Well, it’s that time again—spring, and that means spring dresses! Specifically, an Easter dress for my granddaughter. It always takes me a long time to make my decision before I begin sewing.
I remember Easter dresses that Mom made for my sister and me. One year that particularly sticks out in my mind is the one we had dresses with matching coats. (I am sure it was during the Jackie Kennedy reign that the coat and dress ensemble became so wildly popular.) Mine was a yellow coat with a patterned dress underneath, probably linen. Mom worked for days on our Easter outfits—each stitch was a labor of love.
Now, sewing for Amelia has become my passion. I love seeing her try on a new dress and then spinning around to make sure it is full enough and stands out the appropriate amount. I think girls have been doing that for decades. There is something special about a “spin-around” dress!
She has a new sewing machine of her own in my sewing room, and I can hardly wait to start teaching her. I selected a Baby Lock Sophia 2 for her, a small machine but one she will use for years. She loves bright fabrics, and I want her to be excited about her first project.
Since we launched Classic Sewing magazine in November, we have heard countless stories of women teaching others to sew. We are seeing a resurgence of young people sewing and children taking classes to learn to sew. It’s not the money-saving mission it used to be but the enjoyment of making something.
In this fast-paced world, teach a young person to do something with their hands. Whether it is baking, sewing, painting, or gardening, choose something that is creative.
Share your story with me!
