Friday, August 29, 2014

Just a little more about Aunt Mary

Like I said in my last post, I think I inherited the needlework gene from the Toth side of the family, my aunts.
I found these two pieces of fabric, only 36 inches wide.
I would like to make something from them, just not sure yet.

Look at all these crocheted pieces.  There are collars, doilies, love the orange basket.  I found dresser scarves, potholders, pieces that look to be used as edging on something.  They are drying out on a sheet here.

I purchased some powder that you are to use with cold water and soak old linens in to try to get the stains out.
A lot of these pieces were badly stained.  I may have to let them soak even more.  So much beautiful work.  Some pieces look like they were trial pieces.  It would be fun to use some of them in projects as well.

I think at sometime there had been a young gentleman in the picture.  I found pamphlets about hope chests, purchasing a ring, bridal magazines, and this pink gown that had never been worn.  There were several slips that were still in boxes that had never been used. Love the hats, and the suitcase is perfect.  A lot better then some of the ones I had purchased several years ago. (I stack them, and they became a night table by the guest bed.) 

Here is some of the needlework they did.  There are towels kitchen and hand, comb and brush holders, dresser scarves, and wall samplers.

The piece with the lady on it is a little pillowcase.  As you can see a lot of them are badly stained.  It will take a long while to try to get those stains out.  The pieces have all been starched and ironed.

Don't you love the apron?  Actually, I found two of them, the other looks like a mouse may have tried to nest in it.

These pieces have been embroidered, but never cut out and finished.  They are for the backs of chairs and the arms of chairs. They used to come marked on a large cloth to do the embroidery, then cut out and finished with lace or crocheted edge.

How about this sweet baby blanket.  It is a single piece of cloth that was embroidered and bound.

Look at all the potholders. The two green and white in the middle, look like a sugar bowl, and the one underneath a creamer.  They are made so you could fit your hand in them.

China was limited.  The butter dish with the lid, I found the pieces in different places, says Anchor Pottery, Trenton, New Jersey.  Love the bowl in the middle, no markings.  The dish and saucer are limoge,  Those were only two pieces I found, and the small saucer like plate, had been used as a plant holder.   The little pitcher with the cover, is Nippon. The glassware, I have no idea.  In my research I found there were quite a few pottery companies in New Jersey through the years.

Now check this piece out.  Any ideas??

Look what it is, a sewing box!   There are not hooks on the back, only the rope handle on the top, there is a latch to  close it. Most of the thread was in it when I found it.  The buttons, snaps and needles and needle threaders are things I found at her house, so I added them.   I have never seen anything like it.

As you can tell I am still going through things we brought home. Have a little more information that I can add to my family tree. I will take what I can get.
I hope you have not minded this trip and all that went with it.
I did get some sewing done while I was gone, and have been working on a few things.  There are some new hops coming, and I things to be finishing up for therm.
Have a great rest of the week.
Mary

9 comments:

Nana B said...

I have really enjoyed your Aunt Mary posts. Your road trip has been interesting and I love that you and hubby hunted out the row by row. What a great way for local quilt shops to bring in new business.

Jeanie said...

All of these pieces are just fabulous! I'm so glad you have been able to find these treasures and they are now being appreciated. Unusual sewing cabinet...never seen anything like it either.

Phyllis said...

What wonderful treasures have come to you. Thank you for sharing them with us.

Catherine said...

Wonderful treasures! You might try a white vinegar soak on some of the stains. It`s a slow process, but usually works. I hand wash, mostly use Oxyclean now but not on old red dyes.

Sparky said...

what lovely treasures Mary..nice that you found some valuables to you of course that mean something and a lingering image of your sweet aunt.. love the stitching quotes

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

What great things to remember your aunt with.

Janarama said...

You sure found some wonderful items from your Aunt Mary. I love all the crocheted pieces, especially the one that says Love Me. That sewing box is awesome, never say anything like it.

ashley said...

Your Aunt Mary had some beautiful linens, great pieces.
Lots of good things for you, I have never seen a sewing box like this, hope everything turns out to be stain free for you.

margaret said...

It is so good that you found so many pieces of embroidery, lace work etc that your Aunt Mary did, I know you lost so much but these personal things are the right things to have found and I know mean so much to you