Meet the Staff

Get to know the talented staff who's behind each issue of Sew iT All!

Ellen March, Editor-in-Chief

My mother and grandmother taught me to sew at the age of 8. I thank my lucky stars that they did, because I never had an option to take a home-ec class in school. Sewing has been an important part of my life ever since. At age 16, I starred in the Franklin Clay Films educational feature Picking Your Pattern, Fabric and Notions. Upon graduating from USC, I started my own business selling clothing made from original patterns. Then I moved on as the managing editor for Sew News magazine. When I was able to try an embroidery machine for the first time, I was hooked! And now I sew, embroider, embellish, create and write every day for Sew News and Creative Machine Embroidery. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Beth Bradley, Associate Editor

I’ve loved clothing for as long as I can remember. Even at three-years-old, I had definite opinions on what I wanted to wear, sneaking off to change into my favorite houndstooth skirt right after my mom got me dressed. With such specific taste in clothing, I decided that I ought to learn how to make my own. In high school, I started using money from my part-time job to take sewing classes at my local fabric store. I was hooked! I earned a degree in Apparel Design and have been very lucky to turn my passion into my livelihood, first as a fashion designer and now as an editor. Sewing is a fantastic pastime that’s taken me to New York, London and back again. I love draping and patternmaking, but I love easy projects just as much.

Colleen Exline, Associate Editor

I learned sewing basics, such as using a sewing machine, hemming and hand sewing buttons, from my Mom. It wasn't until I began working for Sew News in 2006 that I learned how to read a pattern, construct garments and other valuable techniques that have taken my sewing skills to a whole new level. I began working for Creative Machine Embroidery in 2008 and have been fascinated with the embroidery world ever since. In 2006, I graduated from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing with an emphasis in Film Studies. I spend my free time hanging out with my husband, trying out new recipes and watching the Green Bay Packers.

Kari Bjordahl, Assistant Editor

I learned how to sew from my mother. She was a secret seamstress, sewing infrequently but with incredible results. I once saw her break a years-long sewing hiatus by sewing a teddy bear (complete with a sweater!) from start to finish. Her sporadic and subtle ways sparked the curiosity within me. She taught me the basics: working a sewing machine, hemming pants and essential stitches; but I soon learned that in order to sew, all you really need to know are the basics—the rest comes with time and lots of practice! I have a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication and finding a job where I can combine my love of writing with my knowledge of sewing is a dream come true! My parents always told me that if you can find a job that’s also a hobby (or vice versa), you’ll never tire. I think I’ve found that job.

Kim Lee, Editorial Assistant

Sewing was a mystery to me while I was growing up. My mom would let me stitch scraps of fabric at the sewing machine, but I never thought I could be a great seamstress or fashion designer. That feeling lingered up until my last year of college when I realized that I had the potential to do it. I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York with a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising. I decided to stay at the school for one more year to complete an associate’s degree in fashion design, which opened me up to the world of sewing, patternmaking, designing, draping and illustrating. Now I have a great job that utilizes all of those skills and my passion for them. When I'm not at work, I love to design patterns, construct garments and collect vintage items.

Ann Inez Hardell, Art Director

As a seasoned designer, I thrive on creativity, splashes of color, typography usage and minimalist ideals (keep it simple). When I'm not meeting publication deadlines, I'm dabbling in web design, painting and drawing. Loves: spicy pickles (yum!), sneakers, skiing, hiking, swimming, traveling and spending time with Trigger (very much a Marley dog).

Matt Walker, Graphic Designer

I’ve worked for Creative Crafts Group for more than six years. In that time, I've worked on three different magazine titles alongside amazing teams of editors, freelancers and photographers. My interests outside of work are first and foremost my family, anything outdoors, art, music, food and wine.