Get to know our sweet and savvy Stitch Squad!
Our Talented Owners
Amy Baden (she/her)
Originally from Cleveland but happily relocated to Columbus, Amy became co-owner and the daily operations leader of Sew to Speak in March 2023 through a journey written in the stars. A dedicated lifelong learner of all things, Amy received her degree in Health & Recreation Education and went on to achieve a 14-year-long career in organ donation. In 2009, she met her wife, Eva, a prolific maker who influenced Amy’s love for learning to expand to making too!
Creativity and constant crafting became a staple in Amy and Eva’s household and a joy they shared with their 6 kids. This inspired many hours spent at Sew to Speak as it was their go-to for supply shopping, taking classes, and even the location of their kids’ first jobs! Needless to say, the store has always held a special place in Amy’s heart.
Filled with entrepreneurial desire following the end of her clinical career and becoming an empty nester, when the opportunity for ownership came into view, Amy and Eva knew it was the perfect fit for their next adventure.
You’ll find Amy in-store doing any and everything – working the register, supporting our Stitch Squad, keeping the displays looking beautiful, and even mastering Juki sewing machine repairs. She feeds off the vibrant energy and delights in engaging with our wonderful clientele. So when you see her, say hello, she’s thrilled to share a happy place in Sew to Speak.
Fun Facts: Sewing, crochet, and embroidery are Amy’s top choices in trades — an embroidery pouch she made for her daughter is her favorite project to date. She’s become obsessed with collecting old sewing machines to use as displays, and her party trick is being able to blow bubbles without a wand — when she's not playing pickleball.
Eva Fried (she/her)
Columbus native, super mom/wife, health care provider, AND co-owner of Sew to Speak since March 2023, Eva is a self-taught maker with an unquenchable thirst for learning and creating. Working full-time as a nurse-midwife, women’s health nurse practitioner, and graduate program director, all while maintaining her prolific maker status with any free time she can fit into her schedule, Eva is truly a Jill-of-All-Trades.
“How on earth does she do it all?” We’re sew glad you asked (and you’re not alone in wondering). Eva’s secret sauce is soaking up the vibrant energy and creative joy that fills Sew to Speak as often as possible. Even when she’s exhausted after a long day outside the shop, being among the happy people and beautiful creations never fails to re-energize her.
With a craft du jour that’s always changing, Eva says her expertise lies in keeping a beginner’s open mindset. Her growing list of loves includes knitting, crocheting, embroidery, cross-stitching, quilting, and bag and clothes making (as well as cooking and baking at home). She seizes all opportunities to learn from other makers and signs up for every Sew to Speak class she can.
If you catch Eva in the store, don’t hesitate to say hello and brag about your latest creations — she wants all the deets! Most of her makes are in the shop as samples and open for your visiting too!
Fun Facts: Eva is openly obsessed with her cats, and she is proudly responsible for the amount of cat merch we have in the shop. She also collects vintage treasures with strawberries, ducks, or quilts on them.
Our Incredible Teachers
Anita Gastaldo (she/her)
Anita has been a Sew to Speak teacher since 2023, bringing her boundless passion for sewing and decades of expertise. From Columbus, Ohio, Anita’s path began as a registered nurse before opening Sew to Speak in 2008. Under her leadership, the store thrived for years — an inspiring testament to her commitment to fostering a creative community. Now, she has the free time to pursue her gift for teaching on a larger scale!
Anita’s specialties as a maker include home décor, garment crafting, and quilting. Her favorite project? A cherished quilt she made with her daughter 18 years ago, which is still a family treasure.
Whether teaching Sewing Machine Maintenance, the Toaster Sweater class, or private lessons for curtain making and quilting, Anita brings warmth and unmatched skill to every session. Fun fact: Anita is a self-taught sewing machine repair expert with an affinity for Jukis (she has 5 machines at home) and has even replaced motors!
What does Anita love most about teaching? “Our amazing clientele” — and you’ll certainly love learning from her.
