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Martha O'Connor

Object: My Sewing Machine

The first time I saw a sewing machine, I was 11 years old. My mother bought it for the house. She only did hand sewing herself. I was hooked immediately.  

 

My older sister used it too but not as often as I. The first garment I made was a dress for myself. I had no pattern, but that did not stop me. I thought I was the bee’s knees. It was yellow. If I saw it now, I would see all the mistakes.  

 

I was on a roll, then got a pattern. My sister and I figured it out and made a christening gown for my niece. I went on to make lots of garments on the machine. I would go to town on a Saturday morning, buy a few yards of fabric, bring it home and get to work on a dress for that night.  

 

My machine has been my friend for so many different projects over the years, from sewing bunting for our summer festival, making my wedding dress - lots of crafts. I have had a few machines over the years but my favourite was the first. It was a Singer.


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Collins Barracks

Collins Barracks ,
Benburb St,
Dublin 7,
D07 XKV4

+353 1 677 7444