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“But after she fell ill, the sewing machine became idle.”

“Mr. Lai: I am 76 years old and my wife is 69 years old this year. We’d like to share with you the hand-operated Singer sewing machine. Mrs Lai: We have it for many years, since when I was a kid during my mother’s time. I think at least 60 over years ago. After my mother’s passing, I don’t use the sewing machine as much. The sewing machine reminds me of my mother when she was alive; of her using the machine. She would use the machine to make her own clothes, like the traditional Chinese collar clothes and her own pants until she was in her 80s. But after she fell ill, the sewing machine became idle. I find the hand-operated machine not as easy to use compared to the foot pedal version. Now we have electrical sewing machines. When I was a kid, she would also make skirts and blouses for me. Especially before the Chinese New Year, she would make a couple of sets for me while listening to the Chinese Opera on the old Rediffusion box. My mother bought the cloth from a shop in Jalan Besar. We used to live there at Cavan Road. This sewing machine was bought when we lived there. We bought it from a friend living in Tanglin. It used to be fixed onto a table but my mother was not used to it, maybe the heights of the sewing machine table and chair were incompatible. She sewed while sitting on the bed. So now I’ll see if my 2 daughters would like to keep the sewing machine. They are still considering. Here is a bottle for the machine oil. You pour it in here to let the parts move smoothly. You only use the oil when you feel the parts are not moving well. But not too much oil because it might stain the cloth. I don’t think anyone would know how to repair this sewing machine if it breaks down now.”

“But after she fell ill, the sewing machine became idle.”

“Mr. Lai: I am 76 years old and my wife is 69 years old this year. We’d like ...

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