Sunday 8 September 2013

Handmade Monday 133

Welcome to Handmade Monday.

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?

21 comments:

Christmas Pie Crafts said...

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.

Louise@ElsieMayandBertha said...

You'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 :-)

CatkinJane said...

What a beautiful photograph :)
Grandmas are wonderful things - mine spent time sewing with me too

Highland Monkey's said...

My goodness what a gorgeous photo, she deserves to be on the front of the bag, especially as she taught you to sew.

Unknown said...

A gorgeous photo but - what is a gonk? I've never heard of them!

Lyn said...

Gonks - yuk - I'm glad they haven't made a comeback!

Your grandma was beautiful and you have treasured memories of time spent sewing with her.
I think the handstitching around the image is very fitting.

MadBirdDesignsUK said...

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 :-)

Ginx Craft said...

Your grandma is very beautiful.

I 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.

Unknown said...

Wendy...LOVE the beautiful photo of your granny!

Free Spirit Designs said...

aww what a lovely story and such a beautiful photograph! It must have been really special to work on something with such personal significance :) x

Lilly's Mom said...

I love your creation this week. And to know it's extra special in that she's your grandma. Have a wonderful week.

Jan said...

What a lovely photo of your Grandmother. I love that you have used the image in your work.
No blog from me this week but I'm hoping to hop around all the other great blogs.

Jan x

Lucy Blossom said...

What a fabulous way to remember her, the bag is great.

Ali said...

What a lovely photo of your grandma. People used to look so grand. I really like using personal photos for makes. Thanks for sharing.
Ali x

FabricFascination said...

Love those photos of your Gram. I learned to sew from my grandmother too.

testing said...

What a lovely tribute to your Grandma.

Silver Moss Jewellery said...

What 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!

Dawn said...

What a beautiful picture, it hasn't lost any of it quality, such a lovely idea.

Have a good week xxx

Myth Illogical said...

Dolly was a bit of a stunner- and though I haven't seen many pictures of you, I can see a resemblance!

Bodenseefelchen said...

It`s a wonderfull omage for your Grandma ♥
God bless you

Unknown said...

The bag looks great. Have a nice week. :)
In a Pickle