Sewn Up

Like most women my age, I took home economics in junior high school. The boys took shop or woodworking; the girls took home ec. I had more experience, I think, than my classmates with cooking but less maybe with sewing. I managed to do what I had to do to pass the class, and my grandmother had tried to teach me too. I was okay with the actual sewing part; I never could quite get the concept of threading the bobbin. Sewing wasn't high on my list of priorities then anyway. My grandmother had made most of my clothes when I was young, and by the time I was twelve and finally allowed access to a wider variety of wardrobe choices, I didn't really have much interest in sewing clothes for myself or anyone else.

This year I am crocheting cardigans for my family for Christmas. I've found the perfect pattern for everyone, along with excellent-quality yarns. I hope that these will be treasured garments for years to come. The problem is my oldest son. The last time I remember his wearing a cardigan was when he was about five years old. My younger two love cardigans; the oldest wouldn't be caught dead in one. So I thought about making a crew-neck sweater instead. I've seen him wear those, but he doesn't have many. Finally, a few days ago, I told him of my gift plans and asked if he would wear a sweater if I made him one. He didn't want to come out and say no exactly, but I could tell he wasn't into it. I made it clear that I wanted to know that up front. I'm happy to spend the money on yarn and to put in the time and effort if it's something he wants -- less so if it's not.

Today I thought of a great compromise, since I still do want to make him a gift. He loves what we call "comfy pants", flannel lounging bottoms with pockets and a sewn-in belt. When I was cleaning out my mom's house I found some great sewing material, including a lot of flannel. Earlier this year, I bought a sewing machine at an estate sale for thirty dollars. Put it all together, and I have the makings for some terrific garments -- if not the knowledge and experience. Fortunately, there's a solution: I signed up for a four-week sewing class that starts at the beginning of September. The class projects include a pillowcase and an apron (neither is of much use to me) but the more valuable information I'll gather is how to set everything up. I'll be able to thread the needle and the bobbin, and I'll get a good refresher on marking and reading a pattern.

It's been a long time since I took a class, especially one in something "non-academic". Once I get going, I can make clothes for everyone else. I just hope they are more excited about receiving them than I was when I was young.