Art Show: Hattie Motley

Reception on Sunday at 4PM

HATTIE MOTLEY Artist Statement:

As a teenager I started sewing with my sisters making clothes for ourselves on our mother’s sewing machine. Over the years I’ve decorated the places I’ve lived in with many curtains, bedspreads and pillow covers. It wasn’t until I retired in 2000 that I bought a new computerized sewing machine with an embroidery arm and started taking classes at the local sewing store. From there I made everything from small quilts, wallets and aprons to zipper pouches, tote bags and embroidered purses. At Christmas I make most of my gifts on my sewing machine much to the delight of my family and especially my 10-year-old twin great nieces.

After our sewing store closed and with no more inspiration from their classes, I’ve focused more on tote bags and purses. Although I mostly follow patterns, I’ve had fun adjusting those patterns by adding zippers and pockets to basic patterns as well as changing sizes to fit a cut out t-shirt front that I use as a focal point. The best part is in choosing the fabrics and colors to make my creations. The challenge is following complicated patterns and adding zippers, closures and embroidery.

I sew for fun! It keeps my mind sharp as I follow complicated directions. My perfectionist nature makes for much tearing out when I make mistakes and they are apparent. Despite the hours it takes to make these projects, the final outcome is what gives me a feeling of satisfaction and pleasure.

Please take my creations down or pick them up and look inside to see what I’ve done. They are made with love and care (even my husband Elliot helps) and I hope you will enjoy them.

Hattie Motley Branson
Hatley Bags Unlimited