I have been a faithful Threads reader for at least the last 3 years. I never missed buying an issue. I constantly would debate the savings of purchasing a subscription and how it would save me money. In the end I would always say, “No not right now, maybe next time.” Well, yesterday, I received my very first subscription issue! I was so stinking excited! This issue marks the 25th anniversary of Threads. As such they have several letters from readers of why they sew. Reading these got me thinking about why I love to sew and what got me started. I want to share the reasons behind my passion with you all. I am sure some of you will notice similar qualities in your own stories.
As kids, my sister and I did a lot of different crafts with my Mom, and sometimes my Dad. We learned how to tie-dye, we did papermache, I learned how to cross-stitch and latch hook. You name it I have probably done it at some point. But one of my most vivid early crafting memories was learning how to hand sew when I was probably around the ages of 8 or 9. My Mom helped my sister and I make our own Barbie clothes out of our old clothes. Most specifically I remember making Barbie dresses out of a pair of neon orange sweatpants. I am sure those clothes that we made are still floating around in storage with all our old Barbies.
I always dreamed of making Princess style ballgowns. I am going to blame this on watching my most favorite Disney movie, Cinderella. Those mice sure know how to sew! Anyways, I remember when my sister and I would play dress up, it was not with clothes from a chest of costumes, but rather with our bedsheets. We would take turns “designing” dresses for each other by wrapping/tying/tucking our bedsheets onto one another. I think this may be the root cause of why I love Renaissance costumes so much.
As I grew older I began drawing. I drew the same figures over and over with different clothes on. I still have some of those early drawings and giggle every time I look at them.
I also remember that all throughout school, my favorite subject was history. I always love looking at paintings and depictions to study what the subjects are wearing. My favorite time period was colonial America. I loved the American Girl books, especially Felicity. For those not familiar with the books, she lived in colonial America in 1774. There are several different series, each following a different American Girl. They are great books for young girls to read that teach great values. Now, that I am older I cannot wait to share these with my future daughters. But back to Felicity. She had some awesome dresses. I even dressed up for Halloween one year as her in her blue gown. It is not surprising that I love this dress!
Looking back and remembering all of these things it makes sense that when it was time for me to pick a major in college I chose apparel design. I cannot remember anything that I have loved doing more than creating a new garment! A lot of people talk about sewing for themselves and not liking to sew for others, not me. Don’t get me wrong I can be quite selfish when it comes to sewing. I do not make anything for other people exactly as I have made it for myself. I make things to be unique. And let’s be honest, who of us does not like the thrill of someone asking where you got your clothes and saying “Oh, I made this.”? Right, that’s what I thought. As much as I love sewing for me, I want to pass that along to others as well. This is why I wanted to start my Etsy costume shop. I love being able to share my passion with others and have them enjoy it. I believe that if you have a gift or talent for something you should share that with others to make the world a better place in your own way! I can say that I will never have the passion or dedication to change the world for the better by becoming President or curing cancer. But I can change someones world by donating my scarves or clothes that I made to those in need. Why do you sew?