Ann Clavin (she/her)
Ann began teaching at Sew to Speak in 2024, with expertise in felt-making, weaving, and sewing. A proud “World Citizen,” Ann brings her background as an educator and fiber artist to her classes and our community of makers. Thus far, her favorite project was recreating the serene Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia in felted wool.
Since 2004, Ann has been sharing her passion for teaching, and her Sew to Speak story began when she pitched the idea of a felt-making class — the rest is history! A highlight of her life? Performing on the iconic Carnegie Hall stage in NYC as part of a world choir.
For Ann, teaching is all about fostering a community of creative friends, and we’re lucky to have her helping our Columbus makers grow and thrive. Join one of her classes to experience her talents first-hand!
Caitlin McGrew (she/her)
Caitlin has been a store associate at Sew to Speak since 2023 and started teaching in 2024, intending to carry on her Knitting 101 teacher’s legacy. She teaches wholeheartedly as her authentic self, sharing all that she’s learned and she loves — it’d be impossible for her to teach any other way! Caitlin’s expertise is helping beginners discover the joys of knitting, quilting, and bag-making.
Originally from Kent, Ohio, Caitlin discovered her passion for creating from her mom, a lifelong maker, who taught Caitlin how to sew when she was in middle school. After taking Knitting 101 and Sewing School at Sew to Speak, Caitlin became an unstoppable creator, mastering everything from baby quilts to Oxbow totes. Fun fact: she loves making for her family and friends!
Caitlin delights in inspiring her students, staying grounded in their learning process, and connecting the creative community. When she’s not teaching or making, you can find her practicing yoga (she’s a certified teacher) or enjoying time with her two cuddly cats and energetic dog.
Haley Loudin (she/her)
Sew to Speak teacher since February 2021, Haley brings to our community an expertise in sewing garments (especially knits), pattern making, and adjustments.
Haley hails from northern Ohio and discovered her love for sewing at 9 years old through the 4-H program. By 7th grade, she became a sewing teacher herself! She pursued her passion by studying Fashion Design at Kent State University and gaining industry experience — now working as a Soft Goods Developer at an industrial design firm.
For Haley, it’s the students that make teaching special. She cherishes their willingness to learn and the opportunity to share her joy for sewing within a warm and inclusive environment.
Fun fact: Haley is a Master Clothing Educator Volunteer through the Franklin County 4-H Program, where she also advises the Fashion Board. She has 4 cats (Ilo, Izzy, Geoff, and Kirby) and a dog, Hamilton, for whom she designs annual “Ham” Halloween costumes.
Jamie Stout (she/her)
Joining the Sew to Speak Stitch Squad in 2020, Jamie started teaching in 2021. She has rich expertise in knitting, crocheting, sewing, spinning, weaving, and dyeing. Originally from Moundsville, W.V., Jamie’s creative journey began at 10 years old when she learned to crochet, sparking a passion that has since flourished into a diverse range of skills.
What Jamie cherishes most about teaching is the opportunity to connect with her students. She loves hanging out, knitting, and fostering a welcoming environment where creativity can thrive. Her favorite projects include all of her handspun yarns, each one a testament to her artistry and dedication.
Fun fact: Jamie is also a proud mom to two dachshund sons, Seamus and Tommy.
Kam Chin (she/her)
Since February 2023, Kam has been teaching at Sew to Speak, specializing in bagmaking. Born in Hong Kong and raised in Ohio, Kam’s love for sewing started early, when she handstitched quilts for her dolls as a child. As a young adult, she also crafted with wood and florals but refined her skills over time, and started selling her handmade bags and accessories at artisan markets and gift shops across Ohio.
Kam loves teaching at Sew to Speak, where she’s found a warm and supportive community that feels like family. When she’s not sewing bags (or quilts for her family), you’ll find her cooking, gardening, and enjoying delicious food — when she's not playing pickleball.
