Brittany J. Jones’s story is one filled with successes that attest to her remarkable drive and persistence. After all, going from brand-new sewer to co-owner of a fabric store in less than 10 years is no small feat. 

Melanated Fabrics, the online and brick-and-mortar store based in Atlanta, Georgia, closed recently. But it is where she honed her sewing knowledge. She continues to share her expertise as a teacher at the online school, Sew It Academy.

“I honestly haven’t really paused to take my journey all in. It’s been truly amazing,” she says “I still remember buying my first machine because I was depressed, wanted a hobby, and only wanted to make a few maxi skirts.” At that point in 2013, she went on to “fall in love with sewing, and I’m still in love with it.”

In 2016, Jones, who lives in the Atlanta area with her husband and four children, launched her blog and YouTube channel, BrittanyJJones.com. Also find her on Instagram @brittanyjjones. She’s created oodles of content, attracted thousands of subscribers, and sewn a wardrobe that’s 90 percent custom made. 

Plus, since October of 2022 she has designed four patterns for the Know Me by Mimi G line sold by the McCall’s brand. There’s her mock turtleneck and trouser-style jeans (ME2002); knit top and skirt (ME2013); summer dress (ME2040), and jumpsuit (ME2063). A fifth pattern, an outerwear design, is expected out this summer, she reveals.

 

Q & A with Brittany J. Jones

Threads: How did the Know Me patterns collaboration happen, and are the patterns geared to a specific audience?

Brittany J. Jones: Mimi G [her business partner, good friend, and fellow social media icon] founded Know Me Patterns, and she was just going through the community looking for designers. I am honored to be part of the first group she selected to have their patterns designed. 

My idea from the beginning has been to create a wardrobe with my patterns. I want pieces that people can easily make and easily add to their wardrobe. I look at the things that are trending, look at the things that are classic, and I just try to match those things together and create something that reflects my personality and what I would wear. My person is someone who is busy—they like everyday clothing that’s easy to pull on and go about their business. Hopefully, my collection of patterns will be a a nice little capsule wardrobe people can have. My patterns are also available in an extended size range; some of them go up to 38W. 

 

Training and Challenges

TH: What have you learned from producing the patterns? 

BJ: The whole process was completely new to me. I do have to look at what’s coming down the runways. I do have to see how I could take those things and make them everyday or how I can put my little spin on it. It’s interesting for me to step outside my comfort zone into a whole new world of thinking.

TH: What has been the most challenging?

BJ: I’m more of a day-to-day kind of girl. My biggest challenge was realizing that I have to not only come up with a design six months ahead, but I have to figure out the pattern, and have to sew it up and have to photograph it. 

Also, I really am working on fine-tuning my sketching skills.  

TH: How do you make a garment extra special?

BJ: For me, it’s the finish that really takes it up a notch. I have a really nice sundress (ME2040). It has a great bodice that you can hack so many ways . . . But I wanted to give the people who get the pattern something to work on and maybe grow a skill, and that was the side-seam zipper. I could have easily put it in the back, but I wanted it on the side, and I wanted to have a pocket there—just to add that little technique to work on and practice on so we all can master a skill. Even though the garment is simple and everyday, it’s the details that make it special. 

TH: How has your experience with Sew It Academy impacted you?

BJ: Mimi G saw my passion for sewing and teaching on my YouTube channel and gave me an opportunity to teach in her online school. Teaching in Sew It Academy has made me a better sewer. I was only three or four years into sewing at the time, so I studied, bought books, took courses, and really stretched myself to learn new things to become a better instructor.

Looking Ahead

TH: What recent runway trends are you paying attention to?

BJ: I have seen a lot of denim coming back. I have seen it with the Gap . . . I saw it on Anthropologie. Target recently came out with denim and they have a ’90s denim (look) with halter dresses. I thought, wait a minute, I love this. I have a trouser-style pant already that you can make out of denim. I’m also thinking of making something that leans into a denim jean with the fun topstitching for an upcoming pattern. 

TH: How has sewing enhanced or changed your personal style? 

BJ: I still wear the same things I wore before sewing, I can just make them fit better now! I know fabrics and how they drape, what I love on my body, and adjustments to make to get the fit I like in my clothing. So for me, sewing has definitely enhanced my personal style.

 

TH: Why did you and Mimi G close Melanated Fabrics?

BJ: It was a difficult decision . . . We both have online brands so maintaining the ins and outs of a store
was new, exciting, and difficult at times. I’m sure we faced the same challenges other small businesses have faced, from sourcing to marketing to the local community, and more. Ultimately, our decision was made to prioritize our health and well-being and our families.

TH: Were there any lessons learned from owning the store?

BJ: I’m so happy that we took the leap and did this because I have so much information and learned so much that if I decided to do something similar in 10-plus years down the road, I have the knowledge and confidence to do it.

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By the Threads Editors

For more on Brittany J. Jones, see her website here.