Monday, May 3, 2010

Another Free Giveaway!

In honor of Mother's Day, I am having another free giveaway! This time I would like to know, "Who taught you how to sew?" Was it your Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Home Ec. teacher, or a friend? Let's recognize the wonderful women in our lives who had the desire and patience to pass on the tradition.

So, here are the rules.

* Post a comment, on this post only. No e-mails, please. And, you may only post once.
* Tell us, who taught or is teaching you to sew.
* Your time to enter will end this Saturday night at midnight.

I will randomly draw a name Sunday morning. You can check Sunday's post to see who the lucky winner is. I will then contact the winner, to find out which pattern (or the embroidery book) you would like. This will also give you time to see which pattern you would like to add to your stash!

Good Luck!

Michie'

87 comments:

  1. I learned to sew in 4H, starting with an apron in 3rd or 4th grade, all the way to a tailored suit in high school. A wonder woman named Nancy was the main teacher for most of my classes.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Actually I'm self taught. Started at the age of 16.
    Many years ago.
    Started with a skirt. The wierdest thing I ever sewed was a gun sling and a knife shaft made out of snake skin.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I took 2 years of Industrial Sewing in high school. Mrs. Jones, my teacher, was totally a genius at making things with ready to wear tricks. We had a fashion show at the end of each year where we showed off our accomplishments. My mother also sews and she helped me outside of school.

    ReplyDelete
  4. My mother was a wonderful example and has always taught me I could do anything. Mrs. Raburn was my home ec teacher and made me want to do everything perfectly. She told me to quit ripping out that first zipper or I wouldn't have any fabric to sew it to and we had to wear that dress to school.

    ReplyDelete
  5. haaaaated home ec. in school, yuck!
    ...
    preggo with first child i took a class (ann pearson's stretch & sew) and my sewing took off from there. sewing for my babies is what was the motivating force behind turning a hated task into a pleasurable one.
    learning to smock & heirloom techniques from books.

    ReplyDelete
  6. For my 12th birthday, my aunt paid for sewing lessions at a Singer store. This started my love of sewing and I took every home ec class available through high school - and majored in home ec ed in college.

    ReplyDelete
  7. My mom gave me my first simple sewing lessons at her machine. I've taught myself a lot about sewing by trial and error. But my most precious memories of learning to sew are of my grandmother teaching me to embroider.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love your patterns, This is such a wonderful offer!!

    I was taught by my grandmom, she has her own home decorating business so when went to visit she was always sewing. One day she had a bag of imported fabric on the floor from a client, I was young and seeing it was a bag I thought it was garbage. I threw in my oranges peelings.... OH LORD! I never heard the end of that. From that time on, I helped her whether I wanted to or not.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I learned a bit in a home ec class. I learned a bit while taking a bishop class at our local sewing store. I learned a ton by hanging out with the Delphi girls and just doing it!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I just decided one day to take a basic sewing class at a local store and bought a machine! I have taken classes throughout to learn new techniques, but I guess you would say somewhat self taught.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Both of my grandmothers taught me to sew. My mom taught me to embroider and do some handsewing, like hemming & buttons. I took 1 year of home-ec in junior high. Then, I guess I self-taught the rest. Being left-handed I had to 'reverse' much of the handsewing directions. I am fortunate to still have one grandmother's treadle sewing machine. I hope to pass it on someday.

    ReplyDelete
  12. My grandmother taught me to sew. She was an excellent seamstress who could cut out and sew a dress just from looking at the picture. Although I never acquired that talent, she taught me a great deal about finishing and fitting.

    ReplyDelete
  13. My mother taught and still teaches me how to sew. I got a sewing machine almost two years ago and I am always calling her to ask sewing related questions! I am now getting into quilting remembering those quilts my great-grandmother hand quilted when we were small kids-I don't think I will hand quilt it but I will think of her often as I work! Happy Mother's day to all the Mother's out there!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Who taught me to sew... can I remember back that far! I think my mom taught me and it was reinforced at school. I remember working in a fabric store during high school and loved touching all the different types of fabric. Made my own prom dresses and when mom helped I got mad - wanted to do it all myself. Sorry mom! Tried to teach my daughter - her answer... "why do I want to learn that, I have you!" She sealed that with a kiss and my heart melted. She still doesn't sew.

    ReplyDelete
  15. My grandmother on my mother's side of the family taught me how to sew. She made most of my clothes growing up while I sat at her feet then when I was older she would let me sit in her lap and watch her till I became old enough to really sew she would turn me loose and let me make anything I wanted mostly doll skirts and quilting squares but I really thought I was special.

