16 May 2019
When I set up the website I had visions of doing a blog post once a week, as I have so many blog ideas, but I have been so busy being creative that I haven’t had a chance. However the business is getting busier and bigger so I thought it was time to tell all my new followers, and some of the long time ones a little bit more about me, and where my love of sewing came from. The simple answer is from my Mum. I have always known that I wanted to write this one, but I had to wait until I was in the right frame of mind as it will be a bit painful for me, so here goes.
I have been sewing, and knitting, for as long as I can remember. I was taught by my lovely Mother, Lesley, I don’t actually remember being taught, but I have clear memories of making garments from about the age of 11. I was a preteen/teenager in the ‘80’s and like most young girls I had a hankering for a Rah-Rah skirt. These were pre disposable fashion days, and I knew that the only way I would be able to own one was to make it. So off I toddled to “the berries” to make some hard cash, I can’t remember how much I made but it was enough to go to Remnant Kings with my Mum and she talked me through the pattern and showed me which materials would be best and how much I needed, I decided on a yellow cheesecloth material.
I’m fairly sure Mum helped a fair bit, as I didn’t have the skill set to put the zip in, but I do remember being chuffed to bits with my skirt, which spun out as I twirled, and the matching sleeveless top. Sadly I don’t have a picture of the outfit to share, but here’s one of me in a tank top I knitted at about the same time!
By the time I went to High School my sewing was fairly proficient, so much so that the Home Economics teacher had to give me extra work to do in class as I’d finished a full terms work in 2 lessons. I made a rather intricate Pierrot pyjama case which is still in my parents house somewhere, I must have a look for it.
Over the years I haven’t made too many things, the odd cushion, pairs of curtains for odd shaped windows, and fancy dress outfits for “The Coven”, that’s a whole blog post by itself. Fortunately my skill, very much inherited, has never faded, and like anything else, the more you do the better you become.
Starting @RebelGD has taught me lots of important lessons, and I’m sure it will continue to do so, but I’m going to leave you with these two for now. Teach your child the skills that you have, whether it be sewing, knitting, wood work, cooking, drawing, writing poetry, or even gardening, you never know when they will be able to use what you take for granted to help them in this world. Secondly, cherish your parents, sadly my Mum has never seen the fruits of her passing on her skills to me, but I know she’d love it all and be incredibly proud. Love you Mum. Xx