Dr. G walked in the door, took in the scene, and did a weird involuntary motion, similar to condensing four sizes and then slowly re-inflating. I stopped experimenting with stitch sizes to check on him. As the sound of the sewing machine died away, he regained his full stature. “It is very strange to see you using my mother’s sewing machine.”

Yes, ma-in-law has bequeathed me her reliable 1973 Kenmore electric sewing machine, purchased before Dr. G’s birth and kept in near-constant motion throughout his childhood. We have many quilts and even a little apron that she made for him on that sewing machine. It’s no wonder that such an iconic piece of childhood, with the rythmic chunk-chunk sound of its moving needle, threw him off-kilter. But it’s still going strong! Sturdy, compact, straightforward. Even a career girl like myself can successfully use it.

aaa.jpg

(Image from www.wildflowersewing.com)

I started off with a couple pillows to make sure I could sew a straight seam, and now I’m on to a dress– sleeveless V-neck brown with small turquoise polka-dots, magnifique! Dated? Perhaps. Somewhat garish? We shall see. I’ve already altered the pattern so I can have bits of material with the reverse pattern (brown dots on turquoise) garnish (that’s not the right word! What do sewing people call it? Trim?) the hem and waist. A dangerous move. If I were 007, Q would be telling me over my Rolex watch/walkie talkie to abort mission and go back to plan A, otherwise the lives of thousands, including my own, could be lost. But like 007 I will press on, because though there is more risk, there is so much more to gain. On y va!

Tags: