How Amma's Creations Came to Be !
After retiring, Shirley spent a few years trying to figure out what to do with the rest of her life (when she wasn't touring the world). On the numerous road trips, she took with her husband, Michael, she started knitting to relieve the boredom of the extended periods of driving. For a few years most of her projects were knit for her grandchildren. One day when someone asked our oldest granddaughter what her grandmother did, she replied "Amma Knits."
Starting with her old Bernina sewing machine she was soon creating clothes for her grandchildren. Now, the original Bernina sewing machine has been joined by a newer Bernina sewing machine, a Bernina Serger, a Juki Cover Stitch machine, a Brother Embroidery machine and a Juki Serger.
During the pandemic sewing provided a much needed distraction and kept her sane.
In May 2021 she started selling her creations at the summer Farmer's and Crafter's Market in Peachland, B.C. She can be found each Sunday from the end of May until the end of September in the park at Peachland selling her creations. She also attends some Christmas markets in Penticton.
Over the years she has continued to produce an ever expanding product line. She loves babies so her initial creations were Gramma bibs and Bandana bibs followed by Rompers and Sweaters, as well as outfits for boys and girls. She also makes Sleep Sacks and Sensory Toys (small squares of fabric with crinkly paper inside and ribbons on the out side. As her grandchildren got older she made clothes for them but prefers making things for babies and toddlers. In the last year she has added embroidered jean jackets and small purses.
