When I first started this blog, over a series of weeks I did Saturday Morning Shout-Outs. They were based upon women who inspired my sewing both now and in the recent past.
However, this week I want to turn the tables. If you read my blog, I would like you to shout-out and tell me where you are located AND name one person who is inspirational to you, sewing-wise. It doesn't have to be someone famous or well-known, it can just be someone who inspires you to continue to sew or who taught you to sew or whom you would like your sewing to emulate.
So all of you lurkers out there, step up and talk to me! I will be away for a little this weekend, have some personal things to attend to but I sure would like to know who's reading my blog in India, South Africa, Japan and Europe! That's not to say that I don't want to know who's reading it in the good ole USA but sometimes seeing the World Map lit up on Sitemeter is amazing.
Okay, enough babbling, so shout back at me!
Just as I clicked on your bookmark, I thought, "Oh, it's Saturday. Carolyn doesn't have to work and will be sewing! Yea!" I'm more excited to see you have a day off than for me to!
ReplyDeleteI am inspired by past generations of women who have flourished through sewing when their social constraints left them little else. I love the colorful quilts of plain-dressed Amish women, and the creations of women on the praire made from scraps while they eked out a living for their families. They are proof of all women's determinaiton to find beauty and meaning in their lives through cherishing what opportunites life gives them.
I am also inspired by the hand made military uniforms of the past, which I imagine were made by women as they prayed for the safety of the men they sent to war in them. I imagine women, without the right to vote, felt a sense of frustration in their involvment in war. It asked much of them, without giving them much say it it.
I bet that wasn't what you expected, huh? With all that inspiration, I make clothes!
I am inspired in more than one way by my mother, who actually taught me to sew without meaning to. I am inspired in perseverance by my aunt, who ironically enough, doesn't sew. And I am inspired by my own drive and determination to do better for myself. With all of this, I sew.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, I'm in PA not too far from your beloved Fabric Mart. ;-)
ReplyDeleteWhen you asked who inspires me to sew, I immediately thought of two people. The first is my deceased father. He helped me sew my first skirt when I was a child. I distinctly remember him reading the directions with me and helping me execute each step.
The second person I thought of was you. I know you're not looking for this recognition and that's not why you asked the question. But really, you inspire me with your use of TNT patterns and squeezing sewing into your busy schedule. I'm SLOWLY working my way toward having a few TNT patterns, and through all the frustrations in fitting myself, I keep reminding myself how worthwhile this will be in the end. I have only to look at each new garment you produce to remember the goal that I'm working toward. Thank you!
Happy Saturday, Carolyn, from sunny Cincinnati - finally some autumn weather!!
ReplyDeleteI don't know many people personally who sew. Although my mom could hem pants and sew on buttons, she really never did much garment sewing. I taught myself and somehow got hooked but quite frankly, it was always a little lonely not having anyone to share with, commiserate with, etc.
I got away from sewing for about ten years until about a year ago and OMG, what a difference having the internet community has made! I have found so many great sewers blogs (yours included!) and am truly inspired to see all the wonderful projects. It is contagious and makes me always think of new projects I want to start!
Alabama checking in here!!! Only ONE...wow! That is hard, so many people have inspired me when it comes to sewing, but just to narrow it down to ONE, it would have to be my mom. She was VERY instrumental in me learning and loving to sew! Great post!
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn, I'm not from a sewing family and my mom is constantly asking me where do I get the gumption to sew.. well I would say the love of being crafty.. is that ok....lol
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn ~ Checking in from the Bronx! I have been lurking on your blog for a very long time and have certainly found you inspiring.
ReplyDeleteMy main inspiration has to be my father, who passed away a few years ago. He was very creative and liked to make things like shoes and work with leather mostly. Actually, I keep a picture of him right next to my sewing machine and when whatever I am working on turns out right, I "show" it to him. Sounds crazy, I know.
Hi Carolyn. I am writing from British Columbia in Canada. I must repeat the comments from a previous writer. I am inspired by people like yourself who so unselfishly share their sewing projects and techniques.
ReplyDeleteThis is Toni in Atlanta. I was first inspired by my Aunt Nancy who was the most creative woman I knew growing up. I am currently inspired by any seamstress or crocheter that actually produces garments on a regular basis!
