Episode 10: Julian Collins & Monica Tetteh

This fascinating podcast features the individual and shared journeys of two exceptionally talented sewists, who learned to sew through watching videos, reading, and attending “YouTube University.” Both love bold fabrics and prints that echo their heritage. Both create from the heart.

With roots in Ghana, South Africa, Monica was born and raised in New York City and currently lives in Dallas, Texas. She took up sewing on the tenth Mother’s Day after her mother’s death as a way to feel more connected to her. Although her mother was an avid sewists, Monica never thought she’d be bitten by the sewing bug. Her passion for fashion proved otherwise. She’s the founder of Project Sew, an in-person, all-day sewing meetup inspired by Project Runway. She’s also the host of a monthly sew along on Instagram called, Sew your View.

Julian’s Passion for sewing is also on full display. A public health worker in Cincinnati, Ohio he brings joy to the world through his colorful menswear creations. His work has been featured in numerous publications, including Sewn Magazine and Sew News. Julian is a BERNINA® Ambassador and a Laurastar Ambassador. When he’s not sewing, he loves connecting with people throughout the sewing community. His Facebook group Sew Manly addresses men’s inclusion in the sewing space, including sis gender and transgender.

Although he’s done a little bit of everything, Julian loves to focus on classic menswear with a bold take of fabrics and prints - especially Ankara fabrics and other African textiles. With her strong roots in Africa, Monica is also drawn to its bold and vibrant prints. She started out creating women’s fashion and resort-style wear. Their shared affinity for Ankara fabrics and other African textiles isn’t the only thing Monica and Julian have in common. (4:46-6:20)

Monica shares how the death of George Floyd made her realize the need for action. She put together a Zoom call of black makers in a show of solidarity. They shared their own stories and discussed ways they could highlight the voices and talents of black makers and ensure they got credit for their creations. Monica and Julian marvel at how a three-hour call ended up becoming a full-blown coalition with a mission to bring about cultural transformation in the sewing and crafting industry. As a result of their work, change is starting to occur. Machine companies, like BERNINA and Janome, are open to having discussions on building diversity. Craft and fabric stores are beginning to show different genders, body shapes and ethnicities in their advertising. Thousands of creators are joining the movement and using their energy to create a crafting world that is inclusive of all people, all races, all nationalities, all bodies, and all genders. (13:49 - 19:31)

In their words, “This is a movement, not a moment.” Companies looking for makers that are willing to go out and speak or get involved in other ways, can visit blkmakersmatter@gmail.com or they can go to the @blkmakersmatter Instagram page, where there’s a link to maker’s list of allies and businesses who support the initiative. (24:50-25:50)

Durning the conversation, Monica and Julian explore what it means to truly be an ally; how it’s getting involved in the work, having conversation with your circle of influence, building connections and working for social justice. In their words, “This is a movement, not a moment.” Each person needs to realize that there are multiple roads in this journey, not everyone is on the same road, and that we all need to be respectful of that. Even in our discomfort, we all need to move together in unity.

To really appreciate the depth and breadth of the commitment and passion of these two amazing artists and activists, you need to tune in and catch this casual conversation.

To learn more or to reach out to Monica and/ or Julian, go to blkmakersmatter@gmail.com

To connect with Monica, visit @Monica@Thatssewmonica.com, Thatssewmonica at YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Etsy.

To connect with Julian, go to Juliancreates on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube, and “Sew Manly” on Facebook.