Why A Sewing Magazine?
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Hey you...yeah I'm talking to you. I need your help! Would you like to read a exciting new sewing & craft
magazine designed for us by us, featuring African American makers! I know
that I am tired of looking at sewing magazines wondering why I do not see more
faces on the covers that look like mine. Not only that but when I take a look
on the inside of the covers, none of the contributors look like me either.
I have been dreaming about this for a long time now and it's time to put
a plan into action.
I'm at the information gathering stage and I want to know if
anybody else out there is as excited as I am about this project. I have created
a super short survey of ten feeler questions. If you can take a moment to
participate I would be grateful!
Now hear me out my non-African American Peeps because I don't want to
loose you here. I enjoy the sewing magazines that I purchase and all the
experts that are contributing are awesome in their respective crafts. All I'm
saying is that I know my people are just as talented and I feel that it's my
calling to seek, find and feature those African American experts that I know
are out there.
These are the images from my most recent batch of sewing magazines.
This is more in line with what I have in mind.
[I have not committed to a name as of yet but this is in the running]
I great idea, long overdue. This under served market have a wealth of talent and interest. I believe a magazine of this nature can be the stepping stone for opening new market in the fashion and clothing industry.....
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
DeleteLove it!! I'm African and would support the plan!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ray Ray, I'll be looking for you when it happens!
DeleteBrilliant idea. As a liberal white woman, I have often noticed the racially pure slant of sewing and crafting magazines. As I follow as least as many blogs written by women of colour as I do blogs written by caucasians, it clearly isn't because only white women sew. I would/will buy your magazine.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, I hope you succeed.
Thanks ElleC. It's cool that you can see what I'm seeing. I'll be looking for your support so stay tuned!
DeleteI also second all of this as a white woman and would gladly support such a magazine.
DeleteCount me in! I am white and the lack of diversity in craft magazines really bothers me. I will buy the magazine and I'm praying for your success!
DeleteAgreed. I would be happy to check out a new magazine as I also follow several sewing/crafting/fashion blogs by African American women.
DeleteI'm in too. Good for you for standing up and taking the reins. I love what you sew and can't wait to see what you do with your magazine. "Racially pure" is a hideous phrase. The old way is dying and a true, all-inclusive world view is finally being birthed on our beautiful planet.
DeleteI'm ready to sign up for an annual subscription right now! Thank you for grabbing the reigns on this one Michelle!
ReplyDeleteNikki I've been contemplating this for over a year and NOW is the time. I absolutely will be looking for your support when this goes down!
DeleteI'm a non African American peep and I love it,I see so many African American woman who I envy who create beautiful clothing,and I agree they don't get the credit or recognition they deserve.
ReplyDeleteWell said.
DeleteAnna Thanks for co-signing my thoughts. So I'm thinking now it's my job to bring it to you.
DeleteLove the idea! I totally agree with the facts and the concept . I recently had a discussion about the lack of our faces in the sewing world
ReplyDeleteSanay maybe your post was the post that I made a comment on saying I was going to make this happen. Stay tuned and I hope you support the cause.
DeleteI've followed your blog for a long time and I soooo feel your vision. You have the artistic talent, the creative out of the box vision and I am confident that with the support of the crafting community you can make your vision reality. I'm ready to sign up, where do I sign up?
ReplyDeleteMariela I hope you're right because I need all the support that I can get with this project.Stay tuned for the sign -up info, I may be starting a Kickstarter!!!
DeleteWow, I am African American and started sewing April 2016. At the sewing stores I do notice a few thirty somethings in the store of my color, but sometimes I feel out of place. I want to buy magazines, but I want urban style. So I have taken to Craftsy sewing classes online to privately continue to learn after getting 3 full basic courses face to face at a store. I love a YouTube series by "Anita By Design" and "Style Sew Me"... Maybe feature them. I love their classes.
ReplyDeleteHey Adelia I feel you and I'm about to give you something you can work with. Anita & Eryn are beasts with those videos aren't they? Stay tuned!!
