The days of large scale sewing in America anyway are drawing to a gratingly slow, creaking close. Sadly, the Gap and Abercrombie and Fitch are more recognized fashions then those of home spun clothiers. It’s the designer names which trump anything made by hand; anything with any kind of personality; any kind of character. While, no doubt, there are still some who do dip into the home spun fashions, it’s sadly true that it was less than a quarter century ago when I was being fit by my mother (“Hold still, hold STILL!”) for her home spun fashions in a pinch.

While my girlfriend today claims she knows how to do all that, a sewing machine, thread, needles, thimble, and sewing circle (my mother used to frame individual patterns in her circle, then put them all together for my and my brothers quilts) are no where in our home today. The only reason she might have a little bit of thread and a needles is because of the buttons that may fall off on our industrial strength, “button attached to the inside lining” pants or jackets. But she might not have that either; I can’t remember the last time a button came out.

In either event, as the art form dies out, the industry is kicking back. Big time! Embroidery designs are now available on thousands of websites, with clever instructions, advice, patterns, and more all available for the clicking individual. In fact there are free embroidery designs that may speak the loudest to those who’ve never experienced what it’s like to hold a freshly washed quilt from the dryer. This generation missed it and these are the ones struggling today, trying to make life work for them on their own terms; embroidery designs fits right into their plan.

Free embroidery designs are either downloadable or able to be picked from a machines press. Embroidery design for girls is the ideal situation; young ladies are our only hope to continue this art form in any sustainable sort of form.

I wonder if we’ll see a resurgence of this sacred time honored tradition in 30 years; as all the young adults my age are faced with retirement, grandkids, and a life lived with nothing worth holding onto; I wonder, will we then rush to begin creation of something from which memories may be drawn; something which we may be remembered for?