NaBloPoMo prompt: Have you ever attempted to make your own clothes? Tell us about the results.
When I was in junior high, back in the Dark Ages, girls took Home Economics and boys took Shop.
I did well in 7th grade, with units on shopping and cooking and nutrition. I enjoyed cooking. I never became a great chef, I've had my share of kitchen disasters, but I can put a decent meal on the table.
And then came 8th grade. And the focus shifted to other domestic arts.
Learning to crochet was fun. I wasn't very good at it, my stitches were uneven. But I persevered, and actually followed the pattern and completed the hat. Even wore it once.
Then came sewing.
You had to pick a pattern, cut the fabric and sew the garment. I don't know how my mother survived bringing me to the fabric store so that I could buy my supplies -- she'd break out in hives anytime she got close to a sewing machine.
I chose a pretty, cap-sleeved A-line dress and aqua fabric. It was a dress I really wanted. I imagined myself wearing the dress, twirling around in it, feeling like a princess.
In hindsight it was probably way too ambitious a project for a girl who had never done any sewing before. But I had high hopes.
And then I sat in class every day and struggled. Threading the needle took forever. I couldn't get my seams straight. The thought of adding the zipper scared me half to death.
The other girls all finished their projects before I sewed a complete side seam.
Ultimately the teacher sewed the dress together so that I could pass her class.
And I never wore it.
I did well in 7th grade, with units on shopping and cooking and nutrition. I enjoyed cooking. I never became a great chef, I've had my share of kitchen disasters, but I can put a decent meal on the table.
And then came 8th grade. And the focus shifted to other domestic arts.
Learning to crochet was fun. I wasn't very good at it, my stitches were uneven. But I persevered, and actually followed the pattern and completed the hat. Even wore it once.
Then came sewing.
You had to pick a pattern, cut the fabric and sew the garment. I don't know how my mother survived bringing me to the fabric store so that I could buy my supplies -- she'd break out in hives anytime she got close to a sewing machine.
I chose a pretty, cap-sleeved A-line dress and aqua fabric. It was a dress I really wanted. I imagined myself wearing the dress, twirling around in it, feeling like a princess.
In hindsight it was probably way too ambitious a project for a girl who had never done any sewing before. But I had high hopes.
And then I sat in class every day and struggled. Threading the needle took forever. I couldn't get my seams straight. The thought of adding the zipper scared me half to death.
The other girls all finished their projects before I sewed a complete side seam.
Ultimately the teacher sewed the dress together so that I could pass her class.
And I never wore it.
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