A few short weeks ago, I shared with all of you how I come from a long line of seamstresses and sewers, women that had a critical need to provide for themselves and their families through this craft. I also shared how I feel a strong sense of responsibility to keep that family tradition and timeless skill of sewing alive. I also shared with you the intimate memories I have with my grandmother learning the skill.
Enter more talented family members...
My great grandmother, Great Granny Robbins as she was known to us, worked in a sewing factory in rural Kentucky, a studio which still is in existence and operating today. Great Granny had eight children, one of the oldest being my mother’s mom, my Granny. The youngest of Great Granny’s children, Brenda Gail, sent me a message on social media a couple years ago with some pictures of some makeup bags she found that were designed by Great Granny and made at the sewing studio. My jaw dropped. 1) I didn’t even know Great Granny had worked there, and 2) I felt a keen sense that this interest of mine runs deep in my blood in ways I never even knew. Aunt Brenda had been following along with WHOBREY’s journey from the beginning on social media and wanted to share these gems with me that she found that belonged to Great Granny.
My Mamaw had an older sister (known as Aunt Sis to us) that was as talented as they come with a thread and needle. She was known for meticulously piecing together gorgeous clothing for an array of family members, including myself. My Mamaw recently discovered a dress she had among her things made by Aunt Sis specifically for me. I have professional pictures made in this very dress. Luckily, the dress fit my daughter perfectly at that moment in time, and I kept the tradition alive. I had professional photos taken of her in it, which are to die for.
Many of the women in my family had no other option for years but to make their own clothes. Clothing options were scarce for petite women, which is the norm in my genes. Additionally, the condition of their finances in rural Kentucky didn’t lend themselves to purchasing expensive outfits from department stores. They made do with what they had, and made the best of it. My Granny remembers working at a local bank, coming home in the evenings from work, and making a dress for herself to wear the next day at work.
Clothing wasn’t the only craft in my heritage. Quilting was simply another piece of the puzzle. Many family members years ago did not have the modern luxury of heating and relied heavily on quilts to keep them warm in their small homes. I have a small collection of deeply treasured quilts made by my Great Granny Robbins, my Mamaw Betty’s mother, etc. They are undoubtedly some of my most treasured possessions and will be passed down to my children.
Even as I write this blog post, it is so simple to me to see how deep this interest of mine runs through my veins.
Which has me wondering - how many of you have a skill, interest, or passion that seems to simply run in your blood?
At this point, you know I am a storyteller...and I would love to hear your story!
Comment and share or send me an email at whobrey@whobreythreads.com.