so-sew

She is coming in ONE WEEK!!! I'm so excited! I still don't know for sure how I'll present it to her. I do know I'm too antsy to wait until the end of her visit to give it to her. I'm even going to have a hard time playing it cool for the couple hours it takes for us to finish our catching up and move onto other things...like surprises!

Martha Hamman

I would have it set up for where she normally sews while at your house. When she sits down and uses it...ask her how she likes it and when she answers you, tell that's good, I'm glad you like it, because it's yours.
Enjoy!!!!!!

susie-susie-susie

I like the suggestions that you let her think that the machine is an extra one of yours, and then give it to her. You are a GOOD friend and she will be so surprised. Looking forward to the pictures.
Sue

biscuitqueen

I would like to see it at her bed side with maybe a kit and a card, and put the mechine on the bed with a baloon and ribon on it.

dsb38327

so-sew, checking in for updates. I checked your list and you have not made any updates for a few days. Hoping this is an indication your friend is visiting and your days are wonderful.
We will be excited to hear about the visit and the gifting of the machine.

JACRN

Ditto on what dsb38327 said. You are a kind and loving friend too.

so-sew

Hello, quilters. Here is a photo of me behind my dear friend and her "newish" Lily. She was so incredibly grateful and reduced to tears many times this weekend. She said that she had just recently said to her husband that someday when they retire, she would like a better sewing machine so she can actually put out something of quality. She is only 35, so that tells you she hadn't expected a new machine for many MANY years. Both her and her husband are teachers here in Wisconsin where there have been radical changes made by our state politicians in the last couple weeks to the many public service jobs in our state. Her and her husband are expecting rough times ahead and this joy was a very welcomed distraction from the stress and anxiety she has been dealing with lately.

She came Thursday night around 9:00, so it was too late to give her Lily then. I tossed and turned all night waiting for morning. After the kids went to school and we had quiet time, I took her to my sewing loft and told her she needed to meet Lily. I said "She's so important, there is a book written about her." ( I meant the manual of course.) She was really confused by that, and a little nervous. I took the cover off Lily and told her "This is what you will be sewing on." She said "Oh, my goodness. I'll probably break it, I'm so used to my junker." I told her she had plenty of time to figure her out because Lily was going home with her. Then I handed her the owner's manual with a bow on it. She was FLOORED. She thanked me a million times over and hugged me time and again, all teary. It was so touching. The next two days she spent many hours learning about and LOVING Lily. Everytime she tried something new (a new stitch, bobbin winding, etc.), she would say "Oh, my gosh!" and I would be scared something wasn't right. Then she would quickly follow it with "Lily I love YOU! I've never seen such a beautiful (fill in the blank)."

This has been an experience I will cherish all my life. Thank you all for sharing it with me and providing your best ideas for ways to surprise my dear friend with Lily. Many many of you have said I have a giving heart, but I know you do to. I can tell from the genuine excitement you've exuded in your replies while following this story. Blessings to you all.

featherweight

Oh, Thank you for filling us in. You are so lucky to be such good friends. Just think! Everytime she sews on Lily, she will think about you and what a great and giving friend you are. I am sure the look in her eyes were all the excitment you would have ever expected. Thanks for sharing this adventure with all your friends on QB....Have a great day!!!

JACRN

This is awesome. When I look at your picture it makes me feel good. Isee two beautiful ladies with beautiful smiles and hearts. GOD HAS BLESSED YOU BOTH BY GIVING YOU EACH OTHER.

Jo Mama

Thanks for teling us the ending of yur great story. What a sweet thing you did. Love the photo. You two have a friendship to be cherished. Thanks again.