Inspiration.

I have been asked a lot recently why I sew and what got me started, some people find it strange that I can sew toys and bags but then struggle with simple clothing patterns. I think a lot is done to this this lady, my nan (she was my grandma's sister)


I used to spend hours watching her sew on her little hand sewing machine making toys and gifts for people. She was always very generous, giving away a lot of what she had made. I remember getting many dolls made by her when I was little including a copy of a cabbage patch doll when they were all the rage! Unfortunately I don't have many of the things she made for us, they were given away many years ago. I have a few keepsakes packed away.

She was very talented and taught me how to sew and embroider. The first things I ever made on the sewing machine were a toy emu and penguin under her guidance. I think that is where my love of making toys came from.

I didn't do a lot of sewing during my teenage years, I did the occassional embroidery or cross stitch but didn't really take up sewing again until after Joe was born.

I wish my nan could see some of the things I have made, I think she would be proud. It is 9 years ago today since she died but I still miss her.