Common thread in sewing

FINALLY, The Times gave voice to the secret lives of sewing buddies [“Cut From the Same Cloth,” June 7]. I don’t know the author, Kitty Felde, but I immediately loved her for exposing sewing for what it is -- a wonderful pastime, bonding activity and lost art. To me, a day engrossed in my fabrics and patterns has always been a gift I give myself. Sew on, sister!

CONNIE MERRITT HUGHES

Laguna Beach

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CONGRATULATIONS on the revealing and moving article by Felde on her sewing experience with her longtime close friend. It is so nice to read something of that elegance in The Times these days. With all of the horrendous local, national and international events, something that sincere and worthy is really beneficial to read.

TED R. AND CAROLYN LEUTZINGER

Hollywood Hills

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THANK you for the wonderful piece by Felde. Although I am not into sewing, I can absolutely relate to the bonds of friendship she described. Home is about so much more than just the things we own.

KAREN MASON

Los Angeles

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SEVERAL years ago two friends and I got together on Thursdays to sew -- three ladies in our 50s with children off to college and out on their own. We would take turns at each other’s houses, but mostly at mine.

My sewing machine, a vintage 1968 Singer Touch and Sew, gave out. In late April, I bought a new machine. My friend Carol decided to buy a new Elna like mine. The third in our group, Barb, also needed a new machine.

But then there was a car accident coming back from a trip to Mexico. Barb suffered hand and back injuries. Friends put together their money, and instead of buying cards for Barb, they bought her a new machine. Five of us presented the new sewing machine to our dear friend on the Friday before Mother’s Day.

Tears came to my eyes reading your heartwarming story of friendship and commitment to a wonderful hobby.

MARY VAN DE KAMP

Carlsbad, Calif.

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WHEN I was about 7 years old, I used to use my mother’s treadle machine to make doll clothes. In 1942 we were sent to the Manzanar internment camp in the Owens Valley for three years. The sewing machine had to be left behind, and I wasn’t reunited with it until a family friend brought it to our camp. I continued to sew little doll clothes with what material I could get ahold of, even recycling old clothes.

I am now 74 years old, and throughout my life I have sewed about 75% of my clothes. When our children left the house, I got my sewing room with three machines, one a serger, plus a place to put my yarns and all the notions a seamstress collects, including materials from friends who are no longer with me. I knew I would appreciate creating something special from their precious stash.

Thank you for printing an article that I hope will inspire the younger generation to go back to the sewing machine.

SUMIKO ENDOW

Los Angeles

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THANK you, Ms. Felde, for your article. What a touching story. I used to sew, so the topic drew me to the article, but I was pleasantly surprised to find the story of your relationship with Mary more enthralling.

I have a Bernina and a Juki serger that are gathering dust. Shame on me! I just might oil them up and get them going again now.

DR. MERCEDES NAREZ

Hollywood Hills

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