50 DIY Masterpieces That People Had To Share In This Online Sewing Community (New Pics)

Created in 2011, the subreddit “Sewing” became a treasure trove for needle and thread enthusiasts around the world. Whether it's a one-of-a-kind clothing piece or adorable toys, the subreddit is full of inspiration and excitement for anyone interested in sewing and crafts. It has grown into a supportive hub where both beginners and experienced crafters come together to exchange tips and ideas.

We were lucky enough to get in touch with Tristian Laney, a 19-year-old designer from Detroit, Michigan and Marvelous Mba, a designer and a founder of the 1622 brand, whose designs were also included in this list, to share their experiences and journey with sewing. Scroll down to read the whole interview!

Marvelous Mba shared that originally, he named his brand "Afrykanized" to blend African ankara fabric's vibrancy with modern jeans, creating a fusion that's uniquely "Afrykanized." However, he recently felt the urge to broaden his designs beyond just African prints. “I didn't want anyone to feel excluded just because of the name. So, after some deep thought, I settled on ‘1622’ as the new brand name. It's a special tribute to my two kids, whose birth years are 2016 and 2022. They've been such an inspiration in my life, and this new name reflects that growth and inclusivity.”

Tristian Laney is attending Michigan State University for Apparel Design and Theatre Costuming. He has spent his entire life sewing and has created a niche in the fashion and theatre scene for out-of-the-box designs with exaggerated silhouettes and experimental textiles. The designer shared that he got started with sewing because of his mother. “As far back as I can remember, there was a sewing machine in our basement. She started teaching me with small hand sewing projects and it has snowballed from there. Beginning with pillowcases and stuffed animals to now, couture gowns and 60 costume theater productions.”

Laney is also a founder of the “Overgrown Apparel” brand. He shared that the journey of the brand started in 2019 as a mix of vintage and upcycled clothes. The designer would take thrifted materials and update them with different fabrics and designs to make one-of-a-kind pieces. “As I entered college, I began to realize there was a much larger market for the style of clothing I was interested in creating than I originally thought. This led me to take a turn with my brand. The meaning behind the name ‘Overgrown Apparel’ is twofold: first, I wanted to evoke the feeling of nature and wild freedom. Sustainability is a huge aspect of my work and with it, the freedom to dress how you want to, regardless of the situation. This lends itself to my second meaning, I want to take the societal expectations of avant-garde clothing and outgrow that box even more. I now use the brand to sell the designs I make myself with a focus on fun and unique one-of-a-kind pieces.”