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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
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which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: MaryW
Date: 08-08-2004, 06:47 AM (1 of 32)
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that there seem to be sewing lessons of one type or another popping up everywhere! Maybe it is just me but I seem to be hearing an awful lot about lessons lately. All sorts of them around being offered. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 08-08-2004, 07:14 AM (2 of 32)
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I think it is because sewing is becoming more popular with the home dec fad and television shows. Maybe fashion sewing will be the next textile fad now that knitting has had its day. It is hard to find regular sewing classes. It would be nice if Joannes or Hancock had classes. Not just for beginners. I would enjoy getting together with other sewers. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 08-08-2004, 12:13 PM (3 of 32)
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I noticed...I've also noticed in the past 2-3 yrs that quilting has REALLY taken off again....it's weird how sewing/quilting goes in cycles of about 25 yrs or so...there are SO many web sites about sewing/quilting/fabric/notions, not to mention the web sites for local sewing/fabric/quilt shops....I've always been a fabricaholic (even when I wasn't actively sewing)...
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: REDSTU1
Date: 08-08-2004, 08:44 PM (4 of 32)
I know I have been motivated by the home decorating shows. I am now learning how to sew things for my home and also learning how to quilt. It is funny how tv shows can motivate you to make things yourself instead of running out to buy them. I am on a fix budget so making it myself just makes more since
Lori
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User: REDSTU1
Member since: 07-17-2004 Total posts: 17 
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From: janeth
Date: 08-12-2004, 11:59 AM (5 of 32)
| The 25 year cycle I beleive is each generation, in which no parent (or family member) was avaible to teach the next generation. I am 60 years old and taught my daughter and sons to sew and cut up chicken. My daughter recently told me she was the only one of her group who knew how to cut one up. |
User: janeth
Member since: 08-12-2004 Total posts: 2 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 08-12-2004, 12:39 PM (6 of 32)
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I tried to teach my DIL how to sew , but she does not have the patience to learn it right now.. She really does not have the time to devote to this and we both know it.. There are not enough hours in their days... She and DS both share family and household duties, so that everything gets done, and free time is family time.. That is most important to them , right now.. And of course sewing for them keeps me involved in something constructive so I don't get into too much mischief.. LOL
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: paroper
Date: 08-12-2004, 12:54 PM (7 of 32)
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I'm amazed how many quilters there are out there! Men and women. It doesn't seem that there are many fashion seamstresses though. It is pretty amazing how much there is in home decorating! It seems like to me that it started with the no-sew stuff and that just grew into people doing all kinds of very beautiful and creative things. I think that the problem with fashion sewing is that the price of fabric and patterns coupled with the valuable time and the relatively low cost of clothing in stores (well, you can buy all kinds of things for almost any price you are willing to pay), makes it not cost effective anymore. One thing for sure: There are some pretty amazing notions and machines available out there. What is even more facinating to me is how many different types of machines and how specialized they are right now. I can remember when it seems like you'd ask someone what type of machine they had and it was a Singer, Kenmore, Pfaff, Brother...not a particular model that specialized in a particular type of sewing. If you ask someone now what kind of machine they have they are almost telling you how they like to use it.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: MartySews
Date: 08-12-2004, 06:24 PM (8 of 32)
I think garment sewing is becoming fashionable again. Hancock Fabrics in my community offers beginner and intermediate lessons as well as all of the dealers and most of the independent fabric stores. Most say that the classes help keep the stores afloat. Also there is an increased presence of sewing guilds and clubs within many of the churches. Teens are wanting to learn to sew more than ever. When I offered an afterschool sewing class two years ago, I had over 25 children ages 5-13 sign up. I had to divide them into 5 classes. Most wanted to learn to make their own school uniforms and costumes for theatrical plays. One little one wanted to sew like her Grandma did before she died. She was only 7 years old and produced some great work for one so young. The girls each made a scrunchie, scarf, tote bag for sewing supplies, skirt, a pair of pants, and a cardigan style jacket. The boys made a tool belt, a pair of boxers, pillowcases, T-shirt, pants and a fleece jacket. It took over 20 hours for each class to complete their projects but they had fun. I think if this is offered in afterschool programs, more students would want to learn to sew. I brought in my own sewing machines and a serger and made sure each child knew what to do before touching the machines. The class sizes were limited to 5 and they spent one Saturday shopping for fabric. I met them at the store to help with their selections. We had a great time. I had to stop for health reasons but I encourage those who are able to do this in their community. Happy Stitching! Marty 
