Welcome to Sew & So, brought to you by BERNINA, made to create! I’m Meg Goodman, and today, you’re in for an exclusive treat. Join me on a behind-the-scenes tour of a truly extraordinary milestone—the 50th anniversary of the Houston Quilt Festival.  This isn’t just any quilt show; it’s an international celebration of artistry, creativity, and history. We’ll be diving deep with attendees, educators, personalities, and prize-winning quilters, capturing those moments that make this event so iconic. And, of course, we’ll be peeking behind the curtains… because that’s what we love to do on Sew & So, bringing you right into the heart of the action at one of the world’s most renowned quilt festivals. This legendary event began in 1974, a time when the world was changing fast. Karey Bresenhan, a visionary, opened her quilt shop, Great Expectations, in Houston, Texas, sparking what would become an incredible journey. Just to give you a sense of that time: President Nixon resigned over Watergate, ABBA’s Waterloo was topping charts, and movies like The Godfather Part II and Blazing Saddles were captivating audiences. Nike was filing its first patent, People magazine launched, and fashion was all about flared pants and leisure suits. Quite a backdrop, right?   The Festival’s Remarkable History (1:34)Bob Ruggiero, Vice President of Communications for Quilts, Inc. (www.quiltsinc.com), shares the fascinating story of how the festival began in 1974 and grew into an international sensation. From behind-the-scenes secrets to exciting plans for the future, Bob’s insights set the stage for our journey. International Flavors and Creative Innovation (6:31)Meet vibrant vendors like Isabelle Bische from France and Karen Barry of Quilt Passions in Kailua Kona, HI. From Quilts to Mysteries (8:56)Bestselling author Arlene Sachitano (www.Arlenesachitano.com), known for her Harriet Truman/Loose Threads mystery series, explains how Houston inspires her work and why this festival is close to her heart. Stories from Attendees (11:37)Quilters Kim and Jean from Quero, TX, and Becky and Anne from Georgetown, TX, reflect on their favorite moments, while April from Texas and Scott from California share their first impressions of the festival. A Global Masterpiece (13:05)Discover this year’s Best of Show quilt, a breathtaking creation from China. Hear from the artist, Chen Jing, in a touching conversation made possible through a friend and Google Translate. Let’s let Bob Ruggiero introduce it. Artistry Meets Innovation (17:29)Past Sew & So guest Kestral Michaud (www.kestralmichaud.com) returns as the winner of the Master Award for Contemporary Artistry. Her journey continues to inspire!  Empowering Communities (18:36 & 22:35)Spotlight on nonprofits: Meet newcomers like Danielle Harper from the Barbara Bush Foundation (www.bushhoustonliteracy.org) and Jessica Rudolph from My Very Own Blanket (www.myveryownblanket.org), as well as returning groups like MD Anderson (www.mdanderson.org/ovarian-quilt-project), Sew Powerful (www.sewpowerful.org), and Creativity Shell (www.creativityshell.org). Learn about their incredible missions and how you can help.  Deep in the heart (24:58)In the charming town of LaGrange, TX stands the Texas Quilt Museum. www.texasquilymuseim.org Meet Executive Director Deborah Blanchette Bradley who shares its story and its effort to preserve the history and future of quilting. Why they were there (26:47)Meet attendees April from Texas and Scott from California and they talk about their event experience. Meet Jeanne Delpit of BERNINA (27:42)Making her Sew & So debut, Jeanne (https://weallsew.com/author/jeannecd/) offers a peek behind the scenes of the BERNINA exhibit and her role as National Events Manager.  Rising Stars and Seasoned Pros (30:50 & 34:31)Get to know Nick Jarrett, a newcomer mentored by Ricky Tims, and Uzoma Samuel, who updates us on his artistic achievements since QuiltCon.  Serging Queen and Quilting Royalty (34:58)BERNINA’s Pam Mahshie (@pammahshie) and Toni Smith, a.k.a. Quiltoni (www.quiltoni.com), share their latest projects and Houston experiences.  The Magic of Haute Couture (37:52 & 41:19)Fashion visionary Joe Vecchiarelli (@joevecchiarelli) who has many collaborations with Disney, Dancing with the Stars, and Dolly Parton, tells us what he’s been up to lately.(40:22) And then there’s the wonderful “Evening of Style with Nick Verreos” that Joe was responsible for making happen… An Evening of Style (41:19)And then…there’s Nick himself! www.nickverreos.com(46:32)Join us now in the front row for this amazing display of Haute Couture as Nick Verreos provide commentary on his wonderful creations. Here’s Jill Benge to lead off the evening!  And the Winners Are… (48:41)Meet the three winners of the BERNINA machines raffled off at the fashion show Kim GImblet, Wendy Shapiro, and Elizabeth Martin  Reflections (49:49)And what did Beth from Pittsburg, Kathy from Prescott, AZ and Lynn from Colleyville TX think of the show?! A Grand Finale (50:37)Bob Ruggiero wraps up the festival with his reflections on this momentous event.And it’s this very spirit—the connections, the creativity, the shared passion—that makes the Houston Quilt Festival so extraordinary. We at Sew & So were honored to be right there on the floor, immersed in it all. Our deepest thanks to everyone who shared their time, their stories, and their enthusiasm with us, painting a vivid picture of what makes this festival a cherished experience year after yearBe 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. That’s S E W A N D S O Podcast.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. 

