Welcome, friends…
Do any of you remember the days when grandmas’ hands were kept busy making beautiful gifts for their granddaughters’ hope chests? You know the kind I mean…knitted afghans; crocheted bedspreads; embroidered pillowcases, hand towels, and table clothes created to be used in their own homes when they were grown.
Well, I came across one of those beauties, packed away for years in my cedar chest, each stitch a reminder of the love grandmas make things with.
This perfectly preserved table runner was delightfully embroidered over forty years ago by my paternal grandmother. A woman, whose hard childhood and adult life was given comfort to as she lovingly labored over each stitch, leaving something of herself for her granddaughter. I used it on my dresser top when I was in my teens. Then in my early thirties I graced my home with it. Somehow, for reasons unknown, it got gently packed away in my hope chest, and there it’s remained for over twenty years.
The colors she chose are perfect for the spring and summer. The contented parrots perch happily, as if enjoying a warm bask in the sunlight near a sparkling oasis of a cool waterfall pond. There is a duplicate pair on the other side of the runner.
The crocheted edges add a warm, decorative touch, while ‘showing off’ another of her talents.
My paternal grandmother couldn’t read, so she did everything by imagination and sight. She sewed my sister’s and my communion dresses without reading a pattern. They were like beautiful brides dresses!
I’m inspired now to write a short story about her. Though it wouldn’t even begin to touch on the intricacies of her life, it would give a brief understanding of her…if even only for myself.
I hope you enjoyed looking fondly back with me as I rediscover a treasure. I’m sure most of you have similar treasures in your own homes. Thank you for visiting.
Until next time, may happy days abound!
Marianne
“A Little Something Extra”
Friends, “A Little Something Extra” is a new feature where I will occasionally be linking or mentioning either another blog or some other special addition to my posts. To begin with I would like to link Cottage & Creek, a wonderful blog written by a very talented woman, Lynn. Lynn is having her very first giveaway, so if you would like to enter her contest, as well as visit her delightful blog, click here. Thank you, Lynn, for your generosity! UPDATE: GIVEAWAY IS OVER, BUT YOU CAN STILL DROP BY COTTAGE AND CREEK TO SAY ‘HELLO’.
This is a perfect post to join Liz, at Brambleberry Cottage today for Time Travel Thursday.
Leisure Lane 
Aug 08, 2012 @ 14:38:52
It’s such a shame that embroidery like this isn’t necessarily considered ‘cool’ by today’s youth. Because it is.
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Aug 08, 2012 @ 14:45:49
I agree 100%, Lee..
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Feb 05, 2012 @ 03:25:26
Hi, I am just now finding time to return your visit from Thursday. What a incredible story, and what treasures you have from her. I hope you have someone to pass these down to along with the memories.
Gayle from Behind the Gate
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Feb 03, 2012 @ 23:01:13
Hi Marianne,
This is such an endearing post dedicated to your lovely grandmother, and I much enjoyed it. Her stitching is sooo beautiful! I wish I could do something so lovely, thank you so much for sharing her story with us. Thank you also for your kind words on my vintage valentine’s – it is greatly appreciated. Take care and have a blessed day.
Hugs,
Jessie
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Jan 31, 2012 @ 12:15:56
so Priceless and such a treasure you have from your grandmother, marianne! it’s beautiful and i can see that it’s made with so much love! i love the edging and the parrot is just so cute! this post makes me miss my grandmother who already passed away, It would be a lovely tribute and i would love to read about her if you decide to write about her. Loving all the beautiful photos and i hope you have a blessed day!
Love,
Susan
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Jan 30, 2012 @ 19:29:27
How precious. You are fortunate to have some of these treasures to keep! Such lovely stitching and you should write a story about her! Blessings,Kathleen
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Jan 26, 2012 @ 23:32:57
Your embroidered table runner is so pretty, Marianne. I love the colors and the birds. And how endearing that your grandma didn’t know how to read and yet was able to craft such beautiful things. I’ve been thinking about learning to embroider. I’ve done it before but not in a long time. I actually bought a transfer pencil last weekend so I could transfer my own designs onto fabric. Your post is inspirational. I hope you are doing well and enjoying January to re-energize yourself. I worked a temp job the last couple of days and was so surprised how tired I got. Only six weeks after surgery so that must mean I’m still healing a little. Thanks for sharing your beautiful treasure. And for reminding me of my own dear grandma, who has been gone a long time.
xo,
Lynn
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Jan 26, 2012 @ 18:31:35
What a beautiful treasure you have. Your sweet post brings tears to my eyes today for I do miss my own grandmother very much and I think it is so sweet that your own grandmother made this delightful item. I remember the Hope Chest. One was never started for me, but I remember asking my mother about them. I had read about them in a book. I’m surprised she didn’t start me one. LOL…
It is truly a blessing that you still have this from your grandmother. Her loving hands put a lot of care into that. It is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing it.
Lots of hugs,
Brenda
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