Monday

today's project ~

I am about to embark on a very long overdue project.  It shouldn't take long; but I truly want to do a good job on it ~ because of the precious memories it holds for me.

About 35 years ago I was given two beautiful, hand crocheted table cloths that Dear Hubby's Great Aunt Irma made when she was in her 20's.  These table cloths are over 100 years old!

Both table cloths are of the same pattern.  They measure 6 feet by 7 feet each.  The only difference between the two is one of them is just a mere shade darker in coloring.  I imagine because of two different color lots of cotton thread.

The workmanship and dedication in making these just blows my mind every time I see them.  When they were given to me I was asked that I never just throw them in a drawer and forget about them, or her.   So on special occasions I use them :)

They have been used and laundered with love ... but there are a few stitches pulling away on  parts and I HAVE to do right by them and fix them up!   Also, I'm thinking that my "using them" days are coming to an end because I would like my daughters to inherit them someday from me and cherish them as I do.

Here's a picture of the one I'm working on ... this is the one in the worse condition.  The other one only has one little spot that needs fixing.


Amazing!  I know!!

So how many 20 year olds today do you think are sitting in the parlor in the evenings crocheting table cloths???

Until next time ...
So it goes in my neck of the woods.
~mel

14 comments:

  1. What a treasure! I don't know any 20 year olds that could sit still long enough to do anything like that, unless an computer, or smart phone was involved.

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  2. that's a very good question, not many I reckon!!!! It is beautiful!

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  3. I love these ,well worth fixing . I have a few myself . aren't they just great !

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  4. Oh the work put into those table cloths. My grandmother crocheted a 'granny square' table cloth that my mother always used. I was going to always use it as a bedspread, with a bright colored piece of satin under it. But we always had dogs, and I never made it into a bedspread. When we moved and downsized, my daughter inherited mine!!!

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  5. WOW that pattern is beautiful. I am always amazed at the talent of folks in this world. Yes, I am sure that is one 'Passed and Gone' talent when referring to young folk.

    Most 20 year olds would not have a teacher, nor anyone the the time to pass on such a talent.

    What a treasure to pass down. Amazing even that one is in such good shape after 100+years.

    Love this post...

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  6. I don't think many 20 year olds are doing that sort of thing! What beautiful workmanship. It will be gorgeous once it is repaired. xo Diana

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  7. What lovely tablecloths. The workmanship is exquisite.

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  8. The work is beautiful and so hard to find such work these days.

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  9. The work is beautiful and so hard to find such work these days.

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  10. Beautiful workmanship! So many skills such as this have been lost in this electronic age of ours... Unfortunate really.

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  11. Mom, I have loved these table clothes for a long time. Enjoying them around the holidays every year. I knew that they were passed down through the family but I guess I just never realized just how old they really are, now I appreciate them even more. I'm happy to hear that you are finally restoring them. I look forward to someday using them on my table for special occasions along with the dinner set that was passed down to me from Grandma Jean. Love you and miss you!

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  12. My Mom used to crotchet copiously and I still have a few of her things. I don't generally use them and have pondered giving them away ... but can't quite ... as MOM made them.

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  13. I've seen these displayed many times, dear sister, on your table, under your dresser full of goodies during Christmas, or as part of your decorating. I have even used mine a time or two under my tree. They are gorgeous and truly a lost art. As much as I have crocheted over the years, I still don't think I'd ever have the patience to finish one. The hardest thing I ever made was the butterfly afghan I made for you. Thanks for gifting it back to me. I still have to mend it.
    Love the ageless memories
    Life has been good

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  14. Beautiful, beautiful! Make sure to write down the history for the girls to continue to pass along with these heirloom treasures.
    'love & hugs from afar'

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