I have lots of things around my house that were made by my grandmother (mother's mother). She taught me to crochet, knit, embroider, cook, etc. She didn't read or write english so she designed all her own patterns. I have used lots of the thread and yarn she left behind on shawls, doilies, tatting, etc. I was going through some dresser drawers the other day and came across this little outfit she knitted when I was close to 3 years old. I went through some photo albums to see if I could find pictures of me wearing it and sure enough, I did. I guess my mom couldn't get me to wear the hat. It is in excellent condition and it was suggested to me that I give it to a museum. It was made in 1944. Thought I would share some photos with you. Click on the photo for a close-up view.
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| grandma knitting, of course |
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| crochet table runner that I framed and hangs over a narrow window |
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| skirt, sweater and hat |
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pictures of me wearing the outfit
mom is pregnant with my sister in picture |
19 comments:
Deanna this is a wonderful tribute! My grandmother taught me to crochet and bake also - she was a woman of that generation whose hands were always busy. As a wedding gift to my mother, she created a large bedspread and two pillow shams out of hundreds of small openwork crocheted squares - she called them stars - with such fine thread they were more like lace. Each was individually linked to the other and it must have taken months to complete! We still have these pieces and you've given me the idea now to photograph and/or frame them somehow. How fortunate you have those photos and that outfit to connect you to the past! My grandmother passed 25 years ago, but I feel her still whenever my hands ply the needle or knead dough...best to you and thanks for stirring some good memories!
so happy I could inspire you in some small way, Two Tigers. one of my dad's hobbies was photography so I have lots of photos of my childhood and love to look back and remember.
Special memories and how lucky to still have photos and some of her work. I was amazed to see your gran working on a circular knitting needle?
Simply love the crochet above your window.
It's lovely to read about your Grandmother. She sounded like a wonderful woman. I would try to be like her to my Grand daughter. Thanks for sharing a great story - Hugs Nat
this is a lovely tribute to Grandma, but i wouldn't hand over your family heirlooms just yet, you're still enjoying them. k.
Penny, I didn't remember her using a circular needle. didn't realize they were around back then.
Nat, My grandmother lived with us when I was growing up and she taught me so many wonderful things. She also told me some wonderful stories about her childhood and her father who was an orthodox rabbi in Israel. How I wish I had written it all down. I used to sit with her and her friends some afternoons while they drank turkish coffee and played cards.
Hi Deanna - thank you for sharing these precious images. Your Grandma has beautiful, rich, deep eyes. Gilly
You honor your Grandmother's legacy Deanna, by the generous way that you share what you know, what you do, what you create, with all of us via your blog. The child who sat at her grandmothers feet is now passing on the learning of cloth. She would be proud.
thank you Gilly and Marti. she was a very special person. she died about 40 years ago but she still lives in what she left behind.
great how things might last with a bit of care
yes, Jude. unfortunately, that 'care of things' doesn't seem to exist any more.
Great story.
Well ... I think that there might be some youngsters who would love to wear a hat like that today!
Love the pattern in the knitting of the jacket.
Hi Deanna - I know what you mean about caring for things. As I get older I am caring for things more and more. I want less and care more. I still have a lo-o-ong way to go before I achieve the simplicity and quality I would like to have in my life. Gilly
Your Grandmother looks so peaceful and I love the hat! She lives on through your creations.
a really great sharing...of her
Art and also the photographs...
i love those almost "formal"
photographs from those times.
and how they seem so otherworldly
now. it is something to think
about, that we don't have photo
albums even. whenever the kids
are here at one time, they always
drag out the photo albums, that
include some pics like this of
when i was little. going to
think about that more, thank you
for the urge...
such wonderful memories. What a treasure to have.
A lovely story Deanna...I have fond memories of my grandmother's sewing skills too. I love the photos.
this has me deep in memory lane... oh so bittersweet... thank you.
WOW Deanna...I went from your current post, in which I marveled at the detailed experiments, and the industry, as usual, and agreed it's felt like a week of Saturdays...an 'endless weekend' (remember that movie?...to this amazing, facinating, and moving post about your Grandmother. because it was suggested at the bottom.
I just LOVE seeing the handiwrk (gorgeous color), and hearing about her history *your history), What a fortunate serendipity.
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