Hi welcome to my sewing life blog!
My name is Nadia and I’m a seamstress and clothing designer. I’ve been sewing for over 20 years and the best part is, everyday there’s something new to make and do. Sure sounds great right? Well, it is and at times there are serious moments. Either way that’s my life and I go with it. I’m a positive person and like to do the best I can. I’m grateful for all that I get to do and share and the fine folks that I’ve met along the way. I’m also grateful and to my family, friends and clients who have supported my creations. So without further delay lets jump right in.
First of all, I had a knack for sewing from I was a kid. I believe my grandmother and my mother played a huge part. My grandmother would make me special occasion dresses and send them to New York. I have a few pictures as a kid in a dress of hers. She also made me blankets, and quilts which I still have. My mother had two beautiful sewing machines and a closet full of beautiful gowns. She also sewed, knitted and crocheted. I would make my own doll outfits and dresses for their pretty little doll parties and lives. I had about 3- 5 barbie dolls and aside from the clothing that came in the boxes, only time they would get something new to wear was my birthday or Christmas. So, I made things they could change into for going to school, their friends house or a party. I started with needle and thread and cut up pieces of fabric.
Around this time is really that's when the sewing bug hit me. I know it wasn’t my mom because she told me, if I cut up another sock, sheet or piece of clothing she would have my tail. From there I quickly transferred into begging her for fabric and to teach me how to sew using the big machine. Let's just say that didn’t happened right away for several years. About a decade later, I was still asking her to teach me. Then one day I asked can she get me my own machine and I'll read the directions to learn to use the machine. Finally, after so long she got me a sewing machine!
Oh, my goodness, I was so excited when the box came, but at the same time I was confused because the box was smaller than I expected. Once I opened it all I could think was: Are you serious? What the heck am I going to do with this? Ma, I’m not making doll clothes anymore I want to be able to make something for me or you. What is this little thing going to do? I asked her. One thing about my mom is that she had a dry sense of humor. I know she was tickled by the expression on my face. I’m thinking I’m going to be getting a modern version of her machine and I get this. So, when I look up, I can see and hear she got a nice little chuckle out of it while answering my question. You can sew with it. Okay I responded let’s get some fabric.
Long story short she took me down to Third Avenue in the Bronx. We found a little fabric store and we purchased a multicolor jersey knit poly enough to make a maxi dress.
Go ahead laugh, it was a start I honestly will never forget. It still makes me laugh to this day. Another crazy part is I still have this mini machine and the dress…obviously since I showed you the pictures.
As you can see, I even tried the dress on. What was I thinking? I can still put it on but when I look at the stitches on the inside and that mini machine. I’m shocked that I was even able to make something. I used to feel like it was a cruel joke, but like I said that was her sense of humor. And she knew I would make something with that machine because at times, I am just that stubborn. I want to see it work; I like and want to try. I love and want to create. Is that too much to ask? I’ll answer the question, No it’s not. I’m glad I tried with the mini machine. After all these years and decades, it’s become part of my story and my journey. It’s amazing sometimes what we can do with the small things. That machine was part of my start, it’s not my middle or my end. In fact, now I have several other machines I use to make clothes and accessories for my shop, others and that’s sold in other locations. I guess that was the best way for me to start.
As I sat down to write this, I opened my notebook and I saw a card from a friend of mine, and it reminded me of my other friend that's been with me on this journey. It reads REJOICE ALWAYS, PRAY CONTINUALLY. From 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17. What a blessed way to start the day! I hope your day is blessed and wonderful as well.