    ReplyDelete
  16. My mother taught me how to sew and knit when I was 8 years old, and I initially sewed for my dolls! Then at the ripe old age of 9, I started to sew for myself. Mom taught me how to smock after the birth of my daughter. All told, I have been sewing for over 55 years!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I am mostly self taught, but it started at age 9, when my mother helped me to make a heart-shaped pillow from the ugliest fabric, Haha!
    Since then (I'm 23 now), I've pretty well self-taught how to embroider, sew patterns, and even make up things that I need! I love to sew, and am actually instilling that love into my two SONS! now, and loving every moment of it!

    ReplyDelete
  18. My grandmother tried to teach me when I was 12 years old. We made a nightgown that I outgrew before I finished. When my oldest daughter was four, I bought a machine and taught myself how to sew. I'm still learning and sewing for my grandchildren.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Michie,
    My Mom taught me the basics of sewing at 12, but when I became an Aunt and discovered heirloom sewing at 16, I took it from there, teaching myself from books, SB & CN, and classes (when available). Now, I am teaching my girls to sew and the tradition will be passed down!

    ReplyDelete
  20. my mom taught me to embroider when I was 5-6. For sewing, she let me try on my own on her sewing machine....so a lot of self teaching! Now I help her!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I come from a long line of sewing ladies. My mom is my sewing guru. When my daughter was about a year old, she introduced me to monogramming and applique. After seeing how much the "classic" style clothing cost, I thought "I can do this!" With my mom holding my hand every step of the way, I have been able to make my daughter some adorable outfits. I have already bought my daughter her fist sewing machine (she is 6 now), so I can begin to pass the love of sewing on to her!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I too come from a long line of sewers. My great grandmother, grandmother, and mother had a great influence on my desire to sew. My sister-in-law spent a whole summer teaching me a lot of tips for garment sewing and I've never stopped since. I also love to knit, crochet, and quilt in addition to sewing for my granddaughters.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I learned to sew in downtown San Jose, California at the Singer Sewing Center. My best friend and I would ride the bus downtown and sew on "Golden Touch and Sews". I was in the 5th grade!

    ReplyDelete
  24. My mother taught me how to sew when I was about 10. It was something that we could enjoy together. Now she will tell you that I sew better than she ever did, but she is still the person I call if I have a question about how to sew something.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Im learning by myself, I bought books, patterns and ebooks a year ago and follow instructions is the way Im learning.
    Cristina.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I learned to sew from my Aunt Victoria who watched me when I was a child. She could sew, knit crochet. I was fasinated by everything she did. She taught me the basics and then I took a class the summer I turned 16. I've been hooked ever since. Jean

    ReplyDelete
  27. My grandmother was a wonderful seamstress. When times got rough, she would help my grandfather by making clothes for a traveling salesman. I never saw her use a measuring tape - she would use her palms and fingers (from thumb to pinky) to measure and cut! She could whip up the most amazing dresses, blouses, skirts in no time at all, full of pintucks and lace! I would sit by her and be in awe of her productivity. I actually learned at the local Singer store, but to this day,she is always my inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Even though we never had a formal lesson or even a time that I remember her giving me any instructions, my grandmother is the one who taught me to sew. I learned as I watched her create everything from quilts to fancifully embroidered linens. She would sit and sew as we talked and shared our day. It was just inevitable that a tiny bit of her talent would rub off on me. I will never even begin to approach my grandmother's level of accomplishment, but I definitely have her passion for sewing.

    ReplyDelete
  29. What a nice giveaway! I am a self-taught seamstress, altho my paternal grandparents both could sew very well. The birth of my daughter is what gave me the inspiration to learn heirloom sewing and smocking and I now I have the pleasure of sewing for grandchildren!

    ReplyDelete
  30. My grandmother introduced me to sewing at an early age, but it was my 10th grade Home Ec teacher, who was also my sister-in-law, that really turned me on to sewing. She is very ill now so our sewing memories are very special to me.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I had a wonderful older lady as a baby sitter when I was little. She became like a Grandma to me. She introduced me to sewing on her Singer Treadle machine. She also introduced me to embroidery. She would sit me down with a length of gingham and have me cross stitch it. Then it would become an apron, or the bottom of a full skirt, or a table cloth .... something useful. I learned a lot from her. And then when I got older and didn't need a baby sitter, my real Grandma would allow me to come over to her house and use her sewing machine. She wasn't nearly as much fun as Mrs. Clayton was though. Finally, when I was in High School, my Mom finally bought me my very own machine. That machine is long gone, but I have had others to fill the void. I'll never be without a sewing machine of my own and I'll never let my children go without one either.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I learned to sew, initially, by watching my mother. When I showed interest she patiently started me with small projects, but I learned the most by examining the beautiful things she made for me and my siblings. I loved home ec classes in jr. high and high school too. -- Karen

