In this week's fashion hot topic episode our host Monica Monique and XYZeee talk the latest drama in the fashion world.

 Monica brings up the new mischief bag MSCHF and wants to get thoughts from Zeee on if she likes it. Zeee does not like the purse and thinks it's just not cool to copy. 

Our hosts also discuss the Alaia brand and the story behind their latest collection. 

They both are intrigued by the technique they use to build their collection and say the story made the collection better for them. 

In addition our hosts always get off topic and talk about several other things some related to fashion some related to business and some related to personal life or what books they've been reading. 

If you love this episode and want to hear more definitely subscribe and share with a fashionable friend! 

In todays Fashion Business Tip Monica Monique and Zeee talk about how to get more customers. 

Sometimes just relaxing and not pressing the issue actually attracts more customers.

Check out the episode and let us know what you think.

Still one day left, see you tomorrow!                                         

In  todays Fashion Business tip our hosts talk about fabrics!

Different fabrics act differently and trying new fabrics without knowing how it will come out is a risk.

We're on day 8 and it's crazy we're still pushing through with the quick tips for you. More to come!

See you tomorrow  & Happy Holidays!

In  todays Fashion Business Tip Monica Monique tells  you to turn the came on the camera and why!

She gets into not just taking more videos but more photos too and how to do so.

Thanks for tuning in to todays Fashion Business Tip. We appreciate every one of you listening!

See  you tomorrow **

For day 2 of our Holiday 10 days of Fashion Tips Zeee talks about the importance of niching down to find your ideal customer.

Stay tuned for more fashion business tips for the rest of the month. Our bonus thank you to you all  for listening this whole year.

We're so grateful to have you all as our Fashion Friends!

If you are not already be sure to subscribe so you don't miss a convo from us...  

In This Bonus episode Monica Monique and  Zeee talk about all the things you should say no to as  a fashion designer, seamstress or brand owner. 

They go through a list way of nice ways  and straight forward ways to decline a customer. Zee talks about her struggles with saying no to people and then regretting it later. Monica discusses how saying no to the wrong customer  can  give you more time for the right customer. 

They also go through a list of how to say "I charge for that" in nice ways. 

 There are a lot  of times where we're are being nice with our time and people take advantage or take it to far, especially if you have a business in that area. 

Here are some ways to tell people politely that these are services you charge for.

If you loved this episode and want more make sure to subscribe, like and share with a fashionable friend.

** For Christmas we'd like  a 5 star rating, thanks in advance**** Happy Holidays

In this week's episode Monica  Monique and Zeee catch up on how they spent their Thanksgiving holiday break. 

They also get into whether or not they shopped for Black Friday and the differences they've seen in how Black Friday shopping works.

 Our hosts do a deep dive into Zara's winning strategy and how you can incorporate those strategies into your business. They discuss strategic alignment, manufacturing, store placement, and how to make your customers buy right now!

If you loved this week's episode and want to hear more make sure you subscribe and share with a fashionable friend! And of course leave us a 5 star review

Welcome to the Designers, Plants, and Coffee Podcast! Join Naima, Zahiyya, and LaTisha, your fashion gurus, as they dive into the world of design, creativity, and running successful businesses in the fashion industry. 

In this episode, the trio answers fan questions about their journey into entrepreneurship and the challenges they faced. 

From the early days of pop-ups and word-of-mouth marketing to navigating the world of social media and building a brand, they share valuable insights and practical advice for aspiring designers. 

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting in the fashion business, this podcast provides a candid and informative look into the realities of the industry. 

Subscribe here and on YouTube for a weekly dose of inspiration and practical tips. Stay stylish, stay creative, and stay tuned for more on the Designers, Plants, and Coffee Podcast!

Join our community
Website: designersplantsandcoffee.com
YouTube: @designersplantsandcoffee
Instagram: @designersplantsandcoffee
Facebook: @designersplantsandcoffee

Hosts websites:
Naima: lovefearlessthreads.com
LaTisha: keepingyounstitches.com
Zahiyya: regiondesignlab.com & covermechic.com

Larger than life fashion journalist, stylist, creative director and editor André Leon Talley passed away unexpectedly on January 18, 2022. In this episode of love, respect, admiration and reflection, Laverne and her exceptional guests remind us why the world, the fashion world in particular, will miss the late great André Leon Talley. Iconic fashion designer and André’s longtime friend Norma Kamali shares stories starting from their early days in 1970’s New York City and Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post journalist Robin Givhan offers an industry perspective from the last 25 years of his life. Both are intimate, knowing, and candid, and say the same thing: there will never be another ALT.

A New Line: Robin Givhan Interviews André Leon Talley (2017) (courtesy of Washington Post Live Events)

Please rate, review, subscribe and share The Laverne Cox Show with everyone you know. You can find Laverne on Instagram and Twitter @LaverneCox and on Facebook at @LaverneCoxForReal.

As always, stay in the love.

More Links of Interest:

A.L.T. by André Leon Talley

Chiffon Trenches by André Leon Talley

The Gospel According to Andre (Documentary Official Trailer)

A Memorial for André Leon Talley (NYT)

André Leon Talley, the Pioneering Vogue Editor, Has Died at 73 (Vogue)

Norma Kamali: I Am Invincible (book)

Grace Jones Studio 54 New Years Eve Party (costume designed by Norma Kamali)

Jessye Norman (Opera Legends Documentary, YouTube)

ALT on Meeting Lagerfeld and Being Correct (YouTube)

John Fairchild, author of Fashionable Savages

Hilton Als' Profile (The New Yorker, 1994)

The Collection of André Leon Talley (Christie’s)

ALT Recent Auction (The Cut)

Laverne Cox and André Leon Talley on Watch What Happens Live 2015 

Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Show Reinvents Lingerie (TIME, 2019)

André Leon Talley Dishes on Galliano, McQueen, and Lagerfeld, Darling (Interview Mag, 2020)

Andre Leon Talley Day (WWD, 2022)

Other Episodes Mentioned Relevant:

The Spirituality of Club Culture w/ Honey Dijon

Diary: Where Fashion Meets Art

The Legendary Life of Connie Fleming, Part I and Part II

CREDITS:

Executive Producers: Sandie Bailey, Alex Alcheh, Lauren Hohman, Tyler Klang & Gabrielle Collins

Producer & Editor: Brooke Peterson-Bell

Associate Producer: Akiya McKnight

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this weeks episode Monica Monique and XYZeee talk about men's winter fashion. What men's favorites should stay and which should go. From men in hoodies to timbs, what should men shop for this winter season.

Monica thinks Travis Kelce should come back around, she's gonna say more words this time.  

Our hosts talk about the football season and women sporting team jerseys and styling it into a whole look. Is football fashion a thing? Our hosts think so. 

Make sure you subscribe to our podcast if you love it and leave us a rate star review if you want to hear more!!!

In this weeks episode Monica Monique and XYZeee tell the story of when they stayed overnight at Monica's store several days in a week. Monica was sick with covid and customers  were not too caring. 

Zee talks about how one customer threatened her when Monica walked out the store and how that customer acted like nothing happened. 

Our hosts also get into what they've done in the years since to make sure they'll never get in that situation again.

If you  love this episode and others don't forget to leave us a 5 star review. 

As always subscribe, like and share with a fashionable friend!

In this week's episode Monica Monique and XYZ get into a hot topic of who wore it first. Zeee dives into why certain celebrities think they wore it first or started a certain style while Monica wonders who cares. The designer Jordan Willis has a really cool recognizable design and Monica and Zee think they should just be known for their look in general. 

Monica also gets into a story time about some past interns she used to have in her store. She talks about how they started working at her store all leading up to the day that she says they stopped talking to her. Zeee blames it on their just being young and Monica is a little less forgiving but still loves them from a distance. 

Monica wants to know if she was wrong or how it can be turned around? Zeee says she thinks it'll work itself out eventually. What's your opinion?

If you love this episode and more don't forget to leave us a five star review! As always subscribe, like and share with a fashionable friend... 7figurefashionbusiness on all platforms!!!

Show Notes: Mary Grabenstatter

(1:40) Mary shares her story about why arts and crafts were important to her as a child. Hear about the origami birthday party and her favorite crafts!

(3:20) Studying French and Film in college and working at Barnes & Noble her early adult years were filled with many experiences…starting with being a chemistry major. Hear about her adventures!

