The Hands That Taught Me: A Mother’s Day Reflection on Creativity, Craft & Connection
Some of the most valuable things we inherit aren’t things at all—they’re skills, stories, and quiet moments of learning passed from one generation to the next.
This Mother’s Day, we’re reflecting on the women who taught us not just how to sew or knit—but why. For me, that story starts with two remarkable women: my mum, Christine, and my gran, Valerie.
My gran was a professional dressmaker in her younger years, a woman who could take a bolt of fabric and turn it into something beautiful and wearable with ease. She had a real eye for detail and an unshakeable belief that things made by hand carried a little extra love in every stitch. By the time us grandkids came along, she’d slowed down on the dressmaking and turned her creative energy to knitting. She kept us cosy during the long Victorian winters with an endless supply of lovingly made jumpers, cardigans, and vests. She also crocheted intricate blankets, embroidered linen, and created tapestries full of texture and warmth. Now that she’s passed, those handmade pieces are some of our most treasured keepsakes.
Zoe's mum
—Christine, and gran
—Val. Both wearing hand-knitted tops.
Gran passed her love of making on to my mum, Christine, who sewed many of our clothes when we were growing up. Our childhood wardrobes were stitched with care—each dress, pair of pyjamas, or matching outfit made by her skilled hands. She taught both my sister and me to sew. My sister Melissa ran with it, and she’s now an incredible sewer with a me-made wardrobe that would make anyone swoon. As for me—well, my stitching might be more on the strategic side of things. But make no mistake: the work I do now, running Sew Your Way, wouldn’t exist without the foundation laid by these women. Their knowledge, patience, and deep love of craft is stitched into everything I do.
Today, Mum’s true passion is knitting. She’s an incredible knitter, one of those people whose needles seem to move on autopilot, creating magic from yarn. And just like Gran before her, she’s passing that gift on to the next generation. She’s now patiently teaching my daughters how to knit, one stitch at a time. Watching them sit side by side, yarn in hand and stories flowing, feels like time folding in on itself. It’s not just about what they’re making, it’s about the legacy they’re continuing.
Zoe and her 3 daughters, her sister Melissa and her 2 daughters, and their mum, Christine. There's at least 3 me-made garments in this photo thanks to Melissa!
These women—Valerie, Christine and Melissa —are the thread that runs through my life, and through this business. They remind me, every day, that sewing, knitting, and crafting aren’t just hobbies. They’re love languages. They’re acts of care. They’re bridges between generations.
Zoe working, wearing her favourite hand-knitted jumper her mum made her over 20 years ago. It has been washed and worn hundreds (maybe even thousands!) of times and it is still perfect. Warm, cosy and stylish - goes with everything!
So this week, we honour all the mums, grandmothers, and mother-figures who have guided our hands, inspired our imaginations, and generously passed down their knowledge.
To the ones who cheered our first wonky hems and never minded unpicking a few seams along the way—thank you.
Want to show the maker in your life some love this Mother’s Day?
Want a gift that says I see you, and I appreciate all you’ve passed on?
Buy them a beautiful Terrazzo Magnetic Pin Dish and get a FREE 24cm Magnetic Pin Cushion Wristband in Black, Teal or Fuchsia (your choice!) Simply add both items to your cart and the Pin Cushion Wristband will magically become free! Limited time only (in May 2025).
See our Terrazzo Magnetic Pin Dish here and don’t forget to add the pin cushion wristband to cart as well to receive it for free. Orders cannot be amended after they have been placed.
Zoe
Founder - Sew Your Way