a suitcase full of memories

My Gram Davis was quite a needle-crafter... something that I can appreciate more and more as the years pass. She's the type of person that if she were alive today, I can imagine her selling at craft shows and fairs, and even, I dare say, on one or even various online venues. Because you see, she actually did make things and sold them; aprons and baby shoes and the like. Sadly, I remember very few details - I was young and paid it no mind, although I remember her making dresses and pj's for my three brothers, my sister and I.

What will I do with a suitcase full of vintage needlework patterns? Yes, I will keep them- how can I not? I am too sentimental for my own good. I take them out every now and again and sort through them, and how could I resist making an apron from one of  her patterns? I think she would be pleased that I'm following in her footsteps, enjoying these same things she liked very much to do.

As I write this post, it brings tears for the "if only's" - if only I would have paid more attention, if only I had been more interested, if only I would have listened better. You know how it goes... the questions that cannot be asked or answered. I think they would sound sort of like this; who taught you how to sew and do needlework or have you always enjoyed it since you were a little girl? Well, no matter. Besides her patterns, I have few more of her vintage (to me) sewing and crafting things, but more importantly, I have some memories.

Warm wishes,

Patti

February dishcloths

 The ladies in my family really like my crocheted dishcloths, so my goal is to crochet some each month. Posting them will help to me to keep track how many I actually get done and it's likely I'll make more than if I didn't record them. Three of these four will be on their way to new homes soon.

Sugar 'n Cream- Earth Ombre
stitch pattern- alternating rows of single and double crochet

Peaches & Cream- Burgundy
stitch pattern- 4 rows single and 2 rows double throughout

Sugar 'n Cream- Renegade
stitch pattern- alternating rows of single and half-double




Peaches & Cream- Psychedelic

stitch pattern- single crochet throughout



Hope everyone is enjoying lots of needlework this winter. Stay warm!

an Iowa vacation

Plantoir Sculpture

 I was so excited to see this- a giant garden trowel sculpture, located on the grounds of the Meredith Corp. offices. Of the many magazines they publish, Country Gardens is my favorite and I was leafing through a previous issue- and there it was! You can read all about it here.

Off to the Prairie Pedlar at Odebolt, which was also featured in Country Gardens magazine many years ago. I'll share some photos from here later.

Living History Farms-  "Living History Farms is an interactive outdoor museum which educates, entertains and connects people of all ages to Midwestern rural life experiences." I don't have any photos from here, but if you enjoy American history, you'll have so much fun!

Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines 

is home to some great bead shops.

 Vacation should also include some relaxing and a bit of needlework...

And last but not least, lots of visiting and catching up!

Love you both!

How are spending your summer vacation?

Reminisce

Pappap and Gram Davis

Ralph C. (1900 - 1970) and Sara L. (1908 - 1973)

I never cared much for history in school, but interestingly enough, as the years go by it becomes so much more important; specifically, when it's about personal family history. Many people are researching their roots these days. Knowing where your family originates from can give you a sense of ..... (fill in the words that make it personal for you). Although it can be a difficult and frustrating task, the results are well worth it.

Pappap's teething beads.

Gram's jewelry and a belt buckle.

We might have things like antique dishes and furniture that have been passed down for generations (how wonderful is that?). But it's so special to have unique and personal objects and memento's that belonged to our family. I'm especially glad that I have my dad's roller skates, perfume bottles from both my grandmother's and teething beads that were Pappap's. And although Gram's jewelry is old, stained and many pieces are broken, I'll treasure it always. When my time with these treasures is over, I'll pass them on to my children.


Thoughtfully,
Patti

Birthday Fun!

Gram J., Ashley and Seth

On my first post, I mentioned that my daughter and her husband were coming from Iowa for Christmas. What a day! They were to arrive at our airport about 12 noon on Christmas Eve day, but when all was said and done, it was 8:30 pm. However, we are very thankful they arrived safely.

Birthday beads from Ellacinders

Since my birthday is in early December, Ashley decided to bring my birthday present with her. Birthday bead money!! (If you're a beader you know what I'm talkin' about!) While they were here we went shopping and stopped in at my LBS (local bead shop), Ellacinders in Lewisburg, PA. I didn't spend it all so you're likely to see what I purchase with the balance. The pink rectangles are to make something special for Ashley, which I'll post about later. The tool is a pearl reamer.

Do you have a favorite LBS to shop at and what do you like to buy?

Have a great day,

Patti