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi Martha Bryson here: I learned to sew, at a very early age, from my Grandmother Waller.My Grandmother had five step daughters and my mother so she had to sew lots of dresses. The treadle machine stayed busy. I have pictures of all the girls and my Grandmother in beautiful white dresses. I was left the treadle machine when she passed away. I can still see her at that machine sewing. My Grandmother even made baby dresses for people in the neighborhood. She was a much better seamstress that I. I make smocked dresses, and doll dresses. If fact I sew something every day.

    ReplyDelete
  34. My grandmother first taught me to sew, then later in high school and college I took all the Home Ec classes I could and learned even more from my wonderful teacher, Normalou Sanborn.

    ReplyDelete
  35. My great grandmother, for whom I was named, was a seamstress. Back in the early 1900s, she used this skill to support herself and her daughters when she was widowed. I can remember sitting on her lap as she showed me how to smock pockets for aprons, using the gingham checks. She also taught me how to knit. "Grandma Carty", as we called her, had no home. She moved about the country, living with her children, great grandchildren, and friends, in 2 - 3 week snatches. When she left, people had new clothes, new curtains, and a good case of exhaustion. She could work and stitch without letup, day and night. My mother, later in life, taught me sewing. She made almost everything we wore except underpants, tights, and slips, until I was nearly in middle school. I had two sisters and our handsewn wardrobes and hand knitted caps and mittens were the envy of many. Now I am a Grandma and I love to sew for my grandchildren.

    ReplyDelete
  36. ALL the ladies in my family sewed. My grandmother had the patience of Job as apparently did my mother. My aunt worked in a department store where Sarah Howard Stone purchased her laces. All were inspirations to me. I can remember at the age of 4 sitting right under my mother as she was trying to sew and having my own needle and thread making doll dresses by hand. As I grew older, my mother let me use her sewing machine to create whatever was "floating" in my head that particular day.

    ReplyDelete
  37. My mom made all my clothes so I was around the sewing machine as a little girl and made dolly clothes from scraps at a young age. When mom began to teach me in earnest, I was impatient and hated having to rip out seams and do things "right"! Why did she have to be such a perfectionist?? My mom has been gone now for 9 years, but every time I sew I think of her and want to say, "Thank you, Mom, for giving me such a wonderful gift!"

    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  38. My Home Ec teacher was the first one to introduce me to sewing. Then I learned more in 4H.

    ReplyDelete
  39. My mother taught me some how to sew ... but was always stumped by my learning style. :) I took a home ec class and learned some more. I am self taught in other things, but remain a beginner.

    My children's teacher, Miss Millicent, is going to teach me how to smock this month. So, I am going to learn how to sew! We are working on a little dress she has a pattern for ... but I'm wanting to also bring the particular pattern I plan to buy of yours which I love.

    ReplyDelete
  40. My mother taught me to sew. She made many of my clothes when I was a little girl and when I had children of my own, she and I sewed their baby blankets and nursery decorations. My mom passed away three years ago. I turned her bedroom into my studio and I spend many hours here. She always used to tell me that I needed more time to my self (I have four children)! My youngest daughter is four and I now sew clothes for her. I know my mom would love these little garments and I think of her every day - especially while I'm sewing. Thanks mom for giving me, among many other things, the gift of sewing! I love you!

    ReplyDelete
  41. My grandmother had an old treadle Singer in her attic. I would sneak up there when I was only 5 or 6 years old and sit and play with the treadle, watching the needle go up and down. My grandmother would find me and was worried I would stick the needle through my finger doing that. So she started teaching me how to guide the fabric under it without hurting myself. She taught me how to make doll clothes and little quilts and table cloths for my dolls. She was an excellent seamstress and did beautiful hand embroidery, tatting and crochet as well. She taught me how to embroider little flowers and vines on all my doll clothes too. I have loved hand embroidery ever since. Now I have taught my daughter to do it and my 3 year old granddaughter always wants to sew with us too!

