What I’ve Been Sewing

I had to get my life back together and start to do these goal setting videos again. Sometimes I get so excited about fabric and patterns that I get overwhelmed and end up making nothing. When I set up a sewing plan and then publish it, I’m more likely to actually follow through—and my closet says that it’s in dire need of me following through with the makes. I still haven’t made all the things from this video BUT I have made a lot of progress on these items and then some.

What I’ve Been Wearing

Honestly, I’ve been stepping out of my comfort zone a little bit more.

What does that mean, Aaronica???

I don’t talk about it often but I’m super insecure about my legs. At first it was because I have cankles that I was teased about horribly as a kid. Now it’s because I have lipedema and lymphedema in my legs. But I keep having to remind myself that my body is worth celebrating because every.single.day I’m beating the odds at something. So, chat, I’ve been showing my legs more and more. This is important to me as a mom of girls because I want them to feel good in their bodies too and I have to model this.

It’s taking some practice to really feel comfortable stepping outside of my clothing comfort zone but it’s worth it.

What I’ve Been Working On

Second Stitch

We finally finished flipping the store so it visually looks close to how I need it to. I did have some hiccups with getting things up on secondstitchfabrics.co but I’m getting it together. I started a series documenting what it’s like building out the store and it’s been fun sharing!

Classes

I’m working on releasing my classes earlier so peeps can get scheduled.

To register for my in-person classes, head to

https://topstitchatl-classes.com/ and for the virtual classes

https://aaronicabcole.store/

An Entrepreneur Meetup

Owning a business is hard, especially when you feel like you’re in a silo so I’m working to put together a free meetup so we can just get together and plan and goal set and information share. More to come on that soon.

I have a lot on my plate and lots going on and I love it. I don’t know how to not keep adding to my plate because I love it all!!! How are you? What are you working on?

Welp… Muva got it together and I’m ready to present to you the Rectangle Top tutorial. Now let me be very clear: this is absolutely something that you can create without using a pattern or tutorial if that’s your thing. But many of us (myself included) can sometimes get overwhelmed with freestyling it too much. Sometimes it’s just tew much to get it together no matter how much you wish you could. And some of us just like being told what to do.

This is for you all.

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So I Bought A Fabric Store

If you’re like, “Girl what?!!? How did we get here??” Let me fill you in…

Many of you know that I teach at Topstitch Atl. In the back of the studio is a second-hand fabric store called Second Stitch Fabrics. The owner and I have known each other since opening and have a really good relationship. She had expressed that she was ready to move on from owning the store and after thinking it over, I decided that it was on the path that I wanted to be on with my professional goals. I basically have my own fabric store in my garage and it’s been gnawing at me that I need to get rid of fabrics.

Why?

Certainly not because I don’t love them but there’s really only a much fabric I’m going to sew with. My tastes have changed, my children have grown, and it’s time for me to let go as I make space for other things or just have more space period. Also: I LOVE fabric. I like LOVE LOVE it. So as of June 1, 2026, I am the owner! It’s been a lot of work so far but I’m loving every moment of it.

I’ve Been Sewing More

I don’t want to say something like, “I don’t get into sewing ruts” because while I don’t necessarily have those times where I don’t want to sew, but, I do mismanage my time in the worst way sometimes. From doom scrolling to binge watching shows and staying up too late, a lot of times I just don’t have my stuff together as of late.

Last year I listened to Atomic Habits by James Clear and while I haven’t put into practice everything that he said in the book, one of the things that really stood out to me was when he described how some people will do all the prepping for a new habit or activity and then never really get around to doing the thing that they prepared for.

This is absolutely me and my sewing right now. That and how I really haven’t given any thought to what I want to be wearing in these summer months. So far I feel like I’ve taught and that’s it. I need to spend some more time outside so I can want to get dressed.

Speaking of Getting Dressed, I Got A New Tattoo

I know, how did we get here?

I have always been so insecure about my legs. I have cankles and kids can be cruel. The teasing from childhood kicked off my insecurities. Then I was diagnosed with lymphedema and lipedema too. My left ankle tends to swell more than my right and I have a lot of cellulite too. The only treatment is liposuction and dare I say I’m a little scarred by the tubes I got with my double mastectomy so I don’t really want any other surgeries that would result in having to use them again.

So instead, I got my first leg tattoo.

I LOVE balloon dogs. I gifted one of my kids’ teachers we love and my bestie them. I also have an iridescent one in my office. Then my youngest drew one in art last year and I felt like that was a sign to get my reminder to be whimsical tattooed on my leg—one of my most hated areas to show. But there will be two of them when it’s all said and done. One represents me and the other my husband. And now I’m excited about showing my legs!

I’ve Been Drafting In My Down Time

But downtime has been limited so that means so has drafting. I have things coming soon but there’s some work I need to do that will make the process a little easier and more streamlined for me so I’m working on that. Also: I’m trying to teach myself how to do tech sketches (Stephanie… just teach me already).

Anywho… that’s all for now!!!

Tell me: what have you been working on and will I see you at PatternCon this year?

P.S. Have you seen those really cute rectangle tops and been wondering what numbers to use to make one for you? No worries… I’ve got a tutorial dropping for my paid subbies up next!

