Meet the Stitch Squad

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Allison began teaching at Sew to Speak in July 2025, but they have been a member of the Sew to Speak creative community for years as a loyal customer and Stitch Club attendee. 

What started as a little self-taught project in middle school transformed into a lifelong passion for sewing. Today, Allison loves sewing garments, bags, and quilts, and has special prowess for hand sewing. Some of their favorite projects are the bag and pants she sewed to wear on a trip to Japan, which made for stylish outfits that held together wonderfully through the long days spent exploring.

Creative in all she does, Allison works in software design, where she crafts experiences that are empathetic, educational, and joyful. These components of their work are reflected in their teaching style; they always aim to help students feel confident in all of their creative pursuits. She is thrilled to help students feel energized, excited, and empowered to continue learning and growing, and is eager to continue to be a part of a community that inspires joy through sewing and making. 

Fun Fact: When they’re not sewing clothing, bags, or quilts, Allison loves sewing textile arts. Her work includes sewing skills such as improv quilting, needle turn appliqué, and hand sewing.  As a member of the Clintonville Arts Guild, her art can be found around town throughout the year.

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 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!

Beth began teaching at Sew to Speak in September 2025. Originally from Long Island, she is a self-taught sewist who has loved learning through the years, her skills growing with each new project she makes. She is especially passionate about garment making, and her favorite project is a perfectly matched and fitted flannel pullover. 

Through all of the techniques, tips, and tricks she’s acquired over several years of sewing, the most valuable lesson to Beth is patience. She is a firm believer that slowing down and taking your time on a project are the best tools for a new sewist. She is thrilled for the opportunity to share her knowledge with the Sew to Speak community and sees teaching as her latest, exciting adventure.

Fun Fact: When she’s not sewing, Beth enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Yogi. She is proudly Yogi’s support person, a mother to 4 daughters, and a grandmother to 6 grandchildren.

Caitlin began teaching at Sew to Speak in July 2025, but she’s technically been teaching since kindergarten, when she would hold “lessons” for her younger sisters. A native to Preble County, Ohio, she has always had a love for learning, a passion for creative work, and a burning desire to share her knowledge with others. She studied home economics education and fashion classes at Kent State University before she went on to earn a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Sciences. With over 20 years of experience in education, she has taught children and adults of all ages. Currently, she is an elementary school principal. 

Caitlin began sewing at the age of 8 and has always enjoyed all things arts and crafts. In school, she was a proud member of 4-H and would model her sewing and crocheting projects at state fairs. In her sophomore year, she made her own homecoming dress from beautiful green satin. Even though the dress had many mistakes, it remains one of her favorite projects to date. 

Caitlin’s expertise lies in sewing and needlework, but also in her unique ability to share information and connect with her students. She loves spinning yarn, knitting, crocheting, quilting, and any type of sewing project. Originally a student herself at Sew to Speak classes, she is thrilled to be leading her own lessons and sharing her skills with the community she already loves so much. She finds the enthusiasm of new makers and their desire to learn new techniques to be both exciting and rewarding.

Fun Fact: When Caitlin was only 18 years old, she earned her CDL so that she could drive a 40-foot passenger bus around her campus. She maintains that backing up that bus is one of the hardest skills she’s ever had to master.

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.

A passionate teacher and maker, Erin joined the Stitch Squad in November 2025. She is originally from Youngstown, Ohio, but has been in Columbus for 30 years. From a young age, she has been creating unique projects, including fabric-covered picture boxes and homemade hair ties. She began sewing around 25 years ago, but her first sewing class ever was at Sew to Speak, where she crafted a tote that she still uses today. That first class launched a love for all things fiber arts, and soon her passion was running wild. She was knitting on lunch breaks, taking on new sewing projects, and learning embroidery. Recently, she also developed a new hobby in crocheting. Obsessed with learning new skills, Erin is perpetually looking forward to her next creative pursuit. 

