Marica Mitchell

“Failure is a golden opportunity to start again with more knowledge than we had before.” Have you ever wanted to try something new but refused to give up on yourself? Did you push through it even though you failed several times? Well, that is exactly how I felt about a few embroidery design projects and mastering applique designs using knit fabric. In preparation for Black History Month, I wanted to make a few embroidery designs and rock a piece of my very own handmade garment. I decided to start early so I purchased 2 different designs on Etsy and went to work. After a few successful applique samples on cotton fabric, I felt confident to try it on a garment and made my first attempt on a sweatshirt. I cut the front bodice piece, centered the design, and did a stitch out. Little did I know I did everything wrong after watching a few videos on YouTube. The first mistake I made was not ironing the knit stabilizer on the actual garment which is a major issue. Because knit stretches, it must be stabilized in order to add an embroidery design. The stabilizer that is recommended is not the same as woven fabric and it MUST be ironed on. I noticed the bobbin thread at the top and couldn’t figure out why. The design on the left had to be stopped as the lips shifted while the design on the right earrings shifted and I couldn't finish the afro. I knew I needed to ask an expert so I went to the Husqvarna Vikings dealer located in my local Joann store. A few life lessons from this trip allowed me to do a bit of soul searching and reflection. Sharing 3 LIFE LESSONS: 1. Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure allows you to grow and learn even more. Little did I know I would have discovered quite a few features on the Designer Sapphire 85 sewing machine. I actually went to the dealer and decided to ask the salesperson a few questions about my knit project to see what I was doing wrong. He was such a joy and quickly shared a few tips and decided to sit down and even show me how to use the software and the great features that it offers. I am definitely going to ensure that each month, I visit a dealer and spend at least 30 minutes and ask questions about the project that I would like to tackle. I will ensure that I do my research first by watching a few videos and reading the manual and then go in with my questions and ask for any tips and guidance before starting a new project. Life Lesson #2: Try, try and try again! The old Marica would have given up on the 2nd try. I actually cut 2 different front bodices and failed. I did not even care if I had to cut it a third or even a fourth time because I truly wanted to master applique designs on an actual knit garment. After failing, I also noticed that the stitch out had a glitch and was missing another stitch to tack down the applique a third time. This made me feel better because it wasn’t really 100% my fault. Life Lesson #3: Success will boost your confidence! When I finished my first stitch on the knit, I was extremely proud and knew I wanted to keep trying going so I did some pillow. Even though my excitement made me pick the wrong lip color on the orange sweater, I did not give up. When I did the stitch out for the pillow’s red lips, the thread kept on jamming in the bobbin area. I just stopped it, stared at the machine, touched a button or two, and realize I am able to rewind the stitch out to the beginning. I figured out the REWIND and I removed the bad stitches and started again. I was so proud that I did learn yet another feature on the machine. My goal in 2022 is to learn, grow and share my talent with others. I have been wanting to offer beginner virtual sewing classes but my confidence level was at an all-time low in 2021 not knowing if I would be successful. I am definitely researching different tools that I can use to offer a seamless virtual session as I get asked at least once a week about teaching sewing. I am still working out a schedule, however, due to my hectic family and tutoring commitments, I may have to wait until early March when things slow down to kick it off. Thanks for all your support and encouragement over the years. I can’t wait to tackle yet another embroidery feature on my Husqvarna Designer Sapphire sewing machine. I am truly proud of the pillows I made and can't wait to rock a few designs on garments during the month of February in celebration of Black History Month. One Love and have a great week, Marica

Happy NEW YEAR All! Blogging has been a challenge for me over the past year or more. In 2022, one of my personal commitments to myself is to share the love of sewing through blogging and reels at least 3-4 times a month. When I first started blogging with Fabric Mart, I felt more empowered to blog on my personal page at least once a month. Overtime, I lost the desire to write detailed blogpost because technology has evolved, and more people are focused on quick social media reels and videos. I do want to get back into writing and want to share more of that passion and desire. I finally took photos of the very first button-down shirt dress and I am excited to share. I have had this pattern in my stash for the longest (over 3 years) and my fear of doing more than 5 buttonholes got the best of me. Little did I know how easy it is to create a buttonhole on the Husqvarna Viking sewing machine and after watching 2 videos on YouTube, I gave it a try. I have always had a desire to create a shirtdress and decided to use Simplicity 8014 after doing a few google searches. This dress is quite popular in the sewing community and for the most part, it was flattering on all body types. I did not make any fit modifications or adjustments to the pattern except for the sleeves. I opted to just hem it instead of doing the fold-over. I measured the bodice pieces and compared them to a recent make (NL6698) and knew it was perfect based on my body measurements. For the most part, my bust area measurements are standard to most bodices except occasionally I may have to lengthen it. For the buttonholes, I decided to start the first button in the center of my chest and measure 2.5 inches apart for each. Next time, I will add a snap-in between the buttons in the bust area to avoid any peekaboo issues. I am truly proud of this make and the fabric purchased from Afriqueclothingstore available in other colorways here and here . This fabric truly highlighted the beauty of this pattern and matching and cutting it wasn’t as challenging. I plan to make another version soon and will share more video tips via Instagram. I am excited to venture into more challenging projects this year and have already selected a few tops with buttons. Thank you for staying the course and following my journey. I am excited to return to blogging with Fabric Mart and shared my first blog here. I plan to commit to sharing more of my personal story and love for sewing so don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t! One Love, Marica