DeleteI think this is a great idea. I think you should also look into building a team like Colette. I like the idea of Seamwork, but I just don't see anyone in it that looks like me. I love the idea of solid Black representation. But all Black women that sew aren't necessarily "urban". That title would make me pull back because I would feel that it wasn't for me. I'm 46, and that would read "young Black girl stuff" and I'd just buy Threads.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the input Erica! I do have some ideals about a team for the magazine, I just have to find the right players. I get what you're saying that "Urban" could be considered young. That's not how I see it but I get it and this is exactly the kind of feedback that I am looking for.
DeleteThere are some who would say NO not like Colette! Get a team that knows how to draft patterns and sew :-)
DeleteI'm with Erica. Don't love the urban. But do like the idea!
DeleteGreat !
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, and yes. In addition, I would like to see articles that cater to everyone from the beginner sewist to the expert; also, featuring beginning sew bloggers, as well as experts and all those in between.
ReplyDeleteLisa I got you! I plan on a well rounded magazine, I ain't trying to leave anyone out. I will have a bloggers circle for sure.
DeleteMs Michelle I LOVE THIS❤❤❤❤
ReplyDeleteThank you lady because I'm going to need your support.
DeleteWhere do I subscribe/kickstart/kick in for this plan, I love it!
ReplyDeleteMore info will be coming, Not sure if I will Kickstart this, I may pay OOP for this but stay tuned for updates
DeleteI'm ready to purchase ad space!
ReplyDeleteYoooo Roz, I'm going to hold you to that, stay tuned!
DeleteAwesome Idea!! Count me in for sure Ms. Michelle...this is wayyyyy past due!
ReplyDeleteMyra we friends call me Michelle! (I feel way older than 50 when I here Ms. Michelle) Gurl I can't agree with you more, the time has come. I will definitely be counting on your support
Delete....also, I would like to feature a link to this post on my social mediums if you're ok with it!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, share it as much as you like, I would be grateful!!
DeleteYes! Please make this happen. I love magazines in general and I would love to have a subscription to this magazine. I used to have a subscription to BurdaStyle, which I loved, until they discontinued their US version. Now a subscription would cost me $100 :( There's Threads, but I'm not crazy about it. I also have a subscription to Seamwork, but I really wish they'd come out with a print version because I just love laying on the couch combing through a magazine. And I think you're totally right about the lack of diversity in the sewing magazines right now. I never realized it until you pointed it out. If you make this happen I guarantee I'll buy a subscription. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThank you Carmen and I will keep you posted!
DeleteI am a white Canadian woman and I love this project idea too!! I follow just as many black women's blogs, youtube channels, articles as whites and love their work and benefit from their guidance just as keenly. I'm in!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathleen, stay tuned!!
DeleteI'll be subscribing! Love this
ReplyDelete#itscoming
DeleteI love this idea. That cover looks great, I love your aesthetic. As a white person, I'm often sad and angry about the white washing that occurs in media generally. I believe we'd be a better country if our media reflected the ethnic makeup of our society. We are all missing out when that doesn't happen.
ReplyDeleteI agree 100% so this is my solution to the problem, I'll be looking for your support, stay tuned!
DeleteLove it---run with it Michelle!
ReplyDeleteThanks Robin, I'm going to make it happen and I'll be looking for your support
DeleteLove it!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteFantastic idea!! Much needed! I would love to see more diversity in sewing magazines and more oomph! too. Also throw some models in there with green hair and piercings or whatever - everyone sews you know, gone with the stereotype! I also have the impression there's so much interesting tradition in African clothing and the making of them, I would love to know more about it. African Wax print fabrics are really having a moment right now, but I don't touch them, because I feel that would kind of be appropriating a culture that's not mine? But if origins get credit, that would be a good start, and yes, much overdue. (If some of you have an opinion about white western folks using African wax prints, please let me know, I'm curious!)
ReplyDeleteGood luck!!
Thanks Helenarose! This is what I need to hear! You have a valid inquiry here and one that I would love to address in my magazine. Stay Tuned!