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504 
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From: paroper
Date: 08-12-2004, 06:29 PM (9 of 32)
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Marty! What wonderful work and a wonderful chance to influence young lives! When I was in school Home Ec was required (I grew up in a lower economic farming community). It is too bad it isn't manditory anymore because it offered the kids a great taste of what home life could be when many kids didn't have much of one.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: blackie
Date: 08-13-2004, 01:10 AM (10 of 32)
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I am 27 and Home Ec was required when I was in school ten years ago. But I hated it, it was a real drag that didn't capture the heart of homemaking. It wasn't until I became a stay-at-home mom that I discovered what a joy it could be to sew, cook, and run a household (and I'm still a novice!). I think what happens in the home is more likely to influence a kid than what happens in one class at school. Because of this, I try to include my children in these things. My 2 1/2 year old has helped me sew, clean, wash dishes, and prepare meals. It can be tough to be a hardworking example, and to include her in these jobs (which slows me down), but I hope to show her the joy of maintaining and creating a sense of home. Marty, I think it's so great you offered those classes. You probably enriched many young people's lives. see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: paroper
Date: 08-13-2004, 04:40 AM (11 of 32)
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I agree that the best place to learn about homemaking is at the feet of your mother, grandmother, or even your dad...there is no substitue, but even back in the 70's a lot of wives had to work. Many of our kids grow up not knowing how to run a basic household. Even in the current home ec classes, they are taught how to do microwave dinners, not to cook home-cooked meals. (Not that microwave is bad, we all do it, but they need to know both.) I think that all kids need to have a little basic sewing knowledge, to repair or sew on a button and a little basic cooking knowledge. I am amazed at the people I know who don't sit down to eat with their family even once a week, but with today's time problems and schedules, I understand.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: blackie
Date: 08-13-2004, 05:00 PM (12 of 32)
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Originally posted by paroper ... even back in the 70's a lot of wives had to work... I am amazed at the people I know who don't sit down to eat with their family even once a week, but with today's time problems and schedules, I understand. I think it's all about priorities. Most of the people who "have to work" don't really "have to" -- they have to if they want to afford their lifestyles -- credit cards, eating out, 1 or 2 cars... I left my (substantial) salary to stay home. We have had to make adjustments and don't own as much as many friends my age with 2 incomes, but I am happy trying to focus on the family. I am proud to say we four eat together every single night. My babies are little (2 1/2 and 4 months) so in some ways this is easy (no Little League games or extracirricular activities), and in other ways it's hard (making a nutritious meal with 2 little ones afoot - yikes!). I hope we can continue this trend and eat together most nights of the week, if not all -- my impression is, as the kids get older it's tougher! see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: paroper
Date: 08-13-2004, 06:35 PM (13 of 32)
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I know, I left a nice steady job (cut our salary in half) to stay home when the twins were 4 1/2 and their sister was 7 1/2. I started sewing. Most of the time I went without much sleep and sewed at night so that my kids could have a quality home life that I felt they had missed while my well-meaning family had talked me into to staying with my good job. It was very tough and there was/still is a lot of pasta and home grown food in our diet. Has it been worth it? You bet I wouldn't have missed it for the world, but on the other hand, I miss being a professional. In the beginning I thought each year would get easier financially, physically, but now I realize that each year gets a little tougher and more satisfying. Ive been there when both my parents were dying, my son was hit by a car, I've been there to nurse the kids through flu and broken hearts. I've been Girl Scout Leader, Day Camp director, gone to mother daughter camp, helped sell cookies and sausage door to door. I've never missed a ballgame, parade, school party or drama performance, a band performance or an awards assembly. It has been wonderful!
