Sew & So...

Welcome to Sew & So…we’re excited to introduce you to someone whose work brings together so many of the things we talk about here on Sew & So—sewing, creativity, craftsmanship, and the incredible power of clothing to transform the way we see a person.
Amanda Lifvendahl is the Costume Shop Supervisor and Lead Designer at Interlochen Center for the Arts, the internationally renowned arts education community in northern Michigan. And when you hear Amanda talk about costumes, you quickly realize that what she does is about so much more than making beautiful clothes.
Amanda grew up in the Chicago area in a very creative family. Her parents were involved in community theater, so theater was part of her life from an early age. In high school, she started working with wardrobes and learning to sew—and somewhere along the way, she caught what she calls the “costume bug.”
But her path to costume design wasn't exactly a straight line. Amanda was actually studying to become a nurse when an acting class changed everything. She found herself costuming some of the scenes she was acting in, and her instructor suggested she take a closer look at costume design.
That little nudge eventually led her to Illinois State University, a 16-year adventure at Broadway Costumes in Chicago, and then, in 2018, to Interlochen Center for the Arts.
Today, Amanda designs costumes for theater and dance, works with productions ranging from Shakespeare to Broadway-style musicals and ballet, and mentors young artists who are discovering their own creative voices.
Hear about Amanda’s philosophy about what a costume really does. She sees it as the outer layer of a character—something that can tell us who that person is before they ever speak a word.
We’re going to talk about all of that …and we're also going to talk about the chickens! Because when Amanda and her husband moved to Interlochen, they were gifted 20 chickens. Today they have 24 chickens, 12 goldfish and a Cock-a-Poo named Delilah!
(4:03) How did Amanda learn to sew and who were her influencers?
(4:47) She grew up in a very artistic, creative and theatrical family. How did that influence her?
(7:05) In high school she caught the “costume bug”. How did this happen?
(8:57) How did the movie “Pretty in Pink” influence her love of creating cloths?
(10:50) She was studying to be a nurse when a costume class and that instructor changed her life.
(13:37) Amanda attended Illinois State University and studied in their world renown theatre department. She tells us about that time in her life.
(15:59) She said the “loosened up” Painting scenery at ISU. What does this mean?
(18:24) Amanda spent 16 years working at Broadway Costumes Chicago. She shares this adventure with us.
(21:40) Amanda shares a few stories with us about her time in Chicago at Broadway Costumes.
(24:31) In 2018 Amanda got her job at Interlochen…she tells us how this happened…and why she cried!
(26:17) She tells about Interlochen Center For the Arts; it’s history and how they’re preparing to celebrate their 100th anniversary. And how about her costume shop?
(28:13) Learn about the campus at Interlochen…”Hogwarts for the Arts”!
(30:58) How many costumes are in the costume shop?
(32:20) How about memorable students and productions?
(35:57) Learn Amanda’s philosophy about costuming and how the process begins for her.
(39:24) Amanda’s costumes are trult the first impression of a character…she tells us more!
(40:39) Amanda talks about her scoliosis and spinal fusion and how it influences her costume designs.
(42:38) Does she have to modify how she works today because of her physical challenges?
(44:58) What’s next for her and what’s her dream?
(45:55) You can find Amanda on Instagram @lifvenator

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.

This episode of Sew & So is a little different. Instead of one conversation, you're getting three!
While recording at BERNINA University 2026 in New Orleans, we had the opportunity to sit down with three remarkable women who are each making an impact in very different ways.
You'll meet Shelancia Daniel, founder of Creativity Shell, a nonprofit using sewing and other creative trades to build confidence, life skills, and resilience in children—including some of our most vulnerable youth.
Then we'll head to Switzerland, at least figuratively, with Sarah Caldwell, who leads international training and product development for BERNINA International. We talk innovation, the changing ways people learn, AI, customer input, and the beautiful new BERNINA Liberty Edition machines.
And finally, you'll meet Allison Parker, founder of ricRACK in New Orleans—a nonprofit that's giving fabric a second life while teaching a new generation how to sew, create, repair, and rethink textile waste.
Three women. Three completely different stories. One powerful connection: they each saw something that needed to change and decided to do something about it.

