Time to Bring the Sewing Machines out of Storage

Sewing makes a comeback among a younger generation

For generations the art of sewing has been handed down from family member to family member. Over the past several decades, the time honored tradition of a mother passing her sewing machine to her daughter has almost disappeared entirely. This skill, which was common among most grandmothers, suffered a decline during the later part of the 20^th century.

Things are changing. Aimee Griffin, Mary Jo’s Cloth Store’s Sewing Director, said the store’s traditional older clientele are now being joined by clients in their teens, 20s and 30s.

Makinzy and Andrea.

During Mary Jo’s inaugural holiday event earlier this month, 9-year-old Makinzy accompanied by her grandmother Jeanette, saved her money to buy her first sewing machine. 

Excited about making her purchase, Makinzy saved $100, just enough for the BL9 Baby Lock machine. The entire team at Mary Jo’s was so taken with this little girl’s enthusiasm for sewing that they presented her with a $500 machine instead.

‘The look on her face was priceless,’ said Andrea, the Mary Jo’s team member who sold Makinzy her machine. ‘To have someone that young and excited about sewing, it is inspiring to us!’

A lot of young mothers now want to learn how to sew clothes and make curtains or quilts for their families. Whether it has been spurned on by Pinterest (an online website which features multiple do-it-yourself projects), or by the national economic climate, an increased interest in sewing is evident.

Starting this weekend, Mary Jo’s and the Girl Scouts Peaks to Piedmont organization are partnering together to launch a series of sewing classes specifically tailored to the Girl Scouts. The hope is to inspire younger girls with a passion for sewing and creating. It has been too long since a Girl Scout was able to sew her own badge onto her sash.

Check back for more information on the Girl Scouts and their classes. Also if you are interested in signing up for a class the online schedule can be found at maryjos.com/sewing-class-schedule.