Creating Back-to-School Sewing Memories

re: Creating Back-to-School Sewing Memories

Kathy Adams — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 16:34:31 GMT

I remember sewing outfits for school throughout the summer after finishing the 6th grade. Back then most of the girls went to sewing school so that they could make their school wardrobe. My love of sewing continues today. The children in my county started school today. Summer vacation is growing shorter & shorter.

re: Creating Back-to-School Sewing Memories

columbia87 — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 14:33:44 GMT

One of my favorite memories is of a decorated sweatshirt my mom made for me when I started 5th grade....back in the mid-50s. She saw a picture in a magazine of a sweatshirt made into a jacket and decorated with rows of different colors of rickrack. Back then, sweatshirts usually came in shades of grey, but all the bright colors made it very "classy" and I loved it!!

re: Creating Back-to-School Sewing Memories

Sharron18 — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:49:55 GMT

My back to school sewing memories are more about my Mother's sewing than mine. From as early as I can remember my Mom made just about everything I wore. She was a wonderful seamstress! Our back to school shopping consisted of going shopping - not with the plan of buying ready made clothing, but for me to pick out styles I liked and try them on. She would then carefully examine each garment checking out the construction of the garment, making a few notes, hanging the garment and we would leave the store. We would head to the fabric store and then home so she could begin to copy that garment. She didn't use new patterns, just a piece from this pattern and a piece from that one to make an almost identical garment. I would complain that I wanted ready made clothes but in hindsight, I probably had twice as many things and more unique. Wish I still had her doing my sewing!

re: Creating Back-to-School Sewing Memories

Gloria E — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:09:55 GMT

What a wonderful story! I can share only one school sewing story. While my Mother and younger sister were talented sewers , I thought I must have missed getting that particular gene. I remember taking Home Economics in 9th grade. Second semester was sewing and the final semester exam was sewing something to wear in the school fashion show.

I had a very tough time throughout the entire semester. My dear Mom tried to help me learn to sew, but it just didn't seem to click in my brain. So much crying (me) and frustration (Mom) during that semester.

Finally, and luckily for me, my Mom really 'helped' me make my my fashion show outfit....it was a big hit at the show and I received an A+ grade on it. With that exam grade, I received a final semester grade of 'D'. Whew...I never felt so relieved to receive such a low grade, but it sure was better than an 'F' (which I did deserve, I know).

I never worked so hard to try to learn something in any other class before or since then. I decided that I would NEVER use a sewing machine again. I think my Mom was a quite relieved with my decision. My dear sister took on the task of sewing some school clothes for my daughter years later. No one even asked me if I wanted to try sewing them myself....

But, in my mid 40's, I began making art quilts...that led to a few traditional quilts...then to pillows, slip covers, window treatments and other home dec items. Now I'm even making a few clothing items. I'm also enrolled in a couture sewing class now. Both my dear Mom and sister, today, STILL express their 'shock' that I'm sewing anything now.....and it's been over 15 yrs ago that they found out.

I now own several domestic sewing machines, an Industiral Sewing machine, and a Long Arm Quilting Machine. I would never have believed it back in the 9th grade. No one else in my family would either. Isn't life fun AND surprising?

re: Creating Back-to-School Sewing Memories

sewroscoe — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 11:29:55 GMT

Thank you for bringing back a precious memory. Many years ago (nearly 60!) I was the young girl on my mother's lap following her loving gentle guidance as she gave me the gift of sewing, and all that goes with it - creativity, problem solving, friends I never would have met. Now I have the privilege of ushering my grandchildren into this wonderful world that my mother gifted me with. Thanks again for the visit with old dear friends, my mom and sewing.