10 Reasons to be Thankful: Sewing Edition

By Jessica LuckertOct 15, 2026

10 Reasons to be Thankful: Sewing Edition

Hi Sewing Friends,

I’m Sarah, or sewingfun101 over on Instagram. I’m a mom to four wonderful children who keep me quite busy! My hobbies include collecting and sewing Ellie and Mac Patterns, as well as blogging about my sewing experiences.

Today’s blog has been written in honour of Canadian Thanksgiving. There is much to be thankful for. In no particular order, I am grateful for: Ellie and Mac Patterns, Projector Patterns, Creative Joy, Sewing for Accessibility, Sewing for Love, Made to Measure Sewing, Photography, Beautiful Weather, Fabric Stores, Notions and the incredible online sewing community. This is by no means a complete list, but it’s a start. Please continue reading as I expound upon each item of gratitude.

1. Thank you Ellie and Mac for creating size inclusive patterns for real people, with written and video instructions that are accessible to people with different learning styles.

I can’t start off my list without showing my sincere appreciation for Ellie and Mac Patterns!

When I first started to sew I tried using paper patterns. I still enjoy looking at the envelopes because they truly are a beautiful remnant of a bygone era, but…I never did enjoy using them. They currently live in a box in my sewing room.

Imagine my delight when I discovered that there was a better and easier way to learn how to sew. I can’t recall how I found PDF patterns, or Ellie and Mac in particular (probably a random post!). From the comfort of my home I was able to purchase a pattern, select the size/s that I needed and print. Each file came with simple, clear and detailed written instructions that were geared toward beginners such as myself.

Next step: I needed to learn how to sew.

Of course, I knew about “YouTube University” - a magical place where you can learn absolutely anything and everything. However, some channels are better than others. If you haven’t already, I can highly recommend the Ellie and Mac You Tube Channel. I felt like Diana was holding my hand as I learnt how to sew alongside her. She is a natural teacher and so fun to watch!

2. I am immensely thankful for projector compatible sewing patterns!

If I thought that PDF Patterns were incredible, the introduction of projector sewing has been a complete game changer!

I am so grateful and thankful to the moderators of the Projector for Sewing Facebook group who helped guide us into truly modern sewing. A special thank you goes to the developers of PDFStitcher and the Pattern Projector programs.

Sewing is as old as time, but the technology that surrounds it has undergone a metamorphosis. A sewist can purchase a digital pattern, modify it using Affinity Designer or Inkscape, save the file (without fear of losing it!) and directly project onto fabric. Calibrating the file to be true to size is as simple as matching up the projected grid with the one on your cutting mat.

Ellie and Mac proudly offers projector files for all of their current patterns. Of course, if you do not use a projector you can still choose from other formats, such as A4, letter or A0.

** Note: If you purchase retired patterns from the Semi-Annual Clearance Sale (also known as “The Vault”) please read the description under “What’s Included” to verify if it has the files you need.

3. I am thankful that I sew for pleasure and as a way to express my creativity.

I have been told that my great-grandfather was a tailor. He probably sewed because that is what he was trained to do. It paid the bills and brought food to the table. He was a skilled tradesman, but I don’t know if sewing brought him joy. I wish I could go back in time and ask. I would love to learn the old world technical skills and teach him all the new ones I’ve acquired.

Sewing can also be quite therapeutic. Please don’t get me wrong, I have no less than 7 seam rippers surrounding me (because mistakes!), and yet…it puts me into this zen zone. I am happiest when I am sewing.

I often look in stores and online for inspiration. There is just something so satisfying about seeing a dress and knowing that I can make it!

As a brand rep we occasionally get “Pinspiration Challenges”. The rules are simple: Find a ready to wear garment and recreate it using Ellie and Mac Patterns. How fun! In the image below I accepted the challenge by making my “Ice Cream Dress” with a colour blocked Beautiful Day Top (retired) and the Tres Belle circle skirt.

I’ve also tapped into my creative energy by making costumes! Many of them were made using the Kids Beatbox Romper as a base. You can read more by clicking this link.

Costumes really force me to think outside of the box as they often require applique and/or HTV and 3D parts.

Remember, a pattern is simply a starting point! With a touch of creativity and ingenuity it can be transformed into the most incredible things.

4. I am thankful that I have the skills required to create a wardrobe that meets my mother’s accessibility needs.

I post a lot about my mom. Firstly, because she is awesome and I love her to the moon and back, but also because she wears a completely handmade Ellie and Mac wardrobe.

In previous blogs I’ve written about adaptive considerations in accessible sewing and provided a tutorial on how I hacked the Hipster Dress to her needs.

These days we use the Cuddle Tunic & Dress as our go-to pattern, leaving the centre back open from waist to hem. We found that the back slit worked best for use with a hoyer lift.

The absolute best part of sewing for my mom? Since Ellie and Mac Patterns are so size inclusive I can make garments for both of us!

Here’s a photo of our matching Eclipse Raglan Athletic Jackets!

