Children and Sewing
As a child, materials of all kinds fascinated me. When I was twelve years old, I would stop by the store on the way home from school and admire all the beautiful fabrics that were available. I was lost in color, textures, and design. At that time, one could buy a yard of fabric for 29 cents. I would save my change and buy a yard or two when I had the money. I wanted to make things, so I would make my own animal patterns and sew them together by hand. When my smaller cousins came to visit, they would play with the homemade stuffed animals and sometimes take them home.
The Gift
When I entered Junior High school, the school would have a parent’s day, and we would show off all our sewing projects. During one of the visits, my sewing teacher approached my dad and told him that I should have a sewing machine. Shortly thereafter, an old black Singer sewing machine that had belonged to my aunt showed up at our house. I thought it was beautiful. It was shiny and black and decorated with gold designs. It had been a treadle machine that my Aunt’s father had updated for her. When I was younger, I had watched her sewing in the upstairs parlor. Then one year she gave me a doll with a wardrobe of beautiful clothes that she had sewn. It was my favorite.
Practical and Creative
After I received the sewing machine, I wanted to sew everything I could get my hands on. Since sewing is a practical and creative craft, I made several dresses for myself and younger sisters. I still never grow tired of looking at fabrics, and the many beautiful designs available. Today I have three sewing machines, but my favorite is an old treadle sewing machine that I bought at an auction. Although this old machine is not used, I love it because it brings back sweet memories. So moms, aunts, sisters, and caretakers, the children are watching and the inspiration comes from you. Here is a place to visit for great ideas: