In this episode of Sewing With Threads, Joi Mahon tells of her evolution—planned and unplanned—as a creative sewing entrepreneur, a title she has given herself. Plus, the custom clothier, teacher, and author offers encouraging words to all who are learning and honing their sewing skills.

“We are in a very fast-paced society,” Joi says. “We want instant results . . . I feel like the last year and a half, I’ve really embraced the learning. It’s less about, ‘let’s whip out a garment.’ You can do that, but sometimes you have to take the time to understand what you are doing first.”

Joi leads fitting and sewing classes to help students gain that understanding and try out techniques—to embrace learning for themselves. She offers an online Perfect Pattern and Fit Club for those wanting to study regularly with her in a virtual classroom setting.

But her true passion is teaching in-person classes, especially in her studio, The Sewing Factory, in Sioux City, Iowa. She loves the live fitting classes. They remind the students that “regardless of size, every single body type has fitting issues,” Joi says.

“Being able to see a variety of bodies and different fit issues is very eye-opening,” for the students. “The nice thing about that, too, is it helps people understand the aspect of how bodies are real . . . (because) there are lot of contrived things out there on Pinterest and Instagram.”

Joi shares how her family memories, early work experiences, and good timing led her to career successes. Today, she hosts Nancy’s Notions Wardrobe Builder, serves as a Craftsy instructor, and is a licensed McCall’s pattern designer. She’s also authored Create the Perfect Fit (F+W, 2014), Fashion Sewing Workshop (Fons & Porter, 2016), and the upcoming Ultimate Illustrated Guide to Sewing Clothes (Landauer Publishing, late 2021).

Find out more about Joi and her classes at her website: DesignerJoi.com. Learn more about Joi’s sewing favorites in “Five Sewing Questions with Joi Mahon.”

You can also read her Threads #216 (Winter 2021) article on creating and using a template to get better-fitting pants.

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Today’s episode is brought to you by our friends at Baby Lock. Did you hear? Baby Lock recently launched five new sewing, quilting, and embroidery machines—the Chorus, Ballad, Array, Vesta, and Flare. These new machines come with a variety of innovative features and accessories, so you can prep less and sew more. Visit your local Baby Lock retailer to try out these new machines and complete the Sew More Challenge to earn a coupon for 20 percent off manufacturers suggested retail price of Baby Lock-branded merchandise. Visit BabyLock.com to learn more.

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Today’s episode also is brought to you by Creativity Inc., where the goal is to inspire everyone to create. Our family of brands includes: One Big Happy Yarn Company, Nancy’s Notions, Missouri Star Quilt Company, and Let’s Make Art. Whether you are looking to sew a new outfit, learn to knit your own sweater, make a quilt, or hone your painting skills, we are here to inspire you and provide the tools you need for your next creative adventure. Visit NancysNotions.com.

 

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