(7:07) When The Hunger Games was first released, Jennifer Lawrence came to the bookstore. Hear how this event closed the whole store down!

(7:50) At the age of 32, Mary learned to sew…she tells us how and why! And lovingly shares this special connection with her mom.

(11:15) Within a two-year timeframe, Mary realized she loved sewing, quit her job in New York, started Needle Sharp…and learned her mom had cancer…so she moved back home. Learn also how Needle Sharp got its name – and why it caused her some unforeseen challenges.

(14:05) She talks about the blind courage she found to move forward.

(16:28) Mary shares her process for providing a subscription service for her company Needle Sharp 

(18:20) What’s it like to run into someone wearing one of her creations? She shares the excitement!

(19:09) How have the last 10 years been the most challenging and rewarding in her life? She takes us on this journey.

(20:12) Mary talks about her mom and how she was inspired by her and how she honors her legacy.

(22:25) What words of advice does Mary have for beginning sewists? “Have a beginner’s mind.

(22:34) What’s next, what’s her dream? And will she ever design her own fabric?

(25:36) And…what didn’t I ask that she wanted to share? Hear about her favorite book Caesar’s Last Breadth by Sam Kean

(27:25) To contact Mary go to her website at needle-sharp.com and on Instagram @needlehsharp.

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. 

Our hosts Monica Monique and Zeee have some news!! Exciting to finally get this thing that we've been talking about started. 
Listen to find out and don't forget to leave us a 5 star review for more!

R'Bonney Gabriel is an eco-friendly fashion designer, model, and sewing instructor based in Houston, TX, and New York City who also happens to be the current Miss Universe titleholder. Born in Houston, TX she became the 1st Miss Universe of Filipino descent. As the first Filipino American to win Miss Universe and Miss USA, much of her platform is about embracing her culture. She is a voice for Asian-Americans, opening the door for more diversity and representation in society. 

​

She attended the University of North Texas, where she earned her degree in Fashion Design and Fibers. 

​​

R'Bonney is the lead sewing instructor at Magpies & Peacocks, a Houston-based nonprofit design house that is dedicated to using "Fashion as a force for good" through sustainability and community impact. She combines her latent for design with caring for the environment in her own sustainable clothing line, R’Bonney Nola.

(1:46) R’Bonney tells us how she learned to sew by watching her mom and shopping at thrift stores. R’Bonney tells of one of her favorite projects – the big purple gown with puffy sleeves…a Halloween costume.

(3:35) She tells us how important the sewist community is to her and why.

(5:10) She’s always upbeat and positive…she lets us in on her youth, parent’s influence and how sports, music, church, and ballet influenced her outlook.

(7:39) Travel is a big part of her current life as Miss Universe. She tells us what it’s like to be Miss Universe!

(10:57) R’Bonney takes us back to the beginning and on her journey to becoming Miss Universe.

(16:00) She talks about how she became passionate about sustainable fashion.

And the documentary ”A True Cost” which opened her eyes to clothing consumption worldwide.

(17:50) Magpie and Peacocks name – a truly unique identifier – has an interesting story which R’Bonney shares with us.

(18:45) She explains ethical sewing practices and sustainable fashion as she exemplified with her Miss Universe Cape. She also explains how we as individuals can support sustainable fashion.

(23:09) The MAKR Program with Magpies and Peacocks is very important to R’Bonney. She tells us about this effort and why it means so much to her.

Be sure to subscribe to, rate and review this podcast on your favorite platform!

(25:04) She tells us a story of one of the women who went through the MAKR Program and how it changed her life.

(27:10) She talks about being the first Filipina-American to hold the Miss Universe title and how she leverages this position for the advancement of Asian Americans.

(28:40) If Not Now When if her motto – she tells us why and what it means to her.

(30:40) What’s next for her after Miss Universe?! Listen and find out!

(31:11) Is there a question we didn’t ask?!

To reach out to R’Bonney, you can find her at Instagram @rbonneynola, or the email connected to the Instagram account. 

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. 

In this weeks Monica Monique and XYZeee talk about how to evaluate your company to see what it is worth, and the math behind that number. 

