Carolyn Williams

July 17, 2000

English 111-Final Exam

Sew a Little Text

Writing is so much like sewing for me; everything comes together in bits and pieces to end in a finished masterpiece.� For instance, when making that perfect shirt, all of the tools and materials have to be selected.� What pattern will I select?� Will it be long sleeved or short?� What material will I choose?� Which button style will be better for that perfect finish?� There are so many choices that can make it all so complicated if you don't know what you are doing.� The same can happen when writing.� Which topic do I choose?� What is the best title?� What verb tenses will I use and how do I maintain it through out my topic?� Do I use a comma or semicolon?� It is all so mind-boggling.

First things first: it is best to sit back, relax and think about what has to be accomplished.� Do I already have a pattern that I would like to use?� Is there some tidbit from my childhood that I would like to share?� Has the fabric been purchased and is being held captive in the fabric dungeon, or is my husband going to say, "You had to buy more what?" after I make that quick trip to my favorite fabric store?�� Are all my writing tools ready: pencils, pens, computer and paper?� Do I have everything to put this shirt together: pins, the right color thread and sewing machine needles?� I have to organize my thoughts.� What will be my thesis sentence, and how will the rest of the paper flow with it?

Now I am ready to put everything together.� My guide sheet is in place for the needed instructions that I may not know.� The Little Brown Handbook is right by my side for the quick look at comma or colon placement.� I sew the front and back of the shirt together.� I write the introduction along with the thesis sentence.� Adding the sleeve and collar are a snap.� I'm on a roll; I continue writing the body.� I top stitch where needed and complete the buttonholes.� I write the closing paragraph. Now, let's take a look at what I have accomplished.� Both projects appear to be complete, but are they?� The buttonholes don't line up with the button placement points.� My paper has two run on sentences.� The collar points don't match.� There is that trouble with the verb tenses, again.� How will I overcome these obstacles?� Take a deep breath, and pull out the seam ripper to rip out the seam.� Pull out my trusty handbook.� Make the necessary changes.

At this point the jobs are complete.� The shirt is finished and ready for the buttons.� It must be finely pressed and all loose threads clipped before the buttons are applied.� My paper is ready for the "Pen Master"-Mr. Dollieslager and his dreaded colored pens: magenta, brown, green, purple, even blue-but never red.� Is it good enough for the A that I crave, or do I have to complete the process again for a more worthy topic?� The wait is unbearable.

At last, my paper has been returned, and it survived the cut.� It may not be the A I wanted; but with a little more critiquing, it will be the kind of paper I won"t mind displaying on the web.� It is time for the final fit of the shirt with the buttons sewn in place.� I see it needs another hit with the iron to make it perfect.� My paper has been corrected but needs one more proofreading session just to be sure I have not been remiss.� My paper is ready to be posted, and I am ready to wear my new shirt.���������

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