I was so amazed and touched when we opened the box from Victor's grandma the other day (all the way from southern Mexico!) It was full of beautiful hand-work, proof of *many* hours spent and probably an aching back and aching eyes! I'm so excited for our little girl to be able to wear and use these amazing works of art...
These are my all-time favorite "blankets" for our climate. They're actually made out of something more like sheet fabric, very lightweight and soft. Victor's grandma made two each for Gabriel and Zachary, and I've used them constantly. (Zachary in particular is *very* attached--I am not letting him see these yet, because I'm sure he'll try to take possession...)
Below is a little bit closer up for detail of the hand-stitching and cutting to make the intricate designs...
This blanket has a pretty basket-weave sort of pattern in two wide stripes above and below the embroidered flowers--from what I understand, she pulls the threads out by hand to make the "empty" spaces, then weaves threads around randomly to make the design (looks like vines on lattice to me)...
(Above)--a lightweight "bedpsread" :) (crib-sized) or cover--it's the lightweight cotton on the bottom, then lace with ribbon woven throughout on top.
(Below) This one was not made by Victor's grandma, but I LOOOVE it! (She did send it...) I love the cheery red flowers and the bows on the shoulders! (You may be noticing an odd angle to these pictures--yes, I cheated, took them while I was sitting on the couch WITH my feet up... Gotta be comfy ya know!)
This reminds me of a christening gown or something in that style, but cuter. :) It's extra long, and at first I thought it was a big size, but I'm thinking maybe it's just the style of the dress. It's made in the style that a lot of the traditional Mexican tops are, a very simple shape gathered in at the neck with smocking, open comfortable sleeves... Great for hot weather!!
This one is something I think my own "mamaw" would have made. She always loved this sunny color of yellow--always had curtains or chair covers or sheets or cabinets or SOMETHING in this shade! I think it's so cute with the "jacket" look, which is actually attached, and the little old-fashioned puffy sleeves. I like to have things like this, not purchased from a store, because then I feel like they look kind of silly, but the "genuine article," made by someone with loving, wrinkled, aching hands... All of this hand-work really is becoming a lost art, and I certainly have done my part in losing it--can't tell you how many times I've "learned" to crochet (or whatever!) and made one thing and never touched a needle again! Receiving such a special gift made me, just for a moment, want to learn how to make something so beautiful...
What do you think? Is it important to know how to sew or embroider or crochet in today's culture? Are there other options for us which are just as meaningful? I want to raise my family to know and love and respect the older generations and what they have done and given for us... Any thoughts or ideas? Also, what are some things we can leave for future generations as works of love on our part? (For example--we have several quilts made by my grandmothers--I do know how to quilt, but it's not an integral part of my life like it was for my mamaw especially. What is something I can pass down that would be equally as special for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren?)
Hoping to get some feedback here! Please feel free to leave any thoughts!!
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