In this episode, we dive into the realities of designing clothes for curvy bodies. Zahiyya from Cover Me Chic shares her personal journey from industry insider to indie pattern designer, and why she started drafting for hips, butts, and bodies that aren’t being served by traditional fashion.

We talk:

• How to choose the right pattern size for your shape
• The emotional impact of poor fit—and how to reclaim your confidence
• Behind-the-scenes truths from fashion, fit, and pattern drafting
• Why representation matters in sewing and design

Grab your coffee and pull up a project—this is a must-listen for anyone who sews for curves or wants to feel seen in the clothes they make.

Mentioned in the episode:

• Cover Me Chic patterns: https://covermechic.com
• Follow us on Instagram: @covermechic | @fearlessthreads | @keepingyouinstitches
• Full tutorial library: Cover Me Chic YouTube

Join our community
Website: designersplantsandcoffee.com
YouTube: @designersplantsandcoffee
Instagram: @designersplantsandcoffee
Facebook: @designersplantsandcoffee

Hosts websites:
Naima: lovefearlessthreads.com
LaTisha: keepingyounstitches.com
Zahiyya: covermechic.com

Meet the voices behind Cover Me Chic, Fearless Threads, and Keeping You in Stitches. In this kickoff episode, we’re pulling back the curtain and sharing how we each started sewing, why we turned it into a business, and what keeps us inspired even on the hard days.

In This Episode:

• Welcome to the Podcast
• Meet the Hosts
• Sewing Beginnings
• From Hobby to Business
• Challenges in Entrepreneurship
• Advice for Aspiring Sewists

Join our community
Website: designersplantsandcoffee.com
YouTube: @designersplantsandcoffee
Instagram: @designersplantsandcoffee
Facebook: @designersplantsandcoffee

Hosts websites:
Naima: lovefearlessthreads.com
LaTisha: keepingyounstitches.com
Zahiyya: covermechic.com

Can you believe we made it to the end of our season? 🎉 In this final episode of the Designers Plants and Coffee podcast, we’re toasting to a year of creativity, collaboration, and, let’s be real, some good ol’ caffeine-fueled conversations.

As we closed out the season, we wish everyone happy holidays and encourage all creatives out there to keep pushing boundaries. We’ve got some exciting plans for spring, and trust me, you won’t want to miss it! So grab your favorite mug, stay inspired, and let’s meet again in Q2. Cheers to creativity and new adventures! Happy New Year!

Join our community
Website: designersplantsandcoffee.com
YouTube: @designersplantsandcoffee
Instagram: @designersplantsandcoffee
Facebook: @designersplantsandcoffee

Hosts websites:
Naima: lovefearlessthreads.com
LaTisha: keepingyounstitches.com
Zahiyya: regiondesignlab.com & covermechic.com

Sheree, the owner of Shredded Blues and an expert in upcycling, shares her journey of creating denim bags from old jeans, a venture inspired by her desire for a unique bag and supported by her daughter’s creative input.

Initially hesitant to produce more bags despite interest, she now sells them on Instagram and is considering expanding to a website or Etsy, emphasizing sustainable fashion through thrifting and donations. The design process is spontaneous, though she has yet to name her creations.

Join our community
Website: designersplantsandcoffee.com
YouTube: @designersplantsandcoffee
Instagram: @designersplantsandcoffee
Facebook: @designersplantsandcoffee

Hosts websites:
Naima: lovefearlessthreads.com
LaTisha: keepingyounstitches.com
Zahiyya: regiondesignlab.com & covermechic.com

In this episode we explore eco-friendly practices within the fashion industry, emphasizing sustainable dyeing methods and material sourcing.

It highlights innovative techniques like vegetable dyeing in India that minimize chemical usage and advocates for the use of organic cotton and recycled yarns, particularly recycled polyester derived from melted plastic bottles for athletic wear.