Today I taught a hat class at the studio and I have a love/hate relationship with hats. Not because they’re terrible, but because I have hair. Like a lot of hair. That’s really big. And thick. So naturally this makes wearing a hat really hard, despite my first love of hat wearers being Blossom—shout out to my fellow peeps that remember the coolest girl to wear a hat.

This past weekend I felt like I was being hazed as I stood outside in the 80-90 degree weather HATLESS as I cheered on my flag football-playing daughter. By the time I got home on Saturday, a shower and nap were in order so I could re-gather my entire dehydrated life. I logged into Instagram in quite the serendipitous moment—Ruti & Denesha were talking about live sewing the Wavelength Hat designed by Ruti and I took this as my sign to whip one up.

The Wavelength Hat

I pulled out a pair of jeans from my upcycle pile from my recent closet clean out and got to cutting. This hat has 8 panels that go into a 2-piece brim. I assembled mine differently than the instructions because I wanted to use some bias tape to finish it but as it turns out, I didn’t have any I wanted to use and making it was out of the question because I could barely think. From start to finish it was about a 2-hour project. It’s not hard but it was a little tedious because of all the topstitching—completely worth it though.

And of course the best part was that it fit my head!!!

Are you free this week on Thursday?

This Thursday, Topstitch X Mood Atl are collaborating for a shopping trip at Ponce City Market. Come and hang out with us!

RSVP Here

Topstitch has been doing more fabric field trips and the feedback has been incredible. We all know that I LOVE fabric… like I wish I could be like Scrooge McDuck but instead of gold, I would have beautiful fabrics waiting to be made into beautiful pieces. On these fabric field trips, Leigh does an incredible job of helping to demystify fabrics for projects. So I hope you’ll join us!!!

When you’re struggling with your sew-jo, what helps to bring you back to creating?

For the sewists in the world, it feels like it’s our time to shine because of #MeMadeMay. I’ve seen some really interesting posts on social media so far. Some people have really great goals (that I wish I could have too) and some seem as though they’re resentful of the people with their goals. No matter what end of the spectrum you’re on, how did we already get to May?!?!?

This year has been one of the busiest years for me creatively and because I haven’t been sewing as much, I’ve been sitting on lots of inspiration. I’ve cleaned out my closet and it’s ready to be reinvigorated with some “new” threads.

It’s amazing how releasing the things that either no longer fit or no longer match your style can really make you feel so much freer. Like my brain now has the freedom to be creative and create because I’m not bogged down by things that were no longer serving me.

Preparing for the warmer months

Oddly enough, Atlanta is still experiencing some coolness in the morning which means that layering DOES still need to happen. I don’t think I have enough cardigans—I have 4 to be exact—so this is something that needs to be amended. Brandon from Happily Dressed just released a new cardigan that’s designed for woven fabrics that I feel like needs to be made by me. But these warmer months also mean shedding some of the layers and I can count on one hand how many shirts I have so this is going to be a big undertaking.

I do have lots of pants that are transitional. I have recently fallen in love with gingham fabric and managed to pick up another cut of it during the fabric swap we had on the Friday before Frocktails so I’m super excited about that. Last year I went on a pattern buying spree and you know who didn’t sew not one of those patterns?

Me.

So I definitely will be making these.

My goals for #MeMadeMay

In a nutshell, I just want to get back to me this May. I feel like between teaching, piss poor time management, and trying to keep up with the trends on social media, I’ve gotten a little lost in what it is that I want to be doing, what I want to be wearing and how I want to be creating. As I do this, I’m also focusing on being more intentional about inspiring.

• Alter 5-10 pieces from my closet

• Sew with my kids weekly

• Document my outfits of the week

• Create a YouTube on how to sew in your zipper fly

• Smile in my photos

I know this last one sounds weird but if you look at my pictures I feel like it’s rare I’m smiling and I don’t love that—especially since I love smiling. I really want to focus on the joy of creating and how it makes me feel.

Anywho… do you have any goals this #memademay?

Okay, I have been WAITING to send this email.

Mood Fabrics — yes, THAT Mood, the iconic NYC fabric store from Project Runway — is officially opening a brand new showroom right here in Atlanta at Ponce City Market. And the grand opening party is THIS Thursday, April 23rd from 7–9 PM.

There will be a DJ, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and — most importantly — thousands of fabric samples to touch and swoon over. It’s free and open to everyone.

I’m going to be there, and I would absolutely love to see some familiar faces. If you’ve ever wanted to hang out IRL, talk fabric, trade tips, or just hug it out with your fellow sewing people — this is the moment.

The new store is a showroom concept, which means you can feel and compare over 8,000 fabric samples before ordering online. It’s essentially a fabric lover’s dream playground, and it’s right here in our city.

📍 Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA (Second Floor)

📅 Thursday, April 23rd

🕖 7–9 PM

🎟️ FREE — no tickets needed

RSVP Here

Come find me, say hi, and let’s celebrate this W for the Atlanta sewing community together. I’ll be the one making eyes at every bolt — I mean, sample — in the room.

See you Thursday! 🧵

With love and fabric,

Aaronica

P.S. Don’t forget to get your Atlanta Frocktails tickets!