ReplyDeleteIthaca, NY
ReplyDeleteI'm inspired by many thing...all my female ancestors who sewed, all the sewing bloggers, and authors like Nancy Zieman and Claire Shaeffer.
Ok, another one from Alabama...I don't know if I can list my sewing inspiration...there really are so many. I'm indebted to the internet for allowing me to meet --even indirectly-- so many folks who sew such wonderful things and are so willing to share. In forums, on blogs, by writing reviews, a host of inspiring women encourage me to push myself beyond 'good enough' to 'fabulous'. I offer my sincere appreciation to anyone who posts, blogs or reviews!
ReplyDeleteBut I will mention that, while I'm knocking off Coldwater Creek, you are knocking off Coco Chanel.
I'm just sayin'. ;)
Hi, Carolyn -- Barbara from Philadelphia (suburban Phila, to be exact). What inspires me to sew is seeing what other people are doing with clothes. On the streets. In fashion magazines. In retail stores. On fashion and sewing blogs. I am constantly observing, assimilating, and integrating. And of course, your work is one source of my inspiration.
ReplyDeleteFor me, the inspiration comes from all of you guys out there in the internet who describe in such amazing detail what you do to make your clothes not only fabulous, but make them fit you. So many of you look like ME. Not like the pictures on the fronts of the pattern envelopes - like ME. And that is really inspirational; for many years, I did not like to sew for myself(my girls, yes because I could fit things on them) - but seeing your adventures and reading your instructions has inspired me to take chances, make muslins, and make challenging things for myself, including a just finished dress for a daughter's wedding that came from a pattern from 1952.
ReplyDeleteI am definitely a lurker. Back in April a my close friend died of a brain tumor. When the kids went back to school I decided I needed a time filler. I hadn't sewn in 30 years(since I was 15.) I got on the net and started reading blogs to see if the sewing world had changed any. Well, you and Erica B. became my inspirations. So far I have sewn 3 dresses for myself and 1 for my daughter. I'm having fun and I can't go to bed until I read your blogs!
ReplyDeleteHello from Michigan.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn I look forward to Saturdays because I get to check your and select other sewing blogs. Today I get my inspiration from all of you out in cyber-land. My grandmother was my initial inspiration letting me drive her Singer in the late 50-60's.
Hi from Upstate New York,
ReplyDeleteSewing has been a part of my life (mom sews) and it never really clicked for me till a few years. Actually the internet inspires me . I read as many blogs as possible relating to sewing. I love your blog because I'm originally from NYC and love when you name nice fabric stores you shop in , in NYC. I hope one day when my little ones are older to go for an entire day and shop for fabric. Keep up the good work. Thank you.
Greetings, Carolyn, from warm and sunny Melbourne, Australia. I'm only just getting back into sewing again but the sewer I most admire was my Grandmother. I didn't properly appreciate her talent and skill until recently and now it amazes me what she made for me when I was a child. No pattern, no instructions, just a length of material (or fabric as you would say) and an idea. Nothing was beyond her. I always had a new dress for Easter and particularly remember a bright yellow linen one, worn until I outgrew it. Hope you had a terrific weekend.
ReplyDeleteHello from Cheyenne, Wyoming - the wild, wild west (sorry, not from Europe - but I did travel there all the time for 4 years in my last job - does that count? Tee hee). :) I have been trying to teach myself to sew and have been getting so much inspiration from your blog and others on the Internet. I've learned so much from you. I love fashion and am so excited to see what you all create and that it IS possible to make such beautiful things. I also love Saturdays because I know that you'll be sewing and I can't wait to see what you have to show us. Thanks so much for all that you do and all that you share. You have a big heart.
