Podcast appearances and mentions of lisa woolfork

On this episode of Stitch Please, Lisa heads to Belgium to chat with fiber artist and content creator Deborah Butera of Unraveled Studios. What started as a series of failed attempts at knitting and sewing as a kid eventually turned into a full blown love affair with fiber arts and thankfully, Deborah finally stopped running from the yarn.Deborah and Lisa discuss creativity, finding your path after a disastrous first year studying politics, and building a life centered around making beautiful things. Packed with inspiration, laughs, and crafty wisdom, this episode is a reminder that your creative journey doesn't have to be perfect it just has to stick.=====Hosted By: Dr. Lisa WoolforkSenior Producer: Krystal HillProducer: Mike Bryant=====Where You Can Find More Deborah!============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 episode of Stitch Please, Lisa takes on the sewing terms that can make a beginners' eyes glaze over.But don't worry this isn't a vocabulary quiz. Lisa breaks down what these mysterious fabric words actually mean, why they matter, and how ignoring them can leave you with twisted pants, wonky hems, and a project that no amount of ironing can save.With plenty of humor, fabric nerd facts, and a warning about the dangers of playing “Pattern Jenga” with your yardage, this episode will help you get your Stitch Together!=====Hosted By: Dr. Lisa WoolforkSenior Producer: Krystal HillProducer: Mike Bryant============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 episode of Stitch Please, Lisa sits down with couture designer and sewing educator Garland Hayes-Soto a man who went from singing in church plays and serving prom looks to sewing custom wedding gowns and teaching the next generation how to stitch with confidence.Garland shares how one hand sewn prom vest changed his whole career path, what it was like learning fashion in Hollywood while working at Universal Studios, and why sewing students need to stop showing up to class empty handed and TAKE NOTES, BOO.From quick change costume chaos to couture gowns that almost didn't happen, this episode is funny, inspiring, and full of real talk about creativity, confidence, and finding your lane in a space that wasn't always welcoming.=====Hosted By: Dr. Lisa WoolforkSenior Producer: Krystal HillProducer: Mike Bryant=====Where You Can Find Garland!============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 episode of Stitch Please, Lisa tackles the sewing struggle nobody talks about enough: being stuck in the “intermediate” stage. You're past beginner mistakes, but not quite sewing couture gowns in your sleep either.From confusing pattern labels to Reddit fueled sewing anxiety, Lisa breaks down why intermediate is less of a skill level and more of a messy, creative in between space. The takeaway? Keep practicing, trust your progress, and maybe… read the pattern instructions before complaining.=====Hosted By: Dr. Lisa WoolforkSenior Producer: Krystal HillProducer: Mike Bryant===============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 Stitch Please, Lisa calls out every sewer who's ever said, “Eh… I'll skip that step.” Yes, she's talking about under stitching, stay stitching, basting and even hand stitching (deep sigh).With humor, honesty, and a little self dragging, Lisa breaks down why those “annoying extra steps” are actually the reason some garments look fine… and others look flawless. From facings that refuse to behave to necklines that stretch into chaos, she explains exactly what goes wrong when you rush and how doing it right the first time saves you from rage sewing later.Those invisible stitches are doing very visible work. Skip them if you want… just don't be surprised when your outfit starts acting up.=====Hosted By: Dr. Lisa WoolforkSenior Producer: Krystal HillProducer: Mike Bryant========Sign Up For Lisa's Class at The Fiber and Fabric Craft Festival In Chicago===============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 StoreMentioned in this episode:2026_FFCFestival Promo Midroll 2026_FFCFestival Promo Preroll

On this episode of Stitch Please, Lisa comes with a loving reality check: your sewing machine has BEEN doing the most… you just haven't been using it.From budget machines to fancy ones with more stitches than you'll ever admit to using, Lisa dives into the hidden features sitting right under your presser foot. She breaks down everything from the underrated zigzag (aka the Beyoncé of stitches) to decorative stitches that can level up your projects without spending a dime.Along the way, she shares practical tips, a little sewing history, and just enough playful side eye to call us out for ignoring half our machine's potential. Because your next sewing glow up is literally built in. =====Hosted By: Dr. Lisa WoolforkSenior Producer: Krystal HillProducer: Mike Bryant========Sign Up For Lisa's Class at The Fiber and Fabric Craft Festival In Chicago===============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 StoreMentioned in this episode:2026_FFCFestival Promo Preroll 2026_FFCFestival Promo Midroll

