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!

this foot is made for walkin'

While I was trying to wade through and organize my sewing room in a futile attempt to get ready for Saturday's market (for which I'm nowhere near ready...) I miraculously unearthed a walking foot from one of the many, many boxes of sewing stuff that have been handed down to me. I feel as if I was not alive before this foot was attached to my machine! Those of you who know what I'm talking about and who have seen my books will wonder at how I managed without one all this time--I wonder this myself! I finished up a couple of books this evening and they flew through my machine, and with no puckers and such even, lovely stitches! Ah, I am in love.

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The latest:

the good, the bad and the so, so tired

First the good:
1. The CPSIA, following sense and logic, has granted a one year stay on the testing certification requirements for toys, etc. I never doubted this would happen, though there are rumblings from big business to take down the handmade movement. But that's just how capitalism works, right?

2. I bought a camera! It's a Nikon D40, which is probably the nicest camera I'll ever have. So pictures will resume shortly but you'll have to bear with me while I figure out how to use it.

The bad:
Tigerlily had her first ever ear infection this weekend, complete with delirious fever, a gooey ear and terrible pain. Good times.

...and of course, though we survived, we are now so, so tired.