A Mini Update On The Mystery
Pals, it's official, the mystery project will not be moving forward. I am actually quite relieved, excited to get started on things I had put off, and glad I will finally get to fill you in on the next podcast. I had said I'd update you when I knew more, and I finally got conformation the project is kaput.
'Cool people, bad timing' as I said to my contact, and I was and would be excited to work with these same folks in the future, so I shan't be naming them. I will however explain the timeline of events in full, but for now I leave you with excerpts from one of my emails:
"I am interested in teaching people to do what I can do; not in leading folks along a set of strict instructions to copy one particular project, but in giving them the techniques to do everything themselves and create exactly their own unique vision. I am not interested in teaching people to make exacting clones of what I have before, not because I fear copies or have any exclusive rights to my designs, but because that is a bandaid on a broken bone.
"I do not wish to hand anyone a fish wrapped in Addams Family branded tissue paper, I want to stand in the river with them and teach folks how to catch their own sharks. My passion lies in unlocking the mysteries of pattern making for the intimidated outsider.
"Following along will require paper, a pencil, and a nice long ruler. And patience. The end result leaves the reader with a sheet of paper with a pattern on it, not one single item they can hang in their closet. By the end they will not have copies of my clothes, they will have the knowledge needed to create anything they could ever imagine (including making copies of my clothes, but at that point it's up to them)."
"...would be an absolute dream come true for me, and a ton of work. As a one woman operation, my channel will suffer from my split attention. I cannot let my viewers down in that way for anything less than the pattern making “bible” they deserve."
You can see why I'm a real pain in the arse can't you? 😅❤
Comments (60)
skillshare springs to mind when thinking of classes, just as Bernadette Banner has created her hand sewing classes.
Alas I would want to make a several episode beginner-to-intermediate drafting course available to all on YouTube, I would want as many people to have access as possible!
I love your description of what you're about in the world. So clear and evocative. (That snippet of your written prose style also makes me really really want to read your novels!)
yes!
If you are bummed the project is a no go, then I am. If you are relieved it didn't workout right now, then so am I. I truly enjoy your pattern drafting videos and I don't even sew, I'm a beader and first came to your channel through one of your beaded beetle projects.
You have to do what you have to do! We support you whether we know the story or not! Thank You for helping me tweak my sewing knowledge!
Integrity is the highest virtue, and ever so rarely demonstrated these days. You are a true class act, Esposito
I love your way with words. It's a pleasure to read.
Thank you Tammy!
You are a wonderful woman teaching us a "SuperPower" you should be proud of yourself! It's " Magic unfolding " . You've taught me soooo much of your craft I will be eternally grateful 🙏
Thank you Jools!
Bianca, you are a gem. I would expect nothing less from you. You are not a pain. You want to teach us to fish for the shark of our creative dreams 🥰
I have already learnt a lot from you about pattern drafting and exactly in the way you have described here. Not by copying your clothes but by helping me understand the world of darts and FBA and many more. I wouldn't have dreamt of catching my own sharks before. I much appreciate your effort and teachings!❤❤❤
Thank you Theresa! Get them sharks!! 🦈
Ten hearty cheers for actual integrity! A rare and beautiful thing. Much respect to you, Bianca.
Methinks that you were asked to design for the commercial big 5 pattern company. As much as we would enjoy buying patterns to support you would be delightful, your decision is understandable. Having the ongoing videos from you is much more personal, interesting and inspirational. Watching a true artist create is mesmerising. As a quirky little fish once said "just keep swimming, swimming!" xxxxxx
Not to be mean to those companies, but I would never even consider it 🤣 They would only get a polite email saying I wasn't interested I'm afraid. I'm sure they hate people like me anyway, since I am trying to convert all of their customers into self-drafting makers instead ha!
You are a phenomenal writer!!! Thank you for sharing the update. I’m sure it is a bit bittersweet…as well as a relief to finally officially know. Living in a state of uncertainty is so uncomfortable. As always, thank you for sharing your gifts with us. You are truly amazing.
