The AudaSEWtea

I’m Married to a Sewist

In this episode of the AudaSEWtea, Aaronica's husband joins in the fun to host as they gave Julian's voice a chance to heal.  They kicked things off with an AITA before Aaronica asked questions that were crowd sourced from her Instagram community. This opened up the discussion to a myriad of topics including how they met, dramatized audiobooks, and when Aaronica fell in love with using a serger.  Listen here and let us know your thoughts!

Atlanta Frocktails Is Coming! May the Fourth Be With You!

Are WE the a$$holes for not dropping TWO episodes??? Maybe we are buuut life has been lifeing and in this episode, Julian and Aaronica play catch up on the past two weeks.  Julian has been sewing beautiful garments and Aaronica just came back from prepping for spring break and then celebrating spring break but the dynamic duo are back in the podcast saddle as they share their excitement for Atlanta Frocktails.  Atlanta Frocktails is happening on May 4, 2024 in the Buckhead area of Metro-Atlanta. They have some of the most amazing sponsorships including: BERNINA SewTites Natures Fabrics Design Group of America InSewmiacs Podcast Folklore Patterns Friday Patterns and more... Make sure that you grab your tickets today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-atlanta-frocktails-the-secret-garden-tickets-838956179517?aff=oddtdtcreator

Spring Sewing Things

In the latest episode of The AudaSEWtea, Aaronica and Julian spilled the tea on their spring fashion plans, from playing with see-through fabrics to rocking statement sleeves. They dished on the joys of diving into fashion and sewing projects, while also keeping it real about the struggle of wrangling supplies and finding those elusive perfect tools. But it wasn't all about the threads—they got personal, too. Aaronica opened up about a health scare related to her autoinflammatory disease, reminding us all of the importance of taking care of ourselves and staying positive through the tough times. They didn't shy away from talking about the balancing act of staying productive while dealing with health issues, and the importance of supporting each other along the way. And speaking of support, they didn't hold back when it came to family and relationship talk. Aaronica shared a frustrating run-in with her sister-in-law, while Julian spilled the beans on his cautious return to the dating scene. They both stressed the importance of standing up for yourself and leaning on your crew when times get tough.

Let’s Sew A Long Together

In the latest episode of The AudaSEWtea, Aaronica and Julian jumped into some serious crafty chatter. They peeled back the layers on the ins and outs of creating sew-alongs for their spring patterns, tackling the tricky task of catering to different skill levels while keeping things fun and informative. And boy, did they dish on the struggle of tweaking pattern directions to match their own sewing vibes. But it wasn't all business—they got real about expressing themselves authentically in their work and personal spaces, touching on the impact of cultural references (or lack thereof) in our environments. Aaronica and Julian didn't hold back when sharing their own journeys with color and challenging gender norms in fashion. They made it clear: letting folks be themselves, free from judgment, is key, and celebrating our unique quirks is a must. Oh, and they couldn't resist weighing in on the potential TikTok ban, recognizing its power as a community hub, economic booster, and super easy way to stay connected. But fear not, they're all about spreading good vibes and finding ways to keep the creative convo flowing, ban or no ban. Wrapping things up, Aaronica and Julian got cozy and chatted about their current projects, driving home the importance of kicking back and taking care of numero uno. They drove home the message: self-care isn't just a buzzword—it's essential. So, whether it's catching some z's or taking a breather, they're all about making sure you put yourself first. Link mentioned by Julian: https://www.thefrenchseam.com/

Is Joann’s Going Under?