ReplyDeleteSusan
Hi, another sewer from British Columbia, Canada. I have many inspirations to sew, starting with my Mom, who had the patience to teach 3 daughters to sew while raising 6 kids on a working cattle farm (I set in sleeves near perfect first try thanks to her making me keep tearing out til I had it right). Her father was a tailor, so I guess it runs in the family. My Grandmother, who let me use her machine whenever I like, and now I understand why she used to get me to come and thread the needle for her (I need glasses to do that now, yuk). My sewing teachers in high school, who taught many techniques, and for the last year or so, all the sewing blogs on the internet. I find yours great, as I never thought of using a TNT pattern before, I always got stuck with only doing what the pattern showed - what, you mean you can change things?! Anyway, I do enjoy your blog a lot, and find a lot of your fitting tips helpful, particularly the bicep fix, since I couldn't figure out how to do that on my own. Thanks:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post Carolyn! I'm having almost as much fun reading the responses as you are.
ReplyDeleteSharon from Minneapolis suburb checking in. I've mentioned in my blog before that neither my mother nor grandmother sewed so maybe they inspired me because they were so amazed at what I was able to sew on my own, LOL! Actually I would say one of my mother's dear friends, Mari, was an inspiration to me. That woman had a heart of gold and was so incredibly talented - she left her dream of fashion design and followed her new husband to Minnesota where she sewed for herself, her family and her friends.
Waving at you from North East Texas, about 3 hours northeast of Dallas. I learned to sew in school from a very mean teacher, but it was my Mama who nurtured my love of sewing. She learned to sew from my Grandmother and Great-Grandmother but never enjoyed it, surprisingly she was thrilled that I loved it. She is still my biggest supporter. I have to mention that I get so much from our Internet community that I can't imagine the days without it.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, coming from a long line of dressmakers I feel as if I was "born to sew". My mom, my aunts, great aunts, grandmothers all were dressmakers. However, the person who inspired me the most was my beloved mother-in-law. She was my biggest cheerleader besides my DH. She taught me so many things over the years and now she is gone. Today, I read sewing blogs, sewing forums, and books plus am inspired by the members of our asg chapter. I have passed on a love of sewing to my daughter who is venturing out on her own. So, to all who love to sew, thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent with the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteMarty
Memphis, TN
PS: My beloved mother-in-law did not know how to sew or cook when she married. These were skills she learned by trial and error.
Carla from Atlanta
ReplyDeleteI have a very clear memory of me sitting with my grandmother on a summer morning in Birmingham, Al. She was hemming a dress she'd made(she sewed to earn extra money). Grandma gave me a strap of material and she threaded a needle for me and we would "sew" together that morning.
Greetings from NW Indiana. I might be the first Hoosier to check in so far. There are two people who are my sewing/crafting inspiration.
ReplyDeleteMy mother because she taught me to sew. I grew up with five brothers and my parents were intentional in raising me to be "a lady" and not a tomboy. They involved me in every "girly" thing they could think of. But the needle and thread is what stuck (no pun intended). My mother was and is an excellent sewist and she patiently taught me at age seven.
The other person who inspires me is my six year old granddaughter, Ari - short for Arianna. I'm inpired because she gets sooooo excited about anything I make for her. Even at her young age, she has such an appreciation for very unique things that no one else has. I can hardly wait to get a needle in her little hands. She's not interested just yet - but it's coming. Hey, she's got it in her blood.
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ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn! I am also from Mighigan. This is the first time to read your blog. You were recommended by a friend of mine. Carolyn, I was inspired to sew because of the desire to have beautiful clothes at the early age of eight. I started making doll clothes and my mom would praise me for a job well done. She believed in me and my efforts so if I had to limit inspirational people and things I would say my mother was the one. you have a wonderful blog. How do you find time to do it all? Keep it up if you enjoy it but Make time for self, too!
ReplyDeleteFrom Florida, near Tampa.
ReplyDeleteMy Grandmother gave me my first machine at age 8, and would always have fabric stored away for me when I would come to visit.
My mother also sews. I miss sewing with her. She has always been so encouraging. She still is, just from long distance.
From Geelong, Victoria, AUSTRALIA there are 2 people whom I think had some influence on me; a high school textile & design teacher-she was definitely 'old school' but always encouraging and an Aunty of my best childhood friend-who made clothes for her own children as well as my friend.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the site meter lighting up-it is very exciting to see.
Hey Carolyn, thanks for commenting on my blog, makes me feel special!
