What began out of necessity more than 60 years ago has become a lifelong passion for an 87-year-old Arlington resident — one stitch at a time.
Adelene Howell, a resident of Asher Point Independent Living in Arlington, said she was first introduced to her sewing hobby in the 1950s while in high school.
Later, when her first daughter was 2, Howell learned that a sewing machine was an affordable way to keep her kids in clothes and taught herself more about sewing. She said she eventually taught two of her daughters to sew and they continue to do it today.
Arlington resident Adelene Howell lives in Asher Point Independent Living. She first started sewing in the 1950s. (Courtesy photo | Adelene Howell)
“In ’63 when I married my husband (Gene), we had three daughters, and so I started sewing to make clothes for them and myself,” Howell said. “I took sewing in high school, so I had a little bit of learning there, and then started doing it myself just really to see if I could.”
When they married, the couple created a blended family, and her sewing skills came in handy.
“We were married 44 years. He had three kids and I had two when we got married,” Howell said.
Howell is still producing quality clothing, including her latest creation, a handmade blouse for her sister that only took her a couple hours to complete.
“I like to sew on a sewing machine,” Howell said. “I can hand stitch and do embroidery and stuff, but I’d rather do machine work.”
Howell is a versatile creator and also quilts, a hobby she started in her 70s.
“Most of my grandkids have a quilt I’ve made, and some of my kids do,” Howell said.
She even made something special for her stepson in 1974.
“My stepson, when he was going to the prom, he did not want to rent a tux, so he asked me to make him a suit,” Howell said. “So, I made him a black suit for the prom. That was a real ordeal for me, because I had no idea I’d be able to make a man’s suit, but I did.”
Her first sewing machine was a Kenmore, she recalled, and she’s had a couple of Singer machines, too.
Diane Lohrke, executive director of Asher Point Independent Living of Arlington, said Howell is an example of how older people can maintain their interests.
“Adelene is an example of how residents continue pursuing interests they’ve developed over the years,” Lohrke said. “Her commitment to sewing and quilting shows how creative activities remain meaningful parts of daily life. We’re so happy to have her and her creative spirit in our community.”
Lance Murray is a freelance contributor covering business for the Arlington Report.
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