Sew & So...

• Tania McKnight Norris - The Story of A Magnificent Lady and Purple Wallpaper

  At times we have the opportunity to deviate a little from the tried-and-true conversations this podcast has become known for as opportunities occur for us to sit down with a very special person, perhaps not known as a sewist or quilter, but as someone who has made an indelible mark in the world of creativity. Our guest today is a woman whose life and work have helped shape some of the most iconic spaces and moments in American design history – and whose personal story is just as remarkable as her professional one.Tania McKnight Norris was born in Scotland and lived in London and Zimbabwe (then Southern Rhodesia) before relocating to Los Angeles in 1963. With a refined eye for detail, a love of elegance, and an independent spirit, she made her way to the United States and found herself working at the highest levels of interior design—at a time when few women were given a seat at the table.She joined the design team at Walt Disney Productions in the 1960s, becoming the only woman on the original five-person team responsible for creating the interiors of Disneyland’s New Orleans Square and the elegant Club 33—an exclusive private club hidden behind an unmarked door that has since become the stuff of legend. Tania designed the club’s original logo, handpicked furnishings, and helped shape its iconic look and feel, combining European sophistication with imaginative flair.Norris left Disney in the 70s, working as a project designer for the RMS Queen Mary before relocating to central California and opening an antique shop. She also anchored a weekly radio show about antiques and participated in antique shows throughout the United States while running her shop.Her interests include gardening, photography travel, cooking, needlepoint and botanical art – she is a member of the American Society of Botanical Artists.Today, Tania joins us to reflect on a life lived with imagination, strength, and purpose. From her early days as a curious girl in Scotland to becoming a design icon in her own right, she has so much to share—and we are honored to have her here to share it with us.(3:42) Tania shares stories of her youth…being born before WWII. She lived in a castle Culzean in Scotland which had a special floor that was given by the people of Scotland to President Eisenhower. Did you know that Scotland has palm trees along the coast. And that at the age of 8, Tania decided she wanted to decorate homes?! She even met Lady Churchill, Margo Fountain and the royal family. She arrived in America in November 1963, 2 weeks prior to the assassination of President Kennedy. She marveled at the resilience of this country. Then…there was THE call about the job at Disney. What follows is a rich recount of her early days at Disney.(13:30)Tania talks about Walt Disney and the gracious way he treated her. He “never said no” to her about her ideas. Learn what Disney would do if he didn’t like someone’s work…or wanted something more. And…how the ladies room got to be bigger than originally planned.(19:05) What’s Tania’s favorite attraction at Disney World! Find out here and why she chose this particular one. Learn about some of the behind-the-scenes things done at Disney World…things you probably never knew!(21:50) And now…the purple wallpaper. Tania tells of its creation.(24:46) Tania’s hands have been reproduced many times at Disney. Hear this story and how much she was paid. Any why Mitzie Chandler got paid more.(26:22) What’s it like for Tania to walk into a haunted mansion and see her work? What happened when she saw it on a maiden voyage of a Disney cruise ship?(27:33) Tania is a sewist. How did she learn to sew and what are her favorite things to make. How did WWII influence her sewing? And what’s she up to with Joe Vecchiarelli?(33:10) Tania has visited +130 countries. Her some of her wonderful tales of adventures. Let’s start with Antarctica. Then there’s Mongolia where she saw the eclipse, Siberia for a wedding and Albania to interview students with whom she travelled to Macedonia. Oh, and what about 1000 miles down the Amazon.(35:02) Where has she not traveled to…but wants to go to…? West Africa and several places in Europe. Have toothbrush will travel!(35:37) She talks about her endowment for botanical art at the Huntington in San Marino. She explains why botanical art is so meaningful to her. She tells of the Virginia Robinson Gardens. She also explains botanical art.(38:30) Who is someone she’s met in her life that really left an impression. Well…JoeVechiarelli…and Charles the King of England! Michael Jackson, Madonna.(40:12) What inspires her? Inquisitiveness! She tells of a dinner one night at the Getty Museum and…!(41:22) What’s next for her? Retirement…most likely not!(41:53) What didn’t I ask? Well, hear about her radio show The World of Books(43:14) How can you reach out to Tania? [email protected]. Be sure to follow, rate and review this podcast on your favorite platform. 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.

