My mom stitched them as a young woman and put them away in her hope chest. When I got married she pulled them out of safe keeping and gave them to me.
They are worn ~ well worn. Most of the thread is long gone and holes are beginning to pock the surface of the so soft fabric. You can now see the 'X' pattern that was originally stamped on the cloth. It makes me happy to think about her buying these, picking out the thread and then sitting to stitch the floss into a colorful design. She was the only girl in her family too. Just like me, just like Maddison. I will only use these for a short time more. I want to put them away for safe keeping. I don't want them used to the point that I can no longer see the stitches that were made by the hands of my mother. Do they match my paint? Do they match my decor? Nope. But I've never found anything more beautiful than my flour sack dishtowels.
I highly recommend all the cleaning, rearranging and tossing that comes from getting new carpet and other home improvement projects. I found these treasures ~ deep in a box up in the attic that has been moved from home to home during our four moves. These dishtowels came from my Grandma Stephens. Appliqued and given as a gift when I was married. I was so thrilled to find them. I will wash these over and over and soon they will be as soft and lovely as my mom's.
One of the first things I will do when I arrive home this weekend will be to sit beside my mom and hold her hands. I will use some of her favorite lotion and stroke and sooth her bent hands with all the gentleness she has always shown me. I will tell her about the flour sacks dish towels and I know she will be smiling inside.
8 comments:
you stinker. major tear jerker of the day. have an awesome trip.
Those are beautiful. Enjoy your mom this week.
You really have such an amazing way of saying things Andrea. You are very gifted! I know what you mean about the manufacturers towels. We have some from walmart and they are terrible. They almost repel water..what the heck?
You are a beautiful legacy to your mom. I just clicked over here to get the recipe to your yummy pasta and no I am in tears. Thanks for your sweet sentiments. This blog is a great journal for your kids.
Thanks for sharing that Andrea! Anything that grandma once had or made is so special to us! See you soon!
Love your new blog look. This is so neat. My mom had the same things and she stitched every day of the week - I have never used them - they are so precious to me - I love your post - what a great memory of your mom - andi
beautiful post, Andrea!
I enjoyed your post, Andrea. What a treasure you have from your Mom.
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