DeletePlease and thank you
ReplyDelete#itscoming
DeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteHey I'd buy it! My only suggestion would be to have content that appeals to all ages and sizes.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Carolyn! It has to be exactly all of those things!
DeleteI think it is an amazing idea!!! Love, love, love this idea. I think this magazine is long over due and I also love the name. Just tell me when and where to buy my subscription!!!!
ReplyDeleteStay tuned Lisa cause #itscoming
DeleteEnough is Enough. What is the % of rural and urban blacks who are into sewing and crafting? Why not network with others involved with magazines that are out there all ready. Even Modern Quilting or something similar.
ReplyDeleteDonna are you saying enough is enough meaning I should not want to make a magazine that is about African american experts? If that is what you're saying this is my response to that. Apparently more people than you think that are reading sewing magazines and maybe just maybe some of them are not reading sewing magazines for the same reason I want to publish one.[getting data as we speak] Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, I need to hear all sides but my vision is clear and definite on what I want to see in this magazine.
DeleteAs a garment sewer I would NEVER pick up a "Modern Quilting" magazine. Ever. I'm not sure how that's a reasonable suggestion.
DeleteAt any rate, Michelle you will have a large audience base, I am certain of it!
“Enough, Enough”= One more minority who think she has a great idea for something new and great. OK not a quilting magazine. Go in with a fashion magazine and offer insights to them. Offer something truly new. A truly new pattern. Not something a bit changed. The fringed bag is not new. The tunic is from the 70’s. Come back when you have something totally new. Meanwhile work with a magazine to improve on what they have.
DeleteAwesome Donna F, Thanks for stopping by again to share your thoughts and I ain't mad at you. Yes I am a minority who KNOWS she has a great ideal. An African American Sewing magazine is a NEW ideal unless you know something that I don't know. I hope you understood or recognized that my cover was a "MOCK" cover for the purpose of my post but just in case you didn't now you do. You said "come back when I have something totally new....please enlighten me and let me know what sewing magazine that you've read recently that has introduced you to something TOTALLY NEW THAT HAS NEVER-EVER-EVER, BEEN DONE BEFORE. I'll answer that for you NONE! Sewing magazines are usually trying to teach the reader something sewing related, a new "to them" skill, some tips, tutorials that have not been published before, introducing you to experts, you see where I'm going with this Donna?
DeleteFashion and sewing are products of the past with twist! The twist is what makes it NEW! [I may make this into a t-shirt slogan]
Sorry [but not really] that I don't want to partner with one of those magazines who are not concerned with the same issues I have as a consumer. Donna, I know that you are not the only person who feels this way and I can respect that, I mean I could have done without the "one more minority who thinks she has a great ideal" comment but it is what it is. I could have deleted your unkind response but I want to hear it all the good, bad and the ugly. Well I won't take anymore of your time I will just press ahead without you as a supporter and I'm OK with that.
"One more minority who thinks she has a great idea for something new..." Wow, Donna F. I'm speechless...and impressed with Michelle's gracious response, which is way more than you deserve.
Delete........As you can guess Donna F. Did grace my blog once again and leave another comment. I can't with her anymore so I will not add her response. I'm not quite sure I even get her anymore on one hand she's bashing me saying I'm just another minority who has nothing new to add to the sewing world but then again she is suggesting that I work with the other magazines with my ideals?? So am I good enough to pitch my work for their magazines but not quite good enough to put it in my own? Are you confused? I am!! Anywhooooooo I'm-ma sit over here with my non-new-ideal-having-minority-ass and focus!
DeleteI think this is a terrific idea. I'm white, but painfully aware of how lopsided the marketing is in the sewing and crafting world, and I think it's high time the industry diversified to reflect better the community it represents. I'd subscribe in a heartbeat.
ReplyDeleteSuze, I'm glad that you can understand why I'm passionate about this project. Stay tuned!
