Whew! I barely made it! Only one day left and I managed to slide right in at the tail end of the Black History Month Pattern Designers Challenge, hosted by Nateida of @naturaldane and Myra of @onesewsweet on Instagram.
The purpose was to showcase and highlight African American pattern designers, but the challenge was open for participation to the entire sewing community, regardless of race.
The challenge was to use a pattern from any Black Pattern Designer and garments must be sewn or knitted and posted between February 1st – 28th.
MY DESIGNER – ERYN SHIELDS
I’m so excited to highlight my Pattern Designer today. She is Eryn Shields, the creator of Style Sew Me Patterns. I chose Eryn as my designer because she has shown me not only that she’s an amazingly talented woman, but also that she has a heart of compassion. When I saw the prompt for the challenge, Eryn was the absolute FIRST person who came to my mind.
I admire Eryn’s work ethic and the professional manner in which she runs her business. She’s a very inspirational figure in our sewing community and her patterns are beautiful. When I look at her, I see a successful business woman.
Success is about knowing who you are and living in that truth; knowing what you want and going after it, not allowing obstacles to shut you down; staying in your lane and doing you, unapologetically. This is who I see in Eryn, and I love her confidence
I have to admit that, more than her business sense, Eryn has captured my heart with her compassion. When my husband died, Eryn sent her condolences as everyone else did. Then one day, I received the most BEAUTIFUL gift basket delivered to my home. The basket was filled with such gorgeous items, including a Grief Journal. It was from Eryn! My breath was taken away because I never expected her to do anything like that. To feel loved is the most precious emotion–I felt loved in that moment.
To take it a step further, Eryn reached out to me about a meet-up during her visit to California last November. So, I got to hug her and spend a little time together. She’s a special lady and it is my pleasure to highlight this beautiful designer.
You can find Eryn at the following sites:
Website / Instagram / YouTube / Facebook
THE PATTERN
I chose the Alise Top because I’m trying to build my wardrobe with more separate pieces. I love the flounces and cold shoulder design. When I first saw Eryn in the top, I knew I would make it one day.
I purchased the pattern just this Monday and finished the top on Tuesday morning. It was an easy sew and the video tutorial that she created for the pattern was helpful.
I used a lightweight sweater knit from my collection that I picked up from Michael Levine’s Loft a couple of years ago. I self drafted a quick pencil skirt to go along with the top, but I would love to make this again as a bodycon or maxi dress.
If I made it as a top again, I would extend the length because I forgot to measure before cutting. I plan to wear it with jeans and maxi skirts mostly. It’s a comfortable wear and nice addition to my casual wardrobe.
I can’t believe I participated in two challenges in one month. Wow! Well, I think that’s it on challenges for a while. Hahaha!!! Hmmm… Then again, maybe the challenges will help me get it done. We shall see!
Thanks for stopping by!
Just realized this is from 2019! I’m talking the 2021 challenge. Still 11 days (and two weekends) left!
You can do it, Marcella! Let’s Go!!!
I think you just sold me Eryn’s pattern. I was searching Black pattern designers for inspiration to see if I could slide in under the wire on the challenge, and your gorgeous version of her dress popped right up!
Beautiful!
Thank you, Lynette!
Beautiful as usual
Wow. You look gorgeous. I thought your make was one piece. It’s stunning. I love the way you made it versatile by making the top and a skirt to match. Very nice. Thank you for sharing Eryn as a designer. What a great person to know and to have in your life, and before I go, congrats on completing two challenges this month. Way to go.
Love it – thought it was a dress! Just bought the Charita dress pattern – ruffles aren’t for me, but this pattern fits right up my alley.
VERY PRETTY !Thank you for sharing!
It’s a stunning outfit!
Anita, As always I love your outfit. The pencil skirt was the correct choice,
I love it, looks like one piece. God is letting you shine from your shine.
Thank you Gale! “Shine from your shine!” I like that.
Hi Anita, I would like to hire you to make a plus size dress pattern for me. I would like to email you the picture if you able to take on this job. Thanking you in advance. Ms. Day Rawls da**********@gm***.com">…..da**********@gm***.com
THE…FIT…IS…FABULOUS
These pieces look beautiful on you. I will definitely check out your featured designer. Thanks and I enjoy your blog.
Anita, you are an inspiration to all of us. Keep sewing and blogging!!
Thank you so much Denice!
Hey Anita, I thought it was a dress it really looks good, you did a great job! And you do shine from your design!
Hey Gwendolyn! Thank you so much!
This is a beautiful design! Thank you providing info about Black Pattern Designers! I think we all want to see more and more of them!
Thank you, Julia! Yes, we need to see more.
What a beautiful write up!! It’s such a blessing when we can connect with people on a spiritual level. Anita I just love your posts, ideas, challenging us all to live in our design and let God SHINE!! We can see HIS shine all over you. If I ever get the chance to go to Cali, I wanna meet you too. #love #sewsista
OMGosh! Thank you so much. I love hearing the comments about God’s shine. I would love to meet you in person.
How my gosh Anita, this turned out absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I love the sophistication and class to everything you create. Your gentle and warm spirit shines in everything you do. Also, THANK YOU so much for joining the challenge. I’m just so excited how the challenge has been received in the sewing community. Again, thank you for joining.
Oh Nateida! Thank YOU for shining the light on our Designers!!! I’m so happy to be part of this challenge. You and Myra are beautiful souls. I love you both.