Atlanta Frocktails Tickets

The first production that I worked on was at Pebblebrook High School with my dear friend (and owner of Bra Builders) Nikki Griffith. When she asked me to work on it with her, I just said yes for the sake of saying yes. Not saying I didn’t have anything better to do, but I was interested in seeing what it was like. I liked it then but being the visionary? I LOVED it.

One of the things that I really loved so much about this process was feeling like I was living in a different era. To costume the show, I mainly thrifted the pieces that I didn’t borrow from another school. One of the things about fashion is that it’s cyclical—trends come and go but most of them always return. And this made it “easy” to find pieces in thrift stores. Whereas I’m normally shopping for things that are in my style realm or for my kids but now I was in the mindset of “what would I wear as a Black woman in the early 1900s”.

The experience was exhausting and I loved it so much.

When was the last time you tried something new?

Like really stepped out of your wheelhouse of normalcy to dare to be bad at something?

I was scared of being bad at this costume designing. I was nervous that even though I knew what I was doing that it still wouldn’t be enough when I was doing it with other people. And I was worried that I would let down my long time friend who has a standard of excellence.

But if you don’t say yes to things you’ve never done, how do you continue to grow?

I never want to be stagnant in this game of life and I feel like saying yes to the right things really presses my excellence.

What’s something you can do that will help you to grow towards being the best version of yourself?

Behind the Scenes: Backstage of The Color Purple

Here’s a little look at what things looked like backstage.

These babies are so talented. I was moved to tears so many times during this time!

If you’re in the Atlanta area, there are still shows happening.

Grab Tickets Now

Speaking of tickets…

Have You Gotten Your Atlanta Frocktails Tickets?

Atlanta Frocktails is in less than a month and I’m kicking into high gear of planning now that I’ve wrapped up costuming—or at least almost done. I was really excited about this year’s theme of Reduce. Reuse. Refashion. I can’t wait to get together with my fellow makers and celebrate!

On Fridays this month we’ll be meeting up at Topstitch to work on our outfits as a collectives. I would love to see you all there or just at Atlanta Frocktails period!

Atlanta Frocktails Tickets

I thought I knew what I wanted to make but spending all that time at thrift stores over the past couple of weeks has my brain ruminating with ideas!!!

Things I’m Loving Right Now:

• Books: I just finished reading First Lie Wins and goodness… by the end of the book my jaw was on the ground. I listened to the audiobook and it was so good.

• Thrifting: I know Goodwill is not highly thought of but I had to swing by in order to grab some more costume pieces. I found an authentic Coach bag for $30 so naturally I snatched that up so fast.

• Sewing: I’m currently making some samples of bags made from coffee burlap sacks and I’m loving them!!!!

What are you loving right now?

My closet clean-out has been long overdue.

I’m pretty sure that I’ve been planning on clearing things out for months but I’m just getting around to it. I’m filming it for YouTube—naturally. But it has really been cathartic to get rid of so many things while keeping some to update. In the past almost 2 years, I’ve lost a significant amount of weight and size. While I really try to keep telling myself that I can still fit the same things at 195lbs that I could at my highest weight of 330lbs, the truth is, I can’t.

My closet was filled to the brim of things that:
1. I couldn’t fit.
2. I didn’t look good in.
3. I didn’t feel beautiful wearing.

I’m one of those people who has previously prided themselves over having a really organized closet. It’s normally not just color-coded, but also organized by season and style. Right now? Well, right now things are looking a little empty since I went through and pulled all the things that do not fit. My loving husband has already packed 2 huge bags filled with things that once sparked so much joy here and now are ready to find new homes.

Spring styles that have me excited.

One of the things that I’m refusing to get rid of are my jeans. Why? Denim is always having a moment—it’s truly a timeless fabric choice—and I figure why not keep these pieces that I have to edit, upcycle and refashion into things that I’ve seen around Pinterest and other places.

As an aside, one of the things that I’ve been really battling with is what to keep to refashion and what to pass on to be a blessing to others. I love the idea of being a blessing—but your girl needs some blessing too! Do you have a method for deciding what to donate or edit?**

Sheer fabrics said, “It’s my time to shine!!!”

And you know what? I agree. I personally love wearing lace and mesh fabrics in basics. One of the women DJ’s I love was wearing some lace pants and I definitely made a little note to self that I needed to make some to add to my own wardrobe. But I think that a boxy tee in sheer is also really cute. One of the pieces I also want to make is just a sheer, woven tank. Plain, yes. But perfect for a beautiful bra to be worn under!

Denim on Denim on Denim on Denim

We’re talking denim luxury accessories, shirts, cardigans, skirts, everything!!! And when I tell you I’m BEYOND excited to cut into some of these jeans… I really mean it. I already have plans on making a pattern for this shirt here

And while I’ll never pay how much Coach is charging for this baby here, I defintely see a large version for me and some mini ones for my girls coming soon too:

Satin fabrics said, “Count me in too!!”

And I will!

Last week I made a Coco Bias skirt (and I can’t believe I didn’t take a proper photo) and wore it to pick up some costumes for The Color Purple. Not only was it so easy to make and style, but I felt so amazing in it.

Satin has the ability to add a little bit of extra no matter what.