5. I am thankful for my incredible, loving family who support and encourage my sewing obsession.

There is something special about sewing a gift made out of love for the people I love.

Members of my family are willing to live with the clanking of my machines, the threads that get everywhere, the wall of fabric and my constant chatter about sewing.

So when they request an item, I make it! I keep tabs on my projects so that I can balance sews for myself with those for others. This includes family, but also charitable projects (I donate beanies and pillowcases to hospitals).

Just the other day my dad asked for PJs. It’s gotten chilly and the last pair I made for him was quite awhile ago. I used the FREE Adult Classic PJs. He was so happy to receive them.

Knowing that my work is truly appreciated by those I love is a blessing in and of itself.

6. I am so thankful that I can make clothing that fits my proportions as well as my sense of style!

One of the reasons I learnt how to sew is because I do not fit into standard, ready to wear sizing. Learning how to sew for the body I have was a process. I relied on blogs, video tutorials and help from the sewing community.

As a 5”0 true petite I know that almost every pattern I use will need some modifications. I grade between sizes, do a narrow shoulder adjustment, shorten in several key spots and lengthen the hemline when required. A practice garment may point to other areas that need adjustment and that is to be expected. Other times my quick fixes render a well fitting garment (utter delight!).

My latest personal sew was the Jade Woven Dolman. It was 100% worth taking the time to adjust the pattern because I absolutely adore the fit!

7. In which I express gratitude for Photography, Sunshine and Bright Fabrics

Thank you to my children for acting as my unofficial photographers. I am grateful that they are willing to snap multiple photos of me. They always manage to get the most beautiful photos.

Thank you to the inventor of the tripod. Truly, it has been wonderful to have a stand that holds my phone. It does require about ten thousand “selfies” to find one that works with my artistic vision, but I wouldn’t be able to do it otherwise.

Thank you sunshine and flowers! I am grateful for the few months of the year that we are graced with beautiful weather. It has been a pleasure taking photos in the park rather than indoors. I do not take sunshine for granted! Winter is approaching and I’ll miss the warm, beautiful summer rays.

Truthfully, even gloomy weather can provide a beautiful backdrop. I brightened up a misty, dull day with a colourful Zara Square Neck Blouse and a large blue umbrella! Rain wasn’t going to stand in the way of my photo op!

8. I am thankful for physical fabric stores, but also for online retailers.

Fabric shopping is an experience that relies on one’s senses. I need to see and feel fabric before making a purchase. I’ve ordered online and it’s really a gamble. You never really know if the fabric has the right amount of drape, weight or if the colour is the same as on the screen.

Thank you to the amazing Canadian fabric stores! I am so grateful that I only have to drive a relatively short distance to an area that has THREE fabric stores.

Thank you to the amazing online fabric and notion retailers! I recognize that not everyone has the ability to shop in person. There are times when the item needed is only available online. Having options is certainly a reason for gratitude.

9. I am thankful to have everything I need and more to enhance my sewing experience.

In my sewing journey I’ve learnt that many notions and tools are not necessary, but they sure do make things easier! We all have our favourites (like my various prym vario plier attachments!) and whether we like it or not, that seam ripper can seriously save the day.

Opening the drawers nearest to me I see interfacing, threads, pins, clips, seam gauges, seam rippers, scissors, rotary cutters, bias strip makers, marking tools, tweezers, tape, glue safety pins, fabric tube turners, extra needles, sewing machine feet and a paintbrush.

I have elastics, zippers, trims, cords, beads, sequins, fabric paints, snaps, buttons, horsehair bread, stainless steel boning, boning channels, etc.

And of course, my beloved machines.

I do not take for granted the fact that I am able to have a dedicated sewing room full of everything I need and more.

10. Thank you to the supportive online sewing community and to everyone who comments on my posts and reads my blogs.

Last, but not least, I would like to acknowledge all of you! There is truly nothing like the online sewing community. We come from all over the globe, united in our love of sewing.

The Ellie and Mac Facebook Group is where I go to chat about sewing, share project photos, discover new sewing techniques and become inspired. There are currently 93.5 thousand members in the group! Absolutely incredible!

Thank you to my fellow sewists for reading this blog!

If you’d like to show further support feel free to click on my affiliated links. If a purchase is made I get a small percentage of the sale. All that goes back to support my sewing.

Previous Blog Posts:

Raised Neckline Options and Ultra Crop Tops for Layering

Creating a Sports Jersey Using the Kids My Way Hoodie and Cricut Design Space

Resizing Pants with the Stephen Pants Pattern

Accessible Sewing - Adaptive Considerations

Accessible Sewing - Hacking the Hipster Dress

Accessible Sewing - How to Hack an Insulated Medical Bag

DIY Beret: A Fun & Fashionable Sewing Project

Part 1 - Digital Pattern Manipulation Using Affinity Designer

Part 2 - Digital Pattern Tetris

Part 3 - Modifying Patterns with Affinity Designer - How to shorten/lengthen the Stephen Pants

Waterproofing Wovens