So I have to admit, I was nervous about going to pick up Grandma Will's sewing machine yesterday. Even though she insisted that I have it, and Roman and I had talked about it and he was fine with it. I was just on edge. We still haven't gone through her things since she passed away two years ago. Roman is not ready to do it. Michael and Erin are living in Grandma's old house full of most of her things, as is her barn, Roman's barn and a storage trailer (railroad car thing). I know going through any of it is an emotional roller coaster.
But now that I have it in my home I couldn't be happier. I am NOT a sewer! But I WILL be! I am going to read, watch videos, take classes at JoAnn's and become a sewer. We got to pick up the machine along with the table it was attached to yesterday from her home. The four drawers of the table were full of her stuff. So when we got home I took each drawer out one by one to see what was inside....
Tears...Sorry.
Back on track. It was amazing to touch and hold things she had touched and held. Inside I found the basics, scissors, push pins, needles, pens, pencils, tape, etc. But I also found several old pieces of fabric where she had stitched specific patterns or designs using the cams that came with the machine. On each stitch she had written in her amazingly beautiful handwriting which cam she used, the settings the machine was on and such. It was like she had it all laid out for me. Step by step instructions. The original book was in the top drawer that came with the machine. This specific machine was imported from Switzerland (where she is from) she purchased it from Missouri Sewing Machine Company when Roman was just a teenager!
I sat down after going through all of the drawers and I read the owners manual. I oiled the machine with the help of Jason...she had the oil in the bottom drawer ready to go. I flipped on the light, it still worked! And I threaded it up, ready to go. With the push of the pedal the thread when in and out of the fabric like a breeze. I got emotional just thinking about the hours she spent at this same machine making Barbie doll clothes for Kimberly and I and so many other beautiful things. I was excited that I was actually able to make it all work, I was doing this, but I know it was with the help of her. I know she was there, walking me through step by step. Even Delaney asked if she labeled all of the old fabric pieces for me. I said no, that was probably just so she wouldn't have to try to remember how she got a certain look. But deep down inside I wondered if maybe she did do that for the next person.
I honestly believe that a piece of Grandma is in our house with this machine. Lucy went to the basement five times last night by herself. She never goes down there unless she's following one of us down. The last time I went down to get her, she only had one light on and was just talking away. I picked her up to bring her back upstairs and as we were walking towards the steps, she said "Mommy, who that?" I ignored it at first and she pointed with her finger and said it two more times. I just smiled and said, "That's Grandma Will, can you say Grandma Will?" I swear to God I could not make this up. I went straight up and told Jason. He believed me, but as I type it I wonder if people will think I'm nuts.
Nuts or not. I am SEW in love with that machine and ALL that it brings to my home.
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