BIOGRAPHY FOR MONASEAMS My name is Donna (Greeley) White. I grew up in Portugal Cove, Newfoundland, Canada. I am the founder of Monaseams. Monaseams is a brand I created from Sewing Creations by Donna. In the last forty plus years I have been creating in the form of sewing, knitting, crochet, to name a few. Approximately three years ago I decided to use my skills to create something from sealskin. I don’t use pre existing patterns. “If I can think it, I can make it”. When browsing through my work you’ll find some unique items. Some of my experience I received when I lived in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, working with ladies of the community. We learned things from each other. The knowledge I gained there was priceless. Sewing came naturally to me although when I was 12 years old my parents had the foresight to purchase a sewing machine with a six week course. Later as a teenager I enrolled in Dressmaking and Tailoring. I take great pride in my workmanship. If I don’t like what I’ve created I will make changes until I’m happy with my final creation. This is my passion so I will continue to strive to do better. Some mornings I wake with something in mind that I’d like to create. I think about how to create it. It may take some time thinking about it but when it’s finally in my head the way I want it then it's time to drop what I’m doing and make it. Sometimes it works out perfectly, other times minor adjustments are made. Some of the sealskin items I have made are coin purses, bow ties, neck ties, slippers, vests, to name a few. Whenever possible I use Newfoundland Tartan as a lining if necessary. I love the culture, traditions, and our people, so what better way is there then to combine the seal industry and our beautiful Tartan. One of the pieces I am most proud of creating is a tail which was made for my son Mark to wear on a Merb’y calendar. It was black with strips of sealskin and Newfoundland Tartan. It gave my son and I something to do together. He was a huge help with the tail and since then has helped me in whatever capacity I needed at that time. Although I studied my craft I do believe creativity can be inherited. My Grandmother made clothing for people. She didn’t use patterns. She would go downtown and look in the store windows at the clothing being displayed then go back home and make it. My dad was very creative as well. Jack of all trades, master of none. The same has been said to him about building or fixing as said to me about creating. As the Newfoundland saying goes, “He/She can put an arse in a cat”. I continue to make Sealskin products and thoroughly enjoy using Sealskin in my many products
