Best Seamstress Podcasts (2025)

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Kristine Frailing and The New York Sewing Center 26:18

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7d ago26:18

26:18

In this episode of Sew & So, we sit down with Kristine Frailing, founder of The New YorkSewing Center, a vibrant, hands-on sewing school with two locations in New York and virtual classes that reach students in all 50 states. A fashion designer, entrepreneur, and mom, Kristine brings her passion for sewing and empowering others into everything she …

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BHS e522-Retreat Meadows Pump Station and Island 5:39

8d ago5:39

5:39

Have you ever wondered about the cement foundations and island in the middle of the Retreat Meadows? This recording explains the origins of the cement structures and the man-made island. The recording was written by Brattleboro Historical Society President Lee Ha.By Brattleboro Historical Society

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6.11 Gabrielle Petit (1) Born to defy

11d ago

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From the orphanage to the streets of Brussels, Gabrielle Petit grew up with a healthy disdain for authority - perfect training for a budding spy. Support the show on Patreon Follow us on Facebook

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6.11 Gabrielle Petit (1) Born to defy 36:52

11d ago36:52

36:52

From the orphanage to the streets of Brussels, Gabrielle Petit grew up with a healthy disdain for authority - perfect training for a budding spy. Support the show on Patreon Follow us on Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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BHS e521 - Jennie Melchen and Prohibition 6:34

14d ago6:34

6:34

Jennie Melchen was accused of possessing one of the finest stills ever confiscated in Vermont. She was a refugee from the Russian Empire and one of the first immigrants to sail past the Statue of Liberty in NYC Harbor. Here's her story...By Brattleboro Historical Society

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BHS e520-Varillus "Tony" Jones WWII Fighter Pilot 6:59

21d ago6:59

6:59

Tony Jones was a fighter pilot from Brattleboro who gave his life during World War II. He grew up on the corner of Putney Road and Bradley Avenue. His family operated the Jones Oil Company. At the time of his death, Tony was 25 years old and had hunted German bombers over enemy European territory for almost two years. This is his story...…

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Tania McKnight Norris - The Story of A Magnificent Lady and Purple Wallpaper 45:28

21d ago45:28

45:28

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 a…

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6.10 Edith Cavell (3) The price of defiance

25d ago

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Facing a rigged trial and execution, Edith Cavell's defiance and iconic last words ignite global outrage, cementing her legacy as a true wartime hero. Support the show on Patreon Follow us on Facebook

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6.10 Edith Cavell (3) The price of defiance 1:07:47

25d ago1:07:47

1:07:47

Facing a rigged trial and execution, Edith Cavell's defiance and iconic last words ignite global outrage, cementing her legacy as a true wartime hero. Support the show on Patreon Follow us on Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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BHS e519-John Ballard and the Tuskegee Airmen 6:11

29d ago6:11

6:11

John Ballard was working at Arthur F. Roberts’ houseware and paint store on Main Street when he received a draft notice telling him to report to Rutland, Vt. for medical examination by the Army. Here's his story...By Brattleboro Historical Society

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Amy Barickman - Inspired by the Past, Creating for the Future: 37:30

1M ago37:30

37:30

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 s…

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BHS e518-Moments in Brattleboro History Project 4:27

1M ago4:27

4:27

The Brattleboro Historical Society will hold a ceremony in the small park between Wells Fountain and the courthouse at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 28th to introduce “Moments in Brattleboro History” markers. These local history markers will appear on signs and buildings throughout town. Each sign will be attached to a building or post and include a b…

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BHS e517- Jason Bushnell's IGA and Museum 6:18

1M ago6:18

6:18

In 1879 the Bushnell Block on Elliot Street began as a two and a half story wood frame house. In 1887 the size of the building was doubled and partially converted into a boarding house. In 1915 Jason Bushnell moved his grocery store into the building and continued to expand. Here's the story...By Brattleboro Historical Society

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6.09 Edith Cavell (2) Under the Eagle's Shadow

2M ago

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As the German occupation tightens its grip, Edith Cavell risks everything to save Allied soldiers, transforming her clinic into a clandestine lifeline under the constant threat of betrayal and arrest. Support the show on Patreon Follow us on Facebook

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6.09 Edith Cavell (2) Under the Eagle's Shadow 45:10

2M ago45:10

45:10

As the German occupation tightens its grip, Edith Cavell risks everything to save Allied soldiers, transforming her clinic into a clandestine lifeline under the constant threat of betrayal and arrest. Support the show on Patreon Follow us on Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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BHS e516-Joseph Kellogg and Fort Dummer 1700's 6:33