This week on Stitch Please, is on a mission: stop losing track of your own genius. Ever pulled something out of your closet and thought, “I made this… but when???” Lisa gets it and she's here to fix it. From custom labels and tagless tricks to sewing journals and photo archives, she breaks down fun, creative ways to mark your makes so future you isn't spiraling through pattern drawers at midnight.Because your handmade pieces aren't just clothes—they're memories, milestones, and receipts. So go ahead: sign your work, claim your craft, and give your wardrobe the credit it deserves.Hosted By: Dr. Lisa WoolforkSenior Producer: Krystal HillProducer: Mike Bryant========Sign Up For Lisa's Class at The Fiber and Fabric Craft Festival In Chicago===============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 StoreMentioned in this episode:2026_FFCFestival Promo Preroll 2026_FFCFestival Promo Midroll

This week on Stitch Please, Lisa Woolfork hits the fabric jackpot at Ghana's bustling Makola Market and trust, it's not for the faint of heart. From navigating rows of vibrant prints to learning the cultural meaning behind each fabric, Lisa gives a colorful play by play of the ultimate fabric shopping adventure.She shares why you definitely need a guide, how not to get overwhelmed (or overcharged), and what to pack so your suitcase survives the trip home stuffed with treasures. Because in this episode, it's not just shopping it's a full on fabric safari. Hosted By: Dr. Lisa WoolforkSenior Producer: Krystal HillProducer: Mike Bryant===========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

Commemorating Black Women's History Month, Dr. Yndia is in conversation with Dr. Lisa Woolfork, professor, writer, host of the award-winning podcast @Stitch Please, and founder of @Black Women Stitch. From sewing rooms and lecture halls to virtual and in-person community spaces, they discuss the power and significance of fiber arts in African descendant culture, how crafting becomes community, and why spaces created by and for Black women are essential sites of resistance, knowledge production, and joy. This conversation is a love letter to gathering, creating, and belonging; also a reminder that when Black women build together, they build worlds. Production credit: @Masauko. Episode sponsored by @Give Black Alliance.  Share and Follow on IG: @BelongingToBlackness_Podcast & @ProfYndia. Listen to episodes directly at: https://yndialorickwilmot.com/belonging-to-blackness/ and wherever you listen to your podcasts.  Support the podcast & use 21% off Discount Code: BELONGTOBLACK at CozyEarth.com #StitchPlease #Season7 #BelongingToBlackness #WomensHistoryMonth #BlackWomenHistory #WomenInPodcasting #Liberation #BlackPodcasts #CommunityBuilding #FiberArts #SewingCommunity #BlackCraftCulture The post S7, Ep 065 with Lisa Woolfork of Stitch Please, on Fiber Arts and Collective Spaces for Black Women's Liberation first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

This week on Stitch Please, Lisa shares how she stitched up the perfect travel wardrobe for her trip to Ghana. From breathable fabrics to comfy dresses and practical pants, she breaks down how to balance style, culture, and comfort all while rocking handmade looks. Because nothing travels better than an outfit you made yourself.Hosted By: Dr. Lisa WoolforkSenior Producer: Krystal HillProducer: Mike Bryant===========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

We've been paying close attention to national and local coverage of recent protests, marches, and rallies — and frankly, some folks seem to be missing from those spaces. Black folks. So here on the show, we launched a mini-series to ask a direct question: If some Black people aren't out in the streets, what are we doing instead? This is Part Two. It features a conversation with Lisa Woolfork — a sixth-generation sewist and host of the quilting podcast Stitch Please. Lisa unpacks the layered reasons she believes Black patience and Black forgiveness should never be treated as a renewable American resource. Maybe right now, marching isn't the move. Maybe, in this moment, we're quilting instead.Homegoings is a production of Vermont Public. Follow the show here.This episode was hosted and reported by executive producer, Myra Flynn and mixed by Burgess Brown. Our video director is Mike Dunn and Emmanuel Dzotsi is our editor. Myra composed the theme music with other music by Blue Dot Sessions. Kyle Ambusk is the graphic artist behind this episode's Homegoings portrait.Thank you for listening. You can see this episode on our YouTube channel.To continue to be part of the Homegoings family: Subscribe to our YouTube channel Sign up for the Homegoings newsletter Write to us at: hey@homegoings.co Follow us on Instagram @wearehomegoings Make a gift to continue elevating BIPOC storytelling Tell your friends, your family or a stranger about the show! And of course, subscribe!

