I bought a sewing machine in April, one month into the pandemic, anticipating lots of free time at home for more creative pursuits. The last time I used one was in home economics class in high school, but I’ve always been curious, so I asked around for recommendations and ordered a sewing machine right when many retailers were starting to sell out of machines. I’m guessing this was because of global supply chain issues and the surge of home sewists making masks.
I am interested in sewing my own clothes but I’m just learning how to do everything from the start, which I feel is perfect for helping me empathize with my daughter. It’s good for me to feel lost and confused about directions, so I can feel frustrated, then eventually figure it out and be really satisfied that I did it.
This was a long multistep project that took months (I was preoccupied trying not to catch Covid19). There was the research in buying the sewing machine, fabric, pattern, tools. Once the fabric arrived I had to wash and iron it before I could cut it. I got impatient with the sewing part since it was my first time so I could have been more careful with finishing the edges. I had to decide how long I wanted the dress to be before finally hemming it.
I’m glad I found the Envelope Dress pattern from Cris Wood Sews. I wish I could remember exactly how I found Gyasti on Instagram, she’s my new favorite sewing inspiration since we’re close to the same size and she rocks her curly hair too.
I decided to wear it for our family photo day since I’m really proud of making this dress. I used Shoott.com to book a photo session, and I’m happy we were able to get pictures taken before the summer weather ended.
Photo by Jutharat Pinyodoonyachet.