Time To Share Sewing Stories! I Would Love To Hear Yours!

2/29/2020

Sewing has been a fulfilling part of my life for many years now! Heartfelt thanks to my Mom for encouraging my endeavors and giving me my first big break.

To my high school home economics teacher Miss Pierce, if you're out there, I owe you many thanks too! You never told me I "couldn't" make something. Even when it was a crazy project like a full length fake fur coat my mom ended up wearing as a bathrobe years later! You never said that's too hard, try something easier, you just smiled and let me muddle my way through, learning valuable lessons along the way.

Please share your own sewing story in the comments below. How did you start or re-start sewing and who encouraged you along the way? I can't wait to hear the tales you have to tell!

Here's a video with a short & sweet sewing story about how I started to sew. What a wonderful journey it has been! I've had the opportunity to share the joy of sewing with so many wonderful sewing enthusiasts in so many different places.

Click the arrow to watch the video!

Blog post updated 4-3-2021

NEW Give-away! If you haven't already done so, post your own sewing story below and I'll enter you into a drawing for the It's Sew Easy TV DVD combo set shown below.

This set was originally valued at $165! Drawing will take place on Friday April 9th at 6PM Eastern Standard time. Offer good for USA residents only. I will email the winner on Saturday April 10th.

UPDATE! I was able to draw not one but tow winners. Congratulations to Gail and Anita for winning the It's Sew Easy TV DVD collection! It was a joy to read your stories!!! Please feel free to keep adding to the ones below.

110 Comments

Joanne

3/1/2020 06:18:19

I took sewing in school and it was nice. I used my mom's machine on and off but it wasn't until I bought my first machine around 21 that I fell in love with sewing. I didn't spend a lot on my first machine as I still didn't how much I would use it. With in a year I traded it in for a higher end machine and I have been sewing ever sense. Love making what I want, in the color and fit I want.

Joanne Banko

3/1/2020 18:10:57

It was great to read your story Joanne! Buying your first sewing machine is definitely a milestone in life. Your sentiments about making what you want, in the color and fit that suits you, are right on target. I like to say that when you sew "you can have what you want, how you want it, when you want it!" Thanks for taking the time to write!

3/1/2020 08:25:31

I hated sewing in seventh grade. I never imagined I would do any later in life but when my daughter was born 50 years ago I started sewing for her. Now I can't imagine a week, sometimes a day when I don't sew. I love quilting and embroidery and my grand-daughter is a competition ice skater so I have made several of her skating out fits.

Joanne Banko

3/1/2020 18:16:52

Hi DJ! That's amazing that your dislike for sewing turned to love later in life! It was so interesting to hear what items make you happy sewing now. I have known several people who sewed skating costumes. That's a real specialty and the end result is stage worthy for sure! It must be so rewarding to watch your granddaughter perform while wearing your creation. I'm so happy you shared your story here :-) Thanks for writing!

Norma Teetsel

3/1/2020 09:32:32

I come from a long line of sewists, 2 Grandmothers, Mother and Step Mom and have learned something from all of them. I started sewing doll clothes on a little plastic, crank up sewing machine when I was in kindergarten, I'm now a senior and have not stopped. Through the years I have continued learning with the help of TV, the Internet and other sewing buddies. My favorite style is garment sewing but I have taught myself in other areas like quilting.

Joanne Banko

3/1/2020 18:21:27

Hello Norma! Wow! You had some great mentors in life, sewing wise. How wonderful! It's so nice to see sewing passed down in the family and shared with those you love. It's great to hear that you are still learning and tying new things. That's part of what makes sewing such a lifelong passion. I really enjoyed hearing your story. Thanks so much for leaving your comments here.

BETTY WILSON

3/1/2020 11:50:01

i began sewing in 1960 because my little daughter was overweight and then it was impossible to find clothes for obese children. she had some beautiful dresses and i have been sewing ever since.

Joanne Banko

3/1/2020 18:25:52

Nice to hear from you Betty! Your story is very meaningful. Sewing for your daughter must have given you both great joy. You must have some precious memories of those garments. It's also good to know that you kept sewing. My, there are so many wonderful things to make in our modern sewing world! Thanks for sharing your story!

Sandee Wicklund

3/1/2020 23:07:22

I was extremely lucky to have a Grandmother across the street who had graduated with a degree in Home Economics. She was so special that each of her 7 grandchildren felt they were special to her. And yet I was the only one that discovered the passion of creating my own fashions. That was further expanded with Flat Pattern and Draping classes at Oregon State university followed by membership in the State Association of Home Economist aka Family and Consumer Sciences. Pati Palmer is an album of OSU and often a speaker at many meetings and actually even the wife of one of my early bosses. Her innovations in fitting haven always inspired me. And the machine embroidery entered the field. Now I have multiple Embroidery machines with the largest hoop. I started teaching customers at my local shop how to use their new machines while my boss provides me with designs for store samples to keep my machines running 6 days a week. That has given me a new passion fore my empty nest years.

Joanne Banko

3/2/2020 14:33:47

Thank you for sharing your story Sandee! You certainly had a great start in sewing. My, what a fantastic opportunity you had to study under industry greats and turn your passion into meaningful work!

I visited your area quite a few years ago and worked at a show in Portland with a patternmaker friend of mine. Patty invited us for dinner at her house, along with a group of sewing instructors and show vendors. We had a fabulous time!

It was so nice to hear from you and know that you are teaching others how to make the most of their machines. I’m sure you are making a big difference in the lives of fellow sewing enthusiasts Keep in touch!

Sandee

4/4/2021 19:47:41

Was that comment from only a year ago? Now I look at it and notice all of my grammatical errors. But in the year of quarantine, I am so thankful for this creative passion. It has kept me feeling purposeful and happy with projects to sew (I made hundreds of masks) and share (there are many places where our projects can improve the lives of others), lots of "Shut in fun" from many Brother Ambassadors with which I have not had the time to catch up with all of the shared knowledge. We will be back to "in-person" classes soon.

Clovis Perkins

3/1/2020 23:53:30

My mother sewed, but I don't think I was interested. I had sewing in junior high and continued for one or two years in high school. I don't thing I ever sewed on my mother's machine until later in life. I started back sewing when my kids were born. I would make clothes for them and me. I still sew and make other crafts.

Joanne Banko

3/2/2020 18:25:41

Hi Clovis! I loved hearing your sewing story. We traveled similar paths, having sewing in both junior high and high school. It was required in junior high but an elective for me in high school.

Your kids must have some great memories of things you made especially for them. I'm so glad you are still sewing today!

Cristiana

3/2/2020 09:34:48

Great video, and love your story!

