HOMEMADE ORIGINALS, not stamped out by the thousands, hold even more significance when the hands that create them belong to someone special. 
My mom enjoyed needlework and gathering threads to make one-of-a-kind items she hoped would be useful to her children in their future homes. Were she alive today, I think she would be pleased to see her efforts are not forgotten. I appreciate her handy-work each time I glance at the crocheted circles framed on the wall or rest my head on the velvety cushions she made. 
The adorable crinkled little dress that she handmade and embellished with embroidery is an irreplaceable garden of flowers that grows more precious with time. (I can see Penelope Puddle wearing this dress were she ever to take off her hat and raincoat.) 
Mom's eye-straining attention to detail was beyond compare. Occasionally, I studied her hands as she choreographed needles or hooks to form patterns on fabrics. I took note but didn't learn the techniques in a meaningful way.
Although the latest machinery can now sew similar designs in seconds, they cannot diminish the dedication woven into each hand-sewn stitch. Nowadays homemade pieces made decades ago can be found descarded or given to charities where they are newly discovered by strangers. Sometimes these floundering fragments of family history go unrecognized by the children and grandchildren of those who entwined a bit of their love into every stitch. Explorers can find more sites from around the globe at My World.
Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms
How lucky to have such lovely needlework created by your mother! Since you've done a bit yourself you can appreciate the many hours she worked on each article.
ReplyDeleteIt's so wonderful you have these precious gifts to bring memories of your mom's craftsmanship. They are beautiful and priceless. I'd far rather have these handmade embroidery pieces than those you get from a machine.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if too many people have the patience to make such beautiful hand crafts these days. These are indeed a loving memento of your mother.
ReplyDeleteGreat examples of one of a kind. Does anyone do that anymore? Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing like homemade articles of clothing or things for the house! They are always a comfort and bring lovely memories! Thanks for sharing these, Penelope, they're all beautiful! Enjoy your week!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
these are heirlooms. i have a quilter friend who i consider another "mom" and i've been eyeballing her works of arts. she teasingly told me to keep a list of what i want from her collection and i'll inherit them when she passes. although i have inherited a few already.
ReplyDeleteThat's impressive needlework! Unfortunately, nobody in my family has ever learned a craft like this.
ReplyDeleteThese are precious! My mom too left some.
ReplyDeleteI would want to frame them. :)
Wow - those items are exquisite. So many memories...
ReplyDeleteThe ever patient and skillful hands of your Mom making these work of art. Such loving keepsakes. They are really made for "comforts".
ReplyDeleteLove the intricate details. I do not do needle point but I can crochet.
beautiful designs and superior craftsmanship. nothing beats a homemade needlework.
ReplyDeleteOh I agree, hand crafted pieces are keepers. Hard to come nowadays. Those pieces are well crafted... love them all.
ReplyDeleteHow good to see that these wonderful items are being actively appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI still have items I made when 'expecting', and BC ( Before Computers). Some had as many as 36 thousand stitches. Clara Waever cross-stitch mostly.
Having no daughters, I can't see anyone caring like you do :-(
I was ironing some heirloom linens the other day, knowing I wouldn't be using them. I just like to admire the handiwork that went into them. What loving memories the linens brought back to me. I imagined every stitch, wondering what my grandmother was thinking or concerned about when she sought solace with her needle and her needlework.
ReplyDeleteThe pillows are sumptuously divine...a lovely memento of your mother and her work!
That's so wonderful to have had a mother who could make such beautiful outfits. My grandmother was the one who made us smocked dresses. This post reminded me of that.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice that you have and enjoy these hand made items! My Mom made some of her clothes, but I don't think any have been passed on to the grandkids. Other items Mom and dad had are now in the third and fourth generation.
ReplyDeleteThe Washington cherry blossoms are very light pink this year. Our two cherry trees are a darker pink, but will not bloom for a few weeks.
What beautiful embroidery! These needlework are really one of a kind, priceless treasure to the family. You're so lucky to have such a mother, and your mother, too, to have such a daughter like you who have kept and appreciated.
ReplyDeleteThese are really, really lovely pieces that your mom made, but more than that, I think you feel the love and dedication that went into each one when you hold them in your hands. I have an old work shirt of my dad's - it's not beautiful at all, but I think I share that appreciation with you for somehow absorbing his passion for the work he did when he wore that shirt.
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