A renewed interest in sewing

By Marilyn Goodwin

Look up sewing resurgence on the Internet and you will find articles indicating there is a renewed interest in sewing all over the U.S. and Canada. The reasons vary from switching from one medium of art to another to the advancement in technology that has transitioned the perhaps intimidating sewing machine of years past to the computerized ones of today.

Jayne Sullivan, costume coordinator for the Greenville School musicals, has gathered several students to help her make the costumes for this year’s musical, “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown.” With the need for sewing machines for the kids to use, she put out a plea which netted 10 sewing machines for the students to use and they have been put to good use. The students seem to be enjoying their newfound craft/sewing experience as well as being proud of their accomplishments.

With photos of the kids having a great time, an interest from many adults was expressed. And just like that, an adult education course put on by Greenville’s Adult Education program had five women enrolled. For some, there was little experience with the use of a sewing machine. For others, it was a refresher course met with much enthusiasm. Just like the students, these women had a great time and are proud of their finished projects.

So what brings the renewed interest all of a sudden? For older people who may have just retired, they are looking to fill their time with projects they can do for their children and grandchildren. They are also looking for feel good projects like making blankets for Project Linus, 1,000,000 Pillowcase Challenge and quilts for Quilts of Valor for our veterans.

For teens and young adults, reality television shows such as Project Runway and Project Runway Junior and YouTube videos make sewing cool and fun again. They are seeing lots of projects that look doable from the start as well as repurposing crafts that look fun. And along with these projects, they find that they enjoy the camaraderie of others while they learn together or refresh their skills.

With this renewed interest comes the need for the proper tools. While one could do all of their sewing by hand, most will find the use of a sewing machine expedites the process. Some may have a machine in their possession while others may be looking for a basic machine to facilitate their new creative journey.

The machines from the past, which are treasured by many, can be intimidating for many who want to just sit down and get to work. With the new computerized sewing machines, some of the intimidating factors are gone as teens and young adults move quickly between one smart appliance to another.

On March 6, Crazy Moose Fabrics is hosting a sewing machine expo where Bernina, Janome and Necchi sewing machines will be demonstrated at Leisure Life Resort in Greenville from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. This will be a good time to check out the different lines of sewing machines ranging from machines with few options to possibly embroidery machines.

Representatives from The Cotton Cupboard, Bangor, and The Fabric Garden, Madison, will be here to answer your questions on what may fit your needs best. The Moosehead Quilters will be present to show you examples of what you can make that isn’t a quilt. Crazy Moose Fabrics will have some books and patterns related to sewing projects, and some kits for some simple projects to get you started on your way to a new hobby.

Marilyn Goodwin of owns and operates Crazy Moose Fabrics in Greenville.