Joanne Banko

3/2/2020 18:26:52

Great to hear from you Cristiana!

Brenda Pyle

3/2/2020 17:41:40

I too started to sew doll clothes by hand before 4th grade. Then around 4th grade my mother bought a jumper pattern and fabric that I could sew on the machine and the rest is history. I did make a lot of my high school clothes too. When I had my children I used to take apart clothing to make summer outfits for my girls due to not having much money back then. Grandchildren came along and I started to make blankets quilts and many many bibs and crafts.

Joanne Banko

3/2/2020 18:29:53

You have a wonderful sewing story Brenda! Sounds like you made lots of memories over the years using a needle and thread :-) Thank you for taking the time to write and share your story!!!

Elaine Lasek link

3/3/2020 21:16:30

In 6th grade, my best friend begged me to go with her to sewing lessons at our local Neighborhood Center. After saying ‘no’ several times, I finally gave in and went, thinking that I would have no interest in it. Well,I loved it! At the end of our10-week lesson, we had a fashion show to show off our creations. I made a 2-piece outfit of pants and a vest. The vest was even lined! After that, I continued to make my own clothes and was never afraid to try something hard. Then, I switched gears and started making Raggedy Ann dolls for my little cousins. I had been sewing on my mother’s manual Kenmore machine. I bought my first sewing machine when I was 18. It was a Singer Athena 2000 and I used it for the next 30 years. Although I did take a sewing hiatus for a few years while my kids were in school and sports; but not before making a couple of Halloween costumes for them. But I’m back now, mostly sewing home decor, tote bags, duffle bags, and accessories and gifts. I have since put away my Athena for a brand new Singer sewing machine and serger. I still love to sew, design, and create.

Joanne Banko

5/13/2020 17:18:34

Hi Elaine! It was great to read your sewing story! I was impressed by the fact that you got hooked even though you had no initial interest. Wow, you really took off like a rocket afterwards! It sounds like you have experienced many sewing sucsess stories. Thanks so much for sharing all your experiences :-)

Jaime (The SEWcial Bee) link

3/9/2020 06:53:52

I have been around talented crafty women my whole life. My mom sewed a lot of our clothes as young girls. My grandma was a wonderful seamstress and my other grandma made beautiful quilts by hand. I started my sewing adventure in my early 20’s buying my first machine and never looked back. Sewing is my creative outlet, hobby, cottage business and therapy. My studio is my safe zone and I love sharing my love of sewing through my patterns, sew-a-longs and coffee chats. #happysewing #sewcialbee

Joanne Banko

5/13/2020 17:22:24

Hi Jaime! Thanks for chiming in here and sharing your own personal sewing story. What a delight it must be to come from a family of stitchers! Your talent is known by many, as well as your love for sewing, and sharing that love with the community at large.Thanks for all you do. Happy sewing my friend!

Marilyn soules Fabec

5/12/2020 14:51:12

My mother used to make me broomstick skirts & peasant blouses when I was young.I started to sew for myself on my mother's treadle machine. When the machine broke I continued sewing by hand with a 1/2 back stitch. Decided to take home ec. starting in 7th grade making my clothes. Loved to create one of a kind. Changed over to sewing for my two girls, and than a grandaughter. In 1956 I purchased my first White desk model sewing machine with cams which I used until purchasing my first embroidery machine from Alko in 1988. The rest is history. It was more than my mom making me those skirts & blouses. It was the precious memories and love she taught me in sewing them for me.

Joanne Banko

5/13/2020 17:27:16

What a beautiful sewing story Marilyn! It was wonderful to hear from you!!! I happen to know how talented you are. Your sewing skills and passion for the craft are quite evident in the beautiful things you've made over the years. The tools we have these days sure make it fun and interesting, don't they?!? Happy Sewing and thanks again for sharing your sewing history :-)

Kelly Smith

4/3/2021 12:46:41

I've been sewing as long as I can remember. I was an extremely shy and introverted child. I used to sew by hand, learning from Nancy Zieman on PBS. I was an oddity as no one in my family sewed or did any type of crafts. When I was 12, my dad bought me a brand new sewing machine with cams. I remember my mother telling him he was wasting his money as I'd never stick with it. I took home economics from 8th grade through graduation. In 11th grade, we had to make a dress, with pockets, for our final grade. I didn't like pockets at the time, so I left them off. My teacher warned me that I would get a zero if I didn't put the pockets in. Well, being a teen, I ripped out just enough of the seam to allow me to insert the pockets because I knew I'd remove them again once the dress had been graded. Unfortunately, she looked inside the dress and failed me for not removing the entire seam. (I still think I deserved an A for knowing I could leave the pockets out!) That turned me off sewing until I got married and needed to make my own clothes. I bought me a new machine and I was quickly hooked and have been sewing ever since. Ironically, home dec was my first love and I still love sewing home dec, especially for the holidays. I went on to teach sewing, quilting, machine and hand embroidery, smocking, and serging for over 25 years. Sewing is my peace, my therapy, my window to the world, and remains to be the one thing that pulls me out of my shyness no matter what the situation.

Joanne Banko

4/4/2021 17:27:52

Hello Kelly! I loved reading your story :-) You are certainly an example of where perseverance and having a "can do" attitude can take you. I'm sure you touched a lot of lives while you were teaching others the fine art of sewing. Thanks so much for sharing your story here!

Doris Hostetler

4/4/2021 00:17:07

Both my mom and grandmom sewed, both of them were very talented. I didn't take much interest in sewing other than making outfits for my barbies and baby dolls. In jr. high I took a class but I didn't enjoy it. It was in my mid 20s that I decided to occasionally sew. My mom guided me and encouraged me to sew. My big issue was having free time to practice more. I let many years pass again and then my daughter came to this world and I started sewing again. I started making dresses for her and to this day I still make outfits for her. Not only I like to sew pretty outfits but now I've learned how to quilt. I didn't realize how much I like sewing and also machine embroidery until we got locked down due to Covid. So I can say that one good thing came out of 2020 for me.

Joanne Banko

4/4/2021 17:32:38

Hello Doris! You were fortunate to have "sewing queens" in your family and be able to carry on the tradition of your Mom and Grandmother. Sewing has truly been a treasure for many of us during these challenging times. I'm so glad to know it has been a happy part of your life. Thanks for sharing your story here!

