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Finished Project Friday: M's Dress & Shirt

I spent some time with my sister-in-law last Friday at a fabric store.  We were both there to look at the knits so we could make some clothing for our daughters for whom we have a hard time finding clothing.  The knits table was $2.99/yd!  I was shocked, but pleasantly surprised by this.  We found some great fabrics and because some of them weren't even a yard in length, I got them at a great price.

After doing the shopping, I came home and on Sunday I got started sewing.  It was so lethargic to sew just for fun.  I didn't use a pattern for either M's shirt or her dress ... which pleased me immensely to know that I can figure things out on my own.

The best part about sewing for Maryanne is how grateful she is for homemade clothing.  She is constantly telling me that either Nana or I made her something (even when we didn't).  She'll endure fittings and being measured, then twirl around and give me a great big hug when she gets to wear the finished product.  I just love sewing for her!


Sunday, she wore her new outfit, and spilled some ranch dressing on it from her salad.  On Monday, I washed it and was reminded of the first rule of sewing clothing: WASH FABRIC BEFORE CUTTING.  Her shirt shrunk!  The sad thing, is that it shrunk only in the length!  And, I made it out of the fabric that was shorter than 1 yard in length.  Oh well ... at least she got one day's wear out of it.  And, I now know where to go when I want more knit fabric.

But, it makes me think of all the times when I try to cut corners, or try to get things done more efficiently, but then everything gets messed up.  Believe it, or not, sometimes there is a correct method to everything for a reason.  And, with sewing, it's usually beneficial to follow that method.  Other things, it's okay to fudge the line a bit ... like, does it really matter if you put in exactly 2 cups of chocolate chips?  I venture to say that if those 2 cups are a little rounded on top, no one is going to complain.  :-)

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