? (11:18) How did she start working for Styla Patterns and what does it take to design patterns (14:01) Catherine creates ballgowns twice a year with 50% participation from her Instagram followers. She tells us how this works. (15:57) What are the big events she designs these gowns for? (19:02) Catherine talks about her social media audience and what she’s done to successfully grow it. She credits authenticity. (21:22) She shares a few special stories about interacting with her audience (22:18) Learn about her mother-in-law’s quilts and why they are so very special to her. (23:05) Why does she think that quilting is so different that quilting? (25:00) Catherine introduces us to her family (27:20) She is a woman of faith…how does this drive and affect her work? (28:55) What’s next for her and what’s her dream? (29:58) Is there anything we didn’t ask that she wanted us to? Well – yes there was! Hear her thoughtful response. (31:39) You can reach out the Catherine on Instagram @bringingsewingback or email her at Bringingsewingback@gmail.com Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.

Sue O'Very - Life is Gorgeous!

If you've ever purchased a sewing machine, serger, embroidery machine, or any new piece of equipment and then felt completely intimidated by it, today's guest understands exactly how you feel. Sue O'Very—better known as Sookie of Sookie Sews—has made it her mission to help sewists move from fear to confidence. Since joining us for our 50th episode back in 2023, Sue has become one of the industry's most recognized serger educators, helping thousands of sewists finally take their sergers out of the box and put them to use. But today's conversation goes far beyond sewing. We'll talk about Sue's journey from sewing Barbie doll clothes as a child to designing products around the world, how she found clarity and purpose after a difficult chapter in her personal life, and why she believes confidence comes from showing up consistently—for yourself and for others. Whether you're a dedicated serger user, a lifelong sewist, or simply someone who appreciates stories of personal growth, I think you'll find inspiration in Sue's journey.   (2:45) Sue recounts her life events and what she’s been up to since we last caught up with her. (9:45) What’s the Serge and Dream Club for Sue’s Serger Bees?! (10:33) Sue explains the Serger and what it does. (14:45) Sue shares portions of her personal life and what has occurred since her last Sew & So episode. (18:50) Sue talks about her favorite author Robin Sharma and her favorite quote about change. (21:25) She talks about her 100 lb. weight loss and how it’s affected her life overall. How hard was it to stay off of sweets and to begin to eat better. (23:40) Sue talks about the book “The 5am Club”, how it’s changed her life as she’s put its ideas into practice. (26:11) Who is Marie Fiallo and how have her programs and writings helped Sue? What is the center of these learnings? (31:05) What does Sue want people to know about her as she is today? (34:04) What’s Sue working on right now? Her “New Bees”, growing the Serger Dream Club, fresh content, and the next levels for the intermediate serger course.  (36:05) What’s her dream? (37:11) Want to reach out to Sue? Sookie Sews on Instagram, YouTube, Sookiesews.com and join the “Serger Loop” newsletter Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.

Inside the Inaugural Fiber & Fabric Craft Festival - 2026

What happens when thousands of makers, sewists, quilters, embroiderers, and creators gather under one roof for a brand-new event? In this episode of Sew & So, we take you directly to the inaugural Fiber & Fabric Craft Festival in Rosemont, Illinois, where creativity, community, and inspiration are everywhere you turn. From the organizers who brought the show to life, to exhibitors sharing their passion, to attendees discovering new techniques, tools, and friendships, this episode is a behind-the-scenes and on-the-floor look at one of the crafting industry’s newest events. Join us as we meet the people shaping the future of sewing, quilting, cosplay, embroidery, and fiber arts — and discover why experiences like this continue to matter so deeply to makers everywhere.   (1:16) Join us for the grand opening of the inaugural Fiber & Fabric Show (2:10) Meet Jessica Boweek – the show’s director and learn how this event came to be (4:10) Jessica explains how her team put this show together – it’s amazing what it all takes! (6:28) How does the show team build the sense of community into the event? (7:43) What trends is Jessica seeing in shows like this? (9:29) Meet Suzie, Judy and Terry – visitors to the sow hand hear their first impressions (10:54) Join us as we visit with the ladies of Linda Z’s. Linda Z, and her daughters Terry and Debbie (12:10) Teresa from the Fabric Center in Morris, IL – a first-time exhibitor – explains why it’s important for them to be at this show. (13:33) Deidre and Erin from So Modern talk about their wares (14:10) Meet Gail from BERNINA of Naperville and learn what trends she’s seeing this year. (15:20) Next, we catch up with Melanie Jasmin, a past guest on this podcast (16:28) Meet Annie Driscol – cosplayer extraordinaire!  (17:36) Let’s talk with Jeannie from Quilters’ Quest and hear what attendees are looking for. (18:50) Visit the Content Creator’s booth and meet Kyle who will take us for a tour (20:27) Meet Darrin Stern the President and General Manager of the show team and learn the behind the scenes working of h&h and this show. (27:13) Darren talks about the challenges of producing this show. (29:51) What does Darrin think are the biggest opportunities in this crafting space? (31:52)Meet a group of people who are attending the show and learn why they chose to do so. Here are Lynn, Sandy, Cathy, Jan and Judy! (32:45) Let’s stop at Hudson Sewing and talk with Amanda! And by the way, ask her about karaoke!  (34:01) Let’s chat with Tania Norris and Joe Vechiarelli. Tania of Disney’s Haunted Mansion Purple Wallpaper and Joe of Dancing With the Start and French European. Both past guests on Sew & So. (38:22) Chris from Simply Classis talks about her up and coming crafts (39:25) Robin from Robin Ruth designs talks about her quilt rulers and the techniques to use them. (40:26) Maddy from the Badd Ass quilters talks about her organization and what they do. (41:29) Let’s review with Jessica and Darrin learning about special experiences they’ve had and how their superior customer service is the norm. Join us at this event in 2027 – April 30 – May 2 in Rosemont, IL Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.