Great Women in Sewing: A List of Incredible Seamstresses

When you think of the word “seamstress,” what image springs to mind?

When you think of the phrase “famous seamstress,” whose image pops into your head?

Would you be surprised to learn that there are far more famous seamstresses than you may realize?  And that a lot of them are not only household names, but have changed the world for the better throughout history?

About a year ago, just for kicks, I did a search to see how many famous seamstresses I could discover, and it was delightfully productive.  I love the word seamstress, and I love the legacy that these women have left behind with their needles.  They’ve influenced civil rights, women’s rights, worker’s rights.  They’ve impacted religious freedoms, fashion trends and workplace laws.  They’ve labored for soldiers overseas, for students in classrooms around the world, and as artists making statements about their time.

I want to share these women with you.  I want to research and treasure their stories, and be inspired by their vision, their influence, their achievements and their passion.  Starting tomorrow, semi-weekly posts here on the blog will point you toward women who have made a difference with their needle.  I hope you’ll follow along–and share in the comments names you’d like to see featured so I’m sure not to miss anyone!