Leopard print never goes out of style…

But the experts say it’s coming back—from where, I’m not sure. But I do know that I have some leopard print Paris Palazzo Pants with some neon green side stripes planned because why not? I made these Paris Palazzo’s and love the fabric mixing.

Some additional trends to consider:

• The architectural peplum

• The ever-trendy trench coat

• Statement skirts

• Fringe making it’s way back

• Military jackets

• Drop waists

Which of the spring trends do you see yourself adding to your wardrobe this year?

I want to be excited about new sewing patterns… but AI

I know that AI is currently infiltrating just about everything and it’s so very annoying—especially in sewing. Etsy is filled with AI sewing patterns that get people caught up every time. Between the AI and the commercial sewing patterns being abysmal at best, it’s really hard. I have an unfortunate obsession with buying new sewing patterns and supporting small businesses despite being able to design myself and owning many patterns with similar design lines but different designers.

I’m also toying with the idea of coming out with my own pattern line—I don’t know if that means leaving Made for Mermaids or if I can design in addition to but we’ll see. There’s a lot about the design process I don’t love that M4M just does for me but I would also like to see if I can rise to the challenge. Plus, I’ve seen some rather terrible and/or basic patterns that seem to go viral so things don’t have to be perfect or complex to be lovely!

Anyways… time to wrap it up here. Let me know what you all have going on below!

Projector Sewing will make your spring wardrobes come to life with ease (for the paid subbies)

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I downloaded one of those brick apps that shut down the apps you don’t want easy access to. And it’s been working.

I wish I had better self control lol but I don’t! My social media usage has dropped significantly since I started using it. Last week I didn’t really have the time to sew because I was covering other teachers classes while I was entertaining my kids during their break but now?

Now I’m ready to sew.

What I Plan to Sew This Week

I can’t be the only person who primarily sews garments and forgets that they know how to make other things, right?

Our household needs some new pot holders and oven mitts so I plan to make a simple set this week—no fancy quilting or anything. I’m going to use some of the many scraps I have to do this. I have a bunch of the material from the last time I made some a couple of years ago. I plan to use the patterns from Made for Mermaids—it’s a freebie we released a couple of years ago.

I love scrunchies and need some new ones. I have some of the cutest scraps from some pants I’ve made recently too. I love the jumbo scrunchies but I also want to make some with bows because honestly, I love bows!

I have a lot of pants and am in desperate need of some shirts. I made my muslin for the Sybil Sweatshirt and made some big mistakes—including not using the right interfacing—so I’m going to remake this. I’m also going to make the Patterns for Pirates Be Bold in a crop top, and the Sofia from Staystitch.

My bras don’t fit and I really love the Closet Core bralette so I want to make another one of these so I can record a YouTube sew-a-long for it.

Skirts are making a comeback for me so I’m going to make a knit pencil skirt.

It’s wild because as I was thinking of these things yesterday, it didn’t feel like a lot but now? Yeesh. Is it a lot? Thankfully I have my projector which will make cutting all these projects go by a lot faster.

Atlanta Frocktails Early Bird Tickets are On Sale!

I’m getting ready to send out this email to let the peeps know but if you’re interested in getting the lower price, you have until Friday!

Atlanta Frocktails Tickets

Check out the review of the last thing I made here:

Ok friends, what’s on the docket for you to make this week?

My 2026 Sewing Plans

Why I Stopped Doing Resolutions

I love the concept of both the make 9 and the bingo cards. I did the bingo card last year and listen… after I put whatever I put on that bingo card, I never saw it again. And then I was like, well maybe I’ll just come up with some generic goals like these but then they also made me feel like…

• “Make more clothes” = no direction

• “Sew every week” = guilt when life happens

• Resolutions focus on quantity, not intention

What I’m Doing Instead—Sewing with Intention:

In addition to my body changing, my style has been changing and developing too. It feels like the older I get, the more comfortable I am in my skin and style. But there are also some really big wardrobe gaps I have, some techniques and skills I want to practice, and pieces I just want for the sake of having.

The Skills I’m Focusing On

• Being a better designer: Yes, I design patterns now, but working in Illustrator and designing for me is very much a “if you don’t use it, you lose it” type of thing. While I do want to design with the purpose of selling, I just want to be a more proficient designer, period. The hardest part for me is doing tutorials, so this is really where I want to do some hardcore work.

• Hand sewing: I honestly never thought I would say this but last year working on my hand-quilted jacket really opened a door for me. I had SO much fun being able to take my project with me places. I’m committing to 1 hand-sewn project per month. This month I’m making a hand-quilted Kindle pouch and I’m starting a book embroidery club (more details on that to come). Doing this Kindle pouch is the first time that I’ve used a Sashiko stencil and it’s been fun. I didn’t feel like looking for my batting and I’m using flannel in between my fabric layers and honestly, it’s been a battle working with that.

  

• Draping: I don’t actually plan on working on this until Q2 because I do have some other projects I’m working on now but I have The Shop Company dress form that pretty closely matches my measurements and I’m excited to actually start using it to drape versus it just staring at me unused.

