Our community has an incredibly diverse group of disabled creatives, and this July, Disability Pride Month has us talking about disability visibility and allyship. This week we caught up with US-based maker Tim Mason on Friends of TFS! 

 

Hey Tim! Tell us a little about yourself and what led you to the wonderful world of sewing?

Honestly, sewing started because I've always had to alter my clothes. I was born with one limb in Moscow, Russia, and spent the first few years of my life in an orphanage before being adopted and brought to the U.S. when I was three.

Growing up, I always loved clothes. Even in middle school and high school, I was fascinated by how people used fashion to express themselves. At the same time, because of my disability, I was constantly needing alterations done, and it got expensive. Sometimes the tailoring cost more than the clothes themselves.

Eventually I thought, "You know what? I should probably learn how to do this myself."

So I took a sewing class, bought a machine, and just started figuring it out. There was definitely a learning curve. I remember the first time I hemmed my own pants and then altered a sleeve. I had this moment where I was like, "Wait... I can actually do this."

Then I got it in my head that I wanted to make a shirt. I have no idea why. Something in my brain was just like, "You need to make a cute button-down shirt." The first attempt was absolutely horrible. Total fail. I put it away for a while, came back to it, and eventually got it figured out.

For me, sewing is really about proving to myself that I can do the things I set my mind to. That's been a theme throughout my life. Not proving it to other people — just proving it to myself.

We've seen lots of incredible creating happening over on your Instagram @onelimbtim, like the pattern matching on this Zebra shirt! is there a particular garment or sewing moment that you are most proud of?

Hell yeah! Lately I've been having a lot of fun taking thrifted clothes and completely repurposing them. There's just something really cool about looking at something most people would pass right by and seeing potential in it.

I've been especially obsessed with denim lately. Taking an old pair of jeans that probably wasn't going to be worn again and turning it into something completely different feels really rewarding.

I think that's probably what I'm most proud of right now — not necessarily one specific piece, but the fact that I've started looking at clothing differently. Every thrift store feels like a fabric store now, and every item feels like it could become something new.

*See what Tim made with the leftover fabric from altering his jeans here.*

It's Disability Pride Month! As a disabled sewist and creator, what does this awareness month mean to you?

Honestly, I'm really glad you asked this. Being disabled and learning how to sew has been such a cool experience because I think there are still a lot of assumptions about what disabled people can or can't do. Sometimes people don't even realize they're making those assumptions.

For me, sewing has been another reminder that I'm capable of way more than people might expect — and honestly, way more than I sometimes expect from myself.

This year feels especially meaningful because I feel like I'm really settling into who I am. I'm a gay disabled content creator who sews, has a dog, dances, makes things, and genuinely enjoys life. And saying that out loud actually makes me smile.

I recognize what a privilege it is to be able to live independently and build a life that feels authentic to me. When I think about Disability Pride, that's what comes to mind. I want everyone to have that opportunity—to wake up and live a life that feels like theirs.

What are some ways that the sewing and crafting community can support disabled creatives?

This is something I've been thinking about a lot lately. The biggest thing is making sure disabled people are actually included in the conversation. Accessibility works best when disabled people are involved in creating it, not just being considered after the fact.

I'd love to see more disabled sewists, makers, and creatives featured by brands and organisations. There are so many talented people out there, and sometimes all it takes is giving them a seat at the table.

I've also loved seeing more adaptive fashion and accessibility-minded design. Things like wheelchair-friendly garments, magnetic closures, sensory-friendly details, or even small design choices that make clothing easier to use can make a huge difference.

Honestly, I think it starts with curiosity. Just asking, "How could this work for more people?" can lead to some really cool ideas.

Are there any particular people and/or other creatives that have inspired you?

Absolutely. I kind of compare myself to a vacuum when it comes to inspiration. I love being around creative people and soaking up ideas from everywhere.

Growing up, I looked up to people like Nick Vujicic and Kyle Maynard because they showed me what was possible. Seeing people with disabilities out there living full lives really mattered to me.

As I got older, I found inspiration in creators who were unapologetically themselves. That's probably what inspires me most now — people who are authentic and create things because they genuinely love doing it.

Fashion-wise, I really love Mugler. The creativity, the storytelling, the LGBTQ+ inclusion — it's all really inspiring and feels very intentional.

Tell us the story of your favourite wardrobe item or outfit 

Right now it's definitely the first shirt I made. It's this white button-down with a blue pattern, and every time I wear it I feel proud of it. Not because it's perfect—it's definitely not—but because I made it.

I think that's what makes it special. Every mistake, every weird seam, every little thing I learned while making it is part of the shirt.

I've always used clothing as a form of self-expression, and because shirts are such a big part of my wardrobe, they kind of become my main canvas. So having one that I made from scratch feels really cool.

Plus, I just genuinely like wearing it.

Do you have any favourite fabrics or sewing tools that you use often?

I've realised I love fabrics that make people stop and look twice. Fun prints, interesting textures, things that have a little personality.

But lately I've been deep in my denim era.

I went thrifting and bought a bunch of jeans, and I've been repurposing them into different projects. There's just so much fabric available for so little money, and it feels really good giving those materials a second life.

Tool-wise, my electric fabric cutter has been a game changer. It's made cutting fabric so much easier and more accessible for me.

And on my sewing wish list right now is a bias binding maker. I feel like once I get one, I'm going to start putting binding on everything.

What projects are you working on, or planning towards, at the moment?

Right now I'm launching my own clothing brand called Gud Boi. Apparel, and I'm honestly really excited about it.

We're starting with denim bags made from repurposed jeans and eventually moving into men's and unisex clothing. I've secretly wanted to start a brand for years, so finally taking the leap feels both exciting and a little terrifying.

But honestly, I think that's how all good ideas start.

I've always loved fashion and self-expression, and this feels like a chance to create something that reflects both of those things. It's definitely a passion project, and I'm really excited to see where it goes.

Are there any favourite books, podcasts or blogs that you'd love to share?

Honestly, I'm probably not in my reading era right now.

Lately I've actually been trying to spend less time consuming things and more time making things. I've been working on improving my relationship with technology and spending more time sewing, creating, and just being present.

So unfortunately I don't have a great book, podcast, or blog recommendation right now.

That said, my DMs are open. If anyone has recommendations, send them my way because I'm always looking for something good to get into.

 

A very kind thank you to Tim for chatting with us this week, we hope you've enjoyed this Friends of TFS interview - head over and follow Tim via Instagram for more of his work @onelimbtim!