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Jessica Leona

@threadandsoil.bsky.social

13 followers 23 following 41 posts

Sewing, gardening, and making an intentional life—one stitch and seed at a time. Less plastic, more homemade. Less rush, more roots. Less distraction, more family. Less trash, more craft. Starting from where I am and growing from here.

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Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · Sep 2

Saving my own seeds tastes like freedom 🌱 Collards, broccoli, kale — growing stronger every year. Just listed some on Seed Savers Exchange: https://tinyurl.com/ThreadAndSoil-Seeds #SeedSaving #HeirloomSeeds #FoodSovereignty #SlowLiving

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Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · Aug 26

Busy week 🌿 strung dried oranges, made a few dry mixes for the pantry, baked berry crumble w/ whipped cream, squeezed in meal prep, and even shared my yoga journal with the world. Something about this break in the heat gets me motivated! #SlowLiving #SimpleJoys #HomemadeGoodness #SeasonalLiving

Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · Aug 21

I made this yoga + self-care journal for myself when nothing else fit — apps + notebook + Ashtanga book to log it all felt scattered. Designed just for me, but now it feels stingy not to share. 🌿
Link: https://amzn.to/3UyUTZt

#YogaJournal #MindfulPractice

Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · Jul 31

When life gives you cherry tomatoes
...PLUS onions, garlic, and jalapeños…
You make salsa!

Seventeen jars of it.

#GrowWhatYouEat #CanningSeason #GardenSky

Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · Jul 28

Just a few jars so far.
But each one says:
“I grew this myself.”

This is what resistance looks like in a mason jar.

#GrowWhatYouEat #SlowLiving #FoodSovereignty

Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · Jul 13

It was never just a consumer problem.

Upstream: brands overproduce with cheap plastic materials.
Consumers: buy what’s available, wear and donate.
Downstream: the leftovers are dumped!?!

tinyurl.com/greenfashionghana

#SlowFashion #OverproductionCrisis #FastFashionKills

tinyurl.com

Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · Jun 16

I’ve wanted to make this little porch bling for ages. Lettuce turnip the beet! 🎶

#Gardening #GardenHumor #DadJokes #Handmade

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Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · Jun 13

They say self-care looks different for everyone. Mine just happens to involve weeds and dirt before sunrise. Not glamorous. Just peaceful.

#SlowLiving #GrowWhatYouEat #MomLife #GardenSky

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Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · Jun 11

My dad always said “dig the second hole first.” So with the chicken coop 75% done, I built a mud kitchen. Naturally.

See the full build on YouTube https://youtu.be/7K0SGWQY1Mg

#MomsWhoBuild #DIY #MudKitchen #ParentingHumor #DadJokes #SlowLiving #IndependentPlay

Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · May 6

Nice, we are about the same then we are on the edge of 7 / 8 and really just finally getting into the rhythm of growing here (through trial and error) after 4 years 😅

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Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · May 6

What growing zone are you in?

Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · May 6

Only a week into strawberry season and we’ve already picked 4x more than all of last year. 🍓
The secret? A little TLC and a lot of patience.
Hardest part is not eating them all before we get to the kitchen.

#GrowWhatYouEat #Homegrown #SlowLiving #gardensky

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Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · May 4

So tired of articles that focus on how consumers need to change.

It’s not just about what we buy—it’s about what’s being made, marketed, and pushed on us. This is a whole-system issue. Full stop.

We need more accountability upstream.

https://tinyurl.com/3r7fsa35

#PlasticCrisis #Sustainability

Plastic Is Everywhere. Now What?

Our sustainability editor breaks down what the science says (so far) about the plastic in our environments and how to start making thoughtful decisions about your consumption. Plus: one tip you can do today to reduce microplastic shedding.

tinyurl.com

Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · May 3

The most important cookies in the universe.
After an hour of pretend play, the toddler begged to bake.
I wanted a break… but I knew I had to say yes.
These are the moments that make childhood magical.

#CookiesAndChaos #SlowLiving #FamilyMemories #FoodSky

Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · May 2

Even a 'lazy' dinner does double duty:
Rotisserie chicken = dinner today + soup stock tomorrow.
Low effort, zero waste. I love my crockpot.

#ChickenBroth #NoWaste #SlowLiving

Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · Apr 29

Go barefoot. Pick flowers. Celebrate spring!
#SpringFlowers #SlowLiving

Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · Apr 26

Last fall we tucked a zillion babies under compost & a blanket of oak leaves.
Pulled the leaves back & BAM! Flowers, little berries, and… you guessed it volunteer tomatoes.
Because they take the "Volunteer State" motto seriously.

#GardenSky #Homegrown #TheVolunteerState #GrowWhatYouEat

Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · Apr 23

Mid-April planting before the rain—already so lush! So grateful for Tennessee’s loooong growing season.

Baby lettuce, all volunteers from last year & Cherry Tomatoes popping up like weeds!

The plants take the "Volunteer State" motto seriously.

#GardenSky #GrowWhatYouEat #TheVolunteerState

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Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · Apr 23

Surprised my lil’ bunny on Easter with this Animal Bonnet—she hopped around in it for hours.
Quick, beginner-friendly sew. Free pattern here: tinyurl.com/ThreadAndSoi...
100% cotton, of course.

Now to tackle my own wardrobe—bras or tanks first?

#Handmade #SewingTutorial #FreePattern #SewSky

Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · Apr 17

After all the thought and (greatly appreciated) discussion, my toddler discovered the snaps and was beyond excited to choose colors and use them. Glad to make her happy and use what's on hand, but definitely plan to replace them with metal ones in the future.

Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · Apr 17

This is what REAL sewist's hands look like.

Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · Apr 17

The secret to perfect corners. Every time.

#Handmade #SewingTutorial #SewingHack

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Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · Apr 14

Felt so good to finally get moving on a new project after being sick! Sunshine, sawdust… and then the saw battery died. Classic.

You’ll have to check back to see what I’m building—this one’s gonna be a good one.

#SlowLiving #IntentionalProjects #HomesteadVibes #NotJustSewing

Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · Apr 14

Beautiful!

Jessica Leona @threadandsoil.bsky.social · Apr 14

Love it!