A Stitch in Time: Learning to Sew with Mama and the Beloved Chair Cushion

AI version of me around the time this story happen. That bowl cut!

Yesterday was my mom's 80th birthday, and even though she's no longer with us, I wanted to share a fun little story about the time she helped me learn to use her beloved sewing machine. It's a tale of creativity, determination, and the special bond we shared. So, grab a cup of tea and let's journey back to my third grade year.

When I was in the third grade, my classmates and I often complained to Mrs. Kell about the hard plastic chairs we had to sit in. One day, she jokingly suggested that if we made our own cushions and they looked good, we could use them. Despite her jest, I saw this as a golden opportunity. Determined to take on the challenge, I went home and told my mom about the sewing project I needed help with. I had already planned the design: a perfectly square inch-and-a-half piece of foam, which I knew we already had, covered with navy blue denim fabric from my mom’s stash.

Mama was eager to help. She guided me through cutting out the fabric, pinning it up, and teaching me how to use her sewing machine. Together, we made straps and sewed the fabric to create a cover for the foam. Once it was ready, I proudly brought the cushion to school. Mrs. Kell didn’t believe I had made it at first and even looked for evidence of a tag. But when I explained that I had planned it out and my mom had helped me learn to sew, she realized her little joke had backfired and she couldn't retract the permission she had given. My DIY and craft skills were clearly in my blood, and I used that cushion the entire year. Unfortunately, my fourth-grade teacher was not as accepting of the idea of a seat cushion, and my days of hard plastic chairs resumed.

That cushion didn’t just serve me in third grade—it became a staple in our household. It transitioned to the desk chair for our typewriter, later our Radio Shack TSR-80 Color Computer, and eventually became my mom's sewing chair cushion. It’s funny how a simple project can create lasting memories and become a heavily utilized item in the home.

Looking back, I realize that this project was more than just a solution to an uncomfortable chair. It was a lesson in creativity, determination, and the value of learning new skills. It’s a reminder of how DIY projects can bring joy, practicality, and a sense of accomplishment.

I still cherish those moments with my mom and the memories we created together. The older I get, the more I appreciate the skills and values she passed on to me, just as I shared in yesterday's blog about how she would write letters. Her influence has undoubtedly shaped my love for crafting and creativity. Even now, I continue to find joy in DIY projects, and I always think of her when I embark on a new one.

I hope you enjoyed this heartfelt tribute to my mama and the beautiful legacy she left behind. If you have similar stories or memories of your loved ones, please share them in the comments below. Your feedback and shared memories help build a wonderful community. If you'd like to support this effort, your contributions are greatly appreciated. Even small gestures of support mean a lot as we continue this journey of storytelling and connection. Thank you! ❤️