My Design Journey
Sitting on Grandma Anna’s lap, I experienced the joy of sewing on a real machine for the first time. Well, I wasn’t actually doing the sewing. And, we weren’t using a fancy, electric Singer like Mother had in the corner of her bedroom. But it seemed like sewing just the same. Let me explain.
My parents, two sisters, and I arrived for a visit at my grandparent’s house in Spearfish, South Dakota. Tall and stately, with her gray hair pulled tight in a bun, wearing a long, calico housedress with an apron, my grandmother gathered us in with open arms. After sharing a platter of warm, sugar cookies around the kitchen table, the family ambled into the living room. Grandma and I slipped upstairs to do a little sewing on her marvelous treadle machine.
As the sunlight filtered through the large, paned window draped with pristine Priscilla curtains behind the sewing machine, I settled on my grandmother’s ample lap. She secured the fabric under the presser foot and guided it with her right hand while holding me close with her left.
My job was to operate the enormous, black treadle at the bottom of the machine. With both feet, I pushed the heavy pedal up and down, causing the large wheel to turn, creating the stitches. Amazing! The best part of my early sewing experience was the special attention and praise for a job well done, from my beloved grandmother.
Inspired by our mother, an excellent seamstress and tailor, my sisters and I grew up sewing. Mother taught us how to make simple patterns for our ten-inch dolls. We stitched doll clothes by hand using scraps of colorful cotton fabric left over from Mother’s projects.
A favorite pastime of we three sisters was making paper dolls by clipping the models pictured in the Sears catalog and dressing them with selections from the myriad of fashions in the thick, mail-order book. Often, we clothed our dolls in dresses that we drew ourselves and shaded with colored pencils.
In the 1960s, home economics classes in public schools offered cooking and sewing. Students learned to select fabric, follow a pattern guide, and stitch a garment. We graduated from simple aprons and A-line skirts to cotton dresses with set-in sleeves and pleated waists. At the end of the school year, we modeled our creations in a fashion show for our proud parents and served chocolate layer cake that we baked in the school’s kitchens.
During high school, I designed clothing by altering commercial patterns. To achieve a desired look, I pieced together sections of various patterns. For example, I might rework a pointed collar to create a rounded one or alter a short skirt to fashion a longer one, adding gathers at the waist to fit the bodice.
One year my sisters and I were simultaneously stitching prom gowns. Imagine the arguments about whose turn it was to use the sewing machine and the late nights rushing to finish our dresses in time for the big dance.
In my adult years, I enjoyed all types of needlework - cross stitch, crewel and silk ribbon embroidery, and needlepoint. As most crafters will attest, handwork is a way to relax and forget your troubles. We can get lost in a project for hours. Completing a project and having something lovely to display or give as a gift can be quite satisfying.
However, sewing cloth dolls became my passion. Drawn to the charm of vintage linens and hand-made lace, I incorporated these delicate pieces into my projects. After participating in local craft shows, I began designing original patterns. What a thrill it was to have my first design published in Crafts magazine!
As more of my projects appeared in various periodicals, I gained the confidence to send photos of my work to The McCall Pattern Company. Soon, I signed as one of McCall’s licensed designers. We created patterns following craft trends like sunflowers and snowmen, seasonal favorites such as angels and Santas, plus ever-popular quilts, pillows, and doll clothes. I enjoyed the design process, working from home, and being available for my children after school.
Meeting annually with McCall’s executives and Marketing Managers at the International Quilt Market was exhilarating! The vendor exhibits were a visual treat, displaying the newest fabrics, patterns, and books, as well as exquisite quilts. In addition, I learned from industry leaders while attending business seminars and art classes taught by prestigious instructors.
The highlight of my sewing career was being invited to design an ornament for the Official White House Christmas Tree. Artists were instructed to create white snowmen, 6 -12” tall, using blue and burgundy accent colors. Participants received invitations to a reception at the White House to view our ornaments on the 20-foot Douglas Fir displayed in the Blue Room. My family and I enjoyed a weekend in Washington DC, and toured the White House, beautifully decorated for the holidays.
Now that I live near my grandchildren, much of our time is spent creating fun projects. The kids have learned craft techniques such as drawing, painting, cutting, gluing, beading, and building with boxes. We make major messes, but we don’t care! The paint is washable, and so are the kids. I’m also passing on the joy of sewing to the children.
