Ann Brauer’s work has been featured in numerous museums, institutions and private collections including the American Museum of Art + Design, the Lodge at Turning Stone in Verona, NY, the Federal District Courthouse in Springfield, MA and Pat Metheny.

When born on a farm in Illinois, her grandmother made a postage stamp quilt made from feed sack cloth which Ann slept under for years and always found different patterns and fabrics she used to create the overall design. She sewed her first doll dress at 5 and made it known to her mother that to spend time together, they would have to do so at the local fabric shop.

Ann quit sewing in college, then took it up again after graduation. Working as a lawyer post education she used some quilting techniques to write complex citations!

She has won numerous awards, been featured in myriad publications and had created several commissioned pieces.

(2:28) Ann tells us about the special quilt her grandmother made for her when she was born.

(3:17) She sewed her first doll clothing at 5 years of age with the help of a family friend and shares that story with us.

(4:02) In high school Ann created costumes for musicals…she tells us about her favorite costume creations and why she chose to do this. And then…there was 4H!

(5:42) Ann loved to create from Vogue patterns…the challenge was so much fun, but she didn’t wear her creations.

(6:57) After college Ann took to quilting as she would hang out in the fabric shops in Boston’s Chinatown. It was her roommate that got her going. And, her first quilt…an Ohio Star!

(8:44) What’s her favorite quilt?

(10:00) While practicing law, Ann used quilting techniques to prepare her briefs. She explains this unusual approach.

(11:46) At age 30, Ann found a cabin, moved there and decided to see if she could support herself as a quilt maker. How did that work out for her? Find out here!

(17:20) Ann talks about life and quilt creation during the Art Quilt movement and described her quilts which are on display in various museums.

(19:43) How did the events of 9/11 affect hew work? It definitely increased the traffic into her studio.

(21:01) Ann tells us why she chose to locate her studio in Shelburne Falls, MA.

(22:44) Tropical Storm Irene managed to uproot Ann’s beloved studio and float it down the river. Ann was out of town as was her husband…she wasn’t worried. But then she got the phone call.

(30:22) So, what’s Ann creating today?! And what’s next?

(32:19) What’s her dream?

You can reach Ann at www.annbrauer.com and on Instagram @Annbrauerquilts. Or visit her at her studio…the address is on the 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.

Paris Green – a current BERNINA Ambassador - is one of the principals of the Couture Beauty and Sewing Academy. She also designs for and leads the online site Scarves and More By Paris. Born and raised in Dallas, TX, Paris began sewing at age 4. She became serious about her sewing at age seven and entered her first sewing competition at 9 years old. She won the Kid’s Beginner Sewing division that year. At age 10 she became BERNINA’s youngest sewing ambassador to share kid-friendly tutorials via the We All Sew blog.

In her spare time, Paris loves to sing and write songs, sketch, make jewelry had teach other kids how to do the same. She is home schooled, had two brothers and is…13 years old!

(1:34) How did Paris get interested in sewing at 4 years old? Well, her mom certainly had something to do with it. And why did she think it was a fun thing to do?

(2:55)What is it about sewing that she loves so much…it’s calming, serious and deep!

(3:44) At seven years old she became “serious” about sewing…and entered her first competition at age 9. She tells us this story and her love for “Project Runway”.

(5:08) During Covid Paris made and distributed 100 masks to the less fortunate in her community. She certainly embodies the spirit of service!

(7:27) This year she will repeat this effort, but this time by making and distributing scarves.

(8:04) What are her favorite things to sew? Squish Mellows come to mind! She tells us all about it here!

(8:14) Paris started a company called Scarves & More. She tells us how this came about. And…she’s quite the businessperson!

(10:20) At one point, Paris lost her whole business and had to rebuild it from nothing. She takes us through what happened and her resilient comeback.

(12:06) The Couture Sewing and Beauty Academy www.thecbsacademy.com is a business Paris runs with her mo. She tells us all about it.

(13:08) In her free time, Paris does many things. But what’s her favorite…studying the Bible with her dad.

(14:08) Paris is a BERNINA Ambassador. How did she get involved and what does she do as an Ambassador?

(15:11) This July 27th she’s hosting a charity event called Sew Pretty supporting Dress A Girl Around the World www.dressagirlaroundtheworld.com. She tells us all about the event.

(16:14) What’s important for other kids to know about Paris? For one…she’s led by her faith with the help of her parents

(17:43) What’s important for kids to know about sewing? Well, it’s different things to different people!

(18:29) What’s next for her? Perhaps becoming a doctor! And maybe becoming a nurse first.

(20:02) What’s her dream? In addition to medicine…there’s singing and becoming a worship leader.

((21:33) How can you reach out to Paris? On Instagram @samby.Paris

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.