2M ago6:33

6:33

Joseph Kellogg was the longest serving commander of Fort Dummer. He established trade with local Natives and was known for his skills as an interpreter. Kellogg was involved with many of the New England and New York treaties negotiated during this time. Here's his story...By Brattleboro Historical Society

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Threading Destiny – Behind the scenes of the movie Sew Torn 1:14:42

2M ago1:14:42

1:14:42

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 Seam…

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BHS e515-B.D. and Sarah Harris, and the Mormons 1851 7:58

2M ago7:58

7:58

Sarah Harris wrote about her honeymoon experiences among the Mormons in 1851. This recording explains how the Brattleboro newlyweds found themselves in multiple life-threatening situations in the days of the Wild West...By Brattleboro Historical Society

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6.08 Edith Cavell (1) Belgium's Florence Nightingale

2M ago

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A vicar's daughter became the founding mother of modern Belgian nursing, but the outbreak of the First World War would change her life forever. Support the show on Patreon Follow us on Facebook

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6.08 Edith Cavell (1) Belgium's Florence Nightingale 35:45

2M ago35:45

35:45

A vicar's daughter became the founding mother of modern Belgian nursing, but the outbreak of the First World War would change her life forever. Support the show on Patreon Follow us on Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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BHS e514-John Deere, Fred Holbrook and Plows 7:24

2M ago7:24

7:24

The Plows of the Valleys are NOT the Plows of the Hills...in the 1800's Brattleboro's Fred Holbrook designed sidehill swivel plows that were popular in northern New England. Here's the story...By Brattleboro Historical Society

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Barbara McCraw - Living My Dream 44:18

2M ago44:18

44:18

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 u…

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BHS e513-Mary Donnell, Thompson Trust and Brattleboro Seamstresses 6:38

2M ago6:38

6:38

Three generations of women owned and operated a millinery business in Brattleboro for over 75 years during the eighteen and nineteen hundreds. One of the women, Mary Donnell, also spent a great deal of time representing the interests of the seamstresses and female factory workers who were supposed to benefit from the Thompson Trust. Here's the stor…

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Pat & Walter Bravo – Art Gallery Fabrics. Partners in Every Aspect of Life 44:22

3M ago44:22

44:22

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 quilt…

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BHS e512-Estey at War, 1942-1945 5:59

3M ago5:59

5:59

In 1942 Estey Organ on Birge St. went into wartime production for the government. Ammo boxes, pontoon bridges and portable organs for chaplains in war zones were made at the complex. Employment went from 90 to 350 and one third of the employees were women. here's the story...By Brattleboro Historical Society

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6.07 Elizabeth Van Lew (3) Exhuming a hero

3M ago

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If you ever find yourself in need of someone to help you dig up a dead body - Elizabeth Van Lew is your woman. As the US Civil War reaches its bloody climax, Elizabeth rises to the occasion turning the Richmond Underground into an intelligence machine. She played a significant role in winning the war, but it would cost her dearly. Support the show …

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6.07 Elizabeth Van Lew (3) Exhuming a hero 58:46

3M ago58:46

58:46

AUDIO ISSUES FIXED - Please re-download if you can't hear the music properly If you ever find yourself in need of someone to help you dig up a dead body - Elizabeth Van Lew is your woman. As the US Civil War reaches its bloody climax, Elizabeth rises to the occasion turning the Richmond Underground into an intelligence machine. She played a signifi…

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BHS e511-Anthony Van Doorn and early furniture making 7:03

3M ago7:03

7:03

Anthony Van Doorn came to Brattleboro in the early 1800's and became the largest furniture maker in Vermont. Pieces of his are on display in the Bennington Museum, Historic Deerfield Museum and the Brattleboro Historical Society. Here's his story...By Brattleboro Historical Society

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BHS e510-immigration and deportation 1880's-1920's 7:37

3M ago7:37

7:37

Immigration and Deportation have both recently been in the news. The 1880's thru the 1920's saw major changes in these policies throughout the US and in Brattleboro. Here's the story...By Brattleboro Historical Society

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The Sisters...Sue Nickels & Pat Holly. We've Always Played Well With Each Other 49:55

3M ago49:55

49:55

In this special family-themed episode we're delighted to welcome sisters Sue Nickels and Pat Holly, renowned figures in the quilting community. Both have dedicated more than four decades to the art of quilting, earning numerous accolades and inspiring countless enthusiasts worldwide. Pat Holly was born in Lafayette, Indiana, during her father's te…

