I delved into the old family photographs this week (for crafting purposes!) and this image is the one I've been working with.
Hello Dolly!
Isn't she gorgeous? She is my grandma - her name was Dolly - pictured in the early 1920's. She was born in 1903 and had her first baby (my dad) in 1928.
Grandma first taught me how to sew when I was about 7 or 8 - I made some horrendous dolls' outfits and gonks (remember them, anyone?) - so I think she would be doubly proud that her image is being used on a vintage-style handbag that I've made for Craftseller magazine.
fabric image and hand stitched fabric "frame"
It's felt like quite a personal project and I've really enjoyed it. I think my decision to do some hand stitching around the image may have been subconsciously influenced by those sewing sessions I had with Grandma in the 1960's, with the fabric samples and thread she brought home from the shirt works. I still have some of those sewing threads!
What have you been making this week?
Yes, she is gorgeous and such a lovely picture for the bag. Yes, I remember Gonks - I am surprised they haven;t made a comeback in some form or other. Hope you have a good week.
ReplyDeleteYou're grandmother was beautiful and I love her hat. It's lovely that you've used her image for a Craftseller project, she'll be famous :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful photograph :)
ReplyDeleteGrandmas are wonderful things - mine spent time sewing with me too
My goodness what a gorgeous photo, she deserves to be on the front of the bag, especially as she taught you to sew.
ReplyDeleteA gorgeous photo but - what is a gonk? I've never heard of them!
ReplyDeleteGonks - yuk - I'm glad they haven't made a comeback!
ReplyDeleteYour grandma was beautiful and you have treasured memories of time spent sewing with her.
I think the handstitching around the image is very fitting.
Gramdma was a real beauty! Gonks yup made many in the 1970's. I'm having a rest and Molly is guesting on my blog :-)
ReplyDeleteYour grandma is very beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI remember gonks very well. My mum made two, one for both me and my sister. I can remember asking on my blog if anyone could remember them, and getting no response at all.
Wendy...LOVE the beautiful photo of your granny!
ReplyDeleteaww what a lovely story and such a beautiful photograph! It must have been really special to work on something with such personal significance :) x
ReplyDeleteI love your creation this week. And to know it's extra special in that she's your grandma. Have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely photo of your Grandmother. I love that you have used the image in your work.
ReplyDeleteNo blog from me this week but I'm hoping to hop around all the other great blogs.
Jan x
What a fabulous way to remember her, the bag is great.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely photo of your grandma. People used to look so grand. I really like using personal photos for makes. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAli x
Love those photos of your Gram. I learned to sew from my grandmother too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute to your Grandma.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea for a bag, and such a beautiful photo. I can imagine she might be quite chuffed to be in a national magazine too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful picture, it hasn't lost any of it quality, such a lovely idea.
ReplyDeleteHave a good week xxx
Dolly was a bit of a stunner- and though I haven't seen many pictures of you, I can see a resemblance!
ReplyDeleteIt`s a wonderfull omage for your Grandma ♥
ReplyDeleteGod bless you
The bag looks great. Have a nice week. :)
ReplyDeleteIn a Pickle