Scarfs, hats and capes

Mama was a very proficient seamstress, born, I think, of both an enjoyment of the craft of creating garments and the thriftiness of making clothes to stretch the budget just a little farther. I can remember with some of my earliest memories wearing pajamas, jackets and pants that Mama made. As I grew older, she would very willingly create costumes for us to wear at halloween or for school skits. I can still remember a bit part I had in a skit in grade school as a butcher. Mama made me a really nice white apron; and then I painted it with red water colors. She also made me a hippopotamus costume that won rave reviews from the teacher and envious glances from the other students.

As I grew older, she taught me the basics of sewing and I began making some of my own costumes (definitely nothing very fancy); but she would still help me from time to time. When I was in college, I expressed a desire to make a cape for halloween; she told me to bring home the black fabric I had bought and then put on a fancy collar, clasp and hem.

With the cold winters in Illinois, she was always concerned about us kids staying warm. I told her of an idea I had for a hood with a scarf attached; she asked me for a sketch and then mailed me the finished hood. This was ideal for my jacket that didn't have a hood.

The last Christmas she spent on earth with us, she gave me a beautiful blue and white knitted scarf that she had made. I think of her every time I wear it.

Tim 12:36, 1 March 2008 (PST)