Fabric flying, the sound of scissors cutting across the fabric, the hum of a sewing machine, words of frustration flying out of my mouth, pieces of thread, needles, pins, and paper strewn around my living room, kitchen, and family room. All for this little scary man, Igor.What the heck does Igor have to do with anything, you might ask? Believe it or not, this ugly little man has taught me many valuable lessons over the last 6 weeks I have been working on him.
My sister, Carole, over the last several years, has made these cute Halloween creatures. She has about 5 or 6 of these types of creatures sitting on her stairs every Halloween. Sometimes, if the light is right, you can walk up to her porch and get really freaked out. It's like a sick, ugly face staring at you through the front window as you walk up to her door. I have always loved these characters and have been dying to make one. Finally, in late summer, I went to the store in Sandy where they sell the patterns for these dolls. Unfortunately, the lady that designs them is no longer in business, so I had only a few to choose from. I picked Igor to make for my bench outside.
The big problem -- it required a sewing machine. I had a hand-me-down sewing machine that I inherited from my mother-in-law, but after finding it, and trying to start it, I realized it was broken. My mother-in-law patiently sat down with me to begin teaching me the basics of sewing on her own machine. I literally knew nothing. The hand-stitched parts on Igor I could handle, but the sewing machine was way out of my league. I have never had any interest in it before, so really never learned. I had someone try to teach me several years ago, but to no avail. But, I was determined. I really wanted to start and finish this project, to teach myself how to sew, and to prove that I could do this.
Meanwhile, I have been called in as one of the Young Women Counselors in my ward (4th time's the charm!) and after attending a meeting stating that the stake leaders really wanted us to get our own personal progress done, again, I decided that I really couldn't give up now. I was only about 2 hours into the project, and was determined to get this done by Halloween. Now I had the girls to be an example to, as well.
Meanwhile, I have been called in as one of the Young Women Counselors in my ward (4th time's the charm!) and after attending a meeting stating that the stake leaders really wanted us to get our own personal progress done, again, I decided that I really couldn't give up now. I was only about 2 hours into the project, and was determined to get this done by Halloween. Now I had the girls to be an example to, as well.
The 31rst was getting closer and closer. I was sewing day and night. My kids were sick of me working on it, even though they loved watching him get put-together. Jon was wanting his wife back, and my house was a complete mess. But, I was determined. I would not give up, and I would learn this skill, even if it killed me!
Several needle pricks, scissor cuts, hot glue burns, and a sore back later, Igor was finally done. I made it. He was finished and put on my porch bench at noon on Halloween day. He is quite ugly and cute, if I say so myself. I have learned a new skill, and have even talked Jon into getting me a basic sewing machine for my birthday, for all these "easy" projects I want to do. I am thankful for perserverence and hard work. In the words of a great leader, "Never, Never, Never give up." (Winston Churchill)
