The first time she was carried into my life and introduced was in the late 60s early 70s in my first apartment as a college student. I was told she would ,“last a lifetime”, and truer words were never spoken. 

Beginning with curtains for the bathroom and kitchen, covers for makeshift tables and, and 4th person owned hand-me-down chairs. Quick tops for summer days and dresses for special occasions on a college student budget. 

Dusting, oiling, new needles, new parts, new belts. 

Moving on to items for a new apartment, pajamas for a new husband, clothing for an expectant mother, baby clothes, clown-shaped laundry bag for infant’s dirty clothes. Clothes for the new mommy on a single-job household budget. 

Dusting, oiling, new needles, new parts, new belts. 

Then, toddler clothes, and accessories for a new house and a new state. Clothes for a graduate student lifestyle 

Dusting, oiling, new needles, new parts, new belts. 

More moves, more homes, new degrees, new husband. A special project for a teenager who wanted to design her own cotillion gown and just knew her mommy would be able to sew it. 

Dusting, oiling, new needles, new parts, new belts. 

Another home. Decorating accessories, holiday gifts, and quick repairs; not as much sewing action. Lately, a lot of face-coverings for loved ones and community organization, in times that are feeling a lot like the late 60s early 70s. 

A lifetime!