Fun fact: Kam also speaks Chinese and once taught her dog basic commands in the language! Friendly, talented, and passionate about her craft, Kam is excited to share her expertise and inspire creativity in every class she leads.
Kathy Copeland (she/her)
Kathy has been a Sew to Speak teacher since 2016, and her greatest expertise is her unmatched patience. Originally from Bellevue, Ohio, Kathy earned her BS in Family and Consumer Sciences, specializing in Clothing and Textiles, from The Ohio State University.
Quilting is Kathy’s passion — she’s created countless quilts, some for herself but mostly as thoughtful gifts. Teaching allows her to meet amazing people, something she truly treasures. To create the perfect learning environment, Kathy plays relaxing music for beginners and energizing tunes for seasoned sewists, tailoring her classes to every level.
Come join her in class and discover how quilts (and good vibes) come together!
Mallory Theiss (she/her)
Mallory started teaching at Sew to Speak in February 2021, bringing her passion for sewing. From Westerville, Ohio, Mallory’s sewing story began at age 8, learning the craft from her talented mom. With 20 years of experience in the sewing and craft industry working with fabric and sewing pattern designers, Mallory is thrilled to be a part of the industry and has met incredible people along the way!
Making bags and small accessories (especially zipper pouches) are Mallory’s favorite projects. In 2023, she challenged herself to create 52 unique zipper pouches — one for every week of the year! By 2024, she completed a stunning quilt featuring 72 books and a custom-printed fabric of her mom’s handwriting to make it extra special.
At Sew to Speak, Mallory loves the warm, creative environment and finds joy in sharing her love for sewing with fellow makers. Don't be shy — an introvert herself, Mallory lights up when chatting about crafts in her classes!
Mary Lee Hahn (she/her)
Mary Lee joined our Sew to Speak team as a teacher in October 2023. Originally from Burlington, Col., Mary Lee brings the same passion for creativity to her classes as she did during her incredible 37-year career teaching elementary students. With a BA in English/Elementary Education and an MA in Children's Literature from The Ohio State University, she is a lifelong learner and maker.
Mary Lee’s expertise shines in embroidery and hand-watercolored block printing. She once embroidered 52 mandalas in a year and transformed them into a stunning memory quilt. Her creative adventures also include designing Chilean Arpilleras, exploring Kuna molas, and crafting fabric books.
Away from teaching, Mary Lee raises black swallowtail butterflies, reads voraciously, walks multiple miles a week, writes poetry, and co-coordinates Casting for Recovery in Ohio. Her warm, encouraging teaching style makes everyone feel welcome in her classes. Connect with her creativity on Instagram @curious.appreciative!
Nat Della Selva (she/her)
Nat made a dynamic addition to Sew to Speak’s teaching team in November 2023 and our retail team since January 2025. Originally from St. Paul, Minn., she learned to sew at age 8 from a nun in her neighborhood. Nat brings her expertise as a skilled patternmaker, grader, and sewist, backed by a BFA in Fashion Design from Columbus College of Art and Design
Garment sewing is Nat’s specialty, and she adores crafting pieces she can wear — especially overalls! Her favorite project is Harlene Dungarees from Merchant & Mills in a cream canvas. Outside of sewing, Nat loves to knit and adores her two cats, Elvin and Torta.
Nat thrives in Sew to Speak’s joyful, supportive community, where she inspires customers and students to tackle new challenges. Teaching fills her cup! Looking ahead, she plans to offer pattern-making and fitting courses, as well as classes on tricky garments like jeans and swimsuits.
Rachael Mason (she/her)
Rachael is a versatile maker and has been a vibrant part of the Sew to Speak team since April 2022. Growing up in Washington Court House, Ohio, Rachael learned crochet from her grandmother, embroidery from her mother, and later taught herself to knit. Since joining our Stitch Squad, she’s also picked up sewing, giving her a fresh perspective on garment construction.
