Sewing Without Fear: Lessons from Teresa Coates

Join host Misty Doan for an inspiring conversation with Teresa Coates, founder of Crinkle Dreams and renowned sewing educator. From making her first dirndl skirt in church class as a child to becoming the go-to expert for cuddle fabric and quilt coats, Teresa shares her remarkable journey through the sewing industry.

In this episode, Teresa opens up about her transition from English major to fabric industry insider, her eight years educating sewers at Shannon Fabrics, and her recent leap into entrepreneurship with Crinkle Dreams. Discover how she conquered her fear of new materials, traveled to 46 states teaching in an RV, and developed techniques that make intimidating projects accessible to quilters everywhere.

Key Episode Highlights:

• How Teresa became Shannon Fabrics' cuddle expert despite never sewing with the fabric before
• The student who held scissors for 10 minutes, too afraid to cut her grandmother's crossstitch quilt
• Why experienced sewers are more intimidated by new techniques than complete beginners
• Teresa's "first one's practice" rule—always plan to make at least two of any project
• The 46-state RV teaching adventure that happened during the pandemic lockdown
• How a pattern company sat dormant for years until the quilt coat revival brought it back to life
• The grandmother's quilt that lived in a trunk for 70 years until it became a wearable jacket
• Why Teresa separates creative studio days from administrative work for better productivity
• Her "we'll make it work" philosophy that prioritizes flexibility over perfection
• How living in Utah's natural beauty directly influences her quilt color and texture choices