Pennsic garb time again
This year, I am lengthening three dresses, putting arm gussets in six shifts, and making three new shifts, two tunics, and one apron.
Actually, I already lengthened two dresses and prepped the third, and I made the aprons.
So today is Shift Madness Day, I guess.
I know it's the last minute. Shut up.
The good news is, I've now seriously tried out my new sewing corner -- the landing -- and I love it. There's a window right next to me for a good breeze, it's out in the open with no through-traffic, and there's space for the ironing board (which I nearly decluttered a few weeks ago -- it's annoying and big, and only gets used about once a year, but when I need it, I need it). I outfitted my treadle machine with a new belt (rubber instead of leather) and it's working great. (The leather was prone to slipping.)
But I'm running out of basic things. Where is the best place to buy bulk thread in regular spools? Black and white. Also bulk needles (hand-sewing and machine needles)? Not like a gross bulk, but like a dozen bulk... Yes, I'd like to buy a bunch and forget about it for the next decade or so.
This year both girls will be in the dresses I made for Ellery just before she turned 4. Yep, you read that right. She's about to turn 11. Expandable kid garb for the win! This is absolutely the last year, though -- she will nor fit into these next year by any stretch, pun intended. It would have been a painful scramble this year to get that done, so I'm glad I can put it off until next year.
While sewing, I'm flooded with garb-sewing memories in every home we owned. Unfortunately, most of those memories are stressful. Sewing machines that would not behave. Having to keep babies and toddlers out of my work area. Staying up to all hours to sew without little hands trying to help. Unpleasant surroundings. Stressful timeframe. Pushed beyond my comfortable abilities but needing to get my family clothed. Finishing the last stitches as the car sat packed and waiting in the driveway. And, of course, the ridiculous heat and dampness that always seem to go along with Pennsic sewing.
This year, despite the last-minute timing and recent heat-wave, I'm enjoying the process and finding it relaxing (though I have fingers crossed that the gusset-insertion operation is an easy success the first time -- I somehow lost my seam ripper in my lap last night. No idea how that happened.) I vaguely remember that last year I found it relaxing, too -- and I remember thinking it was so because I wasn't also packing for everyone and going along myself, and also because I was not sewing for grown-ups.
Every year, I miss Pennsic very much. I am sure, if you've been to Pennsic, you can imagine what that must feel like. Still, I don't see this as a temporary situation.
I trust it will be there, same as always, and I look forward to seeing photos -- especially of my kids, pretty please!