40 Before 40 - Learn to Use My Sewing Machine

 

 

So this is my sewing machine that my mom got me for Christmas a couple of years ago and this is the first time it's been out of the box! I have desperately wanted to use it, but hadn't a clue how to use it! Neither did my mom! So, it sat in the box, I had a baby, and had no time whatsoever to sew. I am going to make that last part change. And that started with a drivers ed sewing class I took a couple of weeks ago!

 

I have huge aspirations in the sewing world. I would really like to start making clothing, using patterns that my mom and I have purchased over the last several years instead of letting them collect dust in the sewing closet at her house. And, I would love to be able to make Halloween costumes for McKinley instead of spending a fortune on something he will wear only once. And, there is always Project Runway in a couple of years....

 

As you can see below, I am apparently terrified of my machine....

 

 

This is me and my lovely teacher Elaine Johnson. She owns Harper's Fabrics, where I took the class, and was absolutely wonderful!! She was so patient, kind, thorough and above all, my first step in getting this machine up and running!

 

Here I am learning how to thread my machine.

 

Now that we have the machine threaded, I am learning to sew a straight line. I need to clarify that I actually do know how to sew. I took sewing in middle school and I've used my mom's machines off and on over the years. But there is so much more I need to know than just sewing a straight line. Like, learning how to change each foot that came with the machine, how to change the needle and how to wind a bobbin.



  

I'm starting to get the hang of it!





 

Now I'm learning how to sew in a zipper. That was a little difficult!

 

Here are the notes I took. There are three things to remember: Quality of Thread, Using the Right Needle, and Proper Threading of the Machine.

 

This is me after the class with my sewing machine that I can't wait to use! I am going to start with a pair of shorts. My mom and I bought a pattern almost 12 years ago, or more, and she made me this skirt. From that pattern, you can also make pants and shorts. We purchased fabric from Harper's earlier this summer for the shorts, but haven't gotten around to cutting it out. It's the easiest pattern we have and I think it's the perfect start!

 

Number 11 is officially complete and one I'm super excited that I finally tackled!



Playdates and Parent's Day Out

McKinley had a playdate yesterday! My parents next door neighbors have a little boy who's two month younger than McKinley and yesterday was the first day they've actually hung out together. They see each other when both happen to be outside. They love to sit on their respective front porches and watch the garbage trucks, or yuck yuck trucks as McKinley calls them, go by. They both like to garden, play ball and swing, but always at their own homes. So today they spent a full hour together playing. From my understanding, McKinley played while the other read. I'm sure the house was a mess by the time he left. Have you seen mine?

 

McKinley, like most only children, plays mostly by himself. And when I say "by himself", I mean with me or dada on the floor next to him. We don't always have to play, but being in that space is a must! However, he does love us to play. Lately, McKinley and I can spend a least 30 minutes just rolling cars around on the living room sofa. Sometimes I'm McQueen, other times I'm Sally. Other times, he just lays on the rug in his play area and just rolls trains back and forth. Right now he is obsessed with tunnels. He is a little fearful of them in real life, but loves to pretend that all cars and trains go through them. I love that he's using his imagination!

 

What I've found, is that it's time to introduce him to a more group setting. Our pediatrician recommended it as well. He needs to have more interactive play with other children and to be a part of a larger forum for structure. Between the two of us, and my parents, we try to structure his time with play, arts/crafts and learning by play.We engage him in outdoor activities like the zoo, parks, local exhibits and learning centers. However, he needs additional guidance from someone outside our family and I think a Parent's Day Out would be a great transition.

 

What I'm tasked with, and nervous about, is finding the right place for him to attend. So far I have two in mind and need to set up times for an interview and tour. We're leary of a church setting, as we're a blended faith family, but the one I'm currently entertaining has a curriculum that doesn't look faith based. I would like to observe part of their classroom setting to ensure that this is the case. The other is a private school that offers a toddler program. Not quite pre-school but an early form and I think that sounds promising. Again, an interview and observation are in order. As well as cost....private = costly!

 

It's scary to think about setting your toddler free, even if it's for four hours or a full day one day a week. Sure, I "send" him off to my parents on a daily basis. However, it's my parents. He's in a safe, loving environment. He's surrounded by people who are championing him. I know that's what teachers do, but it's no longer one on one. He would be one of many. Will he get lost in the shuffle? Will he lose his spunk and spirit and become shy and introverted - like his mother was once? Because he's so loving and giving by nature, will he be taken advantage of by other children? Right now, he simply wants to do with the other children are doing around him. He giggles, smiles and stares in awe at times. He shares his toys so willingly. I don't want him to lose any of that. My fear is that he may become guarded in this new environment, causing him to lose all of the things that make him so special. So unique. So McKinley.

 

I cry when I think about it. I fear that I'm going to do the wrong thing by sending him, which in essence, is the right thing. I fear that in wanting to keep him close, I'm holding him back. I want him to grow, explore, play, dream, make friends, learn and I will be there championing him every step of the way.