Great Grandmother’s sewing basket was the “something old” I was given on my wedding day. It is a Victorian sewing basket with silk tassels, old Chinese coins, colorful beads, and Peking glass rings.

On my wedding day long
ago
I received Great Grandmother’s basket
so I could sew.

With the notions inside I made quilts and
dresses.
There were also ones for mending
messes.

Sometimes a pattern and sometimes
not
I pinned and cut and measured
the lot.

After stitching and joining with needle and
thread
Sometimes I ripped, something I
dread.

I wanted it right, each piece to
fit
So I took my time with every
bit.

The thimble helped to push the
thread
And protect the finger so it is
said.

Yet tears did flow and time seemed
slow but
It wasn’t long till I was attaching a
bow.

Buttons and snaps and all kinds of fluff
finished it off and I said,
“Enough!”

I don’t sew much as I did in the
past
But the tools are there for mending
fast.

I sat down to work on
my novel
today
And saw my basket in
a different
way.

For making a dress it holds all the
notions
Like the tools for writing, it’s not just the
motions.

With paper and pen I start with a
plot
And a hero who gets in trouble
a lot.

I fit the pieces, the story comes
slow.
After cutting and stitching, it starts to
flow.

All the work, determination and even
tears
Are finally ended, along with my
fears.

When my novel is finished
I’ll start
another
And say to my self,”It’s not such a
bother!”

Sewing and writing are much the
same
Both can be fun though they’ll bring no
fame.

If you have the tools and also
passion
Sewing and writing can be great
blessin’s.

What notions do you think Great Grandmother kept inside her sewing basket?

 

copyright d gustafson July 2017