ReplyDeleteMy sewing mentor was my great grand mother. I threaded her needles, watched her sew and quilt and played with her machine whenever her back was turned from an early age. I never saw her use a pattern, but we always had cute gathered skirts and white short sleeved blouses with peter pan collars for school. And I have to give a shout out to my Mom although she sewed very little she has always been my biggest cheerleader with everything I have ever tried - she still is.
Your blog was the first one I found when I started sewing again last September and turned to the internet for HELP! I feel like I'm in a sewing class when I read your posts, and have learned so much from you already. Of course there are other bloggers that I turn to like Adrienne's and Erica's just to name a few from the virtual sewing circle.
OK - I admit it - I am a lurker. I love your blog more than anyone else's. You inspire me like my gramma who taught me just about everything I know about sewing. I grew up in Seattle but for the past 30 years my home has been in Alaska - about 20 miles from Anchorage. I work in a quilt store so I quilt, but my first love is clothing construction. If I ever get to New York again (I went twice briefly) I will be sure to let you know because I would LOVE to meet you!
ReplyDeleteThanks - Mary in Alaska
A wonderful topic, Carolyn -- thank you for making me think about it. Fascination with watching my Grandmother's hands got me started on the textile trek early in life. I knitted at seven and Mother sewed so I picked out fabric and patterns. I love the feel of luscious fabrics. When I moved to Honolulu after college I had to learn to hem and fix things. I bought a machine, nice fabrics and patterns and proceeded to teach myself to sew. The clothes came out fine but they didn't fit. In the 80's I found my sensei, Jayne Miho, who ran a design school here. I studied with her for three years -- all types of patternmaking, draping and couture sewing. As I watched her at the machine I realized I really didn't know how to use the machine to its potential -- it was an extension of her hands. And the artful way she would draw a curve on a pattern, seeing that pattern drafting is beyond a set of mechanical formulas. That was the best training. She is a remarkable human being and my life is forever blessed for knowing her.
ReplyDeleteMahalo for your blogging and posting. I always enjoy reading what you have to say. Pam in Honolulu
Hello from beautiful sunny London!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea what or who influences me to sew. The problem is not lack of inspiration, but too much. Sewing is definitely in my genes. My dad was an upholsterer, and my mom's aunt Claudina (for whom I am named but never met) was an excellent dressmaker. Seeing well-dressed people on the street and wanting to look like them is one thing that keeps me sewing. I'm just too shy to walk up to them and ask them where they got what they are wearing, so it's easier for me just to make it myself.
Well, I'm just a day late so this is going to be a Sunday morning shout out from Kansas!
ReplyDeleteMine is to Sandra Betzina - she's really the reason that I decided to purchase a sewing machine and give sewing a try. If it wasn't for her show on HGTV (which I really miss) I probably would have never thought to even start this hobby. Thanks Sandra!
Well, I can certainly be called an lurker extraordinaire. These sewing blogs are so much fun and I just discovered them a couple of months ago. I have never had sewing friends. No one sewed but me and my Mom while I was growing up. She was my teacher and mentor and it has been a life long odessey for me. I sew almost every day.
ReplyDeleteI have had other hobbies and was into machine knitting for a long time, but I have always sewed. Now I am quilting as I really don't need a closet full of clothes these days as I am retired. We moved out to the Shenandoah Valley about 10 years ago to be close to my husband's kids. All of my new friends are either quilters or machine knitters or both. Not many are into clothing construction and that is why I am so interested in what you all are sewing. I love these blogs and the day isn't complete without going through the list to see what is happening. Thank you all that take the time to write about your sewing. It is sew inspirational.
Waving from my little mountain,
Tracy in VA
Good morning, Carolyn. Greetings from a lurker in Kentucky. I hope you enjoy your day off. As for me, I am greatly inspired by my Mom, who does everything with seeming ease and perfection; my aunt, her sister, who was a prolific sewer; and by all these amazing sewers in cyberland who teach us beginers so much, so generously.
ReplyDeleteHELLO from the Netherlands, you know I always read your blog.
ReplyDeleteIn the past I was inspired by my mother, later designer patterns, and now very much inspired by PR, and especially by all those women (including you) blogging about sewing. It made me start my blog half a year ago.
Greetings from NE PA, not too far from you...