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• Amy Barickman - Inspired by the Past, Creating for the Future:

  Our guest today is Amy Barickman. Born in Michigan, raised in Iowa - Amy graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Fine Arts, only wishing it was with an emphasis in textiles versus glass blowing.Always drawn to boutique fashion as well as upcycling and vintage, Vintage Made Modernhas been a theme of many of the books and patterns she produced over the more than 30 the years of product development with the brand she founded in 1990, Indygo Junction.  She is the author of the award-winning book; Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion and Fun. Most recently her passion for vintage and upcycling, led her to create Treasured Threadz with her manufacturing and distribution partner Colonial Patterns. Her latest project, a gift book Love You to Piecesis a combination of her passion for collecting quilts and sharing handmade treasures along with the history behind them .  She is coming full circle with her new project - a book based on her collection of quilts and stuffed bears and dolls- she’ll also be introducing a collection of doll and bear patterns to companion the book - hoping to add machine embroidery and other products that will inspire the sewing and quilting community. Additionally, she’s working with Colonial Patterns on a new line of embroidery products under ABC Amy Barickman Creative.  Amy currently spends most of the year in Kansas City, though she  enjoys her family home in NW Michigan as well. Her husband is a sixth-grade teacher, and they have two kids who both have graduated college and are working in Kansas City.(2:29) Amy’s mother taught her to sew and her grandmother also provided inspiration. She tells about her Girl Scout project…a wrapped skirt. Learn of her mom’s business and how that also influenced Amy.(4:30) What business did Amy start in High School? And…how did her mom influence this?(7:57) Supporting local businesses is so very important to Amy. She talks about why she feels this way and why it’s important. (9:44) Why the fascination with vintage? Mom and Grandma had a lot to do with this. Hear about the photo with the matching gingham outfits! (12:11) Amy talks about her brand-new line of embroidery products…she’s launching them soon!  (15:04) Amy is excited about the new makers in sewing. She explains why she feels this way and provides examples. (17:46) How did Amy come up with the name of her first company, Indygo Junction? (18:30) Why dies Amy consider herself a historian? Learn that here! (21:00) Mary Brooks Picken is Amy’s muse. Amy tells us Mary’s story and why she’s had such a powerful influence on her. (25:44) Hear about Mend and Make Do…the precursor to upcycling! (27:30) What inspired Amy? Well, would you be surprised if she said Vintage? (28:53) Amy shares the deep connection she has with the sewing community and how important all of this is to her.  (31;59) New book, landing page, launch party! Love You to Pieces is her new book! Amybarickman.com/loveyoutopieces (33:50) What’s next for Amy? And of course, what’s her dream?! (35:09) Anything we didn’t ask?  (35:42) How do you reach out to Amy? [email protected]. Also go to amybarickman.com for more info and to join her community. Be sure to follow, rate and review this podcast on your favorite platform. 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.

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• Threading Destiny – Behind the scenes of the movie Sew Torn