In this episode of Stitch Please, host Lisa Wolfork tackles a critical conversation about anti-fascism, anti-racism, and anti-blackness within progressive craft communities. Prompted by her experience in an anti-fascist knitting subreddit, Lisa addresses the Norwegian Red Hat of Resistance (Melt the Ice pattern), the problematic response to a Black woman's critique, and why anti-fascism without anti-racism is like "a dog chasing its tail." This episode is essential listening for understanding why Black women's critique is not dismissal but observation based on extensive lived experience in predominantly white creative spaces, and why it is so important for us to have our own spaces.Hosted By: Dr. Lisa WoolforkSenior Producer: Krystal HillProducer: Mike Bryant========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 Stitch Please, Lisa sits down with creative powerhouse and master maker Mr. Larrie an innovator, educator, and all around joy generator in the crafting world. From crafty kid beginnings to becoming a standout voice in the arts, Mr. Larrie shares how glue, glitter, and self discovery can absolutely change your life (and possibly your furniture).They get real about representation, personal growth, and the not so glam side of the crafting industry, plus how to build brand relationships without selling your creative soul. Mr. Larrie also dishes on his podcast Happy Again, where joy and self expression are always in season.It's inspiration, laughs, and creative truth bombs proof that being fully yourself is the ultimate handmade flex. ====Where You Can Find Mr Larrie! ===========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 Stitch Please Podcast, Lisa tackles one of sewing's most surprisingly controversial topics: notches. That's right those tiny cuts in your pattern that somehow inspire big feelings. Lisa breaks down the three main camps: outward notches (aka outies), inward notches (ennies), and the bold rebels who say “no notches, no rules.”With help from the sewing community and plenty of real talk wisdom, Lisa explores the pros, cons, and emotional baggage of each method plus how she landed on what works best for her own projects. Whether you're team snip, team clip, or team absolutely not, this episode proves that good sewing is less about following rules and more about finding what makes your process smoother and your seams happier.===========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 Stitch Please Sankofa episode, host Lisa from Black Women's Stitch opens 2026 with a reflective 2025 year in review, grounded in the West African principle of Sankofa: learning from the past to build a better future. This episode offers listeners a vivid and personal exploration of the history of Black quilting and sewing, creative traditions, and the lived experiences that shaped the Stitch Please podcast throughout the year.From a six-month appointment at Wellesley College's Humanities Center to hands on engagement with the Black craft and fiber arts community in Boston, Lisa takes us through a year of learning, stitching, collaborating, and teaching. She deepens ties to Black women quilters in Boston, craft industry professionals, quilt guilds, and local libraries while examining the shifting landscape of independent craft businesses and maker culture.This Sankofa reflection also covers Lisa's entry into narrative podcasting about Black history, including a storytelling episode on Miss Fine Brown Frame and the award-winning narrative short “Very Fine People”, recognized by Audio Flux. Her travels to Cape Town and Ghana highlight the connection between African diaspora textile traditions, sewing history, and the enduring cultural legacy of handmade work.Finally, Lisa revisits a year marked by creative celebration and industry acknowledgment. Serving as a Golden Scissors judge at H+H Americas, earning an AMBIE nomination, and winning three Black Podcasting Awards all of which further solidified her voice as an award-winning Black podcaster, scholar, and cultural memory keeper. Through the lenses of community, knowledge, storytelling, and recognition, Lisa invites listeners to choose what personal wisdom to carry into 2026 and to embrace the power of Black women in creative leadership, dreaming boldly even in turbulent times.=======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...

