We first met Porfiria Gomez about 3 years ago as an Aurifil Artisan. She worked with us on various challenges, creative ideas, and quilty adventures for 2 years sharing her passion and authenticity every step of the way.
Porfiria Gomez’s love of sewing began as a child. One of the native New Yorker’s earliest memories is of trading her baby doll with her cousin for her toy sewing machine. Throughout her childhood she would watch her mother create curtains and dresses on her Singer vintage sewing machine (which is now Porfiria’s) while she baked pies, peanut butter cookies, and her North Carolina Peach Cobbler, all while raising Porfiria and her 5 siblings. Her mother truly provided the stepping stones to what would become Porfiria’s vision for her future.
In 2007, Porfiria began blogging about her life as a mother and wife under the name The Domestic Mami. She always felt that the home is a reflection of the person and celebrated that notion in images and writing. In 2014, she decided to share her passion with others and began providing Sewing 101 classes. From her passion of sewing, she then returned to her quilting roots. Quilting would ultimately take her on a journey of self discovery.
Porfiria came to us last year with a concept for thread set featuring a lineup of six rich and warm toned neutrals in Aurifil’s 40wt, perfect for her piecing & quilting and a representation of her personal style. Find It’s the Quilty Life on her website via the button below!
We were delighted to host Porfiria in partner with Aurifil Designer Aaronica Cole (@needleandthebelle) on Thursday evening, February 15 for an IG Live discussion on the intersection of Black Culture and Sewing. Click HERE to check out the full video!
Hi Porfiria! Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us! We’re so thrilled to host you here on Auribuzz! Let’s dive right in — who or what has been your greatest creative inspiration?
I am inspired by quilting. The tradition of it is what sold me. I genuinely feel like there is a marriage between family and quilts.
What is your favorite thing to make?
Honestly I love making throw-sized quilts. I guess you can say I enjoy making impromptu style quilts. Me and patterns are not always the best of friends… I like to go rogue!
Describe your ideal space for creating something new… Daylight or dim lighting? Do you listen to music or stitch to a show?
My ideal, creative space is usually set in the very early morning when I get that hint of sunlight and the house is quiet because the kids are off to school and hubby is off to work. I typically enjoy listening to a little bit of soft jazz– it just puts me in the mood to create. These days, I have been revisiting my mom’s love of Murder She Wrote with Angela Lansbury.
Have you ever had one of those ‘aha’ moments with sewing & quilting when something just clicked and you knew exactly your best way forward?
Definitely! Recently, I had an aha moment when it came to getting my seams to line up. I realize when it comes to quilting you really have to be patient with yourself. It’s all about creating something made with your own hands. Take your time with it and every seam will line up.
Why is quilting such an important thing in your life. What drives you forward?
I’ve said it many times… Quilting is your legacy. I find that when you create a quilt, a part of you goes into it and that part of you becomes your legacy whether your quilt is in your family or passed along to another family. Each stitch that is woven together is something that leaves a mark on this world. It can keep someone warm whether they making it a quilt jacket or putting it in their bed or what have you… it becomes a part of a legacy, it becomes a part of that individual, this all happens with only one stitch at a time.
When did you first discover Aurifil Thread and why do you love it for sewing & quilting?
I discovered Aurifil thread back in 2010 when I began making quilts for friends and family. I had heard of it before, but really became a fan then. I love the colors and versatility it provided.
What is your favorite weight thread to work with? Your favorite color?
My favorite weight is the 50wt– it’s so easy to use for almost everything! And my favorite color is GOLD!
Tell us about your exclusive thread set!! What inspired you to put it together and how did you go about picking colors?
So my Quilty thread set is one of many I hope to bring to you with Aurifil. It’s inspired by neutral colors that offer vibrant variations of gold and copper tones. I genuinely wear these colors daily, so I wanted to reflect my personality. The colors that I picked are incredibly versatile and so easy for you to create with.
Why are these threads your go-to?
They are my go to because they are durable and hold up well in creating quilts. The are perfect for sewing blouses or every day items in my home. The colors are just so vibrant and so amazing. I really am such a fan of my thread set. The colors I picked go with almost everything. I can’t wait for my next one to come out!
Where can our readers find this set to add to their own sewing room stashes?
If you would like your very own, my Quilty life thread collection, please head over to my website via the button below.
Drop some knowledge on us… what is your absolute top thread tip?
My number one thread tip is when hand sewing use candle wax to help thread your needle!
What are your plans for the coming year and where can we find you for more inspiration?
I am currently working on my dream show called EAT.QUILT.JOY and it’s on YouTube I’ve also been working on a hand quilting collection that I hope to launch with Aurfuil this fall so stay tuned!
Feeling inspired by Porfiria’s quilty passion? Go ahead and snag her Corset Quilt Pattern and stitch along with her this month!
