Am in total agreement about the "connections" with those who have gone before us, all wrapped up in a simple needle and thread.
Earlier this year, my Mother passed away. She was in St. Louis in a skilled care facility and I'm in California. My brother, bless him, held the phone to Mother's ear while I said "Good-bye" to her the day before she passed away. She was unable to speak, but I could her changes in her breathing as I mentioned various times and people. My brother told me she knew exactly who was speaking with her and what I was saying. She even managed a grin or two.
As I was speaking with her, I reminded of the story of Moses when Moses was instructed to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses protested that he wasn't qualified. The question put to Moses was, "What's that in your hand?" In Moses' hand was his shepherd's stick. It was with that simple stick that Moses was able to lead people, and accomplish things he could never had anticipated.
It's the same with a needle and thread.
Using that story, I was able to thank my Mother for passing on the skill to me of using a needle and thread, a skill taught to her by her Mother and Grandmother. I knew both my Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. A needle and thread was never far from them.
As I said to my Mom, it may have been a simple tool, but knowing how to use that simple tool and a sewing machine is what enabled me to make clothes for myself when I was in college and a young married, clothes for my sons, items for my home, and gifts for family and friends. That legacy she passed to me, is just "part of me", now.
About 4 years ago for Christmas I gave her a beautiful flannel quilt I had made. The piecing was done by machine, but the binding was hand-stitched. I find great "therapy" in hand-stitching a binding.
Mother was so proud of that quilt. "Madolyn made that for me."
Yes, I can use a sewing maching with the best of 'em. But, sitting quietly with the fabric, the needle, and the thread, is almost like having those women sitting with me. I can hear them talking. I can hear them encouraging the young girl trying to improve her skills and their praise when I completed a project.
I sewed the clothes on the machine, but 99% of the hems were stitched by hand. You could hardly see the stitches on the "right" side.
Before I said that last "I love you and it's OK to go now, Mother," I thanked her for putting that needle and thread in my hand.
Afterwards, my brother told me Mother smiled and nodded slightly. Within 24 hours she passed peacefully away.
I will always be grateful to my Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother for showing me how to use a needle and thread to exploit and enjoy my talent. It has been their gift to me.
I will also be grateful to my sister-in-law for making sure, at my request, a new needle and thread were tucked into the jacket that was on my Mother at her funeral and remained there when they closed the casket.
Never, ever underestimate the power and comfort a simple needle and thread can provide.