finishing touches.

The last steps in completing the bibs were simple, but I had to use a sewing machine, which I'd never done before. In order to sew the patterned fabric onto the back of the bibs, I pinned the fabrics together, with their front sides facing each other on the inside. I then stitched all the way around the bibs, leaving about a two-inch opening, which I used to turn the bibs right-side out. Then the openings had to be top-stitched, and Velcro had to be sewn onto the bibs.

My mom was really excited to teach me how to use the machine, and while it seemed really daunting at first, it was much easier to learn the basics than I thought it would be. The straight edges of the bibs were pretty easy to do, but it was often hard to manipulate around the curves. This, however, was okay because my mom helped me fix the bibs when I messed up, and her sewing machine can do a back-stitch, which takes out the previous stitches you've made. It was a lot easier to fix mistakes than I thought it would be, which was really relieving.

Because I had to go back to school, my mom sewed the Velcro onto the bibs for me, but she said she'd show me how to do it when I'm back home this summer. I asked her about student models of sewing machines, and she said I was more than welcome to use hers when I wanted. Then, she told me she'd been putting together a pile of applique and sewing supplies for me. This really meant a lot, especially because she wasn't able to shop with me for the supplies to make the bibs. She's really excited that I'm taking an interest in something she loves. She learned sewing from her maternal grandmother, and I'm really happy that I get to learn some stuff that's been passed down through the women in my family for years.

I really enjoy going home to see my family, and it was such a good experience to learn sewing from my mom. She was happier to pass on her knowledge than I ever imagined she'd be, and we were both thrilled to be creating something together. More and more over the years, I've realized how much I'm like her, and it's making us become closer family members and better friends.