Purpose

   I was captivated with sewing from the first time my grandmother, Concettina Mirabella Maniscalco, showed me how to pull a needle with thread through a piece of cloth. Sitting in the plant filled, sunlit back porch above an alley in San Francisco she introduced me to an activity that would become my lifetime obsession, making things from a flat piece of cloth. 

   In those early years I was fortunate to have some patient and helpful women who taught me how to cut a piece of cloth and use the needle and thread to create real things. A neighbor, King, (that was the way she pronounced her name) was a seamstress who worked in Chinatown, she spoke very little English and with her two daughters Carol and Mabel taught me how to make little “purses” using scraps of silk brocade. That was the beginning of my fascination with silk. 

   On the corner of Mason and Lombard Streets (down the hill from the famous zig-zag street) was a dry cleaners owned by Louis and August who worked tirelessly to keep the people of North Beach cleaned and pressed. August worked at her sewing machine in the window facing what is now Joe DiMaggio Park doing alterations and repairs and although she was incredibly busy, she allowed me to sit with her and watch. She was a beautiful and kind person who spoke very softly and worked with a delicate touch. From her I learned, probably the most important lesson about sewing, respect the cloth and the garment and work thoughtfully.

   The greatest influence of my sewing education was my Aunt Sally, she taught me how to make clothes. Although small in stature Sally Cardinale Maniscalco was a very large force of personality, she shared her energy, her home, incredible cooking and advice generously. She pierced all the girls in the family ears, taught us all how to play Gin and she taught me how to use a sewing machine. My first project was a gathered skirt, made with what today is called Ombre, then it was simply shades of gray stripes, which I ran horizontally, not flattering but it was my first real garment, and I was quite pleased with myself. After that my sewing education was a lot of trial and a lot of errors, but I was never discouraged and had my first “customer” when I was 12.

   I love fabric, all fabric. I’ve never met a piece I didn’t like. I have spent an unaccountable amount of money and time and energy amassing a generous “stash” and I’m sure I cannot live long enough to sew it all. But it doesn’t really matter whether I use it all or not, just looking and touching and imagining the possibilities of each piece is an incredible experience that brings me great joy.  My granddaughter, a usually quiet and polite young woman, after surveying my sewing room, sarcastically asked “Grandma when you die am I going to have to deal with all of this?” I told her yes, yes, she was, and that is her price to pay for her expensive education. My guilt intended remark was somewhat influenced by my Italian upbringing, my grandmother and aunts taught me more than sewing.

My very kind and handsome husband has always supported my sewing and generously indulges me. He has never asked me the cost of “all of this” and agreed that I did indeed need to add a Bernina 880 to my other 5 machines and a Laura Starr Ironing System. I am most thankful for his understanding and hard work to give me such a wonderful life. 

   Now, with many, many, many years of dressmaking and custom home decoration experience I want to share my enthusiasm of all things sewing, share some life stories and hopefully inspire others. 

Contact me at sew@Tsews.com

NOTE:  Sew or Die embroidery design is available at Urban Threads.com