Sewing

Do I like to sew?  I think so.  My mom began teaching me the art when I was a child, and I learned more as a teen when I grew frustrated by not finding exactly the clothes I wanted in stores and decided it would be easier to make them myself.  I’ve had various “sewing spurts” in my life — periods in which I’ve completed a series of sewing projects, mainly of necessity.  And I can now say I’ve had my first sewing spurt in Africa!

My American sewing machine and serger arrived two years ago, but at first I didn’t use them much due to busyness, lack of necessity, and problems with the machine.  At the end of last year, pressed with mending projects, I sought help in repairing the sewing machine both locally and from experts in the US, but without success.  In May, after research and consideration, I bought a new electric sewing machine here in town.  And in June, when I finished the first six-month session of a girls’ discipleship group, I decided to use my newly-freed weekend time to catch up on sewing projects — and not to resume the discipleship group until I finished.

And sew I did! First I methodically worked my way through mending and other less than exciting tasks. For example, I and the ladies I live with had colorful African fabrics, used as wrap skirts, that needed hemming. The jacket that keeps Bonifácio warm while riding his motorcycle in the chilly wind needed a new zipper. Blaine had nearly outgrown his shirt in our family’s set of matching outfits, so I invited local seamstress friends over to show me their method of tailoring garments.

With everyone else taken care of, and my existing wardrobe in wearable condition, I finally indulged in sewing new clothes for myself!  Less than enthralled by the inexact local method of tailoring, I went online for detailed instructions on creating patterns from measurements.  I applied them to the fabric designated for a wedding next weekend (according to local tradition), designing the red and black dress for me to wear when I attend it.  After finishing that last Sunday, I was so pumped that I made another African dress for myself, the green and black one, this Saturday, and wore it to church on Sunday.  Each outfit sports a matching hair band, as dictated by local fashion.

Do I like to sew?  I believe I do!  For now, with my sewing goals largely accomplished, I have little excuse not to resume teaching the discipleship group. But I hope I can still find time to sew periodically without having to pause the group.  The art of sewing — along with the resultant additions to my wardrobe — is a satisfying de-stressor in my life.