The Stitch Please podcast comes from Black Women Stitch. This sewing group for Black women and girls promotes liberation, self-love, and social justice. On the podcast, host Lisa Woolfork talks about all things sewing. With her guests, she offers techniques, encouragement, and community. The show also provides a history of African-American culture and expression.
A professor of English, podcast host Lisa founded Black Women Stitch in 2018. The group is a response to her work as an organizer for Black Lives Matter. In 2017, she hid in a church while white supremacists marched through Charlottesville. Lisa was also present on August 12, 2017, when a car attack killed a protestor in the town. Creating this new sewing community offered her healing. Her group serves as a space for Black women to be themselves without apology.
Rashida Coleman Hale joins in one episode live from QuiltCon, Atlanta. With guest host Naomi Johnson, she and Lisa celebrate Black representation at the event. Rashida discusses her new fabric line and excitement at seeing Black women in her prints. The three also enjoy meeting famous quilter Latifah Saafir while there. In another live episode, Chawne Kimber comes on the podcast to discuss "the power of the needle." She talks about "Black girl math magic" and quilting, and she offers words of wisdom.
The amazing Bisa Butler joins Lisa in one episode to discuss her textile portraits. Through her art, she honors the historical figures she portrays. Bisa emphasizes the importance of uplifting friends, family, and community. She insists that it's vital to stop seeing whiteness as the default of being human. Home sewer Sasha shares how she brings humor to her Instagram account. She highlights how delightful it can be to sew for fun and define a unique style. Sasha lets podcast listeners know it's easy and fun to begin.
The show serves those who like to crochet, weave, sew with needle and thread, or do any fiber arts. Listeners hear from Black women about their histories, styles, and inspirations. First-time sewers and experts beginning their sewing plans may enjoy Stitch Please.
Episodes