Dressmaking for Dummies

Oh dear. Today I remembered why I don't make clothes. Because I am not that good at it. Maybe it is those instructions that just aren't thorough enough for me. Or maybe it is because I have to follow instructions, full stop.

But the issue of not being so great at making clothes was incidental because we needed something to entertain us this afternoon while the rain came down. Because the girls argued their way into an electronic ban this morning. No telly. No dvd player. No Nintendos. No Wii. No iPod. No iPad. No computer. Etc. Etc. Etc. John said it was for the summer. Oh dear indeed! While I agree they need to spend less time on said electronic items, a total all summer long ban might just send me doolally. We shall see how long it lasts, but it was certainly in place today.

With the ban issued, they went from horrible (once they got over the shock of the punishment) to brilliant, and to being nice to each other again. Obstrepersous individuals! We made lunch together. Ate with much laughter and then started on this -

I tried to make sense of it all so that we actually came out with all the pieces necessary. And we pinned, and we cut.

Helen did some of the sewing and I did some. I did not find 5/8" seams easy to do. It just felt so strange! I am a 1/4" seam quilter at heart.

And eventualy we got 'almost' done. I still need to top stitch some of the seams I think, to give it a tidier, more finished appearance, and the hem needs doing. Maybe give it a good seeing to with the iron. But you know what? Helen is chuffed to bits and says it is exceedingly comfortable. She is wearing it now, outside playing, in all its unfinished state. That alone makes the whole afternoon worthwhile.

What did Emily do to keep herself amused while Helen and I sewed? Besides ask Helen when she could come outside and play every 2.2 seconds. She kept us entertained.

I assure you, there is an Emily under there, somewhere.

And that was our afternoon. Pleasantly spent, together. And such an improvement on yesterday. I remembered earlier on today that each and every summer holiday they are 'difficult' at the start until they settle into the holiday routine and each other's company all day, every day. Maybe they are just starting early this year, before school finishes. Getting it out of their system. Here's hoping, and we can move on from there. Because there is only five more days of school and then it is time to get on with the summer fun. Bring it on!

Susan