Thursday, September 11, 2008

To sew or not to sew

Back in early summer Stephanie began sewing lessons with our family friend and camping partner Mrs. Russ. She is the grandmother of Alma and Chloe, two of our greatest friends, and I taught with her for years. Stephanie is very comfortable around her and loves learning how to sew. It is in a room full of material, pins, needles and kid friendly machines.





We picked back up the lessons with the school year and Stephanie makes me so proud I could shout. See, she comes from a long line of seamstresses. Both of her great-grandmothers, grandmothers, and even myself have threaded more than our share of needles and ripped out a few seams in our time. It is something I am so thankful she is learning. My machine would not have produced such a love and interest. She would have tossed it out the window in frustration.







It is a joy to watch my little one with so much heritage of creativeness coarsing through her to thrive on her "projects". Somedays it is a mudpie with jewels, or a design made out of strings and beads. Other days it is a pillowcase or quilt. She is a fifth generation crafty girl.

6 comments:

Hannah said...

I just love that she is learning to sew and Mrs. Russ is perfect for her to learn from! Crafts like sewing are dying in this generation and how important that you are ecouraging her to learn it! I am so thankful that my mom taught me how to sew! I hope to one day also pass that down to my children!

lori said...

ok tell steph when she is all learned up she can teach me

Leslie said...

I have also always wanted to take lessons from Mrs. Russ. I really just need to know how to make a good pillow, so that I can change them out in different seasons. Maybe Steph can work on that for me!
Also, thanks for you comment on my blog. I think it was the nicest complement I have ever received. It made me feel special that wonderful Jill thought that about me!
Love you,
Les

The Russ Family said...

I know Drew enjoys his time on Wednesdays with "the girls". He definetly is the happiest when he is around other children younger or older. I think he'll know what to do IF he has a little sister. :-)
It is great that the girls are learning to sew.

Jeanne said...

That little seamstress better sew it up! Who knew? Is there anything your family can't do??? Honestly, I'm blown away....in a happy way, with only a tinge of envy! :)

Xandra@Heart-of-Service said...

That is so awesome. I also come from generations of seamstresses, and I enjoy working with my hands. I hope that my girl will want to pick up the tradition when she is old enough to do it!

Xandra