Lisa Woolfork welcomes Carmen Green, founder of the Black Sewing Network. They discuss the network's recent Day of Service initiative aimed at supporting Black girls' health globally through sewing. Carmen shares the journey from digital sewing tutorials to in-person community events, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community building at home and within thew greater diaspora. The conversation highlights the power of community in sewing, and how the impact of reusable pads has opened up new ways to use fabric scraps. Plus, Carmen gives her thoughts around the evolving landscape of the fabric industry (RIP Joann) and why now more than ever it's important to support independent designers.=======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

This week on Stitch Please, Lisa chats with designer and certified fashion powerhouse Shanya Lewis an FIT and Parsons grad who can turn fabric, leather, and even your old assumptions about fashion into pure art.Shanya spills the tea on her creative journey from stitching knits to slaying in leatherwork and why sustainability isn't just a buzzword, it's a lifestyle (and a mood). They dive into the highs and lows of freelancing in fashion's competitive jungle, the power of a good education, and the hustle it takes to build a brand that lasts longer than a fast-fashion trend cycle.With wisdom, warmth, and a few laughs, Shanya reminds us that quality over quantity is always in style and sharing what you know is the best accessory you can have.====Where You Can Find Shanya! Shanyalewis.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 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 Stitch Please, Lisa chats with costume designer LeVonne Lindsay, who turned a post breakup hobby into a career dressing drama literally. From sewing Barbie outfits to running a college costume shop, LeVonne shares what it really takes to make magic backstage. It's a fun, insightful dive into the world of stitches, stage lights, and saying no to shortcuts (until you've earned them).===========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 Stitch Please, Lisa and Mind the Force Podcast host Kristine McPartlin geek out over the secret language of Star Wars fashion from Luke's hopeful robes to Darth Vader's villain chic. They laugh about the Empire's tiny hats, dissect Jedi linen minimalism, and revel in Queen Amidala's 20 yard gowns. It's a hilarious, insightful dive into how every stitch in a galaxy far, far away tells a story and yes, sometimes that story is simply “Nazis bad.”====Where You Can Find Kristine! MInd The Force Podcast===========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

Tickets are available for our upcoming shows in New Orleans, Baltimore, and Brooklyn can be found here or at Drunkblackhistory.com! Hope to see you there! On this month's episode, Brandon is joined by seamstress and founder of Black Women Stitch, Lisa Woolfork to discuss the story of Louisa of Natchez who used her sewing skills to poison her enslavers along with the stories of other enslaved women who also fought back against their oppressors. Check out Lisa and Brandon at the upcoming Afro & Audio Podcast festival in Baltimore the weekend of October 17th, 2025. Tickets are available here!DBH Links:- https://www.instagram.com/officialdrunkblackhistory- https://www.drunkblackhistory.com/ - https://www.youtube.com/@drunkblackhistory- https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/16706941-dbh-logoGuest:Lisa WoolforkBlack Women StitchHosts:Brandon CollinsSponsors:Type, Tune, Tint"Drunk Black History" is a production of Casa de Collins LLC.

