Threads Through Life
Every Saturday morning we would take the bus to downtown Pittsburgh and ride the escalators to the 7th floor of Kaufman's Department Store. Finding our way through the maze of tables bursting with hundreds of bolts of fabrics creating a rainbow of colors and textures, we would browse the displays of colorful zippers, threads, buttons and notions galore. At twelve years old the possibilities seemed endless and our imaginations were sparked. Finally we would enter the secluded classroom tucked far in the recess of the yard goods department. Singer sewing machines were lined up waiting for the young girls to choose their place. It was the 1960s, and sewing was a good skill for girls to learn.
Creating something is exciting. But sewing is a complex combination of creative thinking while following a pattern, being precise and flexible simultaneously, seeing the end of the project from the beginning and taking small prescribed steps to get there.
We would sew and then sometimes have to rip out what we had just done because we didn’t read the directions carefully enough. Or make alterations because it just didn’t fit right. There would be frustration followed by deep satisfaction as the garment began to take shape. It was hard and yet rewarding when you realized you could actually make something unique, beautiful, and practical.
The life lessons from sewing are far reaching. When I learned to drive several years after my sewing lessons, it struck me how following the road was very much like sewing a seam and watching the presser foot as a guide, being careful to slow down on the curves to keep control. Realizing that patterns are simply a guide and can be adjusted taught me to be creative and flexible.
Following directions and doing things sequentially is a lesson I am still mastering. I remember once being so excited about making a bathing suit that I jumped right in, started cutting, sewing, and feeling excited it was coming together so well and so quickly. Then I tried it on. Fifty years later I can still remember that feeling of intense disappointment. In my haste I had laid the pattern the wrong way on the stretch of the fabric. There was no give to get the suit over my hips but I could stretch it from my knees to my head.
Throughout our lives we continue to learn and gather insights from our experiences. Often we don’t recognize the impact of an experience for decades.
Coaching questions:
- Can you think of a childhood experience or memory that has recently been revived and given you new insight?
- What has been the course of your creative endeavors? Every child is creative. Did yours continue or was it interrupted?
Pic of our first sewing project fashion show. I'm in the yellow dress, set in sleeves, cuffs, zipper and a ruffle in the bodice. Friend Betsy in blue. Love the white gloves!
Need help exploring the possiblilites open to you? Coaching can really help! Take advantage of a complimentary coaching session now.
Go to marleneboas.com and send me a note or call 419-357-7023.
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