Lesson 17: For All You Non-Sewers Out There

Here in Clover it seems as if everyone knows how to sew. Even the boys know how to sew. Their moms are monogramming, seam-stitching wizards, and they make it their business to see to it that everyone has at least the know-how to reattach a button.

I do not know how to sew. I cannot correctly reattach a button. I use safety pins.

It really is kind of pathetic. My own mother was a smocking genius back in the day. I appreciate her talents now, because she managed to save the boxes and boxes of beautiful smocked dresses she made for me. Samara plays the part of a sweet Southern girl every Sunday morning, and I'm spared the cost of it. Thank you mom.

Unfortunately, sewing skills are not genetic. Just because a person spends the majority her single digit years in homemade clothes, does not in any way indicate that she will one day be master of the machine as well.

For a while I lamented my inadequacy. I've even considered taking action to remedy it. Last week my neighbor went to sewing camp. What a great idea I thought! I could definitely learn something useful with a whole week of practice.

Turns out sewing camp is only for elementary school children.

Occasionally, I lie awake at night wondering how I will ever make Samara the fairy princess gown that she desires for Halloween or Hudson the dignified Robert E. Lee uniform for a school play. My Christopher Columbus get-up was phenomenal! Man my mom was good. How am I going to be even an ok momma if my drawer of lost buttons only continues to fill up?

My friends, I have found a solution.

It is called Heat'n Bond Iron-On Adhesive. It is miraculous for three reasons.

1. HBIOA is so simple. The adhesive comes you a roll. You simple rip a piece off that is the correct size. You place it between the layers of fabric that you want connected. Then you press down with your iron for 3 seconds. You may have a repeat the iron part a few times.

2. HBIOA is so fast. Do you really mean 3 seconds Katherine? Yes, I really mean 3 seconds.

3. HBIOA is so inexpensive. A roll at Wal-Mart costs less than $2, and it looks as if it will last me for a while.

Though I agree that there is no substitute for real, honest sewing knowledge, this product really is a life-saver for those of you out there, like me, who want to complete the projects, but do not have the time for lessons or the money to invest in a good machine.

Mark and I are currently in the process of constructing a Dress-Up center for Samara's birthday. Something kind of like this.

                                                   http://www.brooklynlimestone.com/2012/02/conquered-closet-chloes-dress-up.html#.T-ZqPZHhfNr
 
However, I wanted Samara's to have a curtain to cover all the fun dress-up contents creating a magical world for her within. I also don't love looking at clutter.

How does one make a curtain without using a sewing machine? That's right, with a little something I like to call HBIOA.

Not the worst right?

I am considering asking for help with a monogram. I don't know if something generic would have the same cuteness level. Then again, I'm pretty sure there are iron on letters out there. Hmmm ...

If only I could iron on a button.

Lesson Learned: With a roll of HBIOA and an iron, you too can create the fabric projects of your dreams.