If you think Lynne Johnson's name sounds familiar, you must be a fan of the monthly Sew Powerful Live events on Facebook and YouTube. It seems every month Jason Miles calls out Lynne's name a time or two, recognizing her for submitting boxes of purses. You will enjoy getting to know Lynne and learn about her varied interests and accomplishments. Besides being a registered nurse and owning a small business, Lynn is a prolific purse maker for Sew Powerful. Lynne shares heartfelt stories about her mom, her husband and especially how Sew Powerful has been a life-line for her during the pandemic.

Lynne Johnson, Purse Maker and Sew Much More

Have you ever been sitting in church listening to a sermon and had the urge to raise your hand and ask questions? That happened to me yesterday. Our pastor's sermon was titled 'Fear of Public Speaking' and I began to wonder if he was speaking to our congregation or to us at Sew Powerful. Using the Apostle Peter as an example, Pastor Mark Plunkett listed situation after situation where Peter found himself in very uncomfortable circumstances, yet he spoke up. So I asked Pastor if he would share his 'Fear of Public Speaking' thoughts with us today so that when we find ourselves wanting to explain Sew Powerful, we can be comforted by the Apostle Peter and his public speaking evolution.

Fear of Public Speaking with Rev. Mark Plunkett

Amy Brooks came to our attention at Sew Powerful because she wrote a story for the second edition of the We Are Sew Powerful book. I hardly know where to begin in describing this remarkable woman. She is an artist, author, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, independent, determined woman and a very strong Christian. But another part of Amy's identity is that she is differently able, having been born with no arms or legs. That has not stopped her from achieving a very long list of accomplishments, including sewing a Sew Powerful purse. I am in awe. You will be too.

Amy Brooks, A Most Unconventional Life

Deborah Peterson is the Sew Powerful Chapter Leader of the Oly~Lacy Crafty Sewers. In this episode we learn about Deborah's interesting background but really delve into what it has been like to form a Sew Powerful Chapter. We talk about how she found new members, what materials she found helpful and how, through her outreach, she has brought more than a dozen new purse makers into the Sew Powerful fold. We talk about an upcoming Quarterly Chapter Leaders' meeting, which will actually take place the day before this episode airs. If you are thinking of forming or joining a Sew Powerful Chapter, you won't want to miss this episode.

Chapter Leader Tell-All with Deborah Peterson

Attention all machine embroiderers and friends of embroiderers. In this episode, the creative force behind the free Sew Powerful embroidery designs, Peggy Creighton, walks us through her process, explains ITH, and hints at what will be available in the months ahead. Peggy explains how to use her designs on your embroidery machine. Then she encourages all purse makers to engage with a friend who has an embroidery machine as a way to introduce them to Sew Powerful in a partnership of friendship and creativity.

Make it In The Hoop with Peggy Creighton

The voicemail episode is a compilation of voice mail messages left by our Sew Powerful friends. We asked them to finish these phrases and share their thoughts with us via voice mail: The reason I volunteer for Sew Powerful is…What I like best about Sew Powerful is...The best thing that happened to me last week was...I am asking for prayers for.... The result is an uplifting, interesting and fun listen as our volunteers tell us what is important to them. Enjoy.

The Voicemail Episode with many guests

Listen as we count down the 10 most listened-to podcasts of the past twelve months. Our eclectic assortment of guests includes Sew Powerful Regional Coordinators, Industry Influencers and others who just happen to have a passion for Sew Powerful. You will hear snippets from the podcasts to remind you why these ten episodes garnered so much attention. You might even want to go back and listen again...or for the first time. We also share a big announcement about what is coming in the very near future for the Sew Powerful Podcast.

Top 10 Most Popular Podcasts in 2021

Let us love one another. From the name, to the operation, to those it helps, the Tikondane Garden Program exemplifies the message of 1st John 4:7: to love one another. In this episode we break down the origin of the program, how it works, who is helped and who are the helpers. Learn why some residents of Lusaka were wary to participate but have certainly changed their minds as the gardens have flourished. The Tikondane Garden program is another way Sew Powerful provides opportunities for those living in extreme poverty to change the trajectory of their lives.

Tikondane Gardens in Zambia with Jason Miles

Start the new year with a resolution to create your own personal mission statement. In this episode, Sew Powerful co-founder Jason Miles shares his personal mission statement and talks about the inputs we need to create our own. Read Acts 17:6 to find the foundation for Jason's mission statement. Several other passages, as well as references to various personality and work style tests, are provided that will help you develop your own mission statement. There is even a challenge to see where we are by December of this year. Happy New Year!

Personal Mission Statement with Jason Miles

Sew Powerful co-founder, Jason Miles, shares exciting news about feeding hungry kids in the Ngombe compound. Through a newly established partnership, more than 4800 children will receive a hot lunch every school day. Listen as Jason explains how the program will work and miraculously, how God prepared one of our Zambian team members to take a leadership role in this amazing new venture. Be sure to listen to the end for a second announcement about a new launch and partnership.