Embroidery is Erin’s expertise, and she loves the versatility of the stitching and the ability to explore with texture in her projects. She adores her ABC embroidery samplers, and she’s made a total of five! Another favorite project of hers is a quilt with the inspirational message “Plant Worry, Grow Love.” A lifelong learner, Erin is also a longtime educator. She taught elementary school for 20 years and currently works in the library system. She is thrilled to bring her teaching and making skills to the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Sew to Speak. Passionate about sewing and embroidery, she is eager to empower students to experiment with their projects and truly indulge their creative minds.

Fun Fact: Erin has two pairs of bonded rabbits that free roam around her home, for a total of four rabbits — Captain and Natasha, and Bernard and Leela. When you see her, ask her for photos and stories of her furry friends!

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 joined the Sew to Speak squad as a teacher in July 2025. A native of Zanesville, Ohio, she has been crafting since she developed the motor skills to hold a crayon and scissors. Her creative spirit has drawn her to all different types of crafting and artistic pursuits. In 2018, she decided to learn how to fix a ripped piece of clothing, which opened a whole new door into the magical world of sewing.

Jamie’s prowess lies in her quilting and bag-making abilities as well as her general crafting skills and the creative mindset she weaves into all she does. She loves creating quilts for her parents and baby quilts. She also makes one-of-a-kind outfits for her porch goose to model. 

Jamie began sharing her knowledge and passion for making first with family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers — she was excited to share her findings with anyone who asked her how to make something. A customer of Sew to Speak since 2019, she jumped on the opportunity to join the community as a teacher and is thrilled to be so deeply involved in an environment that honors following the creative heart’s every whim.

Fun Fact: Jamie has two dogs, Maggie and Rosie. Maggie can be found in many of her quilting photos, as if she’s the quilter herself. Rosie is her loyal companion.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

Rhonda first taught sewing lessons in 2018 and began teaching at Sew to Speak in July 2025, but her history with making dates back to her childhood. She started her crafting journey at the age of 6 when her German grandmother lived with her family for a year. What started with creating pompoms and simple crochet quickly developed into knit, needlepoint, and cross-stitch skills. 

By the time she was in high school, Rhonda was making macrame wall hangings and special-order quilts for her teachers. In college, she earned a Criminal Justice degree, and after, began a multi-year career at Nationwide. It was not until she was 42 years old that she picked up knitting again and learned how to read patterns. Her childhood passion quickly flourished into a full-time hobby. She started a stitching club at Nationwide and shortly after, a Meetup group. 

In addition to needlework, Rhonda enjoys sewing, painting, drawing, and jewelry making. She is a true maker of all things, and she sells the things that she makes at Urban Emporium in Bexley and online at Etsy. She is excited to teach at Sew to Speak and deeply believes in the empowerment of learning how to create something truly custom and one-of-a-kind.

Fun Fact: Rhonda grew up in a military family, always moving around from place to place. When she worked at Nationwide, she bought a 5-acre farm in Gainesville, FL, and finally had a Happy Place to call home. She owned 3 horses, 4 baby cows, a cat, and two dogs, and since then, she has always had a cat and two dogs. Currently, she lives with her cat, Magnolia, and two German Shepherd rescues, Gigi and Hannah.

A native to Columbus, Ohio, Sarah has been a loyal customer at Sew to Speak long before she joined the team in August 2025. She is thrilled to become an official member of the community that she’s already been an active participant in, and she’ss most excited to continue to build a creative community with her students.

With a BFA in Fashion Design from the Columbus College of Art & Design, Sarah is a long-time maker, with a passion for crafting her own clothes from the fabrics that inspire her. She began sewing her wardrobe nearly 10 years ago and fell in love with knitting in 2021. Enthralled in her knitting projects, Sarah adores working with colorwork, lace, and cables. Her favorite project to date is her Alpine Bloom Tee by Caitlin Hunter.

Sarah has been teaching sewing, crochet, and knitting for the past five years, with a particular interest in advanced knitting techniques. A compassionate maker who loves helping others, she enjoys sharing her knowledge, getting to know her students on a personal level, and watching them flourish in all of their creative pursuits.

Fun Fact: Sarah’s favorite food is popcorn, and, impressively, she has knit over 75 pairs of socks!

Shannon has been part of the Sew to Speak team since December 2022. Originally from New Jersey, Shannon'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, and gardening.

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!