I was fortunate to grow up in a time when 4-H and Girls Scouts were "in." Maybe it wasn't the time, but the place . . . are kids still participating in these clubs down in the states? I know that they are popular in the small towns of Alaska, and I owe much to both groups for teaching me many skills—especially the fundamentals of sewing. They've come in handy lately.
Every third grader at my 8-year-old's school was assigned an historical figure to research and write a paper about. They all then worked together to create a "Wax Museum," by dressing up as their heroes and posing in front of small sets they had created. My daughter was Pocahontas.
Have you seen the prices of ready-made Native American costumes lately? Factor in the shipping costs to the Last Frontier, and you're talking a small fortune to dress your child for a school activity. I figured I could save a few bucks and make the outfit myself.
Some cooks are messy in the kitchen, and some cooks clean up as they go. Take a look at my sewing table and then try to guess which kind of cook I am.
Pocahontas' dress.
The design was quite simple, but required a meticulous eye for lining everything up. The only reason you're not looking at a bunch of squiggles and butchered fabric is because my mom, the überseamstress, stepped in and removed the marking wheel from my hand before I could cause any lasting damage. She marked all the lines for me, cut the fringe, and then hid any and all sewing implements from me so that I couldn't "touch up" anything.
Princess Petunia.
This was the most complicated article of clothing I have ever sewn, but I can honestly say that I did most of the work myself. My mom did save my bacon, though, by making the ruffle on the bottom and helping me with that pesky insert? inlay? (the piece that provides modesty) at the neckline.
Dinner last night: Chinese buffet
4 comments:
I am really impressed!! What a great skill to have especially when you really need it! Both costumes turned out beautifully!
There are two things I secretly want to do: I want to be really good at sewing and I want to learn how to play the piano. (I know, not very wild and crazy. Oh, I do want to karaoke once in my life, but that isn't a skill. That is more a couple of glasses of wine and a microphone.)
I admire people who can do either of these things or both. They take patience, practice and and an eye for detail. Great job!
Wow, Kim, I'm impressed!! There's no way I'd be able to do something like that and I'm dreading it because I know at some point my kids will need some kind of costume and I'll have no clue how to make it!
Oh, Kim, that princess dress is simply lovely! I love the feeling of accomplishment it gives to create something like that - kudos! You can probably see every stitch that you wish came out differently, but the rest of us are duly impressed. I also love your daughter's dignified posture... that which can be seen of her hair and face, anyway. Is the play over yet? I bet you're so proud of her...
Beautiful dress Kim! You did a wonderful job. :)
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