When Peter was a baby, I signed up for a beginner’s sewing class. I always wanted to learn how to sew beyond a basic hem so I could make my own curtains, slipcovers and clothing, but I’m a dolt when it comes to operating a sewing machine. When I found the newbie sewing class for making a lap quilt, I jumped at the chance.
My plan was a good one, except for one thing – my children. Susan, 2, and Peter, still nursing, needed constant attention. My day was filled with diapers, making meals for little hands and keeping up with the toddler. Have you ever tried operating a sewing machine while nursing a baby? Maybe some women can, but I’m not that gifted (or flexible).
When Susan and Peter were finally n their beds at night, the last thing I wanted to do was sew. I wanted to flop on the sofa and relax. Sewing is not relaxing to me. Sewing is work, especially when you get frustrated with the machine because the stitches are too loose. (Or too tight. I never did figure out how to fix it.)
The weeks passed, my quilt never materialized, but I faithfully went to that class week after week. And you know what? It never bothered me that everyone else made amazing quilts. By the end of the eight weeks I knew what I really needed and it wasn’t learning how to sew.
I needed to get out of the house. I needed to put on a bit of make-up, change into spit-up free clothing and do something not related to babies. I loved being with all the other women in the class, even if we didn’t have a lot of time to talk. Looking back now six years later, I wonder what I did during class time. I should have been sewing, but I wasn’t. I most likely was trying to start a conversation with the gal sitting next to me.
Having a human connection is more important than being able to make slipcovers for my sofa.
I think that’s one of the reasons I enjoy this blog. It gives me a chance to talk with all of you, my unseen friends, especially if you are a home school mom like I am. We need each other. We need to encourage one another. I love being home with my children, but I need that time away from them to chat with all of you.
And maybe someday one of you can help me learn to sew.
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In re: your comment on my blog – It’s a saying,”If forty monkeys typed on forty typewriters for forty years, they’d produce the works of Shakespeare.” I think they’d produce piles of gibberish myself. But it’s a saying.
I totally hear you about the pleasure of blogging! Hooray for adult conversation!
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