After we got home with the formal Patricia headed to the bedroom to try it on. Soon I heard Patricia call for me to come and help her. When I opened the door I saw her face. I knew something was really wrong. She said, "Grandma, help me, I can't get it zipped."

I looked the situation over and saw it was too small. I said, "Well, Patricia it may have fit you a while back but you've gained a few pounds since you've been living here with us. There's absolutely no way you can wear that formal for the dance." With much sadness she slipped the formal back on the hanger.

I asked Mary to get lunch ready, and onto the table because Patricia and I had something we must do.

I picked up my purse and took Patricia's hand and said, "Come on, Patricia we must hurry." Patricia and I quickly headed for the car.

I drove to the local variety store. Upon entering the store the sales lady came to meet us. I told her the situation and asked her for fast help. She quickly measured Patricia, then suggested an easy simple pattern and some inexpensive fabrics.

While Patricia was still swirling in bewilderment I made my purchase and we headed for home. As I drove home I asked the Lord to please help me with this near impossible task.

Lunch was ready when we arrived home. I asked everyone to grab a fast bite and clear the table so I could spread the material on the table and start cutting.

My grown daughter, Bonnie dropped by unexpectedly. It was 1:30. I was just pulling the pattern out of the envelope. When she saw what I was about to attempt she said, "Mom, don't you think you're a wee bit crazy to attempt to make a formal and have Patricia ready for that dance by seven o'clock?" I told her that I'd stand a better chance if she'd stick around and help me.

Now Bonnie is a gal who sets her sights on success. She usually always comes out a winner. She felt this project would be nothing but a big FLOP so she bowed out gracefully and quickly left the scene.

There wasn't much time; I skipped reading the directions. I placed the pattern pieces on the fabric and started cutting.

I cut the bodice and stitched it together, then I pressed the seams. Next I cut the skirt and the bottom ruffles.

By the time I had stitched the skirt together, hemmed the ruffles and prepared the gathering stitches it was almost five o'clock.

I told Patricia that I may not get the formal finished in time because it was almost time to fix dinner and there was a lot more sewing to do.

Mary quickly spoke up, "Mom, I'll fix dinner so you can keep right on sewing!" Which she did!