This Mother’s Day, celebrate the one who taught you how to sew!
Whether it’s your granny, an auntie, a guardian or mother, share your story with us. Because sewing is a proud tradition, and chances are you learned from someone who wanted to share the joy and knowledge of this useful skill.
Sharing will enter you to win one of three $50 gift certificates to Fat Quarter Shop!
***UPDATE – Giveaway closed. Thank you for sharing your stories of learning to sew and the people who taught you. Our three winners, selected at random, are Ginny, Patricia Davis and Luann Bertizlian.***
Giveaway terms: Leave a comment below sharing your story of who taught you to sew. Each comment equals one ( Limit 1 entry per person). Comments open until Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at 11:59. We’ll notify the winners and share their names here on the blog on Wednesday, May 13.
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244 comments
My mother taught me how to sew at a young age.She made my 2 sisters and I matching dresses when we were little. She was always my champion, thinking everything I made was beautiful.
My Mother was my inspiration to sew even though I lost her when I was just 19. She sewed my clothes through high school, sewed matching outfits for my nieces from old flour bags and even made a Santa Clause Suit for a Halloween costume for my brother in grade school. When I married and inherited my Mothers sewing machine, I also made matching outfits for my daughters. Since retiring I have recently met the quilting bug which I have found so rewarding. Thanks Mom.
I learned to sew by my mom and grandmother. They taught me so much over the years! My mom made me my first dress for starting school. It had abc’s on the material and I loved that dress! My grandma would get mad at my mom because she would let me use embroidery scissors when I was like three. She would tell my mom she’s gonna hurt herself and my mom would say no she knows how to use them safely and I would be so proud and smile from ear to ear!!
I learned to use a sewing machine in middle school home economics class. My grandmother taught me how to crochet at 5. A dear sweet friend who passed away from breast cancer taught me how to quilt. I keep their pictures in my sewing room.
My grandmother taught me how to sew. She made all her own clothes as well as her own patterns. She did all of her sewing on a treadle sewing machine! Believe it or not,I learned to sew on a Singer treadle machine. It is really easier than one might think. The hardest part was getting the belt on the machine. Once that was done, turn the hand wheel and start pumping! Although I have fond memories of those times, I’m happy the machine I have now is electric.
My mother stsrted to teach me but enlisted the help of our neighbor who taught me to sew a shift dress. I have rnjiyed sewing my entire life.
Both my Grandmothers sewed, made quilts, knitted, crocheted, gardened, worked alongside a husband (one had a sheep ranch and one had a farm), cooked for their families and hired hands, and they both passed their talents and work ethic to their kids. I learned to sew, quilt and other hand arts from them and my mother and aunt. My mom and aunt, both in their 80’s, are still quilting and organize an annual quilt show in their little town every August. Their joy, talents, and knowledge has been gifts to not only me, but to a widening community, including my daughter, daughter-in-law, granddaughter.
My home economics teacher, Ms. Gluchow, in grade 9 taught me how to sew. After having my daughters, I then started building on the skills that I learned and sew each day, to keep myself calm and in the moment. I owe everything to that class. Sewing is very useful and is a life skill. Being able to craft and make beautiful things is good for your mental health.
My grandmother taught me how to quilt 20 years ago this summer. I moved in with her while my son was a baby and my husband was on a separation tour in the Navy for 15 months. I miss spending time with my grandma (she passed 17 years ago) but cherish getting to spend that quality time with her.
My sister and I both got interested in sewing quilts from our grandmother. She always sewed on a treadle sewing machine her whole life. She would set up her quilting frame in her living room and have other women friends over to handstitch the blanket. She would always let my sister and I help with the hand stitching.
My mother died when I was 7 yrs old. My aunt took over the mother role when she could. She sewed garments mostly but I was very interested in all things sewing related and she added to what I learned in Jr high and it was one area that created a real connection between us. I am grateful for all she shared with me. I have been sewing for 50 years now!
My mom taught me when I was younger. She learned from her neighbor.
My grandmother taught me how to quilt 20 years ago this summer. I moved in with her while my son was a baby and my husband was on a separation tour in the Navy for 15 months. I miss spending time with my grandma (she passed 17 years ago) but cherish getting to spend that quality time with her.
My Mom taught me to sew. We had the sewing machine in the kitchen. She would make our dresses for holidays. She empowered us and let us just sew doll clothes, pillow cases, and as we got older we made tops. My sewing room is off the kitchen and i am always back and forth. I feel very lucky that she introduced me to crafts as i always have something to keep me busy. Thank you Mom!
My grandmother let me sit in at teatime with her friends if I sat quietly, embroidering or sewing. She would teach me a stitch or two and let me quietly work on handkerchiefs, dish towels, buttons, or hemming. I was around four or five when this began and I’ve never lost interest. Have learned so many things and still love to sew.
I got my passion for sewing from my Grandmother Pearlia Mae Davis of Anderson South Carolina. She had this closet with a box that had all of these fabric scraps in it and when I would visit we would sit at her sewing machine and sew.
One of the first things she taught me to sew were doll clothes from old socks when I was about 5 yrs old. I had so much fun that when I went home I went into my Dads sock drawer and cut up all of his socks making doll clothes..(He had pretty dress socks with a lot of colors in them.) Boy was I in trouble!
By the time I reached Junior High School I passed sewing in Home Ec. with flying colors. I even got to make more advanced items because I was already sewing.
Today when I am in my sewing room working on a quilt or whatever, I think of her and the time we shared at her sewing machine. You see we didn’t live close by, we were out of state. So the time I got to spend with her was very precious to me.
My mother didn’t sew much, but she did have a good sewing machine. I learned how to sew some in a Women’s Institute program Girl’s Club and in home ec in high school. So with my mother’s machine and the little bit a knowledge I had, I started sewing clothes for myself and then moved on to quilting.
I always liked to use the thread and see cards. Then I graduated to embroider my granny taught me. Then in 6th grade sewing class I really caught the big. My first on time payment plan was for a used Ken more sewing machine. I haven’t looked back just keep upgrading machines. Always wishing for better.
My mother loved to sew and was very talented. She made her own wedding dress, clothes for her seven children, and even Barbie doll clothes for our dolls. I remember she bought a brand new Bernina sewing machine in 1976, replacing her old Singer. This machine was a game changer. It made sewing fun and I used it as much as she did. I learned to sew when I was 10 years old and I am still sewing today at age 56
My love for sewing came from both of my Grandmothers and my Dad. My Grandma V. took care of me after school and she taught me to hand embroider, braid rugs and sew buttons on my Grandpas shirts. My Grandma O. Taught me how to cross stitch and do patchwork. She later taught me how to quilt. My Dad taught me how to cover a chair with his industrial machines. Later in life my Mom and I came back to quilting and hand stitching.
I learned to sew from my home economics teacher. She was very patient with a bunch of seventh grade girls.
At home I would finish my work on my mom’s sewing machine…never remember her using it but was so grateful to have one to practice on.
My mom taught me how to sew when I was young and has encouraged me every step of the way. We enjoy sewing together and I still call her when I get stuck on something!
My Mother and Grandmother taught me to sew. i was always amazed with my Great-grandmother and grandmother’s quilts. Although I’ve sewn throughout my life, I swore I’d never made a ‘real’ quilt. I retired in 2017 and after visiting a local quilt shop with my aunt (she quilts), I signed up for, not one, but two Mystery quilts. it was the start of my love of quilting and I learn something new with every quilt I made.
My mother taught me to sew. My mom made most of my clothes growing up- she even made my layette when I was born! I loved to watch her sew. She always made sure I had clothes that I liked.When I was older, we would go to the fabric store and she would let me choose the pattern and fabrics. Even though we lived in a small town, we had a great fabric store!
My grandmother and aunts also sewed. I sewed for my children, and now my granddaughter!
I’m a self taught sewer. Although my mother sewed amazing pieces, dresses, costumes ect, she never taught me to sew.
My mother and Mrs. Guffrie, my home economics teacher. I still have my singer sewing machine as well.
My mom taught me needlework and how to sew by hand at an early age. When I was 12, I wanted to use her sewing machine so badly. She signed me up for sewing classes at the local Singer shop instead of summer camp and it was the best summer ever. I lost my mom when I was in my 20s but still cherish the hours we spent together sewing and doing needlework.
My great-grandmother earned her living as a seamstress. We still have a number of quilts she pieced that were quilted in the basement of her church. My grandmother taught me how to make hand-stitched doll clothes when I was seven or eight. I learned how to do a running stitch, how to gather, and how to hem. Later on my mother taught me how to use her sewing machine. I also took home ec in the ninth grade, but Mom provided back up technical help and supervised my choice of fabric. I have continued the legacy of sewing, quilting women throughout my life.
My mom taught me to sew as a teenager. My first job was at a fabric store and I sewed clothes for myself and my little sister. For many years, I never sewed and had no interest in quilting. Every time my mother visited I would take her to all the quilt shops in the area – my mom could easily spend an hour at just one shop! I didn’t think I would ever do that:) My mom finally convinced me to take a Yellow Brick Road quilt and I was hooked! I have been quilting (and shopping) ever since!
My moms love of sewing taught me at an early age, unfortunately I left Cuba and after 4 years in an orphanage I went to live with an uncle and at night we went to the Opportunity school in Denver, CO. There he learned English and I took sewing classes. Also my aunts taught me to embroidery and do cross stitching as I helped one aunt do a wedding cloth that was to be at the cake table, I can still see us now everynight, my grandmother would sit in a rocking chair while my aunt and me made beautiful little flowers in that tablecloth. I never got to see my aunts or grandmother again, but am sure they would be pleased that I am carrying the tradition of embroidery into my life.
Twenty years ago we got new neighbours.The family was from America and Tammy’s husband was for 5 years located on the base in Brunssum( Netherlands).
Handcrafting was my pleasure but then Tammy thought me how the patch and quilt ,a new world opened for me and still I am quilting for few hours a day .
My mother began teaching me to sew when I was about 2nd grade. She began getting me used to the machine by zig-zagging the fraying hems on our rag towels but by the time I was in 6th grade, I was making my own clothes. I still think of my mother every time i sit at my machine. She passed away 2006 and I miss her every day, Only one of my four daughters has ever expressed any interest in sewing no matter how hard i tried.
I was blessed with a wonderful Mom who could sew anything —drapes, my Dad’s dress shirts, dresses for me and my two sisters, trench coats and innumerable prom formals. She taught me to sew when I was 12, and guided me through 7 th grade Home Economics class and thereafter. I sewed many of my clothes, and for my own daughter in later years. Quilting became my obsession in 1977 and has stated with me ever since. I thank my Mom daily for her skills and patience in teaching me.