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: blackie
Date: 08-13-2004, 08:29 PM (14 of 32)
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pam, it feels great to hear you say that. i am not always sure i did the right thing by coming home. i have a degree in chemical engineering and had worked about five years in the field when i quit and my husband went to work. he had stayed home with our daughter since my maternity leave ended and until i came home, when DD was 10 months old. most SAHM's seem to feel they have to justify the amount of work they do during the day. why is this? part of it must be that being a fulltime stay-at-home parent is devalued. i don't think people are very supportive when you quit a professional field "just to stay home". you get those occasional fun comments about "wasting your brain", etc. see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: paroper
Date: 08-13-2004, 11:24 PM (15 of 32)
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You aren't wasting your brain, you are sharing your life, your home. There is no waste. When my DS was in intensive care and not expected to live, I was there. My children watched me our family pull together so I could be gone to sit with the mother for the couple of weeks as my dad died. When my mom became unable to care for herself, we all moved in to care for her for six years. All the kids sacrificed just like my DH and I did. They spent hours watching "Wheel of Fortune" and playing cars and reminising with her. We brought my 16 yr old's newborn from the hospital as my mom entered for the last time. Then we built a support group for her as she completed high school and her first year of college at the same time! I've had the chance to live the life of a young mother all over again...and she is a jewel. In the meantime, my dd was admitted to a very demanding respiratory therapy program and tonight she graduated! She wanted to be able to help people and she has found a great field! The twins are very happy and successful in high school. They are highly respected and have many friends. We have all learned to be a caring family together. On the flipside, I had the world's coolest job. I had actually more or less invented a position (not on purpose) and loved what I was doing. The job was getting too big for me and I was under constant stress, but making good money and good benefits and had a lot of respect from people all over the globe. It was cool but terribly stressful and because of time zone problems or program requirements, I had to be up many times in the middle of the night working from home. In the middle of this, my 4 yr old dug out under the back fence of the day care and ran away. (Her DB wouldn't go, he just ran along and cheered.) My family was a mess. I made the right decision and so did you....don't let them get to you...12 years from now you'll look back and you'll smile contentedly too and say "I did the right thing!"
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 08-14-2004, 07:48 AM (16 of 32)
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I was lucky. I was able to work from home most of the time. I spent only a few years working at the office when my youngest was in middle and high school. We always had a houseful of kids although we only had two kids of our own. A couple times they practically moved in -- even sleeping over three or four nights a week. Like Blackie said, staying home meant a lower income, but it was worth it to be with my kids. We had dinner together every night, the four of us in the family and at least one or two other kids. We had some that were regulars, their parents were working and, although they were well fed at home, they liked the family thing. I read somewhere that one of the few things that they can correlate just about across the board with kids that manage to stay out of serious trouble is eating dinner with the family regularly. At the same time I understand why some people have to work, if not for the money just to get out of the house. Our society needs to do something for these families to meet childcare needs. It's to the point where both parents are expected to have careers and, in many, many cases need the double income to get by. If you can judge a society by the way it cares for its very young and very old, we appear to be a very selfish lot. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 08-14-2004, 01:39 PM (17 of 32)
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Blackie, I admire what you are doing.. If the "Brain Drain" begins to bother you sometime in the future, (of course, it should NOT..) but if it does, you can always find a group that could use your volunteer services one morning a week.. This is, of course after your baby is in Kindergarten, So that you should be able to manage one morning free to feed the need for adult interaction, if there is that need.. Some people feel this need and some do not.. I only had a need to read for one hour without being interrupted, so I used to arrange with DH and one evening a week, I went to local library to read for one hour..(by myself) That was my salvation... Way back then, we could not afford anything else.. It worked... And I always found something of value to read.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: MartySews
Date: 08-14-2004, 02:07 PM (18 of 32)
