Sweet Red! I remember as a little girl my grama made me an adorable red wool coat and hat - trimmed with REAL seal fur. These days using real fur would be a BIG no-no! But, this was the early 60's and she was recycling some pieces of fur that she had acquired as a tailor to high-end gals. I imagine she was very proud of her sewing skills. I think I could have worn the coat inside-out! Her stiches were perfect - and the love given was felt by a young girl. Although, the wool was scratchy around my neck, the satin lining was smooth and silky - and I loved the big round black buttons that decorated the front.
I remember my grama fondly with my own love for sewing. I have all of her buttons and trims, even though she passed away nearly 30 years ago. The buttons and lace on this wall-hanging belonged to my grama.
She told my mother - "when I pass away, you must give EVERYTHING in my sewing room to Patti - she won't throw anything away!" and, she was almost right. I have kept most everything that was passed my way, and I still have a box of metal zippers around here somewhere!
Sewing notions from the past are treasured by many of us - we love them, that's true. There is something special for me when I open grama's sewing box to find a needle or tape measure - or when I use her heavy pinking shears to cut a piece of felt. I also remember how lovely her long and slender fingers were as she untwisted my embroidery thread when I had created more knots than stitches.
The little pink sewing box on the table was the my first sewing box ~ given to me by my grama. It still holds the tiny scissors and thimble she gave to me.
She loved me. I was special. Her eyes lit up when I walked into the room. She was proud of me, and happy to teach me. I miss you Grama!
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A special thank you to SUE at It's A Very Cherry World for hosting Rednesday! I love celebrating RED with all of you!
Hugs, Patti
How pretty! Thanks for commenting on my apples I posted last week. What you said means a lot!
Posted by: Gale | September 15, 2010 at 03:56 PM
Reading your blog made me think of my Granny. I was 19 when she passed away. (She was 89yo.) Who would of thought someone born in the late 1800's would have such a big impact on my life!? I love my Granny and still have her hand made Belguim lace work. My kitchen is decorated in the 50's style, I love to bake bread, and make homemade soup. Love having people over and making them feel welcome. I also love to sew. All these things were what I learned from my Granny. Thank you for the prompt down memory lane! Pat McDonald
Posted by: Pat McDonald | September 15, 2010 at 07:50 PM
Patti, Thanks for coming by and your sweet comments. Love that you have such wonderful treasures from your Grandmother. Mine was special too but she had to share the love with 18 grands at least 25 greats and 9 or so great, greats! She lived until she was 97 and was in her own house until she fell when she was 96. She too was an amazing woman.
Posted by: Debbie | September 16, 2010 at 03:27 AM
Patti..love the idea to use some of my Mema's notions on some gifts for my girls.Made by their mama..and the notions by their Great Mema.
Did you get the fall banner?
Hugs...Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham
Posted by: Cindy | September 17, 2010 at 11:07 AM
Hi, Patti,
Thanks for stopping by. I love your blog. Another "red" girl. ha. I'm signing up to follow you.
What sweet things you have to remember your grama by. (I have those same red cusions :)
D
Posted by: D | September 17, 2010 at 07:14 PM
Patti,
This is soooo cute! I just love your crafting items!!!! And I see Elizabeth sent you a wonderful treat!!!!!! Can't wait to see it all put together....your way! :) Sandy
Posted by: Sandy McClay | September 18, 2010 at 10:21 AM