Gail Beam

4/4/2021 02:34:34

I learned how to really sew in a semester of sewing in the 7th grade. My home ec teacher let us pick out a pattern and material of our choice for an outfit that we were to make in class and model in a fashion show at the end of the school year. I chose a pattern with a full skirt and a peasant blouse. I added eyelet trim for the bottom of the skirt and bottom of the sleeves of my top for embellishment. I finished my outfit quickly and proceeded to make nightgowns for my 5 and 7 year old sisters and a robe for my 11 year old sister. My sisters even got to model the nightgowns and robe that I had made for them in the school fashion show. It really made learning to sew a lot of fun, and of course at the same time, it challenged and introduced all of us to learn many life sewing skills and techniques. For example, she taught us how to put in a zipper using scotch tape instead of pins. My sisters did not have the chance to learn how to really learn sew in their home ec class, because they only made a stuffed pig out of a precut kit. Only my youngest sister became interested in sewing, while my other two sisters are still challenged just sewing on a button. When our children were born, I made baby outfits and all of their Halloween and school play costumes. I made a number of baby outfits for them, but did not make any more real outfits until my grandchildren were born. With their birth, my husband bought me a really nice sewing machine and I started to become interested in sewing again. I made all of the baby bedding, quilts, curtains, matching stuffed animals, quiet books, etc. for their rooms. A few years later I got a D1 and really branched out to using machine embroidery for my creations..

Joanne Banko

4/4/2021 17:36:49

Wow! What a great sewing story Gail! Thanks for sharing it. I'm picturing you and your siblings in that fashion show. It must have been wonderful!!! I enjoyed hearing about all your many special projects. I wish you many happy hours in your sewing space.

brendalynne1

4/4/2021 05:19:21

mu mother drew lines on the backs of old mail, envelopes etc that i could "sew" with the special needle for paper sewing on the treadle White machine. The same one she used to make our clothing. Soon it was on to the real thing hemming dish towels, 4H, Home Ec m quilting with grandmother and aunts, home decor on a budget, cloting for children and self. stuffed animals, dolls etc. Still ar ir and organizing a downsized sewing room. and lots of ,mending and alterations. Have you noticed that just because we might get bigger in the bottom ready made thinks ones neckline needs to be larger as well ???

Joanne Banko

4/4/2021 17:41:23

Hello brendalynne1! You have an interesting history there my friend! I agree that it can be challenging to organize in a smaller space and find a way to alter ready to wear to fit. You know what they say about ready-to-wear? It usually isn't READY To Wear, not without some sort of tweaking. Thanks for sharing your story :-)

Mrs.brown

4/4/2021 05:59:56

Hi sewing friends, here is my story: my mom had 9 kids and she didn’t have much but she would sew dresses for us out of old curtains by hand. She would also crotchet things and try to sell them at church. When I was about 17 I had a part time job at mini max and I bought a sewing machine for Woolworth in ridgewood, queens. That’s when I started my sewing adventure and I loved it.I made curtains pillow cases and even sheets for my new room that I rented. Boy, how I am texting and reminiscing. From sewing to crafting to painting to knitting and crocheting to wood work to embroidery and even paper cache, I’ve tried it all. And up to this very day I continue crafting. Thanks Joanne banko for this opportunity to share my story.

Joanne Banko

4/4/2021 17:45:27

Hi Mrs. Brown! I'm so glad you took the time to reminisce and tell us your sewing story! Your enthusiasm is evident in all that you shared here. Thanks for taking the time to write. Keep on creating!!!

Sueann Walter

4/4/2021 06:10:19

I come from a family of women that sewed and I took Home Economics in my Freshman year of high school. I absolutely loved that class. I made a beautiful dress that I received an A+ grade on. I also sewed a couple other people’s projects for them! I continued to sew for several years in my adult years and then quit sewing for many years until I discovered a wonderful Master Seamstress course offered in Rhode Island. I took the course and many more classes about 15 years ago and have been sewing up a storm since then. I spend some time sewing at least 5 or 6 days a week. I have more things I want to sew than I can possibly accomplish in my lifetime and more fabric than I can ever sew in that lifetime!

Joanne Banko

4/5/2021 13:47:29

Hi Sueann! Your sewing journey is a fascinating one!!! It is rare to find good courses these days and there is nothing quite like learning by doing. Thanks so much for writing. I'm happy to hear that you sew so often and you are enjoying treasured time in your sewing space :-)

Judy Godfrey

4/4/2021 07:13:26

Hi everyone, I started sewing in 6th grade, my home economics teacher, I can't remember her name but she was very strict and helpful at the same time. I had her 6th and 7th grade. We made place mats the first year and aprons the second year. After that I did some hand sewing. Some years later after my daughter was born, I decided I was going to make her some Barbie doll clothes, well I made a travel bag full before Christmas. After that I've been able to make able to make just about anything I want to.I love to sew. I watch it's Sew easy every Saturday and Sunday and I watched Sewing with Nancy before she passed. My hubby bought me a new embroidery machine last Christmas and I love it, the more time I spend in my sewing room the more I love it, it's like I get totally lost in my own little world. Thank you for reading store. Judy G.

Joanne Banko

4/5/2021 13:52:02

Hello Judy! Thank YOU for sharing YOUR story. You are one of many who had the benefit of good old "home economics." I smiled when I read that you sewed Barbie clothes for your daughter. What a special gift that was! Thank you for watching It's Sew Easy. It's a joy to share the love of sewing knowing someone like Judy G is watching :-)

James E Griego

4/4/2021 07:25:46

Joanne,
I learned to cook, clean, and hand sew in childhood. My late wife taught me to machine sew, and then had me make all her clothes as she claimed I sewed better than she did. I enjoyed making her clothes and it became a running gag between us that she only taught me so that I could take over all of the sewing duties.
James G.

Joanne Banko

4/5/2021 13:54:12

Hi James! Your story is very unique and utterly heartwarming! It sounds like you have some very special memories. Thank you so much for sharing your story here. :-)

Theresa

4/4/2021 08:20:26

Thanks Joanne for your inspiration. I saw my mom sew late into the night for my sisters and myself since there were eight children. The sewing and embroidery skills light-bulb moment happened later in life. It has been challenging at times, but has allowed me to express my creativity in so many different ways. I love the fact that it brings me joy and accomplishment when I do what makes me happy.

Joanne Banko

4/5/2021 13:58:05

Great to hear from you Theresa! I truly appreciate your kind comment. Yes, sewing can be challenging, yet you are right on target by expressing the joy and sense of accomplishment that comes from it. I'm so glad you took the time to share your thoughts.

Maureen Spearin

4/4/2021 09:18:41

I was about 8 or 9 when I started. My Mom made all my clothes and I wanted to learn. She started teaching me. When I had my daughter I made most of her clothes. I still sew for relaxation.

