Episode 5 Transcript: 6 Creative Challenges I’m Excited to Tackle in 2025
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By the time you listen to this episode, it will be December 31st, 2024 – New Year’s Eve! There’s something about flipping the calendar to a blank slate, with all those little empty squares, that makes me really dream about what’s next. I mean I’ve been planning, and getting things done, practicing a few new things, but it’s the actual flip of the calendar – hanging the New shiny 2025 one on the side of the fridge, that gets me excited!
This time of year always feels like a creative reset for me. After weeks of holiday hustle, I finally get a chance to pause, reflect, and ask myself, “What am I creating this year?” It’s energizing, exciting, and, let’s be honest, a little intimidating too. But here’s the thing: I’ve learned that setting ambitious creative goals isn’t just about the end result. I don’t know about you, but I get just as excited – if not more- about the doing part! The searching for supplies and materials, the playing, the color matching, the “figuring it all out” part. I guess it’s the “play time” the get in there and explore time, that excites me.
Some of these creative challenges don’t really even have an “end” to them… so to be honest, they might not really qualify as “goals” per se, but they are things I am excited to try. It’s about giving myself permission to explore and push my boundaries. I wanna see what I can do and have some fun in the process.
So today, I’m sharing 6 creative challenges I’m absolutely thrilled to tackle in 2025. Okay, I realize that is a weird number, 6. You usually see my top 10 or 12 or my top 25…. The problem with that is sometimes, you can tell on some lists that the last few were a little iffy – like they were really trying to round out the list just to get to a certain number and kinda phoned it in on the last couple! Not me.
I thought about what I was excited about and this is where it went. 6. Some may change or swap out throughout the year, But for today this is it!These are the projects and ideas that light me up as a fabric and fiber creative, and that feel like they’ll stretch me in some way.
Now as I go through my list, I want you to think about yours. What’s something you’ve been dreaming about trying? Maybe it’s a technique you’ve been too nervous to explore, or a big, bold project that feels just out of reach. Whatever it is, let’s think about it together. And hey, if you don’t have a list yet, that’s okay too. By the end of this episode, my hope is that you’ll feel inspired to create one—a list that’s uniquely yours, filled with the kind of projects that make you excited to wake up and create.
So, grab a cup of tea or coffee, maybe a notebook and pen, and let’s dive in. Here are the creative challenges I can’t wait to tackle in 2025—and a few thoughts on why they matter so much to me.
One creative goal I’m beyond excited about for 2025 is finally designing and making a jacket out of one of the most beautiful fabrics in my personal inventory: an exquisite "tape lace" tablecloth I bought years ago on the island of Burano in Italy.
If you’re not familiar, Burano is a little island just outside of Venice, and is famous for its exquisite lace-making tradition. The women there create tape lace—a style so intricate, it feels like art you can hold in your hands. Originally, I purchased the tablecloth (and its 12 matching napkins) with the idea of transforming them into ornate gowns. That was years ago, and while my creative direction has shifted since then, my love for this fabric has not. This project is a way to breathe new life into something that has been patiently waiting for its turn to shine.
Well, that moment is finally here. This year, I pulled it out during my annual inventory check, and something clicked. I looked at that lace and thought, ‘Why am I not wearing this?’ The idea for a dramatic jacket—a piece that feels like me—was born.
Why does this excite me so much? There’s a backstory! My fascination with lace goes way back. In my wedding gown design days, lace was often the star of the show. But my love of lace isn’t limited to its use in gowns—I’m captivated by its history, its craftsmanship, and its elegance.
One of my most treasured possessions is a vintage 1910 tape lace dress, carefully preserved and filled with stories of its era. When I purchased it, the shop owner told me that Ralph Lauren’s design team had shown interest in the piece. We both knew what would happen if they bought it: it would be cut apart with pieces sent to China to replicate the pattern. And that pattern would be transformed into design inspiration for their modern collections. Beautiful as that result might have been, it would have meant the end of the original dress.
