My Mom was the proud owner of a 1954 Singer Class 15 Sewing Machine. She had a passion for sewing. As an adult engineer, I appreciate that it is a very cool vintage machine all steel, cast iron, motor, gears, and built like a tank tipping the scales at 29 lbs. It’s well engineered. As a kid, it was magical.
It was housed in a compact wooden cabinet accompanied by a wooden stool with tray and padded top. If I was playing and needed some scotch tape, I knew I could open one of the drawers to find some. If we were putting things up on a bulletin board and needed tacks, we would simply lift the stool’s top to pull some out. Ballpeen hammer? Also in the stool’s tray. Although, one might question what trouble I was about to get into as an 8 year old needing a ballpeen hammer. There were also scissors, pins, thread, measuring tape, and, it seemed, just about anything a kid might need minus the sports stuff.
The large spools of thread were pretty cool, and I’m sure I got into trouble unwinding them. There were paper patterns that seemed magical. I would look at the pictures on the packages and the folded patterns within and try to figure what to make of it all. My Mom explained that she used those to make dresses for my aunts and cousins. Again, it seemed like magic at work that from those folder papers, clothing could appear.
I’m now in possession of Mom’s Magical Sewing Machine. It’s in my music room. It has expanded its repertoire to meet the modern world and holds their old flip phone and various remotes. While contemplating my childhood vision, one other piece of magic appeared. Mom always said she didn’t know where her three sons got their musical talent as neither she nor my Dad exhibited any. However, as I was contemplating, it finally dawned on me that my musical talents connect back to Mom’s sewing talents.
Sewing was her creative outlet. She didn’t necessarily create from scratch, but she used those trusted patterns to build her creations. I’m a Blues Rocker. I’m creating from the trusted patterns of Rock & Roll. And, even my recording process builds on patterns. The members of Mike Z Band have busy lives. Our studio time is at a premium. Thus, we lay down a groove, try to cook some magic, and drop down our takes. I take it all home and build from there.
Larry on keyboards has a knack for playing each take different. As I’m building the song, I’m able to pull from his changing patterns and create a new ‘whole’. Carl is more consistent on the drums, but does cool stuff in different takes. John’s the same on bass. When Lynda sings, she adds her own flare. I’m probably the most consistent (or most boring). I take our parts and do some stitching to pull it all together. I enjoy the playing as much as I enjoy the production and sewing it all together. And, therein lies the real magic as I now see how Mom passed her talent and spirit to me. I suppose I can now answer her and say “Mom. I know exactly where I got that talent. It’s from You! And, Thank You!” – With Love – Your son Michael!
Thank you for stopping by. Visit our music on YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon, & www.MikeZBand.com.
That was a very beautiful memory you shared almost started to cry 😢 near the end
Liz – Thank you. That really means a lot! – Mike & Lynda Z