(If you are looking for the sew, mama, sew! giveaway, click HERE).
This afternoon, I will drop my beloved sewing machine off for her annual tune up. It's so hard to let her go for a week. I bought her (after much budget crunching) in December 1994, and over the years, we have become very good friends.
I have sat in front of her and stitched so, so many things...
- clothes for all four kids...overalls, dresses, shirts, quilted jackets
- Halloween costumes
- baby clothes for shower gifts
- costumes for dramas (both in-house and in the wider world)
- nightshirts for Batman
- prom dresses
- home goods...pillowcases, tablecloths, napkins, curtains
- tote bags, purses
- mended and patched...rips, tears, holes
- quilts...to welcome babies, to send loved ones off to college, to hang on walls, group quilts
- finished a quilt that was left unfinished by cancer
- art quilts
- memorial pieces and celebration pieces
- challenge quilts
- many, many pieces have left the house as gifts
- and some projects have landed in my fledgling etsy shop
- I have gone to her for comfort and retreat when the world seemed to be loosing it's mind.
- Many a plan has been hatched while quilting yards and yards of lines with her.
- I have found forgiveness for others and for myself under her watchful eye.
- I have worked through grief with her steady stitching as my comfort.
- I have worked in secret with her, behind closed doors, on many surprise gifts.
- Sometimes the only place I can find my voice is when she listens, without judgement.
- She and I have become dream weavers, and we share secret ambitions.
And so, as I send her off for her much deserved R&R, I say thank you, dear friend, for aging gracefully with me.
Wishing you a quick reunion!
ReplyDeleteI know just how you feel - I have been madly trying to finish a quilt top for my daughter, and maybe even a skirt for me - all the while thinking that I promised to drop my dear Rose off at the sewing shop this week - and the sooner she goes, the sooner she gets back ... And I can always have a knitting fortnight - I will have to steel myself and follow your sensible example!
ReplyDeletePomona x
So much of what you write resonates with me, but damn, girl, this one had me all choked up. You have a gift and I thank you for sharing it with us, your readers. xoxo
ReplyDeletejane
you two continue to make a mighty fine team, and I'm so grateful to have been the recipient of some of the creative energy that flows when you spend time together
ReplyDeletexo
Ohw, Karen...
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute - I can really relate!!
I love my old Singer, too. Hope your buddy comes home nice and clean and purring like a kitten! Try to be brave while she's gone!
xox
You put this so eloquently. I've never stopped to think about the stories my machine has been witness to over the years. Oh if we could just press the reverse button and relive some of those memories!
ReplyDelete(I've been having trouble posting, so if this shows up three times feel free to delete a couple! blogger is so fun.)
Could you possibly help or advise: I have made a cotton tablecloth for my son and his wife, for their garden but am wary of doing the umbrella hole in the middle. I have marked the spot and can draw the circle but even with practice (on spare fabric) find it hard to do a buttonhole stitch in a circle! I would appreciate any advice.
ReplyDeleteTeresa
Hi Teresa,
ReplyDeleteI would try sewing a facing around the hole, or perhaps a length of bias binding. Either method will create a neat edge and add strength to the edge.
Let me know how it goes!