Yarns of a Pioneering Life
“Never estimate the power of a woman with a sewing machine.” ~ Unknown
A few weeks back I had the pleasure of presenting “Sew the Heart” to the Yampa Valley University Women, a diverse group of ladies. Like myself, many are not natives to the Yampa Valley in northwestern Colorado. Most are in their “renaissance years” so discussion led to personal stories of taking home economics in school, sewing and how life used to be “back when.”
One of the ladies in the group, whom I consider an inspirational “pioneer” moved to the area when few people resided in the valley. It was she who founded or was an early leader of many of the community organizations that are still in existence today. For decades, the services of these community organizations have made life better for families in this remote region.
“Mama,” she said, “used to sew clothes for us kids out of feed bags. They made them real pretty back then.”
I love how this woman tells stories of coming to this valley and her tales of “Mama.” Her narratives are always filled with love and affection.
I’ve been reflecting how back in the day when out of necessity “Mama used to make clothes out of feed sacks” she was also teaching her family that everything and everyone has value. One’s real true character can never be disguised by fancy or plain clothing.
As John Kotter once said, “We learn best… from hearing stories that strike a chord within us.”
Hope you enjoyed a little bit of vintage fun this morning. If you would like to read more about the history of sewing with feedsacks, you’ll enjoy this article.
