Anna Escher of So.LaLa - A Little Bit About My Small Universe

Andrea Funk, founder of Too Cool T-shirt Quilts, joins Sew & So to talk about how an unexpected request in 1992 led her to create a whole new approach to T-shirt quilt design. From her first quilt—made without instructions or examples—to developing her signature multi-size block, puzzle-style quilts, Stained Glass and Ultra Modern designs, Andrea has spent more than 30 years turning treasured T-shirts and memories into one-of-a-kind quilts. She also shares how her background in communications and graphic design influences her work, the stories behind some of her most meaningful quilts, her teaching and writing, and what she hopes to create next.

Meet Amanda Lifvendahl, Costume Shop Supervisor and Lead Designer at Interlochen Center for the Arts, and hear how a childhood surrounded by theater, a sewing machine, and a little movie inspiration eventually led her to a career in costume design. Amanda shares her journey from studying nursing to discovering costume design at Illinois State University, spending 16 years at Broadway Costumes in Chicago, and eventually finding her home at Interlochen. She talks about designing for Shakespeare, musicals, ballet and dance, mentoring young artists, and why she believes a costume can tell us who a character is before they ever say a word. And yes…there are chickens! Amanda and her husband now have 24 chickens, 12 goldfish and a Cock-a-Poo named Delilah. It’s a fun conversation about creativity, craftsmanship, theater, finding your calling—and the unexpected turns that can lead you exactly where you belong.

Three inspiring women. Three very different paths. One shared belief in the power of creativity... Recorded at BERNINA University 2026 in New Orleans, this special episode of Sew & So features Shelancia Daniel of Creativity Shell, Sarah Caldwell of BERNINA International, and Allison Parker of ricRACK. Shelancia shares how Creativity Shell is using hands-on creative education to build confidence and life skills for thousands of children, including vulnerable youth and survivors of human trafficking. Sarah takes us inside BERNINA International to talk about innovation, changing learning styles, AI, product development, and the new BERNINA Liberty Edition machines. And Allison introduces us to ricRACK, the New Orleans nonprofit transforming textile waste into opportunity through sewing education, creative reuse, and sustainability. Three conversations. Three unique missions. All proving that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is see what's needed—and create a way to make a difference.

Annye Driscoll, aka Maker Fishmeal, is a writer, teacher, cosplayer, and self-described “very slow crafter” who has built a creative life around making, learning, and sharing what they know. In this episode, Annye talks about learning to sew, discovering cosplay, the welcoming and unconventional world of cosplay culture, and the process behind creating elaborate costumes. They also share the stories behind their books, their love of natural history and their many hobbies—from horseback riding to fencing and gaming. It’s a fun, wide-ranging conversation about creativity, curiosity, and why there’s no right speed for making.

During a special visit to New Orleans for BERNINA University, the Sew & So team steps inside the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture for what becomes one of the most memorable conversations in the show's history. Museum founder Carl Mack shares the rich traditions, artistry, music, history, and community that make Mardi Gras far more than a single day of celebration. From elaborate hand-crafted costumes and royal regalia to Second Lines, Mardi Gras Indians, and Carnival Krewes, Carl offers an unforgettable behind-the-scenes look at one of America's most vibrant cultural traditions while sharing the personal journey that led him to dedicate his life to preserving it.