(1:39) Meet Shelancia Daniel!
(2:09) Shelancia tells us what’s she’s been up in the last year with Creativity Shell
(2:50) How did Creativity Shell get started and why did she name it Creativity Shell?
(3:40) What new programs does Creativity Shell have going on this year?
(5:40) How does Shelancia come up with ideas for new programs?
(6:36) Where is Creativity Shell located and what are their plans for expansion and the future?
(8:59) How many kids have gone through their program?
(9:25) Shelancia talks with us about human trafficking and how people can be aware of what’s going on and make a difference?
(12:10) Shelancia talks about Creativity Shell’s relationship with BERNINA.
(13:48) What can someone do if they are suspicious of human trafficking?
(15:38) How can you support the Creativity Shell?
(16:53)www.creativityshell.org
(17:44) Meet Sarah Caldwell head of Training for BERNINA International
(18:38) Sarah talks about what she’s been up to for the last year as well as the new BERNINA partnership with Liberty Fabrics.
(19:39) How was the pattern on the new BARNINA machine chosen?
(20:05) What shifts and trends is Sarah seeing in how people learn?
(20:49) How does the current generation learn that’s different from other generations?
(21:34) Innovation…what emerging technologies is Sarah seeing?
(22:20) What influence does AI have on today’s innovations?
(22:52) Sarah tells us about herself and how she came to work for BERNINA
(24:15) Sarah handles training for all but North America. How is her approach different form that in North America?
(25:07) How does she know what needs to be taught?
(25:57) Where do the ideas come from for new product development? What about customer input?
(28:02) What does the next year look like for Sarah?
(29:13) How did Sarah and her family get started in making and modeling costumes?
(30:30) What didn’t we ask? Hear Sarah’s story about her mom.
(31:53) Meet Allison Parker founder of ricRACK New Orleans
(32:43) Allison tells us about ricRACK and its inception
(35:41) Where did the name ricRACK come from?
(36:44) Allison tells us about the sewists who are working in the back of the store…as well as the other groups who work in the store year-round.
(38:26) In the life of ricRACK, what has surprised Allison the most?
(39:46) What are the requirements for fabric donations to ricRACK?
(42:23) What’s Allison’s dream for the future of ricRACK?
(42:44) What question didn’t we ask? How can people help?!
(44:06) Where does she want to open new locations?
(44:46) www.ricRACKnola.com, allison@ricRACKnola.com

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

What happens when sewing, cosplay, writing, teaching, natural history, horses, gaming, and a whole lot of curiosity come together? You get Annye Driscoll, better known online as Maker Fishmeal.

Annye is a writer, teacher, software developer, cosplayer, and self-described “very slow crafter.” They’ve written books including The Ultimate Glue Guide, Finish Your Cosplay!, and Ultimate Encyclopedia of Fabrics and Unconventional Materials, and they have a fascinating approach to creativity and making.

In this episode, Annye takes us into the world of cosplay, talks about how they learned to sew, explains why the cosplay community is so special to them, and shares what goes into creating their costumes. We also get into their books, their love of natural history, their many hobbies—and what it really means to be a “slow crafter.”

It’s a great conversation about making things, following your curiosity, and finding your people. So, let’s get started. This is Sew & So.

They live in Ohio with their partner, kitties, pony, and school of fancy guppies. 

(1:25) Meet Annye Driscoll!

(1:54) Who is Maker Fishmeal and how did Annye come up with this name?

(3:10) How did they learn to sew and who was their inspiration?

(4:55) When did they realize that creating was going to be a part of their life?

(6:18) What was Annye’s first experience with Cosplay?

(7:28) Annye talks about the Cosplay community and why it’s so special to them.

(9:07) What goes into the costumes they create and what’s the process?

(10:34) How does someone learn to work with foam? Cosplay’s Ultimate Guide to EVA Foam by Beverly Downan

(11:57) What’s the one thing about the Cosplay culture that Annye wants people to know?

(13:13) Annye calls themselves “a very slow crafter”. What does that mean?

(14:14) They say that cosplayers come to their craft from an unconventional place. What does that mean?

(16:41) Annye talks about their many and diverse hobbies…and what is their theory about horses?

(18:36) Annye talks about the books they’ve written.

(21:40) What’s the process when they release a book?

(22:54) How can you find out where Annye will be and where to meet them?

(23:12) Why is Annye a self-professed natural history geek?

(26:36) What’s next for Annye?

(27:01) Is there a question we didn’t ask?

(27:16) How can you contact Annye? www.Makerfishmeal.com…reach out please…they really mean it!

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.

Welcome to a special edition of Sew & So, brought to you by BERNINA — Made to Create. While attending BERNINA University in New Orleans, the Sew & So team had the privilege of sitting down with Carl Mack—artist, musician, storyteller, preservationist, and founder of the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture. As Carl welcomed us into his world, every answer sparked another fascinating story about the history, artistry, music, and traditions that have shaped Mardi Gras for generations.

From designing elaborate costumes to explaining the meaning behind Carnival customs, Carl's passion is contagious. More than a collector, he is a guardian of New Orleans culture, preserving not only spectacular costumes but the stories and people behind them.

Join us for this special Sew & So takeover as Carl Mack takes us on a colorful journey through one of the world's most celebrated cultural traditions.

 

(2:04) Meet Carl Mack

(2:50) How did the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture come to be?

(4:27) Carl takes us through the process of creating a Mardi Gras costume

(7:23) What is the history of the Mardi Gras colors purple, green and gold?

(8:42) Meet Alexis Romanoff and learn his influence on Mardi Gras

(10:26) Learn of Carl’s own special contribution to Mardi Gras

(11:16) What’s a Second Line parade?

(15:38) How long does it take to create a Mardi Gras costume?

