Once upon a time I wanted to learn to sew. I owe my big sister all the credit for helping me learn. Before she took me under her wing I would steal a needle and thread from my mom's sewing box. I created little pillows, little purses, and little clothes for my dolls. I wasn't great, but I kept at it. As long as I had my hands on some fabric I was happy. My sister let me help her with her projects. She gave me all the easy things to do. You know, cutting patterns out, then pinning the fabric to them and cutting the pieces. After that I had the job of pinning things together. My sister manned the machine. Fast forward to college and I got my first machine, used, at a yard sale. I had no idea what I was doing but I managed to make some pillow and hem some curtains. I didn't use patterns, I just fumbled along. Then I got busy with life, and a few years later I had a baby. That baby wanted to be Rapunzel for Halloween when she was 2. It was time for a new machine. I treated myself to a new Brother machine. I bought a pattern, but true to form, I didn't stick to the pattern, and improvised a lot. I usually improvise if I'm confused about a step, or have a piece of fabric, or item of clothing I want to use in the project. In this case I took a hand me down sweater to make the top, and used a sundress we already owned underneath. I made an over-skirt that could be used separately for dress up play.
As you can see, it came out. It wasn't great, but I was super proud of myself for creating what she wanted. Through the process, I learned that my sister had the easy part of the job! Manning the machine was not as complicated as she made it seem. I won't pretend that I don't scream and curse at my machine sometimes, but the rest of the process takes a while. I like to sew. I like to create. I've come a long way since I created this first costume. Check back soon for my next project!
