I definitely prefer gum surgery over steeking any day. I do recognize the endless benefits but it almost killed me. I haven’t been that nervous since I was 13 and told my mum I stayed over a friend’s house and there were no parents home, just my friend’s older sister…Can you say sweating? I was drenched. And the fact that it was about 150 degrees outside that day didn’t help.
I will say my mum and I had a blast working on it though. We tend to do all the “home-EC” stuff together. So without further delay. The coat had been steeked.
First the hood…
Let’s pause here for a moment. That’s my mum, the best mum ever. Those hands have seen quite a few days on this old machine. Which is a Kenmore not a Singer (as I thought, it’s my granny who had the Singer). But I think she was even more nervous than I was. We both decided to let her do the sewing since I have a hard time sewing in a straight line. Don’t ask…
Now in the video, Meg suggests cutting it from the wrong side, which you see above. But did I do that…NO! again I think I was too worked up and didn’t think it was critical…trust me it is.
It is shear luck (pun intended) that I was able to say on track, but I did. So with confidence running high we continued.
Long way to go and she was sweating bullets. That is alot of wool to have on your lap.
Once again, cutting from the right side when I should have been on the wrong side. For some reason as I was doing all this I didn’t think about the wrong/right side thing until after that fact. The reasoning behind this is using the machine stitches as a cutting guide. This time it got a bit messy, as started to “drift” off to one side. I know you’re thinking how the hell can I do that but I was starting to cut a bit too fast. Adrenaline just took over. And the sound of the scissors on the knitted fabric put my teeth on edge.
But no major damage…
And the steek is DONE!!! After leaving my parents house I went straight home and fell asleep on the couch… I think my brain needed to close down for a while. I can’t tell you how stressed out I felt.
I just had to include this next picture because I was so moved. I looked down and there were both our hands intent, focused and working together…My mum and I are a great team…thanks so much Cory.
Steeking scares me more than surgery, too! The coat is going to be a masterpiece though.
You deserve a standing ovation! The coat is amazing, and you and your mom are so brave! Love the last picture.
Now I’m getting really excited to see the coat.
One of the things that I have loved so much about knitting, is how I feel connected to my mum and nan who talk me how to knit. I rarely knit any project without thinking about my nan and how she would have enjoyed what I was working on and seeing how much joy she bought into my life by teaching me how to knit.
Less than a week to go!!
Good, Strong, Happy Hands. Thanks for the big smile!
Congratulations, Denise! Are you off at camp yet? Have a great time, and come back and tell us every detail!
My favorite post of all time from you.
Love the shot of your hands with your mother’s.
The coat is simply breathtaking.
And you steeked!
xoxoxo
I love this little photojournal with you and your mom. Seeing the hands all working together says wonderful things about the strength and importance of family.
The coat will be wonderful (next winter)!
That last shot is so wonderful. Belongs in a book. Says so much.