
Alysha Colón
she / herMaker/Sewist
I’m a maker currently living in STL. I sew and also do woodworking, bookbinding, embroidery, knitting, and generally keep my hands busy. If I’m not actually making something, I’m definitely thinking about making something. I learned to sew in 2013 and I started with zippy pouches, bags, and home décor items. I made a few garments, but nothing I would consider a success. Last year I was inspired by Me Made May and all the plus size sewists on Instagram to try making garments again. I made a shirt no 1 and fell in love with it. It’s so simple and every time I put it on I remember how much it’s my favorite shirt. There are more options for plus size sewists than a few years ago and I’m glad I can find things that fit my body in styles I like. Now, my goal is to make clothes that I love and fit my body better than what I could buy in the store.
What influence does music have in your life as a creative?:
Music plays a huge role in my life in general. I start my day with music, I work to music, and I create with music. I was the teen that thought a day well spent was by sitting in bed and listing to albums full through. I met my best friend and husband through music, I feel lucky to be with someone who loves music as much as me and probably more. If I think back on important moments in my life I remember what music was playing first. Music helps me think and work through things creatively, it makes ideas and feelings flow without any effort. If I’m in my sewing room there is certainly music playing. It moves me along, allowing me to work on something for hours without realizing how much time has passed. Creating things feels easier with music playing in the background. Some of my favorite bands/artists are Bloc Party, TV on The Radio, Interpol, Arctic Monkeys, Beach house, Frank Ocean, and Sylvan Esso.
Tell us about your playlist:
This playlist, “We Sewin’”, is what I’m currently listening to while I sew. These songs are in my heavy rotation and I sing along to all of them. The first track is my favorite song of the year so far and always puts me in a good mood to start working on something. I tend to listen to more indie pop and rock when I work on sewing projects. I don’t pick anything specific to get me through various stages of projects, I just play whatever is making me happy at the time. The same goes for whatever gets me motivated or focused, if there is music playing then I’m good to go.
- People, I’ve been sad – Christine and the Queens
- On the Floor – Perfume Genius
- Feel The Way I Want – Caroline Rose
- Fire – Waxahatchee
- Never Come Back – Caribou
- Runner – Tennis
- Heavy Balloon – Fiona Apple
- Vibe (If I Back It Up) – Cookiee Kawaii
- Airy – Joni
- How to Forgive – Tennis
- Cut Me – Moses Sumney
- Another Lover – Little Dragon
- nein nein – clammbon
- GROUP B – Tyler, The Creator
- Heaven’s Only Wishful – Extended Version – MorMor
- Made To Stray – Mount Kimbie
- We Will Always Love You (feat. Blood Orange) – The Avalanches, Blood Orange
- Feel For You – Bat For Lashes
- Sunflower – Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse – Post Malone, Swae Lee
- Need It – KAYTRANADA, Masego
- He – Jai Paul
- Outer Sunset – Tycho
- Sleight of Hand – Wild Nothing
- Matando – Tei Shi
- Before I Let Go – Homecoming Live Bonus Track – Beyoncé
- Str8 Outta Mumbai – Jai Paul
- O.M.G. (I’m All Over It) – Jenn Champion
- Summertime Magic – Childish Gambino
- Isabella – Hamilton Leithauser
- suffer – Son Little
- Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino – Arctic Monkeys
- You and I – Caribou
- Baby Blu – Nilüfer Yanya
- Rewind – Live – Sylvan Esso
- WARP – clammbon
- FUN! – Vince Staples