Gloria Purnell
What do you make?
In my sewing years, I have made everything from children’s clothes, clothing for myself, formals for my daughter and nieces, and wedding dress for my daughter-in-law and another for my niece. All the curtains and drapes in my house were made by me as well as other home accessories. I have also made christening gowns for my grandchildren along with many French-hand sewing items. I also crochet and among my masterpieces is a hand-made full-size tablecloth.
What do you like to sew?
Right now my energy is spent on quilting and teaching others. I like the challenge of learning new patterns and seeing a quilt come together.
What do you do when you’re not at Bib & Tucker?
Since retiring from the University system, I enjoy the freedom of having some leisure hours. I, along with my husband, grow blue-ribbon roses which we exhibit in local rose shows. I also am a Consulting Rosarian and Rose Judge accredited by the American Rose Society.
What does Bib & Tucker mean to you?
It means a community of dedicated and talented women who are willing to work together to continue learning, teaching others, and sharing the devotion we have to a wonderful hobby.
Who inspired you to start sewing? When did you start?
My mother, Edith Cain. She was a talented, self-taught seamstress who could look at a garment and copy it. She taught me to have the love of sewing by encouraging me to learn. My first dress was made at her knee when I was 10 years old. I joined the 4-H Club when I was 11 years old, chose sewing and clothing as my project, entered and won the local sewing contest and the rest is history.
Where are you from?
I grew up in a mining community south of Bessemer. Have lived in Alabama all my life except for three years when my husband and I were in Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
What is your favorite thing about Woodlawn?
Learning the history of what Woodlawn used to be and now getting to witness what we hope to be a revitalization with new life and energy. I think Bib and Tucker Sew-Op can contribute to that effort.
What is your favorite color? Why?
My favorite color of the day is red because it gives me a burst of energy and signals happiness to all around. (I also love red roses which is evident by the many growing in my garden.)
What school did you go to? What was your favorite subject or who was your favorite teacher?
My high school years were spent at Hueytown High and everyday was a true joy. I loved school and did well. College years were at Samford University and later UAB. Everything was good except for statistics – I thought I was going to have a heart attack taking an exam one night. Finally got through that but rest assured that professor was certainly “not” my favorite.
What is a story (try to be nice) that you can tell about another member?
Space does not allow me to tell all the nice things I have to say about our members. However, Lillis Taylor continues to inspire me with her ability as an artist, a leader, and true friend as she exhibits her concern and love for all of our group.
What is something you want to tell the other members about yourself, our community?
Needless to say, I am the oldest member of our group. However, when I am with these wonderful sewing artists, I feel as young as any of them. My heart sings when someone learns a new skill, conquers a sewing problem, and sees a finished project. Makes me eager to start the next item and tackle any problem. I think we have the skills, the energy, and the desire to succeed at making this the best sew-op community around.
What do you make?
In my sewing years, I have made everything from children’s clothes, clothing for myself, formals for my daughter and nieces, and wedding dress for my daughter-in-law and another for my niece. All the curtains and drapes in my house were made by me as well as other home accessories. I have also made christening gowns for my grandchildren along with many French-hand sewing items. I also crochet and among my masterpieces is a hand-made full-size tablecloth.
What do you like to sew?
Right now my energy is spent on quilting and teaching others. I like the challenge of learning new patterns and seeing a quilt come together.
What do you do when you’re not at Bib & Tucker?
Since retiring from the University system, I enjoy the freedom of having some leisure hours. I, along with my husband, grow blue-ribbon roses which we exhibit in local rose shows. I also am a Consulting Rosarian and Rose Judge accredited by the American Rose Society.
What does Bib & Tucker mean to you?
It means a community of dedicated and talented women who are willing to work together to continue learning, teaching others, and sharing the devotion we have to a wonderful hobby.
Who inspired you to start sewing? When did you start?
My mother, Edith Cain. She was a talented, self-taught seamstress who could look at a garment and copy it. She taught me to have the love of sewing by encouraging me to learn. My first dress was made at her knee when I was 10 years old. I joined the 4-H Club when I was 11 years old, chose sewing and clothing as my project, entered and won the local sewing contest and the rest is history.
Where are you from?
I grew up in a mining community south of Bessemer. Have lived in Alabama all my life except for three years when my husband and I were in Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
What is your favorite thing about Woodlawn?
Learning the history of what Woodlawn used to be and now getting to witness what we hope to be a revitalization with new life and energy. I think Bib and Tucker Sew-Op can contribute to that effort.
What is your favorite color? Why?
My favorite color of the day is red because it gives me a burst of energy and signals happiness to all around. (I also love red roses which is evident by the many growing in my garden.)
What school did you go to? What was your favorite subject or who was your favorite teacher?
My high school years were spent at Hueytown High and everyday was a true joy. I loved school and did well. College years were at Samford University and later UAB. Everything was good except for statistics – I thought I was going to have a heart attack taking an exam one night. Finally got through that but rest assured that professor was certainly “not” my favorite.
What is a story (try to be nice) that you can tell about another member?
Space does not allow me to tell all the nice things I have to say about our members. However, Lillis Taylor continues to inspire me with her ability as an artist, a leader, and true friend as she exhibits her concern and love for all of our group.
What is something you want to tell the other members about yourself, our community?
Needless to say, I am the oldest member of our group. However, when I am with these wonderful sewing artists, I feel as young as any of them. My heart sings when someone learns a new skill, conquers a sewing problem, and sees a finished project. Makes me eager to start the next item and tackle any problem. I think we have the skills, the energy, and the desire to succeed at making this the best sew-op community around.
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