The Artistic Bone: A Journey Back to the Summer of 2013

It’s been Thirteen Summers since it all began.

They say your heart always remembers the things that made it come alive for the first time. As I celebrate ONE YEAR of Dearyu Sows and look toward my new "Summer Forever" collection (that's right, it wouldn't be a birthday without a celebration!) , my mind keeps drifting back to a very specific time: The Summer of 2013.

That was the year my Mum gave me one of the greatest gifts of my life. She saw that artistic spark in me before I even fully recognized it myself and I am so grateful for her belief in me. For Christmas that year, she bought me my very first sewing machine. Ahhh (excitement screams) I remember the feeling of it sitting in front of me, a mix of excitement and wondering "where do I even start?", the opportunities were endless. 

I spent that entire summer watching countless tutorials, learning how to sew my very first scrunchies out of old clothing, tops, jeans and skirts. My floor was a constant mess of thread and fabric scraps, but I didn't care. I had found my flow and my new happiness obsession. To this day, that is still the machine I use to create everything you see. Every time I sit down to sew, I’m reminded of her belief in me and the start of this journey.

But the thread goes back even further than 2013.

Before the tutorials and the gift from my Mum, there was my Nana. I spent so much of my childhood witnessing her hand-sewing and embroidering pillow cases with such steady, quiet grace. My favorite memories are witnessing her create my Teunga Tau'olunga (Traditional Tongan dance costumes). Seeing her creativity, gluing Puleʻoto shells (cowrie shells) on Tapa, weaving and sewing fresh flowers and flax leaves together to make outstanding dresses and necklaces for my performances. The feeling of pride for my culture in every hand-stitched detail... that’s when I knew I needed to create. I was surrounded by creativeness!

All these pieces, my heritage, my Nana’s creative wisdom and my Mum’s unwavering support - have merged into what you see today. Elements of story telling based on significant memories, moments that last a lifetime and the simple things, moments of me. 

This past year has taught me that being a creator isn’t just about the final product, it’s about the soul behind it. The chapters of my life that have lead me to this very moment. As I step into this next year, I’m focusing on slowing down, being more in tune with my feelings and remembering the girl who just wanted to make a scrunchie in the summer sun. To continue sewing from the heart, with meaning. 

Thank you for being part of my story. Summer is forever when you carry the warmth of your roots with you. 

- Audrey (The Sower) xx