This is the story of how I started teaching sewing
Starting to sew as a child
Let’s start at the very beginning. And where better to begin that starting to sew as a child?
I have been sewing forever. Well, I am the daughter of a mum who sewed so there’s no surprise when I tell you that my sewing story starts at a very early age.
In the 70’s and 80’s fast fashion wasn’t a thing, cheap imports were not readily available. Sewing was one way to get new affordable clothing.
My Mum would rustle up a new skirt for herself from a metre of fabric bought at the market when she needed one. If she was going to a special occasion she might use a pattern that took more than a metre. She made clothes for my sister and I, including all our school skirts.
Making was nearly always the first option when we needed something new. Clothing in abundance was not necessary, so the slower process of making was the norm, well it was for my family!
An early love of sewing
My first experience with a sewing machine was at my Mum’s work. She was an occupational therapist for elderly and dementia patients. I was aged about 7 years old and off school with some illness that obviously didn’t seem bad enough to warrant mum taking a day off work.
Mum took me into work with her and let me stay in her office where she had a few old hand crank sewing machines, which she used with her patients. She set one up and showed me how it worked. I was completely hooked immediately.
I still remember how the day flew by and how mesmerising the perfect little stitches were as I watched them appear when I turned the hand crank. I turned all the scraps she gave me into what I thought were the most beautiful pencil cases to gift to my sister when I got home.
From then on Mum let me ‘help’ when she made me a new garment.
Sewing skills handed down from mother to daughter
I absolutely attribute my love of sewing and many of my sewing skills to my mum. Even though I trained and worked in the industry for many years, I still call on practical skills and short cuts that my Mum taught me when I first started sewing.
Slimming down an A-line skirt slightly to fit on to fabric that was not quite wide enough or re-shaping a pocket so we could still have a pocket even though there wasn’t really enough fabric left. These are practical solutions that can make the garment possible.
I believe in learning the methods and techniques but I also believe sewing should be practical and joyful.
Starting to sew at any age
I started my sewing story early, but starting to sew is something that you can do at any age. Lots of people who come to my sewing classes and workshops are adults who are new to sewing. It’s a very mindful and relaxing activity although mistakes can be incredibly frustrating! But every mistake is a fantastic learning opportunity – and I’ve had a lot of learning opportunities.
If you’re ready to start sewing, why not try one of our beginner sewing workshops which are perfect for social beings, or grab a sewing kit if you prefer to work alone. However you like to create, get sewing.
