Okay, one thing I decided to do while I had no computer: I decided to learn to sew. Now, technically, I always knew how to sew. When I was little, I used my mother’s sewing machine to make things like doll clothes and doll sleeping bags and doll blankets. And in fact, I have my own sewing machine; I asked for one for my birthday years ago, and my mother graciously provided one.

But it’s been sitting in its box in my closet. Because I was afraid of the bobbin. I didn’t really understand how bobbin thread worked or how/why I managed to tangle it so dreadfully each and every time I sewed. So I left the machine in the box.

But! Now it’s out, and has claimed a place on my kitchen counter between the stand mixer and the basket of Abigail and Owen’s school books. Obviously.

I bought this book, and I’ve been sewing skirts for my girls. As it turns out, I may have watched my mother sew many, many times, but there are a few key points I missed. DOUBLE-folded hems? Finished seams? I did not realize. Also: there should be an iron involved in sewing? In all my years growing up, I never once noticed there being an iron near the sewing machine, though whether that is due to my mother’s sewing technique or my powers of observation, I couldn’t definitively say. (Okay, it was me. I just didn’t notice it. She irons.) But now, now I know! And now I’ve read the entire sewing machine instruction manual, cover to cover, in English and Spanish, and I feel fairly confident that I have mastered the bobbin. I will fear you no more, little spool-thing!

So here’s what I’ve made so far:


Skirts with elastic waists. Not terribly difficult sewing here, but notice the rickrack trim at the hem! Ooh, fancy.


Tiered skirts with gathers! One for each girl. I’m very impressed with myself.


And with ruffles on the bottom! Audrey and Sadie wore these on the fourth of July.

I also made a swaddling blanket for Sadie. It’s just a white muslin square, unevenly hemmed. You do not want to see a photo of that. Up next: more of the easy kind with the elastic waist and no gathers! Maybe with bias tape on the hem, because that’s even easier! I think.