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When my DD was born, I was the primary wage earner. I had over 15 yrs on the job with pension and insurance benefits to consider. Because we adopted, I was not given 6 weeks off from work but had to return after 2 weeks of vacation. Fortunately, we had a nanny who was there and my office was close enough that my lunch hours were spent caring for my little one. My MIL lived across the street and DD built a solid, close, loving relationship with her before she died. My DH was able to go back to school and had a complete career change. It was a lot of sacrifice. At 16, she is my pride and joy. The stress of being all to everyone did take its toll on my health. I took early retirement after 26 years in a very stressful job. However, I knew what was necessary at the time. Do I wish that I was a SAHM when she was little, YOU BETCHA! Am I sorry that I went back to work when she was 2 weeks old, NO. It was necessary for our family's survival. Our DD has grown to be an independent, caring and nurturing person. Because of her exposure in daycare, she has made a lot of lasting friends. Now, in retirement, I have a good, solid pension and she has a nice fund for college. We are very close and she has a solid head on her shoulders. While others I know are dealing with drugs, alcohol, and teen rebellion, I'm not. It all has to do with choice and how one handles all that comes with that choice. Happy Stitching! Marty
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: paroper
Date: 08-14-2004, 02:17 PM (19 of 32)
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Our local libraries have morning play groups once a week at different times of the year. It is a great time for young mothers to meet and bring their small children, 18 mos to 3 yrs. It also give the children a chance to interact with other small children. Also, my niece belonged to a play group that was a group of young mothers staying home to take care of their children. They met together once a week and did something, took all the kids to the zoo and different places. She made wonderful young adult friends and the kids got along well. Her play group was so large that they were able to wrangle great entrance prices to different places. Some of the member mothers even became so close that they would exchange babysitting for nights (or days) out for each other.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Mother in Law
Date: 08-15-2004, 06:00 PM (20 of 32)
| Sewing is coming back in to fad because of all the different hobby stores opening. Hobby Lobby, Hancocks JoAnn's and ect. Not only do they offer sewing but also craft things to decorate the home. The TV shows also promote the industry which makes makes everyone want to get involved. I just hope the fad doesn't fade and all our creative souces for goods dry up with it's death. |
User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: Magot
Date: 08-16-2004, 02:27 PM (21 of 32)
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Well done on eating together as a family Blackie, it is so valuable. we still sit down together during the week ( daughters 20 and 17) and at weekends we have Big Sunday dinner together with Boyfriends and friends. A recent statistic showed that children were much more likely to take drugs (!) and get caught up in the criminal element if they did not sit down to famiily meals. I think it was explained by being related to the lack of social involvement in the family. So I would assume if you have social involvement elsewhere then that would mitigate these stats. ( You know what they say, "there are lies, damned lies and statistics")I left research microbiology to be at home with my girls and it was FAB! A real privilage and in time I have done other things with my life - I now work at a local school with special needs kids, very rewarding, and have just published my third book. Your brain doesn't die when you stay at home with kids though there are days when you think "What have I said today apart from "No"?" Don't you just love this site? There is so much help and encouragement to be found here and no Ego's! love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: TammyE.H.
Date: 10-24-2004, 10:36 AM (22 of 32)
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I just wanted to jump in and adress the topic of Brain Drain... I have a HUGE career outside the home. My DH is the lucky one who gets to stay at home because that's more financially viable. (Fortunately, I've finally hired someone to do the travelling for me, so I don't have to do that anymore) We were determined that ONE of us be at home. I just wish it could be me. And we don't even have small children; I'm a grandmother... I believe that the corporate world is where your brain gets turned to mush and the home is where you restore it. The danger in being at home is Cabin Fever. A great solution for that is to do volunteer work. Or even launch one of those Home Based Businesses. Many of them are no longer pyramid schemes but rather excellent alternatives to the traditional business model. I have friends who are Financial advisers, Team builders, Candle reps, etc. from the home. And as a group we all support one another... We all have some kind of sideline to ensure our future. (Job world doesn't do that anymore) We're currently working toward my retirement. By the time I'm in my early 40s I'll be a VERY young, retired, grandmother... I will LEAVE the corporate world with a spring in my step, a little happy-dance and NEVER LOOK BACK. I envy those of you who get to stay at home. You are blessed, fortunate and above all SMART! 
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User: TammyE.H.
