Day 158 & 159-Mum, Meli and My New Toy

MUM-I got a call from mum sometime in mid April to tell me she was giving me a sewing machine since she owned two. But Mum, I protested a little, I don't know how to sew! I will teach you, she said and without wanting to hear more whining, she bade a quick goodbye and hung up. I felt  a little reluctant -lazy to learn a new skill especially one I know I would not pick up fast- and yet, excited-learning a new skill and one I had always wished I had. I am contradictory that way but Mum knows me best.

MELI-A few days later, I read a post on Meli's blog about these sewing-machine pincushions and I left a comment to tell her how they were really cute and laughingly added that my mum was going to teach me how to use a sewing machine.  Darling Meli immediately responded to ask me which model my mum would like and that it would be a pleasure for her to send one to her. How lucky for you, she added, that I was able to count on my mum! I was speechless! Meli, you are too generous, no, no, no. No,no ,no, Meli insisted. 

MUM- I wrote Meli when I received her package on the17th of this month that I would show her Mum's reaction when she opened the package so here it is, Meli ,a very impromptu photograph. Mum was a little concerned that she was not given time to put on some makeup. 

But more than that, Mum could not get over how someone who did not know her would  send her something so pretty and handcrafted. I told Mum that I mentioned her on my blog sometimes or in my emails and she told me I must stop advertising her to be someone greater than who she really was and that she was just an ordinary mother.

Not wanting Dad to feel left out, I also showed Dad Meli's gift and told him I would post this picture so he strategically placed the pincushion to hide the fact that he was only appropriately dressed -or not-for bed. I don't think I am bias but isn't my dad  undeniably charming even when he is indecent and photogenic even with panda eyes?

I only found out that this is the pincushion that Mum is using for this sewing machine when I took this picture 2 nights ago. It is a coincidence that I had given Meli a similar one. I  thought it had a special significance as it is made in a classic vintage style of little Chinese children holding hands, signifying friendship. Look, Meli, my mum had no problems poking needles into them!

MY NEW TOY-This beauty is an antique Singer, a hand cranked sewing machine passed down from my dad's mum. It was probably made in the early 20th century.

Hand crank machines were made before electricity was invented. Mum told me learning to use this machine would be really easy because of the crank. Slow but definitely steady, this machine is very useful for simple stitches.

With details as intricate as these on the silver plate, they really don't make machines like this anymore. I thought these can pass off as Indian motifs. 

And here is the barely visible decal work which lined the machine in many places. This particular one sits in the middle of the base of the machine.

MUM- And since I was already there at her home to give her Meli's gift, Mum showed me how to use the machine.As you can see, Mum takes care of her look.

Here is a close up of her impeccably manicured hands. Always the brightest of reds, I have never seen her nails, fingers or toes , unpainted. I seriously don't think I am bias but don't you agree that there is no way my mum looks like she is already 69 years old?

Thanks to my dream to build My Maharajah's Palace, I am closer to my mum now more than ever because of our shared love for crafting. I cannot express in words, my love for this special, modest and beautiful woman who is talented in so many ways. Thank you, Meli, for making my mum happy and bringing the blogging part of my life to her.