The Sewing Affair - A Novel

If my sewing life were a novel, Burda World of Fashion would be my dependable and familiar husband and Patrones would be the irresistibly sexy man with whom I'm tempted to have an affair. In novels, wives are often attracted to someone exciting and different. Reliable and familiar isn't enough anymore. You begin to wonder if there is something better out there. That's the way I felt about Patrones.

In my novel, Karen represents the friend who covers for me during my fling. She let me borrow an issue and even provided a "meeting place" for my tryst with Patrones. She invited me over to look through issues she'd borrowed from Cidell and to trace anything that caught my eye. As I looked through the issues, I was very much attracted to Patrones designs. I felt the same excitement I felt when I first started sewing BWOF. They are as fashion forward as BWOF. Like BWOF, the issues have a mixture of trendy and classic designs.

But, like a fictional lover, Patrones is high-maintenance. I don't speak Spanish and no English version is available, but that only made the prospect more desirable. I've been sewing long enough to put together many of the designs without needing directions in English. Pursuing the unknown would be dangerously exciting. In addition to the excitement of sewing without directions, Patrones' pattern sheets are smaller and more manageable than BWOF's. Fictional lovers always have some tempting characteristics to pull the victim away from the predictable relationship.

In novels, unfaithful wives rationalize their affairs, often by involving "the children", just as I did while considering cheating on BWOF. The issues I saw did not include the Plus size designs that I would need, but I saw many items my daughter would like. While she may not actually be the reason for the affair, she would certainly benefit. If she were more cooperative about my sewing for her, she could have quite a wardrobe.

I haven't actually crossed the line and made anything from Patrones yet. Yes, Patrones is tempting and exciting. When If I sew a Patrones pattern, I'm sure the encounter will be very satisfying. But I'm not ready to totally divorce BWOF. I recognize a good thing when I see it.

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Thank you to everyone for the prayers and compassion expressed after the break-in. I never really knew what "unsettled" meant until this experience. I was uncomfortable staying at home and uncomfortable when I left. I checked locks every time I passed through the kitchen or living room. I'm finally getting back to my old self again. While there are many low-life jerks in the world, there are more kind and generous people who offered "cyber-hugs" and good wishes.

Thanks again.