Sew What?

As a young girl I caught the sewing bug in Home Economics classes. It has turned into a passion and a profession. I later expanded into Interior Design and have a full-fledged drapery workroom in my home.

Many schools no longer teach sewing, so I'm wondering who's going to be sewing the next generation of custom home goods. Will manufactured, ready-made be the only option for beautiful interiors. This designer hopes not.

I belong to a national professional group called the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) and we promote best practices and share our experiences in monthly chapter meetings and attend conferences such as the International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE) and annual Custom Workroom Conference (CWC). Many conversations have been surfacing about how many of us are aging and won't continue for too much longer.

What can I do as an individual to prolong the tradition of a humble sewing workroom?

My hope is that where there may be a flicker of interest in a young person, we can encourage them until the flame ignites. My neices are coming of age where they want to learn to sew, like I did. I'm helping them, like my grandmother did, make their doll clothes and pillow

s, etc. It's a service I dont take lightly. With their keen imaginations and a guiding hand, maybe custom draperies will not wither away. In a larger sense, I hope parents and teachers recognize that elusive, artistic slant and steer them towards more creativity. Sew there!