While eating lunch, I like watching TV programs. Until last week, I enjoyed watching “The British sewing bee.” It’s a competition series of people sewing clothes. I don’t even have a sewing machine, but I enjoyed the program. My mother used to make a lot of clothes for me. If she were here with me and watched this program, she would definitely love it. My mother had taught herself how to make clothes. She told me, “After I gave birth to you, I started sewing.” Honestly, I don’t know if she really loved sewing. Maybe she did it to save money or just wanted to please me. The program reminds me of my mother sitting in front of the sewing machine and using it. I know she loved beautiful things, so she did enjoy choosing cloth to sew. She often said, “I want to draw patterns on cloth like artisans in Kyoto.” I replied, “Mom, it’s too intricate. I saw it directly in Kyoto, they were using grid sheets to design patterns.” Then she said, “I got more curious.” 

 

When my mother was younger, she wanted to be a comic writer, and she had experience in designing. I think she liked painting or drawing more than making something. Anyway, the program provoked my nostalgia. I don’t remember which dress or skirt was her last work. December 2nd is her day of death. The sixth anniversary is coming soon. In my closet, there are still some clothes she made. I sometimes wear them. They aren’t perfect like ready-made outfits, but I love them. 

 

When I began writing this essay, I intended to write about the details of the TV program, but I couldn’t. Also, I’m at a loss for how to finish this essay. It’s far from “things I’m into right now.” I watched this series until the third season, and I was amazed that every participant had wonderful skills and senses. This time of the year, however, I can’t stop being reminded about my mother. I still miss her so much.