Chapter 19

It was the routine of Kathia clinging onto Madam Murphy, who was out on a stroll and getting chased away with a heavy basket in return.

Now, it was approximately 2 PM.

To overcome her fatigue, getting an hour nap almost became a habit for her. Then, it was almost time for Kathia to start working.

“That’s the spirit, you self-employed worker.”

“Yes, wish me luck.”

Kathia fist-bumped Jean, who had become one with the sofa again, and entered the workroom.

By entering the workroom, it meant she would work through the night without leaving, so she didn’t forget to say goodbye to him.

She didn’t know exactly when he left the house, but she assumed he left as soon as possible before night fell.

“Today I must…”

In front of the materials strewn across the worktable, Kathia mumbled, determined. Consciously, she didn’t even look behind where many things were stacked.

Exhale. Tying up her waist-length hair and psyching herself up, she deeply inhaled.

Good. Let’s get started.

How to make teddy bears!

– First off, draw the design on paper; the essential parts needed to be drawn out piece by piece: the half-moon-shaped ears. The face with a protruding snout.  A round body. Pudgy extended limbs. The key feature was the paw pads.

– After drawing, cut the pieces out and put them on top of the prepared cloth.

– While being considerate of the bilateral symmetry, trace the shapes onto the fabric.

– Now, to cut them out.

– Don’t cut too close to the lines; it’s important to leave some space for sewing later.

– Note: use sharp sewing scissors to cut the cloth as it’s a headache if the cloth frays or unravels.

– Once the pieces of cloth are prepared, take out the sewing box. It’s time to do your magic with the sewing needle, thread, and your hands.

– Place the same pieces and pin them together. They must be secured so the sewing doesn’t veer off course.

– Briefly broad stitch. Sew around the edges, and leave a small hole to stuff cotton.

– After the broad stitching is about complete, flip the assembled pieces inside out. Stuffing it inside the hole, make sure the cotton doesn’t get clumpy. Afterward, blind stitch the hole closed.

– The separated parts are about finished now.

– Then, give yourself a quick pat on the back!

Great job! Now, it’s finally time to put the pieces together! The lovely teddy bear that would guarantee deep sleep is right in front of your eyes.

Now, if you just blind stitch the pieces and neatly connect them together…

“Dammit!”

Kathia tossed aside the completed doll. That was NOT a teddy bear.

That was a bear that escaped from hell.

Kathia slumped over her workbench with a frown. There were already 11 such bears piled up in a cruel manner behind her.

From a wide, smushed-faced bear to a disproportionate bear to a bear with jellyfish-like limbs, there were a plethora of such bears.

At least they were improving bit by bit over time. The first bear made was so atrocious, it should’ve been unraveled and the cloth should’ve been reused as rags.

Kathia was grumbling with a weary voice.

“I guess I was too arrogant.”

Just because I was a little skilled with my hands, I thought I would be able to whip up dolls in no time.

Without any instruction nor guidance, creating by memory alone was very difficult.

Ugh, Kathia sighed as she turned her head to the side. Sitting upright on top of the corner of the messy workbench, was a ragdoll that somewhat resembled her.

‘How did I make this after only listening to a description? This ragdoll looked simple, so it must’ve been easier?’

Swallowing a question that couldn’t be asked to anyone, Kathia left the workroom with lifeless steps. Since it was late, she wanted to regain some energy from the caffeine.

Click, as she came out of the workroom, the fragrant scent of coffee whiffed past the tip of her nose.

Ironically, afterward, it felt as if her craving for coffee disappeared.

Hah, not again.

Almost giving up, Kathia walked into the kitchen. The transparent glass kettle was filled with coffee that she didn’t brew.

That’s not all. On top of the cute dining table rested a sandwich and a thin shawl draped over a cute chair.

That reminded her of a scene from an old fairytale. What was the title again? It was something, something bride.

‘Snail? Snail bride?’ *

(*T/N: Even though the folktale ‘ureongi gaksi’ generally leads to an unhappy ending, Kathia is referring to the first part of the tale in this situation, where the dining table was somehow mysteriously set for her.)