Why Everyone Needs an Emergency Sewing Kit

Excerpt fromCrafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing: Fabu-Low-Sew Projects for the Everyday Crafter, by Kathy Cano-Murillo

Back in the day, I worked as an appeals clerk at Phoenix Municipal Court. My whole world revolved around scoring vintage dress clothes that I’d show off at my so-called prestigious office gig.

One morning I slipped past my boss, late as always, decked out in a ’50s-era body-hugging emerald suit. The extra fine sharkskin fabric had zero give, and with the skirt tight enough to cut off my circulation if I sat too long, I knew it would be a long day.

In my tiny office, I plopped down in the chair behind my desk, ready for the day’s angry defendants to line up and file their appeal paperwork. And then—I heard it.

Rrrrrip!

My skirt’s back center slit popped apart, along with part of the hem. After already being tardy, there was no way I could ask to go home. So I did the next best thing that any crafty working girl would do: I whipped out the Swingline stapler. I pulled down the shade on the Plexiglas service window, locked my door, took off my skirt, and performed press-n-punch surgery on the skirt’s gashes.

Later, about five minutes before lunchtime, two hunky jocks rang the bell at the service window. I explained the appeal process, and one of them decided to proceed. I turned, walked to the front of my desk, bent over, and sifted through my files for the proper paperwork.

I returned to the window, and noticed both men grinning. Creepy grins that made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. I handed the paperwork to the first guy and the other one cut in . . .

“Hey—I’d like to file an appeal too,” he said, folding his arms over his chest and winking at his friend. “I want the same paperwork you got for him. Over there, from your desk.”

Weirdos, I thought. I politely turned around and walked to my desk again. When I came back to the window, they were both laughing. The first guy asked for another set. I knew something was up, but had no clue what it could be.

“Kathy, sit down—I’ll take care of them,” said a booming voice from across the office. It was my friend (and future husband) Patrick, who had arrived to take me to lunch. He signaled for me to have a seat, and then he gave the musclemen a homeboy glare of disgust as he approached the window.

I wondered why Patrick had such a rude attitude toward these men, since he had only walked in a second earlier. As soon as I sat down, I knew.

I felt the icy sting from my metal chair against the top of my leg.

I whisper-gasped in horror! My fancy hem job? Busted! Not only that, the staples had snagged on my pantyhose just above my bootie. No wonder those dudes wanted more paperwork. Every time I turned around and bent over, they saw all the junk in my trunk!

Crafty Chica Lesson Learned: Always carry a mini–sewing kit. Now reread that last sentence. Live it. Do it. Because you just never know when you—or someone else—will need an old school needle and thread. Keep one in your purse, your suitcase, and your office desk drawer. You can find small kits at the fabric store, or just make your own. Find a container like a small mint tin or lipstick case. Place inside your tin a couple needles, black and white thread, and if you can find some, a teeny set of scissors.

Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)

P.S. Check out my new book and product line!