I’m currently writing a story where the heroine is a dressmaker. It’s part of a secret project so I can’t say more—at least not for a few months * click here to read the story * But I can say my dressmaker heroine is influencing my life or maybe my life is influencing hers.
Dressmaking is my character’s salvation. And suddenly everything about sewing seems extra interesting to me.
A CHILDHOOD MEMORY OF A NEEDLE
While writing my new story-in-progress, I couldn’t get these hummed words out of my head: “a stitch in time saves nine – with a needle very fine.” I wondered where I’d first heard them and why they’d stuck in my head. Then I remembered they came from Bugs Bunny. Oh, the power of childhood memories! I couldn’t remember anything else, but a quick internet search found the Warner Bros. animated short Bunny Hugged where Bugs pokes a needle into a champion wrestler’s backside while humming the tune to Stitch in Time.
A needle can be used as a weapon to win a battle or defend yourself. So might a pair of sewing scissors. That’s going in my story-in-progress.
AN APPRECIATION FOR BEAUTIFUL THINGS
I may have first been influenced to write about my dressmaker who loves fabrics (and has a treasure trove of them) because I’d been watching Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (based on the novels by Kerry Greenwood). Miss Fisher isn’t a dressmaker or a seamstress. She’s a lady detective in 1920s Melbourne, Australia, but she wears divine things. The fabrics are gorgeous. So are the colors (no surprise that captivated me), the textures, the patterns, the amazing details.
I came away with a new (or resurrected) appreciation for what people choose to wear, but also what they can or can’t wear because of their life. Yes, that’s going in my story-in-progress as well.
AN UNIQUE WAY TO FIND STRENGTH
Then I watched The Dressmaker (based on the novel by Rosalie Ham). Another great story also set in Australia 1920s—this time in a tiny outback town. More divine clothing but also an exploration of how dressmaking can be a way to find strength when yours has been diminished by your past.
Clothing and fashion (and the needs and emotions behind these) can not only be a way to earn a living, they can be a gift or a way toward a better future. You might have already guessed…that’s also going in my story-in-progress.
CAN A DRESS SAVE THE WORLD?
So I’m learning that my dressmaker heroine is influenced by her profession and other people’s reactions to all that encompasses. She can’t save the world by making a dress, but she can save her world by recalling a childhood memory, appreciating beautiful things, working hard to find her strength, and yes making a dress (or a whole bunch of them).
She’s a work in progress. Maybe we all are. I know for certain that I am. And I can’t wait to share everything about my story-in-progress soon. So I hope you’ll stay tuned to my blog (or signed up to receive my newsletter) to hear more about my dressmaker heroine’s story and mine.
NOV. 2017: updated to say…
My dressmaker heroine is Birdie Bell (aka Bernadette Bellamy). Read all about her in THE CALLING BIRDS.
What’s your favorite dress or item of clothing?
Hope you’ll leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your story! ❤
What memories this brings back, Jacquie. I used a treadle machine like this as a child. One of its advantages is the absolute control over the speed of the machine. If you moved your feet slowly, the needle would creep along, so that you could get those narrow places or tight corners just right without having made one stitch too many. I have a free arm machine now, and wouldn’t trade it, made my daughter’s wedding dress on it, but the treadle machine holds a big place in my heart.
Great memories! And what a gift to be able to make your daughter’s wedding dress, Nancy! ❤
Yes. All of us are most definitely a work in progress! Your new project sounds intriguing. I’m in awe of talented men and women who can sew. Sounds like your heroine is trying to create a better life for herself. I love novels/short stories with that concept.
I always like to write about people who have bigger talents than me. That way I can have those talents as well…for a short while 😊
Work in progress here I am.
I have a few favourite dresses and pieces of clothing that uplift me – almost like my suit of armour or super powers/secret weapon, in some way, (as I laugh out loud)
When I put on one of my favourite sweaters I’m like, Yes! I’m conquering the world today with my writing, hear me roar! I have a necklace that does this for me as well, time to go put it on!
Great post-Jacqui – can’t wait to read all about your characters secret weapon.
I love the necklace you gave me, Marion Ann, for many reasons including that I feel happy and centered when I put it on. When I’m wearing it, I’m ready to be creative!
Great post! When I was a teenager, my best friend’s mother taught us to sew. She had been a seamstress in a NY fashion house and made the most gorgeous, high-fashion clothes for herself. To this day, I can copy a lot of clothes without a commercial pattern if I can examine them. Wish I had more time to do it.
I loved the Dressmaker movie–especially her romance with Liam Hemsworth. Good luck with your new project! Can’t wait to hear more about it!
What a great talent to have, Lark! And extra special that your best friend’s mother passed down her knowledge to you.
I love how we can learn from the characters we create, it’s really like stepping behind a new set of eyes and seeing the world differently again.
I agree, Shaun! Writing and reading make the possibilities for learning infinite. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.