A Life Stitched with Faith, Family, and Creativity

Chapter 1 of 4

How it began

Sewing has become more of a passion after all my children left home.

Chapter 2 of 4

More from her story

Divia Holder (SewFabuloso219): A Life Stitched with Faith, Family, and Creativity

Chapter 3 of 4

How it began

My name is Divia Holder, known on social media as SewFabuloso and SewFabuloso219. I am the daughter of a pastor, and my journey into creativity began as a little girl growing up in the Canal Zone, Republic of Panama.

In our home, faith, family, and creativity went hand in hand. I learned early how to sew by hand, quilt, embroider, and crochet. My mother was an accomplished baker who created wedding cakes and specialty cakes for church members and people throughout the community. Watching her work taught me that creating something beautiful for others is an act of love.

Although I had been around sewing machines when I was younger, my first real sewing project came when I was 12 years old. Under the guidance of an instructor at the recreation center, I made a shirt for my middle brother. I still remember her excitement as she encouraged me through every step. "Look what you did!" she would say. Her enthusiasm helped me see the possibilities in my own hands, and from that moment, my passion for sewing began to grow.

Throughout my youth and high school years, I continued sewing. I made clothing and household items. I sewed curtains with my mother, who loved changing them with the seasons and especially during the holidays. Our home was filled with joy, laughter, gospel music, and conversations about faith and scripture. Those memories remain woven into every project I create today.

As I grew older, sewing became less frequent, but after graduating from high school, I returned to it while preparing for the next chapter of my life. Later, when I moved from Panama to the United States and became a homemaker, I purchased a sewing machine and rediscovered the joy I had known as a child.

I began sewing everything I could imagine. Many times, I worked without commercial patterns as that wasn’t readily available . The way I learned was by measuring, sketching directly onto fabric, and bringing ideas to life through experience and creativity. It was a traditional approach that required patience, skill, and confidence. After becoming an empty nester, my children has become my models at times my mannequins.

Chapter 4 of 4

What it gave her

Today, sewing remains a meaningful part of my life. I participate in different sewing communities, which helps continue developing my skills, and create garments with intention. I choose projects that reflect my style, my values, and my love for craftsmanship. I believe in supporting those who support me and encouraging others in their creative journeys. I still feel the same childhood excitement to every piece of clothing I make. I would call my daughter, my prima, my friend, my sister in law for them to share in my joy of my finished garment.

Sewing has never been just about making clothes. Sewing brings me joy and gives me the peace I need for my very own mental health. It is a connection to my family, my faith, my culture, and my history. Every stitch carries a story, and every finished piece reflects a lifetime of learning, perseverance, and creativity.