Released September 11, 2009
By - Gina Roberson
I never dreamed that I would grow to have such a passion for sewing and embroidering like I do. And I have my mother-in-law to thank for passing down such a love of sewing to me. When my husband and I were engaged to be married, I had the opportunity to select any fabrics I wanted and any embellishments, etc. for my own customized wedding gown made by my soon-to-be mother-in-law. I remember how much fun it was to go and pick out several different patterns and just use the parts I liked out of each one until we had a completed unique wedding gown. I just couldn’t believe that someone could actually make a wedding gown at home on her own sewing machine! I had no experience with sewing and this was amazing to me. I felt like a princess on my wedding day and prettier than I have ever felt in my life.
Well, years passed and I learned very slowly how to make curtains and little projects on my sewing machine. After my son was born I learned how to make him some little pajama sets and I thought I was doing pretty good. But little did I know that this would become a hobby that is very addicting! I guess I never really learned how to sew all that great until my twin girls were born. And when they came into this world I realized that there are so many things out there that you can make for little girls. The possibilities are endless! So many beautiful fabrics and patterns for little dresses, Capri sets, nightgowns, etc… You name it and you can make it! So I really started sewing then and through trial and error I have really grown in my sewing abilities.
I remember when I decided to try and make quilt tops for my 3 children so that I could give them a quilt for Christmas. Again my mother-in-law sat down with me and showed me all kinds of quilting magazines and the different patterns that you can use to make a quilt. We had so much fun deciding what I wanted the quilts to look like and what kind of fabrics to use. We looked through all of our embroidery designs until I had decided which ones to use on my blocks for each quilt. I did get them finished and quilted to give my children for Christmas and they loved them. In fact they still all use them to play and cover up with all the time.
But none of this would even be possible if I hadn’t been blessed with my wonderful mother-in-law. I call her all the time to ask sewing questions and she never tires of explaining things to me and I just love learning. It’s funny because my husband teases me now telling me that he never dreamed I would have my own sewing room full of sewing and embroidery supplies just like his mom. Every time he comes home I’m cutting out a pattern, sewing or embroidering something! But I just LOVE it! Sewing is a hobby that I wouldn’t want to live without now and I am going to try and pass it on to my girls.
Thanks for sharing! Wow, you are so lucky to have such a great mother-in-law. But she is also lucky to have a daughter-in-law like you. My daughter doesn’t want to sew but I have 2 grandchildren that want to learn. I hope they get excited about it as much as I am. Have fun and keep sewing. Doris
Comment by Doris Marsley Oldenburg — September 11, 2009 @ 11:41 am
What an absolute wonderful article! For you to acknowledge all the inspiration, encouragement and support you received from your mother-in-law is just awesome. Your husband must be so proud of you too!
I think so many times that mother-in-laws are stereotyped to be ‘the bad guy’ and it’s so refreshing to read such an inspirational story and that you are passing this on to your girls!
I think this is just terrific and thank you so much for sharing!
You’re a terrific lady!
Comment by Ellen Manning — September 11, 2009 @ 11:48 am
With all the “bad” mother-in-law stories I’ve heard, it was wonderful to read your beautiful article about the precious relationship between you and your husband’s mother. Your entire family is blessed because of it.
Comment by VMD — September 11, 2009 @ 12:45 pm
I am just starting to teach my grandchildren (ages 4-7) to sew. I hope they develope this kind of love of sewing. If not, they will at least be able to take care of their own needed repairs. This is a craft I feel needs to be taught in our schools to every student. One never knows when you need to replace a button!
Comment by Sheila Moore — September 11, 2009 @ 1:10 pm
Gina, I really enjoyed your article.
What a wonderful and caring mother-in-law you have. Keep up the good work of sewing and embroidering.
Yvonne
Comment by Yvonne — September 11, 2009 @ 1:59 pm
What a wonderful article!! It’s lovely to read something positive about mother in laws, because I’ve seen so many complaining stories about them lately!!!
I hope my mother in law will be the same! Maybe I’ll be the one teaching her to sew! lol.
Comment by Emma — September 11, 2009 @ 2:27 pm
What a great story, compared to the bitter stories one oft hears about mothers-in-law! I was given my big inspiration to sew by my Aunt, who after divorce is not really a relative, but still very special to me.
Comment by Marnie — September 11, 2009 @ 5:12 pm
I hope your girls are as receptive to the Sewing Bug as you were. I am among the fortunate sewing hobbiest that has a daughter (now 22) who shares in the love of sewing, quilting and embroidery. My niece was not as fortunate with her two daughers (the same age as my daughter) who want absolutely nothing to do with sewing even though they love it when their mom and I (their Great Aunt) sew for them.
Not many hobbies give such joy in participation and a beautiful product you can use to brighten your life and the lives of our families and friends. I wouldn’t trade my sewing/embroidery for anything. I am having too much fun LOL.
Comment by Linda Campbell — September 11, 2009 @ 6:01 pm
Gina - what a blessed life you have had. Not only to have such a wonderful relationship with an in-law, but also to be able to recognize and develop your love for sewing/embroidery. After the birth of my 1st daughter, I shared your joy. That was almost 40 years ago, and now sad to say, I don’t sew at all anymore. My eyes just can’t seem to take it, which immensely dampens my patience. I never was really good at it, but had no one to teach me. Still I carried on best I could. Now, I have discovered my PASSION for machine embroidery, and I can’t get away from it. Sad to say, neither of my girls has the slightest interest in sewing, so I have no one to pass it on to. I hope your girls share your love for it and learn this fading talent. When I first read your article, I wanted to respond saying “OOoooo I’m so jealous”, but as I began to write I had to admit… it’s not really jealousy I feel, but pure happiness for you. May your blessings never cease.
