Singer and Wilcox & Gibbs, S.M., Co. Sewing Machines
The Art of Sewing – Memories
How many people can sew on a button, mend a torn seam, lay out a pattern and thread a sewing machine needle? Probably not too many.
Sewing was once passed over as a hobby. Now we have design shows showing the exciting side of sewing with outfits being paraded down the runways.
I took sewing in school when the only choices were home economics for girls and wood shop for boys. That was it and no crossovers.
The home economics class had four or five kitchens and two rows of sewing machines.
At the end of the year they had an award for the best seamstress in the school. The award for sewing was named the Silver Thimble and it was given out by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
I took a written test on sewing terms but wasn’t sure of one answer.
To my surprise, I won the Silver Thimble. It was presented to me in an old perfume box and my name was in the local paper. It was and still is an honor.
Memories – True Story
Sewing is a great skill to learn. I made a lot of my clothing back then. Styles were wild such maxi dresses, mini dresses, ruffled or fringed tops and Mandarin cut collars.
Not too long ago, I pulled out my sewing machine and reworked two old tops into one. I thought it was a clever design making use out of what I had.
My family’s didn’t quite like my new design but the point is to keep trying. I guess I’ll never be one of the great designers of the world but, hey, I can sew on a button.