DeleteAbsolutely agree with the *fabulous* Eric Bunker and her comments on 'urban'. I love her blog,too, and I would kill for a sewing magazine that featured stylish, ageless clothing. Seamwork & Colette the taught me how to sew and Threads gives me high standards to reach for, but I want chic, real-people looking clothes: enough with the twee, retro, quilting cotton print, frumpy silhouettes! I don't have Mori's booty or Erica's legs, but surely I can do better than the "nanny on a country picnic" look.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathryn!I get what you're saying, stay tuned my friend, stay tuned.
DeleteMichelle, Michelle, Michelle!!! You are on to something here lady! Yes, I am very interested and I fully support your idea. Being a 50 year old woman, I would be attracted to something that appeals to our age group, as well as the younger sew sisters. This is so exciting!
ReplyDeleteHeeeeey Anita, I hear ya lady and I definitely will be hollering at you!
DeleteI would definitely read your magazine. Those people in the magazines you showed above don't represent me either, and I *am* white. I see how Erica B is thinking but I think I also see how you are thinking. To me, "urban" means city style, trendy fashion, etc. I live in a city so I'm urban. :-) But I "urban" can also have a negative connotation from white people about people of color (just my observation, not my actual belief). It shouldn't, so I understand your using the word the way YOU want to and that's fine with me. I guess I'm all over the place in this comment. Haha.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I'm very interested and just subscribed to your blog to keep updated.
I read urban this way too!
DeleteTrendy. City (I grew up in Chicago!). Cool. Chic.
Thanks sew much Debbie! I get what you're saying. I absolutely understand that Urban probably does mean something negative to white folks, that's one of my cons on using that name for the magazine. I'm trying to stay in the middle of the road with the name I choose because even though I want to showcase African American makers I want everyone to be open to reading my magazine that has great content! But I will keep you in the Know!
DeleteThank God #itscoming because #itsneeded. Wishing you all the best with this project. I'm a black middle aged woman based in the UK, and if I could I would definitely subscribe. Like someone earlier said, I love the feel of a brand new magazine (be it fashion or sewing and crafting). I love it even more when I feel like I can really connect with what's on offer. Bring it on gurl!
ReplyDeleteLee
Thank you!!!!
DeleteI would to see this type of magazine for our people.
ReplyDeleteDone!
DeleteThis is an amazing idea. AMAZING!!!!! Please continue!
ReplyDeleteStay tuned!
DeleteSister, yes. Please let me know if you need help. I worked for years as a reporter, writer, editor and project manager.
ReplyDeleteSend me your contact info to michelle@thatblackchic.com I can always use a friend!
DeleteAs I wrote in your survey if I see one more pigeon-toed grown woman in a striped tee and pinafore dress, I'm going to throw all four of my sewing machines out the window. Kidding. But, I am a 64 year old bohemian who wants to wear clothes that play with the world, but not dressed as a toddler. And, lagenlook is not the solution to that. I love your posts on Fabricmart and I'm very interested in supporting what you'll do!
ReplyDeleteDon't forget the peter pan collar and/or the skater skirt! I loved your comment and completely agree. I'm a 40-something white person who would love to see more POC in my crafting magazines and definitely also different styles.
DeleteYes, thank you. Exactly. I have to search to find the things I'm interested in. 53 year old white woman. I'm so tired of the magazines out there that I have stopped reading them at all. Have you tried to get information on Indonesian, Japanese, Indian, Hawaiian garments, fabrics and techniques? It is the same lack.
DeleteAwesome Colleen! I hear exactly what you're saying and I can't wait to get your take on my first issue!
DeleteKaren hopefully we will even be able to touch on some of those topics that interest you, stay tuned!
DeleteTo re-phrase part of what I just wrote in your survey: Great idea! I think there's a market for it, both among Black people who want and deserve to be completely represented in this medium and among whites who, like me, are alienated by the whitebread fantasy world that some of the current sewing magazines depict. That world doesn't look like mine; and while the proposed magazine might not depict my particular world either, it would probably be quite a bit closer - and in general, a lot more interesting.