Rachael’s expertise lies in crochet, where she shines in designing her own patterns (available on Ravelry), many of which she uses as classroom projects. She enjoys creating top-down raglan sweaters, intricate lace crochet, and cable knitting. Outside of making, Rachael spent 15 years as a radio DJ, interviewing music legends like Lorde, The Killers, and Mumford & Sons — often with a crochet project in hand!
She loves Sew to Speak’s collaborative atmosphere and is thrilled to guide students in their creative journeys.
Rachel Wallis (she/her)
Rachel is a talented maker and teacher who has been a part of Sew to Speak since September 2019. Originally from Cleveland, Rachel holds an MA in Socially Engaged Art from Moore College of Art and Design and brings over a decade of teaching experience. She’s taught primarily printmaking and textiles in a diverse range of settings, including the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Coffee Creek Women's Correctional Facility. Rachel’s quilting expertise spans modern, improvisational, and fine art styles, and she’s equally skilled at teaching garment sewing, with a special focus on plus-size fit and personalized construction.
Rachel also has a love for natural dye, linoleum-block printing, embroidery, social justice sewing, and material reuse. Her favorite creation is a stunning hand-quilted jacket made from recycled fabric scraps that she dyed and block-printed. Dubbed the “anti-quilt police,” Rachel inspires her students to celebrate joy over perfection and to see their final product with the eyes of a friend receiving a handmade work of art.
She thrives in Sew to Speak’s lively, supportive community and is always eager to help students tackle ambitious, out-of-the-box projects with unconventional materials.
Shannon Pace (she/her)
Shannon has been part of the Sew to Speak team since December 2022. Originally from New Jersey, Shannon combines her scientific background — she holds an MS in Environment and Natural Resources from The Ohio State University and works as a physical scientist — with her lifelong love of making. She’s been knitting since elementary school, with a special fondness for colorwork sweaters, and in 2022, she took up sewing, expanding her creativity to garments, bags, and quilts.
Shannon’s favorite projects include the Rhinebeck Framed Sweater (knitting) and Cat Riley Overalls (sewing). She loves meeting new makers and helping them tackle new techniques, teaching Knitting 102, and offering private lessons on everything from colorwork to cables and German short rows.
Beyond her crafts, Shannon enjoys running with her dog, snuggling her three cats, cooking, gardening, and even showing off a handstand.
Tina Hughes (she/her)
Tina has been a Sew to Speak teacher and retail associate since March 2020, whose expertise lies in garment sewing and pattern design. Originally from Cleveland, Tina refined her skills at both the Fashion Institute of Technology and The Columbus College of Art and Design. Looking for a change of pace, Tina started teaching with us during the pandemic and has stayed for Sew to Speak’s fresh and creative environment.
Tina loves sharing her knowledge and helping others master new skills. For her, the incredible staff at Sew to Speak makes every day special. Whether you're sewing your first garment or crafting a new pattern, Tina's passion and talent are sure to inspire you!
Our Amazing Staff
Emily Howell (she/her)
Emily joined our Sew to Speak Stitch Squad in 2022 as a Retail Associate. An Ohio native, she first was a customer/fan of the shop who noticed they were hiring at just the right time! The opportunity to work somewhere with such a wealth of crafty goods and maker’s expertise was a no-brainer.
Emily considers herself a fiber enthusiast first and foremost—a fan of yarn, spinning, knitting, and even some crochet and weaving (wool has her heart). However, she has a special affinity for quilting and the innovation and creativity it requires, as well as the practicality of apparel sewing. In short, as a maker, she tries a bit of everything!
For Emily, the best part of working at Sew to Speak is being surrounded by her fantastic, sweet, and extremely talented coworkers and equally wonderful customers. There’s so much knowledge shared and available to absorb at all times intertwined with a perpetually impressive display of amazing products within a kind and upbeat atmosphere.
Fun Fact: Emily has a beautiful tortoiseshell kitty named Agatha, who definitely has a curious streak when it comes to checking out her yarny projects!
