It was on a whim that I purchased a sewing machine from Joann’s. I’ve probably had it for close to year now. Since I am not a machine quilter, or machine sewing creator of anything really, I never updated my blog with the purchase. But here she is, basic, simple and at a good price. I want to say $79 but I honestly don’t remember and I had no idea what I would do with it really.
I have had a machine before, an old Kenmore that only did straight stitching. I made a few children’s outfit for a daughter when she was 3/4; 40 years ago, one pattern in a few different colors. That was the extent of my machine experience. Where that machine is now, no idea. I also had a gorgeous antique treadle Singer machine, brought over from Italy given to me as a gift by an aging Italian couple at least 30 years ago. That is now treasured by another daughter.
Here we are in the midst of corona virus, COVID 19, we have been self quarantined since the 4th, (my husband has severe COPD) I had first heard of the virus from my daughter living over in Okinawa (Military) It was big news about the cruise ship off the coast there, a petri dish of the infection. I remember the panic we felt, mother & daughter discussing what to do. She went out and prepared as best she could. Nearly all supplies were gone from the commissary, ‘send me Purell sanitizer please, lysol spray’ all the things you need and can’t get. (no can do through the mail) 3 cases were originally contracted by cab drivers by guests from the ship on shore visiting. But that was contained and no other spread was reported. Fast forward to now. This past week a resurgent of a few cases again, schools are closed and the base is secured. Anyone coming in has their temp taken. The same protocol ~ shelter in place. Her husband is in Bagdad, Embassy (5 months now) not expected home till July. There are rules on bases, one being if she were to catch it she would have to self quarantine in her bedroom with a private bathroom. No bathroom in her bedroom, so no can do, which begs the question where would ‘they put her’ and what of my 2 grands at home, where do they go? Dad can’t come home, no planes in and out from either places plus he would have to quarantine, they can’t be sent to grandma….all this to say we are facing incredible times of uncertainty where questions remain overwhelming at times and with no easy answer. Just adding another note to this mother’s concerns, I also have one grown daughter, a home health hospice nurse, Calif. and another, a checker at Whole Foods, Oregon, both serving their community ~ I am worried of course and also proud of them ~ but I have veered off course
The sewing machine ….
I am making masks for friends and anyone in my small 55 and over community that may want one.
But I have to laugh. My blogging and fellow quilting friend Kathy @ Sewing Ect. shared this morning
https://livinginrapidcity.wordpress.com/2020/03/25/sewing-machine-purgatory/?c=14376#comment-14376
just posted a great story ‘sewing machine purgatory’ along with a great soufflé recipe you must try
A sewing machine master I am not, a novice at best, with only one home economic class in the late 60s under my belt, so when I ran out of bobbing thread that came with the machine, I was horrified. Where was that manual? of course I couldn’t find it, so I turned to You Tube.
I found what I needed and with the cheers of my husband “great job” I got a bobbin wound. It wasn’t that hard but then, when I went to start another mask, the tension was wrong, the stitching was not right. Good grief Charlie Brown – I spent hours watching, rewatching, re threading the machine, changing the bobbin, positioning with a ‘6’ and back in. ohhhhhh, wait, I got think I figures it out, quilting thread weight in the bobbin, regular weight thread, one wrong threading error of machine by the needle, simple errors but no less my own sewing machine purgatory. Then, add in my husband calling from the other room, from his on line gaming commander chair where he is saving the universe from invasion (don’t get started on that) “do you need me to come in and help you?” “NO” ~ keep away from me, that was the last thing I needed just then.
Almost an entire day was spent on this problem.
But I got her fixed and am back in business making masks. My small part in feeling less helpless. I liked this from the American Red Cross.
With so many of us scattered all over the country and in different countries facing different and yet many of the same concerns, fears and confinement of movement lets look out for each other, whether it be physically, or through concrete deeds or words of encouragement.
Piecing Life Together One Stitch At A Time 
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