On this episode of Sew & So, we welcome Catherine Holbrook—garment sewist, Bernina Ambassador, former pattern designer, and the creative force behind Bringing Sewing Back. What began as a simple search for a hobby evolved into a thriving creative career built on garment sewing, thrift-store refashioning, pattern design, and a highly engaged online community. Catherine shares her journey from sewing beginner to industry influencer, discusses her audience-designed ball gowns, reflects on teaching her daughter to sew, and explains why sewing continues to be a source of creativity, purpose, and connection in her life.
(2:18) Hear the story about Juniper Joy!
(3:13) How did Catherine start sewing at age 26? Who was her inspiration?
(5:52) How’s Haddie doing learning to sew?
(7:36) Catherine started sewing through refashioning cloths. She explains what this is, how she does it and talks about the first garment she refashioned.
(10:20) Does she still refashion?
(11:18) How did she start working for Styla Patterns and what does it take to design patterns
(14:01) Catherine creates ballgowns twice a year with 50% participation from her Instagram followers. She tells us how this works.
(15:57) What are the big events she designs these gowns for?
(19:02) Catherine talks about her social media audience and what she’s done to successfully grow it. She credits authenticity.
(21:22) She shares a few special stories about interacting with her audience
(22:18) Learn about her mother-in-law’s quilts and why they are so very special to her.
(23:05) Why does she think that quilting is so different that quilting?
(25:00) Catherine introduces us to her family
(27:20) She is a woman of faith…how does this drive and affect her work?
(28:55) What’s next for her and what’s her dream?
(29:58) Is there anything we didn’t ask that she wanted us to? Well – yes there was! Hear her thoughtful response.
(31:39) You can reach out the Catherine on Instagram @bringingsewingback or email her at Bringingsewingback@gmail.com
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