Joanne Banko

4/5/2021 14:00:11

So nice to hear your story Maureen! You were fortunate to get started at a young age. Sewing is indeed a relaxing and special pastime :-)

L.A. Sobieck

4/4/2021 09:27:29

I started to sew around 8 or 9 when my "Barbie" was not the same shape as everybody else's and the clothes didn't fit, so I could not share with my friends. So I started hand sewing some clothes. My Mom taught me how to use her machine and when I graduated 8th grade, I had made a lined plaid wool skirt and vest to wear to the graduation ceremony! I even matched the plaid on the seams! About 10 years ago, I went back to making Barbie and others clothes, and selling them. Now I make all kinds of fabric gifts and for sale items! This has been my creative outlet in a crazy world!

Joanne Banko

4/5/2021 14:06:35

Thanks for taking the time to share your story here L.A. I'd be interested to know if there are any photos of you in that incredible plaid outfit :-) Talk about taking on an advanced project at a young age, wow!!! Glad to know you are sewing up a storm and making your custom crafted creations available for sale. I think sewing has really been uplifted to a valued skill these days. Thanks for chiming in!

Lisa latter

4/4/2021 09:27:30

I started sewing in high school economics class it was great. And did it in 4H, my mother taught it there she made a lot of hour clothes growing up. So I started had entered a few contest. I even had people call after high school to see if I wanted to be in beauty contest but I was to shy and scared. But went on sewing making clothes, dolls, for my daughter then she had kids I made them so many thingS Dora fleeces jacket Spider-Man, cars made fancy dress for grandaughter never had done pin tuck up the side it turned out so cute. I used my moms machine until she had another one the a few yrs ago up graded to emobroidery snd sewing machine what a lot of fun. I love it now my daughter is in to it and one granddaughter.
Thank you

Joanne Banko

4/5/2021 17:35:53

Hi Lisa! Thanks for sharing your story here. I love hearing about life changing experiences through 4-H! I think it's wonderful that you've passed down your sewing enthusiasm and skill to the next, and then the next generation! Sounds like you have done lots of different types of sewing and embroidery projects. Embroidery really does add a whole new dimension to the craft, doesn't it?!? Thanks for sharing and happy stitching my friend!

Fran Calabrese

4/4/2021 09:33:24

Mom had to sew in a factory during WWII. Therefore wanted no part of sewing when I was growing up. After I married my husband bought me a machine and with the help of you tube I’ve been sewing for years. I own a Brother sewing machine and a Brother embroidery machine. I’m now retired and spend my time creating. Love it so much!

Joanne Banko

4/5/2021 17:38:48

Hello Fran! It was great to read your sewing story. I wish you many happy hours creating in your sewing space! Enjoy your Brother machines, they are loaded with the potential for making beautiful things :-)

Harriet Hall

4/4/2021 09:58:32

I grew up with both my Mom and Grandmother as examples of beautiful sewers. My grandmother made lots of doll clothes for me, some that I still have! The details were as fine on those as on the other beautiful things that she and my Mom made. I starting taking Home Economics in school when I was in eight grade. My first “real” sewing project was a cotton batiste blouse that had a (premade) monogram. I loved that blouse and wore it proudly. Now my sewing again has monograms but they are done with my embroidery sewing machine! I have continued sewing all these years, mostly making things for my family. Loved making things for my little niece but most of my sewing now is home decor and gift items. I still love monograms!

Joanne Banko

4/5/2021 17:44:48

What a wonderful sewing history you have Harriet! Your memories are obviously very vivid. I can almost picture that blouse after hearing you describe it. I'm sure it was beautiful! The monograms we can do with our embroidery machines are exquisite, aren't they?!? It's nice to know you're making others happy with your hand-crafted gifts. Thanks for sharing your story here. Happy sewing!

Inge Spang

4/4/2021 10:36:39

I always loved to watch my mother sew and for my 6th birthday I received a wardrobe of Barbie clothes with all the pieces cut out but not sewn together. My mother and I sewed them together. Then for Christmas when I was 16 I received my first sewing machine.

Joanne Banko

4/5/2021 17:47:36

Hello Inge! What a wonderful story! Sewing with your mom must have been very special with long lasting, happy memories. To get a machine for your sweet sixteen must have been very special too! Thank you for sharing your story here with everyone!

Joann Hull

4/4/2021 10:52:21

I was introduced to sewing by my Mom and Grandma. Later I took home ec in school and loved it! Then I met my future Mother in Law who quilted and sewed like a professional. This truly got my interests going. I love shape and color so this was perfect for me. Still loving it oh so many years later.

Joanne Banko

4/5/2021 17:49:56

Hi Joann! How nice to know that you were influenced and mentored by your Mom, Grandmother, and Mother-in-Law. Wow! Not many can claim that on their resume! Amazing how sewing can become a lifelong passion. Thank you so much for taking the time to tell your story :-)

Gloria

4/4/2021 12:03:28

My mom and oldest sister were always involved in some sewing project. Thanks to my mother, I learned crocheting, hand sewing, darning and embroidery by the time I was five from watching and helping them. My mom was more a Guerrilla style sewista. She would select an item clothing that fit the intended wearer and duplicate it usually with flour sack fabric as quickly as possible in her minimalist “cut, sew, wear” commando sewing approach. My favorite dress in kindergarten was a white dress with navy polka dots made with flour sack fabric. I wore it proudly having “helped” her sew and hem the garment. She would then use the fabric from the old clothing to make scrap quilts. My oldest sister was a more conventional strategizing sewista - find a pattern, buy the fabric, follow the pattern exactly, cut, sew and press. By the time I was six, I had learned to sew both methods. Initially, hand sewing dresses for my Dawn fashion doll using the drawings on the back of my sister’s pattern envelopes to make cut out tiny fabric pieces to sew a tiny duplicate of the garment my sister had sewn for herself. When my mother wasn’t around, I would use her prized possession, her treadle Singer to sew by standing and working the treadle with my feet as my little hands moved the fabric. I realize now this was no small feat of coordination for a small child. One day I broke a sewing machine needle and they were so precious in the 60’s especially with 13 kids to feed and clothe (now I change them dutifully every 8-10 hours). I cried as I confessed to not only using her sewing machine without her permission but to breaking her needle. I was surprised my hot tempered mother just took it in stride, made me promise never to use the machine unless I had permission and gave me a lesson on sewing machine safety. Sew it began.

Joanne Banko

4/5/2021 17:59:13

I am utterly amazed by your story Gloria! What a tremendous account of sewing influence and a remarkable upbringing. Sounds like the makings of a good book or theatrical play. I'm sure the unique mix of sewing styles in your family has given you some highly prized skills. Thank you for taking the time to share with everyone here :-)

Chris

4/4/2021 12:18:24

I was taught at the age of 21 by a very patient neighbor, Pat Smith, in Florida. I can never thank her enough. I was not an easy student! It led me to a path of sewing gifts, garments for myself and others and finally quilts. Now I sew for charity quilt groups and feel I do a bit of good for them and for me.