That dress, with its delicate patterns and timeless beauty, remains one of my most beloved pieces. And every time I look at these tablecloths, I think of that dress and the history it represents. I imagine taking this modern lace, with its intricate motifs, and crafting a dramatic jacket. This jacket isn’t just about creating something beautiful; it’s also about embracing the challenge of working with such a unique material. The lace patterns need to be placed strategically to highlight their beauty. Do I keep the natural ivory color, or dye it for a richer, bolder look? Do I keep it pure evening wear, or make it versatile enough to pair with jeans and boots in a very Ralph Lauren, dressy-casual vibe? These are the kinds of questions I’ll be exploring as I dive into this project. It’s not just about the finished piece; it’s about the process—honoring the artistry of the Burano lace, stretching my creativity, and making something for me for a change. It honors my love of the lace, but It’s also a reminder that changing directions isn’t necessarily a bad thing it doesn’t mean abandoning what you love—it just means finding new ways to celebrate it.
Maybe you have a fabric or material you’ve been holding onto, waiting for the perfect project. Maybe it’s time to give it the spotlight it deserves. What’s stopping you from finally turning it into something extraordinary? Think about it—2025 might just be the year to bring it to life.
Another creative goal I’m looking forward to in 2025 is creating a new mixed media collage collection, this time featuring bold and vibrant colors paired with the gorgeous core-spun natural alpaca wool that was the centerpiece of my earlier collection, Neutrals.
Several years ago, my sister gifted me a huge box of the most luxurious alpaca fibers in rich, natural tones—chocolate brown and a soft, almost white grey. Inspired by the gift, I created a 3-D mixed media collage collection, teaming these fibers with paper, metals, and other intriguing findings, all staying within a strict neutral palette. I even went as far as mixing custom paint colors to match the fibers, making sure every piece was perfectly harmonious. Not only was The collection fun to make—it all but sold out. But while working on the Neutrals collection, I couldn’t help but notice how incredible these fibers looked when paired with bold, bright colors. Chocolate with turquoise. Deep red with brown. Soft greys with vibrant pinks. At the time, I set those ideas aside because Neutrals was all about staying true to its name, but the possibilities stuck with me.
Fast forward to my latest inventory inspection, and there it was—a neatly labeled box of “color stories” I had put aside. Opening that box was like finding buried treasure! The notes, swatches, and early sketches were pure inspiration, reminding me of the joy I felt when I first discovered the potential of those bright pairings. This project excites me not only because it honors my sister’s thoughtful gift, but also because it marks a return to a creative outlet I love—mixed media collage.
Working with fibers and fabrics outside the clothing realm gives me a fresh perspective and helps me recharge creatively. Shifting focus like this often leads to surprising breakthroughs in other areas of my work, and honestly, it’s just plain fun. The timing couldn’t be better either. After attending several recent fabric and fiber shows, my appetite for exploring unconventional uses of these materials is bigger than ever. And let’s be real—it’s past time to release a new art collection anyway
There’s plenty of yarn left in the box, and this time, it’s going to dance with bold, vibrant colors.
Check around your studio. There might be a creative project you’ve been putting off because the timing didn’t feel right. Maybe now is the time to open that metaphorical (or literal) box and let those ideas shine forth.
The third project I’m most excited about is learning the art of wire weaving. This fascinating technique has captured my imagination in a way that feels like a natural extension of my creative journey, blending my love of fibers, mixed media, and three-dimensional design. I’ve always approached weaving as more of an art form than a traditional craft. Using a homemade loom of stretcher bars and nails, I’ve created mixed media weavings that incorporate beads, metals, strips of fabric, and even paper. But These pieces are more like collages than functional textiles—meant for canvas or wall displays.
Again, after attending recent fabric and fiber shows, my perspective on weaving expanded in an new direction. At the show, I stumbled upon a table hosted by an artist whose work stopped me in my tracks. Among her display were standalone sculptural forms, jewelry like earrings and bracelets, and tubes of woven materials that seemed to defy gravity. Upon closer inspection, I realized these weren’t made with traditional fibers alone, they were woven with wire. Fibers and wire were blended to create shapes and forms that could bend, stand, or even drape in fascinating ways. My mind started racing.
Imagine using wire weaving to create three-dimensional elements for mixed media pieces—forms that could be attached to canvases or wood panels, sewn onto heavy paper, or even stand alone as accents. The wire holds the fibers in shape, creating a structure that fabric alone can’t achieve. It was the perfect marriage of form and flexibility, and I know for sure I want to try it. After speaking with her, she encouraged me to try it out, She assured me that it wouldn’t be difficult given my background in weaving “weird materials” and my comfort with creative experimentation. As someone who spent years designing garments—a naturally three-dimensional art—it felt completely logical to take fibers a step further, using wire to wrap, form, and bend them into new shapes. Once I got home, I wasted no time taking inventory of my wire supply, and to my delight, I found more than enough to get started. I’ve already begun sketching ideas and filling a new inspiration journal with concepts for incorporating wire weaving into future collections.