Did you miss the most dynamic duo in these sewing podcast streets?  In the latest episode of The AudaSEWtea, Aaronica and Julian got together for a cozy chat about all things crafting. They spilled the beans on their recent sewing adventures, swapping stories about battling jet lag and diving into pattern submissions. And of course, they couldn't resist dishing on the latest buzz in the industry, from shiny new fabric cutters any more. Plus, they couldn't help but share their worries about beloved craft store Joann possibly hitting some rough waters and what that could mean for the crafting world. But the conversation didn't stop there. They dove deep into the challenges facing craft stores, especially Joann, and how the pandemic has shaken up fabric choices and availability. Accessibility was a big theme, with Aaronica and Julian championing the need for crafters to have easy access to all kinds of fabrics. They even dropped some recommendations for online and local fabric shops they love, raving about the incredible variety of materials up for grabs. And let's not forget the tech talk—PDF patterns and the game-changing use of projectors for patterns had them nodding in agreement about how these innovations are making sewing more accessible than ever, especially for folks overseas. Of course, they couldn't wrap up without giving a big shoutout to the small businesses and artisans making waves in the crafting world. Kiki Textiles and The Sewing Report got some well-deserved love, with Aaronica and Julian highlighting the power of killer marketing and sales tactics. But it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows—they got real about the tough stuff, like the impact of store closures on the crafting community and the fierce competition for hot-ticket items. With a nod to the closure of Melanated Fabrics, they opened up about the hustle and bustle of staying ahead in the game, showing just how cutthroat the crafting industry can be. Link to Julian's feature in Cincinnati Magazine: https://www.cincinnatimagazine.com/article/julian-collins-makes-menswear-fun/  Ready to take advantage of the 40% off for the 1 hour coaching sessions with Aaronica? Use code "WomanWork" here: https://stan.store/aaronicabcole/p/think-tank-session 

ReesaTeesa Hits The World of Sewing! #WhoTFDidIMarry

On the latest episode of The AudaSEWtea, Aaronica and Julian spilled the tea on some real-life lessons, including a cautionary tale about the serious fallout of deceit in relationships sparked by the now viral TikTok of ReesaTeesa and the Who TF Did I Marry Series. They stressed the need to stay sharp and aware in matters of the heart. The chat took a deep dive into authenticity versus deception, the impact of colorism on beauty standards, and the urgent call to celebrate and take pride in darker skin tones. Julian and Aaronica geeked out over the awesome work of Black pattern designers and tackled the sticky subject of imitation in the design world. They didn't hold back on discussing the frustrating lack of meaningful acknowledgment and support for Black History Month and the ongoing struggle for proper representation across different industries. Julian even shared his big dream of launching a Black-owned sewing machine brand, custom-made for garment sewers. Plus, they got into the nitty-gritty of sewing machine servicing, giving a shoutout to the unsung heroes—dealers and technicians—who keep our machines humming. Switching gears, Aaronica and Julian dished about her game plan for whipping up some killer outfits for Sew Expo. They hashed out the essentials—comfort, style, and layers to combat those nerves and chilly fairgrounds. And speaking of costs, they didn't shy away from chatting about the hefty price tags attached to event catering and the financial hoops event planning and catering can throw your way. Wrapping up, they got real about dealing with design rip-offs, personal clashes, and their exciting plans for future collaborations. Oh, and they didn't forget to vent about the headaches that sometimes come with sewing machines, tossing around ideas for future content along the way.

The AudaSEWtea to Love

This episode featured a refreshingly honest chat between Aaronica and Julian, diving deep into the nitty-gritty of juggling the daily grind, unpacking childhood memories, navigating the quirky world of family life, and the art of standing up for oneself. They really got into the meat of living your truth, the journey of finding oneself, and the non-negotiables of setting boundaries in relationships and personal evolution. Plus, they tackled the ever-looming shadow of imposter syndrome, the weight of societal shoulds, and the deep-rooted beliefs that shape how we see ourselves, stressing the undeniable need for a hefty dose of self-love and acceptance. The convo also breezed through their digital game plans, creative escapades, and what's on the horizon, showcasing their sheer zeal for sewing and a commitment to spill all their secrets and stories to the world. They were all buzzed about stuff like book signings, launching fresh patterns, and the art of crafting historical pieces with a twist, like insertion lace and those dreamy lingerie dresses. And yes, they even dished on Beyonce's latest ventures and the joys and jitters of pet parenting. All in all, this episode was a cozy corner for Aaronica and Julian to share their life's tales and tidbits, underlining the essence of being genuine, the adventure of self-exploration, the power of advocating for oneself, and the bliss of self-affection in cruising through life and creative endeavours. It was a heart-to-heart that not only peeled back layers on their sewing passion but also underscored their drive to enrich their circle with wisdom and warmth. Important episode links: Julian's IG: https://www.instagram.com/juliancreates/ Aaronica's IG: https://www.instagram.com/needleandthebelle/  Atlanta Frocktails Newsletter: https://atlantafrocktails.substack.com/  Atlanta Frocktails Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-atlanta-frocktails-the-secret-garden-tickets-838956179517?aff=oddtdtcreator 

