Sometimes it’s funny what little bits and pieces of things you hang on to from your younger years. When you’re thinking back on life, there’s most likely a few specific, seemingly insignificant, memories that stand out. You might remember this one particular time at the park or that day that your Dad spilled Cheerios all over the kitchen floor. In the big scheme of things, these specific memories may not have much affect on the entire picture. For some reason though, these little pieces tend to linger in your mind.
For me, there are several memories of this sort that I could share, and maybe someday I will. For now though, I want to talk about sewing scissors. For anyone who is crafty or grew up in a home where there was even a bit of craftiness taking place, you know what sewing scissors are. You know that the absolute only thing you can use them for is fabric. There is never an instance where it’s acceptable to use them for anything else. Not paper. Not plastic. Not cardboard. If the house were burning down and you could save it by cutting one strip of tiny cardboard somewhere, you best not use the sewing scissors.
The part I find most comical about this is that for the longest time, I didn’t really know why this was the case. Honestly, it didn’t really matter if I understood the reasoning…I just better not use those scissors for anything but fabric. As I grew older, I collected bits and pieces of craft items, and even though I didn’t actually do much sewing, I had sewing scissors. When I decided to make Matthew bow ties for Christmas, I bought a fresh pair. Immediately after, I made sure the husband knew not to use those sewing scissors for anything else. They were simply sewing scissors. Months later, I realized he had been avoiding a certain pair of blue-handled scissors thinking they were the sewing ones. Poor fella.
I was reading this post on A Beautiful Mess recently and her references to sewing scissors made me think more about this. (Side note: I really, really want to make that dress.) First, I thought about how interesting is was that “sewing scissors” are somewhat of an industry term. People who’ve never been around much sewing likely don’t see the importance. Anyone who’s ever been exposed to much craftiness though, understands.
Furthermore, it made me think more about what we learn and how we’re raised and the impact it has on who we become. I was very lucky to have a Mom who created things regularly when I was a child. She was a painter, crafter, seamstress, handy-woman….you name it. I watched her create many things from nothing and saw her explore many different creative outlets. While I didn’t pick up as many of her talents as I would have liked, I was still exposed to that world. I know not to touch someone’s sewing scissors, and I’m not afraid to attempt making something. Lately, I’ve really been exploring my own creative talents a bit, and I finally feel comfortable in pushing myself creatively. I have my own sewing scissors, and I’m glad that I was shown these creative opportunities.
If you don’t have your own sewing be scissors, don’t fret. Maybe sewing isn’t your thing. Maybe crafting in general isn’t your thing. Something is though. Sometimes we have to explore our options a bit before we really find something that speaks to us. Regardless of what your “thing” is, I think it’s important to share it with someone. Allow people to see what you do. Expose your children/friends/coworkers to your talents. They’ll be thankful to have seen something new, and your demonstration may be what leads to them having their very own sewing scissors one day.