  Today we’re threading together sewing, and fate with some of the extraordinary people behind one of the most innovative and visually striking films of the year—Sew Torn. It’s a thriller. A dark comedy. And a stitched-together cinematic wonder that explores how every decision unravels a different destiny.In Sew Torn, Barbara Duggen—‘The Mobile Seamstress’—stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong. Faced with a suitcase full of cash and two injured men, she must choose what’s next Each decision plays out in a unique timeline, with wildly different and increasingly dangerous consequences. The result is a story of grief, survival, and redemption—where thread becomes both weapon and lifeline.Joining me are the father-and-son creative team behind the film: Freddy Macdonald, the 24-year-old - youngest-ever Directing Fellow at the American Film Institute. Freddy’s debut feature Sew Torn premiered at SXSW and headlined the Locarno Film Festival’s Piazza Grande. His thesis film, Shedding Angels, won a Student Academy Award and was shortlisted for a BAFTA. Sew Torn was acquired by Vertigo Releasing and Sunrise Films and opened theatrically nationwide Alongside him is his father and producing partner Fred Macdonald—a seasoned media executive and writer whose companies have collaborated with Disney, DreamWorks, Lionsgate, and more. As former CEO of Olive Jar Studios, Fred led creative for award-winning theme park media and advertising campaigns, including a CLIO Gold-winning Coca-Cola spot.Also joining us is the magnetic Irish actor, Eve Connolly. A graduate of Dublin’s Gaiety School of Acting, Eve launched her screen career in Into the Badlands, and has since appeared in The Other Lamb, Vikings, and River Wild. In Sew Torn, she brings grit, emotion, and inventiveness to her role as Barbara—a woman who sews her way out of impossible circumstances.We’ll talk about how sewing literally powers the film—from embroidered “Talking Portraits” to stitched title cards to intricate Rube Goldberg-style thread rigs. And we’ll explore how the film’s visual and emotional complexity reflects the choices we make—and the ones that make us.(3:27) Hear a clip from the movie that sets the scene for the whole movie. Fred and Freddy comment on it. Hear how the concept for this film was Freddy’s entrée to the American Film Institute. No Country For Old Men had something to do with this!(6:33) What was it like to get a call from Joel Cohen? Fred explains. The three things Fred heard on the initial call from a friend Peter Spears, Joel Cohen wants to meet, Searchlight wants to buy the short film, Rich Klubeck from United Talent Agency (UTA) wants to represent Freddy as a director. This all happened while Freddy was still a high school senior.(10:17) How did the whole movie launch from the simple idea of a lost button? And by the way…there were NO computer-generated effects in the movie. (13:30) What’s it like for Freddy and Fred to work together? Do they always agree? agree? Freddy learned stop motion animation at the age of nine…from his dad. At the same time Fred taught Freddy to write films! (17:11) Three altering decisions. Why this story structure? Freddy explains the difficulty in making the feature length film out of the short. (19:49)How long did it take from beginning to end to make the film? Well…Freddy was 18 when they started – and just turned 24 as it was released! (20:24)Freddy and Fred explain the Rube-Goldberg contraptions they built. No-tricks…everything was in camera…with a small budget too! And…what was their OMG moment?! (23:46) The embroidered talking portraits…Fred and Freddy talked about these innovative elements in the movie and how they were created. Learn how BERNINA was essential in creating these and how they all worked together. Hear about the Metler introduction and how this made such an impact in the movie (27:46) Location, location, location. How did the town where they shot the movie affect the feeling and cinematography of the movie? Learn about this town and the people who live there…and how some of them were extras in the movie. (31:03) Barbara’s journey…what influenced her arc? Physical want + emotional need. (32:25) This deeply physical film leans surprisingly heavily on non-verbal. How did Freddy and Fred make this work? Also, hear about Eve’s audition for her part and what she did to win the role.(35:06) Sound design and the music score were deeply important to this movie. Learn how Jacob Tardien the music composer created the sound that added so much to the film. And learn how that sound was made.(37:32) What was the toughest scene to film and how did they approach it? And how did no dialog carry this critical 6 minutes?(40:02) There are three very distinct stories in this movie…how were they filmed? Well, Freddy, as the script supervisor, explains how they put all of this together and maintained continuity.(41:24) Any special behind-the-scenes stories that can be revealed just for this podcast? Oh yes…listen to Fred’s story about an actor that maintained character…all the time!(45:38) What’s next for Freddy and Fred? Working together is at the top of this list. Do they have one in the works…yes, yes they do! And Fred would like a slightly bigger budget for the next film!(46:50) Anything we didn’t ask that they wish we had?! Not a thing.(47:40) How can you reach Freddy and Fred? www.macdonaldentertainment partners.com. (48:13) Now…meet Eve Connolly(48:50) Eve talks about what drew her to the script. The short film had a lot to do with it!(49:45) Eve tells of the initial conversation she had with Freddy and Fred. Their explanation of wanting emotional depth for Barbara was a large draw.(51:33) How did Barbara prepare for this role? Years of working as an actor prepared her…but finding something to identify with was even more important. Once on set…she’s ready to go and she’s in the moment!(52:46) Hear Barbara’s favorite clip form the movie…and the pivotal conversation that tells so much. Now Barbara shares what this meant to her and why.(55:28) This incredible physical role…How did Eve do this?(56:27) The rigs that were created in the film…Barbara tells all. How did she learn to build and manage these? Does Eve sew?!(58:41) The dance in the movie…Barbara tells of doing this dance and how she felt doing. How did she audition for this? Over ZOOM…and the dance…it was a natural for her…and very emotional.(1:01:39) Location–Location-Location. How did this affect her performance?(1:02:30) And that haunting stillness?(1:03:41) What part of Barbara’s character stayed with Eve? That very strong connection with her mother…and the fact that she did this even though it was quite intimidating. Eve know the potential for this film and wanted to do justice to this creation. Overcoming her nerves was pretty big for her!(1:05:56) Did this experience change how Eve will play future roles?(1:07:07) What was her favorite of filming. The cast, the crew…all the people involved in the movie. Definite respect for Freddy as her director. Oh, and singing High School Musical every day before filming!(1:08:11) Her favorite part of the movie…refer back to the clip we played! And filming the scenes on the road.(1:09:19) Any behind the scenes stories? She talks about the car. And yes, it wasn’t a prop…it’s a real thing!(1:10:51) What’s Eve’s dream? Not what you might think. What’s next…she’s developing a series in Ireland.(1:11::51) Anything we didn’t ask?(1:12:03) How can you reach out to Eve? @eveconnolly on Instagram. Our Thanks to Freddy and Fred Macdonald and Eve Connolly for their time and conversation.You can now order Sew Torn to be released on June 13th on Apple+TV. 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.

