Sewing Extravaganza!

We had a wonderful day with some friends who are wonderful seamstresses. We went over for a day of extended sewing. We packed our food along so we wouldn't have to stop and fix food. I was the chief supervisor as I don't sew. I did rip out seams, turn things right side out and pulled elastic through. You know, the hard tasks.

We brought along the fabric and a couple patterns. We decided that we (this is an editorial 'we') would make 4 dresses and a jumper. This was an ambitious plan, especially as we didn't start until 11 AM. We were also short of fabric so we had to send the two oldest girls back to the fabric store to see if they could find matching material.

Three of the dresses were to be peasant dresses. We also threw a bit of a monkey wrench in the plan when we said that we wanted pockets in the dresses. Not hard to do, they just take time. We measured and remeasured Michelle. Our friends are much shorter than the Mango clan, and I think they were slightly amazed at how long everything needed to be. It takes extra material for sure! Michelle is still growing and so we also wanted/needed hems that could be let down later.

The two older girls and their Mom are quite the team. Christi cut everything out and got it organized. The girls each took their responsibilities. All the seams were serge finished. They worked, cut, and sewed. It was fun to watch it all come together.

Part of the day was to teach our girls how to sew more efficiently. JoAn took her turn at the sewing machine. They had 3 sewing machines and 2 sergers going. There was also the cutting and the ironing as well. And me, ripping out the mistakes in the corner. I really didn't have much to do. We stayed and worked and the last dress was finished just before 10 PM.

Here is Michelle in one of the peasant dresses.

JoAn in her new jumper.

Michelle in her new church dress. It is nice that all the dresses really do fit both girls.

Our friends do sewing to help support their family. They have 11 children. If you would like to see some of their other things they have sewn, click and check out their etsy site.

Thanks!

~Mom