I have had some consolation in my isolation.
I have been determined to make masks for my family.
I got my supplies ready only to discover my sewing machine was broken.
I mentioned this to my dad yesterday. He said he had one in his shop.
We pulled out an old dusty case from under a workbench.
This morning I opened it to find a treasure beyond measure.
My Gran’s machine is darling. I squealed with glee for the first time in weeks.
My great grandmother taught me how to sew when I was young.
We cut patterns out of newspaper and made doll clothes.
I sat there delicately touching the machine and feeling connected to these two women.
They lived through plague and wars. They supported their families. They managed.
So I will be sewing with my Gran and my great grandmother for a bit.
I don’t feel so alone now. They are with me. I have the skills they taught me.
I am grateful for the past coming for a visit during this tumultuous present.
What a gift!
Flower
floweralley 
That’s so sweet and I understand how you feel exactly. In the midst of making masks, my 50 year old sewing machine broke. When I am able to go out again, I will take it for repair. In the meantime, my brother-in-law told me I could come over and get my sister’s sewing machine. (She died six years ago and I still miss her.) When I got it to my house, I touched it and thought about her touching it too. So she was the last one who used it and now I am entrusted with it. He told me he had been trying to sell it but I should take it home and make sure it still worked. It does so I will be pay him for it so I can keep it. Even if I can get mine repaired, I can always use a back-up sewing machine. And every time I use it, I will remember my sister, Harriet.
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I felt like they were with me. Thank you for this lovely comment. I hope for more good times in the mountains.
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What a treasure your “new” sewing machine is!
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What a great article 👏👏👏.
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Thanks Ted.
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It’s wonderful feeling kinship with an object. I sit in one of my grandmother’s dining room chairs to sew – she had a machine like that one with a pedal that went as fast as your feet.
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It has been such a comfort. Thanks Queen
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It is so sweet to have a connection. My friend mailed me her mother’s old elastic to make masks. The elastic cost 29¢.
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Sweet. If the elastic I ordered doesn’t come soon I plan to pull some out of my pajama bottoms. That should be enough for a dozen masks. Ha
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How wonderful. Enjoy!
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What a wonderful joy to share, Flower. To use an old-fashioned phrase: “It warmed the cockles of my heart!” 🙂
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It was a much needed surprise. Thanks Eliza.
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What a lovely thought. I bought my sewing machine to make my wedding dress 47 years ago. I really can’t believe that number.
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