ReplyDelete#ilikeit
DeletePlease do it! I would support wholeheartedly! I belong to apt 10 sewing groups on FB and they're some amazing and talented urban sewers out here!
ReplyDeleteKissie I know that is the truth!
DeleteLove this idea!!!! I fully support it!!!!! Long overdue!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteStay tuned!
DeleteI'm a long-time Threads reader. While I still like it for instructions, I no longer find myself re-reading issues repeatedly before the next one comes. Part of it seems to be the shrinking size of the articles. It *seems* like they used to be 4-6 pages and went into some depth with details. Now they seem to be 2-4 pages and trending toward "go to our additional pay website for more". The *inspiration* seems to be lacking. In fact, as I go back and read the archive DVD, there are many times that they did have an article on making something out of the normal, for the next couple of issues they had letters saying more or less "how dare you put that crap in this magazine!".
ReplyDeleteWhile I may not be your intended reader (I'm white, rural Iowa, overweight, and fast approaching 60), I'm finding I don't want to dress the way I have been (jeans & sweatshirts), but I don't want to dress the way I'm expected to (dresses or a simple knit top). I'll fight anyone taking my jeans, but I'd LOVE some great inspiration for tops, jackets, hats and other accessories and fabrics. And maybe some non-jeans pants ideas. I'd go to fashion magazines, but I can't see the clothes for the poses.
I'm not really clear, are you talking e-magazine, or would this be print? I'd love print, but it seems this is a really tough time for print magazines. Some of my favorites have gone and others get thinner and thinner :-(
Dear Anonymous I appreciate this comment so much and I'm right with you I will fight someone if they take my jeans too! I am talking about a print magazine and I know I am taking a big chance here but I don't really enjoy e-magazines as much as print magazines. Oh and If you don't mind seeing people of color and great content on the pages of my magazine then you are exactly my intended reader!
DeleteYou're a force, and I think this is an incredible idea! I'm not a sewing magazine reader so it's shocking (or not so shocking?) to see how much less diverse the magazines are than my blog feed. I'm of mixed-race (non-African) descent, and I'll be following along with excitement and interest in how your concept comes to life.
ReplyDelete#staytuned
Deleteyes I would definitely love to read a mag that features sewists and crafters of color. I have faith that you will accomplish this feat.
ReplyDeleteI'm damn sure going to give it my best effort!
DeleteI would love seeing this type of magazine! I'm white but I'm always drawn to an African American sense of style! Especially if it's colorful. Love color!
ReplyDeleteThen you love me!!!!!!! I'm all over that color thing, stay tuned!!!
DeleteYes!! I LOVE this idea. I'm not African American, but as a mixed race woman I can relate so much to the feeling of not seeing your own type of face in the media. I do read Threads occasionally (I feel I can trust their technical advice), but as a general rule I don't read sewing magazines. Besides the lack of diversity, I don't usually feel drawn to the aesthetic of the projects. Your style is much more my speed, so I'd love to check out this magazine! Off to take your survey now.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous I super excited you like my style! I am more excited about this magazine than ever!stay tuned!
DeleteI'm so excited for you Michelle!!! This is very much needed. I'm a black woman from the UK and I can't wait to get a subscription for your magazine when it's available. We need something that women of all colours can easily relate to because I'm sure my South Asian and Latina sisters get left out too!! I know you will do a great job because you're getting some great feedback now so best of luck xx
ReplyDeleteThanks you sew much Miranda! I can't wait to share my first issue with my supporting peeps!
DeleteMichelle,
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love the idea! Would definitely support your effort, go for it baby! I would be interested in helping. I am a certified project manager and a writer. Would be interested in participating as a "second pair of eyes". A few comments in response to prior feedback, I get the name but the use of "urban" does suggests certain things that might make folks feel excluded - not necessarily negative, but something to keep in mind. Clearly your idea has wide appeal. Print is expensive, so is mailing (I am thinking international as well). Please assemble a "think tank" to help you do some more fact gathering - group think can be powerful. I use it at work frequently. There are a ton of us out here with expertise that would be willing to help and support you. This is your vision, hang in there but don't be closed to things that could derail the journey due to lack of insight. Ignore the naysayers, stay focused as you said earlier. Wish you well and all that good stuff! You are awesome.
