The Spotlight – Martha Stewart
Ellen March
Martha Stewart is no stranger to sewing. And now with her new relationship with SVP, the manufacturers of Singer, Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff sewing machines, Martha is forging ahead as a leader in the industry. Season three of her Emmy award-winning daytime series, The Martha Stewart Show, began in September. And premiering November 22 (Thanksgiving Day) is Martha Stewart Crafts, a best-of compilation from her original lifestyle series, Martha Stewart Living, on the DIY network. Martha is happy to report that sewing is back in vogue. And she's striving to inspire sewers of all ages to take their creativity to the next level.
Photo by Scott Duncan/The Martha Stewart Show
Ellen: Sewing is changing––the way people think of it (it's not just for grandmas) and the way people do it (leaving raw edges, deconstructing, embellishing). Do you notice that sewing is changing? Are more people curious about sewing and sewing machines than ever before?
Martha: Sewing is definitely experiencing an unprecedented resurgence. The Home Sewing Association recently released research that really speaks to how popular this area of crafting has become over the years. There are actually 35 million sewing hobbyists in America and the numbers continue to climb. I think that's fantastic.
And you're right: It's not your grandma's sewing machine. Technology has come so far since I began to sew. Machines can actually run all by themselves––you press the start button and the machine embroiders by itself and does a phenomenal job. It's so easy. Sewing with just one button ... that's amazing. I used to do all embroidery by hand. Technology has changed not only how we sew, but it's alsogiven many new sewers the tools they need to make beautiful things easily and more quickly.
Ellen: How do you intend to spark interest in a new generation of sewers? What do you think can be done to reach out to the novice seamstress?
Martha: I'm hoping that through our new relationship with SVP I can inspire people to start sewing or share their passion for sewing with a friend or two. I think the best way to build a new generation of sewers is to have those who love it pass it on. It's such a satisfying pursuit. I have so many fond memories of sewing, especially when I think back to all the sewing I've done.
One of my first machines actually belonged to my grandmother or a great aunt, and my mother gave it to me when I was very young. I sewed lots of things on it. It was made in 1901 in a sewing factory in Scotland. The other machine that was so important to my growth as a sewer was a wedding present from my mother-in-law. I remember how ecstatic I was the day I received it. We didn't have a couch, didn't have any dresser, we had no furniture at all. But we had a sewing machine and a table where it sat. I loved that sewing machine and I made all my clothes. So for me, relaying these wonderful stories is what keeps the art of sewing alive and will make sewing a vital part of generations to come.
Photo by Anders Krusberg/The Martha Stewart Show
Ellen: Will you demonstrate more sewing projects on your daytime show now that you've partnered with SVP?
Martha: Of course some of the how-to segments on the third season of The Martha Stewart Show will be about sewing. I get very excited when I think about all the sewing that I've done and all the sewing that I still want to do. And there are so many advancements to share. In my new crafts room at my home in Bedford, my sewing machine is hooked up to a computer that reads a CD-ROM of purchased patterns and translates them into thread. I can embroider napkins, tablecloths ... so many beautiful things. I hope to show my viewers and readers how accessible an art form this is and I think our relationship with SVP will help us introduce our customers to the newest and most inventive technology. I'm looking forward to that.
Ellen: You're also beginning a new show on the DIY network. Tell us a bit about it. Will sewing play a role in the crafts you demonstrate?
Martha: I'm so excited about the show on DIY. It's called Martha Stewart Crafts and will launch on Thanksgiving Day. What's so excellent about this series is that it's a best-of compilation featuring how-to segments from my first lifestyle series, Martha Stewart Living. Of course sewing will play a part. We'll take viewers through a wide range of crafting projects from scrapbooking and hand-made gifts to paper cards, decoupage and glittering. In terms of specific sewing related segments, we'll use sewing techniques to embellish clothing, to design children's tote bags, and to create beautiful pillows, table linens, tablecloths and napkins that are very useful.
Ellen: How important is sewing in your daily life? Do you think knowing how to sew has enabled you to do things other people simply cannot?
Martha: My mother taught me the basics of sewing at a young age and I've had sewing machines in my home since I was a girl. I used them to make many of my clothes in high school and college and I even sewed my wedding dress. So yes, I've taken on some sewing projects that some might find challenging. But if you put your mind to it, you can do anything. That's why sewing is a wonderfully useful skill. It enables anyone to create beautiful and functional projects or even enhance something as basic as a paper gift bag. I'm delighted that sewing is enjoying a national renaissance since I know very well the pride and pleasure that can be derived from this rewarding pursuit.
Ellen: What can you tell our readers to inspire their creativity and encourage them to continue the art of sewing?
Martha: I've always had a passion for sewing and it's brought me many moments of happiness. It's a wonderful way to engage with your children and create something unique and meaningful for all the important people in your life. Anyone can sew. Whether you're a beginner or an accomplished seamstress you can always find a project that suits your skill level. And that's why sewing is such a fantastic hobby. I hope I can inspire more people to join in on the fun of sewing and give them the incentive and tools they need to learn more about this wonderful craft.
Interview edited for Sew News.
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