Happy Busy Hands

I love to sew. When I was a teenager, I didn't have a machine, so I would sew things by hand. I made little "jean men" (like gingerbread men) for my nephews, sewed embellishments on jeans or tops, changed sleeves, etc... When I was 12 I made my first "real" outfit from a pattern, to wear to my sisters wedding. I was allowed to use my Step-mom's machine (which was packed away in storage). I used a pretty pink fabric, and silky ribbon. I frustratingly worked my way through the steps, moving ahead without using the instructions; because of this, I did a lot of taking out seams, and repairing mistakes, one slow step at a time. When I was finally done, I was quite proud of my accomplishment, and thrilled to wear my outfit!

Since that time I have had the pleasure of making cute tanks and shorts for my toddler (when fabric was cheaper than clothing!), "evening" dresses for myself, frocks for an entire girls choir, I even made my own maid-of-honor and flower girl dresses for my wedding!

As time has gone on, life has settled down and I don't have many occasions to make "pretty" clothes. Lately it has just been sewing patches and stripes, and hemming pants for people that work with my husband. However exciting it may be to bring in a little extra income, I had almost forgotten that joy I feel when I am creating something pretty.

Well, to my delight, I have decided to throw a small 'Jane Austen style" tea/luncheon for my "neice's" birthday. It will be just her, her mother and me, and we will be dressing in Regency fashion. Now I am tasked with making dresses for all three of us to wear and I am having such a fun time. It's a thrill for me to feel the fabric between my fingers. To "tweak" patterns to make them just a little different, and to watch it all come together. I had almost forgotten how my hands love to be busy with "fun work"...but I really must get those stripes sewn on as well! :)

Have a blessed day!