Zeee brings up the Kim Kardashian and Kourtney Kardashian argument over the dolce and gabanna fashion show. They discuss their opinions on that and whether or not they could be paid to go against each other over a brand deal.

Monica talks about the skims brand and their new evaluation and how you can do the math for your brand. As well as why Kim creating a shapewear brand was a genius idea.

Don't forget to like, share and leave us a 5 star review if you are loving these fashion conversations and want more.

Subscribe for our weekly episodes!!!

(2:39) The opening ceremonies raised the excitement of the crowd – kicked off by Paul Ashworth – President of BERNINA of North America. (https://www.sewandsopodcast.com/episodes/episode-22-paul-ashworth)

He was followed by several more BERNINA luminaries…Christy Burcham - VP Training and Education BERNINA of America, Claudia Stauber – VP Marketing BERNINA International, and Kai Hillebrandt – CEO BERNINA Textile Group. 

(5:12) Then Yaya Han (https://www.sewandsopodcast.com/episodes/episode64-courage-cosplay-yaya-han) namesake of the new bernette 79 Yaya Han edition took the stage.

(8:42) Hear the first impressions of those who tried out the brand-new BERNINA 790 Pro

(10:18) Claudia Stauber, VP/Marketing BERNINA International joins us to explain the new BERNINA campaign “It’s a Big Day”. In addition, we got to know her a little better!

(15:04) Annette Varner, Brand Manager of BERNINA International, added her input to the work of building this new campaign.

(17:07) Michaelynn Rose, VP/Marketing BERNINA of America, jumps in to talk about BERNINA’s new products.

(18:04) Some of our favorite Sew & So moments are to catch up with past guests on this podcast. We talked with Sarah Caldwell (https://www.sewandsopodcast.com/episodes/episode31-sarah-caldwell-from-frogs-to-frodo), Sarah Joiner (https://www.sewandsopodcast.com/episodes/episode54-sarah-joiner), Sue from Sookie Sews (https://www.sewandsopodcast.com/episodes/episode50-sue-overy-pruitt) and Sylvain Bergeron (https://weallsew.com/author/snbergeron/) who will join us on a future episode

(25:10) The cosplay market is a new focus for BERNINA in the coming year. Carolyn Kinder Brand Manager for bernette tells us how this came to be and how Yaya Han became the name/face of this project. She also talks about the importance of this community.

(28:40) Then Yaya Hahn herself joined us to talk about her love of sewing, how the dream of working with BERNINA began and how it resulted in the bernette 79 Yaya Han Edition.

(35:34) We got to visit with three companies who are partners to BERNINA and who each provide quality products that make sewists’ jobs easier. Horn of America (https://www.hornofamerica.com/), OESD (https://embroideryonline.com/oesd/) and Fat Quarter (https://www.fatquarter.com) 

(39:04) Bob Negan, a popular retail expert known as one of the most innovative consultants, speakers, and trainers today, sat with us to talk about the courses he teaches to BERNINA Dealers during BERNINA University (https://whizbangtraining.com/).

(41:15) As the event progressed, we got to visit with even more past Sew & So guests, Joe Vecchiarelli (https://www.sewandsopodcast.com/episodes/episode-28-joe-vecchiarelli), Marissa Marquez (https://www.sewandsopodcast.com/episodes/episode-26-marisa-marquez), Gail Yellen (https://www.sewandsopodcast.com/episodes/episode-14-gail-yellen) and Pam Mahshie (https://www.sewandsopodcast.com/episodes/episode-9-pam-mahshie)

(49:33) Dealers came to Dallas from around the world because of the importance of this event. Thomas and Chris from Switzerland joined us to talk about their establishments.

(50:45) Phillip Ueltschi of the Ueltschi family who owns BERNINA, talked with us about what’s new with his family and BERNINA and BERNINA University.

(52:47) Christy Burcham – VP Education and Training at BERNINA of America ran down all the new products.

(53:29) After 4 long days, Phillip Ueltschi brought it all home at the closing ceremony. He talks about the family feeling that BERNINA brings to their dealers and customers…and introduced his son Felix – the 6th generation. 

Thank you for joining us for stories of innovation, risk taking and meeting new friends at this year’s BERNINA University 2023!

Be sure to subscribe to, rate and review this podcast on your favorite platform!

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. 

