Sew Happy

Like so many others, staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic sparked my creative juices.  I started crocheting like a mad woman, and started making crochet purses. 

I decided I needed to sew liners for the purses, so I searched the internet for a sewing machine.  As you can imagine, it was nearly impossible to find a sewing machine or any material this spring, with everyone suddenly sewing masks. I ended up finding the cutest little off brand lavendar and white machine for $78, and ordered it, along with (the minimum of) 3 yards of very cute map patterned cotton material.  I hadn't sewn in years, and yet I was so proud that I was able to thread the machine!  However, before I could sew my first liner, the needle broke, and each replacement broke, again and again.  With multiple requests over many months, I finally was able to get a refund, and meanwhile I bought this very beautiful and reliable name brand machine:

In addition to sewing liners for my crochet bags, I also started repairing and altering some of my clothing. 

We each have a body shape and we're all different.  As I've never had a serious weight problem, I can't complain about that; however, I definitely have a few challenges.  For one thing, I'm slightly shorter than Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who sadly passed away yesterday.  At 5'1", she was half an inch taller than me. This is on the low end of the petite scale, which starts at 5'4".  I find that most petite clothing is designed for people with a longer torso and shorter legs.  The 28" inseam of most pants is much too short for my long legs.  The petite length tee shirts and sweaters are too long for my short waist.  I have spent so much money over the years on altering tee shirts, pants and skirts! Now I could make some of these alterations myself.  Yay!

Today as I tried on these jeans, which I received from a Stitch Fix package, I realized the length was just ever so slightly too short, enough to look and feel awkward.  Thank goodness all kinds of fringe and the distressed look are very now!  By removing the hem, and sewing a quick zig zag near the frayed edge, I have added 1-1/2" to these jeans.  They're now long enough to wear with my booties for fall.  Other projects have included hemming some pants for my equally petite mother, hemming the sleeves of a family reunion tee shirt, and hemming a skirt that always felt a little too long and dowdy.

We all have to get dressed every day anyway, so we may as well have some fun!

-Karen