I gave you a sneak preview on Tuesday of what I’ve been working on this week, my mum’s textile memories book. She was a prolific craftlady, trying all sorts of different crafts over the years and when we cleared her house after she went into a home I found lots of finished and unfinished crafty things. I decided to make a textile book.
I bought a book called Stitched Memories by Tilly Rose and it was a big help in giving me ideas and inspiration for the pages of my book. She also has a facebook page (Tilly Rose Vintage) which is great.
I actually started last November when I made these two pages…
Over the weekend I started working on it again, it would be nice to have it on display after her funeral in a couple of weeks time, though I’m not going to stress myself if it’s not done in time. It’s actually quite a nice thing to work on at the moment.
Two more cross-stitch pieces just needed a fabric border and a bit of embellishment. The one with a dove on seemed to be finished apart from the last six letters (???) luckily it didn’t take much to work out it was meant to say eternity. The Footprints in the sand one was finished, just never made into anything.
The hymn and prayer book covers seemed to puzzle some readers. My mum had several prayer books (there’s another two waiting to be made into a page!) These have beautiful gold and crewel type embroidery on the front and she’s embroidered her initials on the spine. I didn’t want to cut her initials off and I hit on the idea that if I stitch them onto a page complete, I could tuck things into the sleeves of the books. My mum was a prolific painter, I have dozens of little paintings from sketchbooks etc, not necessarily good enough to frame (if I had any wall space left!) but nice to keep. I’ve started to slot a few into the book covers.
More embroidery, this was an embroidered bag and a beaded purse. I initially took the lining out of the bag, thinking I would just use the embroidery. However I decided to stitch a lining back in, stitch the whole bag to a page made from a worn out quilt she’d made with the purse next to it. Inside the bag I’ve popped some precious letters between my mum and dad before they were married.
The quilts I’m using are totally worn out, thin and torn from being well used. This one was originally made as a present for her aunt so I’ve included the corner with the label on.
My mum also dabbled in silk painting. This was in a frame,but the frame had broken and when I looked she’d just taped the silk round a piece of cardboard! I untaped it, pressed it and free motion quilted onto some wadding, I’m quite pleased how this has come out.
Bobbin lace…I told you she did lots of different crafts!! These are some lovely little pieces I found around the house, the background colour was set by the felt circles two of the lace pieces are mounted on – she hadn’t hidden the ends in the lace, just threaded them through to the back of the felt. I think my favourite piece is the fan. I decided to include one pf the patterns I found and two pairs of bobbins.
More lace, this time in pastel colours. I dceided to use one of the old quilts again, this time I unpicked the top edge of the label and I’m using it as a pocket for a little handmade book she made.
A silk ribbon embroidery wreath, I think this is beautiful, I think it’s probably from the Inspirations magasine. I found one of her pencil drawings of violets, to match the violets in the wreath. I then just added a few embellishments of some ricrac, lace and a few bits from her button box.
I’ve a few more pages to go, mainly cross-stitch, and I need to include a knitting page!! I’m thinking of just doing a close machine zigzag round the edge, maybe twice round to get a decent coverage. Then I just need to make a cover and put it all together.
thecraftycreek 
Margaret, your mother did exquisite work and it so inspiring for you to share it with us, while you’re preserving it for others to enjoy in the future. A real treasure! š
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely heirloom and stunningly beautiful tribute to a fine needlewoman.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Itās growing so beautifully.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful memory of your Mother you are making. Treasured memories for sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is an amazing heirloom to honor your mother that you are creating. You are doing a beautiful job on this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am a bit stuck for words to express how delighful all the pieces your Mum made are. And then, they way you are adding some stitching yourself – you and your Mum working together to make something so very beautiful. Exquisite.
Thank you so much for sharing this with us, such tender memories, preserved in such a heartfelt way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a lovely tribute to a talented lady and mother. I almost cried. I also loved the lace fan – not a skill i have ever thought of trying. Thank you for sharing and heartfelt thoughts sent your way for your loss.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful keepsake of all of your Mom’s projects! I’m sure she is very pleased that you are doing this! What a lovely, priceless heirloom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How lovely. I am sorry for your loss, and glad that you have so many lovely things to remember her by and that you are keeping them so nicely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Margaret, you should definitely try to have this ready for her funeral; her friends need to see the beauty and variety of her creative work. Would you consider putting in a page for everyone to sign and leave a comment? I think it would add to the commemorative nature of the collection, and be nice for you to look back over the nice things people have said….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kate, I am thinking of including a section to put the cards and messages in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is so much love and talent in these pages. You will be so happy to have this finished to be able to feel your Mother’s presence each time you turn a page.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have been busy! I hope it has been a source of comfort too, as you work on it. Your mom left a beautiful legacy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful memories!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I find this so touching, such a perfect way to remember her and showcase her evident enjoyment of life. You, as always, never cease to amaze me. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, Margaret. XXX
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is such a fantastic keepsake and tribute, Margaret! I love this so much! š
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really love what you have done in this project. Have you thought about contacting a magazine say like Stitch and seeing if they would like to write an article. I think this project would touuch so many people and honour your Mum’s undoubted talent as an artist and crafts woman.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Iām sure your Mum would be delighted with all the beautiful pages you have created. Your Mum was a very talented lady and so are you
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my, your mother created so many exquisite pieces; such a talented lady. How lovely of you to showcase each and every lovely piece into a beautiful book. So, so many beautiful memories to be seen and read about here. Thank you for sharing both your mother’s and yours beautiful talents.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fabulous! What a great way to honour your Mom!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely way to honor your Mom. She did a lot of the same things I love!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This memorial treasure of your Mother’s needlearts is just stunning, words fall short, your creativity is endless, each photo you post just stirs the heart. I want to reach out and touch each piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, what an impressive body of work – not to mention all the love and labour you’re pouring into the project. I’m going to have a look at Tilly Rose’s book if I can find it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have you considered, or come across, anything of your Mum’s that you could turn into a small? Might be a nice way to include her in your displays.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sue, unfortunately she didn’t really do ‘smalls’
LikeLike
It’s a lovely thing you’re doing here Margaret. I think you should display it at the funeral even if it’s not completely finished.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What beautiful memories you have of your Mum, as you stitch her lovely work into a keepsake book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful work to honour your mum!
LikeLiked by 1 person