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• Barbara McCraw - Living My Dream

  Today we welcome quilt artist Barbara Ann McCraw. Actually…we welcome her back as we met Barbara in person and interviewed her at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah at her exhibit Life Stories during Quilt Week in 2024. While our conversation was a component of a compilation of stories…we felt that she had so much more to share, hence she joins us today. Barbara grew up on the south side of Chicago and later attended Illinois State University where she earned a degree in English. In 1986 she earned a degree in medical technology and worked at Texas Woman’s Univrsity, University of North Texas and UT Southwestern Medical center where  she became pathology supervisor until her retirement in 2000. Barbara’s quilts have won numerous awards and many now make their home in private collections. They have been featured in multiple publications and featured in a documentary and a CBS television human interest story.In 2012 Barbara was invited to teach in Tanzania, Africa and two years later she returned there to participate in a quilt honoring Nelson Mandella. Barbara gives large credit for her success to her husband Erine who has helped her both personally and professionally throughout her quilting career. Barbara and Ernie make their home in Texas. (2:20) Barbara talks about how she learned to sew and who was her influence. A very loud, rambunctious family had a large part in this! (4:55) Learn about Barbara’s mother and more about her influence on Barbara’s sewing, leading with courage and unconditional love. (6:35) Barbara’s career started out using her English. A pregnancy changed course for her. She always wanted to wear a lab coat…and wanted to be a doctor and learned that medical technology was really her thing. So off she went to become a pathologist/medical technologist.  (10:03) So how did Barbara decide to learn to quilt? A move to Texas and missing her mom led the way. Learn about her interactions with the Newcomers Club in Carolton, TX and how this influenced her path(11:50) What was her first quilt? Learn that here.(12:35) The Family Reunion Quilt is one of her finest. She shares the story of this wonderful creation…and the dream that started it all. Her family history story is quite amazing. (18:10) Barbara talks openly about living through many race-based issues. She addresses this through her Loving Quilt. Hear this story and the impact this creation has had. She talks about her husband Ernie, their marriage and how Mildred and Richard Loving had an impact on them. (23:39) Learn more about Ernie McCraw, his influence on Barbara’s career and the secret to their 45-year marriage.  (28:52) Learn about Barbara’s  trips to Tanzania and her work on the Nelson Mandela quilt. (34:12) In 1995 Barbara became involved in Aids Services of North Texas. Because of this, she joined a sewing group that was working on the Names Project…creating quilt blocks made for families of those who passed from Aids. Learn why these quilts were 3’x6’. (38:05) How has quilting influenced her life and why is it so special to her? Belonging is the foundation of all of this. (39:45) What’s next for Barbara and what’s her dream? Well, there’s this special quilt she’s working on…! (41:40) It there any question I didn’t ask? (42:45) What’s the best way to reach Barbara? www.quiltasart.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.

