31 March, 2017

Discovered Treasures Providing Smiles

We've been dining by candlelight the last few days, from the glow cast by candles standing in vintage silver candlesticks no less. These, and other treasures, have recently come to live here as we continue the monumental task of cleaning out my dear mother-in-law's home. These candlesticks represent the blending of two families when my husband's parents wed; these belonged, at one time, to both sets of his grandparents and were passed down decades ago. Now they reside here. Their shine and patina are thanks to a generous amount of elbow grease and silver polish. They make me smile.  
While cleaning out drawers in the kitchen I ran across this gem. Mom had a terrific sense of humor and this made me smile too, I can just hear her chuckling when she bought this tea towel. I had never seen it before, it was brand-new; of course it was, she was probably "saving it" as she did items "too nice" to use! 
This grand-prize of all treasures is not brand-new, but it is in brand-new condition! According to my husband's sister, Mom used to sew a good bit; that statement, and the contents of the cabinet's drawers, prove that may have been the case at one time. However, in the past 42 years that I had been her daughter-in-law, I never once saw this cabinet opened out and had absolutely no knowledge of what model machine was contained therein! I was beyond thrilled to discover a pristine Singer 301 nestled inside. The 301 has long been prized for its stitch quality and dependability. According to some tracking that I have done using the serial number, it appears that this machine was manufactured in Anderson, SC in October of 1952. It has followed me to our house, Mom can rest assured that I will give it a loving home; I do believe that fact is providing an approving smile, from her, in Heaven.💗

Life is Good! 

10 comments:

Panto Pam said...

In my opinion, that is the BEST sewing machine ever made by Singer. Full size machine that is also lightweight and portable for sewing with friends and retreats. Can't wait to read about your sewing adventures with it!

Janet O. said...

Sweet post of memories of your dear MIL, as you go through her things and bring some home with you to nest.
Love the glow from the candles in those beautiful candlesticks.
The tea towel made me chuckle. But the prize really is that wonderful machine in the cabinet!
I'm sure your MIL is pleased. : )

Quilting Babcia said...

You are absolutely right, that gorgeous 301 is the real treasure! That old Singer model is my favorite piecing machine. It is especially wonderful for the memories of your precious MIL every time you use it.

Quiltdivajulie said...

What a lovely, lovely post.

jude's page said...

A lovely post, and wonderful treasures, I had wondered what you were up to, and no wonder you have not posted, as this sorting is very time consuming.

Kathryn said...

When reading your comments about your "treasures," I couldn't help but share with you my fortunate experiences. I have both my mother-in-law's and my grandmother's treadle machines. I learned to sew on my grandmother's Singer, using it until I graduated from college in 1958. They now are used as night stands in our bedrooms. Needless to say, they are our "treasures" and my daughters have promised to care for them later. I was able to get a manual for the Singer. Thank you for taking the time from your busy life to share such sweet stories with many of us who read you daily.

Teresa said...

I enjoyed reading this post. So nice to have treasures from the past that will bring up fond memories.

Tanya said...

So nice of you to love your mother-in-law's things. Such a good home for them too!

Quilter Kathy said...

WHat a wonderful treasure and a delightful way to stay connected to a loved one who has passed!
I hope you enjoy many happy hours sewing on this 301... I love mine!

Carolyn said...

What a treasure to find! I have a 301 a and took it recently to a sew-in our club had to sew charity items. Amidst the high end machines this one was one of the quieter ones.