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother had a petticoat sewn by her grandmother (my mother misplaced it after Grammy died...GRRR). It was exquisite, with beautiful tucks and eyelet work. Turns out this lady was widowed in 1880, give or take a bit, with 3 daughters, moved from Nova Scotia to Boston, and supported her family with her beautiful handiwork. THAT was why I wanted to learn to sew at the age of 6. My grandmother sewed: "If you can't look good, don't go out the door!" She also reasoned that a short person (she claimed to be 5 feet tall) needed to be able to hem up skirts so she wouldn't look like a fireplug.
I love to read your blog. Keep up the inspirational work.
Ok, lurker here. I read your blog. I am located in central Washington state in a small 6500 people town.
ReplyDeleteMy sewing inspiration stated with my mother. Now, it's progressed to Cindy who owns our local quilt shop. I sew the shop samples for her. She calls me and I go down to her shop and she hands me this awesome bundle of fabric and a pattern and off I go. The thing I like about this is each project challenges me in some way. They are not all quilts, either. Some are bags. I recently finished a cloth clock, if you can believe it. I blogged about it on my blog.
So there...I guess I've just come out of lurker status, huh? Thanks for your blog. I appreciate it. Crawling back in my cave now...!
I don't recall any early inspiration. I just decided i could do that and I did. But now the internet community inspires me to keep it up and to improve my skills.
ReplyDeleteVicki (Melbourne Australia)
Another Michigander delurking.
ReplyDeleteMy inspiration to sew comes from many sources. My mother detested sewing (had a bad experience in school, I guess), but my dad's mother sewed her own wardrobe (she was very busty with thin legs-an olive on toothpicks). She had beautiful white hair and made dresses with loud prints (often black and white, or gigantic flowers). One Christmas she sewed corduroy shirts for all her grandsons (about 20). I never observed her sewing, but one year she gave me one of those fold-up cardboard cutting boards because she knew I was interested in sewing, and I was thrilled.
I know I come by some of my interest via genes, because I am a visual person (as many sewers are); I can "see" how a piece of fabric is going to turn into clothing (I know many of my friends, including my husband, cannot). My dad is a visual person (never sewed) but is a mechanic; he has always been able to fashion a part for the car he's working on, especially if it's 10 pm and no place to buy a new part.
Another source of inspiration was the Stretch and Sew classes I took in the late 1970's; loved the classes and never had a fear of tackling knits of all sorts after that.
Hi Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteI read your blog in Nassau County on Long Island.
I come from a dressmaking family (both sides) but I didn't really learn to sew until my college sweetheart gave me a sewing machine for my birthday. I taught myself for the most part and do things like alter and draft patterns, things my mother and aunt were never interested in.
I don't have one flesh and blood sewing buddy in close enough propximity to talk fabric and sewing with so I get my inspiration these days from the internet and oh boy is there inspiration to be had.
Another lurker - San Clemente, CA - yours is the first blog I read when I wake up...I like what you sew, and your enthusiasm shines through your writing.
ReplyDeleteFor inspiration, I'm going to steal Sandra Betzina from an earlier poster. I still have her shows from HGTV on tape, and I remember reading Power Sewing cover-to-cover when it first came out (at work--my guy co-worker laughed at me for reading "Power Sewing" on my lunch break) and renting Sandra's videos from Nancy's Notions. She made some really hip things when the majority of sewing patterns were really ugly . . . Debbie Cook makes a lot of things I like, and she and Gigi from PR got me into "pushing the envelope" a little on making things and not being afraid to "rearrange" my pattern pieces to fit better.
And my DH, who once drove two hours in the other direction on the way home from vacation so I could go to a yarn store I had read about on the internet...
Gail, San Clemente, CA
I was taught to sew by my Mom, who sewed prolifically & beautifully :) My favorite outfits were always ones she made. Families in the neighborhood used to fight over who would get my hand-me-downs LOL Plus she made her hostess gowns & formals (late 60's-early 70's time frame) which were always gorgeous. Hmm maybe I've biased LOL
ReplyDeleteThe other influence was my Granny. She worked in all needle-arts. I have great memories of my 'coat of many colors' which was a comfy & warm housecoat made from all the leftover yarn. She was very much into flower arranging, decorated eggs, needlepoint, etc. We used to joke that you couldn't stand still for more than few minutes or else you'd be decoupaged LOL
Laura in Melbourne FL
Hey, Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteI'm a lurker in western Kansas. Sometime this year I found your blog and really like it. Your decriptions of your sewing adventures are great!
