Tina VanDenburg - A Fully Lit-Up Life

01/18/24 • 47 min

Owner of Kinship Handwork, Tina VanDenburg has lived life others simply dream of. Ready for chances, and learning from experiences, Tina left no stone unturned in searching for passion, peace, and a fully lit-up life.

Born and raised near Grand Rapids, MI, her sewing journey began when she couldn’t find cloths that fit her body. Before that she lived in Alaska then returned to Michigan and built houses as a carpenter.

She blogs and has a vibrant podcast called In Kinship.

(2:06) How did Tina learn how to sew...through osmosis and independence!

(2:55) Tina’s grandmother was a sewist – but Tina never really paid attention. Her grandmother’s creativity left an indelible mark on her...but Tina really didn’t understand...until it was too late. She explains...here and how her grandmother is still with her now anytime she sews.

(6:04) In her 20’s Tina traveled to Alaska to live – she takes us on this adventure to Denali National Park, Anchorage and Seward. She also talks about her decision about college and her future and how a BIG job changed her life when she realized that there was more to living than a bag phone. Alaska opened her mind and changed her trajectory.

(10:45) And then...she returned to Michigan missing her family and wanting to meet her new nephew. Alaska was never far from her heart.

(11:25) Being curious and adventurous got her into the next phase of her life...the purchase of a brick-and-mortar bookstore. It was that “little voice”! And then...she learned to sew...and there was a “gateway dress.”

(20:25) Tina believes that we can take our lives – the whole experience” into our own hands. She loves to disconnect from the “should” to create the life she wants. This free spirit tells us more. Some of this came from an experience in Alaska – go figure!

(23:45) Learn about her four steps to a peace filled, joyful day. These practices have and continue to set her up to feel grounded and capable.

(25:09) Tina does many things to remain empowered...she talked about her many interests and skills.

(27:01) Tina describes the Fully Lit-up Life!

(31:15) Community and gathering with others is paramount to Tina and sharing it is even more energizing. Especially on her podcast In Kinship.

(32:26) She does retreats on Mackinac Island – she takes us through one!

(33:21) What inspires Tina? Authenticity, Bravery and more!

(35:00) What’s tina’s secret aspiration? She shares this here for the first time!

(35:57) Her podcast In Kinship began a year ago and since that time she’s had some remarkable conversations. She shares a few of them here.

(43:23) What’s her dream? Well...it’s shifted because of a few notable life events. And...then there’s two acres and a little house on wheels!

(45:13) What didn’t we ask?

(45:50) Want to reach out to Tina? Her website is www.kinshiphandwork.com, you can find all there!

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to [email protected] or complete the form on our website.

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.

She blogs and has a vibrant podcast called In Kinship.

(2:06) How did Tina learn how to sew...through osmosis and independence!

(10:45) And then...she returned to Michigan missing her family and wanting to meet her new nephew. Alaska was never far from her heart.

(23:45) Learn about her four steps to a peace filled, joyful day. These practices have and continue to set her up to feel grounded and capable.

(25:09) Tina does many things to remain empowered...she talked about her many interests and skills.

(27:01) Tina describes the Fully Lit-up Life!

(31:15) Community and gathering with others is paramount to Tina and sharing it is even more energizing. Especially on her podcast In Kinship.

(32:26) She does retreats on Mackinac Island – she takes us through one!

(33:21) What inspires Tina? Authenticity, Bravery and more!

(35:00) What’s tina’s secret aspiration? She shares this here for the first time!

(35:57) Her podcast In Kinship began a year ago and since that time she’s had some remarkable conversations. She shares a few of them here.

(43:23) What’s her dream? Well...it’s shifted because of a few notable life events. And...then there’s two acres and a little house on wheels!

(45:13) What didn’t we ask?

(45:50) Want to reach out to Tina? Her website is www.kinshiphandwork.com, you can find all there!

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to [email protected] or complete the form on our website.

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.

Previous Episode

Yvette Todd - It Began With Rat Hammocks

Show Notes: Yvette Todd

Yvette Todd’s creation Stash Hub is only one year old, but it’s already made bold strides in helping sewists organize their fabric, patterns, and plan sewing projects.

Only sewing since 2020, Yvette grew up in Portsmouth England. She attended the University of Bath where she met her husband...a union that proved essential to the creation and success of the Stash Hub App.

(1:59) Yvette shares stories of her childhood and how these experiences led to where she is today.

