Machine design from Rhonda Sigrist A Stitch in Time Embroidery Designs
Did you know that the thirteenth of June is National Sewing Machine Day? It's designated as a day to celebrate the invention of the sewing machine. According to the National Days Today website, the origin is unknown but I'm happy to celebrate the day anyway, how about you?!?
How I Met My First Sewing Machine
Many of you have heard me tell the story of learning to sew in Junior High school and finding it love at first stitch! I had the chance to share this story and honor my Mom HERE in this It's Sew Easy TV segment. This super short clip also tells the tale of how I got my first, mine all mine sewing machine!
I have fond and vivid memories of the hunt for that first machine. Mom and I traveled to two independent sewing shops before visiting the machine department at Sears. You see, Mom was a savvy shopper and sought to find a machine that would be made to last and provide good value. I can't say why we settled on Sears, but I do remember my Mom being unimpressed with the other well-known brand at the time and even less impressed with the store personnel. Mom was a tough sell and I know she had my best interest at heart. Just goes to show you how important it is to trust the person helping you to select a machine. Back then Sears was staffed with well trained, knowledgeable staff. Sears won her over. I suspect their warranty and satisfaction guaranteed motto also had something to do with it.
My first machine was green, the quintessential color so prominent in the 1970's. Complete with a "jewel box" full of intriguing cams, this machine was promoted as ready to handle all the newest knits coming into vogue at that time.
Buying a Sears Kenmore, it meant I was entitled to free lessons in the classroom tucked into a corner of the upstairs section of the mall store. Mom came along with me for each of the lessons and it was a fun time together.
At that particular time in her life, Mom had pretty much abandoned sewing. Like many in that era, sewing wasn't really a necessity anymore. Being the last of five children, with a big gap between myself and my siblings, all of my sisters were married, and Mom didn't feel the need to sew for me or herself. However, the rest of the story is quite amazing! Seeing my enthusiasm for sewing, Mom decided she would give it a go again too. After installing my machine in my bedroom, remember, this one was mine all mine, she brought her old Singer out into an open space at the end of the living room. Soon, she was making many new outfits for herself too! While I happily sewed in my own space, she happily sewed in hers! Her fabric/pattern choices were mostly Stretch and Sew and double knits while I opted for the latest teen scene fashions of the day, but we encouraged each other's creativity.
I could go on with many more sewing tales and recollections of sewing stories that led to where I am now. However, what I'd really like to hear is the story of your first sewing machine. Please share your memories in the comments so we can all enjoy the tale of how you met up with your first machine!
I have fond and vivid memories of the hunt for that first machine. Mom and I traveled to two independent sewing shops before visiting the machine department at Sears. You see, Mom was a savvy shopper and sought to find a machine that would be made to last and provide good value. I can't say why we settled on Sears, but I do remember my Mom being unimpressed with the other well-known brand at the time and even less impressed with the store personnel. Mom was a tough sell and I know she had my best interest at heart. Just goes to show you how important it is to trust the person helping you to select a machine. Back then Sears was staffed with well trained, knowledgeable staff. Sears won her over. I suspect their warranty and satisfaction guaranteed motto also had something to do with it.
My first machine was green, the quintessential color so prominent in the 1970's. Complete with a "jewel box" full of intriguing cams, this machine was promoted as ready to handle all the newest knits coming into vogue at that time.
Buying a Sears Kenmore, it meant I was entitled to free lessons in the classroom tucked into a corner of the upstairs section of the mall store. Mom came along with me for each of the lessons and it was a fun time together.
At that particular time in her life, Mom had pretty much abandoned sewing. Like many in that era, sewing wasn't really a necessity anymore. Being the last of five children, with a big gap between myself and my siblings, all of my sisters were married, and Mom didn't feel the need to sew for me or herself. However, the rest of the story is quite amazing! Seeing my enthusiasm for sewing, Mom decided she would give it a go again too. After installing my machine in my bedroom, remember, this one was mine all mine, she brought her old Singer out into an open space at the end of the living room. Soon, she was making many new outfits for herself too! While I happily sewed in my own space, she happily sewed in hers! Her fabric/pattern choices were mostly Stretch and Sew and double knits while I opted for the latest teen scene fashions of the day, but we encouraged each other's creativity.
I could go on with many more sewing tales and recollections of sewing stories that led to where I am now. However, what I'd really like to hear is the story of your first sewing machine. Please share your memories in the comments so we can all enjoy the tale of how you met up with your first machine!
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