2023
Member In Focus
A New Country and a First Sewing Machine
Christina’s Story in Her Own Words
I started to sew at age 21. I immigrated to the USA from the Netherlands (Holland) in 1962 when I was 20. I brought 2 summer dresses and 2 winter outfits and had $10 in my pocket. I married a Dutch guy who earned minimum wage and had no money to buy clothes.
I went to the auction to buy a sewing machine. I went to Sears to try on some dresses to figure out what size I was because I had no idea. I had never sewn before. Then I went to the fabric store, bought a pattern and some fabric and taught myself to sew. This shows how dumb I was: my first fabric was a plaid and the pattern had princess seams! I learned through trial and error but really liked it. I sewed my own dresses, my kids’ clothes, and my husband’s shirts. I never tried tailoring. When my oldest daughter learned to sew in Middle School, she started sewing her own clothes and somehow during her sewing adventures she met Peggy and learned about ASG.
When I retired I decided to make sewing my main hobby and joined ASG . That was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It is so inspiring to meet and be with others who like to do the same thing. I was asked to join the Chapter Advisory Board and have served as president for 4 years.
Christina
ASGIE Member since 1997
Former ASGIE President, 4 years
Fashion Show Coordinator
12 Months Challenge Neighborhood Group Leader
Step Up! Neighborhood Group Member
Christina’s Breezy Summer Harem Pants and Scarf
I was always a rather conservative dresser but admired people who wore scarves , lace, ruffles, flowing garments, etc. Now I could try it all and found I liked wearing something different from store-bought. I really liked the challenge of finding a piece of fabric, in this case donated by Monica, and trying to figure out what to do with it.
I used Judy Kessinger’s basic pants pattern and placed the front and back together to eliminate the side seam. That made the legs wider. I made a large hem to accommodate the 1” wide elastic. I pieced the leftover scraps of fabric together to sew a matching scarf. The challis fabric and this style of pants feels very cool in the summer and are fun to wear.
I have used Judy Kessinger’s pattern probably more than 10 times after adjusting the fit the first few times. It feels good to have a basic pattern that fits and if I could just keep my body the same size it would even be better! My goal is to create a basic sloper and draft my own patterns.
I thank all my ASG Sewing Sisters for their love and support. I would not be where I am today without you!
And ASGIE thanks Christina for her many wonderful contributions! We wouldn’t be the same without her!