I was one of the first wave of new immigrants to come to America from China in 1978. On my fifth day of arrival in NYC, I was able to find a garment factory job in Chinatown. At that time, most of the Chinatown garment factories were using these old-fashion black Singer sewing machines. By 1982, a lot of the garment factories switched to newer model sewing machines. I purchased one of these new models for my home. It came in handy, especially when I was unable to finish all the sewing at the garment factory. I would bring the work home to finish sewing at night. 

Time really flew by---from that very first year I arrived in America, it has turned into 28 years of sewing. Now I’m a retired garment factory worker and I use my sewing machine to tailor clothing and make my alterations.  I have loved sewing. It has become a part of my life and has been with me for over 40 years! 

– SFNS

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant