Hello fellow creatives!

[Jacqui Mendez-Johnson]

Hi everyone!
I originally joined the soap-making forum—I've been making soap for almost 25 years—but over the past seven years, sewing has become my new obsession. I'm mostly self-taught and have made hundreds of garments, mostly for myself. Dresses and coats are my favorites to sew!
As a new grandma, I've also started making a few outfits for my grandson, which has been such a joy. If you'd like to see some of my creations, feel free to check out my Instagram: @Mad_Sewing_Scientist. (The name was my husband's idea—I'm a scientist by trade, so it just stuck! )
I'm also a pattern tester and brand ambassador for a few designers, and I'm always excited to learn and share with fellow makers.
Looking forward to connecting with you all!

 

[Alan]

You have done a lot for a self-taught sewist. I like the garments in your photos. How many years have you sewing, and very neat that you can work with pattern makers, and designers, etc.

 

[Jacqui Mendez-Johnson]

Thanks Alan! I have been sewing for 7 years. I started posting on Instagram and people started following me and that is how the pattern designers and fabric suppliers found me and asked me to collaborate. I don't get paid anything other than free patterns and lots of free fabrics. I figured since I was going to be making stuff anyway, might as well collaborate!

 

[Marla Sandridge]

Jacqui, I LOVE your coat! I have wanted to make one for ages, but I need to purchase a new mechanical machine, as my embroidery machines will not go through the thicker fabric a coat requires. I know what I want, but we are doing a fairly large remodel, and it comes first before a new machine! Your grandson is gorgeous, and I love your matching outfits! I also have belonged to the soaping forum for many years and am taking a part-time break from it until the remodel is done, but I find it hard to stay away. I make mostly goat's milk soap. For my birthday, my son bought me the Kaleidoscope tubes and a bunch of the pull-thrus to go with it! My favorite sewing is heirloom christening gowns, I love all the small detail work it involves; my sewing friends think I am crazy!

 

[Jacqui Mendez-Johnson]

Jacqui, I LOVE your coat! I have wanted to make one for ages, but I need to purchase a new mechanical machine, as my embroidery machines will not go through the thicker fabric a coat requires. I know what I want, but we are doing a fairly large remodel, and it comes first before a new machine! Your grandson is gorgeous, and I love your matching outfits! I also have belonged to the soaping forum for many years and am taking a part-time break from it until the remodel is done, but I find it hard to stay away. I make mostly goat's milk soap. For my birthday, my son bought me the Kaleidoscope tubes and a bunch of the pull-thrus to go with it! My favorite sewing is heirloom christening gowns, I love all the small detail work it involves; my sewing friends think I am crazy!

Thanks Marla! I love making coats and I'm running out of closet space for them! The one in the picture was truly a challenge with my home machine (Babylock Brilliant) when it came to the thickest parts like the faux front pockets in the Melton wool. Living in Wisconsin I have coats in all lengths and thickness for year round Missing my little grandson as they live in California but I have been there 3 times since he was born 7 months ago and always bring along new outfits

 

[Marla Sandridge]

So funny that you mention WI. I have lived here for 40+ years and every winter I complain about the weather! I hate the cold. I am from the Pacific NW, and don't mind rain. Snow, cold, plus icy streets are not my cup of tea! I stay home and sew or make soap on those days! LOL

 

[Marla Sandridge]

So funny that you mention WI. I have lived here for 40+ years and every winter I complain about the cold! I hate cold weather. I am from the Pacific NW, and don't mind rain, snow, and cold, plus icy streets are not my cup of tea! I just stay home and sew or make soap on those days! LOL

 

[Lena]

Hi everyone!
I originally joined the soap-making forum—I've been making soap for almost 25 years—but over the past seven years, sewing has become my new obsession. I'm mostly self-taught and have made hundreds of garments, mostly for myself. Dresses and coats are my favorites to sew!
As a new grandma, I've also started making a few outfits for my grandson, which has been such a joy. If you'd like to see some of my creations, feel free to check out my Instagram: @Mad_Sewing_Scientist. (The name was my husband's idea—I'm a scientist by trade, so it just stuck! )
I'm also a pattern tester and brand ambassador for a few designers, and I'm always excited to learn and share with fellow makers.
Looking forward to connecting with you all!

That is so funny! I, too, have been making soap for quite some time. Our son and his family own the largest lavender farm in Missouri and I make all of their soap and most of their other body products! Now that I have my production schedule under control (pretty much), I am getting back into sewing again more heavily.

 

[Jacqui Mendez-Johnson]

That is so funny! I, too, have been making soap for quite some time. Our son and his family own the largest lavender farm in Missouri and I make all of their soap and most of their other body products! Now that I have my production schedule under control (pretty much), I am getting back into sewing again more heavily.

The largest lavender farm! Amazing I no longer sell my soaps but every year one of the batches I make for personal use is lavender.