Expanding the 3 Esthers Farm with Jason Miles

Meet two Sew Powerful Quilt Show managers who give us the inside scoop as they prepare for their roles as Show Managers. Betty Johnson will oversee the Sew Powerful booth at QuiltCon Phoenix and Jan Paul leads the way at AQS Branson. Betty and Jan share how they have prepared, the materials and guidance they have received, and why they have taken on these roles. They also talk about the Quilt Shows themselves and the activities you and your families can enjoy if you make these shows your destination. Betty and Jan offer encouragement to anyone thinking of taking on this fun job.

Quilt Show Inside Scoop with Show Managers, Betty Johnson and Jan Paul

Meet Region 6 Chapter Manager Sharon Helms. In this episode we are going to get to know Sharon, learning about her surprising hobbies and vocations. Sharon has been a Sew Powerful volunteer for a number of years. She has a creative way of introducing people to Sew Powerful, making it easy for them to become engaged. Warning: Sharon's passion for Sew Powerful is contagious and you will come away feeling the same joy in your heart.

Surprising Hobbies and Surprising Vocations with Sharon Helms

Longtime Sew Powerful volunteer, Torey Elwell, shares her Africa connection in this episode. Not only does Torey volunteer with us to help those in Zambia, she and her husband are very involved in supporting a 700-student school in rural Ethiopia. Torey discusses the similarities and differences to provide an insight into the plight of those living in poverty in Africa. Torey also has several examples of great outcomes that will warm your heart.

The Africa Connection with Torey Elwell

This week we introduced the Sew Powerful Purse Distribution video to two teen girls. After they share their own school experiences and promising futures, our guests give us their take on the video. They express empathy for the challenges the schoolgirls in Zambia face, offering encouragement for them. Our guests may be the youngest to date, but you will appreciate their maturity and compassion for girls living in very difficult circumstances.

Teen Insights into Sew Powerful with Corinne and Carly

Meet Carla Robertson, co-founder and operator of the non-profit, Dallas Designing Dreams. This unique organization is a small business incubator, offering access to equipment and expertise to make entrepreneurs' dreams come true. Finding Sew Powerful brought Carla another opportunity to give back because her new Sew Powerful Chapter, Sew My Dream, meets in this studio and makes use of the fabulous array of equipment and creative space. Listen as Carla shares what motivates her to help dreams come true for her community and our schoolgirls in Zambia.

Dreaming Big in Dallas with Carla Robertson

When life-long sewer, Jill Riffe discovered Sew Powerful it wasn't long before she was churning out purses by the dozens. Listen as Jill shares a couple of unique tips that help her be efficient, yet still have fun making purses. You may have missed Jill in the past couple of years. She explains the life changing event that occurred but what led her to return to Sew Powerful, even volunteering at QuiltCon Phoenix from far away Minnesota.

Giving with Love and Compassion with Jill Riffe

Jason Miles, Sew Powerful co-founder discusses social enterprise as modeled in Thomas Vozzo's recently released book, 'The Homeboy Way:  A Radical Approach to Business and Life.' Los Angeles-based Homeboy Industries is lauded for its innovative approach to dealing with those living in the 'Forgotten America.' We compare and contrast Homeboy to Sew Powerful and discover that both organizations operate with a remarkably similar approach. And the volunteers who serve both organization experience God's grace, growing in faith as they use their God-given talents to help those in need.

Homeboy Industries and Sew Powerful as Social Enterprises with Jason Miles

A beloved member of the Sew Powerful family, Irene Davidson Thomas joins us in today's episode. Irene talks about her many Sew Powerful experiences, including three trips to Zambia and travels to Renton to help with unboxing the purses. We get a glimpse into her very interesting life and her fondness for not so typical pets. Irene explains why her heart is so drawn to Sew Powerful and offers some sewing advice along the way.

Get to Know Sew Powerful Icon, Irene Davidson Thomas

Besides her Sew Powerful CFO duties, Sue Kirby has taken on the role of Manager, National Shows and Events for 2022. In this episode, Sue announces the dates and places for upcoming quilt shows where Sew Powerful will exhibit. She also recaps the shows we have already complete. Along with host Jan Cancila, Sue shares experiences and tips for attending the shows. Finally, listen for a checklist of all the reasons you will want to participate in an upcoming quilt show with Sew Powerful. Scattered throughout are mentions of the many volunteers without whose help and dedication we could not participate in these shows.

Put These Quilt Shows on Your Calendar with Sue Kirby

In this concluding episode of Season 1, Sew Powerful co-founder Jason Miles gives the background information behind his first Quarter presentation. He recaps Events, Chapters, the Facebook Group, the Purse Count, Funding, Expenses, and we talk about the new shipping option. In addition, Jan and Jason take a short walk down memory lane recounting the many great experiences in the previous 98 episodes of Season 1 of the Sew Powerful Podcast. There will be a Season 2. Dates TBD.