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BHS e509- Ernest Gibson Jr. and the Irasburg Affair 5:58

3M ago5:58

5:58

Ernest Gibson Jr. became governor in the 1940's and established the Vermont State Police. Twenty years later he found himself criticizing the organization he helped start. Here's the story...By Brattleboro Historical Society

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BHS e508-Oliver Willard, Fort Dummer and the Charter 5:32

3M ago5:32

5:32

Brattleboro was chartered in 1753 but not organized as a town until 1761. This is the story of that process, and the first Brattleboro settler acknowledged by the New Hampshire government. His name was Oliver Willard. Here's the story...By Brattleboro Historical Society

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Beth Donaldson – The Quilt Index 40:34

3M ago40:34

40:34

Our guest today is Beth Donaldson, quiltmaker, quilt book author, and Associate Director of the Quilt Index www.quiltindex.org an online repository of quilt information housed at MATRIX: Center for Digital Humanities & Social Sciences at Michigan State University (https://matrix.msu.edu/),East Lansing, Michigan. Born and raised in suburban Detroit,…

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6.06 Elizabeth Van Lew (2) The Spy and the Beast

4M ago

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Against an outpouring of support for the new Confederacy, Elizabeth begins her journey as a spy, establishes the Richmond Underground and helps enable one of the biggest prison breaks of the war. Support the show on Patreon Follow us on Facebook

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6.06 Elizabeth Van Lew (2) The Spy and the Beast 49:52

4M ago49:52

49:52

Against an outpouring of support for the new Confederacy, Elizabeth begins her journey as a spy, establishes the Richmond Underground and helps enable one of the biggest prison breaks of the war. Support the show on Patreon Follow us on Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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BHS e507-Bayard Grant and Berlin Airlift 8:21

4M ago8:21

8:21

Bayard Grant was born in Brattleboro in 1916. He would go on to fulfill a vital military role during the Berlin Airlift in the late 1940's. He benefitted from the belief that furthering one's education could help the individual, and also contribute to the well-being of society. Here's his story...By Brattleboro Historical Society

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Harvey Fierstein - Life Only Changes When You're Brave Enough to Say Yes 53:52

4M ago53:52

53:52

Today we have a very special guest. From the stages of off-Broadway to the bright lights of Broadway, from his unmistakable voice to his performances in 30+ movies, Harvey Fierstein has spent a lifetime telling stories that matter. With four Tony Awards to his name—two for writing, two for acting—his work in Torch Song Trilogy, La Cage aux Folles, …

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BHS e506 Dix O Dell and Harmony Lot 1953-1959 6:54

4M ago6:54

6:54

It took six years for the Harmony Parking Lot to progress from an idea to a reality...that was too long for the Dix-O-Dell Red and White Super Market. Here's the story...By Brattleboro Historical Society

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BHS e505-Town Meetings 1781 and 1782 6:27

4M ago6:27

6:27

In 2008 Walter Meyer donated handwritten minutes of four Brattleborough Town Meetings to the historical society. They date from 1781 and 1782. The minutes were recorded by Town Clerk Stephen Greenleaf. We summarize the actions of the freeholders in this recording...By Brattleboro Historical Society

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6.05 Elizabeth Van Lew (1) My country, oh my country!

4M ago

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Wealthy, well-connected people rarely rebel - but Southern socialite Elizabeth van Lew would be an exception. Support the show on Patreon Follow us on Facebook

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6.05 Elizabeth Van Lew (1) My country, oh my country! 34:15

4M ago34:15

34:15

Wealthy, well-connected people rarely rebel - but Southern socialite Elizabeth van Lew would be an exception. Support the show on Patreon Follow us on Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Inside BERNINA’s Annual Dealer retreat: A Gathering of Passion, Creativity and Community 1:06:25

4M ago1:06:25

1:06:25

Just about 40 miles west of Chicago, nestled in a quiet office and industrial park, you'll find the headquarters of BERNINA of America. In one building, the heart and soul of the business hums—sales, marketing, operations, and so much more—where a dedicated team works passionately every day to bring BERNINA’s incredible sewing machines to dealers a…

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BHS e504-William French and Westminster 1775 7:06

5M ago7:06

7:06

This week Westminster, Vt. commemorated the 250th anniversary of what became known as the “Westminster Massacre”. In 1775 two local men, William French and Daniel Houghton, were killed during a confrontation at the Westminster Courthouse between New York-leaning Tories and those who opposed the British/New York government. Here's the story...…