Keeping You In Stitches

By SALLY COWAN

I remember someone telling me that if I worked at something I loved, then I would never work a day in my life.  I was lucky enough to do just that.

Back in 1964, women choose to be teachers, secretaries, nurses, or a wife.  I went to school to become a nurse – not because I had some dying urge to be one, but it was one out of four choices.  The Dean of the College of Nursing at the University of Florida, Dean Smith, called me into her office one day.  (I might add I was scared to death).  I went in and sat down across from her at her very large desk and she proceeded to ask me a question.

“Have you ever thought about sewing for a living, vs. nursing?“  She knew I sewed for people in the dorm for extra money. I was at first a little insulted but I could tell she was being very serious. When I left Gainesville, I moved to St. Augustine, a city I had always loved.  I thought about what Dean Smith had said and “the rest is history.”  My catch phrase became, “Keeping You in Stitches.”  I had business cards made and started handing them out.  I truly never looked back.  I loved every day I was sewing.  Sewing became a column for our newspaper, it then became syndicated, it then became 6 books, a PBS TV show and many professional speaking engagements.  I have no complaints.  Oh if only I could thank Dean Smith for what she saw in me.

So that brings me to writing for http://www.staypluggedinto online.  I will expand in different directions such as columns about sewing, or fashion, or trends, always with a touch of humor.

And please feel free to make suggestions.