I am so proud of myself. You see, I have this dirty little secret. My friends know I can usually conquer any challenge thrown my way, although it may take me a while to strategize. There are some things I know I can't do, because I've tried them; roller skating, ice skating, roller blading (there's a theme here!).
I was traumatized in childhood by an event in sewing class with Mrs. Lysinksa (I know that's incorrectly spelled) and by having a mother who was an excellent seamstress. I have avoided sewing machines ever since!
In 2014, I decided to move beyond this ignorance, and purchased both a sailboat and a sewing machine in remembrance of my Nan (grandmother). The Sailboat saw constant use. The sewing machine grew lonely and accustomed to its dark cupboard.
Yes, this sewing machine has sat in its box for 8 years!!! Oh, it makes it into the living room periodically, is patted and told "nice sewing machine. Maybe we'll play tomorrow." Tomorrow finally arrived yesterday.
With a Jane Austen Festival coming up, for which I am teaching 2 dance workshops and calling the ball, I felt in need of a new ball gown... one that could be acquired with minimal funds on a non-existent budget.
I have checked every thrift store in the county - more than once. Not one basic dressy A-line gown to be found anywhere.
Hmm... I DO have a sewing machine...
I found an inexpensive King-sized bed sheet at a thrift store, and another sheet with pretty lace... hmm possibilities. And there they sat in a bag, next to the sewing machine.
I finally called my friend and former neighbour, Linda. She and I think and work in similar fashions. She fair roared with laughter at my pathetic inability to conquer this 'fear' of my sewing machine. She is not used to me backing down from challenges, any challenges. She was kind enough to babysit me as I cut out and pinned pattern pieces. Neither she nor I are of the 'let me show you' variety of teacher. She sent me away with pattern pinned to material ... and waited patiently for text updates on the progress.
Work always gets in the way, when you want it to :-) and the fabric sat in the bag next to the sewing machine. Until yesterday!
Yesterday I cleared my schedule. After all, I leave for the festival in about an hour, and I teach the first workshop tomorrow. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
I courageously cut into the fabric and then pulled the sewing machine out of the box ... I read the manual and cautiously threaded the bobbin and the needle. pulled a scrap piece of fabric and, for the first time in 45 years - I remember the moment like it was yesterday - I sewed using a sewing machine.
The thread kept breaking, causing me to quit, then say "oh, one more try" many many times. My friend Frank called to monitor progress and told me to check the tension. Which begged the question - and was answered with "oh I know my way around a sewing machine." It's amazing the things you find out about your friends.
at 2am this morning, I still hadn't finished the gown, but I can take the machine with me to the festival and finish it tonight. I have plenty of ribbon and fabric flowers to hide any, ahem, defects.
But... I CAN SEW!!!!!!
I can't guarantee that my sewing machine will become my newest best friendb ut sewing is no longer on my "can't do" list, and I'm sure there will be plenty of exploration in my future.
What was the traumatic incident that steered me away from sewing machines? Sewing class at school. I threaded the bobbin and machine, with Mrs. L at my side, I started the machine and, simultaneously, the fire alarm sounded, the needle broke and flew into Mrs. L's hair, and I was told "Out!" in no uncertain terms. That's a tough thing for a sensitive young lass to overcome - and it kept me away from sewing machines all this time.
I feel so (sew?) accomplished! Happy that, even if I don't finish this gown in time for the festival, I have conquered this wholly irrational fear.
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