Barbara Meadows' mother taught her to sew in grammar school, how to make every stitch, hem and seam just perfect, so the inside of a dress was nearly as pretty as the outside.

Meadows hoped she would one day teach her 6-month-old daughter, Amanda , the same stitches.

Meadows sewed every day at Amanda's bedside in a children's cancer ward, smocking and embroidering dresses Amanda could wear when she beat leukemia and left the hospital in Augusta.

Then two weeks before Amanda's second birthday-after much sewing, hoping, and praying-the struggle was over. Amanda died on Feb.28, 1987.

"I kept right on sewing after she passed away. I guess it was therapy," said Meadows.

A few people bought Meadows' hand-sewn garments, then a few more. Meadows was pregnant with Amanda's Sister, Rebecca, and soon a brother, Kevin Jr. Even so , she sewed.

For eight years, Meadows sewed, sold and delivered handmade clothes for kids. Rebecca soon had a closet of 42 dresses, a new dress for every month and every occasion.

Finally, a friend convinced her to consider a business. They wanted more than a boutique. It was time to do what I love to do", Meadows said. "I wanted to design childrens clothes".

As Amanda Remembered begins its tenth year, the clothes are sold in 430 stores in 15 states. The warehouse is located at 4801 Milgen Road Suite C, Columbus Georgia.