The Wardrobe Gaps I’m Filling

I don’t want to be dramatic when I say this buuuuuuut a lot of my basics simply don’t fit. I’ve been actively making pants for awhile and this year I’ve already made 2 skirts that I love but now I need more tops. Specifically I would like some more fitted crop long-sleeved shirts, boxy crop tops, button-ups and sweaters—it’s so cold right now! And bras!!! I thought that when I had my mastectomy and reconstruction in 2023, I wouldn’t have to worry about replacing my bras but I was wrong! Next month I’m teaching the Closet Core set so I’m starting there with some kits I have from Bra Builders.

My “Dream Make”

Atlanta Frocktails will be happening the first weekend in May so I need to get on deciding what to make for that BUT I know it will be upcycled and I want to use men’s shirts and ties to create the look.

What I WON’T Be Doing This Year…

This is really hard for me… In theory, I know that comparison is the thief of joy but I do it so much and I get so discouraged. So this year I’m focusing on me, my goals, my messaging and continuing to help my community. My community is growing and I love this so much and that’s what deserves my energy.

SMART Goals are the Way To Go

Even though I hate them. SMART goals have built-in accountability which is hard when you’re trying to avoid it! But to help me with my success this year, I plan on breaking out my planner. These past couple of years I haven’t been big on using a written planner but I would forget to charge my iPad! So now I have my physical planner, pens, and am ready to plan for success.

What I’m Working on Now

Please don’t judge my life buuuut I’m still finishing Christmas presents 😫. I made my husband a cardigan (it’s finished and just needs buttons) and a quilted bomber jacket (I just need to add the ribbing to the waistband). I don’t know why it’s taking me so long to get this done but I’m almost finished. I just need the motivation to do the mundane.

@aaronicabcoleHaving a #wellnessroutine as a creative is really important. Yes, this includes fitness and supplements but it also includes things like boundaries. What things are part of your wellness routine? #sewing #creativebusinessowner

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I want to hear YOUR 2026 sewing plans. Hit reply and tell me: What's ONE thing you want to make or learn this year?

And if you're ready to build real skills this year—stay tuned. I'm working on something for beginners that I'm really excited about. More soon. 👀

Did I tell you all that I’m fostering a dog? I feel like I did… One of my final makes of 2025 was a little raglan for him and he is so cute in it!!! Today and Bear got to play together and honestly, I was really worried about their introduction. Bear is just a year old and is quite playful. Marshmallow is our foster. He’s older and way more mellow. I think matching shirts are definitely on the radar…

How To Set Sewing Goals that Actually Stick

If you’ve tried the Make 9, Make 6, pick skills or even the bingo card but still haven’t had success at sticking with your sewing goals, you aren’t alone. I did the bingo card last year and after I made it, I never looked at it again! Through all of my sewing goal failures, there are a couple of things that stuck out to me that now I’m ready to resolve so I can have success.

1. Make the goals SMART. I actually hate that I’m saying this but… SMART goals have been a thing for so long for a reason. Being specific AND giving yourself a timeframe for them to be completed has merit. So for each of your sewing goals, give them a date.

2. Put the date in your calendar. I live by my calendars. My kids know to pull up the calendar before asking me for/to do anything because I have to put everything there. Create a calendar specific to your sewing goals that has a default for reminders/alarms built in so that you can be reminded of said goal.

3. Have accountability set up. Have a sewing bestie? Community? Go live? Talk about your goals and the dates so others can ask you about them.

4. Create goals that others have too. The buddy system works! It works for swimming, clubbing and sewing! Get a goal buddy that you can talk about things with.

Keep the momentum going with your goals and remember you can always change them!

What I’m Working On…

One of the things I tell myself every year is that I want to get dressed every day. Like why make all these dope clothes if I’m not going to wear them? But I also need to do a better job of actually making clothes that I:

• want to wear; and,

• will actually style

But before I do that, I need to finish my husband’s Christmas presents. I’m making him a quilted denim bomber jacket and a cardigan. The cardigan is pretty much finished but I need to add buttons. The bomber jacket is almost done too. I bias bound all the edges and now just need to finish the construction.

I used my DIY Wardrobe Planner to help me plan out my vision for my wardrobe this year. Now I need to pull some fabrics to get started!

Introducing the Community Spotlight!

One of the things that I’m really working hard to do is foster my community so I would love to highlight my peeps! If you’d like to have your pieces, journey, pictures shared, shoot me an email to aaronica@aaronicabcolestudio.com.

So tell me: what sewing goals do you have for 2026?

I love celebrating the New Year. While I know that with the new year, we don’t have to put the pressure on ourselves to have our proverbial (or literal) sh*t together, I do. I’m one of those people that has to wait until the beginning of the week to start anything new despite my attempts to break that habit. It’s who I am and now I just embrace it.

Do You Have Any Traditions You Do For The New Year?

As I type this, my greens, black-eyed peas and meat are cooking because traditions. I’m not going to try my hand at seeing what happens if I don’t set myself and family up for good fortune, wealth, and good luck. I used to do the picking a new word for the year but this year, I’m focusing on a phrase:

The fruit you desire grows from the darkness where you planted the seeds.

This feels a little dark but let me explain… So often we expect results when we haven’t worked for them. We didn’t plant the seed. We didn’t water it. We didn’t check in. We were too busy scrolling or whatever it is that wasn’t tending to your own garden. And then we (it’s me… I’m we) are shocked/disappointed/sad/mad when the fruit isn’t there.