Thank you Concetta! Yes just knowing and being able to move forward has been AMAZING whew 😅
Hi, So a new venture but not right now. I'll likely be here when it comes, if within my lifetime, cheering everybody on and admire all the sharks you and others come back with. I know myself enough to say fishing for sharks in a river will never be me, but I have it in me to look on in awe, handing out towels, and hand out band-aids and 911 calls for those in need, and providing nourishing fare, to those that want. On another matter; that fabric we talked about me wanting to make a top out of; somebody got to it before me. I do hope it was you, because I trust you to treat such a beautiful antique fabric with the respect it deserves. I'm a bit upset because I'll never be able to forget that fabric, and annoyed that I didn't buy it first and decide what to use if for later. I need to work on my procrastination. Or rather work on getting to stop doing it. I also missed out on a Pfaff Coverlock 4.0 this weekend because this bad habit. It turned up on eBay, and it was relatively inexpensive. It took me too long to figure out how perfect it would be for me. I'm in the market for a serger, or overlocker as they are called here. I want one that won't go walkabout (i.e.not to move around) whilst I'm using it, and not being to noisy. Getting a super expensive high end machine used, for about the same money as I think I'll have to spend on a new machine, sounded perfect. It was even here in Europe, so no issues with the voltage (we are on 240V not like the 120V in the American sphere). Any advice on what to think about when buying a serger, except for it to not moving around the room and not disturbing our neighbours across the street, when using the thing, would be greatly appreciated. Things like what is a priceworthy brand to choose. How much I realistically would have to spend to get my two "must haves". What kinds of seams I should look for, and what additional feet I should get with the machine. I'm a perpetual newbe, because due to disability I can't spend enough time on sewing to become proficient, so I'd love to hear from all of you that have experience. I'm here on this channel, because I love Ms. Especito's skill in sewing, but even more so for how she engages with us viewers. As so many people have said before me: I'd listen to her reading the phone book and be content. Seeing her in her succede in her profession of choice, and seeing her reaching so many sewing enthusiasts around the world, what could be better. I couldn't use my patreon money any better. Even if never sew another stitch in my life, I'll still be here just because of you Ms. Esposito. As always, thank you for letting me tag along with you, by making these videos. Best Regards, Ann
I use the baby lock enspire and never had a problem with it moving around, I think there are those vacuum cups (in german it's: Saugnapf) underneath preventing that. Maybe that is an inexpensive diy you could attach to your serger/overlock of choice? Keep going!😊
I knew I loved you for more than sewing! Rock steady moral compass and a commitment to your values, I respect that as much as your indisputable talent. Wishing you every success in the things you choose to pursue, if and when the time is right.
Thank you Marie-Anne!
If your book writing is anything like this, then I'm going to need a box of tissue to get through it!!❤️
I think you are a very uniquely gifted creator….the kind that only comes along once in a very blue moon. You know your vision, you have a strong work ethic (in this I’m referring to your commitment to both your Patrons, viewers, listeners AND your own beautiful inner sense of purpose and judgement). I feel very fortunate to have found your channel and raised my subscription recently to help urge you on towards great things. I loved reading your powerful words in your replies above….yes, again, I say, believe in yourself and your vision and that the right opportunity will come to you. I am definitely in awe and love you and your work. Thanks for updating us, look forward to listening to more when it arrives! 🥰
Thank you!! ❤️ More and exciting things coming soon ✨
You are a fucking Queen Bee! (Sorry, Australian, we can't help the swearing). Your radical commitment to accessibility of knowledge and skill sharing is inspirational. I saw someone say you were changing lives, and that's not hyperbole. I was a frontline child protection worker for over a decade and I was falling apart, physically and mentally. You gave me the gift of sewing, but also of fashion design, sustainability, and pattern drafting. So fuck yeah - I'm going shark fishing with you!
Fuck yeah!
Off-topic, may I beg, pretty please, that you let us know if you get invited into any sewing convention or expo, or if/when we can volunteer to organize an in-person class with you? I'd easily and happily pay $200 - which seems double the going rate? - for a half-day class with you on "bring your busted-ass block pattern and I'll teach you how to fit it so you can actually use the blasted thing." (Or... in other words every version after 2 or 3.) :D I'd especially squeak and dance a happy jig if it were two classes - one for the bodice, and one for the waist - knee region.
It's so much better to honor the timing than to rush to put out something you'll ultimately be unhappy with, even if it doesn't feel like the right answer in the moment. This sounds like it might be a pattern-making book... and if that's the case, it's such a huge endeavor! It'll come back around when the time is right. :)
Thank you! A drafting book it would have been indeed 😅
When its ready it will be awesome. But you are very wise to wait until its ready.
It takes a lot of self-knowledge to say no(t right now) and elaborate like this as to why. Thank you for sharing with us! I'm definitely here because you bring us to the river so we can catch our own fish, and I really hope that whatever comes up in the future will allow you to do the same, perhaps in a slightly different shape than right now. Looking forward to the next podcast drop 🖤
Thank you Nuria!
