"Carry on."
That's how my mom ended most of our phone calls. We chatted almost every day, keeping each other updated on our daily activities. Mom passed away in February at age 105 after living a long, productive life. She didn't sew, but was delighted when I showed an interest. She bought me a sewing machine, paid for lessons, patterns and fabric all through my school years. She was supportive of all my career moves in the sewing industry from my days at Stretch and Sew to my custom clothing business and teaching. Mom even paid for some of my workshops and Paris trip with my mentor, Bobbie Carr, calling it my graduate school!
She would only let me spend my time sewing for her if I used the garments for class samples. Some of her clothes traveled back and forth from Oregon to Wisconsin many times. She was my biggest fan and supporter - and my favorite client.
I miss her and our daily phone calls terribly.
I always thought her phrase came from the WWII slogan "Keep Calm and Carry On". According to the University of London, this was one of three key messages created by Britain's wartime propaganda department, the Ministry of Information in 1939. It was one of a series of three posters that were to be issued in the event of war.
The Keep Calm design was never officially issued and most of the posters printed were pulped and recycled to deal with a paper shortage. It was only after 2000 when a copy was discovered in a bookshop and reproductions were made that it became so well known. Today it's used to sell anything and everything!
It just makes sense that people of Mom's generation who lived through the Depression, two World Wars, two pandemics and countless inventions and changes would have learned to just "carry on".
Mom in her Red Cross uniform which she proudly wore during WWII
I made Mom a number of jackets pictured here.
I'll be in Vancouver, WA teaching the 5-day Couture Jacket workshop for Palmer/Pletsch, October 12-16. As you make your jacket you'll learn about fitting, interfacings, darts, set-in sleeves, lining and several special buttonholes.
Or join me in Lake Oswego for my Casual Couture Jacket workshop, October 27-30. We will focus on more casual styles - chore jackets, bomber jackets, shirt jackets. Fit and sew your jacket and learn some great techniques and details.
If you want to focus on other garments – tops, pants, skirts, dresses – join me September 22-25 for my Casual Couture: Top to Bottom workshop. Choose any garments, any fabrics. Learn some easy, effective couture techniques and get help putting together a couture ensemble that works for your casual lifestyle.
If you have taken a class from me, you know I can deliver on the "Keep Calm" part of our slogan. And while I can't guarantee you won't make a mistake, we'll remember this variation I got from my Palmer/Pletsch colleague Hannah if you do!
Then join me and four other fabric connoisseurs and sewing professionals for a stash reduction sale. It will be held on Saturday, June 24, from 10am - 4pm at the Hilton Garden Inn in Lake Oswego.
Carry on!