This week on Stitch Please, Lisa cozies up with quilt artist Kristin Hott to talk fabric, philosophy, and why quilts are basically the original Instagram stories (but way warmer). Kristen shares her journey into quilting, spills on her creative process, and introduces us to the art of “bed turning”aka the world's coziest runway show.They dive into community, storytelling, and the way every stitch carries a little piece of history (and sometimes a little leftover thread you forgot to snip). Plus, they chat about upcycling, sustainability, and why quilting is equal parts therapy session and legacy project.If you've ever wanted your blanket to have more personality than your ex, this episode will have you seeing quilts in a whole new light.SIGN UP TODAY for the Bed Turning event in Richmond, VA on 10/1/2025====Where You Can Find Kristin! Instagram- @Kristinhott===========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 Stitch Please, Lisa chats with the brilliant and multi-talented Tian Connaughton designer, writer, strategist, and all around creative powerhouse. Tian spills the tea on how she stitched her way through life's messier moments, proving that crafting isn't just a hobby it's therapy with prettier results.From her rise as a go to voice in the knitting and crochet community to championing visibility for Black creators, Tian shares how she's built a career that's equal parts artistry and strategy. She dishes out wisdom on chasing your goals, running your business without burning out, and why you don't have to “have it all together” to belong in the craft world.With laughs, lessons, and plenty of inspiration, this convo is your reminder to take it one stitch at a time and yes, you absolutely belong here.====Where You Can Find Tian! Instagram-@knitdesignsbytianWebsite-www.tianconnaughton.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 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 Stitch Please, Lisa sits down with cosplay powerhouse Daemeryss aka the genius who can turn a pile of fabric into jaw dropping, Con -crushing magic.From her early sewing inspo to creating her own fabric (yes, custom Beyoncé inspired textiles, because why not?), Daemeryss spills all the tea on what it really takes to bring a cosplay vision to life. They get into build books (your cosplay diary/survival guide), the tricky ethics of copying, and why the creative community thrives when we actually share knowledge instead of gatekeeping it.It's equal parts inspiration, education, and cosplay chaos so whether you're threading your first needle or hand stitching a ten foot cape, this episode will remind you to embrace the mess, trust the process, and find your own fabulous voice in the craft.====Where You Can Find Daemeryss!InstagramFacebookX===========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 Stitch Please, Lisa gets real about the politics of pressing yes, we're talking seams, class, and why your iron might be more revolutionary than you think. From cosplay critiques to sewing history, she unpacks why pressing isn't elitist it's care, clarity, and craft all rolled into one. Press play and prepare to rethink your ironing board.===========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====“Be impeccable with your word.”: The Four Agreements," by Don Miguel Ruiz, outlines four principles for personal freedom and happiness. These agreements, rooted in

This week on Stitch Please, Lisa gets cozy with Marian Davis and Regina Jennings aka the hilarious hosts of Two Sisters, Nitten and Talkin Shit. These yarn slinging pros spill all the tea (and maybe a little wine) about their knitting journeys, the magic of swatching and blocking, and why choosing the right yarn is basically a spiritual experience. From crafting as meditation to turning chaos into cozy, this episode is full of laughs, real talk, and stitching wisdom for anyone looking to level up their maker game.====Where You Can Find Marian and Regina!InstagramYoutube===========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 StoreMentioned in this episode:Stitch Betta Have My Money Cold Open

This week on Stitch Please, Lisa is joined by the amazing Delita Martin, a printmaker who knows how to stitch, print, and wow you with her art. They chat about Delita's creative journey, which includes growing up surrounded by art, the deep connection between printmaking and quilting, and how she manages to make tea sound like a vital part of the creative process (spoiler: it is).Delita shares her spiritual take on art, her passion for uplifting other artists, and why storytelling and self-affirmation are key to keeping your creative spark alive. If you've ever wondered how to make your art both powerful and soothing, this conversation is your new blueprint. And yes, there will be tea—both literal and metaphorical.===========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

