This photograph from the Chicago Tribune shows the sewing instructor Essie Cannon, on the right, checking the fit on a coat made by Mary Davis, on the left. Cannon was a teacher at the Midwest Senior Center in Chicago where Mrs. Davis, age 73, lived. They were finishing up her coat for a fashion show. I like that the coat follows the elements of the youthful sixties silhouette and yet looks completely age-appropriate on her. The dramatic turban hat might have been part of her outfit for the show.
Although the snippet of a news story attached to the photo does not provide many details, I am guessing that Mary Davis already knew how to sew. She probably took the class from Essie Cannon to hone her skills and learn new methods. This is something I love about sewing—it is really a process of life-long learning. Even the most skilled seamstresses whom I admire take classes to improve their work.
