Ina Hilemon

Hand-sewn Children’s Clothing

I grew up in Mitchell County in a house on a hill overlooking the Toe River. When I was around 10 or 11 years old I asked my mother for a sewing machine for Christmas.  The year before I had received a toy machine for the holiday, but it did not do what I wanted it to – sew! My mother and father saw to it that I got my wish, and I still have the sewing machine I received as a gift that year.

Sewing is such a part of me. The sewing room is a place I can go to relax – when life gets ugly and I can’t fix those problems, I can work in the sewing room and make something right. For example, a couple of years ago, a young lady called me in tears late one night.  Her prom was to be held the next evening, and to her horror her prom dress would not fit. I altered the dress, and by the next morning the dress fit. I am also blessed to be able to use this talent to make money. I have been working at sewing for over 42 years, and there is still so much I would love to know how to do.

I thank the Lord for the Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree project and that I am a part of it. The project affords me a great opportunity to sell my products without dealing with the challenges of craft fairs and other shows.

Ina Hilemon was born the youngest of three children to Ike and Nola Garland. She learned to sew from her mother, who learned from her mother.

Ina has been married to her husband Tony, whom she calls her sewing enabler, for over 35 years. Ina and Tony have three daughters, Cheryl, Shannon and Selena. They have been blessed with six grandchildren, for whom she often sews clothing.