A Look in the Rear View Mirror with Jason Miles

In our inagural episode we introduce you to Sew Powerful: what it is,  how it came to be, what it looked like in the beginning and how and why it has grown to what it is today. Co-founders Jason and Cinnamon Miles share their inpiring story, which is  now available in Version 2 of their best selling book, "We Are Sew Powerul".

Introduction to Sew Powerful with Jason and Cinnamon Miles

We continute our discussion about life in the Ngombe compound and the role Sew Powerful plays there. Plus we get to know the Sew Powerful co-founders, Jason and Cinnamon Miles. Outside of Sew Powerful, who are they? How did their backgrounds and business savy help launch Sew Powerful? How do they operate their other successful businesses?

Get to Know Sew Powerful's co-founders with Jason and Cinnamon Miles

Sew Powerful co-founder, Cinnamon Miles shares how a purse became a symbol of hope and love. Cinnamon has first hand experience witnessing the joy the recipients feel when receiving this treasured gift. Cinnamon will take us on a journey from the very first purse design to the latest versions that is larger and easier to make. She even hints at what might be on the purse horizon at Sew Powerful.

Why a Purse with Cinnamon Miles

Meet Sew Powerful's volunteer #1. Leslie Unruh unwittingly helped create the model for the way volunteers support Sew Powerful. Leslie shares the early days as the first volunteer to the role she plays in the expanded organization today.

Meet Volunteer #1 with Leslie Unruh

A type-A, CEO with little time for giving, Christina Porter finds herself and her family in a totally different state of mind after a devastating fire destroys her home, including her sewing room and everything in it. We explore how this life changing event became a heart changing experience. Spoiler alert - Sew Powerful plays a big part!

Our Burning Home with Christina Porter

Karen Loke found her way to Sew Powerful in 2014 and within a year, found herself in Zambia with the Sew Powerful team. Her experiences in Zambia affected her in the most positive way. Now friends, family and work collegues all know about Sew Powerful and Karen's dedication to the organization. She also shares how important purposeful giving is and how she saw the benefits first hand while on her trip.

I Won a Trip to Africa with Karen Loke

A hydrogeologist who makes soap as a hobby and a retired English teacher who recruits purse makers from a Fair Trade storefront.

The Business Owner and the School Teacher with Theresa Dellaport and Vivian Sylvester

Meet the UK administrator for the Sew Powerful Purse Project group on Facebook. Besides keeping her eye on Facebook when we are sleeping over here in the US, Louise Ambrosi runs her own business creating custom purses (rather bags, as the British call them), is a mom, Sew Powerful purse/bag maker and aqua aerobic enthusiast. Louise lived, studied and married in South Africa before returning home to England. Hear more of her captivating life story in this week's podcast.

Sharing in Aqua Aerobics with Louise Ambrosi

In this special episode, we talk with Shirley Utz, the Social Media Regional Coordinator for Sew Powerful. Shirley shares her passion for Sew Powerful but she also takes us on her journey with pancreatic cancer. We learn where Shirley was when she received her diagnosis, her surprising reaction and how she has coped with the treatment regiment. You will feel hopeful as we learn of her progress, how friends and family have stayed close, and the way in which Shirley has graciously allowed those who care about her to help her on this journey. Produced commercial-free.

My Journey with Cancer with Shirley Utz

Meet Sandy Simm, the Sew Powerful UK Regional Coordinator, as she extoles the dedication and contributions of Team UK. An accidental internet search result became a lifeline for Sandy at a time when things were at their gloomiest. Sew Powerful turned things around for her and gave Sandy wings to soar and she's brought along several other purse makers on the journey. Lots of 'shout outs' in this episode so listen for your name.

Great Britain for Sew Powerful with Sandy Simm

Meet Pat Quigley, a retired nurse with a passion for helping others. Whether she is on a medical mission trip with her church, making quilts for animals affected by natural disasters, or sewing purses for Sew Powerful, Pat puts her whole heart into her efforts. She is a talented seamstress and we talk about her unique fabric choices, making the purse photos she posts on Facebook instantly recognizable as Pat Quigley originals.

Meet Pat Quiqley

Listen as the founder and dedicated members of TELAS (The East Los Angeles Stitcher) share how their organization came to be and the passion they have for Sew Powerful. They seemed to appear out of nowhere, sending in 292 purses in 2020. But it turns out they have been there all along, finding and supporting worthy causes every year. But Sew Powerful struct a chord when a few of the members happened upon the Sew Powerful booth at the 2019 Internation Quilt Festival in Houston. But they weren't just attendees. They had their own booth to display the amazing work they do, as they have displayed at Quilt Shows as far away as Australia. Now meeting by Zoom, the group hasn't slowed down one bit.

Introduction to the East Los Angeles Stitchers with Gloria Molina

The Sew Powerful Podcast shines a light on the people behind the mission to keep girls in school and create purposeful products in Zambia. Join us every week for a new 30-minute episode to meet new people, hear inspiring stories, and learn how you can join us in this global movement. Whether you sew or not, make purses or not, you will find something to enjoy in every episode. Listen today.

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