About Me

When I was in high school I was abruptly introduced to the world of sewing.  Now, don’t get me wrong, my mother was always busy knitting, crocheting or sewing up a tutu or two, but for some reason I didn't ever really take any interest until someone said “Now listen carefully students as there will be a test on this”.  What? A test? – eek!  And so I was forced kicking and screaming (well emotionally so) to sit behind a wicked beast called (cue dramatic music) a Sewing Machine.  For this little tomboy (after my tutu phase) it was a step too far!

The school year progressed with my many a tussle with needle and thread.  My pillowcase not fitting a pillow.  My shorts ending up with one leg narrower than the other … yes well you get the idea.

Finally, as this was a non-compulsory class, I was asked by the powers-that-be if I would like to try something different?  Well derrrr!  They gave me a sharp pencil and put me in a technical drawing class with all the boys (I wasn't silly) and basically a Mechanical Draftsperson was born!

It wasn't until I – tomboy extraordinaire -  met my Fine English Fellow (FEF), lived in London and travelled all through Europe, that I started to notice and appreciate beautiful fabrics and colours beyond the red dirt and eucalyptus green I was usually surrounded by.

FEF and I finally return to Australia (because I missed the sun), marry on a lovely Autumn day and have two beautiful girls 16 months apart.  Suddenly though I feel the need to make something for them.  Something to wrap them up in.  Keep them safe and warm.  Snug as a bug in a rug – well perhaps a quilt?

With my children’s every happiness at risk … yes I do tend to exaggerate … I decided to take on my nemesis … the sewing machine.

This is my time capsule, my record – if you like, of the quilts (and probably other bits) that I make and give.  Whether that be to my family, friends or even complete strangers.

I've called this blog “Sew Giving” not because I'm a Saint or anything but because, ultimately, most of the quilts I make will be for the purpose of giving away … selfishly.  Selfishly because I get a real kick out of seeing people’s faces light up when they are given something homemade – made especially for them.  Selfishly because I don’t like to be beaten.  For every success I have on the Sewing Machine is a little personal win!

Sx

serena@sewgiving.com.au