Craftonians!
I'm so excited to share all the goodness from the latest episode of the Happy Time Craftcast! This one was extra special because I got to chat with Mathew Boudreaux who is not only an incredible artist but also a true advocate for inclusivity in our crafting world. You might know them as Mx Domestic, the quilting superstar who's taking the crafting community by storm with their vibrant creations and heartfelt mission. And let me tell you, this conversation was full of joy, inspiration, and some seriously good vibes.
Getting to Know Mx Domestic
Right from the start, I knew this episode was going to be something special. Mx Domestic joined me to talk about everything from their journey into crafting to the amazing work they do in promoting inclusivity. We kicked things off with a little chat about how they feel when I call them a "celebrity" (spoiler alert: they totally rolled their eyes, but I stand by it!). It was so refreshing to hear how down-to-earth and humble they are, despite their massive following and impact in the crafting world.
Crafting with Purpose
One of the things that really struck me was how Mx Domestic uses their platform. They don’t just show up as themselves; they show up for everyone, especially those who might not always feel welcome in crafting spaces. Their commitment to using their privilege to fight for the most oppressed person in the room is truly inspiring. We had a heart-to-heart about how important it is to create spaces where everyone feels like they belong, no matter what.
The Joy of Creating
Of course, we couldn’t have a chat without diving into the creative process. Mx Domestic shared how they first got into crafting (thank you, supportive spouse!) and how their journey evolved from making little outfits for their daughter to becoming the quilting icon they are today. We talked about the importance of finding joy in the process rather than stressing about perfection—something Mx Domestic calls the “95% rule.” I absolutely love this idea of focusing on the joy of creating rather than getting caught up in making things perfect. Crafting should be fun, right?
Fabric Weaving, Quilting, and Longarms—Oh My!
For those of you who are as obsessed with fabric as I am, you’re going to love the part where Mx Domestic talks about their passion for fabric weaving and quilting. They even gave us a peek into their latest adventure with a longarm quilting machine. If you’re not familiar, this is like the holy grail of quilting tools, and hearing about their excitement was contagious! I mean, who wouldn’t want to dive into a new creative tool that opens up so many possibilities?
Handling Criticism and Staying True
We also touched on a topic that I think a lot of us can relate to—handling criticism, especially when it comes from those pesky internet trolls. Mx Domestic and I shared our experiences with online negativity, particularly around gender expectations in the crafting world. It was a great reminder to stay true to ourselves and not let anyone else dictate how we create.
Audience Q&A and Fun Reflections
I always love hearing from you, our wonderful audience, so the Q&A section was a real treat. We got into some practical tips about fabric weaving, and I was thrilled to see so many of you interested in trying it out! We also had a bit of fun with some reflective questions—like what our favorite words and sounds are, and what truly brings us happiness. Spoiler: for Mx Domestic, it’s all about finding moments of presence and joy, especially when spending time with their daughter. How sweet is that?
Wrapping It Up
As always, we ended with some important details about where you can find more of Mx Domestic’s work (hint: check out their shop and use the code that Mx Domestic announced during this episode for a 10% discount!). And if you haven’t already, be sure to connect with them on social media—you’ll find links in the show notes. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on the beautiful things they’re creating.
So, if you’re looking for a dose of inspiration, a bit of joy, and some serious crafting wisdom, this episode is definitely for you. I’m so grateful to Mx Domestic for sharing their time and energy with us, and I can’t wait for you all to listen.
Until next time, keep creating with love and joy, and I’ll see you on the next Happy Time Craftcast!
Happy crafting,
Joleen
Show Notes for the Happy Time Craftcast
🌟 In this Episode:
In this episode of the Happy Time Craftcast, Joleen sits down with the incredibly talented and inspiring Mx Domestic, a well-known quilter, creative innovator, and advocate for inclusivity in the crafting community. They discuss everything from their journey into crafting, the importance of creating inclusive spaces, to finding joy in the creative process.
🌟 Notable Quotes:
- "I show up not just as myself but as someone who represents the most oppressed person in the room."
- "Focus on the joy of creating, not on the pressure to be perfect—that’s the 95% rule."
- "Crafting should be a joyful experience, not something that steals your happiness."
🌟 About the Guest:
Mx Domestic is a renowned figure in the crafting community, celebrated for their vibrant quilting, innovative creativity, and unwavering advocacy for inclusivity. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Mx Domestic has built a dedicated following by blending traditional quilting techniques with contemporary aesthetics, creating stunning works that showcase bold colors and intricate patterns. Beyond their artistic talents, Mx Domestic is deeply committed to making the crafting world a more inclusive space, using their platform to uplift and support marginalized voices. Whether through their popular social media channels or their hands-on workshops, Mx Domestic is all about spreading joy and creativity while championing the importance of diversity and inclusion in the crafting community.
Follow Mx Domestic on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for the latest updates.
🌟 Highlights of the Episode:
-
0:01 - Introduction of Mx Domestic
Joleen introduces Mx Domestic, discussing their impact in the crafting community. -
2:13 - Mx Domestic’s Advocacy for Inclusivity
Mx Domestic talks about their commitment to using privilege to support marginalized individuals in crafting spaces. -
7:23 - Overcoming Challenges in Crafting
Mx Domestic shares their journey from being discouraged as a child to finding their passion for textiles with support from their spouse. -
14:09 - Balancing Crafting with Social Media
Insights into how Mx Domestic manages their social media presence while promoting inclusivity. -
28:25 - The Joy of Crafting and the 95% Rule
Mx Domestic explains the “95% rule,” which focuses on enjoying the creative process rather than striving for perfection. -
20:56 - Exploration of Fabric Weaving and Quilting
A deep dive into Mx Domestic’s love for fabric weaving and their new adventures with longarm quilting. -
16:18 - Dealing with Criticism and Staying True
Both Joleen and Mx Domestic share how they handle online criticism and the importance of staying true to their creative visions. -
43:36 - Audience Interaction and Practical Tips
Mx Domestic answers listener questions, offering practical tips on fabric weaving and more. -
43:36 - Reflective and Fun Closing Questions
Mx Domestic shares their favorite words, sounds, and what brings them the most happiness. -
59:19 - Closing Remarks and Where to Find More
Joleen wraps up with details on how to connect with Mx Domestic online and a special discount code.
🌟 Links and Resources Mentioned and Promoted:
- Mx Domestic’s Website
- Get the Discount Code by watching the episode: 10% off in Mx Domestic’s shop
- FABRIC WEAVING BOOK by Mathew Boudreaux (of Mx Domestic) & Tara Curtis (of Wefty)
- Joleen’s Website: Big Raven Farm
- Big Raven Farm Retreats
🌟 Upcoming Events:
- Next Episode: Join us as we chat with Jessica Hoch from Moxie Malas, where we’ll discuss her decades-long crafting journey and her upcoming retreats.
-
Retreats at Big Raven Farm:
September and October retreats are filling up fast! Check out the Retreats Page for more details and to reserve your spot.
Stay tuned for more crafty conversations and creative inspiration on the Happy Time Craftcast!
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