Replies

1. 
   JunkQueen | Sep 03, 2010 03:35pm | #1

   Hello and Welcome

   Ahhhh, the stressful work of educating our children.  My DIL is a high school English/Language Arts teacher with a Masters in School Administration so headed into your particular specialty, with goals of a doctorate and teaching at the college level.  Thank you for your service and the apparent sacrifice of your health!

   Welcome to the forum.  It was once a very active and friendly site, but alas, some changes have caused a huge exodus.  That said, it'd be wonderful to once again have that atmosphere here, and with the addition of new and enthusiastic people like yourself, we may just accomplish it. 

   I've never sewn professionally, but I've sewn family clothing for years as well as the plethora of "projects" my husband and son could dream up for me.   I am still enjoying this wondrous hobby I've pursued for most of my long life. 

   I hope to see you on here often.

2. 
   lou19 | Sep 03, 2010 04:13pm | #2

   Hello and thank you for your interesteng post,  

   I am a mother to 3 boys 12, 10 and 6. I am 50 and have been sewing for 35 years. For many years I professionally designed and made Wedding dresses, then I did  alterations to  bridal wear  after the birth of child number 3. It was good because I had a career in sewing that adapted and fitted around  the children.

   However, 3 years ago I was in hospital with an acute attack of arthritis. I still have health problems. And I've recently decided to concentrate on the enjoyable rather than profitable side of sewing. I've made some clothes for myself again,  I'm now interested in sewing with vintage patterns and collaged garments. I also sell fabric and sewing items on ebay which fits around the children in a less stressful way than the wedding dresses.

   I find it interesting the way life changes( ie health)  sometimes brings good as well as bad influences. And sewing  and being creative can help in so many ways. 

   Welcome to the forum. Please make comments. Share information or ask questions.

   Louise

1. 
   DeniceC | Sep 04, 2010 06:53pm | #3

   Thanks

   Thank you for the "welcome aboards".  I'm not sure how much time I'll spend on the forum but I will try to make a point of going on each day for a few minutes.  I'm looking forward to learning how to navigate my way around and to meeting new friends.  It is a long weekend here in Canada so happy Labor Day to everyone!

3. 
   lou19 | Sep 05, 2010 09:50am | #4

   What a great way to spend your retirement! The dresses for africa seems just a good idea. Looked it up on the internet and they also accept shorts for boys which I might try............(I've 3 boys myself)..............I used to know a tailor who spent 1 day a week sewing for charity or any good causes. Isn't it great how we can use our skills to help people.

   Louise

4. 
   Ceeayche | Sep 06, 2010 11:19am | #5

   Welcome Denice C!

   Like the others I've been on Gatherings for a couple of years and found it a very enjoyable site.  The members are typically cheerful and helpful.  I learn so many things just lurking on some of the discussions.  And the projects that folk post are amazing.  Simply amazing.  I'm actually kind of glad the changes came to the site, because now it doesn't suck up so much of my time-- I'm actually sewing!

   I hope you enjoy it here.  The magazine is also a keeper!  Many of us have been subscribers for years and we're very protective of it being a quality product!

   Happy Labor Day to you also!  What a beautiful day for sewing here in the American South!

5. 
   krichmond | Sep 07, 2010 01:24am | #6

   Hi and Welcome Denice!

   I am a fellow Canadian (Vancouver Island), mother of two (boy 9 and girl 3), longtime home sewer and former employee of a fabric store and an alterations shop.   I used to sew extensively for myself, but am currently quite content to express my creativity in my children's wardrobes.  Since my son is most comfortable in sweatpants and t-shirts, my input to  his wardrobe has consisted mostly of cutting care tags out of necklines, repairing knees and making pants longer.  My daughter, however, is completely another story and would happily sleep in a tutu and tiara - if allowed that choice.  She loves wearing dresses, and I like making them - so we make a good team.  My latest interest is upcycling garments i.e. remaking previously-loved clothing into something that, well, a little girl with somewhat flashy taste would wear.  I also try to use designs that will adjust with growth and fit her for a few years.

   I have been a member of this site since way beforeThe Great Change.  It was easier to use back then and somehow more 'dynamic', but I am hanging in here.  I check in every now and again and try to answer questions pertaining to my previous experience in fabrics and alterations/repairs. I hope you enjoy your forays into both this forum and the world of creativity that sewing ability opens up.

   Best regards,

   Kay