National Adult Literacy Database

November 2, 1998

Christina Sinclair

Christina Sinclair is a grandmother who has lived most of her life in remote areas of Manitoba and Ontario. She grew up learning to tan hides and make clothing without measuring tapes or patterns. Christina has lived for several years in Selkirk and has attended the Selkirk Adult Literacy Program since 1994. She always brings wisdom and dignity to the meetings.

 

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Determination

by Christina Sinclair

My job was sewing, reading and writing instructions and doing alterations.

I had to remember what I had in my memory - what I had to do, as in measurements. I used pins as a marker for sizing, I had to see for myself what the material was like before I could sew. I have made dresses of all kinds right down to infant clothing, wedding gowns and baptism dresses, formal wear and evening wear. I guess I was lucky that I had a good teacher, maybe it depends on how a person listens. That is the most important - if you want to learn, listen to the teacher or instructor.