Author: Shimere Ballou

When Carol and I first decided to collaborate on a bespoke blazer project, we both knew it would be more than just another sewing challenge. A blazer is one of those timeless garments—equal parts structure, style, and skill. It demands patience, precision, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Together, we dove into the process with curiosity, determination, and a shared love of fashion.

Why a Blazer? 

For me, blazers represent confidence. They’re versatile pieces that can transform a simple outfit into something intentional and powerful. Carol and I wanted to create a garment that wasn’t only beautifully tailored but also a reflection of our identities as makers in the Black sewing community. This was about fashion, yes—but it was also about representation, skill-building, and storytelling through craft.

The Backstory

This project is rooted in skill-building. For years, I’ve admired Carol’s mastery of tailoring techniques and often turned to her for tips and guidance. In fact, long before we met in person over a decade ago, I was watching her YouTube tutorials. At a time when sewing resources weren’t nearly as accessible as they are today, Carol’s videos stood out—they stuck with me and became part of my early sewing foundation.

Fast forward to today: I’m an ambitious sewing fashionista who loves experimenting with design, and Carol is a highly skilled tailor and instructor with decades of experience. Together, we make the perfect team. I bring curiosity, creativity, and bold ideas; Carol brings expertise, precision, and the wisdom that only comes from years at the machine.

 

When I asked Carol to walk me through a blazer project—teaching me techniques like pad stitching, proper shoulder support, fit adjustments, and choosing the right materials for a long-lasting garment—she agreed. And even better, we decided to do it publicly.

Why We Opened It Up

We wanted this to be bigger than just the two of us. By opening the project to the community, we’re inviting others to elevate their skills right alongside us. Yes, it makes things a little more intimidating for me as the less-experienced host , but it also makes the process more fun, collaborative, and impactful.

We believe tailoring skills like these shouldn’t feel out of reach. Our goal is to create a space where people can learn hands-on, ask questions, and walk away not only with a beautiful blazer but also with confidence and techniques that spill over into every type of sewing project.

The Process

Here’s what participants can expect:

• Periodic Lives: We’ll host live sessions to work through different sections of our jackets together, answering questions as we go.
• Closed Zoom Calls: These will function as open sews and learning opportunities. We’ll troubleshoot fit issues, demonstrate techniques, and provide real-time feedback.
• Independent Work: While the gatherings are important, most of the work will happen individually. A blazer of this caliber takes about 35–45 hours to complete, and we want participants to take ownership of their progress.

The goal isn’t speed—it’s mastery. With our combined support and expertise, we know participants will produce jackets they’re proud of and skills they’ll carry for years to come.

Join Us!

There’s an Instagram group chat for participants—if you’d like to be added, just reach out to me or Carol directly. You can also join Carol’s Facebook group, Carol’s Sewing Corner, to stay connected and get updates.

FOLLOW SHIMERE & CAROL ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram:Shimere: @shim.sew.creative

YouTube: Shimere: @shimsewcreative

 

Instagram: Carol: @anncie2001

Youtube: Carol: @CarolsSewingCorner

Facebook: Carol: Carol’s Sewing Corner