This pattern photo from the latest Butterick collection stopped me in my tracks.
Now, I know that a lot of indie patterns have already been actively moving towards more inclusion with the models they choose, using a range of sizes, body types, ages, ethnicities, abilities, and gender identities.
But you know we’re in the throes of positive change when one of the big commercial companies has started to figure out that diversity and inclusion is good for business.
Three cheers for progressive change!
What do you think? Do you generally see yourself represented in sewing photos or not? Do you think this is an indicator of change?
Thanks for stopping by.
— Lori
Frivolous At Last 
VERY occasionally I think I catch a glimpse of someone “like me” on a pattern but usually it’s with a pattern company that either does have inclusive policies or specializes in women like me (the 50+ sewist) It’s always exciting when I do though or even as you’ve pointed out here! When we see inclusivity we should applaud it!
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WOW — amazing!! I mean, really amazing.
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I saw this and loved it!
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Fantastic! Great job, Butterick! Hooray for positive and progressive change! Thanks for sharing this.
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In a recent Burda issue, one of the models was black. I was astounded. Aaaaand then someone “rationalized” that it’s a German publication and so we shouldn’t expect that.
No, you’re operating in a global market and people are less willing to accept the status quo!!!
Similarly, I have side eyed most major makeup brands as they all rushed to increase their range of shades when Fenty was released and SUPER inclusive.
So, no, I don’t typically see myself included in really any women-centered industries. Sewing patterns are improving but it’s slow change for sure.
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Burda is the WORST. What a joke about it being ok because it’s German. It’s not like there aren’t any people of colour in Germany for heaven’s sake!
KS, I’m sorry you are underrepresented in this business. I’m grateful for your blog and blogs of other women of colour which demonstrate just how diverse the sewing community is, even if the big business are too slow to catch on. Thanks for commenting.
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Awesome! About time! Just two superlatives that popped to mind.
But I still want to see ME. Middle aged, a bit overweight, mummy tummy and all.
As usual, thanks for sharing!
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I actually didn’t notice it – it was my husband who did, and pointed it out. We were both impressed. McCall’s/Butterick/Vogue has been doing a bit better on visible minorities, and some of those lines have non-skeletal models, but it would be nice to see more middle aged models, and more curvy models. Maybe even a range of curvy – from slim-and-busty to a bit padded to very plus sized. Sewists come in all sizes and hues, so should our patterns!
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Years later, after binging the CMM podcast, I come upon that post. Huh. Well, I’d like to join the cheering, but they’re late, and it’s still a very slender and very tall person. It’s funny how we all cheer at very little, we are so used to no change at all.
Don’t mistake me, I’m white, blue eyed, not quite yet 50 and cisgender, so I’m kind of over-represented (except for the red hair, but that’s a detail).
But I haven’t seen yet a model that would have more than one way to diversity on the envelopes of the big 4. It’s either a white over 50 slender woman, or a black slender woman, maybe a white larger woman… I’m not sure I’m clear on the point I want to make, at a time when noone reads that blog anymore, since it hasn’t been active for a while. It’s like diversity is only in one factor, and there would be no black (ebony black, mind you), veiled, large woman on a wheel chair (that’s also under-represented) that is over 50. Yet they do exist.
Anyway, the only cheering from me (but I’m no big 4 customer, hate their flimsy paper and there’s so many possibilities nowadays with indie companies) is for you, Lori, if you still read the comments, for the great time I had binging your podcast. I see that only Hila’s blog is still showing posts, but I hope all of you are fine and thank you for your time on blogging and podcasting!
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