(4:00) As Yvette began her sewing journey her projects became more frequent and more complex. There was no one in her family that actually sewed so her inspiration came from within!

(5:25) Prior to founding Stash Hub...her studies focused on Biochemistry. Her husband Doug was a biochemist as well.

(6:17) So, how did she come up with the idea for Stash Hub?She tells us here.

(7:58) Her mission is to help sewists fall back in love with their fabric stashes. She explains why managing fabric inventory is a universal challenge.

(9:33) So what does she recommend for sewists who come home with arm loads of emotional fabric purchases? She offers advice here!

(12:08) Yvette works with her husband Doug in this venture...she talks about how this works and is working.

(13:35) Celebrating 1 year the app has gone through multiple iterations. She talks about this evolution.

(15:12) Hosting “Stash Chats” online, Yvette has shared numerous experiences with participants. She shares several stories with us.

(17:00) Does Yvette share life experiences with others in the sewing community? Well, there’s Natalie...

(18:12) She goes in depth about those members of her community and why this is so very important to her. Especially when she sewed through her finger!

(20:16) Yvette share’s information about Mel’s Refugees and how sewists can de-stash their fabric and donate items to this organization.

(21:20) Yvette loves to talk about sewing. She explains this passion.

(24:03) And...what’s next for her? She also shares her crazy dream based on the TV show The Home Medic. Listen to what she hopes for and it’s something you can help her with!

(25:46) Was there a question we didn’t ask? Well, yes actually there was...she explains here.

(27:11) To contact Yvette, @stash_hub, [email protected] and stashhubclub on Facebook.

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to [email protected] or complete the form on our website.

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.

Next Episode

Linda Diak - Stronger

Only coming to quilting 5 years ago, Linda Diak has had a life full of creativity. She’s raised and sheered her own sheep for fibers to spin. She’s crafted knitting needles and crochet hooks, and beautiful bespoke art quilts. Her newfound love for quilting began at a chance opportunity to sit down at a long arm and well...let’s let her tell you more.

(2:00) How did she learn to sew? Her grandmother was a tailor and furrier who took the reins. However, it wasn’t easy because grandma did it faster! Her mother was a maker too.

(3:45) Marietta Jones was quite an influence on both Linda and her grandmother. Founder of the Shuttle Craft Hand Guild in the 1940’s and 50’s whose focus was on bringing hand weaving back to America. Looms were everywhere in her home. Linda tells us her story.

(5:49) At 18 years old, Linda went to Atlanta to go to design school and where this ended up was not initially apparent to her. The first of many twists and turns.

(9:00) A heard of sheep, guard llamas, dogs, cats and more. Linda tells us how this menagerie came to be, how she crafted fibers and the evolution of her company to DyakCraft.

(12:35) Linda takes us through the process of creating fibers from sheering the sheep to spinning the fibers. It’s not easy...learn more than you ever thought was involved!

(15:32) And how did Grafton Fibers become DiakCraft...yet another unforeseen twist!

(19:00) What was the impetus for Linda to begin to create art quilts? Yet another life event led her to this new endeavor.

(20:54) How does she choose the subjects of her quilts? She shares this with us here.

(21:50) What are her favorite creations? Baskim Farms for one! Hear about this organization and the wonderful sustainable work they do.

(24:08) Sitting down at a long arm five years ago at Waterwheel Quilt Shop in Londonderry, VT was life changing. She knew in this moment that quilting would play a large part in the rest of her life.

(25:30) The Rutland Plywood Company played a part in yet another life changing event. Linda tells us this story.

(29:40) What’s her favorite creation? It’s the thing she just finished making!

(30:55) The recipient of a recent WomensNet Amber Grant, Linda tells us about the history of this award and how she won this recognition.

(33:12) What inspires Linda? Nature, animals, color, lines and the work of others!

(43:50) Linda’s mother had a great influence on her. A director of nursing in Youngstown, OH her pragmatism and common sense was instilled in Linda. This sense of self and independence has served Linda well. And her father...his influence was paramount as well.

(38:00) Linda is involved with VINE rescue. She tells us about this organization, their work and how she supports them. Hear the story of the travels of Tiki the Emu!

(41:26) What’s next and what’s her dream?!

(42:30) You can reach Linda at www.lindadiakquilts.com and [email protected]. Facebook and Instagram as well!

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to [email protected] or complete the form on our website.

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.