The Cuban Daiana Díaz shared a video on TikTok that quickly became a collective tribute to thousands of women who have made sewing their craft, their livelihood, and their family legacy. From the United States, the creator showcased the gift she is saving for when she can return to Cuba: a small music box shaped like a sewing machine, dedicated to her mother.
"I proudly am the daughter of a seamstress, a dressmaker for life," says Daiana (@daianadiaz2107) in the video, where she recalls her childhood marked by her mother's hands among threads, scraps, and patterns. "She was a seamstress at the municipal wedding palace where I lived, made over 11 professional outfits, and I plan to bring this gift to my mom when I can go to Cuba."
The emotion it conveys is not just about the object itself, but what it represents. “My life was filled with moments among scissors and fabrics, because my mom, as I mentioned in the previous video, is a seamstress. I had the most beautiful dresses a girl could have in my town; I grew up watching with love and dedication as she transformed each piece of fabric into something alive.”
A story that arises from a loss
In her story, Daiana reveals that her mother's journey as a seamstress began after a tragedy. "When my mom was 8 years old, my maternal grandmother passed away, and what she left my mom was a sewing machine. This became a legacy for my family and was what supported my mom, even when she got divorced; this is what she lived on."
Daiana recalls the days when that machine served not only to sew clothes but also to feed and support. “I remember there was a room that wasn’t used, in an apartment because I lived in a building, and there was a room filled with large bags full of fabric scraps. From there, my mom transformed it into something wonderful, whether it was a potholder or a small cloth.”
During the Special Period, when the need was particularly pressing, sewing came to their rescue once again. “I was very little, but my parents had divorced by then. My mom was going through a crisis, and I needed a pair of shoes for school, so the solution was to make handles. She also taught me how to sew, which I didn't really enjoy; I didn't have the patience for it, and my mom is very detail-oriented when it comes to this.”
Together, they made pot holders and cloths to sell. “I would go door to door selling the pot holders. I remember they were three Cuban pesos, and we sold the cloths, and that's how I was able to buy the shoes I needed for school back then, thanks to my mom's sewing.”
A gift with a story and a shared symbol
The little music box that Daiana plans to give her mother is not just a decoration. "I think this is the prettiest thing I could find, he he, that I could find around here to take to her. It might be that, just like me, you have someone special to whom you want to give this gift, a music box like you can see that, if you open the drawer, it will play music. It comes with its little scissors and all its details. Look at this, it’s such a precious thing, the fabric, everything; it’s a dream."
The video ends with an image of her real mother, still seated in front of her sewing machine, stitching as she has done her whole life. The post generated a massive and moving response. Among the hundreds of messages, many people recognized their own stories in Daiana's.
A user wrote: “My grandmother was also a seamstress. She is now 86 years old and can hardly see, but she still manages to sew a little.” Another said: “My grandmother raised and fed me thanks to a sewing machine.” “I also had the most beautiful robes,” wrote a third. “My mother made them by hand because she didn’t have a machine.”
Tribute to Cuban Seamstresses
Moved by the flood of messages, Daiana recorded a second video to thank those who shared their memories. "I hope you stay until the end so you can hear this story I'm about to tell, which is a bit personal but is a message I want to share."
There, she pays tribute to her mother, but also to all the seamstresses in Cuba. “In Cuba, seamstresses are the people; due to the shortages we've faced in our country throughout our lives, it’s a legacy we have, it’s a tradition that, thanks to them, stays alive, and also due to scarcity, that’s why it exists too.”
She recognized the role of those women in daily life: "They are the ones responsible for making the baskets when we are pregnant, they are the ones who prepare the uniforms for each school year, the clothing for the whole family, the clothes for the neighbors, for others, for acquaintances, for those who are recommended."
And he concluded with a dedication that sums it all up: “Share this so that this video can also be a great tribute to all those Cuban seamstresses who, to this day, continue to sew.”
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tribute to Cuban Seamstresses
What is the reason for Daiana Díaz's tribute to her mother, the seamstress?
Daiana Díaz pays tribute to her mother for her effort and dedication as a seamstress, a profession that not only supported her family but also left a legacy of love and creativity. This tribute extends to all the women who have found in sewing a means of livelihood and a way to express affection to their loved ones.
What does the music box shaped like a sewing machine that Daiana wants to gift her mother represent?
The music box symbolizes Daiana's love and respect for her mother and her work as a seamstress. It is a tangible tribute to her family legacy, representing the sacrifices and the art that her mother has shared with her throughout her life.
How has Daiana's mother's story impacted social media?
The story has resonated deeply on social media, generating a wave of empathy and recognition for seamstresses. Many people have shared similar experiences, highlighting the importance of these trades in everyday life and the ability of Cuban women to overcome adversities with creativity and dedication.
Why does sewing hold a special value in Cuban culture?
Sewing is a vital craft in Cuba due to the scarcity of resources, and it has become a family tradition passed down from generation to generation. Seamstresses not only create garments but also repair and transform clothing, keeping alive a practice that is essential for the well-being of Cuban families.
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