I have been so busy sewing the final mock ups for my sewing book (cue excited squeal), that I have not had a chance to make anything else…not even a little accessory to share with you! ย I am hoping that will change later on in March…fingers crossed! ๐
So when it came to decide what to share with you all today, I became stumped…which usually never happens. ย I thought and I thought and, yep, I thought some more, and came up with this story. ย The story of how and why I started sewing….
I was around the age of 10 and had just received the ultimate gift that every little girl in the ’90’s wanted (and I am sure even today,) an American Girl Doll. ย Kirsten to be exact, whose story was set inย the 1850’s. ย I loved that doll and took her everywhere with me. ย I dressed her, fed her, braider her hair, and had just about the best time ever! ย But, one thing I did not have enough of was outfits. ย To purchase them through the company was expensive, and I was convinced that I could reproduce them on my own.
Now up to that point, I could do a basic sewing stitch. ย I’m talking basic. ย And I don’t believe I ever used a sewing machine up to that point. ย I might have…I’m just not sure. ย Maybe myย mom will remember when she reads this? ๐ ย But as far as I am aware, I hadn’t. ย So I begged my mom to haul out our 1970’s Singer sewing machine, that I am pretty sure weighed more than me, and sat down for my first lesson. ย Mom gave me the basics, some scraps to practice with, and off I went.
It didn’t take me too long to figure out what I liked and didn’t like about sewing. ย I enjoyed the sound it made, and even the odd “machinery” smell that it emitted after over an hour of use. ย Perhaps many of you know what I’m talking about? ย It’s the wonderful blend of your sewing machine, ย the heat from the light inside, andย a little dose of magic. ย Every once in a while, I will get a whiff of it from mine and it instantly takes me back to a happy time. ย Now that I am thinking about it, I hope that smell isn’t a sign the machine is aboutย to explode?….Oh well! ๐
What I didn’t like about the sewing machine was my constant battle with the bobbin tension. ย I hated it! ย That machine was so finicky and would seize up with the bobbin and I would just about loose it. ย Oh and button holes….not my friend back in the day. ย Thank goodness for sew-in velcro!
Eventuallyย I got the hang of it, and my dad took me to the local Joann Fabrics store where I picked out my first sewing pattern. ย It was a Simplicity pattern for 18″ dolls, and I am pretty sure was fairly new in response to the popularity of the American Girl Dolls. ย With that in my little hand and two choices of cotton, I plunked down my allowance and headed home to get started!
My first doll dress. ย Where to begin?….
ย I guess I should take a “glass-half-full” viewย of it.
It was a dress.
And if you pulled really hard the velcro in the back could alllmmooooost touch. ย What I didn’t understand, at the time, was the concept of a full skirt. ย I just cut out enough to go around her body and thought that was enough. ย So my 1850’s doll was wearing a 1960’s Twiggy shift dress. ย But I didn’t care. ย I just kept ย practicing!
Every week, like clockwork, my mom and dad would take me to the fabric store. ย I would pick out one or two calico patterns (1/2 yard each) and would go home to try again! ย I got pretty good at it and before I knew it, Kirsten was wearing a dress that was properly fitting, properly designed, and didn’t need a shawl to cover up her exposed back. ย It was a great accomplishment!
I don’t know if my parents, at that time, realized the impact this experience would have on me in my later life. ย They always supported my brother and I in our hobbies, but I wonder if they knew they were laying the groundwork for my passion and career? Regardless, I would like to say thank you mom and dad! ย You supported a dream that has become a reality! ๐
Oh, and dad, thanks for the extra fabric money. ย I’m not sure how my allowance always went so far…but it did! ๐
Don’t forget there are only three days left to enter the giveaway from Les Belles Bouclettes! ย With free, world wide shipping offered exclusively for this giveaway, you just can’t go wrong! ย Click HERE to enter! ย To see what is offered in this giveaway, visit this post!
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