Welcome to Tea, Toast and Trivia. Thank you for listening in.
Frances and I are in the sewing room, with the material stacked on one side of the room and on the other, the finished costumes for an upcoming dance performance. It’s exciting to see the progress, week to week on the colourful tutus and jazz outfits. Sitting in this vivid assortment of cloth and glitter is a reminder of Frances and my many sewing projects of past years.
Sewing has an ancient history and has been around since the Paleolithic age aka, the “Old Stone Age.” After all, those caves were rather cold in the wintertime, even with the discovery of fire. And well, necessity has always been a motivation for progress. Archaeologists have been busy in their digs finding bone, antler or ivory needles and thread of sinew, catgut and veins. These were the beginnings of today’s enormous fashion industries.
Thousands of years passed before the sewing machine came into being in the 19th century. Now with our computerization, we are in the era of mass production. But there are those who choose a more artistic way in which to design and sew garments.
So put the kettle on and join in the discussion. Frances and I look forward to your insights on TeaToastTrivia.com.
I am your host Rebecca Budd and I’m looking forward to sharing this moment with you.
Thank you for joining Frances and me on Tea Toast and Trivia. Sewing, fashion and clothing are huge subjects that continue to be featured in the mainstream news, magazines and other social media venues. It is also a main topic when we are planning a wedding, vacation, party, or first job interview. Every morning, we chose our fashion statement, which is a nod to the vibrant history of sewing.
One last thought – no, two last thoughts come from Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli, worthy opponents in the fashion world of the 1920’s and 1930’s.
Elsa Schiaparelli declared that, “In difficult times fashion is always outrageous.”
Coco Chanel adds that, “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.”
Until next time, dear friends, safe travels wherever your adventures take you.
Music by Francis Wells “New York City (Instrumental Version)” Epidemic Sound
Tea Toast & Trivia 
11 replies on “Season 2. Episode 3: Frances on The Art of Sewing”
What a treat walking down memory lane of the sewing arts. I’m old enough to remember trying my grandmother’s Singer treadle sewing machine, embroidering pillowcases, buying fabric and patterns, sewing garments by hand as a choice, drawing my own embroidery projects, etc. I even know what basting is! Whenever I regret not being creative enough, all I need do is listen to podcasts like this (and your conversation with your brother about true creativity) to remind myself that so many things we did/do out of necessity were/are actually creative endeavors. They’re all expressions of love, and what’s more creative than that! Thank you always for sharing your life through your own creative endeavors. Hugs!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, I agree wholeheartedly! Your words gave me goosebumps: “that so many things we did/do out of necessity were/are actually creative endeavors. They’re all expressions of love, and what’s more creative than that!” You and Vincent are so in sync: “Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.” Vincent Van Gogh. As I look back, it is the small insignificant things that I treasure most – and yes, they were formed within a context of creativity. Baking cookies, learning to ride a bike, planting a garden, organizing a study group or planning a celebration. Is there anything that we do that is not is some way creative? As you said, expressions of love are the most creative of all. Many thanks for adding wisdom to this conversation.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I particularly like how the podcast starts with a vivid description of the setting: the sewing room! Living in a house large enough for a dedicated sewing room is very special. You walk through the doorway, look at all that fabric, and the possibilities are endless! My mother made all our clothes when I was growing up because it was more economical than buying ready-made. She would order the fabric from the Sears and Roebuck catalog because we lived too far from a fabric shop. The best thing learning how to sew did for me was forcing me to learn the fine art of patience and attention to detail.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I smiled when I imagined you walking into your sewing room. I felt I was there with you. We lived in Northern Manitoba so ordering from Sears was a regular occurrence. Sears had a special offer for “unknown fabrics.” For a lower cost, Sears would send you a package with material, generally cotton, the size of which was known, but the colour and and patterns were unknown. When the package arrived, we eagerly opened it to find out what was inside. We have oranges, purples, greens – and wild patterns. It was the colourful 60’s and early 70’s so it always came out just right. Detail, detail detail – yes I learned that too. I always had trouble getting the hem to remain straight and in line….
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had hem troubles, too. My mother could do a perfect hem. She used a hem marking stand with a chalk puffer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved that chalk puffer!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I could never do sleeves. Always had a pucker or two. So frustrating!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Remember those “puffy sleeves” – a nightmare. But they were beautiful!
LikeLike
My mother taught me her tricks for avoiding the pucker. I also am careful not to choose patterns that are too elaborate and above my skill-level.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Liz! Sleeves in general were above my skill level. When my oldest daughter was a toddler I found all types of novel ways to circumvent them 🙂 When I was in high school, if anyone asked me if something was homemade I thought it an insult. Today I would’ve thought it a complement!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re right about the homemade-then versus homemade-now!
LikeLiked by 2 people