From Curtains to Masks to Quilts: Pelicia’s work illustrates how life’s complexities inspire creativity, curiosity, and courage on a fulfilling journey.
Hello, my name is Pelicia Blackmon, and I am a healthcare worker who loves sewing. In 2005, I turned my sewing hobby into a business called Made-to-Fit Custom Drapes. In 2001, my husband and I built our first home with 37 windows. I measured each window, bought fabric, and made drapes in various styles and colors for every room. My coworkers and friends noticed my work and asked me to make drapes and curtains for them.
Made to Fit was revitalized in 2020 out of necessity for personal protective wear amid the coronavirus crisis. My company could not find the proper protective wear when the pandemic arose due to a shortage. I decided to make masks and bonnets for myself. As the pandemic progressed, I made masks for my family and coworkers.
After the pandemic subsided, I found myself with a lot of cotton fabric without a purpose, which was a reminder of the hectic times we had just endured. So, I decided to learn how to quilt to use up all the cotton fabric acquired for making hats, headbands, and masks, transforming what was once a surplus into a creative outlet. I began exploring various quilting techniques, drawing inspiration from different patterns and styles I encountered online. I learned how to quilt by watching YouTube videos, immersing myself in tutorials from seasoned quilters who shared tips and tricks that made the process more approachable. As I stitched together my first quilt, I could feel my passion for sewing reigniting, and my sewing business was ignited again, leading me to explore a wider range of projects and enabling me to share my creations with a community that appreciated handmade, unique pieces.