Every year before Mother's Day, I start to worry about what to do for my Mom. In the past there has been countless bottles of perfume, blouses, purses, gift cards for pedicures - you name it, I've been there. For some reason, I always feel like the gifts fall flat. Not that she isn't very appreciative - I know she is. I just feel like I fall into the habit of the "typical" Mother's Day gift. And besides that, I know what she would really prefer is just spending time with us. So this year, in addition to having dinner together, along with my brother and sister-in-law, I tried to think of doing something she really needs or wants. Mom doesn't ever ask for anything material, but sometimes she needs help with certain things.
When I woke up this morning, I suddenly remembered that Mom had asked me to thread a bunch of needles for her because she can't see well enough to do it anymore. Apparently, they have buttons falling off right and left over at their house, and this has become a problem. Well, how can I turn something so simple into something of a "gift"? I know if I just hand her a bunch of threaded needles, she'll probably lose them before she ever needs one. So, with very little time left, and no pattern or plan, I started sewing up a little "Threaded Needle Keeper".
I used four pieces of fabric that were left over from a Moda "layer cake" group. (10" squares) I quilted two layers together and did some quick machine quilting on it. Then I just added a few pockets, felt for needle parking, elastic to hold the thread, bound it and here you go.
I threaded five needles with each color, leaving the thread on the spools. She can just grab the first needle in line, pull out enough thread, which will be traveling through the other four needles as she goes, and then clip the thread the length she needs. The other four needles will still be threaded and waiting for the next project. In the pockets, I put some easy-threading needles for her to try, along with some needle threaders. I will have to give her instructions how to do it, but at least this might help when she has another button to sew on.
Now, what am I going to do for my mother-in-law?
I think this is a great idea, and I am sure Grandma loved it! You should put a pattern together and sell it!
Posted by: Heather | May 13, 2011 at 04:08 PM