For the Love of Creativity and, well, Love

This chat was all kinds of fun and laughter, with Aaronica and Julian spilling the tea on everything from their quirky personal stories to the bigger stuff like breaking down masculinity myths, celebrating body love, and navigating the maze of money matters. In this episode, they're all about cheering on self-love, unleashing creativity, and daring to be different. They get real about their love for standing out with funky fashion picks, retro patterns, and pops of color that shout "I do what I want!" against the same-old fashion scene. They chat about the quest for cool kids' sewing pattern testers and how we gotta get more guys into sewing to mix things up. They didn't shy away from the gnarly bits either—like how social media can mess with your head, the struggle to not buy every sneaker or sewing machine in sight, and juggling the grind with keeping your sanity. Julian gets personal about his give-back vibes and his health kick journey, even when the going gets tough. And Aaronica's keeping it real about her grant dreams and her own battles with feeling good in her skin. Basically, this episode with Aaronica and Julian is like hanging out with your two coolest friends who are all about embracing the extra in life, filling it with laughs, creativity, and a whole lot of self-care pep talks. They're sharing the good, the tough, and everything in between, reminding us to live our most colorful, fun-filled lives.

Self Love is the Best Love

In today's podcast, Aaronica and Julian engaged in a deep discussion covering a range of topics centered around self-love, body image, and sewing. They generously shared their personal experiences and insights, delving into subjects like weight management, self-care, and the complexities of offering free information in the world of business. Their conversation also revolved around the significance of adhering to instructions, avoiding undue expectations of special treatment, setting healthy boundaries, and making deliberate choices about how one wishes to be treated as an expression of self-love. The dialogue didn't stop there; it ventured into the intersection of fashion and comfort. Aaronica and Julian shared valuable perspectives on the potential of specific fabrics to create clothing that is not only stylish but also comfortable. They emphasized the importance of feeling at ease and unrestrained in one's choice of attire. Personal anecdotes and preferences related to dressing up and finding comfort in clothing added depth to their conversation. Furthermore, Aaronica and Julian exhibited vulnerability by opening up about their personal journeys in self-love and self-discovery. They candidly shared intimate details about their challenges and coping strategies, shedding light on the difficulties of embracing vulnerability and navigating societal expectations, especially when it comes to men expressing their emotions. This part of the conversation underscored the importance of establishing a safe and welcoming environment for sharing personal experiences and the ongoing quest for self-acceptance.

Say it To My Face

On the latest episode of The AudaSEWtea, Aaronica and Julian engaged in a fascinating discussion. The conversation delved into the critical role of pattern testing and feedback in the design process. They emphasized the significance of testers providing comprehensive feedback on elements such as fit, grading, and construction. Julian, in his capacity as a designer, shared insights from his personal journey and his approach to receiving feedback on his designs. They both underscored the need for clear communication regarding the specific aspects that designers seek feedback on, recognizing its pivotal role in the creative process. The episode concluded with updates on personal projects and forthcoming events within the sewing community. Aaronica discussed her progress in pattern drafting and hinted at an upcoming self-love sewing project for Valentine's Day. Julian provided information on the Black Sewing Network's upcoming activities, including an intriguing quilt project and various challenges planned for Black History Month. They encouraged the audience to stay informed about the Black Sewing Network's events and challenges. Mentioned in this podcast: Mandy's Tester Course: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1650072444/running-your-pattern-test-with-courage Mandy's Tutorial Writing Course: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1649983982/writing-instructions-for-patterns-that SelfLoveSewing Challenge: https://www.instagram.com/p/C2c_zOZxl8u/?hl=en  Black Sewing Network: https://www.instagram.com/blacksewingnetwork/