Reminisce was the prompt from Sally at
http://thestudiosublime.com/ for our focusing on life challenge. This year long challenge has been way more fun than I thought it would be, I signed up for this because I wanted to become a better photographer. It has taught me about myself too. Sally has done a wonderful job with her prompts. The minute I saw this weeks prompt I knew what I would photograph. When I was about 5 years old my Grandma made 5 of these bedspreads. One was hers, one was my Mom's, one was My Aunt Fern's, and both of my older sisters got one. Three were yellow and two were pink. I remember watching Grandma crochet these and being mesmerized that she could turn a single thread into a four layered flower. My strongest memory of Grandma was that she never in her life sat down even for five minutes that she didn't pick up her handwork. Mostly she was a knitter but I vividly remember her crocheting these. I was very jealous of my sisters for getting these. My sisters are 8 and 10 years older than me. These were for their hopechests. Just before my Aunt died she gave me her bedspread. I don't think she had any idea of how much it meant to me. She and I both have pink as our favorite color. The first time I put my beautiful bedspread on my bed was when I realized that Grandma was who I got my creativity from. I also remembered when I was a kid being bored and Grandma saying why don't you go straighten the tassels on my bedspread. I hadn't thought of that in more than thirty years. I am filled with pride each time I put this bedspread on my bed. I am also transported back to Grandma's house. I can hear her softly humming as she worked. It is my most prized possession.
Oh how lovely! What beautiful work, and wonderful memories of your grandmother! I find that the everyday things are the best way to keep memories with us
ReplyDeleteThanx Cynthia. I agree that everyday things make wonderful memories. I have my husband's Grandmother's kitchen knife. I think of her almost everyday when I use it. She was a wonderful lady too.
ReplyDeleteBecky, Our grandmas must have been related! I have the same memories of mine and have a crochet tablecloth that reminds me of your bedspread. I can see why it is your most treasured possession. Love the sweet pink flower motif too. I think our grandmas must have been our early inspiration for creativity.
ReplyDeleteI agree Paula. I just didn't realize that Grandma was my inspiration until I put her bedspread on my own bed.
DeleteLovely! I don't crochet... my mother knitted and sewed so I never really learned how to crochet, I can do the edging on a sweater and not much more. I have a 'berry' spoon that belonged to my grandmother ... Don't use it that often but I have to move it in the drawer a couple of times a week.
ReplyDeleteThanx Lynn, I can only do simple crochet also. However I did find that I like crocheting with wire a lot. You don't have to control the tension with wire like you do with thread. It's fun to reminisce isn't it?
ReplyDeleteBecky, your post brought tears to my eyes - how lovely is this bedspread and your memories of it! I think it would be my most prized possession given the memories, too! Lovely post and beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteThanx Shel. I tried to tell my Aunt how much it meant to me but somehow just words couldn't say the feelings in my heart. I'm glad you like my photos too.
DeleteThat's gorgeous! And in such good shape too. I really enjoyed this weeks topic!
ReplyDeleteThanx. I am proud of my bedspread. I agree that this week was fun.
ReplyDeleteIt is STUNNING! And what lovely memories attached.
ReplyDeleteThanx Patty. The bedspread does really hold wonderful memories for me.
DeleteBecky - this reminded me of Miss Carter, the lady who used to watch us when my Dad was away. She crocheted white and off-white bedspreads constantly for all her nieces and nephews. It was the gift she gave them on their wedding day. I always wanted one of my own, but I moved far away and she has since passed. I've been looking for patterns, because now I could make my own. A favorite of mine was one she made with the popcorn stitch.
ReplyDeleteJanet I am glad that I could share my story with you and help you remember someone from your past. My Grandma was a knitter so these 5 crocheted bedspreads are the only time I remember seeing her crocheting.I remember her making baby sweater sets and blankets the most.
DeleteI have similar fond memories of my grandmother. She was always creating, knitting, crochet, cooking, gardening, canning...and showering love on her grandkids. Your Aunt's bedspread is beautiful. Double the memories for you - Made by your grandmother and gifted to you by your aunt!
ReplyDeleteYou are right Debi.It does have double meaning. She was the Aunt I was closest to. My Mom says I am like her.
DeleteThe bedspread is gorgeous and I am glad you have something from your grandma! Thank you for sharing your memories!
ReplyDeleteThanx I think it is gorgeous too. I sometimes sit and look at the stitches in it and I can see her in her rocking chair. I remember asking her how she knew where she was because I never saw her use a pattern. She replied "I count."
DeleteLove your story of your grandmother making five bedspreads. I would have been really jealous of my sisters getting one and not I. That was so kind of you aunt to bequeath you hers. Reading lots of warm stories about grandmothers today.
ReplyDeleteThanx Mary, Her bedspread is the best thing in the whole world that she could have given me. When Mom ask me for her if I wanted it I couldn't say yes fast enough. Grandmothers are indeed special to us.
ReplyDeleteIt's really really beautiful and must have taken such a long time to make!
ReplyDeleteThanx Niky I have always thought it was beautiful. Grandma was a fast knitter. I remember watching her needles move and being impressed.
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine recently made me a crotchet cover the full size of our bed and I love it, it's so homely. This year one of my aims is to learn to crotchet . Thanks for popping by
ReplyDeleteLynn
Hi Lynn I have always loved handmade. I did crochet 3 shawls back in the 70's. I tried bead crochet at our annual demo and do day but I'm not sure I have it right yet.
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful story! I'm so glad you received one of these beautiful bedspread that connects you to your loving, talented grandmother. I enjoyed reading this post.
ReplyDeleteThanx Alice. I don't think words can express how much this bedspread means to me. I liked sharing my story. This whole challenge has made me feel much more connected to the beading community. I appreciate getting to know you through your posts.
DeleteA beautiful object, for wonderful memories.
ReplyDeleteThanx Beti. I appreciate your comments.
ReplyDeleteOh Becky, that's beautiful! How wonderful that when she died, it went to someone who clearly appreciates its origins and values it highly. Wonderful memories!
ReplyDeleteThanx Lori, That bedspread is my most prized possession.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading your post and learning how you discovered the source of your muse. Very moving.
ReplyDeleteThanx Mary. I feel close to Grandma every time I put her spread on my bed.
ReplyDelete