Joann Fabrics has officially shut down all stores—and now the Big 4 sewing pattern brands (Simplicity, McCall’s, Vogue, Butterick) are being liquidated. In this episode of Designers, Plants & Coffee, we break down what this means for sewists, designers, and the future of home sewing.

Topics Covered:

• Why Joann really closed
• The perfect storm that led to Big 4 pattern liquidation
• The rise of indie sewing patterns + PDF downloads
• How to thrive in a post-Joann world as a sewist or designer
• What this shift means for fit, accessibility, and new sewists

Mentioned in the Episode:
→ Cover Me Chic Patterns
→ Free Nura Kimono Pattern
→ Fearless Threads
→ Keeping You In Stitches

📌 Subscribe for more conversations on creativity, community, and making things that matter.

#JoannClosed #Big4Patterns #IndiePatterns #SewingPodcast #CoverMeChic #DesignersPlantsCoffee #PDFSewingPatterns #SewingCommunity #ModestFashion #SewCurvy

Join our community
Website: designersplantsandcoffee.com
YouTube: @designersplantsandcoffee
Instagram: @designersplantsandcoffee
Facebook: @designersplantsandcoffee

Hosts websites:
Naima: lovefearlessthreads.com
LaTisha: keepingyounstitches.com
Zahiyya: covermechic.com

In this episode of Designers, Plants & Coffee, we unpack what it really means to collaborate in today’s handmade business world. It’s not just about tagging each other on IG or saying “let’s collab!” in a DM—it’s about alignment, clear agreements, and mutual benefit.

We talk about:

• How we built our podcast from the ground up—starting with friendship
• Why contracts protect both your business and your relationships
• The difference between a true collaboration and a one-sided ask
• What to say (and NOT say) when pitching a collab
• Red flags and must-haves before signing on

Whether you're a creative looking to grow, an educator partnering with others, or a designer ready to scale, this episode is your behind-the-scenes pass to doing it right.

#CollaborationOverCompetition #DPCPodcast #CreativeBusinessTips #WomenInFashion #SewingCommunity #CoverMeChic #PodcastForMakers #FearlessThreads #KeepingYouInStitches

Join our community
Website: designersplantsandcoffee.com
YouTube: @designersplantsandcoffee
Instagram: @designersplantsandcoffee
Facebook: @designersplantsandcoffee

Hosts websites:
Naima: lovefearlessthreads.com
LaTisha: keepingyounstitches.com
Zahiyya: covermechic.com

This episode of Designers, Plants, and Coffee dives into the rewarding world of sewing, exploring how learning new techniques and teaching others boosts confidence. Three creative business owners share their experiences, highlighting heartwarming student stories and offering actionable advice for both beginners and seasoned sewists. Discover the joys of mastering new skills and the impact of sharing your knowledge with others.

In This Episode:

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast
00:18 Sewing Lessons and Growing Confidence
02:23 The Joy of Teaching
04:51 Heartwarming Student Stories
06:32 Teaching Kids vs. Adults
10:11 Navigating Adult Learning
12:15 The Myths of Sewing

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace new sewing techniques: Streamline your workflow and boost efficiency by learning quicker methods.
• Share your sewing knowledge: Teaching others enhances your own skills and creates heartwarming connections.
• Utilize helpful tools: Explore presser feet and other gadgets to simplify your sewing process.
• Understand visual learning: Utilize diagrams and glossaries in patterns to overcome comprehension challenges.
• Overcome sewing fears: Encourage students (and yourself!) to embrace mistakes and celebrate progress.

Resources Mentioned:

• Watch the episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/ihcIsIq8zjs
• Cover Me Chic YouTube Channel → https://www.youtube.com/covermechic
• Full Show Notes → beginners guide to sewing with confidence

Join our community
Website: designersplantsandcoffee.com
YouTube: @designersplantsandcoffee
Instagram: @designersplantsandcoffee
Facebook: @designersplantsandcoffee

Hosts websites:
Naima: lovefearlessthreads.com
LaTisha: keepingyounstitches.com
Zahiyya: covermechic.com