We also discuss water conservation strategies in dyeing, such as reusing colors instead of continuously adding new ones, and efficient garment cutting practices that reduce waste through careful pattern layouts known as “markers.”

Join our community
Website: designersplantsandcoffee.com
YouTube: @designersplantsandcoffee
Instagram: @designersplantsandcoffee
Facebook: @designersplantsandcoffee

Hosts websites:
Naima: lovefearlessthreads.com
LaTisha: keepingyounstitches.com
Zahiyya: regiondesignlab.com & covermechic.com

In this episode, we explore the unique challenges introverted business owners encounter when it comes to promoting their businesses.

The conversation centers around the critical need to step outside of comfort zones to enhance visibility and foster engagement in a competitive market.

We want to hear from you! If this episode inspired you in anyway take a screen shot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag us, @designersplantsandcoffee

For full show notes and links, visit: https://designersplantsandcoffee.com/podcast/031

Join our community
Website: designersplantsandcoffee.com
YouTube: @designersplantsandcoffee
Instagram: @designersplantsandcoffee
Facebook: @designersplantsandcoffee

Hosts websites:
Naima: lovefearlessthreads.com
LaTisha: keepingyounstitches.com
Zahiyya: regiondesignlab.com & covermechic.com

Main Theme:

In this episode, we discuss how we identify; “creative nerds”, “fashion nerds” or “technical nerd”. We engage in a heartfelt discussion about our unique approaches to fashion and the significance of storytelling in design.

Key Highlights:

• Individuality in Design
• The Power of Storytelling
• Sentimental Anecdotes
• The Tech Designer’s Perspective
• Inspiration and Preference

Listen now to explore the heart and soul of fashion design!

Links:

Free Cover Me Chic Kimono pattern: https://covermechic.com

We want to hear from you! If this episode inspired you in anyway take a screen shot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag us, @designersplantsandcoffee

For full show notes and links, visit: https://designersplantsandcoffee.com/podcast/030

Join our community
Website: designersplantsandcoffee.com
YouTube: @designersplantsandcoffee
Instagram: @designersplantsandcoffee
Facebook: @designersplantsandcoffee

Hosts websites:
Naima: lovefearlessthreads.com
LaTisha: keepingyounstitches.com
Zahiyya: regiondesignlab.com & covermechic.com

My trip to Kenya was absolutely amazing, especially my time at Masai Mara during the great migration. It was incredible to see thousands of animals moving across the land! I also noticed that the fashion in Kenya is changing; it’s got a bit of that New York vibe, but you can still see traditional Masai clothing in the rural areas. In Nairobi, I spotted a lot of modern styles, but I really loved those cozy plaid Masai blankets.

One of the best parts of my trip was having meals made by a personal chef in Mombasa. The food was delicious, with fresh local flavors like samosas and chicken, and the coffee was out of this world! On the safari in Masai Mara, I got to see some amazing wildlife up close, including lions and even a rare leopard, though I did miss out on spotting a rhino.

I really enjoyed the chill resort vibe in Mombasa and found myself wanting to explore the old town more. Nairobi blew me away with how fast it’s growing and all the potential for business, even if I didn’t see many industries around. I learned that a lot of the fabric I bought in Mombasa actually comes from West Africa, and the prices were way better than in New York! All in all, I’m super excited about the future of Kenya and can’t wait to go back to both places.

Links:

Free Cover Me Chic Kimono pattern: https://covermechic.com

Purchase the fabric: https://covermechic.com/textiles

We want to hear from you! If this episode inspired you in anyway take a screen shot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag us, @designersplantsandcoffee

For full show notes and links, visit: https://designersplantsandcoffee.com/podcast/029

Join our community
Website: designersplantsandcoffee.com
YouTube: @designersplantsandcoffee
Instagram: @designersplantsandcoffee
Facebook: @designersplantsandcoffee

Hosts websites:
Naima: lovefearlessthreads.com
LaTisha: keepingyounstitches.com
Zahiyya: regiondesignlab.com & covermechic.com