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Between Friends by BobAnn Breland

In this hurried lifestyle we find things constantly changing, faster than we can imagine. Sometimes even simple things can be difficult because of changes.

I decided I was going to sew, although this is something I have not done for quite a while. I have a sewing machine and since I was having a difficult time finding clothes to fit me, sewing was the answer.

I bought material and a pattern for a dress. Apparently not many people are sewing garments anymore as I had trouble finding what was needed to make a dress. I finally found fabric and searched high and low for a zipper in the right length and color.

Getting the pattern pieces cut with fabric was fairly easy. However, there was the sewing machine to reconquer. I have one of those wonderful complicated sewing machines that does everything. It can be pretty frustrating to get it going when it hasn’t been used for a while.

I took out the manual and I had to look again at how to get the machine working properly. The thread was put on and the bobbin filled; thankfully I remembered those! I also had to clean it up some. Sounds easy enough, but once some things aren’t used for a good while, it can get complicated, especially for an older seamstress.

I reminded myself I have been sewing forever, so it can’t possibly be this hard, but it was! We raised three daughters and I have created clothing from infancy to adulthood, costumes and even at least two bridal gowns over their years…not to mention sewing for me!

On a trip out of town I finally found the proper zipper. Then I had to go back and remember how to sew it in. I have put in thousands of zippers, but it took me an entire morning to get that zipper in properly!

Do you know they have videos online describing how this is done? I needed it because my old methods didn’t spark my brain on this issue. In addition, my hands couldn’t quite hold on to objects like they did in the past. I was constantly dropping and retrieving things.

With many problems cropping up and mostly conquered, I finally got the dress practically finished. Although I measured very carefully at every step, it was just a wee bit tight across the tummy. Either I will find a creative way to make it fit, or losing some weight is in the picture!

Since I have conquered the machine and getting the zipper in, I am thinking about trying it again – only adjusting a little more for fit. I am ashamed I had forgotten so much. Made me feel sad for my trusty machine, sitting there all this time! My body doesn’t usually respond slowly to a lot of challenges…but we are talking about a lot of years!

It is just like it was with making pies. I had not made pies for a long time, and when I started again, I had a couple of flops. I could not believe I had left sugar out of the recipe. Had to toss them! Wasting food, good grief!

Getting older means we may have to give a little with the things we want and love to do. Trying to “keep up and keep on” can entail some challenges. It does happen with aging, but keeping on with patience will hopefully keep us going!