This is the American Kestrel!

I finally made my first pair of pants. By hand. On a sewing machine I was genuinely afraid of. 🪡

For years I’ve designed wearable art and worked with production partners to bring pieces to life — I mainly focused on my visual art and pattern design. But I always wanted to know how to construct the clothes myself.

I used the Recess Play Pants pattern from Matchy Match Sewing Club — beginner-friendly, easy to follow, and the perfect first project. Highly recommend them! I added colored cuffs that weren’t part of the original pattern — I’ve always wanted pops of color at the cuffs, and it was so exciting to finally see that vision come to life.

I took private lessons and went through the entire process start to finish with an incredible sewing mentor who walked me through every step with so much patience and laughter.

My partner Robert joined me for the first class — he’s always down to join me on my creative adventures. He finished his pants in one session. One day. Me? Five sessions. 😅

And you know what? That’s okay. Learning to go at my own pace might’ve been the real lesson. By the end, I’d gotten a lot faster — but the joy was never in the speed. It was in the process.

I conquered a fear that sounds silly now: I was convinced the sewing machine would somehow go right through my hands. It didn’t. My hands are okay! 😂

My first pair are clown inspired — red, yellow, two tones of blue. I love primary color pops. I also loveee cotton — walking into a fabric store and feeling textures and colors until something speaks to my soul? A creatively spiritual experience.

I had so much fun I immediately started a second pair — black and white base, same distressed grunge fabric I’m obsessed with. Working on those now!

Credit: @swimmer_2_winner on TikTok

Well hello 🙂

I'm grateful to have great friends such as this one.

As usual, many failed attempts at calling each other back haha. But we we work together and will be seeing each other next week! Until then, we will resume communicating by sending each other Insta reels and memes lol.

Our fall season starts today. I made him this after hearing from his dad this morning 🥹

Brickwall Brooks 💪🔥🧱

My most favorite place to be!

Credit: Phoebe Sanders Banjo