Mom's sewing machine

One of the things I acquired when we dispersed Mom's possessions was her sewing machine. It was a much needed item in my house -- although I am not the seamstress Mom was, I do enjoy trying my hand at it.

Yes, I do have a sewing machine of my own. King and I purchased it when I was pregnant with our daughter -- she is now 34. The stupid thing never worked right. Bobbins jammed, it skipped stitches, or needles cracked. I sent it off for repairs at least three times, hoping each time the company would replace it. They never did.

So Mom's sewing machine is a welcome addition to our house.

I remember well the day we bought it.

I was home for Thanksgiving my freshman year of college. Dad, my younger sister, Mom and I were Christmas shopping at Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids. Dad was at a loss as to what to get Mom that year. It really bothered him that he could not think of something special for her.

Mom was off shopping on her own and my sister and I were sitting with Dad in the middle of the mall, right across from a Singer Sewing Center. Now, I should mention there was nothing wrong with Mom's old sewing machine -- other than it was old. But Dad was desperate to get Mom something "big" for Christmas and there we were across from the sewing machine store . . . "I know," I said. "Let's get her a sewing machine."


Dad loved the idea.

And Mom got a new sewing machine. One she really didn't need, but Dad was so tickled to give it to her it made the giving something special.

Mom put it to good use -- maternity clothes for her daughters, baby clothes for her grandchildren, crafts for church bazaars. Mom could always be counted on to have some sort of ongoing sewing project.

I still think of it as "Mom's new sewing machine," although we bought it 40 years ago.

I'd like to tell Mom I have her sewing machine but there is no way to make her understand what I am saying when I talk to her. She can't hear and there is no comprehension if she does hear. And besides, Mom can't sew any longer. I don't think she would remember how. So I have taken over for her.


King is dubious about my sewing ability. In our 38 years of marriage I have more dismal failures than I have success and although I always blamed the sewing machine I know he knows better. However, now that I have Mom's sewing machine I've started making messenger bags -- straight seams, there is not much to mess up there -- and to my surprise King suggested I make one to bring to our daughter when I visit next week in San Diego.

I think I will. It will be a gift from Mom and I.