Flashback

I remember being about 5 years old, and shopping for patterns and fabric in Kmart with my Mom. I remember a dark blue and white gingham and matching blue pants. I remember not being able to figure out where the paper pattern went when she made my clothes (I thought it became part of the fabric).

Although I don't remember it specifically, I'm sure my Mom bought this pattern to make me an outfit. It's dated 1979, and I was wearing a size 6 then, so it makes sense. I don't remember the vest that she might've made, since that's the only part of the pattern that was cut when I opened today to make my daughter a skirt to wear to Thanksgiving dinner.

I smiled when I emptied the envelope and saw that my Mom packed it away the same way I pack my patterns away now, with the most recently used pieces neatly folded inside the instructions for easy retrieval, should I choose to make it again. I silently thanked God and McCall's when I saw all the needed pattern pieces printed on the same sheet of paper (nothing like waiting until noon to start a skirt that needs to be done by 3 pm)!

I used a piece of black corduroy from the stash that I bought at Joann's last fall, in hopes of making her some nice pants for school. I had the zipper already, too. By 2pm, it was all done, and I could get myself ready for the 2 mile trek to dinner! It went together very nicely, and I will be making her a couple more of these before she outgrows the pattern (single size pattern in those days)! She can't work the hook and zipper in the back, but I don't mind helping her. It's a really nice skirt and she's really happy with it, too.

Thanksgiving always makes me think of the nights across the table from Mom, chopping celery and onions for the stuffing. Laughing and talking about the expectations of the following day, or just catching up on regular chit chat. It's been 11 years since I spent a night like that with her, and over 2 years since I heard her voice. I found great comfort today in the thought that she probably very much enjoyed watching me, her little girl, think of her Mom today as she sewed for her own little girl.

Hoping you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends, and found yourselves grateful for all the people past and present that have gifted you with their friendship and love.