Sew What’s Up Presents
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
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: jeanrabe
Date: 05-26-2007, 05:56 PM (1 of 5)
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Before I was 10, I had rheumatic fever. Back then, there was no TV; there was radio, however. I began simple needlework and was immediately hooked. I was bed-ridden and so could do few things. Once I was well I began to sew my own clothes, something I have continued to this day (age 73). While raising my four children, sewing was important for saving money. When I retired, I added quilting and machine embroidery to my "portfolio." Two years ago, June 14, 2005, my dear husband of 52 years, 17 days, 5 hours, and 4 minutes died suddenly. If I could not spend much of my time sewing, I would probably not be able to survive. Up here in northern Vermont, winters are very long. I have no neighbors, and my friends do not sew. But my sewing machine, as well as the techniques I have learned over the years and am still learning, keep me busy. Mostly now I make lap quilts for local nursing homes, using a stash collected for many years. But whether I am making quilts or sewing for my grandchildren, I am blessed to be able to continue this wonderful craft. jean rabe in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont winterquiltersummergolfer
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User: jeanrabe
Member since: 04-28-2004 Total posts: 1 
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From: lendube
Date: 05-26-2007, 06:31 PM (2 of 5)
HI Jean Rabe,  Welcome to our wonderful site. Be assured that we'll be here to keep you company during those long, cold winters should you decide to stick around. Do you have animals for company? I couldn't be without mine. I'm sure you'll have much to contribute to our lively group. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: bosco_ette
Date: 06-14-2007, 05:00 AM (3 of 5)
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For me Sewing has been: therapy when kids were acting up, wearable art forms I got recognized for at fairs, gift giving for weddings and baby showers , meeting necessities, for hard to fit people or for prom dresses when we were on a budget, and FUN!!! I have met many like minded friends in American sewing guild over the years. I hope I am still as active as you are, Jean, years down the road. thanks for the encouragement. Hope to read more tips from you in days to come.
15 mintues a day minimum.. get to your studio and make something!
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User: bosco_ette
Member since: 06-14-2007 Total posts: 16 |
From: esrun3
Date: 06-14-2007, 07:18 PM (4 of 5)
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Hi Jean, welcome to the group. I've been sewing for over 45 years and I too have found it necessary to sew to keep my sanity some days! LOL It's been a life saver for clothing, gifts and just destressing especially in the days where money was tight as a single mom. Now I sew for the shear pleasure of it-but still use it as a destressor. As Lennie said, we'll all be around come winter time to keep you company too! Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: keljo60
Date: 06-14-2007, 09:18 PM (5 of 5)
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Wow! That sure does sound like a long time! How sewing has affected my life ... good question. It's always been the one thing that I have been really good at. I've made a couple of quilts and just about anything wearable. If it has a pattern, I can make it. It may not be couture! but it will be good. It's always been something that's "mine". If I choose to share it, I can (and usually do), if I choose to gift it, I can, and if I choose to keep it for myself, I can do that too. It's personal, and comfortable (like the white fake-fur jacket I made when I was pg with dd #1!), and dependable to always be there for me like a good friend, sometimes better than a friend because it's always there waiting for ME without any previous engagements. I'm not very gifted artistically, but this way I can show my creative side and be proud of what I've accomplished. Golly, I've never really put that much thought into it because it's always just been there! Thanks for making me think! Kelly
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup! |
User: keljo60
Member since: 07-30-2006 Total posts: 154 
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