Manitoba family continues the sewing tradition with new generation

A Manitoba family is keeping the tradition of sewing alive with their granddaughter. Joseph Bernacki has more.

Maleah Heidinger has never been shy about her passion for sewing. It’s been her favourite pastime since she was able to reach the foot pedal of her grandma’s sewing machine.

“I’ve been sewing for a really long time,” said Heidinger, who is nine years old.

She sews every Wednesday with her grandmother, Carole Ellis, after school. The cross-generation hobby is a chance for the two to spend time together.

“I will say she’s a bit of a natural,” said Ellis.

“She can just pick it up and work on her own. It isn’t a tedious job at all working with her, I show her once and away she goes.”

“I’ve been sewing since I was really little, maybe like five or six,” said Heidinger with a smile.

“I made a pincushion when I was really little.”

Heidinger is never afraid to learn more.

“I made some doll skirts and things like that, and I really like making doll clothes,” Heidinger said.

Her grandfather took her along with him this past weekend to St. Norbert Farmer’s Market. His inspired Cooks Creek wood carvings gave her an idea of her own.

“He (grandpa) was like, ‘I’m going to do a pizza board,’” Heidinger said.

“Once I heard that, I was like, ‘Pizza is really messy, and I know how to sew.’ I could make homemade napkins.”

The cloth napkins displayed alongside the pizza boards along with new business cards that read ‘Made by Maleah’ have become a big hit. Heidinger made her first sale this weekend.

“She was just thrilled to say, ‘Mom, someone bought my napkins,’” said Christa Ellis, Maleah’s mother.

“She just had a sparkle in her eye and was so proud that someone had bought something that she had made and they wanted it.”

Heidinger’s mother said she hopes her daughter can join the youth market at St. Norbert’s this June.

Organizers started inviting young crafters to set up shop a few years ago. Since then, it’s been showing off the skills of a new generation every summer.

“It was great to see all of the new families that were out,” said Danielle Mondor, executive director of St. Norbert Farmer’s Market.

“All the creative spirit that starts at a young age.”

Mondor said in past years, there has been a wide assortment of young crafters ready with items on display from bookmarks to baking.

“Some of them are children of vendors, and some of them are just families with kids that are trying an entrepreneurial activity.”

Maleah’s grandmother said she is very proud seeing her granddaughter continuing the legacy of sewing in their family. She remembers a time when she taught herself how to sew many years ago.

“I think it’s in your genes; you just love it,” Carole Ellis said.

The two plan to work together on making some Canadian-inspired tote bags ahead of Canada Day.

Heidinger’s mother said her mother taught her how to sew on a Cabbage Patch Kid-themed sewing machine with a tiny foot pedal. She is enjoying seeing new memories being made between her mother and daughter.

“To see Malia taking off with it now is really special,” Christa Ellis said.

“Just seeing the bond and how much time they’re spending together is really great.”

Heidinger said she is going to keep working on her craft, making sure she has enough napkins ready for some summer sewing sales.