This week on Stitch Please, Lisa hangs out with the fabulous Danesha Anglin (aka Classyfied Life), who proves that grad school stress can actually lead to sewing success. Danesha spills the tea on how she went from “I wonder if I can sew?” to “Look at these Renaissance pants breaking the internet.”They chat about the creative chaos behind designing, the beauty of learning by messing up, and why trusting your gut sometimes leads to the best stitches. Bonus: pattern collection spoilers and plenty of laughs for anyone who's ever screamed at their sewing machine.====Where you can Catch up with Danesha! IG-@classyfiedlife===========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 StoreReady 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 breaks down how we all learn to sew—whether you're a visual learner, a hands-on stitch witch, a bookworm with a thimble, or someone who needs their sewing machine to talk it out. She dives into the four main learning styles and why knowing yours can take your sewing game from “meh” to magnificent. Spoiler: mixing and matching styles is totally allowed. Tune in, learn your way, and stitch smarter—not harder!====Were delighted to share that STITCH PLEASE has been nominated for a Best of Cville Award! https://bestof.c-ville.com/2025/podcast Please vote and share!===========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 StoreReady 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 is back with Mahdiyyah Muhammad for part 2 of their soulful sewing saga. They dive into denim history, fabric frequencies (yes, cloth has vibes), and why mending is basically ancestral witchcraft. From fast fashion fails to fiber alchemy, it's a masterclass in making sustainability stylish. Tune in, get stitched, and feel the frequency.====Where You Can Find Mahdiyyah! The Black Fiber & Textile NetworkMahdiyyah Muhammad's IG===========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 Stitch Please, Lisa is joined (again!) by the fabulous Mahdiyyah Muhammad for a thread-heavy deep dive into sewing that's sustainable, soulful, and seriously stylish. They chat denim history, fabric vibes (yes, literal vibrations), and why mending isn't just for grandma—it's radical, ancestral, and low-key magical. From fast fashion faux pas to fiber alchemy, this convo stitches together culture, community, and circular fashion with plenty of wisdom and a dash of sass. Tune in and get mended, mentally and materially.====Where You Can Find Mahdiyyah! The Black Fiber & Textile NetworkMahdiyyah Muhammad's IG===========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 "Stitch Please", Lisa is serving fashion, history, and fierce creativity as she dives into the upcoming Met Gala theme inspired by the iconic Black Dandy. Joined by style-savvy guests Julian Collins and Kristine McPartlin, the convo unpacks the power and legacy of Black Dandyism, shines a spotlight on Black designers, and dishes out bold, brilliant outfit inspo. From runway dreams to real-life stitching, they explore what this theme means for the sewing community—and how you can rock your own unique style with confidence and flair. Get ready for fashion talk with flair, culture with heart, and tips to slay your next stitch!====Where You Can Find Kristine! Mindtheforce.comMind The Force IGWhere You Can Find JulianJulian's InstagramThe AudaSEWtea Podcast===========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 StoreReady 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 week on Stitch Please, Lisa threads it up with the fabulous Kimberly Cartwright—art quilter, event mastermind, and all-around creative force!They dive into Kimberly's colorful journey into quilting, how her artistic style has evolved, and why community and representation are the real MVPs in the quilting world. Kimberly spills the tea on her one-of-a-kind techniques, the magic of hand stitching, and why artists should never undersell their brilliance.From powerful storytelling through fabric to making space for Black creativity to shine, this convo is stitched with heart, passion, and plenty of inspiration. Tune in—you'll be sew glad you did! ====Kindred Spirits Quilting Conference=======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

This week on "Stitch Please", Lisa hangs out with the fabulous Oge Ajibe, a Canadian designer with a passion for fashion that "actually" fits. They dish on Oge's journey from fashion school to running her own brand, tackling size inclusivity, and navigating the not-so-glamorous world of tariffs. Oge shares how sewing helped her find her voice and why joy is stitched into every design. Plus, they spill the details on her upcoming sewing class and how you can support small businesses. Tune in for style, inspiration, and plenty of laughs!=====Where You Can Find Oge! Ogeajibe.comOge's Instagram============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

This week on "Stitch Please", Lisa is back with the amazing Cookie Washington—master quilter, culture keeper, and creative force! From sewing Barbie dresses as a kid to making history with her stunning textile art, Cookie stitches Black heritage into every piece. They chat Smithsonian collabs, breathtaking Black mermaid exhibits, and "Project 112", which transforms textile waste into treasured keepsakes. It's a convo full of inspiration, creativity, and a little fabric magic—don't miss it!=====Where You Can Catch Up With Cookie! https://www.cookiesewsquilts.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!======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 StoreMentioned in this episode:Stitch Betta Have My Money Cold Open

This week on "Sitch Please", Lisa chats with Shimere Ballou! Shimere takes us on a sewing journey that started at age 11 with a vintage machine and a love for its unique smell. The ladies talk about the difference between sewing with measurements vs. patterns and the importance of mastering the basics first. Shimere also shares her killer style, mixing masculine and feminine vibes, and her obsession with fall fashion and layering. Plus, her tip to always iron as you go to make your pieces pop!=====Stitch Betta Have My Money Fundraiser=======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 StoreMentioned in this episode:Stitch Betta Have My Money Cold Open

This week on "Stitch Please", Lisa gets stitchin' with the fabulous Cookie Washington—master quilter, culture keeper, and all-around creative powerhouse! From sewing tiny Barbie dresses as a kid to making history with her stunning textile art, Cookie shares how she weaves Black heritage into every stitch. The two dive into everything from her Smithsonian collaborations to her mesmerizing Black mermaid exhibits, plus her latest project, "Project 112", which turns textile waste into meaningful keepsakes. Get ready for a convo packed with inspiration, creativity, and a little fabric magic—you won't want to miss it!=====Where You Can Catch Up With Cookie! https://www.cookiesewsquilts.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!======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 StoreMentioned in this episode:Stitch Betta Have My Money Cold Open

