I love my Lily Jane with all my heart. But the idea of sitting down with her and teaching her to sew filled me with horror--possible arguments, heads butting in anger, tantrums. But sewing was on our summer to-do list, so sewing I was obligated to do.
I remember learning to sew--I was nine years old, and it was a summer 4-H project, a burgundy floral skirt with white eyelet trim. I don't remember the stress it must have caused my professional-seamstress mother, but I do remember wearing it with pride.
My experience with Lily this last week couldn't have been further from my expectations.
And look what we have to show for it?
Why did I put it off so long?
Linking up to anti-Procrastination Tuesday at New Nostalgia.
Linking up to the Happiness project at Leigh v. Laundry
Top marks to you, Mum! Sewing is something I never managed to do with my Lilly - she had no interest at all back then, but is starting to drop hints now. Do you think it's too late?
ReplyDeleteYour Lily looks so sweet in her new skirt and headband!
I can imagine Lily was thrilled to learn to sew! A skirt is such a good starter project. Good job, Mom.
ReplyDeleteWhat a GREAT skirt. Cute pics, cute skirt. I was in 8th grade when I BEGGED my Mom to teach me how to sew. However, I was just NOT adept at it. I wouldn't let her leave my side for even half a second. I made two of the worlds easiest skirts, and have never sewn again. Tragic, I know.
ReplyDeleteI so look forward to reading your blog everyday. I don't know how you keep coming up with ideas that are interesting. You've got a gift to write compelling and amiable snippets of life.
ReplyDeleteThat is an adorable picture! What a great mom you are!
ReplyDeleteHooray! I love happy endings. And this one is the beginning of her loving to sew just because it reminds her of mom. I am that kind of a seamstress.
ReplyDeleteI love the name Lily Jane! Is that really her middle name? Well done. :)
ReplyDeleteThe skirt is so cute! She's adorable, too. If she's a supermodel then she can support your lavish retirement lifestyle with money to spare. Just sayin'.
I learned to sew in 4H, too! I pretty much left the skill there, but I remember doing a bright red apron. It was really good (because apparently younger me was also a perfectionist) and the 4H leader thought my mom did it. She even called her. The nerve!
:)
That skirt is adorable!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great mommy!!!
She looks so happy in it!
Enjoy the day
Thank you for the encouragement! My oldest daughter (10, soon-to-be-11) has wanted to learn some sewing skills for some time and I keep putting it off for many of the same reasons you mentioned. We have binding to put on her quilt and she wants to do it with my assistance. Ok! We're adding that to the summer list. Thank you, thank you.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful ensemble!
Sew CUTE...the skirt and your daughter! :)
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to learn to sew. I bought a machine 3 yrs ago...but can only make a few simple purses! I need to learn more!
Way to go! Adorable pic! You've inspired me to get my girls to help with some pillows I've dreamed up! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLove it! I can't wait to have some mother daughter moments with my girls as they grow older. I always loved doing things with my mom when I was growing up!
ReplyDeleteLily is gorgeous & this skirt looks perfect for her!
Can you teach me how to sew too? Super cute. What a great mother-daughter project!
ReplyDeleteI have been staring at my sewing machine for months..it's on our summer list. I'm scared! Thanks for giving me the push I need...love the skirt!!
ReplyDeleteWow! It turned out just beautiful!
ReplyDeletei was always jealous of the other moms who could sew and then taught my friends! i tried to teach myself years ago (w/the birth of my 1st child) but needed help! kate (my 9yr old) is dying to learn...maybe this is time to start again!
ReplyDeletebeautiful skirt! she did a fantastic job mom!
what a great job she did. Adorable skirt, fabric and daughter.
ReplyDeleteI so wish I could sew and one day teach my girls.
hooray that is wonderful! she has good taste in fabric :) My daughter is 5 and she is always begging me to teach her how to sew; for now I let her press the pedal.
ReplyDeleteI went through this during the past school year. Our girl had to sew an animal that she thought represented her and then write a story about it...silly 10th grade! I was terrified to turn over my sewing machine. BUT; with a little patience and love she got it!
ReplyDeleteNow she wants to start sewing purses like I do. Oh brother what have I started???
I'm so glad the experience worked out that way! Now you can do more things together and not fear it.
ReplyDeleteI've put things off for so long that I have craft supplies in my house and I have no idea what the original intention even was.
that is a beautiful gift you just have your daughter...time with you and the knowledge of sewing! I watched my mom sew for years and i so wish I would have learned how!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up to "AP Tuesdays!"
She is such a darling girl, and I LOVE her outfit. Better still, you have taught her to sew...something my mother tried to do for me but I was too unwilling a pupil to really "get" it.
ReplyDeleteSo my last kudos are to your Lily, who is clearly the best of learners!
=)
She'll be so glad you taught her to sew! That's one thing I regret never learning from my mom.
ReplyDeleteVisiting from The Happiness Project. :)
Your project turned out so cute!
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to learn how to sew. It is on my life list...and one of these days I will get around to it!
It is wonderful that y'all had such a great time with it and no stress.
Ahh, the days of 4H sewing projects! My first skirt also had white eyelet trim. Mom must have bought it in bulk. What a great experience for you and Lily! She looked happy and cute!
ReplyDeleteWow, she did a great job! It looks really good, and it certainly does suit her. You are far more patient than my mom was...or maybe I was a much worse student :P
ReplyDeleteWow, great job. My oldest daughter is 6, and already wants to learn how. I am a little nervous. When we decide to do it, I hope it goes as well as your lesson with your daughter.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by my blog.
That is great - I gave my daughter sewing lessons one year when she was young as a Christmas gift.
ReplyDeleteIt was a sweet experience for us both.
Lily's new outfit looks wonderful and her smile says it all!
Beautiful skirt. what a great activity to share!
ReplyDeleteShe look so proud. She will remember that skirt forever!
ReplyDeleteI remember when my mom taught me to sew. We won't talk about that. Love the skirt.
ReplyDeleteHi Jen - nice to 'meet' you! Thx for stopping in and paying me a visit! Love you blog, holy cow I don't know how you've got the time - clearly I could learn a lot from you ;-) Your children are beautiful, how blessed you are! And that home-sewn skirt? ADORABLE!
ReplyDeleteSee you soon!
Wow - look at that! I LOVE the skirt! Your daughter has good taste!
ReplyDeleteWow! Look at that! It's adorable. And so is she. Job well done to you both.
ReplyDeleteLove that LJ!! Great job!
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a great bonding experience with Lily! My mom and I never did anything together that fun. I don't think she knows how to sew either...but I would love to have had that opportunity to learn something from her. That skirt and headband came out fabulous by the way :)
ReplyDelete