    ReplyDelete
  42. I learned as a child. My mom taught my brother and me to hand sew and embroider. He actually did better than me on the embroidery! Then I started making my doll's clothes and learned to piece quilts. I made all of my clothes my last 2 years in high school. I just love sewing. Thanks for having a giveaway. I will be having one too in a week.

    www.prayersformymom.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I made my first garment in 4-H with my mother teaching me. I still remember the 4-H reviews at thte end of the year where we modeled our best garment. They were judged on construction and appearance. Now, 40 some odd years later, I'm still sewing.

    ReplyDelete
  44. I a self taught, and other person taught. My grandmother is an incredible seamstress so i have learned a lot from watching her. My mom did a little sewing, but it was not her strong point. She did teach me how to lay out a pattern and read it. The rest I have learned on my own and from watching my grandmother and asking her for help or my aunt who is also a seamstress. I learned smocking from Sylvia Fooshee. She is a great teacher, seamstress and friend.

    ReplyDelete
  45. My mother taught me to sew on a machine when I was around 14. Before that I would make pillows for my dolls using a needle and thread and stuffing with cottonballs. Sewing has brought me great joy my whole life. I have many wonderful memories of my mother and grandmother sewing.

    ReplyDelete
  46. My mother was my teacher and great encourager. She lived to the wonderful age of 93 - completing 40 quilts for everyone in the family during the last two years of her life. She set a great example for me.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I could not WAIT to take home ec so I could learn how to sew, but I think the desire came from my mother and grandmother.

    ReplyDelete
  48. How generous of you, Michie! Thank you!

    I am self-teaching -along with all the wonderful ladies at Martha Pullen's School!

    Happy Mothers' Day, everyone!

    ReplyDelete
  49. I learned to sew from my mother starting when I was about 4. I think my first project was a dress for my Barbie doll, which was pretty challenging since it required such tiny little pieces!

    ReplyDelete
  50. I took a sewing class at a quaint little fabric store before having my first child. Now after many years of not sewing, I have a new grandson who I am loving to sew for! In fact, he came home from the hospital in #128 Baby Gown, and I just completed #134 Baby Romper!

    ReplyDelete
  51. My mom taught me how to sew but I still do not know how to sew as well as her (:

    ReplyDelete
  52. My Grandmother taught me to sew! And knit, crochet, do ceramics, cook (mostly popcorn balls), and any kind of kraft imaginable. The one thing we could never do is learn to tatt! We tried but decided you had to have a teacher who was a tatter! We had so much fun together!

    ReplyDelete
  53. I first learned from my Mom. She taught me to hand sew my barbie doll clothes. She encouraged me to take Home Ec and 4-H in high school where I learned how to use an electric machine and all the finer points of basic construction. I suppose my earlier lessons from Mom are the reason I love to do hand sewing and smocking. Thanks Mom! And thank you Michie!

    ReplyDelete
  54. I learned to sew from my Mom. I have many memories of going to the fabric store and looking at pattern books to find the perfect pattern. Then walking through the store finding the right fabric. It was great mother daughter time. What a gift she gave me!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Would you believe neither my mother nor my grandmothers sewed. My aunt Edith patiently taught me in 4H, starting with a gathered skirt, going on to wool skirts. My aunt is now in her heavenly home. I wish she could see the heirloom clothing I am making for my grand babies.

    ReplyDelete
  56. mama_jilrk3@yahoo.comMay 4, 2010 at 8:14 PM

    My grandmother started me on her old singer sewing machine that had a knee bar. Then after the birth of my son , my mother-in-law nagged me to take a Stretch N Sew class. Then moved to Colorado and my new Pastor's wife introduced me to The Lord, smocking and the world of Martha Pullen. It has been a journey from that first shift (moo moo) dress I made and it is not over yet.

    ReplyDelete
  57. mama_jilek3@yahoo.comMay 4, 2010 at 8:17 PM

    I Can't write my e-mail . Please correct. Thanks, Carla

    ReplyDelete
  58. I learned to sew in the 8th grade in Home Ec--we made A-line skirts. It must have been Nell's first year to teach because after I graduated from college, we taught in the same elementary school. We became best friends. I actually took the opportunity about a month ago to tell her how much I have enjoyed my journey from the A-line skirt to smocking and heirloom sewing.

    I loved reading all the responses from our sewing friends!

    ReplyDelete
  59. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  60. My first sewing was in an adult home economics class. I did some home decorations, curtains, etc. Then I retook it when my daughter was born. There are so many things to make for a little girl. I intended to sew as long as she likes the clothes I make for her or is old enough to tell me, mom... please stop.