Like a few others, I don't have lots of clothes sewing buddies. I have one good friend who, like myself, sews & quilts. She is "super speedy quick." She inspires me.
My Mother and paternal Grandmother are my inspirations. My Mom crocheted and was really good at it. She made me sweaters, rings and barefoot sandals! All of which were great. She bought a sewing machine for me when I turned 13, 30 years ago. It is still with me and I do sew on it. My Grandmother made clothes and quilts. She lived to be 93. I have 4 quilts from her. One is hand pieced and quilted (she also cut everything out with her scissors and a cardboard template!) Two quilts I machined pieced and she hand quilted.
I am also inspried by the gals out there with the blogs talking about their sewing and fitting challenges. Thanks for asking and keep up the good blog!!!
(PS. Knowing that something I ordered from EmmaOneSock is coming my way makes my whole week!!!!)
From Arkansas: Actually you and debbie cook and cidell and a host of other bloggers have encouraged me to start sewing AGAIN. I guess I got a little intimidated when my perfect size 10 bod slipped away from me:)
ReplyDeleteHI Carolyn - I'm from the Central Valley (about half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco) in California. My mother first inspired me to sew, but she is no longer living. I would have to say I am currently inspired by books, my blogger buddies, the sewists at PR and especially by Cidell. She always is trying something new and I just can't keep up with her!
ReplyDeleteFrom Indianapolis IN: I'm a lurker from Indy. My grandmother and mother inspired my love for sewing. My grandmother was a pattern maker for a designer in St. Louis, and later sewed clothes for everyone in her small town in Southern Illinois. My mom sewed almost everything I wore when I was a kid. I can remember having only one "store bought" dress when I was growing up in the 50's and 60's. My mom was a fantastic sewer and her sewing really made me appreciate the true art of a well made garment.
ReplyDeleteAnother suburban Philadelphia sewer checking in!
ReplyDeleteHistorically, my sewing gene and inspiration come from my Mom's side of the family. My grandmother and her two daughters (one of which was my mom) all sewed. As a matter of fact, one of my earliest memories is watching my mom make a dress for me. It was plum colored, with a contrasting bodice and skirt! Currently, I am inspired by all the people in my "online sewing circle". None of my real-world friends sew and my virtual sewing buddies have been invaluable.
PS: It's been fun reading these responses.
Hello from exotic (ha!) Florida. My sewing gene originates in my Mom's family. My aunt studied design and tailoring in NYC in the late 30s, early 40s, then taught my Mom to sew. Not being an enthusiastic teacher, Mom shared her knowledge only when asked specifically about a technique or method. But bit by bit I learned. Every generation has produced someone who knows how to sew, but only a few of us love it. My very talented aunt never concentrated on her design abilities because she, like so many of her generation, became a wife and mother without really considering whether that's what she really wanted. As she lay dying a few years ago, she whispered "I could have been with one of the big design houses...." - a remark that made her daughter very sad for her mother's lost dreams. I sometimes feel that Aunt Alma is looking over my shoulder and silently (thank goodness) critiquing my sewing. I'm glad she's there.
ReplyDeleteWowww Carolyn, look what you did, this is amazing!
ReplyDeleteI live in Bucharest, Romania and I cannot name one persona that is inspirational to me. I am inspired by all great sewers and bloggers out there (you are one of them) and I think that their work is not only a joy to my eyes, especially in those "I have lost my inspiration" days but also it makes my own work better.
Shout-out from London!
ReplyDeleteI'm inspired by my mom, who used to sew quite a bit, but stopped about 15 years ago as us kids grew up. When I was back visiting in August, I had a HotPatterns shipping mistake that resulted in an extra pattern that mom loved! So she's been inspired to start sewing all over again (and for herself this time!), all because of a mixup from me...
