Lonny and I saw the musical "The Pajama Game" last night. I didn't realize it was about a pajama factory until then or maybe I plead the fifth on having known that once since I probably saw the Doris Day movie back in the olden days. Odd timing since I wrote the following on Thursday.
For anyone that has known me awhile (like twenty five years) you know I use to spend my days staring at a sewing machine. My mom taught me to sew when I was ten years old. I made my first dress, which I wore to school, when I was in the fourth grade. It was awesome. From that time forward I pretty much made all my clothes until I went to college. I don't remember really wanting to do that but I paid for all my clothes so sewing them meant I had more. When I had saved up a whopping 7 dollars for Levi's 501's and we were finally allowed to wear them to school that was my clothing of choice. I still want to wear jeans and a t-shirt, maybe because I didn't have to make them. I also am a reformed sweatshop worker. I started sewing at a factory that manufactured children's clothing, mostly dresses. I hated sitting there trying to fix my machine myself or waiting for the mechanic so I could get back to work and then make some money. We were paid by the piece not by the hour. I did love seeing all the little dresses we worked on. My next job was sewing all the fabric tops and sides together for a mattress and box spring manufacturer in WA. And I mean all. I was the only seamstress and the only girl. I could tell some stories but my husband doesn't want to hear about it. When I left there I went to work for a sportswear factory. Mostly ski coats and pants. I later worked for a lady in CA that made tennis wear out of her house. And even though I worked and finished school while my first two children were young, as they got older I put away the "projects" I was doing. It all was just too distracting. I am so not a multi-tasker. Fast forward to now and I am making up for lost time. In the past two weeks I have made 5 kid-size crayon holding aprons, 4 aprons for the cooks at enrichment night and 2 bags for Emilys pointe shoes.
For anyone that has known me awhile (like twenty five years) you know I use to spend my days staring at a sewing machine. My mom taught me to sew when I was ten years old. I made my first dress, which I wore to school, when I was in the fourth grade. It was awesome. From that time forward I pretty much made all my clothes until I went to college. I don't remember really wanting to do that but I paid for all my clothes so sewing them meant I had more. When I had saved up a whopping 7 dollars for Levi's 501's and we were finally allowed to wear them to school that was my clothing of choice. I still want to wear jeans and a t-shirt, maybe because I didn't have to make them. I also am a reformed sweatshop worker. I started sewing at a factory that manufactured children's clothing, mostly dresses. I hated sitting there trying to fix my machine myself or waiting for the mechanic so I could get back to work and then make some money. We were paid by the piece not by the hour. I did love seeing all the little dresses we worked on. My next job was sewing all the fabric tops and sides together for a mattress and box spring manufacturer in WA. And I mean all. I was the only seamstress and the only girl. I could tell some stories but my husband doesn't want to hear about it. When I left there I went to work for a sportswear factory. Mostly ski coats and pants. I later worked for a lady in CA that made tennis wear out of her house. And even though I worked and finished school while my first two children were young, as they got older I put away the "projects" I was doing. It all was just too distracting. I am so not a multi-tasker. Fast forward to now and I am making up for lost time. In the past two weeks I have made 5 kid-size crayon holding aprons, 4 aprons for the cooks at enrichment night and 2 bags for Emilys pointe shoes.
What should I make next?
8 comments:
I didn't know that about you!!!
I should have had you make my slings...
My kids still use the pillow cases you made them for Christmas one year and you tried to teach me to sew those sunflower dresses for my girls. (I think you did all the real work) and you made a canopy for Danielle's bed once. I've really reaped the rewards of your talents! Thank you!
Happy Birthday!
Is it already your birthday? Happy 50th. Boy that sounds old...oh yeah, tha's how old I'll be this year too. How did that happen?
Wait a minute! I thought your birthday was March 12th...who am I confusing numbers with?
I did not know all that about you! Cool, very cool!about the sewing I mean! I just designed a great "all in one" temple bag...you want to sew it?
I was actually guilted into sewing recently by a one armed almost 50 year old seamstress making her own slings.
Thanks for the birthday greetings. Michele's birthday is March 12th.
If you really want to get back into sewing (and selling) stuff- I know a great online site for a world wide market and I also have an option for free fabric- interested?
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