I cannot count my day complete
'Til needle, thread and fabric meet.
~Author Unknown

Sharing a common thread with those who love the art of hand embroidery

Monday, March 30, 2009

Her Name Was Rose

Once again, I found a lovely set of napkins done by someone's expert hands. Every stitch is flawless. I love roses and flowers, so it wasn't hard for my eye to spot this on the shelf. But looking at it.....it makes me remember Rose.
Rose lived in the brick house across the street from us when we lived in town. The neighborhood we lived in at that time was drug and gang infested and good neighbors did not exist......except for when Rose moved in. She was an elderly lady who spent her days sitting out in the coolness of her front porch watching the busy traffic and all activities of the block go on around her. While she sat.....her hands were busy....stitching the hours away. Quilting mostly....but sometimes, pretty pieces of crochet edgings and embroidery would surface as well. I would be working out in the flowers when I would her her call hello to me. I would wander over for a few minutes and we would both catch up on each others lives.....the children....folks passing away.....gardening flowers.... and sewing. As we talked, her hands never stopped the stitches. I often wondered if she gave her treasures to her many grandchildren she often spoke of. The day we moved away....I told her goodbye....I remember looking back and seeing her.....one hand holding her material....the other waving the last farewell. She made living in that unbearable neighborhood, easier for me. She was a good neighbor....a rose that really grew among the thorns.
So I thought about her as I took these treasures home. Imagine my delight when I discovered a small tablecloth to match the napkins!

There are four napkins......and there is no way my husband or sons will use these when I fix dinner! They will only go so far when it comes to cloth napkins and these are just too girly!



I am so impressed with all of the work someone did on these cloths. The cut work is wonderful, as well as the embroidery.


The hand crocheted edge is perfect.





Of course I have some dishes and silverware that matches!




Maybe I will use them for dessert and for friends who come by. We can have a "girl lunch" without the men. I wonder if the one who stitched these ,sat out on her front porch like Rose did. I wonder what she thought about as she stitched all of those hours away..... How about you? Do you have any linens that make you remember a certain person? Maybe Grandmother showing you your first crochet stitches? Maybe the new born babe, so sweet in sleep in lace bedding? I would love to hear!







17 comments:

Grammyof13 said...

Good morning Kathleen. I am a receipient of table clothes from two elderly ladies who became friends through my daughter. They were her Mother-in-law and Aunt in law (for lack of a better term). No they didn't make them, however when I visited, they went to their stash and gave me several at a time. Christmas clothes galore. Now I like them, have so many I have to store them in dresser drawers as well as the linen closet. I always think of them when I go to use one. They are both gone now, which makes them even more special. Good post, and BEAITIFUL embroidery on your find.

Anonymous said...

i love the memories that you shared about rose.

Linda said...

Kathleen, this set is lovely, such pretty work. I enjoyed the sweet memories of your friend Rose. hugs, Linda

rustycupboard said...

That is so cool!!! What a wonderful fine.
Helen

KathyB. said...

The needle work is beautiful. With blogs and web sites like yours, maybe the fine examples of needle work will inspire a new generation of this art...I am always inspired by your blog, and I and my granddaughter spend more time practicing our embroidery....maybe she, with her deft hands and artistic eye will one day create items of great beauty. If nothing else, she will know to appreciate it.

Reflecting on your memories of your neighbor are touching, and to remember her doing something you especially love makes it more special.

Margie said...

What a lovely memory. Rose reminds me of my great Aunt Josie, always doing some beautiful work on something, sitting outside on the porch. I wish I had more of her pieces. I would love to leave my nieces and grandchildren (if I have any) lots of my things that I've made and hope that they cherish it as much as I cherish Aunt Josie's.

Have a lovely week!
Margie :)

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

My mother's mother made beautiful hooked rugs. They were truly works of art, but then she did everything well. Not the most comfortable person to be around though. Your finds are lovely. Enjoy your girls' luncheon!

Childers Corner said...

The napkins are gorgeous and the story is beautiful!

Lynne said...

These are lovely pieces of linen, ones to treasure. I'm sure you'll enjoy using them when your friends visit. I enjoyed reading your anecdote.
Funnily enough I have put a photo of some favourite embroidery of mine on my blog.

Paula said...

Awww. what a sweet memory of Miss Rose...
The dishes and napkins are beautiful together!

Anonymous said...
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papel1 said...

Beautiful napkins.
Judy

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

Wonderful story and beautiful work.

La Tea Dah said...

What a lovely visit I've had here today. Thank you for your gracious hospitality. Hand embroidered linens and old china --- it doesn't get any better than that!

Enjoy a blessed day!

LaTeaDah

the voice of melody said...

It certainly was a very talented person who made these. The details are absolutely lovely. They would be perfect for a tea party or girls' luncheon.

Thank you for sharing the beautiful story of your neighbor Rose. It does sound like she was indeed a flower among thorns. But then she also had a neighbor who was a flower too, you! :)

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Kathleen,
This is a beautiful post. I love the roses on the linen. This is such lovely work.
Happy Spring! Happy Easter!

Princess S said...

How pretty!!! I have some embroidered linens that are family heirlooms....true treasures.