Thursday, November 18, 2010

The Sewing Room

November was always a gloomy month with one gray day following the next and having a solid week or more of very heavy fog wasn't unusual.

But even with unfavorable weather and moody skies I really enjoyed the month. We usually had our fall house cleaning done and were ready to start on all the fun projects we had stashed away for winter. Our days would be spent in the sewing room. It was a very pleasant room. With two walls covered with built in floor to ceiling oak cupboards. The other walls were painted a delicate lavender. There were several large windows with fluffy white curtains. Mom and I each had a nice treadle sewing machine underneath one of the windows. A large table under the other windows to do our fabric cutting completed the room.

Every morning right after breakfast dishes were done we would carry our gas lamp into the sewing room and hang it on a hook under a stainless steel reflector. The noisy hum of the lamp and the warmth from the radiators made the room feel cozy as we decided what we would be sewing that day.

Since LV and I were courting I had a lot of things that I wanted to sew in preparations of my own home someday. Mom and Daddy were giving me three quilts and a comforter. It was fun going through the cupboards and selecting the fabric and patterns I would be using for my quilts and other projects. It wasn't long before I had made plenty of pretty potholders and tea towels. Watching them pile up in a drawer in my room was satisfying as I dreamed of the day I would be able to use them.

It took a little longer to decide what quilts I would be making. I finally decided on a Double Irish Chain, Trip Around the World, and a Broken Star. The Irish Chain and Trip Around the World would be for everyday use and I would keep the Broken Star for our guest room. It didn't take very long to piece the first two but the Broken Star was a little more difficult. I remained unfazed as I worked patiently on making sure it turned out just right. As I sewed my quilt Mom was working on her projects. It seemed we never ran out of things to talk about or songs to sing.

The drab November days are here again and I'm really missing Mom and the sewing room right now.

27 comments:

  1. It is a very drab, cold, day here in Ohio...I wish I had a craft I was good at to see me through. I do rely on good books though and reading blogs like yours that I find interesting.

    Your quilt is awesome!♥

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  2. What a beautiful quilt! My mother made each of my kids a quilt when they were born and they still use them. Its a pretty grey day here today and I am doing absolutely nothing that I should be doing lol.

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  3. My mother made a cathedral window quilt for each of her daughters and daughters-in-law. It's one of my treasured possessions.

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  4. My mother made a cathedral window quilt for each of her daughters and daughters-in-law. It's one of my treasured possessions.

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  5. Gorgeous quilt. I have memories of working with my mom and doing a lot of singing. There's a whole German children's album...record it was then...that I know off by heart because we would play it while we were doing dishes. I still have my mom but it sounds like you don't. ((Hugs)) as you go through your memories of your precious times with her.

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  6. I'm sorry you're missing your mom. Our God is one of reconciliation and mended hearts. There is always hope. It's nice to hear that you can fondly remember those good times spent in the sewing room.

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  7. A legacy your mother has left. A blessing indeed. Lovely post, lovely quilt.

    Rejoicing in Him, Patrizia

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  8. Lovely quilt. Enjoying memories of time with my Mama today as well. She lives far away but I do get to talk with her often. Celebrating time with my beautiful daughters though.
    A gray and chilly day in Illinois, perfect for quiet time with your blog.

    Elizabeth

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  9. Thanks for visiting me today...Im your newest follower (purehunnybee).
    Thank you also for your sweet comments.
    Im looking forward to getting to know you better!
    Blessings!

    Deborah \0/

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  10. Your quilt is gorgeous and I'm sure many memories are stitched into it as well. It was a sunny and mild day here in Southern NJ - in November we can expect almost anything! I enjoy reading about your times with your Mom and you in your sewing room. From your description, it sounds lovely. Thanks for a lovely read today.

    ~Jean

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  11. I miss my mother too. There are many things that we did together. I hope that November will not drag on too long.

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  12. That is a very beautiful quilt. I am a new reader. I find your blog very intersting.

    And, I live right around the corner from a small Amish Community. So, your blog makes it all the more intersting for me. THanks you for sharing your memories with us!

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  13. What a beautiful quilt! I started one when I was 16 but I never finished it. Nothing fancy. Just squares. Not perfect by any means at all either. I sewed it all by hand. I still have it. I think it is in the attic. I should get it out and try to finish it. It would be the quilt that took over 20 years to quilt! lol

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  14. I truly enjoyed reading about the sewing experiences that you and your mother shared together. I'm sure that was a very special and precious time for the both of you.

    The quilt you made is absolutely gorgeous! I'm glad that you did complete it, even if it took you a little time. :)

    Blessings,

    -Lady Rose

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  15. My toddler daughter says that quilt is a "pretty flower. Petty petty flower!"

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  16. My..my..my....so beautiful i cannot stop admiring it and wish i know how to do quilting. One day i have to try one....beautiful blog. Joining you today.

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  17. What a beautiful quilt -- I was in my sewing room today while it was raining outside -- I'm working on a dress for my two year old granddaughter -- not near as complicated as your quilt!

    PS -- I received my book "Amish Peace" and have just started reading it -- thanks again for your generosity!

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  18. Lovely quilt. I enjoy sewing, too, and started quilting not too long ago. I'm not that talented (yet!), but I'm working on it!

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  19. I love drab and cold days after having suffered through an extremely long hot and humid summer...I'll take anything right now that's below 70 PLEASE!

    I miss my family especially around this time of year. Spending the holidays alone (with my dog) is often difficult, especially when you watch all your neighbors getting company and their children visiting - makes me feel extra lonely, but this too shall pass - one way or another!

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  20. What a beautiful quilt you are sharing with us. I was just thinking of my daughter in love and how I would love to make her a quilt for Christmas....next year! : )
    The memories you mentioned of you and your mom remind me that I need to make more sewing days with her.
    Yes, it too was a grey drabby day here too.....I find those days the best for working on my knitting or crocheting.

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  21. What a beautiful quilt! I have a quilt I started over 30 years ago ... think I can finish it? The squares are from material that I used to make outfits for my little boys. If I ever get it finished, I won't know who to give it to! It was my original plan to make one for each. I had lots of quilt squares but not a lot of patience.

    A dreary day here in NY, as well. I'm so sorry you are missing your mom ... I'll be praying about that. Monica is SO right!

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  22. What sweet memories and the quilt is just beautiful.

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  23. Have you made any more quilts since those days, MaryAnn?

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  24. By the way...that quilt is lovely!

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  25. What a beautiful quilt! My late grandmother made me a quilt as a wedding gift..very much cherished!

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  26. I love your beautful quilt! Thank you for sharing such a jewel.

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Thank you so much for taking time to comment. I love hearing your thoughts.