This week on "Stitch Please", Lisa dives into the drama of Joann Fabrics' bankruptcy! She unpacks the company's history, what its financial troubles mean for crafters, and how concepts like the WARN Act and stalking horse bids come into play. Plus, a nostalgic look at Joann's role in the sewing world—because let's be real, we all have memories in those aisles!=====Stitch Betta Have My Money Fundraiser=======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

Black Rhythm is Creative Liberation. This episode of the Stitch Please podcast celebrates Black history through the lens of creative liberation, focusing on Evelyn Sanders, a trailblazer who confronted colorism in the 1940s beauty contest scene when a daring new design not only won her the title of Miss Fine Brown Frame but also challenged prevailing beauty standards. Sewing as a practice of autonomy and self-expression for Black women is tantamount in this conversation as Lisa illustrates, through Evelyn's story, how creativity can reclaim identity and defy societal norms=======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 StoreEpisode Art Courtesy of Olivia Sua

This week on "Stitch Please", Lisa dives into the world of sewing ergonomics, proving that comfort is queen! From posture to pedal setup, she shares practical tips to keep your sewing game strong and pain-free. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned stitcher, Lisa's got the hacks to make sewing a joy, not a pain in the neck (or back)!=====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======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

This week on "Stitch Please", Lisa hangs out with LaShuan Bethea, a champion for beginner sewists! They dive into LaShuan's sewing journey, the magic of making your own clothes, and why inclusivity is a must in the sewing world. With plenty of laughs, LaShuan dishes on why she loves teaching beginners, common challenges, and the best resources to kickstart your stitching adventures. Get ready for inspiration and a few sewing secrets!=====Where you can find LaShuan! Youtube- Let's Get Sewcial Let's Get Sewcial.com=====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!======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

This week on "Stitch Please", Lisa takes a playful stroll down memory lane with a touch of Sankofa wisdom—looking back to leap forward! She dishes out gratitude for her amazing community and collabs, cheers for the big wins of 2024, remembers those we've lost, and sprinkles in some heartfelt intentions for the year ahead. It's all about creativity, growth, and keeping the stitch strong!=====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!======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

This week on "Stitch Please", we're diving into another gem from our 2023 Holiday Swatches series! Think of swatches as your creative cheat sheet: tiny fabric samples that help you plan, prep, and match like a pro. When you collect them, they turn into a time capsule of your sewing genius. This December, we're unwrapping heartwarming (and hilarious!) Holiday Sewing Traditions from our amazing community—think ugly sweater ornaments, full-on Christmas rooms, and more! Plus, stick around for some last-minute gift ideas from Nikki (lifesaver alert!). Huge thanks to Bianca Springer, Dr. Jennifer Hale, Tiffany Turner, Johanna Ali, and Nikki Digulis for their delightful stories. Let's stitch this holiday season together!=====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!======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

This week on "Sitch Please", we're bringing back a fan-favorite: our 2023 Holiday Swatches episode! Think of it as a patchwork of festive inspiration. Swatches aren't just scraps—they're mini fabric dreams that help you plan, prep, and save on sewing mishaps. Plus, they double as a creative archive! In this holiday special, we're stitching together stories from our amazing community. Big thanks to Ashley Chapman, Kya Lee, Ellie L., Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, and Zahiyya Abdul-Karim for sharing their swatch magic. Let's make this a new tradition—grab your fabric and join the fun!=====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!======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

This week on “Stitch Please,” Lisa chats with Heather Grocock, a visual effects artist(The Flash, Supergirl, The Orville, La Brea) with a love for hand sewing. Heather shares how she left Detroit for the bright lights of LA to work in Lighting and VFX, navigating industry challenges as a woman of color along the way. They dive into Heather's creative journey, from her quirky business, Auntie Bunny, to her passion for quilting, embroidery, and learning from seasoned sewists at the Coachella Valley Quilt Guild. It's a fun mix of Hollywood hustle and handmade happiness you won't want to miss!======Where You Can Find Heather! Tik Tok- @thatssewheatherIG- @heathergrocockAuntie BunnyHeatherGrocock.com======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!======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

