There are many creative outlets. How did I discover these gifts?
Born and raised in Chicago, IL, I grew up surrounded by excellence. My mother was a highly requested labor and delivery nurse while my father committed himself to educating the youth of our community. They raised my two older brothers and I with the love of God.
It was at that moment when she introduced me to the sewing machine...
From a young age, I had a passion for the arts: dancing, reading, writing, cosmetology, crocheting, and wood work. Boredom was rarely a concern, but curiosity…that’s a different story. One evening when I was about six or seven, I remember sitting at the kitchen table with my dad learning to use the typewriter. Our vinyl record player filled the air with Motown classics as he explained how to properly load paper using the hand wheel and how to correct typos with wite-out. He would tell me to practice being intentional because too much correction fluid gave an unprofessional appearance. As he continued, mom walked into the kitchen with a big beige case. It looked heavy. She carefully placed it on the table, unfastened the side clasps and lifted its top. It was at that moment when she introduced me to the sewing machine, this particular model belonging to my late maternal grandmother. Still learning about the typewriter with dad, I suddenly became interested in this beige machine. How did it operate? Why was that wheel on the side? Was it used to feed something through like the wheel on the typewriter? What was the purpose of the pedal? She plugged it up, turned it on, and began sewing. I closely observed.
Throughout my childhood and teenage years, I never had a desire to sew. I watched mom but that was about it. Then one day I realized I was grown and needed a baby shower gift for a family member. I was tired of purchasing gifts from the big box stores. So I consulted YouTube university for DIY baby gifts. The DIY baby blanket had the most videos and views. So, I made a no-sew baby blanket immediately realizing that I wasn’t going to graduate with honors. That “blanket” was incredibly hideous. So I phoned a friend (mom) and asked her about sewing. A few months later (December 2016) she surprised me with my first sewing machine, the Brother JX2517. The rest is history. My passion for sewing and embroidery is greatest when constructing garments (only for myself), home decor pieces, and baby items.
Everything I learned at the kitchen table that night stayed with me into adulthood: the music while working, dad’s lessons on intentionality, and mom’s sewing machine demonstration. Many have asked how I discovered my love of sewing. My simple reply is curiosity. I followed my heart until I found that thing that has endless possibilities. You’ll know because you’ll get completely lost in it, forgetting that time exists. Everyone has gifts; my hope is that you’re inspired to discover more of who you are.
With Love,
Chanel S.
Comments