My precious mother taught me to sew, she was a wonderful seamstress who sewed everything to perfection. The thing that I will always remember is she would say when I made something, “well, does it suit you?” If I didn’t say yes quick enough, she would say, “well, if it doesn’t suit you then it won’t suit anyone else.” Years later when I went thru financial difficulties, that lesson taught me that I could take in alterations to help support me. Another sweet thing about Mother was, if my dress tail got turned up she would say, “kiss it and you’ll get a new dress.” Amazingly, a new dress would show up just a few days later. As Mother’s Day arrives each year, I truly miss the friendship and love of my mother, but I carry on with the talent she bestowed upon me in my quilting and sewing whether it be for me or for others.
I grew up with a Mom who was a FABULOUS seamstress, she made all my dresses and my dolls had matching outfits. When I was 11 she taught me to sew a pair of shorts, I was hooked. I can remember her making me my dress with embroidered cherries for my first date! Every special occasion, my graduation from high school ,my wedding dress and veil. My wedding night gown and robe. My Mom is gone now but I inherited her love of sewing and crafting. Thanks Mom for the gift of your talents and especially the joy that sewing brings me.
My mom and my grandma taught me to sew, they were avid clothing makers as in that time and day it was so much cheaper to sew your clothing. In fact I can remember when I was in kindergarten one day I walked home in the rain because my mom forgot to pick me up and what were they doing … sewing. There love of sewing definitely gave me my love of sewing! Grandma quilted to in her earlier years!
My mother and grandmother sewed but I actually learned in school in a class called Home Ec. We learned to sew without patterns (or make your own pattern)!😊 I taught myself needlepoint at 9 and went on to teach myself quilting after high school,
My grandma taught me how to sew and I always enjoyed watching her make things.
My mom started teaching me to sew when I was 8 yrs old. She bought me an old black Singer for 25.00 that would only do a straight stitch. I messed around sewing alot of straight lines and then attempted a simple skirt with an elastic waist. The skirt was far from perfect, and I remember being so proud of myself! I even wore it to school!
Mom taught me all the short cuts in sewing clothes and then she started teaching me what to do with all the scraps when I was 10. Guess what? It was quilting! I have so many fond memories of she and I sewing together…we had so much fun!
My grandma was the first to teach me sewing as I was fascinated with her treadle sewing machine. Learning to work the treadle & sew a straight line with warnings of keep your fingers from the needle. She also taught me how to crochet & embroider. Remember those pillowcases & dresser scarves? My Mom taught me mending. My fondest memory is the Barbie ball gown that was made out of feed sacks after Christmas. When we got our Barbie’s at Christmas my sister got the strapless ball gown out of satin & velvet. I got the go to church outfit. Needless to say being the oldest I thought I should have received the ball gown. So Grandma cut the pattern following the dress & Mom sewed it. I was very happy & proud of it even though my friends didn’t understand a cotton ball gown. I still have that dress. I need to dress Barbie in it put her on display.
Even though I had a few sewers in my extended family, I one day bought myself a sewing machine (for Mother’s Day!), borrowed an Alex Anderson beginner’s quilting book, bought some fabric from Walmart and made a couple baby quilts on my own. Looking back, I wish I had found someone to guide me through. That was 18 years ago and I no longer buy fabric from Walmart lol!! Thanks for this chance.
I have three influential women that inspire me daily in my sewing adventures. Growing up, I never knew what it was like to have store bought clothes as my Mother made almost everything I ever wore. My grandmother made me a quilt as a young girl and I was always fascinated at how she managed to piece it together and make a pattern out of all those little pieces of fabric. However, it was in High School that I was truly influenced by my home economics teacher Mrs. Frieda Moore, that I found my passion for all things sewing. I eventually followed my Mother’s footsteps and began sewing clothing for myself and then for my daughters and on occasion for my granddaughters. Now? It is all things quilting. I love the aspect of puzzle pieces being placed together to create a beautiful picture. It is my greatest pleasure to be able to share these Quilts with family and friends. I am also thankful for the many creative minds I find at the Fat Quarter Shop that continue to offer me inspiration to create!
My mother taught me to sew shortly after I had my first child, but my older sister, Lynn, introduced me to Quilting when I was a stay-at-home mom.
Being the youngest of five daughters my mom sat me down at her black lacquer Singer and had me piecing strips together. She used old shirts etc, torn in strips and she crocheted those into rag rugs. Before I knew it she had me cutting into a pattern of an A-line dress for myself. I was nine at the time and got a cutting, piecing, zipper insertion, armhole facing and hemming lesson all in one day! Haven’t stopped sewing since and that’s been 50 plus years! Thank you Mom I know you’re still smiling down on me from heaven
Watching my mother sew was simply a part of life. I grew up in clothing made by her with so much love. I don’t remember going out to buy a dress until I was in the 6th grade. I’m sure there were some but all I remember was the excitement of choosing fabric, a pattern, being fitted to that pattern and then watching it become something special for me to wear. Sewing was a part of my mother’s life from her birth in 1920 on a poor farm, sewing for her brothers and sisters as she grew up, living through the depression, shortages during world wars, making clothing from feedsacks and quilts from scraps and old clothing. She saw fabrics change through many eras of history. Her love for stitching was evident in many skills, crochet, embroidery, cross stitch, sewing clothing, quilting, as she was always willing to learn something new. She loved sharing her skills with others who wanted to learn. Throughout my life I have sat at her feet watching her hand stitch doll clothes, an embroidery piece, or tiny pieces of a wedding ring quilt she was working on. What I would give to sit at her feet and just watch her stitch today. Mother taught me to sew on a sewing machine as well. She gave me such a gift, the desire to create something with thread, floss, fabrics of all kinds but most of all to learn something new. I became a home economics teacher to share that love of learning and creativity with others. Recently I retired from teaching after 34 years but continue to teach my children and anyone who wants to learn, something about thread, floss, fabrics of all kinds, and the joy each can bring to others by sharing our creativity. My mother passed away at the age of 92. Sitting at my mother’s feet and learning something about fabrics and stitching is a gift I will treasure for all my life. Happy mother’s day!
I always remember my mom making my sister and me dresses out of flour sacks. On a Singer Featherweight. When I was a teenager I learned sewing in school, home ec class. Mom really encouraged me to take those courses. I continued to sew with her encouragement, and her Featherweight. Now I don’t sew clothes but I make quilts. She always loved my quilts, and had a few. I Lost her a year ago January. But seeing her sew when I was little intrigued me and started a loved I still have. Just wish I had the flour sacks.
I learned how to sew simple clothes and cross stitch from my mother when I was little. I found quilting on my own.
After watching my Mom and Grandmother see since I can remember, my Mom taught me to sew at age 11. We made almost everything we wore so I continued to get better and in college began sewing as a side job. Now that I am retired, I enjoy sewing for fun. I like to quilt, craft sew and make clothes for the grandkids. Carrying on the tradition!
My Mama made all my beautiful dresses on her Singer treadle sewing machine—which my Daddy later added a motor to! As a teen, I would pick out dresses
In SEVENTEEN magazine; she would copy them for dresses for me! I can remember standing on the table so she could mark the hem. She even made beautiful strapless formals for High School dances..She continued sewing for me through college and even after marriage! Needless to say, it was on that old machine that Mama let me learn to sew ! I am 77 years old now snd have never been able
to match her beautiful work! But the first thing my husband bought me
After we were married was a sewing machine! I have Mama’s precious old machine. However, how I long to have that little pair of black scissors She used to rip out mistakes ! They disappeared somehow after she died! But I recently saw a pair that looked like hers. Naturally , I couldn’t resist buying them! Fondly,I see my dear Mom every time I clip a thread or rip out an imperfect seam !
My mother, who is now 82 years old, taught me to sew when I was a pre-teen. We were an Army family with 4 children and needed to be thrifty in all ways. I made my own clothes through my teens. As an adult I sewed mostly home dec. Then I became a quiltmaker, and so did Mom! Now we live 17 minutes apart and we enjoy joint projects. Our latest was a table runner; she chose Christmas fabric and I chose florals. Sewing together has helped us to remain close.
I learned to sew and quilt from my Grandmother. She took me along to quilting bees with her. She would give me a small piece of fabric and needle and thread, get me started stitching and I felt I was helping I can feel to this day the warmth and love in those quilting bees.
My mom made beautiful clothes but I didn’t get the bug until Jr high school, I had a very patient Home Ec, teacher who taught me to make clothes and then my mom stepped in. I made clothes for all my kids then turned to quilts in later years. My fondest memories of quilt making is sitting under my friend;s mom wooden quilt rack pushing the needles back up to the ladies hand stitching , oh the gossip we used to hear.
My mom taught me how to sew by hand and then on her Singer sewing machine. Decades later we still share the love of pretty fabric and time at the sewing machine. But we made the switch from sewing garments to quilting years ago. Making quilts and giving them away is good for the soul.
My mom taught me how to sew. I was given a small sewing machine for Christmas one year that I used to sew a mini quilt. I like collecting fabric and when I was moving to a much smaller home, I gave her much of the fabric to do with as she pleased. She’s worked through a large stash by sewing quilts for a migrant community. My mom inspires me to be a better sewist.
My Mom and grandmother taught me to sew! Such wonderful memories of the old black singer machine that had such a beautiful stitch! During the summer, Mom would enroll us in a clothing sewing class in a woman’s basement studio. Great, lifetime of memories!
My mom and 2 older sisters were all sewists, so it was natural that I would learn too! I had a sewing machine that I “played” with, but I didn’t really learn til junior high Home Ec class. It was Miss Wilhelm who taught me the magic of those 1/4″ seams, accurate cutting and getting the right fit with pattern pieces. I’m not sure how she did it with an entire class of girls (some of whom had NO interest in making an apron or vest), but she did it with panache and great patience, giving each girl individual time and tips. I’ve often wondered where she is now. That was over 40 years ago! Thank you Miss Wilhelm!
duchick at gmail dot com
A dearest family friend who has quilted for years taught my daughter and I how to make a quilt. I was hooked and passionate about the art, it’s history, and sharing it with others ever since.
I learned to sew in home ec when I was in Jr High. So appreciate my parents support as I received my first sewing machine for a birthday present. That was a few 🤭 years ago!
