did i mention i don't sew?

Other than the clothing class I took in 8th grade and the minimal running stitch practice I did while volunteering at a living history museum, I don't sew. I just don't know how. I've tried to learn and been thoroughly frustrated or messed up enough that it's more cost effective to go buy a costume.

Well...now I "sew". Or I at least do the steps it takes to have someone help me sew. I now know how to:

• read a pattern for yardage, measurements/sizes, etc.
• find a pattern
• find fabric that will work with pattern
• tell the different between an invisible zipper and an all-purpose zipper
• tell the different between a 20 in. zipper and a 7 in. zipper (stupid)
• figure out what interfacing is
• choose patterns to fit body shape/type
• read pattern directions
• cut out pattern pieces
• iron out pattern pieces on a temperature where the paper just flattens and doesn't burn
• mark fabric
• pin patterns
• cut out fabric with pattern pieces laid out WITH the grain

Sounds stupid and simple, but not so. There's been a lot of frustration and a lot (and I mean a LOT) of tears. No joke. But I now have one costume cut out (pattern and fabric) and the second costume pattern cut out. The first has gone to a neighbor's home to be put together (because my new found "skills" end there-I can't figure that out in two days. I can't even thread a bobbin) and the other one will be cut out tomorrow and taken to my Nana's house who is going to help me sew it together.

The costumes are for "Seasons of Love". One is for "Grease" (blue skirt), and the other is for "West Side Story"/pre-show character (purple dress). I'm scared I've screwed them both up, but hopefully I didn't.

In short, I don't sew. BUT now I do the other stuff. Woot. :P