Meet Joan
Joan Goodspeed is a designer, educator, and creative force behind Break + Remake, a vibrant sewing and upcycling community dedicated to helping people sew their own clothes, embrace their bodies, and say goodbye to fast fashion.
Her journey began with what she calls a “crafting existential crisis.” One day, standing in a big-box craft store surrounded by endless aisles of cheap supplies, Joan was struck by questions that changed everything: Who made all this? How are these materials so inexpensive? What’s the real cost to the planet—and to people? Overwhelmed, she left the store without buying a thing and made a promise to herself: to create consciously, to reuse and upcycle, and to help others do the same. And so, Break + Remake was born.
Joan’s creative philosophy is rooted in accessibility, sustainability, and joy. She teaches people how to “shop their stash,” find treasures at thrift stores, and source materials responsibly. Her mission is to make sewing and crafting fun, inclusive, and empowering—especially for plus-size bodies with plus-size personalities. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned sewist, Joan’s classes and tutorials help remove the intimidation of learning something new while building confidence, comfort, and style that’s uniquely your own.
With over two decades of professional experience, Joan’s background is as colorful and creative as her designs. She holds an MFA in Costume Design and has worked with renowned institutions such as Center Theatre Group, LA Opera, Pageant of the Masters, and several independent costume houses across Los Angeles. Known for her fearless creativity and can-do spirit, she was often called upon to make the “impossible” happen—like a wearable champagne bottle for a parade, a character-sized hot sauce costume, or a showgirl hat made from a restaurant salad bowl.
Beyond the stage, Joan has held nearly every role in a costume shop—from stitcher to custom pattern maker to costume shop manager—mastering the full production process from concept to curtain call. Her love of storytelling through clothing naturally evolved into a passion for teaching others to create garments that tell their stories.
Joan began teaching sewing while earning her graduate degree and quickly discovered that education was her true calling. Over the years, she’s taught college-level courses in sewing, tailoring, pattern making, shoe and hat construction, draping, and experimental design. Her approachable, laughter-filled teaching style has inspired countless students to take creative risks and trust their hands.
Through her Break + Remake YouTube channel, Joan has reached nearly 400,000 makers worldwide, helping them sew simple, accessible projects that spark confidence and creativity. Today, she continues to teach masterclasses and workshops that blend her professional costume expertise with her passion for sustainability and body positivity.
At the heart of it all, Joan believes creativity should feel like freedom. Whether she’s in a classroom, on camera, or behind a sewing machine, she’s here to help others break down barriers, remake their wardrobes, and rediscover the joy of making something with their own two hands.