In this week's episode 7FFB is introducing the fashion business tip of the week. For our season two our host Monica Monique and XYZeee are giving you even more knowledge, videos and audios for our listeners. 

One of the new things we're doing for a season 2 is squeezing out the fashion portion segment of our episodes and giving it to you in a shorter form audio. Hopefully you guys enjoy this new addition to the podcast as we provide more episodes for you weekly.

 In this quick tip we go over six ways to get more sales in your fashion business. We go over how to get customers in doors, in your store or on your website. 

Don't forget to leave us a 5 star review and as always like, share, and subscribe!

Born in China, raised in her early years in Germany, Yaya moved on her own to the United States in 1998 while still a teen. It didn’t take her long to make a name for herself in the cosplay community. Now a successful designer, model, author, tv personality and social media influencer with more that 3 million followers.

(2:24) Yaya tells us of how she learned to sew out of necessity through getting involved in cosplay 24 years ago. Using a $40 sewing machine she prepared to go to her very first expo the 1999 Anime Expo in Anaheim, CA. She literally started with almost nothing.

(5:35) What’s her fashion style? It varies from very feminine to Korean inspired streetwear. She goes into detail on this with us.

(6:21) What sparked her interest in Anime and Manga…escapism! Learn what started all of this. 

(7:39)  She moved to the United States much to the dismay of her parents. She takes us with her on this journey with her. In 2005 she quit her “day job” and became a costume artist full time.

(12:06) She persevered through some pretty tough times – sewing was what got her through this. She shares how she found her strength.

(13:16) Her love for the cosplay community is notable. She describes this community, shares why it’s so very important to her and explains her personal growth within the community.

(18:09) DragonCon in Atlanta is a huge expo for those in the cosplay community. It’s especially important to Yaya as she met her husband Brian there 23 years ago. Today they are business partners and live the dream together.

(21:16) Find out who is her favorite cosplay character.

(22:13) How did she build a 3 million + community of followers – she shares her secrets.

(26:17) Having met thousands of fans – Yaya is always energized by these engagements. How important is this to her? She lets us know and even shares a specific instance at ACon.

(29:00) BERNINA University’s new campaign is “It’s a Big Day”. Yaya walks us through her relationship with BERNINA, her role in this campaign and how she worked with them to create the bernette 79 Yaya Han Edition. She also describes all the amazing features of this machine and why it’s perfect for cosplayers.

(41:21) Yaya has a new book on the market called Yaya Han’s World of Cosplay. She tells us of the genesis of this work which is the history of cosplay told through her story and all it contains on tips and tricks on how to be a professional cosplayer.

(44:30) Learn in the midst of her busy schedule, what Yaya does for fun.

(45:43) What inspires Yaya? “Everything”! She unpacks this for us.

(45:28) What’s next and what’s her dream? Besides “living it right now”, she shares what the future looks like for her.

(48:20) Her final point is asking the sewing community to embrace cosplay. There are misconceptions out there about this community which she addresses. In fact, she explains how in many ways we are all cosplayers, just in different spaces.

To reach out to Yaya, go to her website Yayahan.com, Instagram as #Yayahan and Facebook is Yayacosplay. She invites all to reach out!

Be sure to subscribe to, rate and review this podcast on your favorite platform!

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. 

Cookie Washington, born in Morocco, is a fourth-generation needle worker, award winning textile artist and guest curator of the African American Fiber Arts Exhibit which is part of the North Charleston Arts Festival.

Her passion for fiber art is infectious and she comes from a long line of sewists dating back to her great-grandmother.

She’s been selected as one of 44 master quilters to create a quilt for Barak Obama’s inauguration and has been featured in documentary films.

(2:28) At four years old, Cookie was paid 50 cents by her grandfather for sewing her first Barbie dress - she shares this story. In addition, she talks about the female lineage in her family that inspired, mentored, and encouraged her sewing. She also talks of her sewing plans for her three granddaughters. 

(7:00) Then, Cookie transitioned to fabric art during a difficult time in her life - she shares this story.  A Communion of Sprits; African American Quilters, Preservers, and Their Stories by Roland Freeman created a tipping point in her creativity and she opens up about how this happened.

