the gift of a lifetime

I don't like to make a big deal about my birthday (I turned 33 this week) and I wouldn't even have mentioned it, but then I got the most amazing gift that I have to share with you all. If you're not a sewist/crafter it may not seem like a big deal but I get weepy just thinking about it.

I've written more than once about my Grandmother Vincenza, whose old sewing machine I now have and use regularly. When she passed away earlier this year I wrote of carrying on the legacy of craft that she (and my super-talented Mom) instilled in me. I think of her often and am honored to continue using the tools she used to create so much beauty (and, of course, utility) and that I'm sure gave her such joy.

So last night my parents had us over for a birthday dinner. My Mom gave me my gift, a bag filled with such goodness--lots of fabric, a beautiful knitted mobius cowl (which I SO needed--it's getting cold!), and--gasp!!--not one but TWO pairs of Gingher scissors! I had mentioned that I was hoping to replace my old featherweight Ginghers with some real, honkin' dressmaker's shears, but I never imagined I would get them AND a brand new pair of pinking shears!! Yippee!!!

I was thrilled of course, but didn't have more than a moment to bask in the shine of my new tools before my Mom completely bowled me over with another surprise.

She handed me a cloth bag with the explanation that, when she was in Florida visiting my Grandfather, he asked her to give them to me. And that bag was filled with, of course, all of my Grandmother's scissors and shears!

dressmaker's scissors, pinking shears, dressmaker's shears, 4" scissors, applique scissors

I was, and still am, so completely moved. It's one thing to have her machines but such another to have these tools that she held in her hands for countless hours over her lifetime. I feel so amazingly honored, humbled, sad, overjoyed....

My Mom joked that he had to give them to her after she had already bought and wrapped the new scissors. I have more good scissors than I have hands!! But I also have two workspaces--my studio and my home sewing space, so a set will live at each.

the whole gang!