About this episode
This exclusive all-access episode takes you through the 2023 version of QuiltCon in Atlanta, Georgia. The definition of Modern Quilting varies from person to person. Hear the thoughts of Modern Quilt Guild (MQG) President Aleeda Crawley, Karen Cooper Executive Director of MQG, Christa Watson BERNINA Ambassador, Last Year’s Keynote Speaker Latifa Safir, and attendees from around the world. Learn from Elizabeth Dackson – MQG Director of Events exactly what it takes to put on QuiltCon…and she shares a hidden secret about the show! Then Karen Cooper added her two cents on putting the show together, and she shares a very special story you won’t want to miss about a devotee of this event. She also talks about an interesting challenge this year’s event faced. Chawne Kimber, this year’s keynote speaker and renowned activist/artist talks about her experience at this year’s event. Black Women Sewist had a prominent voice, and they shared their perspectives on the progress that’s been made – and what’s still left to be accomplished. Latifa Saafir explains her POV, Aleeda Crawley describes the MQG focus for the coming year - and by the way…don’t touch the quilts! She also acknowledges volunteers. Lisa Woolfork talks about community and safety, the genesis of Black Women Stitch, and sewing on Amtrack on her way to QuiltCon. Peggy Martin, President of the Brown Sugar Stitchers shares the story about this group’s founding and how this group got its name. Next, meet Uzoma Samuel, a first-time quilter from Nigeria. Learn about his family, his process, how he sees fabric as paint, and his long journey to finally getting to QuiltCon. Sara Trail – a friend of Uzoma’s, tells how they met on Facebook and how she worked tirelessly to help him. One of our favorite things to do is to catch up with past Sew & So Guests. At QuiltCon we talked with Becky Glasby from the National Quilt Museum (Episode 24) and Marisa Marquez from Brewer (Episode 26). Becky shares updates from the Museum and what we can expect coming up this year and Marisa tells us what she’s been up to since her episode. And…oh the shopping! One thing that everyone loves at QuiltCon is the selection of vendors – listen as we learn about Sew Creative Lounge, String and Story, and Moda/United Notions. Louise Duffy from BERNINA exudes the energy of this event and talks about the Georgia stores she works with. The days were full…and long. The mood is upbeat…inclusive, realistic, and hopeful. It was all about much more than quilting and sewing. It was about the interwoven stories of those who quilt and sew and the effects they have and will have on each other. It was about yesterday, today, and the promise of a better tomorrow. It was about community. And it’s this community that makes sewing and quilting so very much more. This was QuiltCon 2023. Thanks to all who shared their stories with us for this special episode of Sew & So! If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website. 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.