Heather Matchefts (she/her)
Meet Heather, Sew to Speak Retail Associate since January 2022. Originally from Green Bay, Wis., Heather was drawn to the shop simply because she loved it! Her expertise includes knitting socks and sweaters, garment sewing, and dabbling in quilting.
Heather is passionate about making and learning new skills; she treasures the opportunity to explore a variety of crafts while working at Sew to Speak.
Fun fact: Heather is a major snow lover — winter is her happy season! Whether she’s sharing project ideas or discovering new techniques, Heather’s warmth and creativity add something special to every customer’s experience.
Jodi Murray (she/her)
Since 2012, Jodi has been a part of our Stitch Squad on the retail team. In fact, she first started teaching at the original Sew to Speak location! Hailing from Morton, Ill., Jodi’s self-proclaimed title is “Maker of Things.” She learned to sew from her mom when she was young, and her expertise has since evolved to bag making, knitting, crocheting, quilting, embroidery, and more. The quilts she’s gifted her loved ones are her proudest projects.
Teaching at Sew to Speak helped Jodi gain confidence and foster her growth as a maker. What she loves most is witnessing the passion and creativity of her students, and then forming lasting friendships along the way. Jodi champions her students and encourages taking breaks whenever feeling stuck. Her suggestions include walking away, breathing, hydrating, maybe taking a nap, and then going back to slay it!
Fun fact: Jodi once made a giant Santa hat for a cement corncob at Field of Corn!
Maeve Herbst (she/her)
Meet Maeve, Sew to Speak Retail Associate since August 2024. Originally from Cincinnati, Maeve joined the shop drawn by her love for sewing and the vibrant community of makers. With a BA in Fashion Design and experience as a seamstress, she brings expertise in apparel design while currently honing her upholstery skills.
Maeve adores velvet — it was her favorite fabric for school projects and now for upholstery creations — and the opportunity to connect with fellow crafters, helping them grow in their hobbies. After years of sewing solo, Maeve is delighted to be part of this creative community and looks forward to making even more meaningful connections.
Rashelle Gillett (she/her)
Meet Rashelle, Sew to Speak Sales Associate since July 2020. From Fresno, Ohio, Rashelle first fell in love with the shop as a customer, drawn to its fabulous fabric and yarn selections and welcoming atmosphere. With expertise in sewing and knitting garments, she also became a quilter after joining the team.
Rashelle’s maker journey began as a child, learning to sew from her mom, and in her thirties, she started knitting socks. Fun fact: She once worked as an organic farm intern and part-timer!
She loves working with her incredible co-workers at Sew to Speak and the friendships, camaraderie, and encouragement they share every days
Stella Fried (they/them)
Meet Stella, a versatile team member at Sew to Speak since May 2023. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Stella is the genius behind our social media and newsletters. And when in the shop, they ring up customers, wind yarn, cut fabric, and more! Growing up as a longtime shop customer, Stella’s parents, Eva and Amy, eventually purchased the business after Anita retired, making the store a true family affair.
A passionate maker, Stella mostly knits and crochets but has recently rekindled a love for sewing. They love the creativity flowing through Sew to Speak, finding endless inspiration in the projects of both coworkers and customers alike. See Stella's marketing magic on our Instagram and Facebook, and by subscribing to our newsletter.
Fun Fact: Stella’s bearded dragon, Garbanzo, has a taste for arugula and a knack for dramatic couch dives!
Tracy Barnes (she/her)
Meet Tracy, a part-time Sales Associate at Sew to Speak since January 2024. Originally from England, Tracy brings more than 37 years of sewing experience and holds a degree in Fashion Design. With expertise in clothing and home textiles, Tracy has a flair for creating handmade wonders, from festive Christmas decorations to everyday wear.
A lover of DIY, Tracy recently built a stunning wooden vent hood for her kitchen and a deck for her shed. At Sew to Speak, Tracy values the dedicated and passionate team who are always ready to support customers. Whether teaching serger techniques or sharing project advice, Tracy’s creative energy lights up the shop!