The Year I Made 12 Dresses: the almost-but-not-quite-true-story (almost-but-not-quite-true stories)

A struggling writer, an enigmatic shop clerk, an old sewing machine and an inspirational journey of discovery – where every dress is more than it appears to be.\nAfter her mother’s unexpected death, struggling writer Charlotte (Charlie) Hudson moves into her family house after her older, mostly absent sister Evelyn instructs her to empty the family home of objects and memories to ready it for sale. When Charlie stumbles on a dusty old sewing machine hidden away among the clutter of detritus in the basement, she has no idea of the journey it will take her on, or of the secrets it might reveal about her mother, her family and herself. If only she will let it. With the help of an enigmatic fabric-guru named Al, Charlie discovers how little she really knows about anyone – especially herself. MORE: Charlotte “Charlie” Hudson is a thirty-something underachiever, at least according to her over-achieving sister, Evelyn. When their mother dies unexpectedly, Evelyn pressures Charlie into moving back into the old family home to clear it out and prepare it for sale. Charlie’s mom had always been supportive, in more ways than one, of Charlie’s passion for being a writer, a passion that took her through graduate school and onto a non-existent career. Evelyn graduated from law school, clearing the way for her to a career as a well-regarded litigator. So, it seemed natural for Charlie to move in and look after their mother’s affairs. When she discovers a dusty, old sewing machine and boxes filled with sewing-related items Charlie has never seen before in the basement, hidden among the detritus that makes up a life, Charlie embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Aided and abetted by Al, the fabric whisperer/sales clerk, Charlie learns not only about the fine art of sewing dresses, but also the fine art of understanding families, and way more about her mother than she ever dreamed she didn’t already know – one dress at a time. Along the way, Charlie begins to see herself and her life in unexpected ways. With an old sewing machine as her guide, Charlie takes us on an “Eat, Pray Love” kind of journey for the rest of us without ever having to leave home.\nJoin Charlie and Al on their inspirational journey of discovery where every dress is more than it appears to be.