From my Grandmother

These lovely doilies and potholders were crocheted by my Grandmother Schultz. She was an amazing women when I look back at her life. It couldn't have been easy back in the 20's and 30's on a South Dakota farm raising seven sons and one daughter. My Dad was the first born and told quite a few stories of how strict his parents were. Anytime my Grandma sat down, she had her crocheting in hand. I remember her sitting in a kitchen chair at our house talking away, crocheting away, and never once looking down at her hands to watch her work -- she was on "automatic pilot". I received some of her potholders, lavender and yellow in color, as wedding gifts and I used them to the point of wearing them out. Mom had these put away in a drawer --she was one to save nice things for a special day. Is that today ?? No, I won't use them. They will be put away in my new special "treasure chest" which I haven't taken a picture of yet. Maybe tomorrow !

Flower Girls

These two photos are of me as a flower girl in weddings of an aunt and an uncle in late 1944 and early 1945. My dresses were in that tub of mementos. I took them to the dry cleaners, but there are a few spots they were unable to remove. Again, I wonder why some things are kept forever and now, what should I do with them ?? Mom made both of these dresses to the specifications of the bride, and of course, they are beautifully put together. The photo of me alone was at the wedding of my Dad's brother, Lehman. The dress is pale blue, the crepe paper carnations in the basket were blue and pink. Oh, how I wish I had that antique wicker basket !! My Dad's sister, Elda, had the two flower girls, me from her side of the family, and the other little gal from the groom's side -- I don't remember her name. We wore little gold lockets, a gift from the bride and this time, the basket held real flowers !! Our dresses were yellow with blue ribbon trim -- somewhere, there is a photo of you trying on this dress at your Grandma's house !! Being a flower girl in a wedding was an honor -- I wish I had more memory of the occasions !!

"I Made"

These beautiful pieces were in that tub from my closet with a note in Mom's handwriting folded within that said "I made". I don't remember that Mom ever did any crocheting, but her embroidery work and sewing were never less than perfection ! The square piece was probably made as a dresser or table scarf. I love the adorable appliqued potholders. They would be perfect in someones country kitchen, but, they will remain in my "treasure chest" !!

Days of the Week

Flour came in white cotton fabric bags many years ago. Of course, nothing was ever thrown away -- recycling is not a "new" idea ! These white bags were most usually hemmed around the edges and used for wiping the dishes dry. Embroidering a set of seven for the days of the week was a favorite pastime. A note in Mom's handwriting was in along with this set saying they came from Bertha who was Mom's older sister. These treasures were in the tub I opened a few days ago. Ironic that I purchased a twelve pack of "flour sacks" a couple of years ago to use when washing windows and mirrors.

My Baby Sweater

I opened a plastic tub from my closet this morning looking for something in particular, which I didn't find, by the way, but, found some other treasures I had forgotten about. Why we keep some things and rid ourselves of others remains a mystery to me, always !! This little woolen sweater was mine as a baby. Mom gave it to me when my baby doll, Louise, came into my life that Christmas of 1948. It became part of her layette and fit her perfectly. I suppose I will put it back into the collection of treasures of which I will post a few of in the upcoming days. And, then the tub will be again placed back in the closet, but, this time with a record of what, where and why the items are a part of my life memories !!

Sweet Baby Bear

My "big" birthday has come and gone !! My Christmas teddy bear had a baby for this "special" day. Hilery made the baby bear that measures about 4" tall in his sitting position. I was totally amazed when I opened the box that he was gift wrapped in. He was nestled in a box full of crushed $1 bills, one for each year of my age. He is adorable and has found his home on the lap of the Christmas teddy. AND, I had fun spending the cash !! I have such talented girls !!