At the tender age of four I wore designer dresses, though that concept eluded me. Haute couture not in my vocabulary. My frocks were fairy tale creations fashioned from feed sacks and discounted fabric remnants, designed by my mother.
One of a kind, custom, unique. She used a simple sewing machine, and-made appliqués, smocking, ruffles, buttons and lacy trims. Nary a pattern or dress form.
At the completely grown-up age of fourteen I sketched my own designs; flat images drawn on newspaper Mother transformed as though she held a magic wand.
Talk what you please of future spring and sun-warm’d sweet tomorrow, it will never compare to the pride I felt each time I walked into a room wearing one of our 'joint creative efforts.' I was raised in a house of fashion, where hand made and custom designed were synonymous; the envy of my friends, forever.
Sanaa provides a line from Christina Rossetti's poem "A Daughter of Eve" to include in our Prose pieces.
This is so very very sweet... reminds me of "Coat of many colors" by Dolly Parton.
ReplyDeleteYou have my heart with this Prosery piece, Helen!💝💝 I can relate, for my mother loves to sew as well! Thank you so much for writing to the prompt.
ReplyDeletethat's so cool, Helen! I'm pretty much useless at such things! You go!
ReplyDelete-David [ben Alexander]
Aww, this was such a touching piece. So wonderful to have such a talented mama. I can barely sew a button!
ReplyDeleteThis is beyond wonderful, Helen. I remember my father's mother taking scissors to a feedsack and creating her aprons. Women of that era were queens at "making do". Your mama sounds truly special, however. Thank you so much for sharing the memory!
ReplyDeleteDearest Helen,
ReplyDeleteWOW, what a talented Mom you had and how she inspired you to start out your own design. Yes, she would have become a Couture Designer IF there were the funds or necessity for that. But she did it out of LOVE for her very OWN.
But you laud her still now, so many years later and she no doubt is beaming with pride from heaven!
Hugs,
Mariette
i love it Helen. My sister wore feed sack dresses when she was very young. My mom had a peddle singer sewing machine and made most of her own clothes. Well done.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fortunate child. I can SEE those lovely dresses! I loved this poem. I have been clothing-challenged my entire life, but admire those who know how to wear nice clothes.
ReplyDeleteHelen, it doesn't surprise me at all that your fashionista sensibilities started young. Wonderful prosery and good to learn more about you.
ReplyDeleteMy mother joined a tailoring class, which had 'phoren' design books. And it changed my fashion status amongst peers :)
ReplyDeleteSo lovely!
ReplyDeleteHelen, like your mom my mom was a wizard with her sewing machine! Thank you for this heartwarming, lovely write.
ReplyDeleteFashion maybe....but the real truthbof this gentle meander down memory lane is that fairy tales must never go away...never...I am catching up commenting Helen, my apologies, I do like to read.
ReplyDeleteI love this...an ode to your mother it seems to me. Good childhood memories. And oh yes, if one of a kind can be in vogue, then many a potato sack would be featured in Vogue! :) Or my homemade haloween costumes for my kids...good thing they were young! :)
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ReplyDeleteI loved this Helen. My mother used to make me dresses as a child. She taught me how to ew ar a young age and I loved making my own clothes. I only sew now to alter or mend but I am completely hooked on Project Runway ☺️💕
I envy people who can sew! I managed to make some cute little pouches a while back, but clothing seems way more challenging!
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous! I felt love stitched into every line. From simple materials to a gorgeous creation. Just like the words in this poem. (My mother also made me clothes as a child, and I am surrounded by her quilts. She works magic with a needle and thread).
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