Why Learn How To Sew?

By Sylvia Leinweber

When I entered first grade, my lesson plan included sewing skills, or, as it was known then, needle work. Two hours every week, for every year of my school career. And I hated it.

At that time I seemed to possess none of my mother's talent for everything involving any kind of needle and thread or yarn, nor any of my father's ability to turn a raw substance into a lovely piece of art. I was, as they say, all thumbs and had no patience for stuff like that.

Although they never said so, I know that my teachers despaired when they saw my poor efforts involving fabric or yarns. My projects often ended up in the "incomplete" box in our attic, or were turned in as horrible failures for which I received the dreaded "6", the German equivalent of an "F".

All this changed when I was 15 years young. I saw the film "Bonnie and Clyde" and was captivated by her retro-look costumes. I wanted to wear a skirt like that, and the blouse, too! Suddenly I realized that I was in a position to make these wishes come true, because I KNEW HOW TO SEW! And to my surprise, and despite my former shortcomings, the lessons had stuck. It didn't take much to refresh what I had learned, and I was on my way.

To everyone's amazement I soon became an apprentice in a ladies' garment factory where I learned a lot in my three years of apprenticeship, all of it knowledge I am using every day as a professional tailor/seamstress/clothes designer.

So, why learn how to sew? As it turns out, despite my initial struggles it was something I eventually adopted as a means of earning a living. And even if I hadn't chosen to go that way, I think I would still be happy to know that I can sew on a button, hem a pair of pants for myself or sew some great piece of home decor.

I think everyone should be able to do at least one or two of those.

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