This week on "Stitch Please", In part two of our conversation with Shams El-din Rogers Lisa and Shams go wild about the world of sewing machines—are pricier models worth it, or can thrifty treasures do the trick? Together, they dive into sustainable sewing, the allure of vintage machines, and Shams' knack for giving old gear new life. From tackling the "replace-it" culture to the ethics of consumer choices, the duo stitches together a thoughtful conversation about the impact of what we buy (or don't). They also sprinkle in tips on mending, repairing, and why sewing can be the ultimate act of rebellion. Tune in for laughs, insights, and a fresh take on creative consumerism!======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!======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

This week on "Stitch Please", Lisa hangs out with the fabulous Laverne Benton—better known as Busy Peach—for a fun and lively chat about her fiber arts journey. From learning crochet as a kid to rediscovering her love for it as an adult, Laverne spills all the yarn (pun intended) about her creative adventures. They dive into the magic of fiber, the power of perseverance, and the beauty of embracing those "oops" moments in crafting. Laverne also shares the scoop on her Saturday Shenanigans show, where she brings together fiber artists for a mix of learning, laughter, and good vibes. True to the spirit of shenanigans, she shows how imperfections are just part of the creative fun. Lisa and Laverne remind us all: crafting is about enjoying the process, mistakes and all. So grab your hooks, needles, or whatever you love, and tune in for a stitchin' good time! =====Where you can find Laverne!Bzypeach.comIG: @bzypeach=====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!

On this week's episode of “Stitch Please,” Lisa takes a fun, deep dive into the world of industrial sewing machines, especially the mighty cylinder arm! She's joined by bag-making pros Renee Thomas and Rochelle Wadley, who share their journeys into sewing and how they fell in love with these powerful machines. Renee tells us how she started sewing as a teen, took a break, then came back to it in her twenties, while Rochelle recalls learning the ropes from her dad and stitching since she was little. Both eventually upgraded to cylinder arm machines to tackle tougher fabrics and thicker layers. They rave about how these machines make it a breeze to sew through challenging materials like vinyl and chipboard. Along the way, Lisa, Renee, and Rochelle compare the cylinder arm's speed and power to regular domestic machines, highlighting how much easier (and faster!) bag-making can be. It's a lively chat packed with insights, sewing tips, and plenty of laughs!======Renee Thomas IG-@sewnoteitbeSew Mote It Be website======Roschelle Wadley IG-@mindofaladybugMind of a Ladybug website======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!======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:

In this week's episode of “Stitch Please”, Lisa sits down with Khensani Mohlatole, the talent behind the “ClothesMinded”podcast and “Hanger Management” blog. Together, they dive into Khensani's sewing journey, her passion for South African fashion history, and the rich significance of African textiles. Khensani explains why celebrating and reclaiming African fashion matters and explores the effects of colonization on African textiles. They also talk about what luxury means in African fashion and why gratitude is essential for the artisans who bring our clothing to life.=====How you can find KensaniHanger ManagementThe Clothes Minded PodcastInstagram- @okbaddiekTik Tok- @okbaddiek=====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!

This week on "Stitch Please," Lisa dives into the colorful world of cosplay with special guest SheShe from CDC Cosplays! Together, they unpack what makes cosplay more than just a costume—it's about research, dedication, and the thrill of bringing a character to life. From the craft of creating each look to the excitement of conventions (badges, panels, and even celeb sightings!), they cover it all. SheShe shares her journey of jumping into cosplay as an adult, highlighting how important it is for grown-ups to do what makes them happy. ======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!

This week on "Stitch Please," Lisa dives into her Boston adventure, blending her book projects with insights from the Susan Newhouse Center for the Humanities at Wellesley College. She unpacks her studies on Black women's sewing traditions, celebrates communal learning, and reflects on adapting to big city life. Lisa also chats about how walking and embracing urban living have brought her unexpected joys.=======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!======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 PodcastThe 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!