This year I’m working hard on making the plan, working the plan, adjusting the plan as needed, and enjoying the fruit later. I’m fading back to the discipline and consistency that I once had and I’m excited about things.

Purging my closet is on my to-do list for sure.

Losing 130lbs has left me a little overwhelmed with things that need refashioning, taking in, etc. and now I’m at the point where I need for things to be removed from my closet so that I can have that space to see what things I need to make/buy so I can get dressed in things that fit me. It’s not lost on me that I teach a class on how to create a body map and fit patterns better and my clothes do not fit. It is ever so slightly embarrassing to me to be frank. It’s honestly a great time to do it since it’s Jeanuary and I WILL be participating. I made the Janet Jeans last month and I LOVE them. So now I need to make more.

Creating my wardrobe with intention

Is absolutely the goal for 2026. I know that I want to make a couple of blazers, jumpsuits and dresses (yes, Julian, I will be making them!). In fact, I’m hosting a class here in Atlanta this weekend—if you’re here you should attend! It’s going to be a good time. As I prepare to host the class, I’ve been working on my own wardrobe plan—which of course includes a YouTube video that will be dropping on Saturday too!

To help me, I’m completing my DIY Wardrobe Planner. I’ve included it here for my paid subbies as well.

I’m feeling really excited about this upcoming year and I honestly hope you all are feeling good about it too. I would love to hear from you though! What sorts of things would you like to see over here this year?

Chat soon!

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I was invited to be a KnowMe Pattern Designer

And I cried.

At the time, I felt like I was fighting to be seen in the sewing world—hell, I still feel like I’m fighting now. But being invited to design was everything. It made me feel like people who weren’t plus-sized still saw me as stylish, which was really cool. I’ve never really thought of myself as being fashionable or stylish since I subscribe to comfort and color as my aesthetic but now I was given this platform and it was like… wow.

My goal was to create a capsule collection for plus-sized baddies that were into showing skin and their shape—less modest, if you will. I wanted to celebrate our bodies, not make us feel ashamed or wish designs came in our size. To do this, I researched what silhouettes would be good for different seasons and would highlight the beauty of the plus-sized body while being timeless. I booked and paid for photoshoots that weren’t reimbursed. I taught my kids how to take pictures with official cameras. I created a guide to help other designers and it was great—or so I thought…

There was no such thing as paradise.

But there was definitely trouble.

I’m pretty sure that anyone who knows me, consumes my content, etc., knows that I don’t love tissue patterns. One of the reasons why is pretty obvious—I use a projector to help me cut my patterns. But I’m an indie, PDF girlie through and through. But outside of this, the drafting isn’t my favorite for plus-sized bodies and then there was a lot to be desired with communication, timelines, and deadlines.

And then my designs stopped being approved and I was given the runaround as for the reason why. My sewing quality was called into question in what seemed like a scapegoat for the big 5 getting rid of their plus-sizes. Then the bankruptcy happened, and that solidified that it was time for me to move on.

So what’s next?

I’m going to be following the footsteps of my fellow designers Nikki, Lynn and Nefertiti and have my designs removed from the website. Why? Because I want to re-release them with revised grading that’s more inclusive. I’m currently still designing with Made for Mermaids for now but I do have some other things in the works.

Full disclosure: designing for KnowMe was fun in some ways. It got me loving seeing my designs come to life from my head to my body. Which is why the way I was dismissed really hurt. I work hard at conducting myself and business with integrity and the whole situation just left a bad taste in my mouth.

And so I took some time this year to reevaluate where I want to go and I still want to design. I still want to make sure that my plus-sized baddies have patterns that highlight our beauty. I will still be making sure my sewing patterns are not only accessible but inclusive.

But instead of waiting until the last minute to think about holiday presents to make, I’m a little ahead of schedule—and I mean little lol!!! In truth, most of my holiday shopping is done and I’m pretty damn proud of myself. Last night, my husband asked me what I wanted for Christmas and honestly, I don’t know. And I think it’s because I want things that aren’t really, well, things.

My Christmas List:

• Increased registration for my projector classes

• The dogs and cats that are in animal shelters to find forever homes that are safe and happy for them

• The rate of homelessness to drop

• The unemployment rate to drop

• An administration that cares about it’s people

• Inflation to go down

• Increased subscribers and view hours on my YouTube channel

• The discipline to go to bed on time so I can wake up early and work out before having to wake the kids

• More time with my husband

• My kids to not deal with bullies and mean people

• Better mental and emotional health for the people of the world

• No more suffering

• More ease in life

See? Just light stuff 👀😂

If you don’t have a sewing machine or you’re looking to get into sewing, I made this YouTube for those who are looking to grab one this season. Any of these machines will be great to make holiday gifts. One of the big things is in deciding what to make others for gifts that they’ll actually like. I hate how people will use “handmade” as an insult—so much love goes into handmade items. We choose the fabric, cut, sew, and finish it up. But I also understand wanting things that are useful so here are some things that are useful, easy to make and won’t cost an arm and a leg.

10 Easy-to-Make Holiday Gifts People Want

• Bowl Cozy - this will always be my favorite gift to give. It’s soup season and these are so useful and you can make a set for a family and do fun prints.