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• Pat & Walter Bravo – Art Gallery Fabrics. Partners in Every Aspect of Life

  Our guests today come to us from the world of fabric design as we welcome Pat & Walter Bravo from Art Gallery Fabrics- Textile Manufacturer in Miami, Florida. Both born in Buenos Aires Argentina, Pat got the sewing bug beside her mother as she sewed…as she dreamed of painting her world with fabrics.As Pat created a gallery in their home with quilts, their son named it an Art Gallery and an idea was born. So, Pat and her husband Walter turned this passion into a company and Art Gallery Fabrics was born. Pat’s life always revolved around art, history, sewing and later quilting – while Walter's was all about Entrepreneurship and Commerce regarding awards and accomplishments Pat and Walter have one son, two new puppies Sol & Luna –and many stories to share!(1:42) Pat’s mother taught her to sew starting at age 9. Hear the stories of her early journey and why she liked it so much from the start. (3:10) Pat always dreamt of “painting the world with fabric”. Hear what this truly means to her. She takes us through the wonderful progression of events that eventually led to the founding on Art Gallery Fabrics. (7:40)The Art Gallery Fabrics website features a video tour of the Art Gallery Fabrics office. Pat walks you through the features of this video and their office.(10:21) Walter tells how he and Pat met (they’ve been together now for 40 years!) and why they came to the US.(11:31) Walter initially worked in the carpet industry in Argentina, moving to the garment industry when he moved to the US. He shares the story of his work and the move to Miami.(13:10) Walter explains his extensive role at art Gallery Fabrics. When it comes to the operations…he does it all!(14:15) And…how does each of them feel about working with their spouse!? Mutual trust is the secret.(16:22) Pat and Walter speak fondly of their team and why they have become family.(19:28) Next, they talk about their different designers and how they choose the patterns that become their fabrics.(21:28) What is the look or stye that they work exemplifies? Pat explains how to tell if something is part of Art Gallery Fabrics.(25:14) Both Pat and Walter walk us through the process of dreaming up a design to taking the fabric to the public. Listen for the word “evocative” !(31:48) Do Pat and Walter get to see the creations made from their fabrics? Absolutely! Hear how much that means to them! And quality…? This is the most important aspect of their products…hear why!(33:12) Many of their designs are inspired by experiences and cultures. Pat talks about her favorite…the Indie Collection. (36:04) You’ve heard their dogs Sol and Luna in the background throughout our conversation. Let’s hear their story!(39:11) So, what’s next for them…and what’s their dream?(41:28) Is there any question that I didn’t ask? Well Pat says…I love my husband so very much” and Walter says he feels the same! Partners is every aspect of life.(42:30) What’s the best way to contact Pat and Walter? [email protected] , Instagram and Facebook too! 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.

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