Aqueenlee please send me your contact info to michelle@thatblackchic.com I am accepting any help or insight I can get! I know that this is something that I have to research and educate myself and make sure that I am making all the right moves so that this project does not fail. Thanks so much for dropping by!
DeleteYes! We need it! I'd definitely want to see articles on how to turn recreational sewing into a home-based business, among sewing projects that skew towards our esthetic. Go for it! I'd get to both digital AND magazine subscriptions.
ReplyDeleteWhen is this coming out!!##
ReplyDeleteHold tight in 2017!! I'm in my research faze, gathering info.
DeleteWow!... Loving what is to come and as a multi-crafter, I am looking forward to your magazine. It’s time to add something fresh and yes with urban flair from sewing, crafting to diy. I also love the name, Sew Urban. As a 50+ working woman in the corporate arena... Urban is so present now, it has taken on a new & bold aesthetic, representing all that is multifaceted and fresh with flair.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sheila, You get what I'm saying when I use the word Urban, stay tuned for the process, your support will be needed.
DeleteTHIS IS SO GREAT. Just took the survey - I'm totally a fan.
ReplyDeleteGreat!!! Tell a friend!
DeleteYes, sewing needs diversity. When there are faces of any color, they are just wearing the same old white folk stuff. There is so much other stuff out there that is not represented.
ReplyDeleteYou go girl!
I hear you loud and clear!
DeleteLOVE LOVE LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Vicky....stay tuned
DeletePlease! I hope your idea for this magazine becomes a reality! I have been beyond annoyed forever over the lack of diversity in the print media, and in the visible craft world in general. The craft shows I participate in (Pacific NW) are overwhelmingly white. Popular craft-centered retreats usually offer only a few token teachers of color. A black-centric sewing mag would be an excellent contribution to the world! I like the use of the word "Urban" in the title. To me it indicates freshness and style. I'm 55 and live on a farm, but I like the urban asthetic; I mostly use magazines for inspiration/ideas anyway, and adapt what I see to my own projects.
ReplyDeleteBe Grim you and I are on the same page! I see exactly what you're seeing especially when I started learning about these retreats and sewing workshops.....stay tuned cause I'm going to need your support.
DeleteCount me in! I'm a Black woman (also a Michelle :-) who has been sewing about 10 years and I know what you mean about the lack of diversity in sewing and DIY magazines. Although I'm pretty proficient with making garments, my true love is sewing bags and purses - especially with leather. I hope to establish a blog geared toward sewing bags in 2017. I also make jewelry, herbal soap, and natural body care products. I would love to contribute to your magazine in some way. I'm certainly looking forward to subscribing. Much success to you!!!
ReplyDeleteWell first lat me say you're one of the cool kids with that name! Michelle thanks so much for your support because down the road I'm going to need it!
DeleteOk this is pretty incredible. I am really excited to see this magazine in print. I am not black, but am Latina, and always more drawn to black and latina seamstresses. The color, shapes and overall flair speak to my roots. And hello, we definitely need much more diversity that I am craving to see in the industry as a whole. I cannot wait to see what you bring to the future of this creative industry more and more are falling in love with.
ReplyDeleteI'll be looking for your support Melissa because my Latina sisters will not be left out of the mix!
DeleteI'm Caucasian myself and I tend to lean towards more ethnic, culturally diverse patterns and ideas not just from sewing but all kinds of needle and textile arts. You are correct. There's a lot of expertise being shared but its not reflective of a culturally diverse audience. I'd definitely support anything outside the box!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by to share your thoughts......... stay tuned!
