Wizards and Wands

Sewing became part of my life again once I had children. Mostly this was a financial decision, rather than one of choice or relaxation. I was working part time and an undergraduate, at the same time as caring for my daughters.

Money was tight since we had recently moved, and with only one full time income coming in, we had to look for ways to make ends meet. One way was to make clothes where I could. I remember my oldest daughter Laura, being about 3, and making her and I a matching pair of blue patterned summer trousers. She was so excited for us to go out together in them. With her one year old sister Olivia in the pram we set off for a walk to the shops. We called in at the grocers to purchase some vegetables. Laura couldn't resist telling the shopkeeper that she had some new trousers. I don't recall exactly what he said, but Laura was bursting with pride, telling him that she had the same trousers as her mummy.

During those years I also made a number items for the home, including curtains and cushion covers, but mainly it was clothing. Dressing up was something the girls enjoyed, so fancy dress clothing was regularly being made from scraps of material or upcyclyed from old garments.

Over the years, the girls' tastes in clothing changed. They grew out of fancy dress and into fashion. The idea of clothes made by mum was less preferable to high street and this stage of sewing ended. It would be a long time until the sewing machine would become part of my life again.