Outfitting Gabriela

My talk was pretty big about my sewing plans once we finished our school year. I'm finding that it was just that: talk. We have less than three weeks left in Moçambique, so I choose to use our move preparation as an excuse not to have spent as much time at the sewing machine.

I've felt a bit guilty about most of what I've been making over the past several months. It's all "fun" stuff, and I've really wanted to make some clothing for Gabriela. It's so hard to find decent clothes here for the children, and what we do find is way over-priced. I've finally put to use a pattern I bought last year for shorts. Clothing is not my forte, but I don't think this eleven-year-old little girl minds one bit. She's pleased to be my guinea pig.

I started these shorts last week and walked away from them when I discovered that the zipper I used was poor-quality and would need to be replaced. Also, the shorts ended up being a bit snug and would need to be altered. In the past when I've used a pattern that claimed to be her size, it always ended up being too large in one way or another. This time, I went ahead and made modifications in the usual problem areas, only to find in the end that I over-compensated. (I'm convinced that I really do use my seam ripper more than my toothbrush.)

In Africa, lots of things are repurposed. The pattern called for buttons on the side tabs, but I decided to make bows from the twill tape that held together the bundle of fabric I recently got from Sew Mama Sew. A little girl should have bows, even if she is approaching the threshold of puberty.

Zippers really aren't as scary as I used to think, but it took me three tries to get this one as right as is possible for my novice ability. I don't regret it. We learn from our mistakes, right? (Gabriela stood nearby saying, "Aw, Mom. I'm so sorry." She felt my pain, remembering the multiple times she had to rip seams while making her skirt.)

Gabriela has wanted to make another project from old denim capris. She recycled a pair into a denim skirt a few months ago. Recently, she decided to make a long multi-tiered skirt from another pair. She wanted it to be very colorful, so she chose a few bright fabrics from Caelyn's and my stashes. I helped her to measure and cut fabric, but she did all of the labor. Bless her heart. She came to tears during one or two of the eight or ten times she had to rip seams. The end justifies the means, though, and she is very happy with her "new" skirt. I'm "sew" proud of her persistence.

This totally captures her.

It's time again to visit Sew & Tell with Amy and see what amazing projects the others have finished this week. I've had such a fun time participating each Friday. The ladies in Amy's group are so talented and inspiring. Take a moment and browse their projects, and have a wonderful weekend!