Sunday, August 21, 2011

About Me




Not sure why I feel like I should tell you all this today, but here it goes.

I started sewing my doll clothes at a very early age and by 10 years old, I made all my summer clothes. My paternal grandmother and my mother were both seamstresses, so it seemed like the thing to do. I totally enjoyed the creative process and moved on to sewing things for my sisters and other family members.

At the time, I was sewing on my mothers little SINGER featherweight machine built around 1950...what a wonderful machine. A few years ago, I inherited my grandmothers featherweight (it's the machine in the picture with the pin cushions on a previous blog)....love, love it. When I graduated high school, I got a job and decided I needed a brand new Singer. I wore it out..can you believe that? After that I bought another Singer, than a Pfaff, then another Pfaff which is the one I use mostly today. I do have a VIKING but mostly use it for embroidery work. If you sew very much, it's important to get a good machine....a lot less stress that way.

When I was 19 years old I made my first quilt. It is the one pictured here and was totally hand pieced and hand quilted. I love the hand quilting, but not sure I will ever hand piece a quilt again....but I have also learned...never say never :-)

I sewed all my work clothes, then my children's clothes and costumes and also all of our home decorations. Also, in the late 70's my mom and I started a very small upholstery business and did that for a couple years...wow, that's back breaking work. One of the coolest things I did was the interior of a 1967 VW Beetle that Wes and I rebuilt.

In the 80's and 90's, the kids were on a dance team and I sewed hundreds and hundreds of dance costumes. I think that is the most rewarding sewing I have ever done. To see the smiling faces and how proud they were on stage was totally awesome.

I was lucky to retire a few years ago and I can happily say that I sew almost every day of my life. I have a wonderful husband that supports and encourages my passion.

A happy day is a creative day is what I always say. I do lots of special orders, but to be honest, I love to be able to be creative and let the fabric and the moment take control.

I didn't realize that so many of you read my blog and miss me when I don't post. I will continue to try to post more, but just know that if I am gone for a few days or even a week or more...I am in here creating lots of fun things to show you.

PS: Watch for posts on facebook for our Second Annual Holiday Gift show. Mark your calendar for Friday, December 10th.

Thanks again....Happy Sunday.

4 comments:

eljay716 said...

You are a very talented lady and I see you come by it naturally!! You are right, the VW interior was amazing!

Paula Parrish said...

Hello Teresa,
This is a wonderful post; I love hearing all about your talent in sewing and how you got started. You are very blessed to have grown up around talented and creative women. Whenever I buy a new sewing machine; I will come to you for advise on what to buy. I love reading your blog. Thanks for sharing this heartfelt story.
Smiles, Paula

Teresa said...

Thank you Linda and Paula :-)

janierob said...

How fascinating to learn more about you, your talents and your interests. Thanks for sharing.

Janie