In this engaging interview between Lisa and Martha for the Stitch Please podcast, they dive into Martha's sewing journey and how it all began. Martha shares her frustration with the limited options and high prices of plus-size clothing, which ultimately led her to purchase a sewing machine and embark on a path of creating her own outfits. The conversation delves into the biases and challenges faced by plus-size individuals in the fashion industry, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and representation within the sewing community. As Martha is an avid traveler, they explore how she incorporates her handmade garments into her vacation wardrobe. Martha discusses her approach to planning outfits based on themes and occasions, and the intention behind her fabric choices. She values fabrics that are stretchy, easy to pack, and quick to dry. Lisa acknowledges Martha's ability to confidently wear her creations, becoming a possibility model for others. Throughout the conversation, Martha shares meaningful moments when fellow sewists have admired her me-made outfits and expressed a desire to create their own. The discussion highlights the joy, empowerment, and self-expression that come from wearing clothes that make you feel good. The interview concludes with Martha reflecting on a recent trip where she packed a whole cube of me-made clothes that didn't even get opened, showcasing her extensive collection of handmade garments. This captivating interview invites listeners to delve into Martha's sewing journey, her passion for travel, and the positive impact of self-made clothing on confidence and personal style.
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Martha McIntosh
Also known as GariChild, Martha McIntosh is a powerful creative. An engineer by trade, she also makes stunning works of apparel that are guaranteed to impress while also sending her self regard into the stratosphere. You can find Martha being fabulous on Instgram, Facebook, and her website. She also has work indexed at the ever-helpful Curvy Sewing Collective.
Lisa Woolfork
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.
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Kindred Spirits: A Convergence of African American Quilters, June 15-17, 2023, Durham, NC
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