Favorite Things Making the Memories

   From time to time, we see sewing rooms, sewing organizers and creative ways stitchers, knitters, and sewers store their stash. It is always fun and creative to see the fun ways people use  large sewing rooms, small dining rooms, kitchens, and closets. 
I started out as a young wife with a tall shelf in the corner of my bedroom. My Pfaff was on a folding table. Eventually, I would move the sewing machine to the dining room table. 
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This worked out well for a very long time. I remember the dining room is where my mom did her sewing. We kids would be sent to bed and now I know she would stay up late sewing. In the morning there would be a dress hanging from our dining room overhead light. I remember a particular dress very well. It was blue velveteen with chiffon sleeves. And it was for me. I had picked it out of the Simplicity or Butterick book and it was my dress for the first day of school. By far the prettiest dress I ever had until my Prom days. By 15 years old, I was making my own dresses.

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When I left home at 19, my mom bought me my own Pfaff. It is still in my use. I will never give this machine up. Still good for repairs to Carrhart jeans and snow clothes for my boys and their friends. Still sews through just about anything. There are sweet stars carved into it by my son Eric when he discovered pins made great lines into the enamel. I like to think the stars were for me but, I think he just discovered how to make five-pointed stars around the same time as playing with my pins. He used to stand by my machine and ask me to tell stories for hours. A very sweet memory.

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Where I keep my floss is a special story. I was going to try to sell my little patterns at a retail sewing show (around 1996?) in Phoenix, AZ. I was single and trying to support myself and my boys. I was going to meet my friend Kathy Campbell of Heart to Hand there with her husband. She asked for my cell number. I didn't have a cell phone I told her. (I couldn't afford one.) She and her husband Bill, insisted I drive and follow them the whole way. That I would never be alone. I received so much help from them during this trip. I will never forget it.
The show was fun and successful. We left Phoenix and to an Antique Mall Kathy liked to visit. She has the best flair for design in everything! I found a little slide case. I loved it and wanted it for what? Kathy said, embroidery floss bobbins! This is exactly what it became. 

​This little slide projector case makes me feels creative and loved. It has been with me for 25 years. Now, it is opened, sticker decorated, teaching colors and carefully petted by my "Darling" Harlin granddaughter. And I finally received a cell phone. An amazing gift from a caring friend. 
As if the things we make aren't memories enough, sometimes the items we use to make these memories keep our hearts full.

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