Today I decided that if I wait for the renovations I will never get my sewing machine out, so with some trepidation, I took off the dust cover and opened the cabinet. Dust - less than I feared, but more than I want, so I gave my trusty 1949 Singer a thorough cleaning and did a few test seams. They're okay, I think and the machine doesn't seem to be running too badly - although I suppose that is a very loose definition of badly. There is a sewing machine repair shop in town, so I will take it in soon to have it cleaned professionally. My old Singer and I have been together too long and through too many things for me not to treat her well.

It's mid - July and fall is coming - I know this because the Sears catalogue for Fall has appeared. We haven't had any stinky hot weather and I haven't had a vacation yet, but already I'm ready for cooler nights and for my house to be done so I can go back to living in it instead of camping in the basement.

Maybe the renovations will be done one day

Maybe. Maybe. I'd hate for anyone to see our house right now. We still need water in the kitchen, the cooktop and oven are still in their boxes and there is drywalling to be done. That means the trusty sewing machine, my beloved 1949 Singer is still under wraps. Only people who have or are living through renovations know what the dust is like. It's everywhere. One day you dust, and then the next day you need to dust. I'm not sure where it comes from.

I should have bought stock in Rubbermaid. I think we all say that at some point or another, but thank goodness for plastic containers. My fabric is well protected from the dust and I know that when I dig it out it will all feel like new again.

The problem is it's been more than six months now without sewing and I am really feeling it. At first it was difficult because I was so used to sewing every day. Then I kind of got used to a different routine - until the spring quilt shows hit - and now, I can hardly wait for this to be over.

One day. And maybe I won't be mad first.