Joanne Banko

4/7/2021 00:00:42

Hi Chris! What a happy memory you have of your kind, patient, and generous neighbor! Now you are in turn able to make the lives of others better through your charity sewing. How wonderful is that?!?

Theresa Casteel

4/4/2021 12:29:23

My first experience in sewing was in 7th grade home ec. I loved the fact I could create something with just a piece of fabric. My mother was not encouraging though and would not let me touch her old singer (worried I would mess up the tension, I think). I rode my bike to the corner 5 n dime store and bought some yellow floral printed cotton. It really didn't work well with what our teacher had I make. That was my first lesson on how fabric choices effect the end product. :-)

Joanne Banko

4/7/2021 00:05:30

That's quite a story Theresa! I think it's pretty amazing that you persevered and you certainly did learn a valuable lesson on fabric and project compatibility. By the way, my mom let me use the old singer sewing machine until she bought me my own, but I wasn't allowed to touch her washer and dryer . . . go figure :-)

Eileen Onder

4/4/2021 12:32:00

I started sewing in 4th grade on a treadle machine in school, making an ink blotter. Anyone remember those, for pens and inkwells? I continued sewing in school each year, and in high school on "electric" machines. Mom had a sewing machine I used at home too. I sewed most all my own clothes. After I married, a sewing machine was one of the first things we bought. I sewed all my girls clothes, and then the boy clothes when he was little. I made my younger daughters wedding dress "long distance" we lived on the east coast, she lived in the west coast. Our son in law did the fitting with photos for me. Come wedding day, the gown fit perfect. Sewing is my passion, can you tell. Eileen

Joanne Banko

4/7/2021 11:55:01

Loved reading your story Eileen! You were fortunate to get an early start. It's pretty great that you continued throughout your whole life too! Your wedding gown story is a cherished memory for sure.Thanks so much for sharing your passion with us :-)

Alex Hill

4/4/2021 13:20:08

I started sewing by making clothes for my dolls. By the time I was in sixth grade, I was making my own clothes. I had taught myself everything I learned about sewing in home economics, but I did enjoy being able to sew during the school day!
I remember the fun of going to our small town (Chardon, Ohio - Joanne, you know that town!) department store and looking through the pattern catalogues, then choosing fabric and notions for a project. I sewed through high school and college, and my parents gave me a sewing machine of my own for my college graduation. I still sew on that trusty Bernina 830 Record!
When my children were small, it was fun to make little outfits for them. It brought back memories of dressing up my dolls! I added a serger to my machine stable and stitched up many a pair of pajamas.
Now that my children have grown, I am back to making clothes for myself. While I definitely miss the hubbub of little people in the house, a benefit is that I have the time to continue to improve my skills. I have taken some couture sewing classes and I have also begun machine embroidery.
I think of sewing and gardening in much the same way. It begins with imagination. It takes work and patience. There are setbacks along the way. However, at the end I have created something new and beautiful.

Alex Hill

4/4/2021 13:23:08

I wish I had remembered to include that I altered my own wedding dress! I also stitched a neighborhood girl into her prom dress, and I teased her that having it sewn on would keep her out of too much trouble!

Joanne Banko

4/7/2021 12:16:31

Hello Alex! Your sewing story warmed my heart. I'm sure your family has great memories of the treasured items you sewed for them. Love your philosophy stated here . . . it starts with imagination and takes work and patience to create a beautiful ending. Wishing you many more days of happy sewing! P.S. Chardon has grown by leaps and bounds :-)

Judy Rimer

4/4/2021 13:39:41

My sewing journey began early. I can remember sitting on my mother's lap as she sewed on her grandmother's treadle Singer machine (which I still have). She began letting me sew when I was twelve and I haven't stopped! I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful sewing teacher in high school, Virginia Brown, who never said you can't make that and would even bring pictures of patterns she thought you would like. Under her wing, in made a winter coat and several tailored jackets. She made me fearless to try any project. I even made my wedding gown and all of my bridesmaids dresses. During the last year, sewing has been my happy place and therapy during the pandemic.

Joanne Banko

4/7/2021 12:22:09

Hi Judy! Wow, you did get an early start. What a beautiful memory :-) Your list of accomplishments is amazing. I agree with your statement that sewing is therapy, we can all get lost from the cares of the day when we spend time sewing and creating. Thanks so much for sharing your story.

Nancy Taylor

4/4/2021 13:41:40

My Mom taught me how to sew and read patterns. It was all done at that time in the dining room and I was about 8/9 yrs. Later she thought I needed a professional teacher and at that time Brandeis Dept store had a class and a fabric dept. I made a denim wrap around skirt and a red gingham sleeveless blouse and I got 2nd prize for my age bracket (10). In JR. HS. I had a completely different teacher. We had 3 pgs of single spaced instructions from how to straighten the fabric, take your measurements because there was no pattern for a 1 in knife pleated skirt. And I didn't think, but I got a green plaid. That made it abit more complicated. I finished the skirt, wore it once and flunked the class. To this day I do not wear or make a knife pleated skirt. But to give the teacher credit. She was through! Now I do all sorts of sewing and enjoying every minute of it.
Thanks.

Joanne Banko

4/7/2021 23:29:28

I enjoyed reading your story Nancy! Sounds like you were brave and adventurous in choosing your projects :-) We do learn lessons each time we sew, don't we?!? Happy sewing and thanks for sharing!

Anita Tannenbaum link

4/4/2021 13:58:38

My jr. high home-ec teacher and I didn't get along. She tried to help me install a zipper and it just didn't work. So, I took it home and my mother taught me. I took the finished piece back to class and the teacher refused to accept it as mine. She said my mother did it for her. This same teacher gave me a failing grade for making a bed. So be it!

Joan Michelbrink

4/4/2021 15:25:04

That is so sad. My sewing teacher gave me passing grades even when I didn't deserve them. I pointed it out to her one day and her answer was that I "loved" what I was doing even if it wasn't perfect and that most of her class did not love what they were doing.

Joanne Banko

4/7/2021 12:33:35

Great points Joan! Sewing and creating really is all about the experience. True perfection is rarely possible but the end result of making something with your own two hands is a labor of love. Your teacher had a great attitude.