• Rice Heating Pad - as someone who hates being cold and holds tension in their shoulder, heating pads are my favorite. You can even add some essential oils or herbs in there too!

• Quilted Notebook Cover - if your loved ones are into journaling or just love notebooks like yours truly this is such a cute gift, especially when paired with…

• Pen Holder Bookmark - because your pens should be handy

• Kindle Sleeve - I’ve seen the #booktok baddies decorating their Kindles so why not make a cute sleeve for the reader in your life?

• Satin Heatless Curlers - if my TikTok is any indication on whether or not the heatless curlers are a thing, then we know it is. You can make them though!

• Aldi Quarter Key Chain - this one might be personal since my husband shops there.

• Wool Car Scent Diffuser - I LOVE having my car smell good and these offer something cute, minimalist and useful.

• Boxy Pouch - one of my students made me one of these and I love it so much.

• Tea Wallet - I love both coffee and tea but I thought this was so useful for those who love their own tea blends.

• Circle Tote Bag - totes are normally rectangular but this one is giving a different shape with great function

What’s on your gift list? What do you plan on making this year?

Ready to learn to use a projector for sewing? My classes for December just dropped so head on over and get registered:

Take me there!

New Pattern November is a Wrap

I’m getting ready to publish an update for #NewPatternNovember but here are the updates:

• I was working on my quilted jacket most of the month and didn’t think I would succeed at even one pattern.

• I surprised myself and knocked out 4 new pieces this month.

• I love what I did.

Did you participate? How did you fair?

Do People Really Want Handmade Gifts?

Every holiday season this is a question I ask myself.

Musings from my mind…

This is a new section I’m adding so that the flurry of thoughts that pass by as I’m writing my newsletters have a place to go…

Competition isn’t just the thief of joy, it’s also the oppressor of progress. As I’m typing this out, I was scrolling on Instagram and came across this beautifully done carousel and I immediately felt the familiar feel of insecurity creep in as I consumed this incredibly inspirational information. Not only were the words inspiring, but the imagery was so engaging I couldn’t just scroll on by—I had to pause, swipe through and engage. So why insecurity feelings, right? Because I want people to see my content and feel this exact way and I don’t know if they do. So I paused in that moment and realized that by me feeling like this creator is a competitor for audience, I’ve lost the joy that her post made me feel.

This is something that I know is in process for me. I’m actively working to undo this scarcity mindset because not only does it rob my happiness, it also makes it really hard to create.

What’s something you’ve been struggling with?

But during this time I did a lot of planning which I’m really excited to execute. I left the corporate world 11 years ago to be a full time content creator and while so many things have changed in this world of content creation, my goals and purpose really haven’t. I love that I’ve created platforms that I get to use my voice to educate, inspire and entertain while normalizing parts of life that get looked over. Am I the influencer with hundreds of thousands or millions of followers? Nope. But that was never the goal. The goal has always been to create a comfy, cozy, safe place on the internet that made people want to show up and be part of.

Before we get into some more of my thoughts…

I love New Pattern November because it really forces me out of my creating comfort zone. Most years I get so excited and pull out like 10 patterns not remembering that I have A LOT going on in life. So this year I have a mix of patterns that I want to do. If I were feeling better today, I would already get started on one! This year I’ll be gifting 2 participants a pattern I’ve designed and actually created a spreadsheet for it.

Why I’ve Been Feeling a Little Meh…

I love the sewing community so much. Like LOVE. That is, I think about different ways to show up in the community to help and inspire people all day. In fact, during my time away, I was consumed with thoughts of how I could show up and be better for this community. However, I then think of some of my experiences within it, and it makes me sad. Like how, because I highlighted how there was still so much work that needs to be done with size inclusivity, I was called a bully. Or how people ignore the piss poor behavior of people just because of how they portray themselves in the limelight.

Or it could just be my menopausal brain just having trouble keeping up with things, taking them for what they are, and moving on.

While what we do in sewing isn’t brain surgery, I love that I get to make an impact on people’s lives and how they show up. I love the community that I have created. I love designing and sharing pieces of my life that have helped others and the good really does outweigh the challenges. That coupled with the community that is Topstitch, I really love that I get to do what I do.

How are you? What have you been creating? What’s on your “must-sew” for fall list?

Goal: Make More Fancy Dresses

When I started the year, one of my silent goals for myself was to get better at making dressier attire. You know… like sequins, feathers and fine fabrics. I want to get better at making things that I don’t normally make. For my daughter’s dress, she sent me an inspiration photo and I was able to find a pattern that allowed me to customize it as needed.

After I made hers, her besties sister needed one for this weekend and so does my bonus baby so tomorrow I’m heading to the fabric store to grab what I need to make them. Now I’m not someone who normally sews for others.

These first two are the inspiration photos for my bonus baby and then the bottom two are for my daughters besties sister.

I don’t sew for others because of my nerves…

I’ve been sewing literally for most of my life. I sew well enough to teach. I sew well enough to design. I sew well enough to be a brand ambassador for the best sewing machines.

But it still makes me so anxious to sew for others. I do recognize how wild it sounds for me to be comfortable seeing the things I do really well while I feel like an imposter and others who haven’t been sewing as long are out here selling things… I’m working on it. I do also know that the things that I have made for others and sold haven’t received negative feedback so I don’t know why this anxiety has such a chokehold on me but I’m working to let it go.