    ReplyDelete
  61. I first learned to sew from Home Ec in Jr High and my mother combined. I would take Home Ec at school and then my mother would help tweek my results. From there lots of practice and self teaching from books and magazines. I remember my very first project was a stuffed lady bug for my younger sister when I was in 7th grade.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Hi Michie'. My grandmother tried to teach me to make Barbie doll clothes and I just wasn't into it as a child. Then along came home ec classes and I still wasn't ready. And then fast forward in time and I was granted a wonderful wish I got a granddaughter and then a grandson. So 9 yrs ago I began to sew in earnest. I have loved almost every minute. Can't wait to take your class at MP this July. Pat

    ReplyDelete
  63. My grandmother sewed for the public so never had time to teach me (and I wasn't really interested at that time.) I spent a lot of time playing with fabric and hearing the sewing machine and wearing the clothes, so maybe the love of sewing just rubbed off somehow. I've taken some classes and have learned so much from the tutorials on the your blog, among others. I love all your patterns and visit your blog every day to see what you're doing with them.

    ReplyDelete
  64. In junior high school my girlfriend's mother taught me to sew, then I taught my Mom. We made everything we wore for years. When I had 2 boys I quit sewing for a long time. When my niece was expecting her first child (a girl)2 years ago, I learned to smock. I haven't stopped since, and now sew for 7 grandnieces and grandnephews. Nothing warms your heart like seeing the children wrapped in the love of your creation.

    ReplyDelete
  65. One summer when I was 7 years old my grandmother came to stay with us and I had my tonsils out and while the other kids was outside playing in the neighborhood...my grandmother taught me how to sew...I was amazed by her sewing. she was always making things for me and my sister.. I come from a long line of sewers on both sides of my family..My Mother sews and when I got married she helped me make my wedding dress...I have began to teach my daughter-in-law to sew...and that means a lot!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Sewing seems to be in my blood! My great-grandmother was a seamstress. Both of my grandmothers sewed. One made quilts and the other made fine clothing and did every form of handwork imaginable. My mother taught me to embroider when I was about 4. I was bored and she desperately needed to entertain me. I am now in my late forties and continue to be "entertained" with all my sewing!

    ReplyDelete
  67. When I was in the 5th grade my mom taught me to sew. I then entered several contests through the FHA and won! It was a great time for me and my mom.
    Amanda T

    ReplyDelete
  68. I learned from my mother and my Aunt Nan where I would spend a week every summer in Richton, Mississippi. She would measure me...I was terribly skinny...and make a dress that fit perfectly that afternoon. I thought she was amazing and wanted to do what she did.

    ReplyDelete
  69. I first started sewing for a 4-H project. It was a brown skirt and top. Didn't win that year but I remember my dad giving me money for trying. Entered every year until I graduated from high school and I did go to the state with a dress and tailored coat. My mom was a wonderful teacher. I did major in Home Ec. in high school and college. In college I had one fantastic teacher which taught me so much about clothing and textiles.

    ReplyDelete
  70. What Fun! My mom taught me to sew....and ironically enough, she taught me when I became pregnant with my first....23 years ago! Leaning to sew on maternity clothes in the 80's was easy....no zippers, nothing fitted, lots of straight seams. Happy Mother's Day, Michie!

    ReplyDelete
  71. My father! He showed me by his wonderful example of reading and thorough study of books techniques. He showed me with persistence I could self-teach or learn anything. I have learned to sew, hand embroider, and smocking. Being able to self-learn has showed me there no boundaries or limitations on my learning or creativity!

    ReplyDelete
  72. I learned the basics of handsewing from my mom before I was 8. I learned the basics of embroidery in a summer arts program in Columbus, OH in about 1963; the teacher was a man (!) and how wish I had a way to thank him! I learned more along the way from home ec, but am mostly self taught until the last 10 years when I have been lucky enought to have taken several classes from "famous" people. I know one thing, and that is that I will never stop learning new things about sewing!

    ReplyDelete
  73. My mother taught me how to sew when I was about 7 years old when I wanted to sew for my dolls. My mother was also the one who got me started with embroidery and cross stitch. I am now very excited about sewing for my soon to be born grandson.

    ReplyDelete
  74. My third grade teacher taught me how to smock. After that I begged my mom to teach me how to sew. Thank you for doing this giveaway! Hallie

    ReplyDelete
  75. My mom taught me to sew somewhere around the age of 11 or 12.

    Mom is absolutely amazed by the advancements sewing machines have made with all the embroidery ability that is now available.

