Many Getting Reacquainted With Their Sewing Machines
For many woman under the age of 45, chances are good that the last time they sat down in front of a sewing machine was in a junior high school home economics class. The assignment was to make either an apron or a pillow cover. The experience was likely not a pleasant one, and the project probably didn’t come out looking exactly as expected. “Never again!” proclaimed the masses.
Thirty years have gone by and a surprising trend is developing. Those same women who swore they would die before they ever tried to sew again are beginning to show an interest in this activity. They are looking to sewing as a means of expanding their wardrobes and expressing their creativity.
Well-paid, professional women see sewing as a way to add creativity and style to their wardrobes. Items such as blouses and skirts can be sewn at home for a fraction of their retail cost.
This spring’s return of the dress makes for an easy sewing project that almost anyone can successfully accomplish over a weekend.
These budding seamstresses are not keeping their talents to themselves, either. Many groups are gathering together, sharing their sewing skills for a cause.
Volunteers in Cleveland make sleeping bags for children in the city’s shelters. San Diego has a group that meets to sew clothing and blankets for babies born prematurely. Church volunteers across the country sew blankets for refugees around the world.
Whether you are just getting started or you are an accomplished seamstress, there are workshops offered in almost every community to help you get started or get back on track. Your local fabric store is an excellent place to find out about sewing classes.
Other sources of valuable information are the popular sewing fairs being held across the country.
Starting Thursday, the world’s largest sewing event will take place for four days at the Western Washington Fairgrounds in Puyallup, Wash.
The event, sponsored by the Washington State University Cooperative Extension of Pierce County, offers 73 different educational topics presented by the industry’s leading experts, a demonstration stage and style shows featuring Burda Patterns, Martha Pullen’s collection of heirloom fashions and MacPhee Workshops’ Signature collection.
In addition, more than 200 vendors will be available to answer questions and demonstrate the latest developments in home sewing. Expo admission is $6 at the door. Seminars are $2 each. For more information, you may call WSU at (206) 840-4776.
Go forth and SEW!
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