DeleteWhat a brilliant idea! I work in the the industry and see, and understand what you're saying. I am Caucasian myself but would support a diverse magazine such as what you're proposing. Your mockup is gorgeous and I love the cover lines. As I look thru sewing magazines I get tired of seeing the same look, it's 2016! WTH? Look forward to seeing your mag on the shelf!
ReplyDeleteHey Jilly, I'm going to give this project my bestest shot to make it HOT!
DeleteI love your idea for a magazine for "sewing lovers of color"! Not only seeing faces that look yours or mine...but a magazine showing bodies that look like mine!!!!! I think that there are so many ways that you can introduce topics that have been ignored or rarely discussed by the fashion industry. Show your readers different shapes of women, alterations for curvy figures, etc.. I think you're on to something!!! You have my 100% vote of YES!!!! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteRuqayyah
Thanks Ruqayyah! I'm going to give this this project my best shot to make it a success! Thanks for your support cause I'm going to need it.
DeleteI think starting a new business venture is always a good idea! Herein are my 2 cents. First, I think you have an excellent editorial style. I'm always excited to see your new blog posts. You bring enthusiasm to sewing. Even if it is something I have seen before, you renew my enthusiasm for the project. Here's the question. Do you want the readers of and the contributors to your magazine to be exclusively African American? There's no right or wrong answer here, but you do need to answer the question. If so, you would brand the magazine with sort of a for-us by-us vibe... for the African American sewist, etc. If you want a magazine that features a lot of African American work but is not necessarily just for African Americans you would market it a different way -- focusing more on the crafts and less on the black experience. Think about the difference between *Ebony" and Oprah's "O" magazine. The former is pretty much exclusively for African Americans whereas "O" is more inclusive. With the decline of magazine readership, this venture will be a challenge, but I suspect you have the vim and vigor to make it! I have three topic ideas: Sewing dance wear for African American girls (somehow manufacturers think flesh-colored is always tan), building church-lady hats, and mammy-inspired crafts (like the mammy quilt), whether they should be a cherished part of our heritage or whether they are a nod to exploitation. Maybe you could release an independent pattern design, do some Craftsy videos? A good example is how Cashmerette launched her brand. The best of luck to you! Again, I love when women get entrepreneurial!
ReplyDeleteLoved reading this comment and you posed several questions that are very important that I have asked myself. I am still resolving what my final plans will entail but I know for sure it will be a challenge to make this a successful venture but I believe I can do it, so onward I move.
DeleteI laughed so hard when I looked at those sample crafting magazines. I don't know too many white women who look like those ladies! :)
ReplyDeleteMichelle, I wish you all the best in this endeavor, I think your aesthetic as witnessed on this blog is a great voice in itself and I am sure that if you translate that voice into a fashion sewing magazine that it would be spectacular. I always love seeing your makes and the exciting directions you take with a sewing project. Can't wait to see what the future holds for you!
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes!!
ReplyDeleteOMG your textile art is amazing!!! Please make sure you send me your contact info for the magazine, even though my focus is AA I am not eliminating other amazing artist such as yourself!
DeleteI know that I am late to the party, but this sounds so exciting. So, yes, I would love to see people of color in a magazine. This is not a separatist endeavor but in my opinion an effort to be inclusive. I am new to sewing and I have joined several Facebook sewing groups. Several are people of color. I was so SHOCKED to find that this many black women/men are out there sewing and creating. And they have huge talents. I felt proud and bad at the same time because I honestly didn't think that many black people sew. I was shocked at your blog and the many other that I follow. This is eye opening and I am excited. So a magazine would be outstanding. Good luck and I will support you 100%
ReplyDeleteJoy
I totally agree, that this is a need. I sew made to order handbags, accessories and project bags wholesale and through Etsy. I support the fiber community and there seems to be very little urban influence. Very Interested in supporting and contributing!
ReplyDeletewww.hopkinssewingstudio.etsy.com
I circled back tonight to read additional comments, good to see you are still receiving the love for this idea.
ReplyDeleteWell, I don't look like you but I agree with your perspective. So so happy you're doing this and I can't wait to see your new project.
ReplyDelete