Much Was Learned
This afternoon a huge project was finished. For the past months I have been helping a 16-year-old 4-H gal with her sewing project for the dress review that is held in conjunction with the Watonwan County Fair. Anticipations were high, both on the 4-H member as well as on myself. Plans were made and the pattern and fabric that were purchased arrived on StaufferAvenue. As the pattern was aligned on the fabric, second thoughts began to be felt on both of our parts. The depth of the tailoring was very detailed, and after all, wasn’t the end game to be an enjoyable project? A time out was called.
A second pattern was purchased, and with lighter hearts, the the fabric was cut and the steps began just like the pattern guide led us through the project. The hourly visits soon saw steps that were new for the student, but were met with determination.
My Mom
During the process that was going on in my sewing room, my mind went back to the days when my Mom was a 4-H leader working with the clothing projects. I was in awe how foreign the sewing process was to some of the girls in the Boon Lake 4-H Club. I had been at Mom’s elbow from small on as the treadle sewing machine sewed miles upon miles of seams in clothing for the family. The printed fabrics, many times, were printed feed sacks for shirts, pajamas for the four of us kids, aprons and pillow cases. It was all very wearable clothes for Calvin, Michael and myself to make use of whether it was for at home or for school as the three of us went to Renville County District 34 county school. My sister, Elvera, was six years older than me and Mom purchased fabric for her garments as she attended town school. High school peer pressure was just as tough then as it is now.
All-School Style Show at Hutchinson High School. A thrilled 8th grade Noreen.
When I transferred from country school to town school to begin 8th grade, Home Economics Class was a cinch for me. When the second half of the school year was devoted to sewing, the country girl from Boon Lake became popular as I could help the other gals with their projects. I don’t recall how many set in sleeves I did for some of my classmates. The proof of my Mom’s instructions over the years was the style show for grades 8 – 12th. Let’s just say that it was the first time in my young life I was given roses and was able to wear a tiara, even if it was for just that night.
During the next summer I was a live-in hired gal taking care of three kids, washing, ironing and cooking in Hutchinson. I worked from Sunday night to Friday night for $15 a week. I manged to purchase my supplies and get my 4-H dress for the McCloud County Fair done at nights. Betty and Ed Neimitz took over their family after I had supper dishes done and Betty let me use her sewing machine. The dress was a dusty lime green wool with an empire waist. I loved that dress. Ironically, decades later Betty Neimitz lived in the same senior housing complex as my mom. She would share details with my mom as to how I managed to contend with three kids from ages 2 to 8 at the age of 16. It was a great learning experience.
Fast forward to this afternoon and the climax of a sewing adventure here on Stauffer Avenue. When I said much was learned, I was speaking of myself. Knowing what to do and how to do it is one thing. To extend that knowledge using words was indeed a challenge. At times I would assist by showing proper placement, but from the very beginning I did say I would not sew any portion of the garment. This was to be a project to grow patience and understanding of how to go from yardage to garment − complete with buttons and button holes and . . . a good fit.
Oh yes, much was learned. I got a sweet thank you and an invite to attend the dress review style show next week. It will be fun to see my student as well as all the girls and the garments that they are proud of.
