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 20th 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.
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Makinzy and Andrea.
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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.