My Momma taught me to sew, she used to sew all my little dresses for school. Back in the days when girls only wore dresses. I would get her scrap pile and she taught me to sew on paper by drawing lines to follow. My Dad & Mom owned a furniture store in a small town in MO. My mom kept her sewing machine there to while away the hours she spent at the business when she was not busy with her office work. Her father had been a tailor so she was taught to sew & press from a very young age. I also had to take Home Ec in high school because my Mom thought I needed to learn from another source also. I married, had 2 children and sewed so many dresses for my daughter until she decided to no longer wear them. I now prefer to quilt or do sewing projects for my home, table runners, etc.
I am hoping to make a quilt for each of my grandchildren, I have 2 done and 2 more to go. My best friend from my childhood is also a quilter but she lives not near me. We try to go to the local quilt expo together in the summer.
I hope to pass some love of sewing to my 2 granddaughters that are now 9 and 11.
My Mom taught me how to sew by hand when I was young. It wasn’t until I was in my thirties that she taught me how to use a sewing machine. In fact, she bought my first sewing machine for me.
My Mom taught me to sew, knit, crochet and embroider. What a wonderful gift, that I will have forever!
I learned to sew from my sister in-law my mother was blind so it was something to keep me from getting in trouble That was at the age of 8 When I was 26 I walked into a shop called the grape vine it was full of quilts and other hand making items like candle making and woodwork. I fell in love with its charm and willingness to teach me I was hooked They are gone but I will never forget the sweet charm u get from a true quilt shop and that’s what keeps me sewing to this day A quilter is a different person then most and I hope I live up to it glory
My mom was a 4-H sewing leader and I have 3 older sisters who were all sewing and I wanted to be just like them. My mom also taught my dad how to sew so I just had to be like them. Mom taught me to start with by sewing circles and squares over and over without thread. he said I had to learn to sew straight before anything else. My first project was an 1 yard apron.
I remember my mom talking about the hardest kids to teach were the kids who were left handed until one day she put one of the girls in front of the machine to see what she was doing and it clicked. That was a special moment in moms life.
She taught 4-H sewing for 14 years and she loved every bit of it. The best sewer in our family was my older sister Evelyn. But mom still could go window shopping see something we liked and she would sketch it out and go home and make a pattern and we had the same as store bought only better it was made with love.
I miss my mom and her ability to teach and figure out how I messed stuff up.
Happy Mothers day to all
My mom taught me to sew at a very early age. To this day she has some sewing or handwork at the ready. The best memories are of her teaching my son and daughter to sew-sitting on the floor with fabrics, needle and thread-hand sewing first, then the machine. My son made Nerf holders and still has them. Both kids are now adults and comfortable sewing and often make their own costumes at Halloween! Such terrific memories!
I was taught by my grandma to see. She would have me over for lesson when I was about 5 years old. But then as I got older I wanted to make a quilt. I was living in Canada at the time and my neighbor from Living in California sent me a video and the tools to get started. Had no idea why she sent me what I thought was a pizza cutter at that time ❤️ Now I am teaching coworkers … we have quilt class at my house monthly!!
I’ve always been interested in creating beautiful things from a young age, but that’s just how God made me. There doesn’t seem to be any other in my family that has that same passion. My grandma taught me simple crochet and knit stitches, my dad taught me how to hand-sew a button, but everything else I learned on my own or from taking a class. I’m a bit envious of those of you that have another family member to share the joy of sewing with, but perhaps I will when I’m a grandma and have an interested grandchild. So, I’m grateful to the sewing community, quilt shops, guild, you-tubers, instagrammers, vo-tech classes and friends who have adopted me into their “sewing family!” 🙂
My grandmother was a prolific quilter, and did everything by hand. Watching her made me want to learn, but she was gone before I got to experience having her teach me. The desire stayed with me for many years before I worked up the courage to believe I could. I saw Angela Walters on YouTube, and her approach convinced me that i could learn. Between FQS tutorials and her videos, they taught me how.
My Granny instilled the love of sewing and quilting in me! When I was about 6, the ladies in the neighborhood would come over for all day quilting bees! They’d have a potluck lunch and hand quilt on whatever quilt was in the wooden frames hung from he living room ceiling. I wanted to quilt SO badly, so Granny would let me quilt on the bottom of the quilt. I remember sitting underneath the quilt and having a blast. I’m sure she removed it when I went home in the evening!! I loved watching her sew on both her treadle machine and her fancy new electric one. They had a little country store, so Granddaddy would save her the candy boxes and she would cut her quilting templates from them! Then one summer, about age 12, I really wanted to make a dress. So we took a dress I loved and using it, cut out a new dress from the beautiful feed sacks we got left over from the cow feed we bought. We used bias tape to go around the neck and sleeve openings. I was so proud of that dress and I think Granny was pretty proud of me! That year Mama and Daddy got me a Singer sewing machine for Christmas. It fit right in it’s box and was pretty easy to carry around. I used it until I married and then bought a “fancy” new machine with all sorts of decorative stitches! I was in “hog Heaven!!” Such wonderful memories!
My mother taught me to sew when I was about 14. I didn’t take HomeEc in high school because of all my other classes. She helped me make a dress WITH A ZIPPER up the back! I hated sewing it and never made another piece of clothing for myself. I did sew a few clothes for my daughter when she was a toddler. But then I found sewing to make quilts & the rest is history!
My mother taught me how to sew when I was very young, both my mother and my aunt worked at a local mill in our town as stichers. She was very apprehensive in my touching her machine but gave in and I have been hooked ever since. I also had a girlfriend growing up who’s mother did many crafts, knitting machine, hand embroidery etc., she gave us each pillowcase to hand embroider and I was so overwhelmed by her generosity. I recall thinking, wow she has so much sewing stuff and things looked a bit out of sorts. I believe I now have become that woman. Many crafts with a huge love of sewing in a very untidy environment.
My mother taught me to sew. As the youngest of 3 girls, I was the last to learn. Our sewing machine was always busy. Ma made our clothes until we were old enough to learn to sew our own. As 4-H’ers, most of our garments also were entered in the county fair and style revue. so many fond memories. I still enjoy those vintage Singer sewing machines. One thing that Ma did, and I did for my granddaughter: if there was a mistake Ma would do the ripping and we did the resewing. That really helps keep a youngster from becoming discouraged. My sister is the one who got me started in quilting.
My mom taught me to sew when I was 10. My best friend and I made matching skirts. There wasn’t enough of 1 fabric for 2 matching skirts, so we made gored skirts, alternating 2 fabrics. They probably didn’t look as wonderful as we thought, but we loved them! She made almost all of my clothes, suits for my brother, Barbie clothes and home fashions. At 80, her eyesight isn’t as good as it used to be, but she still enjoys sewing. I’ve carried on the family tradition, making many of my children’s clothes and now I’m passionate about quilting. I even have my grandmother’s Singer Featherweight machine. Thank you Mom for teaching me a skill that lasts a lifetime! Love you so much!
Both of my grandmothers were seamstresses, both made clothing for other people and me, and both helped me in my school home economics projects. One, however was a quilter who made scrap quilts out of leftover fabric from her sewing. I’m 78 years old, and I’ve had both quilts she gave me for at least 50 years, and scrap quilts have always been my very favorites.
My grandmother was a phenomenal seamstress, embroiderer, and beader. Many of the clothes she made were done by hand and often embellished. Unfortunately, she did not believe that my mother was coordinated enough to sew and never taught her. Shortly after they were married, my dad bought Mom a Singer and she learned to use it by making him a set of pajamas (supposedly, that’s when she learned to swear, too 😉 ) As soon as I showed an interest in making doll clothes (about age 7), Mom started teaching me. First, it was hand sewing and making it up as I went along. Soon, I was using her machine and working with paper patterns. By the time I was in middle school I was making my own clothes, by college, tailoring my own suits. Over the years I’ve made countless skirts, blouses, dresses, evening gowns, ski suit, my wedding dress. Now I quilt. I wish I could say that my grandmother had a change of heart regarding Mom’s sewing skills, but she never did. Mom taught me what she knew, then encouraged me to go farther. Both are gone now, but Mom’s legacy is carried on through my passion to create with fabric and thread.
My grandmother taught me how to hand piece. She would use old clothes, I remember polyester pants made up most of the quilts she made of these 4 or 6 inch squares. No measuring, cut one and used it over and over to cut out the rest from the fabric template. In college, a very good friend’s grandmother taught me how to make a Sunbonnet Sue quilt using a paper bag template, floral fabrics and some DMC floss to do a blanket stitch around Sue. I still have those blocks as we never finished them all. I didn’t learn how to machine sew a quilt and use a rotary cutter until 2003, I wanted to make a baby quilt for our first child so I took a class. I found a teacher that was awesome! “Quilting is to be fun and machines are meant to go fast!” She had 8 children and had been sewing since we was 10, so she was skilled, thrifty and knew how to stretch a dollar and fabric. I learned so much from her and I can still incorporate her lessons in with FQS videos to make it fun once again!!
We lived in Pennsylvania when I was in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. My great grandmother lived up the hill from us. She had a friend who sold fabric and gave her the old fabric samples. They were very poor people and those fabric samples were the only fabric sources she had to make quilts. Nevertheless my great grandmother let me pick several pieces of fabric from those samples and helped me make my first quilt – all handsewn! I still have that quilt with fond memories of time with my great grandmother.
My Grandmother taught me to sew doll clothes when I was little. She used to make ballet costumes for my cousin an I always wanted one for my doll. Over the years I sewed clothes for me and my children an then one day I joined a quilt group and I’ve been quilting ever since and have not made clothes since learning to quilt. I often wonder what my Grandmother would like of the new machines out today, she had a foot treddle singer which she had converted to a knee presser, I am sure she would have been amazed, I do miss my sewing buddy.
My mom taught me how to sew when I was about 8 or so. I used to make little blankets and cushions for my Barbies by hand. Then she taught me how to use the sewing machine and I would make those horrible 1990s scrunchies. Now we go to quilt shows together and are still bonded by our common hobby.
My aunt had a sewing machine with a knee power lever. She and my Mom let me race through clothing scraps as fast as I could sew. I was about 10 years old in the mid-60s. I went on to sew most of my clothes until I made my first quilt from my boyfriend’s shirts in 1974.
I have been blessed with a wonderful mother who taught me to sew. I grew up in a home with the sound of a sewing machine humming in my ears frequently. I have also shared my love of sewing with my two daughters! Recently, we have been sewing face masks and mailing them to those who are at high risk. Our way of paying it forward during these troubled times in history.