Joanne Banko

4/7/2021 12:30:04

Hi Anita! Teachers can make or break you but thankfully your mom stepped in and helped you develop the skills you needed. I'm glad your experience in school didn't dampen your enthusiasm for sewing :-)

Joanne Banko

4/7/2021 23:34:40

Yikes Anita! I hope that you've had far more good sewing experiences to remember after those unpleasant school experiences. I am here to cheer you on in your sewing endeavors with an "A" for every sewing adventure you take :-)

Alice

4/4/2021 15:08:28

I started sewing in 4-H and continued sewing in junior high home economics. My mother and both my grandmothers both sewed. I had very few store-bought dresses. I continued sewing while in college and my first income tax refund went towards the purchase of a used sewing machine. Several machines later, I am still sewing!

Joanne Banko

4/7/2021 12:36:18

Thank you for chiming in here Alice. You have a great sewing legacy :-) Machines just keep getting better and more fun, don't they? Happy sewing!

Joan Michelbrink

4/4/2021 15:21:55

My mother was and excellent seamstress but she passed when I was 6 years old. My sis and I went to live with our grandparents. Grandma had a treadle machine and it fascinated me but she never let me use it. I did love the button drawer on that machine and she would take it out for me to look at all those beautiful buttons. I would be occupied for hours. When I went to Jr. High School, we had to take a half year of sewing. The first time I pushed that pedal on the Singer machine I was hooked. Our step mom bought the same machine we had in school and I put many hours on it before I graduated. I have been sewing now for many years and always have more projects to try than I have time. My husband was very ill for the last year and a half and I think sewing kept me grounded even if I only could get 10 minutes in my sewing room, it helped get me through some tough times.

Joanne Banko

4/7/2021 23:39:14

Hi Joan, I'm so glad you shared your story here. Sewing really does help lift the heaviness from our hearts. Indeed it is good therapy. I wish you well my friend!

Sharon Charlson

4/4/2021 18:04:33

Hi Joanne!

I did not take Home Economics in high School. I wanted to take shop. That was not allowed in the 60's. My brother wanted to take Home Economics, but ended up in Shop Class. My sewing career really began as a twenty something. It came out of necessity as I was 6ft tall and trying to find a pair of slacks that fit a women of my height that had a waistline was impossible. I could not afford a seamstress so.... my mother gave me a Singer Featherweight and away I went. Imade most of my close through the 60s and into the 70's, but then I started to make more money and clothing became better and cheaper so I quit for many years. I did crafts off and on, but nothing all that serious. About 5 years ago I got interested in Embroidery and about three years ago bought a Brother Dream Machine2. I was off to the races. Just before Covid came I decided to take a quilting class because I needed to make some king-sized bedspreads for my home and could not find ones that would fit properly. Just as my quilting class ended Covid struck. After trying to figure out how to quilt my first quilt top and do king-sized quilts on my Brother machine and deciding that I COULD do it, but did not want to my husband and I were watching TV and we saw long arms. I mentioned to my husband that I had been thinking that that would be the way to go, but being frugal I had not done anything. He said "go for it" and now I'm trying to figure out my new machine's robotics. Love it!

Joanne Banko

4/7/2021 23:45:30

Hooray for you Sharon! What an interesting sewing journey you've taken thus far. So happy to hear that your husband supports your can do attitude. From that little Feather weight to a long arm! Yes that is quite a story with more chapters to come :-) Enjoy!!!

RoseAnn Venis

4/4/2021 18:30:46

I joined 4H and decided I was going to make baby doll pajamas. My grandmother helped me and I made them on her treadle sewing machine. The top was very full and It seemed like I sewed yards and yards of lace around the bottom of the top and around the legs. Entered it in the county fair and got a red ribbon. Not a blue but boy was I proud of those lavender pjs.

Joanne Banko

4/7/2021 23:48:28

What a fun sewing story RoseAnn! 4-H has done so much to teach sewing and encourage prize winning projects. Congratulations on your ribbon! That's a memory to cherish your whole life long. Thanks so much for leaving a comment.

Lucy D

4/4/2021 20:00:06

I learned to sew at my Moms feet literally!! I was fascinated with the treadle part of the machine and to keep me away from it Mom handed me fabric with a needle and thread and taught me how to sew by hand. I made clothes for my dolls and had so much fun doing it! Mom bought me my first machine when I was 13 my best gift ever! As a young adult I sewed a lot of home deco type items. My favorite thing was embellishments. Mom and I took classes together at stretch and sew and especially loved a doll making class we took together. I fabled in Quilting but when I learned about free motion embroidery and bought my first cam machine I found my true passion! But before we could do much together my Mom passed away. For many years I didn’t sew. My life was busy with kids growing to fast and my return to college and then working in my career as a Chaplain. Then later to reduce stress after working in the bereavement field I bought my first TOL embroidery machine! I’ve been in love with them ever since and they’ve brought me so much joy! My mom was fascinated with my cam machine before emb machines were even available - I often think what would she think now with all the technology? I still smile like she did and hardly can leave fascinated by that dancing needle just like Mom!!

Joanne Banko

4/8/2021 22:42:28

Hello Lucy! I enjoyed reading your sewing story and picturing your little hands making those doll clothes. We have a lot in common, I too loved embellishments as a young adult. My! We can embellish so many different things with today's technology. Our moms would be quite amazed at how far machines have come. Thanks so much for taking the time to write. Happy Sewing :-)

Glenda Stenbuck

4/4/2021 20:41:47

My love of sewing started at about the age of 10-11 with hand needlework. I discovered a green and white booklet of my mother's from Coats and Clarks titled *How to Knit, Crochet, Tat, and Embroider* (hand embroidery). After practicing some of these hand crafts, I branched into hand sewing doll clothes, then I bought a pattern for my Chatty Cathy doll. I continued hand sewing until my grandmother (my father's mother) had me over to her house one Saturday to learn how to sew on her treadle singer sewing machine that had been converted to a motor. (That day I learned she had bought her machine when she sold her first cow.)
Then mother allowed me to use her Kenmore machine, with the owner's manual as a guide. I'm sure she helped a little, but with three more siblings (one an infant) and working full-time, I was frequently left to learn on my own. In High School I was delighted that there were Home Economics courses I could take that had sewing as one part of the year. Studying for college, I only had time for one course though.
Then at college, while majoring in mathematics with a little computer, I was pleased that they offered LOTS of "Home Economics courses." I wanted to take so many of those courses, that I decided to minor in Home Economics. I loved flat pattern design. Two years after college I was finally able to buy my own Kenmore sewing machine, made by Elna. Through the years I have enjoyed continuing to learn all the latest techniques. What fun to use my mother's and grandmother's toddler and little girls' patterns they had used for my cousins and me, for my daughters, when they were little.
Now, I try to pass along my love of sewing to one of my nieces who seems to love sewing as much as I have. And, of course, I help my daughters every time they have questions, although they seem to be as good, or better, at self-learning as I was.
Thank you, Joanne, for sharing your knowledge with all of us, too!