(20:19) Carl provides definitions of common Mardi Gras terms.

(26:46) What’s the difference between Carnival and Mardi Gras?

(30:47) What does Carl want visitors to his museum to know before they arrive…and take away when they leave?

(32:41) Let’s talk a walk through the museum with Carl as our guide! He gives us an upfront and personal tour of his amazing collection and the history behind the costumes.

(37:35) Carl is the Captain of a Carnival Origination…the Krewe of Stars. Learn more about them…

(41:47) What costumes does Carl have that belong to Mardi Gras stars and royalty?

(44:17) What’s a Medici Collar?

(44:41) What about the Mardi Gras Indian costumes?

(45:36) Let’s sing along with Carl!!!

(46:19) Learn a little New Orleans Rock and Roll and Jazz history.

(47:52) Carl shares his own personal story of arriving and thriving in New Orleans.

(49:45) How can you contact Carl? www.themardigrasmuseum.com and on Instagram

(50:30) What question didn’t we ask him? This is pretty special!

Key Takeaways

The fascinating history behind Mardi Gras and the broader Carnival season. 

How elaborate Mardi Gras costumes are designed and handcrafted. 

The symbolism of Mardi Gras colors: purple, green, and gold. 

The difference between Carnival and Mardi Gras. 

The traditions of Second Line parades and Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs. 

The artistry and cultural significance of Mardi Gras Indian suits. 

Carl Mack's personal journey from musician to museum founder. 

Why preserving stories is just as important as preserving costumes. 

The role of Carnival Krewes and Mardi Gras royalty in New Orleans culture. 

How the Mardi Gras Museum brings New Orleans history to life through interactive exhibits and storytelling. 

Additional Background

The Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture, founded by Carl Mack, is located in New Orleans' historic French Quarter. The museum features one of the city's largest private collections of Mardi Gras costumes, including royal regalia, Mardi Gras Indian suits, Social Aid & Pleasure Club attire, Cajun Mardi Gras costumes, and interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience Carnival traditions firsthand. Carl, originally a percussionist and street performer known as "The Xylophone Man," has spent more than four decades immersed in New Orleans culture and is also co-captain of the Krewe of Stars Carnival organization. His mission is to preserve not only the spectacular costumes but also the stories, traditions, and communities that make Mardi Gras unique. 

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

:  In this episode of Sew & So, we’re joined by Dr. Cindie Husbands, founder of the American Tailors and Sewing Association.

Few people can say they've been a professional mime at SeaWorld, designed award-winning bridal veils, produced performances at Carnegie Hall, Broadway Theatre, and the Sydney Olympics, built dance studios, manufactured casino uniforms in Las Vegas, launched a company that produced antimicrobial masks during the pandemic, and then founded a national organization to transform the future of tailoring in America. But Dr. Cindie Husbands can.

Every chapter of her extraordinary life has been connected by one constant—sewing. From learning to sew as a young girl to building businesses across the country, Cindie has embraced every opportunity that came her way. Today, as founder of the American Tailors and Sewing Association, she's on a mission to address the growing shortage of skilled sewists, establish professional standards for the tailoring industry, and create new pathways for people to build meaningful careers through sewing.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, reinvention, and why sewing isn't just a craft—it's a skill that can truly change lives.

 

(3:00) How did Cindie first learn to sew and who was her inspiration?

(4:40) What’s the first item she created and does she still have it?

(4:55) Cindie takes us on a ride with her through the journey to where she is today. Hear about the now famous people she still knows from high school and why she became a mime at Sea World. Buckle-up…this is amazing! Hear about Carnage Hall, the Sydney Olympics, Alaska, Las Vegas, Casino Uniforms, Kokomo, IN, the realization that she had gone to high school with her husband and more! And in all of this…she earned her Doctorate Degree!

(21:26) Hear about the performances she’s produced and which are her favorites.

(22:20) Cindie talks about why quilting in Alaska is so pervasive and why quilting became important to her

(25:46) Her daughter Amber owns Volcano View in Homer, AK.

(26:08) What sewing projects are the most meaningful to her?

(28:00) Cindie talks about the disconnect in the sewing industry and why she started the American Tailors and Sewing Association. And…the dearth of standards and sewists to work for fashion companies and tailoring.

(32:00) Why haven’t standards and pathways been addressed until now?

(34:00) There is a resurgence in the interest of tailoring…but not enough people in the workforce to do the work. She explains what can be done about it.

(36:08) Have the large stores been supportive of her efforts?

(37:56) What are the goals of the Association? And her vision for the future of the industry?

(39:20) Learn about her plans for Mobile Sew Labs created to help people reinvent themselves.

(41:00) Cindie has “sewing can be a business at almost any level”. What does she mean by this?

(43:00) Americantailor.org

(43:08) What’s next for Cindie?

(44:05) What’s her dream?

(44:50) Is there a question we didn’t ask?

(45:40) You can reach out to Cindie go to Americantailor.org. Tell her you met her on Sew & So!

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.