I was 12 when a Mall opened on Long Island NY about 20 minutes away from where I lived. Inside was a Singer Sewing Center and they offered lessons! I took lessons during the summer and learned the basics of sewing. Didn’t have any family to help so I just picked up anything else I could over the years. I took up quilting a few years ago and picked up almost everything online. So much easier to do that now that it would have been over 50 years ago when I took a sewing class.
My mother taught me how to sew and helped me make baby blankets for each of my nieces when they were born similar to the one I had as a child. After her diagnosis, she decided her “cancer project” would be learning to quilt. She bought books, attended the Sisters Quilt Show in Oregon, and bought a kit from a shop, but never got around to learning before she lost her battle. In her honor, I decided to stitch up the kit she bought and donate it to charity. Needless to say, it’s been 8 years, and I haven’t stopped quilting yet!
I learned in home economics in school. I so loved it that my mom bought me my own sewing machine for my 16th birthday. I sewed clothes for myself and when I married and had children I sewed a lot of clothes for them. Then I didn’t sew for a long time and about 10 years ago I started making quilts.
Hi Patricia, thank you for sharing your story of learning to sew. I’ve selected to win one of the gift certificates! I’ll be emailing you with details from kate@fatquartershop.com. Thanks for participating!
My Home Economics teacher thought me in 7th grade. Being only girl of 5 brothers, I had no sisters to teach me, and Mom was way to busy with the farm work and us kids! It was a simple A-line skirt, darts, no waist band just inside facing, and a zipper! I was hooked! I started making clothes for myself, and grew from there! My biggest pleasure was making my young son a Star Wars shirt, not because I did it, but to see the look on his face when he wore it…PRICELESS!! For all Mrs B. taught me….Thank you!
My Mother sewed all my life and many of my clothes, as well as suit pants for my brothers who couldn’t find dress pants to fit their thin, tall build. I learned to sew in Home Ec during school, but she bought me a sewing machine and thought I needed a hobby. Taught me how to make a small quilt. Then sent me on my way home to Oregon from Montana. I went to a quilt store, picked out a pattern and fabrics. I had questions, so packed up and drove back to Montana for instruction. My Mother was so surprised. That quilt got a blue ribbon in the Oregon state fair! Still quilting today!!
My dear Grandmother taught me to sew. She sewed 99% of my Mother’s clothing, and some for us kids. I started sewing my own clothes. My Grandmother also instilled in me the love of quilting. Every quilt she made was solely by hand. She was not afraid to rip out a seam either in clothing or quilt to adjust it so it was perfect. She also made each of her granddaughters a lined vest from double polyester in the seventies! I bring mine out every now and then to either show it off or admire all the lovely stitching.
My mother and grandmother taught me to sew. Mom started me on doll clothes made with scraps of fabric and the bags of trims we could get from saving Wright’s labels. My grandma was an excellent seamstress and taught me tailoring and many fine details, enabling me to make most of my own clothes throughout high school and college. When I had my own home, she taught me drape-making. She was always very encouraging and enthusiastic about my projects. She taught me, “As ye sew, so shall ye rip.” She lived to be 101, and until the last few years, was always sewing for others. I inherited some of her stash and often think of how pleased she would be to know that her things are still being used to help others. Some of her notions were just used to make 80 hospital gowns for the fire department where my paramedic sons work. Though I mostly quilt now, I know my mother’s and grandmother’s enthusiasm for sewing and quilting has enriched my life, and I have passed it on to my 4 daughters. I hope to inspire that creativity in my grandchildren too!
Hi, my mother thought me how to sew, but first I have a very funny story about (well is funny now). I was 7 years old I’m I always seeing my Mom sew, so one day I wanted to sew my barbie dolls some clothes couldn’t find scissors so I took my father’s twin blade off his shaving thing this was a long time ago so started cutting the fabric for the clothes with it in top of my Moms bed without realizing that I’m cutting way to hard and cut my Moms quilt, when my Mom saw me O my God she went crazy mad telling me how dangerous this was and she went looking for the belt to teach me a lesson for not ever using a twin blade again and I ran out the room she followed me around the house me yelling Mommy please I won’t do it again and My big brother tried to stop my Mom and she said get out of my way or you are going to get some too. So he said to me sorry my bad and well, you can imagine how it all ended jaja didn’t try to saw again until I was like 13 years old. Jaja I laugh now but my God will never forget this ever and I’m already 55 years old. But I loved my Mom for being so worried that I could’ve cut my self so bad and from there when My kids did something dangerous I will teach them not to ever do it again too.
Growing up we did not have much money so my Mom would sew a lot of our clothes….and that’s when….let’s just say “homemade” was not fashionable. She would always make me and my older sister matching outfits just in different colors. I was always fascinated with the patterns and tracing paper and the tracing wheel. She taught how to cut out patterns, pin to the fabric, and cut out. Usually by the time I did all that I was ready to do something else (kids and attention spans). She was patient with me and would say doing things right takes time, but being precise in the beginning will pay off. Boy was she right measure twice cut once.
My mom taught me to sew at a young age. When I had home-ec ( yes home-ec) in 7th grade, I was able to jump to the head of the class w my abilities. Always loved sewing. Have spent the last 22 years working & teaching in two local quilt shops. Still, at the age of 61, one of my most favorite things to do.
My mom sewed all my clothes for the first five years of my life. By the time I was 3 I was using a needle and thread to make paper doll clothes. By 5 I had graduated to dolly clothes. Mom knew she had a real problem on her hands when I started cutting up face cloths and hand towels for doll (and cat 😂) clothes because (with a sickly baby) she didn’t have time to sew anymore and my fabric supplies had run out. Mom taught me how to use the sewing machine when I was 7 and a whole new world opened up. By the time I hit high school I was sewing circles around the rest of my home economics class. After my mom died I was visiting my aunt and she had a bunch of quilts on the go. She peaked my curiosity, but at the time I was working full time and seamstressing part time. When my aunt died a couple years ago I inherited a large portion of her stash and I retired a couple years later. Now I’m quilting!
My aunt taught me how to sew but my grandmother was my inspiration. She always gave quilts for important occasions and I hope to continue that tradition.
My grandmother taught me the basics of sewing, including by hand and on her sewing machine. She has since passed, and I find myself often wishing she were here to teach me new things that I come across and want to learn. I am sad that she cannot be the one to teach me, but I love that I am teaching myself new things (quilting now!) on her sewing machine that has been given to me. It makes me happy to use it, and even more happy to show my mother some of these projects and hear her say that my grandmother would be proud!
My grandmothers taught me to sew before I started kindergarten which started me on a life long journey of sewing. We were visiting my maternal grandmother and I was waiting for her to spend time with just me (have 5 siblings). She was mending but stopped to make my doll a skirt. I watched her cut a strip of fabric, gather it up and sew a faster on it. She pinked the edges for a hem. Watching her take a flat piece of fabric and turn it into a doll skirt hooked me for good! My paternal grandmother, who did basic hand mending, saw my interest and got fabric scraps from her friends for my visits. She cut them into squares for me to sew together to practice my hand sewing. I eventually joined a local 4-H group and started making my own simple dresses with my maternal grandmother as my mentor. Whenever my grandmothers visited us they would help me sew clothes for school or an Easter dress. By the time I graduated high school I was making most of my own clothes. My maternal grandmother, by then crippled with arthritis, was my key advisor for my wedding dress and veil. I made many clothing items for my husband and kids over the years, now I am making quilts and other items, including doll clothes, magic pillowcases, etc. for my grandkids. My oldest granddaughter now is interested and and we made her a dress together. She has worn the dress many times and received lots of compliments! She and I schedule “sewing visits” which feels like continuing the journey I started many years ago. My wonderful mother could sew but did not enjoy as much as I did but was very supportive of my interest. Now that these wonderful women are gone, I am comforted by thinking of them when I sew, cherish the few treasures I’ve inherited from my grandmother’s sewing supplies, and sharing my grandmothers’ sewing stories with my granddaughter during our sewing visits.
Like so many, my mom taught me to sew. She is an amazing seamstress and I’ve never reached her skill level, but I’m so thankful for the sewing I am able to do and I appreciate the time she took to teach me. Now I am teaching my daughter.
My grandmothers taught my sister and I to sew. Both, were amazing seamstresses. One of them had worked in New York City, in the Fashion industry. They had, as much fun, dressing us. As, we had, sewing with them. Wonderful memories, indeed. I’m teaching my daughter. She really likes embroidery and knitting.
I learned to sew at age 13 from my next-door neighbor. Marge had been a secondary home ec teacher but was staying home with her 3 children. She gave me sewing lessons in exchange for babysitting. I loved her children, so it’s was an easy swap. The first item she had me sew was a pink wool jumper with a yoke that had a little bit of gathering. The jumper had a zipper and lining. It turned out great! 50 years later I am still sewing, but my focus is quilting!
My mom taught me to sew the very basics and I learned more in home ec, but a dear friend, Dee, is who got me into quilting and I really learned how to sew all over again from her!
Dear Aunt Jane – special home ec teacher that almost killed me in process of using mom’s old Kenmore sewing machine. But 50+ years later I remember her time over that summer, her patience, yelling and my dad saying this will never work. Maybe that is what made me stick to waning to make a homespun fabric French tailored suit, Now my free time after work is mask sewing, Sew thanks ever for inspiration and positive energies!
My greatest friend and role model taught me how to sew… my grandma! We started when I was 6. Mostly I would sit on her lap and watch, and then every year we would start a bigger project until I could do it on my own. Some of our best memories are of sewing machine shops and buying excessive amounts of fabric! Even on our vacations we’ve managed to find more. It makes me so happy to show her the new quilts and patterns I’ve been making up. She’s too old and shaky to cut and pin now, but she loves to see me putting her knowledge to use and keeping this skill alive. 😊
My mom taught me how to sew, but my grandmother and great aunt taught me the love of quilting.
My sweet Mom, taught me how to sew! I remember first projects being stamped embroidery on dresser scarves, but I suspect I played with scraps of fabric making doll clothes, too. Love my Mom! ❤️❤️❤️ Sewing and fiber arts feed my craving for creativity and help me unwind from the stresses of life…thank you, Mom, for giving me the gift of needlework! ❤️❤️❤️
My mom taught me to sew on treadle sewing machine. I wasn’t very good at it and I took home eck in school. My mother did a lot of hand sewing. She was much better than I will ever be. Thanks Happy Mother’s day.