Have you ever had plans to make a fabulous look, started it, then threw it aside because you were unhappy with the fit on you because your were uncomfortable in your skin? Have you struggled with, “If I loose 10 pounds then this would fit perfectly?” Well, that is exactly how I felt about the bodice of this jumpsuit back in May when I created it. It took a few weeks of summer bootcamp sessions to feel comfortable in my skin to finish it just in time for my birthday. When I came across this fabulous tie shoulder jumpsuit on instagram from thekemist, I fell in love with it and knew I could recreate it using the Gigi swimsuit pattern I made a year ago. Even though I don't usually muslin my makes, I knew I needed to at least create a muslin (test make) of the bodice, because I was using a woven fabric instead of a knit I didn't want to create the EXACT replica of the inspiration look but wanted to have a similar silhouette and fit. I knew the front of the swimsuit pattern would work with a waistband. For the bodice, I measured the smallest part of my waist adding an extra 1.5 inches for ease and created a waistband with an inside lining measuring 4.25 inches wide. I also sewed at 5/8 inch seam allowance so the finish waistband measured exactly 3 inches wide. For the back tie, the width is about 4.5 inches, and a length of 33 inches sewing at a 1/2 inch seam allowance. The back ties are placed 2.5 inches from the side seam with a finish width of 3.5 inches and a length of 32 inches. I basically used the same curve shape from the front pattern piece. For the pants, I used my favorite jumpsuit pattern M8009 that works for the width of the Ankara fabric which is 45 inches wide. Next time, I would definitely make the pants portion using Vogue 1708 infinity jumpsuit pattern which I believe would work for the inspiration look if the width of the fabric is at least 58 inches wide. I am so glad I saved this unique Ankara fabric from https://afriqueclothingstore.com who carries an array of exquisite Ankara prints. I ABSOLUTELY can say this is one of my BEST jumpsuit to date. The great news is Afriqueclothingstore has this fabric in stock as well as multiple color ways. Cynthia from Afrique Clothing will be giving away 6 beautiful yards so be sure to stay tuned to our instagram pages to see how you can win this beauty. Thank you so much for READING and DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!! Stay tuned for a STEP by STEP VIDEO on my next make which will be a ROMPER or cute MINI DRESS!! One Love, Marica

Marica Mitchell Marica Mitchell Marica Mitchell Marica Mitchell 1/4 Meet Marica Hey, there!! Welcome to my creative space, lover of all things bold , bright , and beautiful . I am so delighted you found my page where I share a snippet of Marica. Inspired by my Jamaican roots, I created this platform to share my passion for sewing, DIY, fashion, health, beauty, and cooking. I am honored to have you here so please stick around and visit my other pages including my "Lifestyle Blog" where I share a bit of my artistic side. Learn More Recent Posts Fashion/Sewing/DIY Failure helps you grow! “Failure is a golden opportunity to start again with more knowledge than we had before.” Have you ever wanted to try something new but... Read more Fashion/Sewing/DIY I am back - My first shirt dress!!! Happy NEW YEAR All! Blogging has been a challenge for me over the past year or more. In 2022, one of my personal commitments to myself is... Read more Fashion/Sewing/DIY My Birthday Jumpsuit Have you ever had plans to make a fabulous look, started it, then threw it aside because you were unhappy with the fit on you because... Read more Load more

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Featured In Read more about it... Meet Marica Mitchell Today we’d like to introduce you to Marica Mitchell. So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us... Read more BESPOKE BY AND FOR MARICA MITCHELL Imagine being able to make your own clothes; no more department store hassle, no more online purchasing disappointments... Read more Faith Over Fear - Never Giving Up "Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to give it just one more shot." Many of us have been... Read more Load more