Challenging . . . . But Rewarding

Wednesday - March 14, 2012

Before I actually started teaching full time, I did a lot of sewing. I actually made the majority of the clothes I wore. This was a trait I got from Mom. She use to sew dresses for me when I was little. On several occasions, she made a "Mother/Daughter" dress. Oh how I wish I had that dress now!!!

While in Junior High, it was required that all girls had to take a semester of cooking, and a semester of sewing. Whether I really want to admit it or not, I did learn some things from those classes. However, I give my mother and grandmother most of the knowledge, drive, and determination I have to cook and sew.

I love challenges, and I will not give up until I have successfully made the piece I am working on to look perfect, well at least as perfect as I can make it! Mom would get so tickled when I would take the piece apart again, and again, and again, and again.

I am working on some special projects for a couple of precious girls. The final projects will be posted at a later date . . . actually after their special day!

There are certain parts of sewing that I feel uncomfortable with trying, possibly because I want things to look as perfect as possible; and in my mind I have not made the perfect button hole; put in the perfect zipper; or have the facings look just right.

I love sewing; and I love trying new patterns. Last year it was trying the Pillow Case dresses . . . by summer's end, I felt comfortable with the finished dresses!!! Trial and error in many cases was my best teacher. The one thing you don't do is give up!!! If you come to a part that seems to give you a problem, walk away and come back later. Breathe . . . and then it will come to you!

The following are some of my recent endeavors with a couple of new patterns. Both of the patterns have the word "EASY" written on the front. However, there have been some challenging parts; but I did not give up, and was able to do what needed to be done. It may not be perfect, but it was the best I could do.

These ladies will have an "original" . . . . as far as I know there are no other dresses made with the colors I used!!! :) Hope they enjoy them and can't wait to see them wearing their "originals!!"

One of the first thing I do is choose the pattern, buy a selection of potential material, and get all notions needed to complete the dress!

My machine has a built-in button hole maker; button holes are one of the areas I don't feel comfortable with making. However, the ones I needed to make are okay . . .not perfect, but okay!

The type of dress I am working on is called a "knot dress!" They are apparently called this because a knot is made at the end of the strap and then placed through the button hole to hold the dress up on the shoulders. There were several patterns suggested to use according to the research I did to make the knot dress. This one was a McCall's pattern.

Due to the second dress being much smaller, I needed to use a different pattern. So, I chose a Simplicity pattern. The knot is made by tying two straps together to form the knot. But the first thing you have to do is sew the straps and then turn them!!! My, my . . . have you ever tried turning something so small without tearing it apart? I discovered using a sturdy straw was the best tool to use on this task!!!!

It was a challenge, but it worked . . . . .

. . . . and all four pieces got turned without being ripped or coming apart!!!!

The finished top of the dress with the front and back facings attached and sewn to the yokes with the straps in place!!! Again, another challenged tackled and accomplished!!!

The rewarding part of all my endeavors is that not only am I satisfied with the finished dress, but the recipient and mothers are also satisfied.!!! When we do the best we can, the reward is also knowing we did all we could!! I love being creative and making new things for others!

Happy crafting to those who love it; hoping all others find something they enjoy doing and being creative. Even though something may be challenging, it is rewarding when completed!!!