The summer after eight grade I took Singer sewing lessons. The basic skills I learned then have stayed with me although I have to admit, I have never again ironed my pattern before using it.
In high-school I remember making a wrap-around skirt and lining it with the same fabric as the matching blouse. I wanted to look good at church dances when my skirt would swirl open on the dance floor. I made my little sister Barbie doll clothes, as well as doing my own costumes for the school plays.
In college I took a costume design course which helped me land an assistantship in costume construction at graduate school. That's really where I learned the craft of sewing. I was teaching kids how to do the basics and spent so much time making them tear out poor stitching, I actually learned patience in the process. For me, it's in the patience that I find relaxation.
When I was just starting out as an actor I made baby quilts for Bergdorf Goodman in New York City. Then I made big teddy bears and sold them to several stores throughout NYC. Next I went to "Hush Pillows" which hang on a baby's door reminding others to be quiet. Finally I made Christmas ornaments. I'd make them all year and ship them around the country to boutiques as the season approached.
Once in LA I gave up sewing for profit and stuck with sewing for pleasure. I made my youngest niece all her Halloween costumes, as well as coats, play clothes and Cabbage Patch doll outfits. I've made endless curtains, pillows, dust ruffles-- the easy stuff. Periodically I'd sew for friends or myself but those times have become rare. Recently, however, I made a dress to wear to a Italian Renaissance themed wedding. Doing it has put me back in the mood.
