My journey into sewing clothes has been a very crooked path. I traveled up and down many hills and at times fell into deep mud (excuse the metaphor). I hope this provides a vivid picture of how daunting this was for me.

    I took home economics in Junior High. Today they call it Middle School. I am really showing my age with these terms.  I sewed a long sleeve blouse.  I wish I had a picture to show. I was very proud of this curved neckline bohemian looking masterpiece. Sadly, sewing clothes just didn’t appeal to me in my teens.  

    However, my mother was a  professional seamstress who made clothes for me (in hours on frequent requests) and a lot of other people that used her talent.  She not only sewed, she also designed them.  My youth and brain did not permit me the motivation to use her wisdom and learn. Ok I was just foolish.  I did organize her patterns and threads.  Like I have learned creativity is messy. Still not embracing her skill and talent.

    Now at the age of sixty sewing clothes has taken over.  I want to create my own wardrobe.  I am also finding out I learned a few things through osmosis from being around my mother. I have skills and core knowledge I never remember formally learning.

    I started using Ellie and Mac downloadable patterns from the internet.  They are very affordable and their selection is fashionable. They also provide videos with step-by-step instructions.  I made one blouse three times using the same pattern. Once you find a pattern that looks good on you, run with it. Just change the fabrics. Sewing it a few times and working out the mechanics of the pattern can benefit you with your progression

Once I got comfortable with knits I moved to African prints and embellishments. My mom would be proud.

 It’s never too late to learn new skills. Plus, creating with fabric not only is euphoric but I am building a wonderful new wardrobe to fit my “traditionally built body” (a term from Andrew McCall Smith #1 Ladies Detective Agency author ) and saving me a lot of money. 

Thanks mom for giving me some of your skills. Happy Birthday  (March 15th).  I wish I had shared this journey with you when you were living. But I know you are guiding my hand every time I sew. Create something and wear it like a diva.