My Sewing Journey: A Tradition Passed Down Through Generations
I can’t even remember the first time my mom sat me down at the sewing machine. I was around seven or eight years old, and the hum of that old machine was so comforting to me. My mom, a talented seamstress herself, was the one who taught me the basics—how to thread the needle, how to sew a straight line, and how to turn simple pieces of fabric into something beautiful and functional.
But sewing wasn’t just something my mom knew how to do—it was a tradition, passed down through the women in my family for generations. My great-grandmother was a seamstress, as were both of my grandmothers who did alterations for the communities they lived in. It was a skill that had been passed down from one strong woman to the next, woven into the fabric of our family’s story. It was an art—one that required patience, skill, and love. And it was something I grew up watching and learning, even before I could pick up a needle myself.
From a young age, I was surrounded by fabric scraps, thread, and the soft clink of scissors cutting through material. My mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother would gather around a table, stitching and chatting, their hands moving like magic. They’d make everything from simple dresses to elaborate quilts to amazing cross stitched pictures, all with that handmade touch that only someone who truly understands the craft can achieve. I watched them with awe, absorbing the techniques, the patterns, and the sheer joy that came from making something with their own hands. It was not just about the end product—it was about the process, the care that went into each stitch, and the pride of creating something that would last.
As a child, I would sit next to my mom while she sewed, holding my tiny finger on the sewing machine wheel as it rotated around and around, fascinated by the way the fabric would change under her hands. She’d patiently teach me how to guide the fabric under the machine’s needle, how to make precise cuts, and how to properly finish seams. Over the years, I became more confident, eventually moving from basic repairs to making my own little dresses and skirts, just like my mom had. She taught me not only how to sew but also why it was so important—to preserve an art that was in danger of fading and to connect with something deeply rooted in our family history. As a teenager, we started our own business designing, sewing and selling elaborate Victorian costumes for a local festival every Christmas. Once my daughter came along, I switched my focus to sewing custom clothing for her and eventually selling boutique style clothing online. Once she was “too big” to wear the adorable outfits I created, I moved on to bag making, specializing in knitting project bags and then onto more complicated handbags out of faux leather and vinyl.
I knew that, just like my mon, I wanted to pass this art on to my children. And so, when my own kids were old enough, I made sure to teach them what I had learned, continuing the cycle of creativity and craftsmanship. Even my boys took to it! I was so proud when they’d come to me, asking for help with their own sewing projects. It was important to me that they learned the value of making something with their hands, regardless of whether they ever chose to pursue it professionally. There’s something so powerful about teaching the next generation how to create, how to problem-solve, and how to take pride in the things they make.
As I’ve watched sewing become a less common skill, especially in a world where mass production and fast fashion reign, I feel an even greater sense of responsibility to pass this knowledge on. Sewing isn’t just about making clothes or fixing a hem—it’s about connecting to a rich tradition of craftsmanship that has stood the test of time. It’s about being self-sufficient, about creating something unique, and about embracing sustainability in a world that’s increasingly focused on disposable items.
I believe that sewing, though it may be a “dying art” in some circles, is still incredibly relevant today. It empowers people to create, repair, and recycle. It’s an art that encourages mindfulness, creativity, and problem-solving, all while fostering a deep sense of accomplishment. I want to help others rediscover the joy of working with fabric, of sitting down with a project and seeing it come together stitch by stitch.
My mission now is to teach others how to sew, especially those who think it might be too difficult or time-consuming. The joy of making something from nothing is a gift that should be passed on. Whether it’s through teaching a child, hosting sewing classes, or sharing my journey, I hope to inspire others to take up the needle and thread and carry on the tradition that’s been passed down through my family for generations.
Sewing isn’t just a craft—it’s a legacy. It’s a link between generations, a connection to the past, and a way to build something meaningful in the present. And as long as I can, I’ll keep passing it down, one stitch at a time.
