Teach Your Mother to Sew Day!

Friends, do you have parents?  If so, have you ever thought about passing along some useful skills to them that will contribute to their independence and keep them out of your hair?

I have, which is why I decided it was time to teach my Sonia -- an only child who is quite mature for her age -- to sew.  She didn't accomplish much today, in fact, I don't think she managed more than a few rotations of the hand crank, but I did see the needle go up and down and I am certain stitches were formed. 



As you can see, along with my mother, my Singer 66K Lotus arrived today and, readers, it is gorgeous -- absolutely pristine.  In fact, judging from the condition of the decals, it was hardly ever used.  It turns smoothly and is free of grime and gunk. 





I've already attached the hand crank, as you can see.



The machine arrived beautifully boxed, with lots of packing peanuts and bubble wrap.  Not sure what I'll do with the top of the case, which can't close with the hand crank attached.







Of course, my mother's reaction to my sewing machine collection is similar to the one she had to my (now dramatically downsized) record collection.  Almost without fail, when she comes over, she will ask the following:

What are you going to do with all those sewing machines?

Have you sold any sewing machines lately?

You're not planning to buy any more sewing machines, are you?   (Often followed by a "no" and a shake of the head -- i.e., she has already answered the question the way she wants it answered.  I attribute this to her being born during the Great Depression, but then so was Elizabeth Taylor and she certainly owned a lot of stuff.

Still, forgiving our parents their limitations, it is important for their self esteem that they know how things work.  Plus, they can, in turn, teach their peers who were never taught to sew by their children.  Don't you agree?

Sharing a skill with one's parents can be rewarding.  Even the rebellious ones do look up to us, especially the ones who shrink an inch every year or so.

Won't you help prevent the next generation of elder delinquents?

Happy Friday, everybody!

More pics of my 1920 Singer 66K here.