Have you ever let intimidation prevent you from accomplishing something you've longed to do? I have. For years. But this week I've finally kicked intimidation out the door. Nope, not going to let it limit me anymore. At least when it comes to sewing. I have other areas I still need to work on but sewing is one I can finally cross off the list.
I've wanted to sew dresses for the girls since they were born--especially for holidays such as Easter. But the thought of tackling a pattern was enough to give me a headache so I've always just gone to the store to purchase their dresses. But not this year! The last few days my cute little Irish neighbor, Harriet, has been teaching me how to follow a pattern. And guess what. It's not as bad as I thought it'd be! And Harriet is an amazing teacher... she's so patient and kind. I'm blessed to have her in my life.
Here's ol' Mable working away. This project has forced me to get to know my sewing machine better. I've actually cracked the instruction manual and have learned all about the importance of tension. Let me tell you--tension is everything with it comes to sewing. If you don't have proper thread tension then you won't get very far. I've also learned how to put in a zipper, a continuous flap (I'd never heard of that before this week, and I took Sewing 4-H many years ago!). Tonight Harriet is showing me how to create button holes. BUTTON HOLES. I tell ya, this has been a great project for me. The mystery and intimidation of making clothing is vanishing away. I can't wait to see all three dresses on the girls for church.
So now you know what I've been doing the last little while. Whenever Jane naps you're sure to catch me sitting with Mable stitching away. And when the girls are off playing I'm at it, too. Here's an imaginative creation Miss A made yesterday while playing outside (we finally have some sunshine!).
Can anyone guess what it is?
A fairy trap, of course! And here's a decoration for her tiny, winged friends...
Who knew that an old felt sucker, a paper towel roll, wiki-sticks and tape could give my girl such happiness?? And pins. Don't forget the quilting pins. Love it.
Real quick before I go, I experimented using Lindt chocolate lambs and chicks for the mini Easter Baskets. I think they're just as cute as the bunnies!
xo,
Pamela
p.s. How many of you sew? I would love to know! Do you use patterns or make up your own creations?