Joanne Banko

4/8/2021 22:48:45

Your sewing story was delightful to read Glenda! The part about selling the cow and buying a sewing machine put a real grin on my face. You certainly had some valuable educational experiences. Sewing really is ongoing learning but that's partly what makes it so fun and interesting. I'm glad to hear you have, and still are passing along your knowledge to others!

Cindy West

4/4/2021 21:03:19

I always wanted to learn to sew. In school when It came time to take Home Economic class the school decided it would be a great idea to send the girls to shop class and the boys to HE. My mother help me to learn to sew Barbie doll clothes and I really enjoyed. When I was 18 my father passed away and the sewing went by the way side. Later in life I purchased another sewing machine and tried to take lessons from different places, but sewing wasn't has popular as it is now and purchased a set of VCR tapes to learn to sew. I watch them and learn a lot and every time I would hear of a sewing class I would sign up for them, but sometimes they would have them and then they would cancel the next session. Now, I watch a lot of You tube videos and take classes on Zoom. Still learning something every day. Decided to take a Zoom beginner's quilt class and make my first quilt and loved it. I have discovered that I love ITH project on the embroidery on the machine and that it relaxing watch the items come together. I have been learning FSL and FSA. I believe that you never get to old to learn. Happy Sewing!

Joanne Banko

4/8/2021 22:53:05

Hello Cindy! Your sewing experiences are really interesting. It's good that you were able to pick up so much with classes and long distance learning too. There really is no limit when it comes to learning and trying new things. Makes it interesting and fun too! Happy sewing!!!

Rose Donant

4/4/2021 21:34:45

My love 😍 of sewing was in 7th grade when I took home economics. Fell in love with making my own clothes. My mom had a Kenmore sewing machine which my sister has still today. When I graduated there was a sewing factory in the town I lived in . Started working there and learned all the factory short cuts. I remember there was a girl that used to make patchwork Jean jackets and sold them. We also was aloud to take scraps home that they had left over. Made my wedding dress and also my bridesmaids dresses. My husband had some pretty awesome leisure suits lol and shirts that I made him as he is 6’ 2” tall and had a hard time finding him shirts 👔 that were long enough in the sleeves. Nancy Zimmerman started her TV show around this time and I would watch and tape her shows. Then life got busy with a family. I had 2 girls and loved to make their dresses. Made their first communion dress, prom and home coming dresses and eventually their wedding dress. The wedding dress is when I bought my first embroidery machine. Made free sanding lace for both of them and my mother in law helped with the bead application. When my granddaughter made her first communion my daughter wanted me to downsize her wedding dress I made her to a first communion dress 👗. She fell in love with it. Since then we dyed it a lavender color and is still wearing it every time there is a big event in the family. Now my granddaughters are interested. The one has an interest in my embroidery machine the other one is interested in making doll and her own cloths. I think I’m rubbing off on them! I do have to say my love of sewing will always be my first 💕. I’m getting to retirement age and would love to teach others to sew.

Joanne Banko

4/8/2021 22:58:27

Thanks for sharing your sewing memories and experiences Rose. You have quite a list of special projects. I'm sure there are many precious memories attached to them. How wonderful that you are able to pass down your skills to others. Keep it up and you'll help them pass down happy memories as well!

Kathleen Hamid

4/4/2021 21:58:38

I started sewing at 9 with the help of my Grandmother and her scraps. At 10 I was given a treadle sewing machine of my own for my birthday. I as ecstatic. All the kids in the neighborhood liked to help by pumping the machine. I made me a scrap apron and they wanted one also. So, into the scraps I dove and made half a dozen scrap aprons for which I charged 25 cents. OOOPS! Then my Grandmother found out and didn't like me charging people for scraps. Oh, well. I have kept my hand in sewing every since making clothes for my dolls, and my children. and by husband, and button up front robes for family members going into surgery to make the after surgery maintenance easier. Even a couple of things to use in the car.

I made both of my daughters' prom dresses and at one prom 3 girls (all friends) came in the same dress to surprise each other. My daughter was glad hers was custom!!

I have taught all three of my children (2 girls and a boy) basic sewing and they have used the knowledge to make costumes and dress up the dogs, as well as, when looking for quality in ready made clothes.

I always plan my Saturday mornings around It's Sew Easy and watch the Brother Sews blogs and Live events whenever I can. I am never disapponted when watching the Brother Ambassadors. I usually come away with a neat tip or trick to use in the future. And I even get away with some scrap projects which I know my Grandmother is watching and I'm sure she approves.

Hope you all have a Blessed Day.

Joanne Banko

4/8/2021 23:04:07

Awww, what a great story Kathleen! What a little entrepreneur you were selling those scrap aprons :-) Loved hearing about the special dresses. Sounds like your children learned valuable skills from their talented mom. Thank you for your positive comments. So nice to know you're watching the shows. Keep in touch!

minnie pesl

4/5/2021 00:37:06

I started sewing on my mom's treadle machine at about 6 years old. She said if I could handle that I could try her electric Singer. She did not tell me that to use it she was going to unplug it, however. I mastered both, sewing many doll clothes. Her Singer, well I turned the fly wheel with my right hand and guided my fabric with my left hand. I got mastered that technique and moved on. I can't remember a time when I wasn't sewing. I went to the fabric shop with my daughter where we picked out a pattern, fabric and notions for her. When we got home and I laid out the fabric and pattern without thinking I began to change the sleeve, waistline, neckline and a few other designs on the pattern. My daughter turns to me and says, "So Mom, why did we spend the money on a pattern? We just needed fabric." I love to sew and create. It is my happy place.

Joanne Banko

4/8/2021 23:08:11

It was great to hear your story Minnie! You were obviously very determined to sew, to go ahead and operate that wheel with hand power! Good for you! Love your positive, upbeat attitude. Happy sewing!!!

Brenda

4/5/2021 02:48:50

Everyone in my family sewed, I started as most when I was was 7-8 with doll clothes. When I was 12, my mom was very ill and hospitalized for quite awhile at the end of my 6th grade year. During the summer I had the job of making all of mine and my 2 little sisters school clothes for the next year. The clothes consisted of simple A-line dresses and skirts and simple tops. My aunts and grandma helped me but I made all the clothes. Sewing has always been part of my heritage. My Dad began sewing quilts after he lost his ability to do fine woodworking due to a brain hemorrhage. He needed a artistic outlet and sewing gave him that. Sewing is in my blood.

