On this day in 1851, the sewing machine was patented. I remember sewing in Home Ec in 7th grade. That first year, I made a tee-shirt and a hamburger pillow.

I still have the pattern for the pillow but don’t know what happened to the tee-shirt.

When I got married a while ago, one of the first things we invested in was a sewing machine. I made clothes for my kids, my husband, and myself.

Now, I use it mostly for quilting, but I still love the sound of a sewing machine, the feel of the fabric in my hands, and the neatness of the stitches. The sewing machine unlocked a load of creativity that has gone on for nearly 17 decades.

So thank you, Mr. Singer.

Until next time, stay healthy.