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Melissa Zexter.Melissa Zexter is a Brooklyn-based artist whose embroidered photographs explore memory and meaning. This is the second part of our NeedleXChange and we explore tips for stitching on paper, embracing mistakes and we explore Melissa's cultural favourites. Plus, we get a bit spooky, but I've said too much!.If you like Melissa's art, you'll love my NeedleXChange with Diane Meyer.Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction00:02:00 - Exploring New Directions in Art00:03:38 - Tips for Stitching on Paper and Embracing Mistakes00:10:15 - The Role of Music in Artistic Creation00:15:48 - Creative Journeys and Commercial Work00:18:51 - Artistic Expression and Public Engagement00:20:45 - Literary Influences and Personal Favourites00:26:04 - The Balance of Life and Creativity00:30:45 - A fact that not a lot of people know about Melissa ZexterLinks:Website: melissazexter.comInstagram: melissazexterIntro music is The Harbor by Kylie Dailey via Epidemic Sound.About NeedleXChange:NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.Visit the NeedleXChange website: https://www.needl.exchange/Sign up for the NeedleXChange Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/NeedleXChangeNewsIf you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.comIf you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need!Subscribe to XStitch Magazine here: https://xstitchmag.com/modern-cross-stitch-magazine/And follow Mr X Stitch on all the usual social media channels!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrXStitchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/MrXStitchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MrXStitchPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mrxstitch/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiechalmers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this month's episode we are joined by special guest host, epidemiologist and wargamer, Dr. Eric Lofgren! Eric was a presenter at the first ever Warhammer academic conference and he was kind enough to share his time with us discussing his presentation and talking about what that experience was like. His presentations were focused on Horus Heresy specific events and was a fascinating guest. You also get to hear three grown men excitedly discuss their favorite diseases. Somehow, we went an entire episode with a real life plague doctor and didn't make a single Nurgle reference! Eric stayed with us to discuss the upcoming Dark Mechanicum releases, shared some pro-tips on playing Imperial Fists as a Heresy army, and took part in our closing listener Q&A.Check out Eric's blog at Variance Hammer and follow him on Bluesky.Happy Halloween, don't die of plague!Logo Design by Nikol KingIntro and Outro Music by Skull CultistBackground music by Orthokeras with vox from Alia Synesthesia and Nicole TurnerAudio Production designed on the Forge world of the Vorpal Goat.