Joanne Banko

4/9/2021 19:32:59

Hello Brenda! Your story was very inspiring! My, making clothes for your siblings while you were so young yourself was a real accomplishment. Indeed, you do have sewing in your DNA! Thanks for taking the time to write :-)

Susan Blaise

4/5/2021 15:46:51

I learned to sew on my mother's 1930/40's black & gold Singer Sewing Machine. When I was very young it fascinated me because it popped up like a jack-in-the-box from under the top of a desk. When I was 7 or 8 years old she showed me how it worked and I have been sewing ever since. I was always interested in fabric, trims, and buttons. My mother sent away for mill ends of fabrics and lace trims from the ad pages of women's magazines for 50 cents. I happily designed and made doll clothes with these odds and ends. I still have some of those lengths of trim and seeing them brings back loving memories of my mother.

Joanne Banko

4/9/2021 19:35:07

What a great sewing story Susan! It must have been exciting to get those bargains in the mail and add to your creations with them. You have some precious memories that's for sure :-)

Cindy Yialouris

4/5/2021 20:59:22

I learned to sew in Home Economics in 7th grade, but if it wasn't for the help of my Aunt Lala (Valerie) I probably wouldn't have gone any further than those classes at school. I sewed on her machine (actually one my dad bought for my mom - another story) all the time until I got my first job and bought my own. Sewed clothes for my self and home dec. projects, but it wasn't until 2007 when I bought my first embroidery machine that I really fell in love. The rest is history - I now need a dedicated sewing room (currently in corner of gameroom) for all the fabric & sewing machines!

Joanne Banko

4/9/2021 19:36:52

Hi Cindy! From 7th grade sewing to machine embroidery aficionado, I'd say that's quite a journey! Wishing you many hours of happy sewing in your sewing space :-)

Lois J Erdmann

4/6/2021 01:25:34

I took Home Ec in high school but we did not get to sew until my junior year. It seemed to be an endless process before we finally got to actually sew. However, once we got into our chosen pattern we did it all. I still remember what I made! It was a red shift dress with a gathered empire bodice, long puffed sleeves with an elastic cuff, and my first successful zipper up the back. My only fail with this garment was that I did not pre-shrink my elastic that I put in cuffs. After the first washing the cuffs were a bit tight but I wore that dress anyhow. Never occurred to me to rip that tiny seam open and replace the elastic. Today I would not bat an eyelash at ripping something out to get it to fit better. I might not enjoy ripping out a seam anymore than I did back then but I would do it because I know it would be well worth it.

Joanne Banko

4/9/2021 19:41:27

What an interesting story of your first garment Lois! Would you believe I made a puff sleeve empire waist dress with elasticized sleeves in school too?!? Even crazier, I think I still have the pattern. Funny how each time we have to rip we get braver. The fact that you are still sewing today shows your "can do" attitude. Happy sewing my friend :-)

Melanie Sambilay

4/7/2021 13:13:00

Joanne it is so wonderful to hear about how you got started and the love of sewing. I got started out of paper crafting and my mom gifting me a machine. Since then no more paper crafting and in a weekend a quilt was made and the rest is history. I have recruited my sister, sister in law, neice, and neighbors. I just love it and the sense of accomplishment. Thank you for all the help and teachings.

Joanne Banko

4/9/2021 19:43:59

Thanks for commenting Melanie! I appreciate your kind words. You keep sewing and I'll keep sharing. Together we'll share the love of sewing and recruit others to our craft :-)

Cheryl Schreiber

4/7/2021 21:09:14

My mother sewed and even had a fabric store when I was in high school. I think I still have a some of her old fabric. I mostly credit 4-H for making sewing fun. I did several of my 4-H projects sewing for myself when I was in high school. I really enjoyed the accomplishment, praise and ribbons I received through 4-H.

Joanne Banko

4/9/2021 19:48:05

Hello Cheryl! What a treasure to have fabric from your mom's store! I'm a big fan of 4-H. It has been a powerful influence in so many young lives, including your own. I was never a part of 4-H but I was asked to judge one year and truly enjoyed encouraging all those young stitchers. Congratulations on winning ribbons and thanks for sharing your story!

Virginia(Ginny) Raun

4/8/2021 14:44:20

Hi Joanne, I have been sewing most of my life. My first memory was a red print broomstick skirt when I was 10 with my Mom on her treadle sewing machine. Later my parents bought their own farm and there were dairy cows and there were the printed feed bags to make clothes from. I made my prom gown of blue satin and altered the front of the bodice to be like a picture I had seen. It turned out great. I guess I thought I could do that as my Mom had to draft her own patterns for my youngest sister( there were 3 of us) who had been born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (a bone disease). Her deformative was severe. And Mom and she always made her clothing. She was a Joann, also. My first sewing machine was a Singer from my husband and I made clothes and crafts for our 2 daughters and twin sons and myself. I even made the twins Easter suits one year. I have had 5 other machines over the years . When we moved to Columbus , Ohio area and had traded up , I began to take lessons to learn the machine and then to keep up with the changing sewing world. I have sewed with some very nice ladies and learned so much. And now that I have found your Blog, Joanne I am learning slowly on the computer. I'm not so afraid to click . I am learning so much more about my Brothers now . I have the 2003D and the Duetta 4500D.I am very happy with all that they do. I didn't upgrade the 8 software as I am not good at all this new technology , and I have several Memory Cards (remember them?) to choose designs from and all that are on the two machines I have. I didn't do well with the Scanning Machines that were out in the 90's. Thanks to all the Brother Ambassadors for the projects and the Tips and Tricks to help us keep up with our sewing at this difficult time. Happy Sewing .

Joanne Banko

4/9/2021 19:53:30

Hi Ginny! It was wonderful to hear from you and learn more about your family history and sewing story. You have very nice machines to work with and yes, I not only remember the memory cards, I still use them! Please keep following along with the shows and my postings & I'm confident you'll get even more enjoyment out of your sewing time. Thanks so much for sharing your story!

Elaine Taylor

4/12/2021 21:53:58

I started sewing at age 10-12. My mom sewed clothes for her and me and my sister. She had an electric machine and I learned on it. My grandmother had a treadle that she sewed quilts on and I learned to sew on it as well. I was in 4 H and sewed projects while I was a member. I also took Home Economics in High school. I have owned many different sewing machines. In 1999 I bought a Bernette embroidery machine and fell in love with machine embroidery. I have owned many embroidery machines as well. I also piece quilts and have quilted some of them myself. Right now I have the Luminaire XP2 and hope to learn all the things it can do. I enjoy doing In The Hoop designs and Free Standing Lace. My husband has had a stroke and I care for him at home. Sewing is my therapy and escape. I enjoy watching sewing and embroidery classes that are offered.

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Joanne Banko
Brother Ambassador

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