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Arlington resident Adelene Howell lives in Asher Point Independent Living. She first started sewing in the 1950s. (Courtesy photo | Adelene Howell)<\/p>\nWhat began out of necessity more than 60 years ago has become a lifelong passion for an 87-year-old Arlington resident \u2014 one stitch at a time.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Arlington resident Adelene Howell lives in Asher Point Independent Living. She first started sewing in the 1950s. (Courtesy photo | Adelene Howell)<\/p>\n
\u201cIn \u201963 when I married my husband (Gene), we had three daughters, and so I started sewing to make clothes for them and myself,\u201d Howell said. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
When they married, the couple created a blended family, and her sewing skills came in handy.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were married 44 years. He had three kids and I had two when we got married,\u201d Howell said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like to sew on a sewing machine,\u201d Howell said. \u201cI can hand stitch and do embroidery and stuff, but I\u2019d rather do machine work.\u201d<\/p>\n
Howell is a versatile creator and also quilts, a hobby she started in her 70s.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost of my grandkids have a quilt I\u2019ve made, and some of my kids do,\u201d Howell said.<\/p>\n
She even made something special for her stepson in 1974.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy 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,\u201d Howell said. \u201cSo, I made him a black suit for the prom. That was a real ordeal for me, because I had no idea I\u2019d be able to make a man\u2019s suit, but I did.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her first sewing machine was a Kenmore, she recalled, and she\u2019s had a couple of Singer machines, too.<\/p>\n
Diane Lohrke, executive director of Asher Point Independent Living of Arlington, said Howell is an example of how older people can maintain their interests.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdelene is an example of how residents continue pursuing interests they\u2019ve developed over the years,\u201d Lohrke said. \u201cHer commitment to sewing and quilting shows how creative activities remain meaningful parts of daily life. We\u2019re so happy to have her and her creative spirit in our community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lance Murray is a freelance contributor covering business for the Arlington Report.<\/p>\n
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