Thursday, April 9, 2009

::Sewing with friends::

The contents of this little bowl represent two whole hours of my time-- just the sewing, not the cutting out. And I very artfully disguised just how little they look like eggs-- and just how much they look like something I might have sewn when I was about 5 years old. Way, way, wonky. But I love them, and I loved those two hours spent sewing with friends.

Nearly a year ago, a group of women from my parenting group began to gather to sew. Once a month we haul our machines and our children into each other's homes and spend a few hours working. There is always a "project" chosen, but sometimes we bring whatever we are working on, and sometimes, like today, someone comes who has never sewn a stitch and is beginning at the very, very beginning. What fun today to see this giant, beautiful case opened to reveal a truly antique machine-- I'm guessing it was one of the first electric models made-- in pristine condition, and to see it's owner's daughter-- it's new owner-- take her first stitches, ever. These little gatherings remind me of hearing my grandmother talk about quilting bees-- now I really get what that time of fellowship and handwork meant for her. I don't know if children attended-- I'm sure they did, as there was certainly no such thing as a "babysitter," unless you count the (not much) older children. I would imagine that her hand was steadier and her train of thoughts more logical as she worked and watched her brood, but maybe not. No matter, though. I came away from this afternoon happy, with an egg for each boy. And one for me, too boot.

A lovely, lovely Easter to you all!

4 comments:

Joy said...

Those look sew cute! hahaha... I wish I could join you guys one of these days. I've been making these eggs for my kids' baskets.
http://fionacarter.typepad.com/my_ramblings/2009/03/day-6-of-the-eggceptional-eggxtravaganza.html

Amanda said...

I took a pic of my "wonky" eggs and put them up on my blog. I linked back to the original page so people could see what they are supposed to look like, and also gave your eggs a little shout out. How is it that the pattern was SO simple, yet the eggs turned out looking the way they did? Maybe we're just destined to be clothing/baby gift makers instead!

littlegirlpearl said...

I dunno, they look pretty good to me...

I love the thought of traditions of craft being handed down through the generations. My grandmother made things. Lots of things, actually. Some of her shoe clips and belt buckles wound up at Neiman Marcus in the 60's. My own Mom taught me how to knit and sew, and I am hoping my own daughter will show an interest in craft. What fun it sounds to have a group of friends who create together!

heather at brown robin said...

How wonderful to have a group of women to gather with to sew. Who cares what you make?! The eggs don't look too shabby, by the way. It's the process, though that I'm envious of... such a special thing.