Raised by my grandparents on a farm in Washington State, I grew up with an appreciation for doing things by hand and being self reliant. Living out of the cabin my grandfather built and witnessing my grandmother utilise the land by canning and making jams, resourcefulness was also embedded in me. I could entertain myself for hours by crocheting, hand sewing, embroidering - most of which was taught to me by my great grandmother who lived up the street. Riding my bike from her house with the thrill of learning a new craft made me feel invincible.
It was my grandmother who taught me the basics of machine sewing and quilting; one of my earliest memories is sitting on the living room floor, measuring yarn and hand tying her quilts together with her. After secondary school she gifted me her vintage Montgomery Ward sewing machine and I taught myself to not only sew garments but to make and use my own patterns for clothing as well.
NEW BEGINNINGS
This story is from the Issue 99, 2022 edition of Simply Sewing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 99, 2022 edition of Simply Sewing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
I AM PAN
The Pan top from I AM Patterns' Goddess collection can be sewn in wovens or knits for a comfortable and versatile basic
WHEN TWO BECOME ONE
Portia Lawrie shows us how to upcycle jumpers to make a new winter wardrobe staple
CHANGEMAKERS
There's no denying that the garment industry is doing damage to our planet, but the powerful forces behind the Zero Waste Design Collective are working hard to make a difference
STITCH upcycle
Jazz up an old pair of jeans with a stitched pocket edge! Mollie Johanson shows us how to add a subtle pop of colour to any trouser
HANDMADE TRIBUTE
Friendship, community and the memory of a good friend - Robert Sexton's favourite make is close to his heart
PATTERN REVIEW
Each month in our pattern review column, readers share their unique style with a gorgeous garment make!
TO THE RESCUE!
Children can be the star of their own action-adventure story with Kirsty Hartley's mask and cape set the perfect gift this Christmas!
THE RITA DRESS
Sew a midi- or maxi-length wrap dress to style for party season with the Rita Dress - an easy-sew design for dreamy lightweight fabrics
FRESH TAKE
Before heading off on honeymoon, Madhu Kottalam transformed an unused sari into this beautiful two-piece
MY SEWING WORLD
From her woodland cabin, Taylor runs Softpaw Vintage where she recycles vintage textiles into timeless garments
