Frances Henrietta Kramer, circa 1925
This is my grandma, when she was 18. She learned how to sew from her mom, and my mom learned from her, and I learned to sew from my mom. So it’s sort of a genetic thing, really. At least that’s what I tell people when they say, “Oh, I wish I could sew!” My great-grandma wouldn’t touch any new fabric for clients, but did alterations for many people in town. My grandma and my mom also sewed for ladies in their neighborhoods, which kept what they called “pin money” in their pocketbooks.
In my senior year of high school, I decided I also wanted to try my hand at earning a bit of pin money, so I hung out my shingle (which consisted of a $10 ad in the Pennysaver, a free paper people read to find services like seamstresses or plumbers or the like). Over the last 30 years, I have sewn and sewn and sewn, all sorts of projects for many people for all sorts of occasions. From scores of bridesmaids dresses to clothing for a sweet (and very short) kindergarten teacher, I have had the privilege of meeting needs in many different ways. Before the days of Ross and Target, a client would come with their pattern and fabric and all the findings and I would make their garments custom. With the advent of discount stores, the call for custom seamstresses has largely been relegated to hemming pants or fixing a broken zipper.
About halfway into my sewing career, a friend called to say that she wanted me to make her slipcovers for her couch and loveseat. She had the fabric and she was coming over with the furniture and everything I needed. She was confident that I could do it. And so I did….and have loved this process of transforming great (yet ugly) furniture into new loveliness!
Yesterday, on the first glorious day of fall, I had a precious hour to myself while my daughter was taking her first voice lesson. I happened on an amazing quilting store in a quaint little village of shops. http://www.keepsakecottagefabrics.com/. I do believe I heard angels singing. And I think they were hiding in here:
The Jelly Roll
I have been taught, I have practiced my craft for 35 years, and I have the passion for creating whatever comes into my little heart next. Maybe I’ll be sewing something for you soon……;)
Stephanie, You have sewn many things for me! You are so generous with your time and gift. You, Stephanie, have blessed so many brides with dresses or hankies and babies with blankies. I love and appreciate you so much. I am so thankful for the beautiful creations you have given my babies and me. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
xxoo
My grandmother and mother climbed trees and had treat drawers for the kids… that, I believe is my gift to the world. Forever young and good for sharing a laugh!
Love this post!! And I love it when you find the kind of shop that you hear Angels sing…those are the BEST kind of shops!
I know the sound of those angels singing! Every morning when I unlock the doors. Keep on Sewing!!
I love the photo of grandma and all you shared.How our lives are woven within such an intricate web that still somehow leaves room for growth, huh?! love you my friend! Happy happy sewing…and hey, how much would it cost for a vintage mini mouse skirt for an adult? The blue with white polka dots.Not me, my daughter. let me know
You know I think you are so very talented. I hate sharing you with people but when I get a project back from you and it turns out 100 times better than I had imagined it in my head…………..I want to scream from the roof tops……. CALL STEPHANIE!!!!!!!!
Love this story!
Timi
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