At about 12 years old, I spent hours sewing. When I wasn't sewing, I was thinking about sewing. I could visualize pieces of cut fabric coming together to form whatever I was trying to construct. I had my own Viking sewing machine that I bought with money I had saved since 4th grade. My mom had an Elna. My mom's Elna might have sewed straighter stiches but my Viking was a beast. It could sew through thick layers at full speed without jamming or breaking a needle. I loved my Viking more than my bike.
Simplicity Pattern #6008
A visit to Minnesota Fabrics was heaven. When I saw a pattern for a Holly Hobbie doll in a pattern book, I knew I had found my next project. I located Simplicity pattern #6008 in the metal pattern cabinet and pulled it out. I opened the pattern envelope and took out the instruction sheet. It looked hard. Much harder than anything I had ever tried to sew before. I had made stuffed animals, but a doll with a bonnet, petticoat, shoes, and a pinafore was sewing on a whole different level. Undaunted, I convinced my mom to buy the pattern.
Me and Holly, December 1973
It took about a month to make that doll. First the cutting, then the sewing, then the ripping out, then the crying, then the sewing, then the ripping out again. I remember being frustrated and screaming at my beloved Viking and a naked Holly Hobbie. I begged my mom to fix my mistakes but she wouldn't. She kept saying that I would figure it out if I re-read the directions. Eventually I finished the doll. I remember feeling like I didn't like Holly when she was done because I could see all my mistakes. It took a couple days before I could be proud of myself.
You should share this with your students. What I heard was difficult, reread, try again, and what I see is a young girl very proud of her accomplishment. I think our kids need to hear stories from us about our struggles. All too often they think we know everything and that it is all easy for us.
Diana, Your writing is so readable. I appreciate the little repetitions, using the word sewing three sentences in a row. It conveys the sense of obsession. Or later, when you write, "It looked hard. Much harder than anything I had ever tried to sew before." It feels folksy and cozy. I want to curl up on the couch with this story. Erin
This is such a good example of working through the hard parts. It makes me think of the student who wants to read Harry Potter but doesn't really have the skill to make it happen, but he does because it is something he wants to accomplish. I really like your specific details (pattern name & number, sewing machine brand). I applaud your stick-to-itness at such a young age!
Wanda's right. You should let the kids know your story. They like to hear that we struggled with things, we who are so all knowing and perfect in their eyes. Great memory. I could sense the frustration. My mom used to tell me to go to bed and start fresh in the morning before I made another mistake. Stubbornly and stupidly, I'd often ignore her wise advice.
I love your description of your Viking as "a beast" - sometimes that's the way I feel about a sewing machine in general - it is gnawing up my fabric! This is a powerful example for parents as well - to let their children struggle. Look how memorable this experience, your work and your feelings about it have become over time!
You did a marvelous job of showing your frustration. I could feel the emotion. You had a smart mom who allowed you to work through it all. I need to remember that when working day to day. Do you know that Holly Hobbie writes books? Pretty cool. :)MaryHelen
Hello Diane, The book posted today is one that Holly Hobbie has written. I remembered your post, so I thought of you. Enjoy. MaryHelen http://booksavors.wordpress.com/2011/03/24/everthing-but-the-horse/
You should share this with your students. What I heard was difficult, reread, try again, and what I see is a young girl very proud of her accomplishment. I think our kids need to hear stories from us about our struggles. All too often they think we know everything and that it is all easy for us.
ReplyDeleteIt is so human nature to focus on the flaws rather then celebrating the final product isn't it?
ReplyDeleteWe've worked hard this year to focus on celebrating writing accomplishments this year in hope that we might encourage our students.
It is so human nature to focus on the flaws rather then celebrating the final product isn't it?
ReplyDeleteWe've worked hard this year to focus on celebrating writing accomplishments this year in hope that we might encourage our students.
Diana,
ReplyDeleteYour writing is so readable. I appreciate the little repetitions, using the word sewing three sentences in a row. It conveys the sense of obsession. Or later, when you write, "It looked hard. Much harder than anything I had ever tried to sew before." It feels folksy and cozy. I want to curl up on the couch with this story.
Erin
Wanda is right...this is a slice to be share with students - both for the narrative flow, and for the lesson within.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a good example of working through the hard parts. It makes me think of the student who wants to read Harry Potter but doesn't really have the skill to make it happen, but he does because it is something he wants to accomplish.
ReplyDeleteI really like your specific details (pattern name & number, sewing machine brand). I applaud your stick-to-itness at such a young age!
Hey--I made a Holly Hobby doll, too! In fact I madea duo--one went to my mother, who still has hers (I have no idea where mine went).
ReplyDeleteYou left a comment on my earthquake post, wanting to use it with your students. That's just fine--go right ahead.
I have a friend who has published 7 novels and her editor always said to her: more verbs, more verbs. (She likes description.)
Do you still have your Holly Hobby pattern? I'm looking for the Mary Poppins doll pattern as well.
Elizabeth
e(dot)eastmond(at)gmail(dot)com
This brings back so many memories for me: I learned to sew early as well, and made many more mistakes than projects.
ReplyDeleteWanda's right. You should let the kids know your story. They like to hear that we struggled with things, we who are so all knowing and perfect in their eyes.
ReplyDeleteGreat memory. I could sense the frustration. My mom used to tell me to go to bed and start fresh in the morning before I made another mistake. Stubbornly and stupidly, I'd often ignore her wise advice.
I love your description of your Viking as "a beast" - sometimes that's the way I feel about a sewing machine in general - it is gnawing up my fabric! This is a powerful example for parents as well - to let their children struggle. Look how memorable this experience, your work and your feelings about it have become over time!
ReplyDeleteYou did a marvelous job of showing your frustration. I could feel the emotion. You had a smart mom who allowed you to work through it all. I need to remember that when working day to day. Do you know that Holly Hobbie writes books? Pretty cool. :)MaryHelen
ReplyDeleteHello Diane,
ReplyDeleteThe book posted today is one that Holly Hobbie has written. I remembered your post, so I thought of you. Enjoy. MaryHelen
http://booksavors.wordpress.com/2011/03/24/everthing-but-the-horse/