Sunday 15 January 2012

'Finished' Rug and How Handmade can Reach Out Across the Years

My daughter said she like the rug and can I sew her name in the middle.  Well I have to admit that I cheated and glued her name, using the remainder of the yarn I had made.


I was telling some people on the wonderful UK thread on etsy that I inhabit, and one rather clever chap said that I can always add to it as she grows.  What a good idea!  As she grows out of her pyjama's I can add more rows. So it becomes a little story about her.

I was reading, this morning, a blog that I love and I urge, simply urge, you to go and have a look here. This particular post on Indietutes blog is about how she is mending a patchwork quilt that her children's grandmother made.

I love the idea that handmade treasures pass down the generations, and even get added to over the years.

The children at my work have been asked what they want to sew next and a couple have suggested patchwork.  I learnt patchwork at about 9 or 10 and it is the only patchwork I have ever done - by hand. I do not even know how to do it using a machine, although it is about time I learnt.

So I think I will look for a simple pattern and then try and find some cheap cotton fabric for them to use.  If you have any going spare (and free) then please let me know.

Do you have a handmade object that has come down from other generations?   I still have the cardigan my nanny knitted me. Too small for me, too small for Mary. But it is there in my wardrobe.  


9 comments:

Heather Leavers said...

That's a lovely idea, to add to it in the future. I've been trying to remember what I've got that's handmade - I have a firescreen that my grandmother embroidered and my grandfather framed (he was a master carpenter). It stands in my fireplace every spring/summer when we stop using the fire. My childhood doll (Susan, since you ask) still wears a dress and cardigan that were made for her by the same gran, and my childhood teddy wears a sweater also knitted by her - but I remember the sweater was actually knitted for Patrick the boy doll who has long gone!

x vInTaGe VioLeT x said...

it's a great rug and i love the idea of adding more pj's to it :)
i don't really have many old treasures but i kept the crochet baby blanket my grandma made for my daughter and a fairisle tank top my mum's friend made for me as a child my son now wears after finding my mum's childhood teddy wearing it!!

Popular Crafts said...

Fabulous! We've shared on our Facebook page :)

Unknown said...

I have 2 matinee jackets, one made by each of my grandmothers who were both arthritic by that time. Very special and worn by all my children.

picciolo said...

Your rug is amazing! I love that it is made of pjs, I think adding to it over time is a great idea too
: )

Christmas Pie Crafts said...

That is a great idea - it is so nice to have pieces that have been made from treasured things. Hope you have a good week.

Bigbluebed said...

Thank you for your lovely comments. It was very interesting to hear of the things you have and treasure.

Anonymous said...

I have never seen yarn made from james before, that's so cool :)

Garage said...

Those rugs are just lovely. It was a brilliant idea that you put a name into it. Great work!