My Mother is a Magician of the Clothes

Did you ever buy clothes or get new clothes as a child? For me,the ansewr is “No”. My mother never bought clothes for me. This was not neglect or carelessness but I wore the original clothes that she custome made for me.

My mother; Setsuko was born in 1941. In that year was called at Kigensetsu or the anniversary of the accession of Japans legendary first emperor or Jinmu. She was named "Setsuko”by her parents in honor of the name of of the year Kigen"setsu". Her father was a merchant and her mother was from Kyushu. They met in Kyushu in the business trip destination of him, and fell in love.

When my mother became 15 years old, her father told her that ”Study of design of clothes in Tokyo if you hope. You have the talent”. So she went to Tokyo for Study of it. It was her dream in childhood. She was very happy though the study of the design was very hard. After she had graduated from the university, she became a patterner. Her work was that the cutting of three dimensions designs based on the designer wrote. It is difficult job also today. But she did it and enjoyed it. She produced the stage garment of the film star in Japan, and worked with the designer in famous Japan of Hanae Mori and Ichiro Kimishima, etc. When I traveled to Tokyo with her, I had visited to her alma mater. I was surprised to find the dress that she had made there before. It had been exhibited in the museum. I noticed not known at all how she had achieved a great achievement…

Her farther died when she was 29 years old. It was in summer holiday. That day, he had gone to the hospital to examine physical condition when she arrived at the airport. However, the telephone rang from the hospital when she arrived at her house. It was information of her father's death. We do not know why, but this is true story.

His death gave a new life to my mother. She returns to her hometown, and starts the dressmaker's shop. One day, when she was making the dress, one man had entered her shop. He came to take off the suit having been requested by his boss. She thought that his suits looked like for senior citizen though his age might be young. It was very dark color and plain style. Yes, this is theirs first meeting. It was not necessary to lengthen it until they fell in love. And, they married.

My mother still buys the book on the clothes. She is a magician of the clothes. Someday I become mother, I will make the clothes like my mother. However, it will be sure to be very easy one.

(by Miyu)