Sew Springy

I got a fancy new sewing machine last year when the 40 year-old one I had inherited from my mother broke-down. I haven't had much time or inspiration to use it, until recently. I decided to make Suzana's spring church/recital/Easter dress.

I had the grand delusion that she and I could have a bonding experience picking out the pattern and fabric together. That didn't work out so well, so I made the executive decisions.

While I was cutting it out, I kept thinking "What have I gotten myself into?" I really haven't sewn that many things in my life. But I figured if I just took my time and really followed the directions I couldn't screw it up that badly. AND, I knew that if I really got frustrated I could just box it up and send it to Mom and she could take care of it.

But I surprised myself. As I sat bent over my sewing machine, I realized how much I had learned about sewing her just by watching her sew all of my nightgowns and church dresses when I was a little girl. Sure, I took a sewing class here and there when I was a young teenager, but I had never really gotten into it. I kept having these flashbacks to watching her sew all of those different things for me, and how much pride I had for my mom's sewing skills when people would ask me about my dress and I could say "My MOM MADE IT!" And they would in turn gasp in surprise and admiration.

Whenever I stole a few minutes in the afternoon to sew, my children would soon wander into the room and stand real close to me, one on each side, looking over my shoulders and asking countless questions about what I was doing and how I was doing it, and what this and that were for. Just like I used to do.

So, here is the finished product.

My mom will, in fact, need to take a look at the zipper when she comes to visit in a few weeks, but it is functional as is. I am hoping Suzana can and will wear it for two years and not be completely embarrassed, which she shouldn't be. Have you seen some of the outfits SHE puts together? However, I will not be entering the county fair anytime soon.