30 Days of Gratitude - Day 9

Last week my grandmother asked me alter two shirts for her.  She gave up sewing several years ago as her eyesight declined and after a move into assisted living gave her sewing machine to my sister (because she didn't have one and I think she secretly hoped my sister would take up sewing!).  My grandmother was a wonderful seamstress and could make tailored garments and fancy dresses.  She made most of her clothing while a young adult living in New York City.  

Here she is in 1938 in a lovely dress she made for an evening out.

Her sewing skills were honed throughout the years in part due to necessity and in part because she enjoyed it.  Money was tight and clothes were expensive.  Discount shopping stores like Wal-Mart and Target didn't exist back then.

Here is my grandmother in a lovely blue ensemble from c. 1978

When my mom was born, she made most of her clothing too and also taught my mom to sew.  My mom could make a tailored jacket, a pleated skirt or anything she wanted with her eyes practically closed.  She and my grandmother were very skilled.  In fact, my mother made both mine and my sister's wedding dresses.  It sure saved a lot of money, but the best part was knowing that I had a beautiful dress made by my mother.  She spent countless hours hand sewing hundreds thousands of beads on.  I have that dress packed away and maybe, someday my girls may be interested in wearing it or evening having me make their dress.  Unfortunately I don't have many pictures of my mom and none of her wearing clothes that she made.

The wedding dress my mom made.  1986

My mom and grandmother inspired my interest in sewing.  I received a sewing machine on my 18th birthday, a basic Sears Kenmore model that got a lot of use.  I sewed many of my dresses for college dances.  One of my favorites was a red taffeta tea length dress.  I still have it, though I couldn't begin to fit into it.  But when I look at it, I smile and am filled with pride.

This is my husband and I on our first date in 1985 and me in the red dress which I made.

I sewed quite a bit in the early years of our marriage and when our children were little.  I made their Halloween costumes, reversible corduroy/adorable cotton print pants, diaper bags.  When they were napping or asleep for the night, I would sew.  I enjoyed the creative process and started of tradition of making pajamas for my children and my nephews to be opened on Christmas eve.  They were always so eager for Christmas and loved the pajamas (and toothbrush that came with).  Each was made of a different patterned flannel that suit their personalities.   I even made matching pajamas for their American Girls' Dolls.

This picture is from 2000 and my children, nephews and dolls are modeling their new PJs!

As the kids got older and I got busier, I sewed less and less.  I began stamping and scrap booking (neither of which I do much anymore) and sewing was only something I did for utilitarian purposes.  Hemming pants, patching a hole or mending.  I look back and some of the things I created and though they are beautiful and evoke good memories, the desire to sew and create just isn't there anymore.

So when my grandmother said she needed my help I took the cover off my sewing machine and threaded it up.  She now has two shortened tops and I'm sure she'll be pleased.  At 95, I don't expect her to get out her needle and thread.  I am grateful I could help out and put my sewing skills to use. 

Here is my grandmother and my grandfather on their 60th wedding anniversary in 2000.  (My grandfather passed away in 2002).  My grandmother is wearing an ensemble she made and I think it looks quite lovely on her.

What are you thankful for?