I asked my aunt to teach me sewing

Yesterday I started a "sewing masterclass" at my aunt's. Aunt Hòa is the oldest sister in my mom's family and the one everybody turns to for clothing repair.

After my grandma passed away last spring, I realized that I don't know anything about her past and perspective. Because I never asked. Asking my aunt to teach me sewing is also an excuse to visit and talk. I found out that she began working at the age of 23 in a garment factory through an acquaintance (1979) and stayed there until she retired. How simple working was in the last century. Now Gen Z switches jobs each year. *cringe*

Life was so different and the previous generation possesses many cool but "outdated" skills. My grandpa, who passed away 13 years ago, was a well-known welder in Hanoi. He passed on the trade to his two sons and they have lived on it all their life. However, my uncles don't have anyone to pass it on, as there are now many "more appealing" career options. 

But who said we learn skills just to make a living?! 

We can learn for the joy of learning as well.

When my uncle dropped by and saw us fixing old clothes, he told us to throw them away because new ones are now dirt cheap. He missed the point. We were having fun, not being frugal. Not everything we do has to bring financial gains.

I had so much fun, I repeat! I learned to mend holes, overlock the edge of the fabric, and sew elastic waistband (this last one I just watched). Here are the results of my first hand-mending lesson:

first clumsy mended holes by a 24-year-old

The black thread was my first attempt. It's unsurprisingly ugly and I love it. The second hole showed some progress. I figured out how to pull the thread so the stitch is neat: go slow at first to make sure the double threads are even then pull it decisively at the end to knot. I bet you don't get what I just said if you've never sewn. That's why we should learn by doing. Hands-on experiences are insightful.

I'll practice more with the holes before taking next lessons. My aunt said, when people wanted to learn sewing from professional tailors in the past, they must first practice to sew buttonholes skillfully. Else, the tailor wouldn't teach them other things. Although I know my aunt is pleased to teach me everything, I'm up for the challenge.