Best Seamstress Podcasts (2025)

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

15d 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…

1
BHS e515-B.D. and Sarah Harris, and the Mormons 1851 7:58

17h 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

5d 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

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

5d 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.

1
BHS e514-John Deere, Fred Holbrook and Plows 7:24

8d 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

1
Barbara McCraw - Living My Dream 44:18

8d 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…

1
Pat & Walter Bravo – Art Gallery Fabrics. Partners in Every Aspect of Life 44:22

23d 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…

1
56. The Rise of the Wedding Content Creator: Behind the Scenes with Ella, Wedding & Event Content Creator 52:04

22d ago52:04

52:04

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Griselda Mucollari (Ella), Metro Detroit’s go-to wedding and event content creator. With a background in international advertising and a passion for storytelling, Ella captures the candid, emotional, and joy-filled moments to fill the gaps that traditional vendors often miss. We talk about her unique path from corp…

1
BHS e512-Estey at War, 1942-1945 5:59

23d 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

25d 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 …

1
6.07 Elizabeth Van Lew (3) Exhuming a hero 58:46

25d 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…

1
BHS e511-Anthony Van Doorn and early furniture making 7:03

30d 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

1
BHS e510-immigration and deportation 1880's-1920's 7:37

1M 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

1
The Sisters...Sue Nickels & Pat Holly. We've Always Played Well With Each Other 49:55

1M 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…

1
55. Planning Your Dream Honeymoon with a Luxury Travel Advisor, Gray Ellender, Go With Gray Travel 28:15

1M ago28:15

28:15

In this episode, I'm joined by Gray Ellender of Go With Gray Travel, a luxury travel advisor and honeymoon specialist who helps couples plan seamless, stress-free trips! Gray shares her unique journey from healthcare to launching her own travel brand and breaks down what it's really like to work with a travel advisor—hint: it's not as expensive as …

1
BHS e509- Ernest Gibson Jr. and the Irasburg Affair 5:58

1M 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

1
BHS e508-Oliver Willard, Fort Dummer and the Charter 5:32

2M 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

1
Beth Donaldson – The Quilt Index 40:34

2M 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,…

1
54. The Couture Bridal Experience: Designing the Perfect Custom Gown 32:12

2M ago32:12

32:12

Creating a custom couture wedding gown is more than just designing a dress—it’s about crafting a once-in-a-lifetime experience! In this episode, Sarah Kolis takes you behind the scenes of my bridal design process, sharing everything from the initial consultation to the final fitting. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to create a truly one-of-a-…

1
6.06 Elizabeth Van Lew (2) The Spy and the Beast

2M 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

1
6.06 Elizabeth Van Lew (2) The Spy and the Beast 49:52

2M 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.…

1
53. Building a Family-Owned Wedding Venue with Alicia McKay, The Oakley 36:22

2M ago36:22

36:22

In this episode, I’m joined by Alicia McKay, co-owner and venue coordinator of The Oakley, a premier event venue in Holly, Michigan! Alicia shares how she unexpectedly fell into wedding planning after her own wedding and how that journey evolved into running a full-scale family-owned venue on a 40-acre property!We talk about: How Alicia transitione…

1
BHS e507-Bayard Grant and Berlin Airlift 8:21

2M 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

1
Harvey Fierstein - Life Only Changes When You're Brave Enough to Say Yes 53:52

2M 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, …

1
BHS e506 Dix O Dell and Harmony Lot 1953-1959 6:54

2M 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

1
Catalan Edition | Ronald Puppo speaks with AKaiser and Marialena Carr 1:20:16

2M ago1:20:16

1:20:16

Featuring poetry and translation from MPT Your Language Anticipating Mine: Focus on Catalan, hosted by Ronald Puppo with AKaiser and Marialena CarrFor a transcript and to find out more, visit mptmagazine.com/mpt-podcast-catalan-edition-ronald-puppo-speaks-to-kaiser-and-marialena-carr/By Modern Poetry in Translation Magazine

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BHS e505-Town Meetings 1781 and 1782 6:27

2M 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

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

3M 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

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

2M 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.