In this final episode in our shipping mini series, Parker is sharing some final tips about improving efficiency and impact when it comes to shipping processes. --------------------- Join The Makers University: https://themakersuniversity.com/ Learn more: http://makersmeanbusiness.com Are you following Damon & Parker on social media, too? Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decoexchange  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decoexchange/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJAN_9Npn3LIbe2klovUbUA Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Decoexchange/_shop/  Don't forget that you can text Damon directly at 504-553-3451

Mama Judy and I have some fun updates to share with you on the podcast today! Join us as we share the new podcast schedule, what's coming to our Youtube channel, and why we made these changes. We are so grateful you choose to spend time with us each week and we hope the updates will be fun for you and will allow you to engage with us in new ways!Three important things for you to do:  CLICK HERE to sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss a thing! CLICK HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel (click the notification bell icon so you know when we post videos).Listen to this week's episode! : ) If you'd prefer to watch this podcast, you can find us over on our YouTube page (The Mama Judy & Jill Podcast).We'd LOVE to hear from you! Click here to send us your thoughts and ideas for a future episode.Send us a direct message on Instagram:>> Mama Judy on Instagram>>Jill on Instagram

In Episode 192, Greg and Pam discuss fire, health checks, and bonus threads. Many thanks to whimzeestitches Rick for the episode introduction! You can find Rick’s shop here. We would love to have YOU record and introduction to the show! You can find details in the Ravelry Group Pages or on our website here. Check out our group on Facebook! We would love to have you join us there. SUPPORT THE SHOW KnitPicks & Crochet.com We are KnitPicks and Crochet.com (owned by KnitPicks) Affiliates! This means if you are going to shop at KnitPicks or Crochet.com, and start by clicking their names, the Unraveling Podcast will get a small commission at no extra cost to you! It’s an easy way to support the podcast passively. (Note: links to specific yarns or products will appear like https://shrsl.com/3xzh0. These are correct and are custom links to track our account. They are safe!) Patreon You can financially support Unraveling…a knitting podcast on Patreon! Monthly membership levels are available at Swatch ($1), Shawl ($3), and Sweater ($6) and come with rewards like early access to book club episodes, access to a quarterly Zoom call, discounts on all Knitting Daddy patterns, and holiday cards. Everything available via Patreon is extra, the show remains unchanged and free. Financial support through Patreon helps us cover expenses like web hosting, prize shipping, and equipment upgrades. NOTES Greg’s Projects Greg finished the Sockhead Cowl (pattern by Kelly McClure). He’s using yarn from The Fibre Studio at Yarns to Dye For. Check out his project page. Greg finished the “I’m Fine. It’s Fine. Everything Is Fine.” cross-stitch pattern from White Raven Patterns. He heard about this pattern shop via the That’s Pretty Crafty stream. Greg started and finished the Spooky Night Beanie by Erin Gates. He used yarn from Knitcircus. Check out his project page. Greg started and finished the Magic Handwarmers by Danielle Thuen. He used yarn from Polymorph Dyeworks. Check out his project page. Greg started the Dragon Potholder by Lisa Hannan Fox. He is using the leftover yarn from the Knitcircus hat. Check out his project page. Pam’s Project Pam is working on a test knit for Andrew of Briar Patch Fibre Co. She is using Berocco Ultra Wool. Pam also made a bunch of hats, mostly stashbusting. She made: the Latvian Braid Hat by Molly Conroy, The eM. Hat by Emily Russell, and the Stashbusting Helix Hat by RoseKim-Knits. Pam worked on a Donsy of Gnomes using the Gno Fun Like Gnome Fun by Sara Schira. She is making the Gnaomi version using sock yarn scraps. Pam also recently got a Sentro 48 peg circular knitting machine to make charity hats. She has been using video tutorials from Yarn Stash with Marching North. Pam worked on the Terrazzo Afghan by Tinna Thórudóttir. She is using using KnitPicks Chroma Worsted and Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted. Tinna has good tutorials on her YouTube channel. Pam worked on Blackjack by Romi Hill. She is using Windy Valley Muskox 100% Quiviut. Pam cast on and finished Maeve Mouse from MamaMadeMinis. She used Bernat Blanket and started a Granny Square Baby Blanket by Daisy Cottage Designs with what was left. Pam cast on the Love Note by Tin Can Knits. She is using yarn from Iria Yarn Co. (not currently dyeing) and The Fibre Studio at Yarns to Dye For. Book Club We announced the next book club book! We will be reading The Golden Thread: How Fabric Changed History by Kassia St. Clair. Share how you are will enjoy the book on social media with #UnravelingBookClub. Miscellaneous Greg is hosting a Preemie Hat Collection in the Itty Bitty Knits Ravelry group. The Ol’ North State Knitting Guild is meeting again. The Knotty Sheep and Oak City Fibers are two new yarn stores opening in the Raleigh area. Greg went to SAFF again this year. Greg talked about the Dungeon Scarf of the Skeleton King pattern by Rik Schell from Purl’s Yarn Emporium. Be sure to enter your Fairs and Festivals entry in the Fairs and Festivals KAL! Greg is a Snack Shack Sponsor in the Down Cellar Studio Pigskin Party ’23. Greg can also be found talking about knitting and playing Dungeons & Dragons at Crits and Knits. Affiliate Link Disclousure We are a KnitPicks Affiliate! This means that if you click on a KnitPicks link or Crochet.com, or the banner ad and make a purchase, we will receive a commission at no extra cost to you. This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link to Amazon and subsequently make a purchase, we’ll receive a small commission from the sale. You pay the same, and the commissions will help cover our podcasting expenses. Our opinions are always our own. Find us all over the Internet Patreon: Unraveling…a knitting podcast Subscribe in iTunes: The Unraveling Podcast Podcast RSS Feed: Unraveling Podcast Facebook: Unraveling Podcast Instagram: @UnravelingPodcast Ravelry Group: Unraveling Podcast Greg is KnittingDaddy on Ravelry, @KnittingDaddy on Instagram, and also writes the KnittingDaddy blog. Pam is pammaher on Ravelry  and @pammaher on Instagram

