…because sometimes I forget not everyone sews.
I was recently at a gathering with some old friends. Friends I have had for over 50 years. I do not get to see these people as often as like because of the distance between us. A conversation started to revolve around clothing and styles; of course we were all women, so we always get to this subject. There was a lot of complaining about the way things fit and the unbecoming styles that were available or affordable in the retail stores. I was mostly listening at one point, when someone said, “Well, Zede would just make what she wanted.”
You bet I would. I believe the reason I started sewing, at age 8, was because I thought something up. I thought it up and it didn’t exist. So, I made it.
This incident made me once again realize what a gift sewing has been to me. I have always made garments for myself or been able to alter them to fit. I have made curtains, pillows, duvet covers and tablecloths to improve the quality of my surroundings. My children have always been able to say, “Hey, Mom, I need …” , and I could deliver. There has been a litany of prom dresses, costumes and wedding dresses. The baby, wedding and graduation gifts that were made especially for the recipient.
How many stitches have there been? How many long nights to get ready for the show? How many fittings to make it perfect? How many strokes on the bolts of fabric at the store? I don’t know how many. I know how much I loved every minute of it.
What have you been working on? How many projects have you worked on in your life? What’s that one favorite project you’ll always remember? Tell us in the comment section.
MY favorite projects are all the clothes/costumes/duvet covers/purses that my wonderful Mother has made for me. Everything I’ve ever worn that came from her fit me like a dream. Everything I ever slept on or carried that she made me lasted through the worst wear and tear.
I am lucky to have a Mother who sews, and I’m lucky to be able to sew myself.
A message to everyone: Never forget how fabulous you are because you sew. And never forget to make yourself happy while you’re making the people around you happy with the wonderful things you make!
Mallory,
Thank you for making your appreciation of your mother, and the things she sews for you , so public. Sometimes parents don’t always get to know when they are appreciated. Thank you, dear one.
Love,
Mom
Like you I cannot count how many stitches there have been, nor the strokes on fabric, or the drool over thread. After countless projects though, my favourite would have to be ALL of them. Over the years I have learnt who to give to & who to make pay for these stitches. My greatest achievement though would be my niece’s wedding dress and am gratefull for the opportunity to make it. I am also grateful to my Mum and both my Grandmothers for giving me the genes for the love of needle & thread. Happy stitching.
Jenny,
Visted your blog. Love your stitches. I believe we share a passion to create. Nice to hear from a fellow needle, fiber, thread, fabric enthusiast. I like your observation about who to give to and who to charge. When you give you are truly giving part of yourself.