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

3M 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…

1
52. Melissa’s Wedding Journey: From Saying Yes to Walking Down the Aisle 31:48

3M ago31:48

31:48

You asked - we answered! In this episode, I sit down with my youngest sister, Melissa, for a fun and lighthearted conversation about her wedding journey, life updates, and all things fashion. We answer listener-submitted questions covering everything from how she met her husband Cam to the special moments on her wedding day, including her first dan…

1
BHS e504-William French and Westminster 1775 7:06

3M 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...…

1
BHS Audio Tour-Bradshaws 4:37

3M ago4:37

4:37

In 1823 the Bradshaw's rented a two floor wooden building on Main Street. The building was originally a harness shop, but the Bradshaw’s had other ideas for the structure. They were the first African American family to settle in Brattleboro. Here's the story...By Brattleboro Historical Society

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51. Real Brides Series: Gwen, Kayla, and Rina tell all! 43:28

3M ago43:28

43:28

In this special episode, we continue our bride interview series with three amazing women—Gwen, Kayla, and Rina—who share the real stories behind their wedding days. From intimate destination ceremonies to unique personal touches and unexpected moments, this episode is full of inspiration and heartfelt reflections. Bride Gwen Semrow shares all about…

1
BHS #503-Gardiner Chandler and Vt Statehood 6:39

3M ago6:39

6:39

On March 4, 1791 Vermont officially joined the USA. Brattleboro's representative to the convention to ratify the US Constitution was from one of the most loyal Tory families in New England. Here's the story...By Brattleboro Historical Society

1
Adam Brand – A Legacy in Bloom: The Story of M&S Schmalberg Flowers 1:01:21

3M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

In this episode, we take a fascinating journey behind the scenes with Adam Brand, the fourth-generation owner of M&S Schmalberg Flowers, the last artificial flower factory of its kind in America. Since 1916, this family-owned business has been handcrafting exquisite fabric flowers that have adorned high fashion, Broadway, Hollywood, and some of the…

1
BHS e502-Dairies and Milk Delivery 5:10

3M ago5:10

5:10

Remember when dairy farms used to dot the Vermont countryside? Fifty years ago, there were almost 4000 Vermont farms milking cows. Now, the state has less than 500 dairy farms. Here in Windham County the numbers are similar. Thirty years ago, there were about 75 dairy farms in the southeastern corner of Vermont. Today there are less than 20. This w…

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6.04 Policarpa Salavarrieta: The Seamstress Spy 28:52

3M ago28:52

28:52

Revolutionary heroes can come from anywhere - and Colombia found one in their seamstress spy, Policarpa Salavarietta Support the show on Patreon Follow us on Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
6.04 Policarpa Salavarietta: The Seamstress Spy

3M ago

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Revolutionary heroes can come from anywhere - and Colombia found one in their seamstress spy, Policarpa Salavarietta Support the show on Patreon Follow us on Facebook

1
BHS e501-Brattleboro Memories and Dunham Brothers 5:48

3M ago5:48

5:48

Brattleboro Historical Society is about to unveil a project to reach locals and visitors who are either in Brattleboro for a look or visiting via the BHS website. The project is titled “Memories of Brattleboro”. We are in the process of developing historic site markers for Brattleboro’s historic properties. A brief description will include a QR cod…

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50. Chad and Mimi’s Recap: the Bride & Groom’s Take on the Big Day! 21:47

3M ago21:47

21:47

In this episode, Mimi Rubin joins us to share all the details of her wedding day—from planning the perfect celebration with all their close friends and family, to unexpected moments that made the day even more memorable! We dive into her unique bridal style, including a stunning David’s Bridal gown with custom alterations by Sarah Kolis herself, an…

1
Linda Z’s First-Ever Fall Festival of Sewing, Embroidery, and Quilting: Behind the Seams 26:31

4M ago26:31

26:31

Join us as we uncover how this one-of-a-kind event came to life and why it’s already a must-attend gathering for sewing, embroidery, and quilting enthusiasts. Episode Highlights: (1:18) Meet Linda Z – Hear from Linda herself as she shares how the idea for Fall Fest was born and what it took to make it happen. (4:20) Family Legacy – Linda talks abou…

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49. Real Brides Series: Darby, Madison, and Natalie tell it all! 51:58

4M ago51:58

51:58

Welcome to the third episode of the Real Brides Series! In this episode, I sit down with three incredible brides—Darby, Madison, and Natalie—to hear their unique and heartwarming wedding stories, each filled with creativity, personal touches, and valuable lessons! Darby Lorimer talks about her dreamy destination wedding, her two-piece gown, and som…

1
BHS e500-Mary Howe and William Brattle's Borough Pageant 1912 5:49

4M ago5:49

5:49

In 1912 soprano Mary Howe was the featured performer at the four day Brattleboro Pageant on Island Park. The Pageant was an historical review of Brattleboro's past. We thought this might be an appropriate topic for our 500th podcast of local history. These podcasts are an effort, on our part, to expand on our understandings of Brattleboro's past.…

1
BHS e499-Moving Pictures and Lillian Gish 6:05

4M ago6:05

6:05

The first moving pictures to play in Brattleboro came to town in 1899. In 1921 the first major motion picture filmed in Vermont was shown in the Town Hall Auditorium. It starred Lillian Gish and was filmed north of here in the Connecticut River Valley. The movie was said to be "the greatest entertainment of its kind ever seen in Brattleboro.”…

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