Stitch Please

Lisa Woolfork
Stitch Please

Dive deep into the vibrant world of sewing with the award-winning Stitch Please podcast, an official show of Black Women Stitch – the sewing group where Black lives matter. Uniquely crafted for those who love sewing, this sewing podcast is a gem that centers around Black women, girls, and femmes, weaving threads of creativity, technique, and passion with every episode. Hosted by Lisa Woolfork, a 6th generation sewing enthusiast, this podcast not only mirrors her ardor for the craft but also her roles as an artist, activist, and academic. Specializing in African American literature and culture, Lisa seamlessly stitches together her varied backgrounds to produce episodes that are both informative and engaging. You'll be immersed in lively interviews that are enriched by her expertise, presenting a fresh perspective that few other podcasts in the sewing community can offer. As an artist, Lisa Woolfork brings a unique eye for detail and aesthetics, offering listeners the chance to envision sewing in new, vibrant ways. As an activist, she ensures that the podcast sewing narratives and discussions are rooted in liberation, particularly emphasizing the significance of Black lives. Her academic background adds another layer of depth to the podcast, allowing listeners to delve into the rich tapestry of African American literature and culture, shedding light on how these narratives can influence and inspire one's sewing journey. Each week, listeners of the Stitch Please podcast can look forward to insightful discussions that celebrate Black creativity in sewing and quilting. Moreover, as a bonus, this sewing podcast shares invaluable tips and techniques, making it a must-listen for both beginners and seasoned sewists alike. Join us as we thread the needle of history, art, and activism with the love of sewing, creating a tapestry of stories and tips that resonate with every stitch. If you cherish the world of sewing, quilting, and the rich narratives of Black creativity, the Stitch Please podcast is your ideal companion. Tune in weekly. This sewing podcast will “help you get your stitch together.”

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Stitch Please Swatches: Holiday Swatches (2023 Replay)

    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 Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork Ready 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 newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store Stay Connected: YouTube: Black Women Stitch Instagram: Black Women Stitch Facebook: Stitch Please Podcast

    17 min
  2. DEC 11

    From Film Lighting to Fiber Arts: A Chat with Heather Grocock

    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- @thatssewheather IG- @heathergrocock Auntie Bunny HeatherGrocock.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 Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork Ready 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 newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store Stay Connected: YouTube: Black Women Stitch Instagram: Black Women Stitch Facebook: Stitch Please Podcast

    38 min
  3. DEC 4

    (Part Two) Mindful Consumerism: Shams el-din Rogers on Thrift, Sewing, and Sustainability

    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 Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork Ready 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 newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store Stay Connected: YouTube: Black Women Stitch Instagram: Black Women Stitch Facebook: Stitch Please Podcast

    29 min
  4. NOV 20

    The Peachy Path: Fiber Fun with Laverne Benton

    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.com IG: @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 Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork Ready 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!

    35 min
  5. NOV 13

    The Benefits of Cylinder Arm Machines

    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-@sewnoteitbe Sew Mote It Be website ====== Roschelle Wadley IG-@mindofaladybug Mind 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 Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork Ready 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 newsletter Check out our merch here Leave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode. Join the Black Women Stitch Patreon Check out our Amazon Store Stay Connected: YouTube: a href="https://www.youtube.com/@blackwomenstitch3484" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    40 min
  6. NOV 6

    African Textiles and Identity with Khensani Mohlatlole

    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 Kensani Hanger Management The Clothes Minded Podcast Instagram- @okbaddiek Tik 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 Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork Ready 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! Mentioned in this episode: Hello Fresh Campaign Start 11.6.24

    39 min
  7. OCT 30

    Celebrating Cosplay with SheShe!

    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 Woolfork Twitter: Lisa Woolfork Ready 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!

    29 min

Hosts & Guests

4.9
out of 5
495 Ratings

About

Dive deep into the vibrant world of sewing with the award-winning Stitch Please podcast, an official show of Black Women Stitch – the sewing group where Black lives matter. Uniquely crafted for those who love sewing, this sewing podcast is a gem that centers around Black women, girls, and femmes, weaving threads of creativity, technique, and passion with every episode. Hosted by Lisa Woolfork, a 6th generation sewing enthusiast, this podcast not only mirrors her ardor for the craft but also her roles as an artist, activist, and academic. Specializing in African American literature and culture, Lisa seamlessly stitches together her varied backgrounds to produce episodes that are both informative and engaging. You'll be immersed in lively interviews that are enriched by her expertise, presenting a fresh perspective that few other podcasts in the sewing community can offer. As an artist, Lisa Woolfork brings a unique eye for detail and aesthetics, offering listeners the chance to envision sewing in new, vibrant ways. As an activist, she ensures that the podcast sewing narratives and discussions are rooted in liberation, particularly emphasizing the significance of Black lives. Her academic background adds another layer of depth to the podcast, allowing listeners to delve into the rich tapestry of African American literature and culture, shedding light on how these narratives can influence and inspire one's sewing journey. Each week, listeners of the Stitch Please podcast can look forward to insightful discussions that celebrate Black creativity in sewing and quilting. Moreover, as a bonus, this sewing podcast shares invaluable tips and techniques, making it a must-listen for both beginners and seasoned sewists alike. Join us as we thread the needle of history, art, and activism with the love of sewing, creating a tapestry of stories and tips that resonate with every stitch. If you cherish the world of sewing, quilting, and the rich narratives of Black creativity, the Stitch Please podcast is your ideal companion. Tune in weekly. This sewing podcast will “help you get your stitch together.”

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada