I realised that I would be an observer in the process, but I didn't realise until we actually went to the shop today that my role really was just the ATM (or benefactor to use a nicer term!). We drove to the Singer shop and went inside. Nyama immediately took charge, asking the sales person various questions. I wandered around with the girls until Nyama pointed to a machine and told me that I should buy that one. I nodded, and then the fun began. The saleswoman got the box with the new machine and then got everything out to test it. It was like Christmas for Nyama and two other customers in the shop. They crowded around, oooing and ahhing at various features. I could see just enough to note that the manual was in English. Various features were demonstrated, fancy stitches, button-holes. Nyama turned to me and marvelled that she wished she was buying the machine, and I commented that I was pretty sure she would borrow it. Nyama actually has three sewing machines - an overlocker (she pointed out the model in the shop), and two heavy duty industrial machines that just sew straight. None of them can do a buttonhole though, and she had buttonhole envy. I think it is a thing like shoes, if you really like them you can never have enough. Nyama always wants a new sewing machine (she has a thing for shoes too).
With the sewing machine safely in the boot of Nyama's car (she has a new, bigger car for those of you who have seen her other car) we went to Ananda's for lunch - a Buddhist cafe that does a good cheap plate of vegetarian food. Chris met us for lunch and I walked back with him while Nyama drove the girl's home. I arrived later with some groceries to find the sewing machine out on the dining table and Nyama looking around for material. Chris has done his quarterly t-shirt clean out (he breeds them in the cupboard, trips to Thailand cause overpopulation) and there was a pile of t-shirts on the floor to give away. Nyama grabbed one of these and I left for my office.
On my return at the end of the day Nyama was half-way through transforming one of Chris' t-shirts into a dress for Alesia. She was working without any pattern, freehand sewing. Mmmmm, I feel intimidated already, but I am determined that I will make some funky, hippy things.
The dress is now finished and Alesia loves it. Chris is impressed with what can be done with one of his t-shirts. Me, I am yet to turn the thing on!