If you're hustling for new clients all day, and working as fast as your little fingers can fly  all night, you've probably been walking the fine line between self-employed and business owner for a while now.Krystal has a couple ways to tell if it's time to make the changes you need for long term stability, as well as a little advice for what's going to be expected of you when you change.Regardless of whether you want to scale your business, or remain a one-person operation, Krystal has tips for what to look out for along the way. Interested in learning from Krystal? Hop on the mailing list on krystaldouglas.com.

Finally knocked out my head cold and summarized my last 2 conferences! I had a blast at the Inclusion Collaborative and we painted our own cookies! (I got my supplies from this company on The Cookie Countess) and I got a variety of palettes and brushes. So much great creative energy. We talked about stress reduction, social connection, belonging and how the 3 intersect and contribute to overall wellness and self-care. Day 2 at the Fall CUE conference was all about coding and I was in awe of the San Joaquin Office of Educatiob FabLab. I could've spent all day there and thankfully I found it on day 2, otherwise I wouldn't have gone anywhere else! I'm heading down under to present at the Oceania Seating Symposium in Melbourne and the Makerspace Symposium at the University of Queensland in Brisbane. If you have any food or sightseeing recommendations, send them my way! Check out my makerspace adventures on IG @atypicalpt or listen in on some highlights and practical habits to implement on IG @thenwhydontyou Drop us a note at thenwhydontyou@gmail.com with any insights, aha's, or collaborations on all things creative and build your maker mindset!   As always, ask yourself "then, why don't you?"

Full show notes, links, pictures, etc, can be found on SharpPointySticks.com under the “Podcast” tab.

Dear Listeners, Thank you for listening to the podcast. It's been a pleasure. Julie