My dear mother shared with my sister and I many years ago the love of all things strings and fibers! What great memories that the three of us carry on to this day! So very grateful for her legacy of beautiful fabric arts, she is very gifted indeed! LOVE YOU MOM!
I taught myself to sew/quilt through library books and then YouTube videos. It’s my understanding that my grandma used to be very crafty but by the time I was old enough to be interested MS had taken her ability to do anything anymore. She always loved to see the things I created.
Three volunteer mothers at my elementary school taught me and a few other girls in 4-H Club. Our first project was a simple apron. The next year it was an A-line skirt.
My mother taught me to sew, first by hand and then by machine. The first things I sewed were clothes for my dolls. My mother was a seamstress who sewed most of my clothes.
I learned to sew by watching my mother, she was a seamstress for the local retail shops in our small town. I also learned a lot during Home Economics in the sixth grade.
I come from a long line of sewists. First, my mother. She was instrumental in teaching me to sew at a very early age. She guided me all along the way — how to read patterns, cutting them out, and stitching pieces together to make the simplest of clothing items to crafts to Raggedy Ann dolls. Then there’s my Granny (my dad’s mom). She was an avid quilter — a much needed skill learned from growing up the Appalachia region of East Tennessee. I spent every summer with her from the time I was 5 until 14. Even before my mom got me sewing on her Singer, Granny had me stitching on her treadle Singer. She mostly hand-pieced her quilts. She taught me how to do that too. My Aunt Jean (my dad’s sister) lived just up the hill from Granny. She also quilted. While I can’t recall any specific memories of sewing with her, I remember her showing me her quilts. (I still have the quilt she made me when I was a baby!) Several of those summers I spent sewing with my cousin Pam. We made skirts and vests … gosh, all kinds of things. Oh what memories!
My mom progressed to quilting in the 2000’s as her best friend Judy became a quilter. After a lot of nagging — oops, I mean encouragement — from mom, I finally gave in a made my first quilt in 2011. Honestly, quilting was the last thing I thought I’d do. I was involved in so many other crafts; I didn’t want to get started in another. There was something special about that first quilt! Quality time with mom. Quilting became our connection. We needed that!!!!
I am so grateful I have quilting now. It has brought me so much joy! I have gifted many, many, many quilts (large & small) to friends and family. I have met so many wonderful ladies in person and online throughout the US who share the love of quilting.
I now live 2500 miles away from my mom due to my husband’s job transfer. It makes me appreciate all the time we had. You see, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s just over a year ago. Her memories are fading fast and she isn’t confident in her ability to sew. Although I think if we were together just may be able to. We talk via FaceTime nearly every day. She always wants to know what I’m working on.
For Mother’s Day I made her a little wall hanging with a quote: “Memories are stitched with love.” (You can see it on my IG: @vickiwayne) She loved it!
Thank you Mom, Granny, Aunt Jean, Pam and Judy for your love of sewing and quilting … and sharing it with me.
My Mom taught me how to sew my own Barbie clothes at a very young age. She also taught me the basics about sewing quilts but when I got really interested in quilting a few years ago, she had already developed early stages of dementia. Thanks to Kimberly, Kevin and the Ultimate Beginner Series, I’ve have learned a lot and I’m really enjoying quilting!!
My mother taught me to sew. I sewed doll clothes, quilts, even took in a pair of pants that belonged to my older beloved brother so that the pants would fit me. I could use a new sewing machine.
One of my earliest memories is sitting on my Grandmother’s lap learning how to sew on a button. She was a farm wife and made all her own clothing – taught her daughter (my mom) to sew – who then taught me. I’ve carried on the tradition teaching my daughter and granddaughter!
My grandmother taught me to use her treadle Singer sewing machine. I was able to make my junior prom dress using that machine. I also took sewing in home economics.
No one in my family sewed so I learned to sew in freshman high school home ec. and never looked back. I made all of my own clothes and some for my mother, dad and brothers. Always having loved geometric shapes and color I tried quilt blocks seen in McCall’s Needlwork and Crafts magazine. I learned hand embroidery from my grandmother.
Grandma was a seamstress, she lived quite a few hours from us. We visited her on most holidays. She taught me and my sister to sew on her treadle machine that I now have and her sterling silver thimble. My sister cant sew a stitch but I have never stopped sewing my whole life. ( I am 65 today.) Made my own clothes as a teenager. Made most of my kids and grandkids clothes and around this time sewing extended to patchwork and quilting. They all have a quilt or as they call them “blankie”. This is all credited to “my Grandma”. Thanks.
I was attempting to learn to sew on my own through YouTube. I had just had my 8th baby and was walking around a fabric store holding my newborn looking for fabric and feeling so lost. I had the impression to ask a nice woman if she had some insight on what colors would look good together. She helped me that day and invited me to use her long arm machine to quilt my quilt when I was done with my quilt. I have learned so much from her. She is now grandma to all 9 of my children. We love her dearly!
My late mom taught me how to sew about 8 yrs old – made doll clothes to start. When I became a teen I was making clothes for my little sister and myself plus items for the house. My mom was never a quilter, and I’d never heard of quilting until I was in my early 40’s. By then I had made clothes for my toddlers, learned macrame from my mom, and crocheted all sorts of toys for my kids. I still sewed curtains and stuff but until I hit my 60’s I had no idea how much quilting could save your life – and be addicting at the same time. I’ve been quilting for over 10 years now and it has kept my depression at bay plus makes me a little extra money on the side. I wish my mom had tried this, she would have loved quilting I’m sure.
My memories of my mum sewing go way back to early childhood. At that time, there were 3 girls in the family and my mother made much of our clothing. She was amazing at sewing (and knitting) anything – whether it be drapes, slipcovers, Easter outfits, Raggedy Ann dolls, or prom dresses. All I had to do was pick out a pattern I liked, and she would make it for me. Her one request was that I help out with housework to give her the time to sew. And no Vogue patterns, please! I don’t recall that she actually sat down and taught me to sew, but I certainly watched her often.
When the time came for home economics class in school, of course I learned some sewing then. What my mother taught me was that you could deviate from pattern directions, and do your own thing. I was very reluctant to do that initially, and always wanted to follow instructions to the letter. But as I became more confident, I saw that I could make my own changes without disastrous results.
Eventually I found that if I asked her to make me something, she would politely decline and encourage me to make it myself. She let me make mistakes, and was always there to help if I asked. The first thing I made was a pair of very wide-wale corduroy trousers. Not a good choice, but it was a start.
When I had my first child, I was so hoping for a daughter so that I could sew for her as my mother did for me. My first was a girl, which was wonderful. And my second a boy… and I sewed for him, too. I took up quilting as an adult, which my mum never did. She always said she couldn’t understand why you would cut up fabric into little pieces and put it back together again for a quilt. She’s gone now, but I am forever grateful to my mum for the inspiration she gave me and still does to this day.
Darn! Posting again because I made a mistake in my email address!
My mom taught me how to sew when I was little. I always wanted to use her machine so she bought me a little toy sewing machine of my own. I’ve never looked back 😀I sew everyday.
Myself, however my Dear Mom encouraged me and pushed me to learn. It is My HAPPY PLACE. Thank Ypu Mom in Heaven.
My mom was my primary sewing teacher. As the youngest I accompanied her to “Putter Club” weekly and other sewing/craft groups. I was also home sick with tonsil problems frequenly so she started me hand embroidering and sewing. I made my first bathrobe when I was eight.
My dear sweet Aunt Eileen taught me to sew! I had almost failed 7th grade home economics. I was devastated as I had dreamed of sewing my own garments and couldn’t even make a pillow!my dear aunt ( my dad’s oldest sibling) saw my despair and my dreams. She came along beside me, teaching me, and guiding me, and by my senior year I was able to make my own prom gown and velvet cape, plus many other skirts, tops, and accessories. I started my first foray into quilting several years later and was successful from the get go because of her commitment to me years before! I thank the Lord for such a precious aunt!
My mom taught me to sew. She had offered to teach me when I was younger, but I didn’t take her up on it until I was in my 30’s. She was a patient teacher, as I had a steep learning curve and I would get impatient often! Poor Mom. She did a great job.
My mom was the first one to teach me to sew. I remember making school bags to carry stuff in back and forth to class. My bag was more unique than the others! She continued to teach me as I got older, so I made some clothing for myself for a while and bags and such. I started quilting and those skills helped me pick it up with ease. My mom has always blessed my life.
I first learned to sew in home ec class in junior high school. I made wrap around skirts and pillows. I took my first quilting class after my first child was born. That was 24 years ago.
My mama always sewed when I was growing up. Much of our clothing was homemade by her. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t make. Even my daddy’s suits. Kind of eye opening when I got doll clothes from Santa that matched a tie mama made for daddy. She could also reupholster furniture. But, she didn’t make quilts. We never even had quilts, but my cousin did and I loved looking at all the fabrics in hers when I visited. Mama did teach me some about sewing, as well as embroidery and crochet. A lot of my sewing was learned in 9th grade home ec class. Quilting I’ve learned watching Simply Quilts, through books, and friends, as well as Fat Quarter Shop and Kimberly Jolly!
My mom taught me to see but never quilts. Quilts I am selling taught but the basics were all my mom.
My Grandmother was very patient in teaching me to sew. I think at that time I was a bit impatient. My Grandmother always wanted us to baste everything.
It is a good practice and I have to remember her advice.
My Mom . Then my sister started me quilting.
My earliest memory of sewing was when I was about 13. Funny thing though is I don’t remember ‘learning’ to sew. I’m sure it was my mom who taught me; my grandma taught me to crochet. Years later I learned that my great grandma was a quilter. I thank all 3 of them for giving me a desire to create things.
My mother taught me to sew. She was the towns Tailor. I first learned to sew by hand with a needle & embroidery thread before I was allowed to use a sewing machine. At age 6, I started Huck Weaving dresser scarves. Then progressed to cutting Barbie doll clothes out of the scraps & sewing the seams by hand. When I was 9 years old, I had 4 Barbie suitcases full of handmade clothes & my friends would trade me their store bought plastic Barbie shoes & purses for my one of a kind handmade Barbie clothes. I learned to use a treadle Singer around the age of 11 or 12 & have been sewing garments, of all kinds since. I am now a Great Grandmother of a 5 yr old & 3 yr old & I still sew with a 15-91 & a Featherweight. My Mother suddenly passed away last year. My son was murdered 3 years ago & I needed a new hobby & that is when I discovered Lori Holt’s designs & Fat Quarter Shop. My Mother suddenly passed away last year & I remember how amazed she was with Lori Holt’s quilt patterns. Happy Mothers Day.
