Sue O'Very - Life is Gorgeous!

from Sew & So... · host Sue O'Very

If you've ever purchased a sewing machine, serger, embroidery machine, or any new piece of equipment and then felt completely intimidated by it, today's guest understands exactly how you feel. Sue O'Very—better known as Sookie of Sookie Sews—has made it her mission to help sewists move from fear to confidence. Since joining us for our 50th episode back in 2023, Sue has become one of the industry's most recognized serger educators, helping thousands of sewists finally take their sergers out of the box and put them to use. But today's conversation goes far beyond sewing. We'll talk about Sue's journey from sewing Barbie doll clothes as a child to designing products around the world, how she found clarity and purpose after a difficult chapter in her personal life, and why she believes confidence comes from showing up consistently—for yourself and for others. Whether you're a dedicated serger user, a lifelong sewist, or simply someone who appreciates stories of personal growth, I think you'll find inspiration in Sue's journey. (2:45) Sue recounts her life events and what she’s been up to since we last caught up with her. (9:45) What’s the Serge and Dream Club for Sue’s Serger Bees?! (10:33) Sue explains the Serger and what it does. (14:45) Sue shares portions of her personal life and what has occurred since her last Sew & So episode. (18:50) Sue talks about her favorite author Robin Sharma and her favorite quote about change. (21:25) She talks about her 100 lb. weight loss and how it’s affected her life overall. How hard was it to stay off of sweets and to begin to eat better. (23:40) Sue talks about the book “The 5am Club”, how it’s changed her life as she’s put its ideas into practice. (26:11) Who is Marie Fiallo and how have her programs and writings helped Sue? What is the center of these learnings? (31:05) What does Sue want people to know about her as she is today? (34:04) What’s Sue working on right now? Her “New Bees”, growing the Serger Dream Club, fresh content, and the next levels for the intermediate serger course. (36:05) What’s her dream? (37:11) Want to reach out to Sue? Sookie Sews on Instagram, YouTube, Sookiesews.com and join the “Serger Loop” newsletter Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. 

What this episode covers

When Sue O’Very first joined Sew & So for Episode 50 , she was already a respected sewing educator and pattern designer. Three years later, she returns with a story of remarkable personal and professional transformation. Known throughout the sewing world as "Sookie" of Sookie Sews, Sue shares how a simple childhood sewing lesson from her mother sparked a lifelong passion that eventually led her from costume design at Busch Gardens and cruise ships to international product development in China and technical design work for Harley-Davidson. Today, Sue has become one of the sewing industry's leading serger educators. After listening closely to her audience, she shifted her business entirely toward helping sewists overcome their fear of sergers through her Year of the Serger initiative, Serger Escape course, Serger Dream Club community, and her book, Pocket Guide to Sergers. Beyond sewing, Sue opens up about navigating a difficult marriage, rebuilding her life as a single mother, losing 100 pounds through lifestyle changes, and creating a healthier, more intentional future for herself and her daughter. She discusses the mentors, mindset shifts, and daily habits that helped her move from survival to fulfillment. This conversation is about much more than sewing machines. It's about resilience, reinvention, and discovering that confidence—whether in sewing, business, or life—is built one step at a time.

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This episode is 39 minutes long.

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This episode was published on June 4, 2026.

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