Meet the Sew-cial Network part one: Marilyn Fox Lewis
Hello and welcome to the ‘meet the Sew-cial Network’ series. We here at Knotzland believe that understanding where your clothes come from leads to a greater appreciation of their artisanal aspects. Knotzland is powered by our remote sewing force, affectionately named, the ‘Sew-cial Network’. In this series, we will learn more about the incredible people behind our masks and bowties.
This week’s interview is with Marilyn Fox Lewis. Marilyn is a Chicago native who has lived in the Western Pennsylvania area for almost 40 years. Marilyn came to Greensburg, PA in 1982 with the intention of staying maybe two years, but ended up in “the Twilight Zone or a modified GroundHog Day”. Though Greensburg and Jeanette are much different from her native Chicago, she still enjoys the area and is an active member of many Western PA communities; “I may grumble yet life has been good here--different from big city life--but good.”
While living in Pennsylvania, Marilyn has been active with the NAACP, YWCA, and the Westmoreland Community Action. Marilyn retired from Seton Hill University in 2017 where she was the campus minister. Since retiring she has devoted a lot of her time to knitting and crocheting while occasionally sewing.
We hope you enjoy this interview with the lovely Marilyn Fox Lewis!
How long have you worked at Knotzland?
It has been less than a year that I have been sewing bowtie pieces for Knotzland. I had read that she was looking for additional people to sew. It interested me because it was something that I could do from home and make a few additional dollars.
How long have you been sewing? Where did you first learn to sew?
I have been sewing for about 50 years. My mother sewed and crocheted for years. She tried to show me how to sew but I was too busy being a teenager to want to learn. In our high school Home Economics class, we learned how to make aprons. I did not like that because I felt that if I had to learn, it should have been something more substantial. Plus I really wanted to be able to be in the Woodworking class which wasn't allowed.
Did you ever get the opportunity to take a woodworking class?
I never did attend a wood shop class. A few years ago I came across a company called Tomboy Tools and sold their products for about five years.
What is the thing you are most proud of making?
I am most proud of making dresses for special occasions.
(Dress Constructed from upholstery fabric)
(Sundress with shawl, Marilyn right of frame)
What is your fondest memory related to sewing?
When I finally made up my mind to sew, I didn't have a sewing machine. The first item that I made on my own was a corduroy jumper and I sewed it by hand. I loved that dress!
Have you taught anyone else to sew, and what challenges did you face in teaching/learning?
I have one daughter. She never showed any interest in learning crafts. She's left-handed, I'm right-handed and she did not want to deal with her mom showing her. The challenges I faced were in learning by reading books and studying the patterns. By the time that I wanted to learn, my mom had passed so I learned mostly on my own. Nowadays YouTube is my friend!
Is there anything you would like to add? Any advice or words of wisdom?
All that I would add is an affirmation that I read recently: I am capable, I am successful, I am manifesting my dreams into reality.
We hope you enjoyed this interview with Ms. Fox Lewis as much as we did! For more on the Sew-cial Network check back on our blog in the coming weeks for content and interviews!