Amanda chats with Gregory aka Uncle Greg about his early start into sewing, supporting his mom in teaching his peers to sew, the internal fight to lean into the things he loves while embracing who he is, and the shift after his brother's passing.
A quilter, garment upcycler, and community builder, Gregory Pagán-Hill, also known as Uncle Greg, is using sewing as a way to process grief, build connection, and create something meaningful from what already exists.
This week on Not Your Granny’s Quilt Show, I’m joined by Uncle Greg, whose journey with sewing began at a young age when his mother enlisted him and his siblings to help teach classes after school. What once felt like a chore eventually became a lifelong skill that would return to him in a deeply meaningful way.
After the loss of his brother, Gregory found his way back to quilting. The comfort of his mother’s quilts, the love of family, and a desire to live authentically led him back to the craft. Through that process, he discovered a passion for working with garments, transforming existing pieces into something new. He calls this process “editing,” and it has become a signature part of his creative voice.
Gregory also saw a need for community. In response, he created Club Corduroy, a monthly meetup in the Chicago area that offers a welcoming space for queer and allied sewists to gather, create, and connect.
Out of grief also came another meaningful project. Gregory hosts the podcast Stay Kind with Uncle Greg, where he revisits episodes of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood and reflects on the lessons of love, kindness, and humanity that still resonate today.
This conversation is heartfelt, honest, and full of connection. Greg and I clicked immediately, and I hope you feel that same warmth as you listen.
Follow Greg on Instagram @uncle.greg.be.stitchin and listen to Stay Kind with Uncle Greg on Spotify.
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