Threaded with Gratitude: A Tribute to the Women Who Sew with Heart

Costume for piano duet competition

I have my mother to thank for instilling the deep love for sewing into my life as a young girl. Her attention to detail ensured that the skills were precise and that the inside of the garment looked just as good as the outside. Oh, and button holes weren't something to fear as a result. We often recall the day that we drove to Richmond, Indiana to a sewing machine store to purchase a New Home machine. It was hard to part with the well used Elna, but the button hole feature was the key selling point. And, let's not forget the day that she purchased a serger which revolutionized the finishing of our seams. Back in the day, sewing was a very active hobby for me. I made lots of dresses for my younger sisters. Walking the aisles in a fabric store with pattern in hand was so exciting. So many lovely fabrics and it was always fun to pick something off of the Daisy Kingdom display and hurry home to make something. I even made some pretty advanced items for myself including several festive Christmas dresses. Those are sweet sewing memories I cherish.

Serger muslin bags for cheesemaking

Years later, I had a bridesmaid dress that needed altered but was way to busy to do it myself. In addition, alteration is one of my least favorite sewing tasks. Everyone said to take it to Ann, so I did. I was blown away by her passion for sewing and attention to detail. But the bonus, was being in her presence as she radiates warmth, kindness and grace.

In many ways, Ann reminds me of the kind thoughtful excellence my mom modeled for me. Over the past decades, my mom, my daughters and I have all brought things to Ann for alteration. And what we get in return is perfectly altered garments and the most lovely time of being with her. As I age in life, I am blessed to have some incredible role models who embody homemaking skills and quiet strength that lingers after the visit is over. Women like my mom and Ann carry forward a generational sewing legacy.

I will always be grateful to my mom for giving me a solid foundation. She taught me to do things right the first time, to pay attention to detail, and to take pride in the work of my hands. And if I didn't do it right, well, I know how to use a seam ripper!

My daughters are hoping to learn to sew this winter and now that JoAnn Fabrics is closed it looks like Mom and I need to scout out a new fabric store...even if means a road trip.

Thanks, Mom!