As I bounced my infant daughter on my knee, lunching with my friend, the dogbell rang. I fended off the dog’s curious nose with my knee and signed for a big gray bundle from the mailman. I was practically giddy as I brought the package back in. Even prettier than the swatches. As I unfold each of them, projects spring to life. Denim shirtdress with tall boots for fall. Fluttery knit tops in sorbet colors worn under cozy sweaters in the winter. Sleek sheer tops worn over black trousers with high heels and a trendy bag for summer.
Since my daughter was born in late March, I have made five things – a wrap dress, a pair of washed linen pants, a tube top, a linen summer swing jacket and a pair of linen capri pants. Next up are a couple of summer nursing tops, and a pair of pants in the pants challenge (see post earlier this month). I’m positively prolific. And I’m loving it.
Hubby is almost done with a superbly gorgeous sewing workstation in oak. A giant work surface, my machine recessed, a leaf and a cabinet for my serger, and drawers for my notions. It’s beautiful, a substantive piece of furniture. How many halloween costumes will this see? sundresses, denim jumpers and jeans, appliques on the knees of my daughter’s worn corduroys, and, eventually prom dresses. It will probably see a grandchild’s quilt, halloween costumes, sundresses and jeans. And then, as hubby says, if she has a boy, it might end up as a superfancy router table (though I hope not). I hope her children’s grandchildren are still passing it down, saying my great great grandfather made this for my great great grandmother way back in 2007. How many happy years of sewing will this see? many. I love sewing more now than I did even ten years ago, or even twenty. As I close in on 30 years of sewing, I marvel that I’m still passionate about it.