A life in sewing
Posted by: bron
My earliest memory of sewing is making clothes for my Malibou Barbie, probably at about the age of 7. It wasn't completely self-directed, my mother was always stitching away at some masterpiece, and she knew how to use a sewing machine.
Later I turned my talents to making clothes for myself and friends -- often a last minute rush the night before a disco -- so it was no surprise when I would get the award for general excellence in sewing through all my school years. It is only now I wonder why I went nursing after leaving school.
After nursing for 12 years, a two year course in fashion design became available in my area, which I completed and thoroughly enjoyed. I again claimed excellence awards in both years... running neck and neck with another student, who later became my husband -- Robbie Rate.
I love all aspects of sewing, fabric painting and printing. On a visit into town, I often see an intriguing detail on a garment in a shop window, or being worn by an innocent bystander. I can be so taken with this new idea that I want to go straight home and try it out!
Presently I make the occasional wedding dress or special garment for friends, or friends of friends, and fabric paint on pillows as gifts -- while keeping house and taking care of two children and my husband. When my youngest goes to school, I want to return to school to complete a third year in the diploma of fashion design.