(10:46) Cookie talks about her personal connection to the attack at Mother Emanuel Church and how she used her quilts to help heal the city. Her art to her is a meditative prayer. 

(13:21) What’s the Divine Feminine and what does it mean to her? She shares the meaning of this and how it led to her work with mermaids.

(16:15) Cookie does a lot of curatorial art to foster introspection, communication and provide education. She walks us through her process for this, and how we can celebrate our sameness and be inquisitive about our differences. She shares stories about her work “A Dialog in Black and White” and how she believes her ministry is to bring people together.

(10:25) “I want to make art that challenges people to feel. Art that makes them soar and annoys.” Cookie explains how this drives her creations. She also talks about Henrietta Lacks and “The Immortal Cell” and the art she created to celebrate this amazing woman. She also talks about how she artistically captures the physicality of Serena and Venus Williams, and Simone Biles in her work.

(32:58) In addition to her work, she donates her time and talent to serve in many ways which she tells us about. She also shares news about her current project “Quilted Hugs”.

(39:20) Cookie believes that there is a shift in the art community and sewing that is moving from utilitarian out of necessity to art that celebrates. She explains her position on this shift invoking Bisa Butler and Michelangelo!

(46:00) Right before the podcast was recorded, Cookie had the “Best Weekend Ever” in her curating the exhibit “Celebrating Black Mermaids from Africa to America”. This is a wonderful story here about the genesis of this exhibit of 150 pieces and the effect is had on the art community. She talks of the contributions of Dr. Lauren Davis and Dr. Henry Drewal to this event. The event exceeded her expectations and dreams!

(56:47) What’s her dream?   To keep encouraging people to quilt. She will move forward with this at The Kindred Spirits Conference. She also has a show coming up in November where she’ll display her Quilted Hug project. She wants to learn the longarm too!

(59: 43) What didn’t I ask? About her granddaughters!!!!

(1:00:33) To reach out to Cookie email her at Cookiesews1960@gmail.com and her website www.cookiesewsquilts.com. And Instagram @cookiwsews. 

(1:01:54) Oh, and by the way, how did we find Cookie for Sew & So? Learn that here!

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.

(10:46) Cookie talks about her personal connection to the attack at Mother Emanuel Church and how she used her quilts to help heal the city. Her art to her is a meditative prayer. 

(13:21) What’s the Divine Feminine and what does it mean to her? She shares the meaning of this and how it led to her work with mermaids.

(16:15) Cookie does a lot of curatorial art to foster introspection, communication and provide education. She walks us through her process for this, and how we can celebrate our sameness and be inquisitive about our differences. She shares stories about her work “A Dialog in Black and White” and how she believes her ministry is to bring people together.

(10:25) “I want to make art that challenges people to feel. Art that makes them soar and annoys.” Cookie explains how this drives her creations. She also talks about Henrietta Lacks and “The Immortal Cell” and the art she created to celebrate this amazing woman. She also talks about how she artistically captures the physicality of Serena and Venus Williams, and Simone Biles in her work.

(32:58) In addition to her work, she donates her time and talent to serve in many ways which she tells us about. She also shares news about her current project “Quilted Hugs”.

(39:20) Cookie believes that there is a shift in the art community and sewing that is moving from utilitarian out of necessity to art that celebrates. She explains her position on this shift invoking Bisa Butler and Michelangelo!

(46:00) Right before the podcast was recorded, Cookie had the “Best Weekend Ever” in her curating the exhibit “Celebrating Black Mermaids from Africa to America”. This is a wonderful story here about the genesis of this exhibit of 150 pieces and the effect is had on the art community. She talks of the contributions of Dr. Lauren Davis and Dr. Henry Drewal to this event. The event exceeded her expectations and dreams!

(56:47) What’s her dream?   To keep encouraging people to quilt. She will move forward with this at The Kindred Spirits Conference. She also has a show coming up in November where she’ll display her Quilted Hug project. She wants to learn the longarm too!

(59: 43) What didn’t I ask? About her granddaughters!!!!

(1:00:33) To reach out to Cookie email her at Cookiesews1960@gmail.com and her website www.cookiesewsquilts.com. And Instagram @cookiwsews. 

(1:01:54) Oh, and by the way, how did we find Cookie for Sew & So? Learn that here!

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.