Member since: 08-28-2004 Total posts: 51 
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From: MaryW
Date: 10-24-2004, 11:19 AM (23 of 32)
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We always ate together even when everyone was busy. Teenagers with jobs are sometimes gone but other than that, we were together at meal time. When Friday night came, they all wanted to go out so I didn't cook that one night.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Magot
Date: 10-24-2004, 12:33 PM (24 of 32)
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Having had daughter no 1 leave home she asked me for hints on how to shop- "go to the market late" was about the best advice I could give her. She now has a local marketeer as her regular supplier , gets the end of day bargains, and 10% discount for being a student and often gets eggs thrown in fir free as the lady doesn't want to take them home. She and her boyfriend get teased at college for having romantic dinners all the time. They don't live on microwave food and pot noodles, and had gammon for Sunday dinner. She is so proud and probably the healthiest student in the college. Basil the Boyfriend when wooing her would turn up with rabbits, pidgeons etc that he had shot and cleaned for them to cook. Let alone the honey,beer,mead and wine he produces!(well the bees help with the honey) Mind you, she can't sew much, daughter 2 does that. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: sewingastherapy
Date: 10-31-2004, 12:33 PM (25 of 32)
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I work, hubby stays home. Sure he gets insulted by the testostorone crowd, but we have a happy, healthy, well adjusted 16 year old daughter, so insult away. I'm glad to see we weren't alone in our fiscally irresponsible decision, but I wouldn't change it for the world or a new car. Started sewing when I was pregnant and my hormones went into nesting mode. LOVE IT!!! I still sew for my daughter, working on a camouflage Anne Klein coat for her. It's fun and her friends are all jealous. I will always feel that the most important thing I ever did was make my daughter more important than my "Lifestyle". Keep it up because at some point they will know and appreciate the sacrifice, mine has.
sewing as therapy
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User: sewingastherapy
Member since: 10-31-2004 Total posts: 5 |
From: susies1955
Date: 10-31-2004, 01:50 PM (26 of 32)
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I'm a brand new sewer/quilter as of last October. I became interesting in quilting so dug in. I "SO" would love to learn to sew clothes but I don't have a clue where to start. I have been a stay at home Mom all my life and my two sons moved out two summers ago. I'm finding a little more time and would love to learn. I work VERY part time but almost not enough to speak of. Susie who just turned 49 years old this month :o) northern NY
http://community.webshots.com/user/susies1955 |
User: susies1955
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 124 
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From: MaryW
Date: 10-31-2004, 02:18 PM (27 of 32)
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Susie, there are sewing and quilting lessons on this site. You can ask any questions you have. There is always someone around to answer them and give you a helping hand.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: susies1955
Date: 10-31-2004, 02:57 PM (28 of 32)
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Susie, there are sewing and quilting lessons on this site. You can ask any questions you have. There is always someone around to answer them and give you a helping hand. MaryW, I will take a look around. Thanks, Susie northern NY
http://community.webshots.com/user/susies1955 |
User: susies1955
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 124
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From: MartySews
Date: 10-31-2004, 07:15 PM (29 of 32)
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Hi Susie, Welcome to the Sew-What's-New. My passion is for sewing garments. I don't know anything about quilting except the basics. The first thing about sewing clothing is having your proper measurements. Belonging to a sewing guild really helps as one can have a sewing buddy take your measurements. From there, one determines the pattern size (different from RTW), chooses the fabric for the garment, and then cut out the pattern pieces. Take it slow and steady. Before long, you will be "whipping out" garments. Happy Stitching! Marty 
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: susies1955
Date: 10-31-2004, 08:03 PM (30 of 32)
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Marty, We have no such thing as a sewing guild around here. I do have a nieghbor that sew some and she could help me out I guess. I'm sure all of you could too. I have a ton of quilty things going right now. Maybe after the holidays I will get a pattern and try something. Thanks, Susie northern NY
http://community.webshots.com/user/susies1955 |
User: susies1955
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 124
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From: DorothyL
Date: 11-01-2004, 07:58 AM (31 of 32)
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Susie Start with a very simple patterns and work your way up. There are people here that can answer your questions. Where in upstate New York are you? I'm in the Finger Lakes. If we are not to far from each other I'd be glad to help you out. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: susies1955
Date: 11-01-2004, 10:40 AM (32 of 32)
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Dorothy, Oh yes........I would "have" to start with a simple one. I think you are a long way from me sad to say. I'm WAY up north. I'm about an hour north of Watertwon. Ever heard of that? Thanks, Susie northern NY
http://community.webshots.com/user/susies1955 |
User: susies1955
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 124
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