Thursday, April 30, 2009

Show and Tell Friday...



When I was 14 years old, my mama and papa drove around for miles and miles to every sewing store we could find, in search for my first sewing machine. I didn't just want any machine, but I wanted a 1957 Singer slant-o-matic 401a. The day was nearing an end, and we were losing hope that we would find such a machine. Well, hidden in a row of dingy little buildings was a sewing shop, I declared that there we would find my sewing machine. And there we found it. In a little sew and vac shop in a town once called Bostonia. Mama was so excited for me, and papa was so proud of me bargaining the price down with the shop owner, that they even got me a burgundy hard covered sewing case. The machine was in wonderful condition, and all the accessories and even the manual were still intact. We rushed home with my new treasure, and then I had to hurry off to a birthday party. I will never forget coming home to find my mama behind that old sewing machine, scrubbing away. There were probably 200 dirty q-tips beside her, she cleaned every groove, knob, and crevice of that machine. It was a sentimental journey for her. In her youth she too had a singer slant-o-matic machine. She had the 500 model known as the Rocketeer. Many a night I put my mama to sleep with the hum of that sewing machine, as I would stitch into the wee hours of morning. 11 years has passed since finding that treasure. Mama and I still have our old Singers, but since then we had another adventure at another sewing shop, where as we are now the owners of some lovely Bernina machines. Mama and I may be decades apart, but we are two peas in the same pod.

13 comments:

  1. What a sweet story! Sewing is a hobby that may have declined due to cheaper bought clothing, but there is nothing like wearing something you sewed with pride.
    Have fun with your new machines!
    Dianne

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  2. What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing. My Mom is coming into her 80th year. A retired seamstress! My Mom's scissors were on fire when I was a child. Thanks to Mom I had no shortage of clothes. Too many in fact. Those are great memories. Happy sewing! Christina

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  3. I have sewn for many, many years. And I'm still using my old klunker of a machine. Color me green with envy.

    My Show n Tell is about some Sailors I've brought home with me. Happy weekend wishes to you.

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  4. Precious story! I remember my first sewing machine also...It weighed a ton!!

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  5. How sweet! My Grandmother taught me to sew. Now I am teaching my children. Do you still use it?
    Cindy

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  6. wish I could sew! Thanks for a great story!

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  7. What a neat story! I currently use my grandmother's old (early 50's) Singer. It still works great!!

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  8. Yes we are like two peas in a pod. I am sorry that you are down with a cold but will look forward to next Friday's adventure at Antique store, Joann's, Michaels, Goodwill, and lunch.

    Boo-Bah aka your Mama

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  9. What a wonderful story...Something I know you charsty very much

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  10. Hello Ashley...

    Well my friend, it's late at night here at my place...I'm a bit tired but thought I would visit a few of the "Show & Tell" Friday posts...when I came upon yours!

    What a sweet, sweet story! It really teared me up...so precious!!! I loved the part about when you came home from your party to find your mama cleaning your sewing machine! I don't know...seems like a mama's love was all wrapped up in that one little sentence!!! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us!!!

    Warmest wishes,
    Chari
    PS...love your beautiful music too!

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  11. This is such a sweet show and tell...I'm glad you joined in! Your sewing machine is a lovely treasure!
    ~Kelli

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  12. A very lovely story,Ashley.Thanks for sharing your wonderful gift of so long ago.......

    Blessings,Shelley

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