    She enjoyed the embroidered birthday card I gave her this year.

    ReplyDelete
  76. rbbrown1338 said...
    I almost cannot remember not sewing. My mother was an excellent seamtress, making many pretty things for me as a child. She had a treadle Singer sewing machine. I had three older sisters, she let us all make doll clothes on that old treadle machine. As a teenager, I took Home Ec at School. Our teacher was an old maid who required the students to do everything to perfection. So between this teacher and my mother I learned to love to sew. When I see an old treadle machine, it brings back many happy memories. I love to sew to this day for my seven granddaughters. I cannot imagine my life without some kind of sewing project or handwork to do. Thank you for letting me share my love of sewing and the great memories.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Michie', though my grandmother started me sewing buttons onto scrap fabrics and taught me the basics of hand embroidery; and though I began taking the home economics classes in school starting in 7th grade and continued all the way through a major in college; YOU were also one of my teachers! I cherish the memories of your pre-day class at the MP School of Art Fashion when you taught picture smocking. Thanks for allowing me to share!

    ReplyDelete
  78. Wow..this takes me way back and enjoying the memories. There's always been sewing in my life. My mom made us (3 girls)the most gorgeous dresses. We were her dolls. She and my aunts all spent years working at sewing factories, so I went from my pink little toy sewing machine straight to a power machine. My grandma kept us busy summers teaching us hand embroidery. Wishing now I had not put it down for so long (she is missed). Took sewing in home-economics in high school. Now I take classes when local shops offer them.

    ReplyDelete
  79. My mother and the 4H program were the earliest and most informative resources for sewing instruction but it was my paternal grandmother that dressed my Barbie dolls in the most beautiful clothes. My Barbie even had a mink coat made from remnants of an altered shawl. My sister and I helped to embellish the clothes.

    ReplyDelete
  80. My grandmother taught me to sew when I was very young. She lived with us and I stood by her side for hours at the machine. I made the first thing I could wear by about 8 years old. I can remember us hemming a dress together and my sweaty little hands getting about 12" finished while she did the rest! She was wonderfully patient and very talented. She made the baptism dress that all of my siblings, all of my children and now my grandchildren have worn. I now sew for 3 beautiful granddaughters!

    ReplyDelete
  81. I am taught by kind friends...

    ReplyDelete
  82. I learned to sew when I was in eighth grade in the Home Economics class. But I always admired my grandmother (my mother's mother) because she always was sewing for the whole family in spite of not being able to write or read. Her clothing fit was perfect!
    Maria de los Angeles
    artesaniasherencia@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  83. My mom taught me how to sew on her Kenmore when I was in 4th grade. The first thing I ever made was a reversible wrap-around skirt to earn a sewing badge in Girl Scouts. I made a lot of my own clothes when I was younger and sewed for my 2 girls when they were little. I self-taught myself how to quilt and have loved making quilts for years. About 4 years ago I started taking heirloom sewing classes at the local sewing machine dealer. I now have 2 granddaughters to sew for! I was fortunate to go to Martha Pullen's School last summer and loved it. I just started learning how to smock and am really liking it. If only my daughter would iron the clothes I make for my granddaughters!

    ReplyDelete
  84. My paternal grandmother (Nanny) taught me to sew, embroider, and crochet, beginning with big X's marked in pencil on a fabric square. When I was done stitching, she hemmed and crocheted around the edges so they looked just like hers! With her help, I had the best dressed Barbie in town. Today, I'm Nanny, too, and I hope to pass on stitching skills to my special girl.

    ReplyDelete
  85. I learned how to sew from my mother. I never had a retail outfit dress, pants or top until I started high school. My mother made everything except panties and socks. I always love sitting with her and watching. She they decided to make wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses for others. They were so beautiful. I decided that when I had my daughter I was going to make everything for her too. Now I have more time and I love sewing for my granddaughter and now for others. My mom is my Hero she gone thru alot from being adopted to recently losing her husband. She's fearless and amazing all in one!

    ReplyDelete
  86. Although some of the women in my family sewed, I was self-taught. I bought patterns and followed the directions. Now that I belong to a SAGA Guild I enjoy learning all kinds of new techniques.

    ReplyDelete
  87. My mother taught me how to sew when I was eight years old. I made my first garment, a sun dress the summer I was eight. However, my grandmother introduced me to the finer styles of sewing like, vintage embrodiery, smocking and tating. It has been a precious priviledge to teach my daughter and my grandaughter to sew. I hope I have passed on a part of my heritage.

    ReplyDelete