My plan for 2025 includes finding a class to refine the basics and experimenting with small-scale projects that combine wire and fibers in new ways. What excites me most is the potential. I see this as a way to push the boundaries of what fibers can do, taking them from flat or semi-structured forms into fully realized three-D designs. It’s an exciting progression of my artistic practice, and I can’t wait to see where it leads.
If wire weaving feels like a natural progression for me, then exploring metal fabrication is its equally compelling sibling. The idea of working with metal—hammering, shaping, and even using fire to transform it—has been lurking in my mind for over five years. And 2025 feels like the perfect time to finally dive in.
So metal work is my 4th creative challenge I want to explore this next year. The Dallas Craft Guild, located right in my backyard, has an incredible metalsmithing program. Their world-class facility attracts nationally recognized artists who teach various techniques, especially for jewelry makers. While I don’t see myself making jewelry, I am fascinated by the idea of creating sculptural pieces or flat, textured metal components for my mixed media art. A close friend who is active in this community has been encouraging me to come in and “play with fire” and to “beat the crap” out of a piece of metal. (her words, not mine!)And honestly, the idea has become irresistible.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to color and texture. In the garment industry, I always gravitated toward fabrics with heavy texture—bouclé patterns, nubby linens, hemp blends, cut velvets, and anything with natural variation in sheen or nap. And of course lace – I’ve mentioned that! Texture excites me in a way that’s hard to explain; it’s a sensory experience as much as a visual one.
Metal fabrication feels like the next step in that journey, bringing the physicality and transformation of texture to a new medium. The thought of shaping metal with my own hands, adding dimension and character to it, and then combining it with fibers, beads, and even wire weavings, is a thrilling prospect.
The possibilities are endless. I can Imagine pairing a delicate wire-woven form with a bold, hammered-metal backdrop, or using heat to create a stunning patina that looks like vibrant fabrics. This study represents a fusion of my love for fabrics, fibers, and textures with the durability and raw beauty of metal. What excites me most about this project is the chance to learn something completely new. Metal fabrication is a world I’ve admired from the sidelines for years, and now it’s calling me to step in and experiment. The thought of taking a class, learning from experts, and experimenting with techniques like hammering, soldering, and texturing metal brings me a lot of excitement.
Evidently, Learning and exploration are at the heart of what’s drawing me into 2025. I can’t wait to see how these new skills will integrate with my creative practice and how they’ll influence my art. What about you? Is there a skill or medium you’ve always been curious about but haven’t taken the leap to try? Maybe this is your year to embrace it and see where it leads.
Number 5 on my list has been quietly simmering for a while, and I think 2025 is the year to let it take flight. It’s something I started learning a few years back, put into practice, and then tucked away as life took over. But now, it’s ready to stretch its wings.
During the COVID era, I decided to tackle something that had been eluding me for years: creating repeating surface patterns in Adobe Illustrator. It was a skill I admired deeply from my time in the garment industry. Back then, part of my team was made up of designers who specialized in creating fabric prints. Their expertise floored me—watching them manipulate colors, layouts, and prints was mesmerizing. I tried to learn from them. I asked for quick lessons, stayed late to practice, and threw myself into it.
And failed. Oh, I failed miserably—over and over.
For the love of everything fabric, I just couldn’t grasp it. Eventually, I let it go, chalking it up to a skill that wasn’t in my wheelhouse.
Fast forward to the lockdown days of the pandemic, when I decided to give it one last try. I enrolled in Anne LaFollette’s Pattern Design Academy, and it was there that something finally clicked. I finally got it! I got it! I could see the connections and create patterns that actually worked. After all those years, I finally got it—and it felt amazing.
Now, let me pause for a second to explain why this project feels so special. Beyond my lifelong love affair with fabric—seriously, my first trip to a fabric store at 10 years old was life-changing, and I even worked at one all through college—this is deeply tied to my creative story. If you dropped a lottery win into my lap today, I’d probably go broke in a fabric store, and I wouldn’t regret a single penny. But there’s also something deeply personal about overcoming a challenge that had been haunting me for years. It still floors me that I finally got the hang of this. Maybe that’s part of why I’ve been holding back—I guess I’m waiting to stop feeling like a fake. But it’s real now, and I’m ready to take the next step.
So In 2025, I’m going to release a collection of my own surface patterns on fabric. Think silk, linen, cotton—all natural fibers, all featuring prints that I’ve designed. It’s part of my larger vision for Virginia Leigh Studio: teaching creativity, patternmaking, and design while also offering fabrics and products that celebrate the artistry of textiles. This collection will be a true labor of love, combining my passion for design with a skill that once felt impossible to master. And while I’m starting with fabric, I’m also planning to expand into other products—stationery, tote bags, notebooks – maybe other things as well.
Is there a skill or challenge that you’ve been hesitant to revisit? Something you’ve shelved because it felt too hard, or the timing wasn’t right? Maybe 2025 is the year to give it another go. If I can figure out repeating patterns after all these years, I promise—you can tackle whatever’s calling to you.
This last creative project is one that feels incredibly close to my heart. In 2025, I’m launching a series of workshops to help fabric and fiber creatives walk through the key elements of my SEW Successful framework—a step-by-step guide to building a sustainable and fulfilling creative practice or small business. These workshops are designed to do more than just teach; they’re about helping you figure out what you need to be successful. Whether you’re creating custom clothing, fabric dolls, home décor, or another fabric-centered craft, we’ll work together to build a plan that’s tailored to your unique goals.
Let me tell you why this excites me so much. When I first started my fabric-focused business years ago, it was a lot of trial and error. Mostly the latter. I had some successes—enough to buy my house!—but there were also plenty of mistakes along the way. I didn’t know what I didn’t know, and I didn’t even know what questions to ask.
This probably Sounds familiar!
Of course recently, I transitioned to an online business. This time though , I had mentors, got coaches, and people I could turn to when I wasn’t sure what to do next. Let me tell you—it made all the difference. Having someone to bounce ideas off of and help me see the bigger picture saved me so much time, money, and stress. And now, I want to be that person for you.
These workshops are all about digging into the details: figuring out your target customer, pricing your products, where to market them, and how to organize all the business “stuff” without losing your mind. It’s a daunting process to tackle alone—I know because I’ve been there. But with these workshops, you don’t have to do it alone. The truth is, every market and product is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But sometimes, having someone to bounce ideas off of, someone who understands the fabric and fiber world, can make all the difference.
I’ve always loved mentoring. When I was an adjunct instructor teaching college students about the garment industry, I had so-much-fun sharing everything I knew to help them succeed. There’s nothing like watching someone light up when an idea clicks or when they realize they can do the thing they’ve been dreaming about.
The SEW Successful workshops are my way of bringing that same mentorship to you. If you’ve read the eBook and thought, “I wish I could go deeper on this,” or “I’d love to ask Virginia a question about my specific situation,” then this is for you. These workshops are personal, practical, and designed to help you avoid the pitfalls, think through the hurdles, and create a roadmap that works for you. I can’t wait to guide you through this process, share what I’ve learned, and help you take your creative practice to the next level.
Because here’s the thing: I love seeing people succeed. And if I can make the road a little smoother for you, it’s worth every second. So, do you have a fabric-centered dream you want to turn into reality? If so, Let’s make 2025 the year you finally get it started.
So there ya have it – the 6 things that I’m really excited about for the coming year. I have to say, just sharing these projects has me even more excited about them. I can’t wait to see where these adventures take me—and I hope this episode has sparked a little inspiration for you, too.
Now it’s your turn. What’s one creative goal or project you’re excited about for the year ahead? Even if it’s just one thing, write it down. Dream big, or even dream small—just make sure it’s something that lights you up. What would make you excited to wake up and create this year?
To keep myself accountable, I’ll be sharing updates on my progress with these projects throughout the year, so if you’re curious about how they unfold—or just need a little extra inspiration—be sure to tune in to The Textile Creative.
This podcast is all about creating a space for ideas, encouragement, and celebrating the incredible work you’re doing.
Here’s to a new year filled with creativity, growth, and the courage to take on ambitious projects. Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next week as we kick off 2025 together!
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