Comment by Carrol Mills — September 11, 2009 @ 6:44 pm
what a beautiful story. How wonderful for you to have such a terrific, talented mother-in-law! my mother-in-law also was very talented and inspired me as well! I think sewing using the embroidery machine is the most fun I had since barbies!
Comment by sandra — September 11, 2009 @ 7:17 pm
Such a wonderful story, on how sewing is passed throught the generations. My story is similar, but it was my paternal Grandmother who taught me how to sew, and then make quilts. Then I tought my mum. Now, once a week me and my mum get together and sew out little hearts out. I have also joined a quilting group which is very enjoyable.
Its so wonderful when you hear fairy tales stories like this one. Im so very glad that you and your MIL have such a fantastic connection.
Comment by tweetee — September 12, 2009 @ 5:18 am
Gina, how exciting for you and your MIL. As a MIL, my DIL recently asked me to teach her to sew. I’m thrilled. I’m looking forward to some quality time spent bonding and passing on a skill. Recently, I helped her make her dress for my daughter’s wedding. That was a great experience for both of us and we are anxious to get into more things. Hopefully, eventually, she will get into embroidery, as well. What an honor for a MIL for the DIL to want to learn from her!!
Comment by Pam — September 12, 2009 @ 2:30 pm
You are very fortunate to have such a wonderful mother-in-law, and also, as far as you are concerned, you have a willing spirit - to listen. So - you both benefitted, all around. How wonderful
Comment by Kathleen Saxon — September 12, 2009 @ 7:18 pm
Sounds like you got the bug-big time! But there is a big oops in your last sentence - don’t neglect to pass this on to your son also. Both my boys learned to sew with me - admittedly they don’t use the skill much as adults but they have it if it is necessary.
Comment by sue — September 12, 2009 @ 9:35 pm
Gina,,
thankyou for the wonderful article ,I so appreciate you.. You make my sewing /embroidering so much fun… We share some really fun times and alot of laughter…
To all the people who left comments for Gina, I would like for you all to know.she is a wonderful daughter in law.. We have so much fun. and share so much laughter. We visit fabric shops.and call each other with our “great fabric finds”, share pictures of our new designs, share ideas..call each other with our “mess ups” … so not only did Gina learn to sew.. but I learn from her also..
Judy
Comment by Judy — September 13, 2009 @ 3:18 pm
I have actually met people who don’t like to sew - I always feel so sorry for them. My first MIL always said sewing made her nervous - poor thing. Didn’t have a 2nd MIL but my 2nd FIL sewed routine stuff on his kenmore. He gave me a beautiful 1898 treadle from his neighbor who had been the daughter of the original owner.
I now have way too many sewing machines but can’t imagine giving up any of them. (found my serger today as I was unpacking … in a box labeled basement crafts!)
Comment by Hagrids mom — September 13, 2009 @ 11:40 pm
My mother taught me how to sew from a very young age and I am passing it down to my children. Teach your son also. My brothers know how to sew as well as I do because my mom thought it was important for them to at least know the basics. Even today, sometimes a button needs to be sewn on or a sock needs to be darned.
Comment by Amy in PA — September 14, 2009 @ 2:49 pm
I’ve never thought of sewing as a hobby. I’ve been sewing for 53years, and I’m 56!
I’ve always thought of sewing as a life style, even a “calling”, because you can help so many.
My daughter wore clothes she or I made, and now her children (boy and girl) sew.
My mother-in-law doesn’t sew much, but she loves what I make for her. I give her a gift everytime we visit, mostly frommy machine.
I’m happy your mother-in-law is so generous to sew your gown AND help you learn to sew.
If you want to learn even more sewing skills and have fun, look up you local American Sewing Guild. I’m a member, and I’ve learned so much and have wonderful “sisters”.
Happy sewing!
Comment by Pamela — September 16, 2009 @ 12:40 pm
I too was blessed and taught by my beautiful mother-in-law. May she rest in peace. She was my inspiration to quilting. She and her mother would set under the big tree out back and hand quilt their quilts. She gave me so much through her wisdom and love and now I can pass it down to her great great grandchildren. I will always love and miss her dearly
Comment by Lynn Stanfield — September 17, 2009 @ 10:15 am
I was taught to sew by my grandmother. The joy of creating something unique to wear. In turn I taught my daughter. Then i discovered machine embroidery. My last holiday was spent with my wonderful girlfriend Dianna. She taught me everything she ciould in the time I had for holiday with her. Back here in ngland and the hunt was on for the right machine. Tuesday it arrived and I haven’t stopped creating. I have helped the economy purchasing cottons and stabilisers. Today i have started on the marriage quilt for my son and his beautiful bride. Each guest has a square and I am embroidering a tulip on each block with the guest’s name. The centre of the quilt is Bride and Groom’s names, date and place of marriage. The bride’s bouquet was white tulips. All the stitching is done in white thread
This is created using unbleached calico, which will turn white in time. The quilt will be 10 feet by 10 feet when completed. It sure beats doing all of this by hand.
Thank you Dianna for introducing to me such a wonderful hobby.
Comment by Phillipa Smith — September 18, 2009 @ 1:29 pm
My, you are truly blessed to have such a MIL…thank God for her every single day!!!! I grew up around a sewing family, my grandmother, my mother, a bunch of friends, etc., so I don’t know anything else. I have helped lots of girls when I was in school, on to my friends now. (I am in my mid 50’s) I have made everything from formals made from velvet, to barbie clothes, you name it I have done it. The best thing of all is to make a suit, wear it to work, and people ask where I got it, and I tell the: “Hancock Fabric and Walmart (for the pattern)…Their mouths fall open and they are shocked. It is lots of fun to see their faces. Every one needs to know how to sew, even if they never do. You never know!
Comment by Willie — October 5, 2009 @ 3:04 pm