I am glad you are sticking to your principals though I am sorry it fell through for you. I will say that finding your channel was the best thing that happened for my sewing journey. I have learned so much from watching your videos. I'm in the process of making my own wardrobe and that wouldn't have happened without seeing how easily you manipulate your block to make clothes.
Thank you!! I hope you are having a most excellent time wardrobe building ✨
I really admire and respect this. I think you’re totally right and I’ve always liked your channel for this reason, it’s education and learning, which is empowering your viewers. Not copying which will no doubt lead to disappointment and frustration when things don’t quite fit and you don’t know why.
Thank you Clarice! I really think putting off learning pattern drafting is like a band aid on a broken bone, only drafting can allow for ultimate design freedom!
Two posts in a week is exciting! I hope all is well, sudden news good or bad can be shocking.
It’s good to be particular about who you work with because you have the power to bestow on people the ability to make clothes that fit so they feel more positive about their bodies and have confidence in what they wear, that’s pretty blooming fantastic.
I want to start out by saying that I love that you stand by what you love doing. As you stated before, anyone can just slap their name on something and make money. I enjoy watching and learning from you because you open your thought process on how a garment can be studied and recreated to fit your style. This project may not have worked out, but I'm sure that it has open so many unknown opportunities for you. I'm sure we are all patiently waiting for you to get that spotlight you so deserve. Until that moment occurs, your YouTube and Patreon family will hold it up for you. Sending positive vibes your way.
Thank you Dani ❤️
Coming from the theater and the life of auditions, I finally trained my brain to think, this doesn't mean no. Just not right now. I am so inspired by your passion and dedication to only putting out content and material that is true to your values and personal mission statement. And without trying to be a cliche, you're work has changed the trajectory of my life/career. What ever road you go down im following. And I guess now that means fishing for sharks (I'm in). Without getting into too much of a rant, I've been a cosmetologist for the last decade while doing theater and small costuming projects on the side. Starting last January 2023 I started actively following your channel and ended up getting very consistent design work for theaters, drag pageant clients, ect. Just from following your videos explaining the principles of patter design and drafting. So much so that I've now gone back to school, in my 30s (very daunting) to get an associates in Technical Pattern Drafting. All this to say, even though this specific opportunity might have ended, for now, you are still actively and largely changing lives. And I hope our continued support of you and your work can continue to change yours.
I love that fish wrapped in Addams Family paper; well said.
I'm happy but bummed. Happy you're staying true to yourself and bummed you can't do the thing. The 2nd paragraph got me to smile, which I really needed. I shared 2 of your pattern drafting videos with friends who said tops are too intimidating. I think I/we can change their mind.
Sounds like, when the partnership finally takes place (I'm sure it will) it'll be absolutely brilliant👏👏👏👏
I had my money on pattern drafting book for weeks, this update hasn't changed my mind. I'm sorry it's not worked out this time but who knows what the future holds but for now, I'm glad we still get 100% of your attention 💛
You got it right! And alas it will be a fancy video series instead as soon as I'm in my new studio 😅✨
But does it rhyme with schmillschmare? 😬 But srsly, I'm glad you are at a place where you feel comfortable saying no, and have high expectations for those with which you want to collaborate. I'm here for it!
That was my thought. "Schmillschmare."
You're awesome! I've worked in an industry where I often get push back on my ideals for 14 years now and I'm finally with a company that shares my values. It's worth it to be a pain in the butt lol ❤️
And this is why I'm willing to give YOU my dollars every month. March on and I will follow ❤️
Ahh, what a bummer. I would've loved to see this project come to fruition, learn all the details of it and see you get at least some of recognition you deserve. But I'm also glad to see you being able to get back to your schedule, both for your content and the house hunt!
Thank you! I just think of how now I'm back closer to installing dark green subway tile and I am excited 😅🪲
All my love to you for everything that you do! I’m sad your opportunity didn’t work out though after everything you poured into it. I do hope to one day be confident enough to catch sharks with you! But for now I’m happy to have your thoughts and the new topper for the blue patterning table of doom out of this adventure. Stay lovely and know that your crowd of patrons are here for you!
Thank you Kristy!!
Well, that was one banger of a cliffhanger 😜 DYING of curiosity! Also, you are the absolute best 🤩
Maybe a pain to them, but an absolute delight and an angel to us. I really respect your commitment to giving us work that meets rigorous standards and that you can be proud of. Thank you for your integrity, creativity, and commitment to education.
Thank you Moriah!
Ok this just made me even more curious 😂