Self-taught :)! Oh – I had Home Ec in school, but did not like sewing. Then after high school I decided I will choose my own patterns and fabrics – even if they were not always the recommended ones on the back of the pattern. Then sewing started to become fun – and I ended up sewing for myself and my mom – and later my own family.
My Mom taught me to sew when I was about 12. She made my sister and I matching dresses and I think they were beautifully made. When I went to school and took Home Ec I was shocked that I required to make an apron. I’m sure I learned a few more precise techniques but I went on to make a wool jumper later that year and tailored shirts, much more my speed. I thank her for teaching me to sew and now make dozens of quilts now.
My Oma (grandma in German), who lived to be 102, born in 1902 taught me all sorts of hand work. Starting with embroidery, crocheting, knitting, tatting and then hand sewing and mending. We were kindred spirits, and still am. My mom taught me how to sew on her old white sewing machine in a blond cabinet. She made matching dresses for her and I for Easter. I joined 4H, at age 7 and won a few blue ribbons on what I made at State Fair. I was hooked on sewing and then quilting at age 16 in high school. 15 years after, my home ec teacher came back into my life as my quilting teacher and friend now for 35 years! It took me awhile to call her by her first name but our friendship has remained even though this virus.
Sad, very sad, I lost my mom to liver cancer on March 4th. This will be my first Mother’s Day without her. But I know she was very proud of my sewing. As I was cleaning her dresser out, every table runner I made for her was wrapping neatly in tissue paper. Like they were special to her. Made me smile. We were best friends and I miss her terribly.
My mother taught me how to sew. Part of her teaching was allowing me to try things on my own. I could always ask her questions and she would guide me, but she let me experiment with sewing as much as I wanted to. She was a fantastic seamstress and it always surprised me that she didn’t learn to sew until after she got married. She said her mother wouldn’t let anyone touch her sewing machine. I guess that’s why she was so was so willing to let me use her machine. (I do remember breaking her bobbin case).
I learned to sew from 4-H leaders and from high school Home Ec teachers. Fortunately my mom did have a sewing machine so I had one available to use for my projects.
My mum taught me to sew when I was very little, she was a very talented person! My brother and I had so many great little soft toys she’d sewn or knitted us.
My mother was always at her sewing machine when she wasn’t in the yard rearranging her shrubs and flowers. She taught me how to sew. Mom made many of my clothes even when I wanted store bought clothes. She made many clothes for her grandchildren as well. I appreciate the many hours Mom spent sewing those clothes. I sewed for my daughter and have taught her how to sew her ComiCon costumes.
Mom also quilted and made many quilts for those in need. I have a quilt she made in 1942 for my brother. It is a basket pattern of which some day I am going to try to remake. I have not seen a pattern like it so I will have to draft out the pattern myself.
Our next door neighbor taught me how to sew when I was 12. I loved it so much and began making my clothes. My mother was so thrilled because she appreciated me sewing but did not care to do it herself. My mother was my greatest encourager all her life as I made clothes, dolls, quilts and did long arm quilting later in life.
A friend taught me to sew ten years ago. Wonderful hobby to have and I sew on something, mostly quilts, daily.
My mother and grandmother taught me to sew and provided lots of inspiration. We have three quilts in the family made with fabric from everyone’s clothes, pieced by my great grandmother, and hand quilted by my grandmother. All three are king sized!
My mother made dresses for my sister and me when we were younger. She taught me about making clothes. Our grandmother “Granny” could seem to make anything. She made a wedding dress for my sister to be in her kindergarten Tom Thumb Wedding. I remember it because I’m 3 years and 9 months older than my sister. It looked like a dress for an adult. It was a hoop style dress with lace and beads. She could knit and crochet. She taught me to crochet but I never did too well with knitting. She also made quilts. Granny had a large room where the washer and dryer were. She would hang her quilting rack from the ceiling so she could hand quilt. I remember trying to sew a few stitches. Little did I know I would fall in love with making quilts.
My mom made our clothes until we were in second grade. I was the oldest of three and so I got to stay up with mom after the “little kids’ bedtime.” I learned early, that if I was quiet while mom sat at her sewing machine, she’d forget all about the time and I’d get to stay up very late. Watching her piece quilts from scraps, or measure and re-measure a special fabric taught me about the process. She laughed at her mistakes and showed me exactly what she was doing at every step. A boy in the 80s didn’t sew, but my mom didn’t go in for all of that. Later on she showed us how to make better-than-store-bought costumes for Halloween. When I went to college for theatre, she helped me make costumes for my first shows. She’d travel abroad with me as an ad-hoc costume designer for my low budget productions….working late to transform old clothes into magical costumes that would bring my artistic vision to life. Now that I make quilts for a living, I try out new patterns and techniques on my mom. When she’s blue, she calls me and we prop our iPads up on our sewing machines and sew together late into the night, a modern version of what we did when I was little. Sometimes neither of us will say a word for a long time, the hum of our sewing machines marking the passing of time. Mom taught us that anything was possible if we put our mind to it—with a little creativity and patience, that we could have-or do just about anything we set our mind to. And she taught me all of that at the sewing machine. I’m so lucky to have such a wonderful teacher and because we can’t be together this mom’s day, I’m hoping we can find some time to sew.
My grandmother taught me to sew at age 10. She helped me make a pink, pleated skirt for my doll. It had a waistband and a snap at the waist. She also taught me the invisible hemming stitch. My other grandmother taught me how to sew on buttons.
My great grandma taught me to quilt…her ,my grandma,and mom hand quilted the quilts ,and I would sit under the quilting frame and play house..for hours while they chatted about there lives…wish I had a recording of all those good times
I was taught to sew by my mother-in-law. While my husband was away with the Army, I went on my first trip to visit her, after our first daughter was born (her first grandchild). She tried her best to find projects to keep MY hands busy so that she could always be holding the baby. One of those projects was learning to use the sewing machine, which turned into lessons on quilting.
Mom was funny, thrifty, a cook, housekeeper, sewer, teacher. She taught me to sew, hand and machine. My best friends mom taught me to quilt, 30 years ago. I really don’t have the words to describe the impact of these two women on my life. Love…
My Mother and Grandmother were very talented seamstresses and they were very patient in teaching me. I have been sewing since I was a teenager. Mom made most of my sister and my clothes including many winter coats and we wore them with great pride.
One of my fondest memories as a child was waiting for Christmas!
I knew that my Mother would be making me a new Christmas dress, and that there would be a matching dress for my doll. Then as I got older, I found that my great Grandmother was a quilter…I discovered newspaper appliqué shapes that she had used. Both women were inspirations to me in different ways. So nice to have those women in my life.
I was taught to sew by my Auntie Vera who lived in Quincy, MA. She would come to visit our family for a month each year. She taught me how to make clothing. My grandmother was more of a quilt maker and I was always fascinated by them. We never did make one together as she passed away when I was 12. My love for counted cross stitch was something that I took up on my own. My mom had no interest in sewing. As a child I would work on stamped stitching pieces. I have been stitching for over 55 years.
I learned the basics of sewing in Home Ec class, but I never really enjoyed it. Fast forward to when I started having children, and I wanted to sew some toys and clothes for them. This was before the days of the internet, so I taught myself how to sew these items from books. Fast forward again, and I wanted to challenge myself to learn something new. I chose to learn how to quilt by reading blogs, using tutorials, watching You Tube, etc. – all of the methods available on the internet. That was about 10 years ago and I am still quilting and learning. All of this is to say that I am a self taught sewist and quilter. Thanks!
My mother taught me to sew. I am number 7 of 8 children. My mom used to make a lot of our clothes. I think she wanted us to learn to make our own as soon as possible…lol. I was about nine when she taught me. Now out love of sewing has turned into a love of quilting for my mom and three sisters!
My grandma was my sewing inspiration. Whether mending or darning, sewing clothes for her grandchildren or piecing quilts by hand or machine, she sewing right up into her eighties. I’m sure she passed her sewing dna on to me. I’m so grateful that I was able to sew by her side!
My grandmother knew I wanted to learn how to sew as a young girl, so she bought me a used Singer treadle sewing machine! I still have it! But it was my mom who taught me a few basics when I would watch her make clothes for me and my sister. Then as a young adult my sister-in-law who was a teacher in a local quilt shop taught me how to quilt.
My mom taught me to sew when I was in grade school – I made simple doll clothes. Then in girl scouts we had to sew a skirt for ourselves & she was the best teacher. I made most of my clothes in high school & college thanks to her.
My mother taught me to sew when I was little..probably 8 or 9…I started with tube dresses for Barbie!
My Mom taught me to sew when I was really little because we had lots of fabric samples from and upholstery shop and our Barbies needed more outfits!
I’m a first generation self taught quilter. My mom bought me my first sewing machine (Kenmore) when I was 17 and I was hooked ever since. My first quilt was my “gene” Quilt made out of jeans from my family members. Quilting is my passion not a hobby.
My grandma taught me to sew with needle and thread. I still prefer hand sewing to machine, I find it peaceful.
I’ve learned a lot about sewing from my mom but she also paid for sewing lessons from one of her friends from high school for me and my sister when we were younger.
My mom taught me to sew many, many years ago. She was an avid sewer and made a lot of our cloths when we were young. She also taught me to crochet, and knit, she was a very creative and artistic person. She did a little quilting in later life but arthritis got in the way. I got my love of crafting and creating from her and I am very sure she would be very happy to see how my love for quilting has grown.
My mom with her patient and loving heart taught me to sew on a Singer treadle machine when we lived in the Bold North of MN❣️ Pretty much gave me free reign to just sew away. She is also the one who inspired me to start quilting , many years after she had already died. 💞
My 9th grade Home Ec teacher back in the 80’s taught me to sew! It was just a class I was taking, but it turned out to be SO much more. She never married or had any kids, so I think she viewed her students as her kids and went out of her way to teach sewing.
Posting again as I noticed an error in my email address. 🙁 My 9th grade Home Ec teacher back in the 80’s taught me to sew! It was just a class I was taking, but it turned out to be SO much more. She never married or had any kids, so I think she viewed her students as her kids and went out of her way to teach sewing.
My grandmother had an old Singer machine which she still uses to this day. She loved making pillowcases and that was the first thing she taught me. She taught me how to cut a basic shape and how to sew all the edges. Thanks to her, I’m still sewing and quilting today!
I was 8 years old the first time my grandmother taught me how to sew a t-shirt. It was lime green and we picked a coordinating daisy patch to put on the pocket.