Hi from Aveiro, Portugal!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, this is fabulous!!!! Like Laura I cannot name ONE person who inspires me to sew! I had neighbor dressmaker (Mrs Lucilia) and she was the one who inspired me first! Now I am most inspired by all the people (namely YOU and many others who are commenting here) who LOVE to sew and make of it a fabulous way of being, living and sharing! A big shout out to all of you out there!
woo hoo...you just coaxed 40 some people out of lurkdom.
ReplyDeleteI can't say who in particular is my inspiration. I started sewing at my moms feet, sitting under her machine while she tried to sew when I was a little girl - I bet that was a Big help to her ;) but since then, it's just become a part of who I am. However, inspiration and motivation comes from so many internet friends like you who're willing to share their stories, projects, and foibles.
Marji - shouting out from St Louis MO
Well, it's Monday morning, but better late than never! So here's your shout-out from Northfield, New Hampshire!
ReplyDeleteAs for inspiration - that's tough - could be anyone from the fabulous haute couture designers of the 50's and today to my mom to all you on the net who share your creations!
And it's Monday evening here in Bimingham, England!
ReplyDeleteMy mother always encouraged me to sew; I was allowed to use her machine, with no thread in it to make patterns on paper from a very early age. Aged 8 I was using it threaded to make doll's clothes.
Ten years later I was training as a dressmaker and my tutor, Miss Parker - no grown ups had first names in 1949! - became my lasting inspiration. Her insistence on perfection in design and construction has been a constant goal and inspiration.
Carolyn, I always enjoy your blog and have enjoyed your postings on Sewing World, Artisan's square etc. My sewing inspiration is my aunt who taught me to sew when i was 9 years old. She made everything from men's suits to bridal gowns. I wore my first made by me out fit to the third grade! It was a gathered skirt and boxy top. Anyway, she's 91, still lives in her own house, AND SEWS!
ReplyDeleteMarguerite
PS I liked your Jackie Kennedy knock off so much that I bought some of the fabric for myself!
I'm back...sorry I live in the heart of Red Sox Country...Providence, RI. Not very exotic...but a great place to live.
ReplyDeleteBack again...not sorry to live here..sorry to not mention it the first time!
ReplyDeleteI am from Michigan.My mother is the reason I sew!!I am so glad she taught me.
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn! Here's a shout-out from Paris (France, not Texas)!
ReplyDeleteMy first and constant inspiration is my grandma. (see that post for instance). She couldn't teach me, but she was a professional seamstress and her sewing mesmerized me - this is why I started teaching myself how to sew.
Yesterday would have been her 99th birthday.
Calling out here just one step south of Boston MA. You inspire me as we are working women who understand that there is room for more than another black pantsuit in our professional wardrobes.
ReplyDeleteI learned to sew by watching my Mom, (very talented, and sewed from need) and sewed a bit as a young working woman. It took the television show from HGTV with Sandra Betzina to make sewing accessible to me again.
Hi Carolyn, here's my shout-out from Chicago (south of the city) and I really enjoy reading your blog and seeing what you create! My inspiration came from my mom. She made things for us as we grew up. She made all of the dresses for the attendants in my wedding. Both of my grandmothers sewed without patterns. So it's in my blood. I made just about everything for my daughters and myself while they were growing up. I have now passed the sewing gene to my oldest daughter, and we share pattern and fabric info and sometimes go shopping together as our schedules allow. So we inspire each other. And now that we've found the sewing blogs, where there is loads of inspiration! Just seeing what others create in their sewing rooms is inspiration for me. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteAless from Adelaide,South Australia .....
ReplyDeleteMy mother didn't teach me a single thing about sewing,BUT,her example of 'I can do anything(sewingwise)' must have rubbed off.The really important thing she DID do was to give me a good sewing machine for my 21st,and then told me to get on with it.
I am indebted to the art/craft of sewing for teaching me patience. I learned that if I wanted terrific garments,I had to stick with it until I had it worked out. I feel sorry for people who do not sew. They will miss the pleasure of creating clothing unique in the world.
Hi, I'm Ruby from the Netherlands.
ReplyDeleteAnd as so many I'm truly inspired by my mom who thaught me the love for sewing.
From a young age I learned that with some effort and a lot of inspiration and imagination you can create just about anything.
It's the greatest legacy she left me and everyday I'm thinking of her when I enjoy this creative process...