Stitch Please

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.

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Hosted By: Dr. Lisa Woolfork

Senior Producer: Krystal Hill

Producer...

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.

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 pl...

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...

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 safa...

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 Woolfork

Senior Producer: Krystal Hill

Producer: Mike Bryant

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Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore...

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...

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 an...

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...

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 ye...

In this episode of Stitch Please, guest Martha McIntosh discusses the intersection of sewing and holiday traditions, particularly focusing on the Garifuna culture. Martha is a proud Garifuna-American from the Bronx, NY, with strong roots in Livingston, Guatemala. She is a sewing enthusiast learning to sew for her curvy, plus-size body and others as well. 

Revisit this episode from 2022 as she shares personal stories about making holiday gifts, what this time of the looks like in the Garifuna culture, and the importance of passing down traditions to future generations.

Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon.

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...

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...

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).

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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...

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.”

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Where You Can Find Kristine!

MInd The Force Podcast

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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...

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 bur...

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 pa...

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.

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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...

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.

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Where You Can Find Marian and Regina!

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 t...

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.

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Wher...

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!

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Were delighted to share that STITCH PLEASE has been nominated for a Best of Cville Award! https://bestof.c-vi...

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.

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Where You Can Find Mahdiyyah!

The Black Fiber & Textile Network

Mahdiyyah Muhammad's IG

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Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American lite...

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.

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Where You Can Find Mahdiyyah!

The Black Fiber & T...

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...

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...

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!

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Where You Can Find Og...

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!

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Where You Can Catch Up With Cookie!

https://www.cookiesewsquilts.com/

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Dr. Lisa Woolfork...

This week on "Stitch Please", In Part 1 of this discussion, 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!

This week on "Stitch 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!

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Stitch Betta Have My Money Fundraiser

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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!

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Stitch Betta Have My Money Fundraiser

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Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black wo...

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

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Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate...

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)!

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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...

This week on the "Stitch Please podcast", Lisa catches up with Dee from "Patterns By Dee", a powerhouse in the sewing scene. They dive into Dee's sewing odyssey from home economics to crafting her own patterns inspired by personal tales and family memories. They riff on the art-fashion fusion, the magic of creativity in pattern design, and the thrill of spreading wisdom on YouTube. Dee cheers on listeners to stick with their creative flair and keep chasing their passions.

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Here's Where You Can Find Dee!

Instagram-Patterns By Dee

Youtube-Patterns By Dee<...

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!

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Where you can find LaShuan!

Youtube- Let's Get Sewcial

Let's Get Sewcial.com

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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!

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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 Am...

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 Ni...

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!

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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...