My Grandma Viola taught me to sew . She loved it. She was very creative and made a lot of her own designs . I am happy to have my lo e of sewing from her !
My mom and abuela taught me to sew. I use the same Kenmore 385 30-stitch sewing machine that they taught me to use.
I’m so grateful that they had the patience and time to teach me. I had not touched my sewing machine in several years but by chance, purchased fabric in early March to sew dog bandanas. I quickly switched gears and started sewing face masks.
My mother was always sewing (oh how I wish I had her old Featherweight) and taught me the love of sewing when I was 5 years old. I’ve been sewing ever since! My husband’s dear Aunt Ruthie introduced me to quilting— her wedding gift to us was a quilt hand quilted by her, my husband’s grandmother, and women from their church quilting group. So thankful these two women gifted me with my love of piecing and quilting.
My mother sew all our outfits when we were little. If we are too hot, mom will sew up a string strap dress in one afternoon. She’d sew many things and I watched her magically sew up things. That planted the seed of wanting to learn to sew once I had my own children. Thank you, mama!
My mom taught me how to sew! Thanks for the giveaway!
I learned in Home Ec. My mom was a great supporter and loved to go fabric shopping and would even help me cut out my patterns, but she didn’t sew. My best friend helped me to get better at the garment sewing.
I taught myself to quilt but took a class from an amazing Mennonite lady in our community which raised my skill level and confidence.
I am now trying to teach some friends.
I am self-taught everything I know how to do in the craft world. I grew up in the era that Home Economics were taught in school. I took to that sewing machine like a duck to water. The rest is history! My momma didn’t know how to use the sewing machine I later found in her closet when I was in high school. I made all my own clothes, learned to quilt in the 80s by reading Georgia Bonesteel, and well, you get the idea. Now almost 50 years later I own my first longarm! What a journey!
The amazing ladies at Love Sews Ministry of Holland, Michigan taught me how to sew. I started volunteering there 3 years ago to learn to make quilts for people going through life challenging circumstances. I owe them so much & that is how my love & passion for sewing began. Most recently I’ve been sewing masks for family & friends plus a quilt or two in the works as well.
I got my love of sewing from my mom when I was little girl she taught me how to sew clothes. When I got married my mother in law hooked me on quilting. Thanks for a chance to win
My mother taught me to sew. When I was 14 she bought me a used featherweight and gave me a fabric allowance to make my own clothes. I took that machine to college I made dresses for my bridesmaids. My daughter has it now. She recently taught a friend how to sew so she could make masks. She made dozens on that trusty machine.
I had a great aunt teach me the love of sewing. She was one of the strongest people I know. Even though she had a disease called”China bone syndrome “- she lived alone, ran several businesses and made her own clothes out of necessity.I would spend weekends with her and we would sew on her little featherweight -fond memories 😀
Hi Ginny, thank you for sharing your story. I’ve selected to win one of the gift certificates! I’ll be emailing you with details from kate@fatquartershop.com. Thanks for participating!
My mom taught me how to sew and we made dresses. I also made a skort…remember those? I entered it into the county fair and won a ribbon. Now we are both quilters and love talking shop and going to quilt shows together.
YouTube taught me! I always wanted to learn and didn’t want to wait till I was retired and a grandma. Thanks for all the tutorials!
My mom taught me to sew when I was in junior high. I made tons of outfits in high school. Wish I could tell her how much I appreciate all the time she took teaching me how to read a pattern and use her old singer sewing machine!! 💐🌺🌼🌹💕
I am self-taught with help from friends. My mother didn’t even sew a button a missing button, lol!
My mom and my home economics teacher
My mother taught me to sew. She was an expert. She made outfits for working women (late 60’s and 70’s) and made and altered costumes for our university theater productions. I spent many hours by her side learning to use a seam ripper and how to sew hems etc.
My mom didn’t sew but bought me my first sewing machine and paid for sewing lessons when I was 13. My mom was an accomplished knitter though
When I was in Girl Scouts one of the mothers taught us to sew. I don’t remember her name but I got my sewing badge and continue to sew making quilts. I am now teaching my granddaughters.
My grandmother also helped on my journey of making my clothes during high school. She was a great seamstress.
My mother only picked up a needle to sew on a button,but my aunt, her sister,sewed—I should say SEWED!! As a child I slept in pajamas and under quilts she made. My dolls had plenty of outfits and even our home benefited with curtains and slip covers. She also was an avid crocheter and knitter -I still wear a sweater she knitted each winter. During the summer I turned 10, she taught me to sew. The first thing I made was a turtle pillow that you would put you pajamas inside—a pattern that I still have. I often think of my aunt when I sew. I tried teaching my daughters to sew but they did not catch the sewing gene—but they can sew on a button!
Hi Luann, thank you for sharing your story. I’ve selected to win one of the gift certificates! I’ll be emailing you with details from kate@fatquartershop.com. Thanks for participating!
My mom wasn’t a big sewer; but she taught me to use her sewing machine; and let me try to make Barbie clothes. ❤️❤️
My mom taught me to sew, crochet and be crafty. I remember her sewing our clothes and dresses. She also made Barbie and cabbage patch doll clothes and it wasn’t long before we were doing the same. Now that she is retired, she is quilting and loving it!
My grandmother taught me how to hand sew Barbie clothes. My aunt is four years older than me. We would take bits of fabric, needle and thread outside and sit under a tree and stitch away. BTW nothing really fit because we didn’t use a pattern, but we didn’t care. We had Barbie fashion shows for my Grandfather when he got home from work. Lucky him. He would sit there and look interested. I sure loved him.
My mother and my sister taught me to sew. My sister first set me in front of a machine when I was 7. That was 47 years ago.
My mother taught me so much over the years. She’s gone now, but I can still hear her telling me to rip out crooked stitching, or to be sure to cut all threads!
And I still ask my sister how to do things!
All my life I can remember my mother sewing. I would play by her chair as she sewed matching mother/daughter dresses for my sister and me and for herself. She made most of our dresses growing up.
My mother made my prom dress for my High School Prom and she made my beautiful Wedding Dress. I was in High School when I decided I wanted to learn to sew and so she set out to teach me. That was the beginning of my love of sewing. I made my own Easter Dress one year, it was a long yellow dress with flowers. I then made maternity clothes for myself, dresses for my daughter. I learned to smock and my mother was so proud of me! I remember every time I made something she would always look inside the dress checking out the seams! She made me a quilt (the only one she made for me) 30 years ago and it’s still on my bed! About 3 years ago I picked up quilting and she was so proud of me! She loved seeing whatever I made. She was my biggest cheerleader! I lost my mother last year right before Mother’s Day. I’m working on a quilt for my granddaughter and I keeping thinking how much my mother would love seeing this quilt.
Our neighbor taught me to sew she gave me an old machine a pattern and some white material with big black dots. She was the ministers wife. I will always remember her kindness. I am 68 now. Probably was 12 when she inspired my love of sewing.
My mom taught me to sew. She was my 4-H leader. Originally, she was only teaching my sister, but I wanted to be a part of it. Mom is my quilting buddy now. We only live a few miles apart, so we are even in the same quilt guild.
My hubby actually taught me to sew! I was dying to learn how to make my own book sleeve- so we sat down one day and he showed me how! Today, I own my own business sewing book sleeves. I have him to thank! ❤️
My grandma taught me how to sew when I was very young and she just gave me fabric and notions and use of machine and help if I needed it! I had so much fun creating things and eventually clothes! She helped me with my first quilt and now I’ve made tons of them! I sure miss her!
My friend,NaN helped me put my first quilt together. I was hooked after that. I then started watching videos and tutorials.
My mom began teaching me to sew and cross stitch when I was 5, we actually came across my practice pieces in her sewing cabinet drawers recently and laughed at the giant yarn stitches in the fabric!
My grandmother taught me to sew when I was about 10. I used to watch her sew at her kitchen table. She made silk scarves for a boutique, she helped me get my first Singer from her sister. It had to be oiled and only could sew a straight stitch:)
While I learned the basics in Home Ec, I basically taught myself. I know, sad… But that was how it was and I have made many pretty quilts, costumes for my youngest daughter, dresses for my girls… So I did well.
My mother taught me to sew. She didn’t really teach me to cook, but she taught me to sew. I made a lot of Barbie clothes, and then I made my own clothes from age 13 on. In high school I enjoyed making clothes of my own design and my mom let me choose fabrics and patterns without micromanaging. My paternal grandmother enjoyed sewing and encouraged me. My maternal grandmother sewed from necessity and I have her treadle machine which I used for years.
Home Economics teachers in junior and senior high school taught me to sew. I have long forgotten their names, but I was an eager student & avid seamstress. Thank you.
My friend Barb convinced me to take a quilting class from her, I borrowed a sewing machine from another friend and off I went thinking I probably can’t make a QUILT! Well that was almost 20 years ago, since then quilting has become my passion and sanity. I hope since then that I’ve been able to share and encourage other women that this is truly a wonderful way to give of themselves while expanding their lives!
I learned how to sew in 4H when I was 9 years old. My granddaughter is now learning to sew from me and she is also 9 years old. My daughter says it skips a generation! Lol!
My talented Mother taught me to sew, starting with Barbie clothes when I was around six years of age. It was her grandmother, my great-grandmother, who taught her and made her exquisite clothes all while she was growing up! My great-grandmother made clothes for the Hollywood elite back in the day, and after hearing how well she sewed, I want d to do my best and see if I could teach her level. To this day, my Mother always tells me that I have surpassed her and how proud she is and how proud her grandmother would have been. I have 2 granddaughters and 3 grandsons who are just now coming of age. So I hope to inspire them to continue the tradition of sewing in our family!
My mom is the first person who taught me to sew. I got really sick in high school and it was hard to find skirts and dresses that fit well, so she taught me how to sew them. Then, after not having sewed for a few years, during college I had to take a sewing class for my degree and that’s where I learned to make household items (pillows, table cloths, curtains, etc…). Recently I’ve been wanting to get back into sewing, I do miss being creative with it! 🙂
My momma was my inspiration to learn how to sew. She had started to make quilts and I fell in love. I purchased a sewing machine from a friend of mine for $40.00. I told my momma that I had purchased a machine, she didn’t hesitate to make the trip to Tennessee to show me the ropes of making quilts. That weekend, her and I made my very first 9 patch quilt. That was 3 years ago. I still lean on my momma with questions I have and she is eager to teach me. I have since graduated from my $40.00 machine to a more equipped one and I just made my 8th quilt all because my momma.
