This is Storytelling Sunday at From High in the Sky, and the second installment of Pick Your Precious. When I first read Sian’s idea for her third year of storytelling, I immediately thought of my mother’s thimble.
I was twenty years old and in college when my mother passed away. I can truthfully say I didn’t really know her. I have memories, of course, but we never talked as adults to one another, and I would give anything to have an hour or two with her to ask some burning questions.
But I do know she was a remarkable lady who worked full-time as a math teacher when most moms stayed at home. She ran a big house, cooked, and gardened. She was a wonderful seamstress. She was also color-blind which is unusual for a woman. Two colors she could not distinguish at all were browns and greens. I can remember from an early age being called into my parents’ bedroom to tell her which thread matched the fabric she wanted to use.
I grew up in Ohio farm country, and all the kids belonged to 4-H. Most of them were raising animals. We lived in town, but I belonged to a 4-H sewing club, and my mother was a wonderful teacher. When she passed away she didn’t leave a lot of jewelry or other items that I could hold onto. But she did leave her sterling silver thimble. I use it every time I sew, and it’s a precious reminder of one connection I have with my mom.
I’m not sure where one would go to buy a sterling silver timble these days. The only ones I ever see are inexpensive ones at JoAnn’s or Michael’s. I thought I’d leave you with a shot of the beautiful detail on my mother’s thimble.
What a beautiful thimble (and really beautiful photos of it). Thanks for sharing your story.
What a beautiful thimble and how lovely that it is both precious and used constantly
Such wonderful detail on that thimble. Lovely story!
What a wonderful treasure to have! I come from a long line of sewers (maybe the reason I never took it up) & have some of my grandma’s things, but nothing as fancy or lovely as this!
Those photos aree stunning Karen – gorgeous to look at and full of love too. Truly precious. It’s a fascinating story too: a colour blind seamstress? She must have been quite a lady! Thank you for letting us share a piece of your family history today.
Oh that is gorgeous and no wonder it is precious to you. I love your story, you tell it very well.
It really is beautiful,Karen…..my mum always used a silver thimble as well….I must admit I never use one.
What a beautiful thimble and a lovely story. I only use a thimble if the material I am sewing is you like denim!
That is so pretty…what a great reminder of your mum
Alison xx
What a beautiful little thing to have to remember your mother and your connection to her.
What a beautiful thimble and special memory to hold on to of your mother.
Karen,
What a beautiful story. It really touched me. Thanks for sharing it.
I actually have a silver thimble which I found when I picked up when I cleaned up my Great Aunt’s house. I keep it at on the window sill by my craft desk. I will think of you when I see it.
Have a wonderful week,
Rinda
What a beautiful reminder of your Mum x
What a beautiful thimble – I love all the detail on it. I’m sure you think of your Mom every time you use it. x
Oh that is a gorgeous thimble – so glad you have it to remember your Mom by.
Beautiful thimble and lovely story
Beautiful thimble, and story.
Oh, Karen, that is so beautiful! In all my sewing travels I’ve never seen a thimble quite like it. I love that you still use it when you sew!
That is such a beautiful thimble and I’m not surprised that it is so precious to you.
what a lovely thimble.
Karen, the thimble is beautiful and what a treasure to bring back memories of your Mum.
Oh Karen the thimble is so beautiful (as are your photo’s of it) I Love your story, it is so gentle.
The detail on that thimble is amazing. You certainly don’t see silver thimbles very often any more. I have come across one once and wish I had bought it. There is a tiny silver smith store in the building opposite Kilkenny Castle in Ireland. He makes (or made) sterling silver castle thimbles. As we were living there at the time I was always going to go back and get one, but unfortunately I wasn’t able to before we left. This one with all of its memories is very special indeed.
I can’t imagine why I missed your story last month as I try my hardest to get round to read all of them. You have a beautiful thimble – a real treasure. Mine is not silver – but Sheffield steel – and is a tailor’s thimble – but I would love to have a silver one like yours – the detail on it is exquisite. (Not that I would be able to use it – I can’t manage with a closed in thimble). Sometimes it is the smallest things which hold the biggest memories. I loved your story – thank you so much for sharing. J x
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