A Week as a Seamstress

Ever since taking my Sewing 101 class at BYU, I have had absolutely NO desire to sew clothing again. It was complicated, frustrating and annoying. Sure it was satisfying once you finished a project that was made to fit you. But when you could spend the same money to get something similar at the store, the hours at the sewing machine just did not add up for me. Not to mention my talent is nowhere near my other friends who took the same class. Just look here. My friend Amy sews all of that, and even designs patterns for others to replicate her work for their own kids. A-Mazing!

 My sister-in-law Christina was in town with her family at the beginning of August. We let our husbands watch our kiddos while we went to the outlet mall here in Boise. We ended up in Carter's and we found the perfect dress for my niece Mariel. Only one problem: It was not made in her size. :( I think it was harder for me to leave that store with out that dress for her. I NEVER go to the girls side of the clothing stores. Leaves too much room to dream, when I'm perfectly happy with my little boys, lol. But that day I wanted that dress for her.

So my brain started turning and thinking. "Hey, I took a sewing class. I bet I could recreate that for her." So three fabric stores late I found a similar fabric, sketched out a pattern on gift wrapping tissue paper and began to sew that dress for Mariel.

Nearly finished I said to Brandon, "Do you think I should even add the sleeves? I think it's cute like this." (Hoping inside he'd say no, so I could avoid the hassle of sleeves.)

He liked the sleeves. And truth be told, so did I. I added the sleeves. I was surprised that it took only a week to get it all done. The biggest pain was not having my own serger and having to zig-zag stitch all the raw edges. But I think it was worth it.

I was immensely grateful for the praise from my mom, brother Roger, his wife Jamie, and my mother-in-law while I sewed the project. It helped me get past those I hate sewing clothing memories. And honestly it wasn't nearly as bad as sewing something for myself. Kids clothing is much easier. I think it came out as a success in the end. I wish I had pictures of my models, Ryan and Mason, who helped me with sizing the dress. I do however have a few pictures of the birthday girl who was happy to have a new dress.

And sewing it was definitely worth it for that smile. Happy Birthday Mariel!