My sister Sally taught me how to sew when I was 12. She helped me make a skirt with an elastic waist. It started my love of sewing 🧵 and for that I am so grateful! ❣️💁♀️🧵
My mom taught me when I was in grade school. She was a home economics teacher in the late 60s. Sewing was and is still a passion for her. I remember her starting me out on my great grandmothers treadle machine. Stitching on a piece of notebook paper, without thread, leaning speed, control and to stitch in a straight line.
My aunt taught me to sew whenI was in 7th grade. I wanted to make a shirt so I stayed at her house for the weekend and she showed me how. Strangely it was the only clothes I have ever made. I didn’t sew again until I was late thirties and I started quilting
I learned how to sew in my eighth grade home economics class. I sewed lots of clothes throughout high school on my grandma’s sewing machine. My high school graduation present was a portable Singer sewing machine. I maintained a close friendship with my high school sewing teacher for many years and always visited when I returned to my home town. I was so sad when she passed away.
I learned how to sew in Home Economics class in high school and then how to quilt at my local quilt shop by taking classes. Shout out to all the local quilt shops for all you do to support us, sewers! ❤️
My mother taught me to sew. She was an awesome seamstress. She could look at something and cut it out and stitch it up without a pattern.
My mother’s mother taught me to sew, and crochet and tat. She was a fabulous woman who emigrated here from New Zealand; she and my grandfather made a nice life for themselves in San Francisco. She did not suffer fools, so there were moments when the sewing lessons were a bit tense. She hung in there with me. She passed in 1994, and I still have the Singer she taught me to sew on, in its original wooden stand up case, and I treasure it.
My mom taught me to sew although I also had some sewing lessons in school.
My mom taught me to sew! She always made us matching Easter outfits when I was little and I always got to pick out the buttons and trim!
My mom and my middle school Home Economics teacher taught to sew and use a sewing machine as a kid. However, I didn’t really start sewing a lot until my kids were little. I watched YouTube videos in order to make them skirts and dresses. Then last year I saw Kimberly and the Ultimate Beginner Quilt series and thought quilting looked like fun! Since then, I try to sew every day!
My mom taught me to sew. She made my clothes and I made my first dress when I was 9, I was hooked. I have 2 girls of my own and 3 granddaughters that I have sewed for. I started quilting 6 years ago and retired 2 months ago. So many quilts to make. I’m in love with quilting.
My mother taught me to sew! She came to this country when she was 20 yrs old, she worked in a factory making clothes and she supported herself and sent money home to support her parents. Eventually she married my father and they raised a family. She then used sewing to create dresses for me and to sew to support her own growing family! She passed on her love for creating things to me and I learned to sew on an old mechanic singer machine that she has today! I am great full to her for showing me to sew!
I learn to sew thru our local 4-H program. I don’t remember the dear lady’s name but we would go over to her house and work on our projects as she would teach us to sew. Very thankful for 4-H and the skills I learned.
Today on the 11th of May is my mothers birthday, she thought me to sew, I jused to sit next to the sewing machine and play while sew was sewing. She was very good at making new cloths and things from old clothes and fabric, old school patchworker born 1926, passed away 15 years ago. Still miss her.❤️I still have her old Köhler Zig Zag Automatic in my sewingroom.❤️🐎
My wonderful mother in law. She was the town seamstress in her little town in Michigan specializing in wedding dresses it was an excellent sewer of clothes and did alteration until very late in life. She inspired me to sew and taught me so many things. She was singularly the nicest person ever. She is greatly missed. Without her I would not have taken up the wonderful art of sewing which evolved to quilting. I’ll be forever grateful to her for that. Thank you.
Today on the 11th of May is my mothers birthday, she thought me to sew, I jused to sit next to the sewing machine and play while sew was sewing. She was very good at making new cloths and things from old clothes and fabric, old school patchworker born 1926, passed away 15 years ago. Still miss her.❤️I still have her old Köhler Zig Zag Automatic in my sewingroom.❤️
I grew up watching my mom sew and both grandmothers sewed. I made my first piece of clothing at age eight. My first quilt was for my high school sweetheart who is my husband of forty yrs!
My family moved to a new town during the summer between 6th and 7th grade for me. I stated school without knowing anyone, and it was pretty overwhelming. I had never sewn, but was required to take Home Ec at my new school. The teacher was very friendly and so inspiring! I was hooked! And I met so many of my good friends in that class. That was 1965. And I have continued to sew and quilt.
My mother taught me how to sew. She saved money from a part time job to buy the sewing machine she wanted–it had all the bells & whistles. She made the cutest Christmas jumpers and lovely Easter dresses, all of which I was delighted to wear. Mom taught me how to tweak garment patterns for my own special touch. I made all of my own clothes in high school.
I have 3 daughters: the eldest likes to make baby items, the middle sews knit garments and the youngest loves to quilt.
Thank you for this giveaway & the chance to reflect on some wonderful memories.
I first started out learning to knit when I was about 6 years old, by my Nana. She sewed beautiful things that looked like it was from a store. I asked her how does she sew so good and she told me when she was growing up everyone in her family had a job that they had to do, and hers was making sure every one had clothes to wear including her brothers. When I started seventh grade, she took me to Ann Arbor Michigan to go to a big store that had tons of fabrics and patterns. I selected a MCcalls dress pattern, some flowerd fabric in pink of course, and we went home to sew. My first lesson was how to read a pattern, how to cut for what size, how to measure, how to cut a dart, how to hem, how to select threads,how to wind a bobbin, lessons about how to use a stitch ripper, how to put a zipper in, even how to clean and oil a sewing machine. I learned almost everything I know today from her lessons and just watching her sew. When I was in the nineth grade I helped her sew Raggety ANN and Andy dolls for Christmas for differant people. Every school year she made almost all my clothes and at Christmas we would get clothes again, even pajamas and a robe. Every summer she would enter something into our small town fair, and get a blue ribbon. I learned one summer how to use a loom and I made a flower afaghan out of it for my bed. All the while she was sewing pieces of her scrapes to make quilts. I learned how to do the Log cabin, the nine patch,the Dresdan plate, and some others, but I always wanted to make the Grandmothers flower garden Quilt. We never got around to that, but when I got married she made it for me out of all the fabrics we had made things through the years. I was so surprised and of course that was and still is the best present of my life. I have it in my room on a Quilt rack displayed. There are some things in life you cant buy and this was mine, having her time and knowledge and still trying to sew as lovely as my Nana.
Although my grandmother made ALL of my clothes, she didn’t teach me how to sew. i suppose it was just being in that environment. i did take home ec and just started quilting a year ago. i knew a little, but trying to teach myself. when my grandmother could no longer make my clothes, i begged my mom to get a sewing machine. this teenage needed new clothes! Unfortunately, my mom couldn’t make my wedding dress as i was not stationed near home when i married. (USAF)
My mother taught me to sew when I was a young girl. I started hand sewing doll clothes. When I wanted to learn to sew garments, my mother and I sewed matching sundresses. She would sew one step on her dress, and then I would do the same on my dress. We both used my mom’s 1960’s Sears Kenmore sewing machine until I was gifted a used machine identical to my mom’s. I was in Jr. High at the time. I still have my machine today. I have sewn some skirts and dresses for my girls (and doll clothes when they were younger), but most of my sewing these days is related to quilt making.
Of course my mom! It wasn’t always easy, she’s left handed and I’m not. Wasn’t always fun and easy, but I do miss her. Just finished a quilt that she had embroidered the top.
My mother taught me to sew. When I was a tween, She let me tangle up and make all sorts of messes on her fancy Elna. I cannot believe she let me use her expensive machine. Although, now I have 2 kids and understand the joy of 10 mins of peace. 🤣
I learned to sew in HomeEc class! Didn’t really quilt until my first grandson was born and I haven’t looked back since!!
I learned to sew in HomeEc class! Didn’t really quilt until my first grandson was born and I haven’t looked back since!! Love FQS!!
My late grandmother and Aunt taught me how to hand stitch and machine sew. I am grateful for the skills they taught me at a young age cause now I was able to but them to use with making masks for my coworkers and creating quilts for little ones entering this brave new world. <3
My Mom taught me to sew for a 4H project. She didn’t sew much but I took that start and continued learning and made most of the clothes for myself and our 4 kids, then branched out into quilting, embroidery, smocking, knitting and crocheting.
My Mother sewed and made quilts but she did not teach me. We had a hard time together, she was short on patience and right handed and I was left handed. For some things it didn’t matter but when it did there were tears. My story has a happy ending though. A lovely neighbor who lived just a block down the street taught me everything I knew about sewing through 4-H. I entered several articles of clothing in the Fair and won ribbons, I was so proud. I am a self taught quilter and share this love of all things quilty with 2 out of three daughters. The other one scrapbooks. We have a great time together on sewing days.
My mom taught me how to sew when I was in middle school. We made a wrap-around skirt with a pretty little white and green calico. It was love from then on–home ec classes, classes at local fabric stores, trips to the store to buy supplies. She encouraged my obsession, and it in turn has gotten me through many stages of life. I’m so thankful my mom took the time to teach me!
Easter was almost near. Shopping for that special pattern for my pink Easter dress was so exciting with mom. I was seven back then and holidays meant a new dress for me and sis. I loved the smell of the fabrics in Joann fabrics. My sis and I always enjoyed the pattern section there. We’d look at all the nice pretty dresses and planned each one for when it was time for mom to make us another one. I got curious at the age of 9 and asked mom to show me how to sew because I wanted to create something beautiful like she always did. I tried at making a shirt from her scrap cabinet. In the end impatience and frustration lead to my crazy shirt. I kept trying. Practice really makes perfect! I’m 51 now. No crazy shirts but still making crazy mistakes. My mom is truly looking down and saying that girl really got now! I love sewing thank you mom for inspiring me.
My mother taught me to sew on her treadle machine when I was almost 10–sixty years ago! How well I remember her teaching me how to gather a skirt to sew onto a waistband for my Little Miss Revlon doll. Mother made almost all our clothes and even cut her own patterns for my two sisters and me. It was my grandmother who inspired my desire to quilt. Every winter the room-size quilt frame would go up in the parlor. We all still treasure those now threadbare quilts. They have been well loved.
My Grandmother was the first person who started teaching me about sewing. She had this fantastic sewing room upstairs in her house and I always dreamed of having one just like hers one day. Now I do have my own sewing room and it’s my favorite place to be in my home!