The Principles in The Artist Way Have Been A Big Help

I started reading The Artist Way in the beginning of September. The target audience really seems to be writers and while I’m known as a sewist, I’m actually a writer lol! As in I’ve won a couple of awards for my writing. Not that I don’t want to write, but I’m really ready to let go of how I’m just in my own way of growth. Like I’m talented and have so much potential for growth and success if I would just stop overthinking, over analyzing and telling myself I can’t do it.

I’ve been doing these morning pages (we write 3 pages in a journal every morning) and they have been so helpful. Doing a brain dump first thing in the morning is so helpful. And the reason why makes so much sense. So often our brains are clogged with things to do, things we’re trying to remember, things we’re trying to forget, untruths about ourselves and more so taking the time to go ahead and flush it all out leaves space for creativity to grow and thrive.

I talked more about The Artist Way and my personal curriculum in this video here. I haven’t been doing the greatest with keeping up with my personal curriculum buuuuut I plan on making a change to that because the books I chose were really good.

How was your September? Can you believe that we’re entering the last quarter of the year?!!?

So as the first installment of my series of ezines, I’ve written an easy-to-digest “How to Read Sewing Patterns” and all my paid subbies get it!

I do know that many of you already know how to read patterns and I get that. I would love your suggestions on other ezines needed to add to my list of things that I’m writing but I’m working creating a series and this is just the first of it’s kind.

Subscribe now

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I’m back from Pattern Con 2025 and I’m still living on that high that comes from being surrounded by like-minded people that love the crafts and art that you do.

Pattern Con Recap

This was the first year of Pattern Con and is the brainchild of Tricia Camacho who runs Creative Costume Academy. When we first met IRL in Washington for Sew Expo last year, she told and I about this idea we had. We were both really excited about it and then in January of this year, she told me she was ready to make it happen. Because of who I am as a person, I told her whatever she needed, I was there for. Then she asked me if I would do a keynote on the importance of plus-size drafting and OF COURSE I jumped at the idea

!

I already knew going in that this wasn’t going to be like a janky conference that lacked diversity—like many others out there. Tricia had representation in her learning tracks for everything from projector sewing to historical to lingerie to cosplay to draping and everything in between. The only thing missing was something for men and that just means next year will be even better because she already has a plan to fill that gap.

The people were amazing and the volunteers were legit happy about being there. There was no cranky people that acted like it was too hard to help. And then meeting the people there was everything. The people that I talk to and interact with daily online were just as amazing in person. I felt seen, supported and surrounded by people that “just get it”. But that wasn’t just felt by me—this was the consensus.

Anyway… Tricia and her crew did a fantastic job with this conference and I’m honored I got to be apart of it.

Did you see that I got a new machine?!?

I got the bernette b08 which is a straight stitch machine and when I tell you I’m beyond excited, I mean it. It can be classified as an industrial machine because it has a handle but baby!!!! This machine is high-quality and giving industrial strength. I’ve been really getting into bag-making and making jeans and this is going to be fantastic for me on this journey. Part of me wants to start to sell bags and this may be what I need to push forward with it.

Can you believe it’s already time for fall sewing???

Hello friends!

I’m writing to you as a newly minted 42 year old ready to share the fashion, style and sewing wisdom that has come with another year under my belt of life. Damn… that sounded good… happy I wrote it down, ha!

Yesterday (July 20) I turned 42. I’ve never been one of those people who didn’t want to age or get older. I’ve really been enjoying what getting older has brought me. When I was younger, I didn’t think I was going to make it to my age so now that I’m here, I celebrate it. I’m a pretty low-key person and had the perfect day with my family and then a date night to my favorite sushi spot for dinner with my husband.

And then I dropped a new pattern…

Introducing the Paris Palazzo Pants!!!

This has been one of the easiest patterns I’ve tested to date. I really need to do more patterning so that when I do do it, it doesn’t feel like I’m having to relearn things every.single.time. I design for Made For Mermaids and I get a lot of help with the finer details—namely the tutorial. Megan, the owner, is really patient and fantastic as it can be a lot to balance helping other designers out while doing her own.

Back to the pattern…

I think anyone who sees me get dressed knows I love a wide-leg, palazzo-style pant. My go-to for knit fabrics is the Patterns for Pirates Palazzo pant. It’s easy and straightforward but I love wearing woven fabrics too so I wanted one that I could use for lighter-weight woven fabrics. This pattern comes in shorts, crop pants, and 3 different inseams. In addition to that, I also created a version that has a gathered side-tier option.

Check out some of my testers:

Paris Palazzo Testers

Listen… when I tell you my testers took my vision and took off… I mean it. Like all of these versions were my favorite and I wanted to keep them for myself!!!

Grab Your Pattern Here

My start to the week has been pretty amazing. I’m teaching a jeans making series right now and it’s been going to well. I’m working on making the Dawn Jeans from Megan Nielsen. I’m a *littl* hesistant in making them because I haven’t seen any plus-size bodies in them but we shall keep pushing. But also—this is why representation of different sizes and body types matter.

Anyway… I would love to see your Paris Palazzo makes so if you grab the pattern, please let me know!!!