A couple weeks ago I decided it was time for me to learn how to sew. I've done my fair share of pajama pants and elastic waisted skirts, but never anything real. I've always told myself I don't have the patience to deal with a pattern and all of the detail. But no more! My mom sewed us so many darling dresses when we were little, and I feel sort of inadequate not having what used to be such a basic and common skill. PLUS I cannot find any skirts or dresses that are long enough lately, it's driving me crazy.
A few years ago I bought like ten patterns because they were on sale for 99 cents a piece. I know enough about sewing to know that was an incredible price. They sell for $20 sometimes! I got a variety of things, baby clothes, curtains, baby nursery stuff, and some skirts and dresses. I thought about doing something that seemed simple, but decided if I'm gonna learn, I need to just do it all. So I picked a shirt dress that had the works...collar, buttons, sleeves with cuffs, pockets, zipper, binding.
Two days into it I was about to lose my mind. I think I skyped my mom about a hundred times during the process and said the sentence "WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?!" about a bazillion times. It was really tough, but after a lot of measuring and cutting and sewing and seam ripping, and remaking the sleeves four times, I had a dress. A real dress. A dress that fits perfectly and is the perfect length and is actually completely adorable. I still can't really believe it. And now I know how to read a pattern. It really is like a different language. But they say immersion is the best way to learn a new language and in this case that was definitely true.
Since my first success I've been brave enough to use this pattern that I'm in love with for a paper bag skirt. My first try was not so bueno, but I did it again with better fabric and ta-da!!
In conclusion, I'm pretty proud that I can finally do something that women for centuries have been doing for themselves.
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