Stitches in time for generation game

Three generations of seamstresses with three generations of sewing machines are showing how sewing is an enduring pastime in Staffordshire.

Janet Turley, aged 69, of Brownhills, and her daughter Jane Hardware, aged 44, of Poplar Street, Norton Canes own the three machines, the oldest dating back 76 years. The first machine belonging to the family is a 76-year-old Singer treadle machine owned by Janet's mother, Claris Prewitt. She was given it as her 21st birthday present.

And as the love of sewing has passed from mother to daughter, they received their own machines on their 21st birthdays as well.

Mrs Turley's machine is a 48-year-old Singer electric machine and Mrs Hardware owns a 23-year-old Bernina electric machine.

All three machines clock up a combined age of almost 150 years.

Mrs Hardware is a mother-of-one who works as a seamstress at Linmar Interiors, based in Brownhills.

She said: "I work in the sewing trade but I do use this machine at home for odds and ends.

"It was a coincidence we were all given sewing machines for our 21st birthdays, it's just because we all like sewing, I think.

"It's nice to make things. It's nice to make something which hasn't cost that much to make but looks dear.

"I have a daughter but I don't think she will want a sewing machine for her 21st. People are using more technology now and are not as interested in sewing as much now."

The machines came in useful for the family during cash-strapped times.

Even when she struggled to find the right colour material for her daughter's Brownie costume she dyed a sheet and used that.

Mrs Turley said: "I have two daughters and when we were limited with money I used to make their outfits and dresses."

The most complicated garment she made was a navy-blue straight skirt with white and navy blazer which she made at night school.