I missed Handmade Monday last week as we were up at my Dad’s house starting to sort out 50 years of life ready for his move to live with us. More of that later.
I’ve just one make to show you this week, a rag wreath, inspired by RosMadeMe’s great tutorial. I think I used too much fabric as I covered the front and the back of the wreath, but I enjoyed making it and may add them to Tickled Pink’s repertoire, with the inclusion of some needle-felted flowers dotted in and amongst the material.
I am going to give this one to a lovely friend as a birthday gift (let’s hope she’s not reading). She’s been having a pretty hard time of it lately and needs cheering up.
I started another project this weekend but I am not entirely happy with it and need to make some changes to it before I can show it to you. Hopefully it will be ready next week.
Now, back to Dad’s house. We started on the loft which actually was very well organised in boxes so it was easy to sort through. I found a whole host of treasures, including my O and A-level notes, boxes of German books from my university studies, photos, toys, more books, books and books! We gave at least 10 boxes of sorted books to the hospice that looked after my Mum for them to sell and raise funds, but it is impossible to give away old family books from the late 1800’s that are leather bound with inscriptions. These will find a new home here.
Here are some of the more interesting (I use that term loosely for some of the items) that we found, most of which will be kept.
This was hidden inside a box of German books. It has the most beautiful illustrations and photographs in it and I think there is a whole host of inspiration in there.
Two beautiful knitted and crocheted items. I remember the teeny tiny doll from my Grandparents’ house.
We found some of my old dolls that we washed and then put out in the sunshine (yes, there was a brief bit of sunshine) to dry – Dad nicknamed them the “Bathing Beauties”!
Please don’t ask why I ever bought this! I’m not sure it ever got opened!
This is a genuine Victorian hat and feather boa complete with ostrich feathers (proper vintage). I remember Mum wearing it in some of her local am dram productions and Dad assures me that it was worn by a friend at a recording of the Good Old Days at Leeds City Varieties.
And finally we found this battered book. Can you guess what’s in it?
It’s a real treasure. My maternal Grandmother’s recipe book containing family recipes and recipes from friends (she has annotated each one with the name of the cook) from before World War 2, during the war and after. Recipes for things like Mock Cream, Sheep’s Head stew and also, fortunately, more appetising things!
It has given me an idea for a linky blog which I will hopefully put together over the next few weeks and which I hope a few of you will join in.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this peep into Dad’s loft! I’m going to link to Handmade Monday now in its new home at Handmade Harbour (although still run by Wendy from 1st Unique Gifts) and am looking forward to seeing what other lovely handmade goodies are on display this week.
mcrafts said:
Your wreath is really lovely. You have found such really great things in your dad’s loft – so many memories too. Have a good week – Mich x
quirky houses said:
What lovely treasures up in the loft. The best one is your g’mas ‘secret’ book. You must have had a tug at the heart strings when you saw your old dolls and etc. Your wreath is so pretty, your friend is going to be thrilled with it.
RosMadeMe said:
Your wreath looks fantastic… think I may have to make a Summer wreath too, thanks for the mention đŸ™‚
What a fantastic set of finds from the attic, am so jealous of the Russian embroidery book, it looks beautiful… I want to spend a couple of hours flicking through it đŸ™‚
nicki said:
the wreath is fantastic, definately and idea I would try, looks like you unearthed some real treasures in the loft, I love the recipe book, reminds me of my mums one, which I now have
freespiritdesigns said:
your wreath is fantastic (i like the amount of fabric used – it looks generous and friendly :)) i agree a few needle felted flowers would also be a wonderful addition
What a treasure trove in your Dad’s attic! especially the recipe book – how wonderful! A real heirloom đŸ™‚
i am greatly intrigued by your undisclosed linky blog idea and look forward to hearing more!
Patch said:
Wreath is really pretty and the embroidery book looks full of inspiration. I knew it was going to be a recipe book. What a fantastic find. Nothing like that in my family so I have started my own. My mum has started one too.
mrsmcindoe said:
wow, what a load of treasure – what will you cook first from that amazing recipe collection?! Pictures please!!
Stephen @ Soy of the North said:
Your wreath looks fabulous. Doesn’t look like you’ve used too much fabric at all.
Some amazing finds there. Make sure those recipes are put to good use.
Caroline said:
Wow what finds and all keepsake treasures. Love the wreath so pretty and thank you for commenting on my blog
Wendy Massey (@1stUniqueGifts) said:
Wow, what an amazing treasure trove! It’s so amazing what treasures must be stored in lofts up and down the country (world?!). Your wreath looks lovely – I’m sure your friend will love it.
Jill said:
Such a lovely lot of memories each ‘find’ must have brought back to you and your dad. Look forward to hearing how the recipes turn out. Your wreath is lovely, I have made several following Ros’s tutorial and I know what you mean about using too much material – easy to keep pushing the squares in. They do look lovely when finished though – I am sure your friend will be really pleased with it. Hope you have a good week.
CatkinJane said:
Wow, some wonderful treasures you found – the recipe book looks fascinating.
I do love the colours you used on the wreath, I’m sure it will be a much appreciated gift đŸ™‚
Libby said:
What great memories you found. Your wreath is great, it must have taken ages! I’m sure your friend will love it and will cheer her up!
karen said:
Oh my! I love the wreath. Thanks for sharing!
little harriet said:
What fantastic treasures you have found, the cookbook is a proper family heirloom.
The wreath is fantastic, the colours are lovely and I’m sure it will be a great gift for your friend.
LH
x
Susan (@Eatitanyway) said:
The wreath is beautiful and will be a wonderful gift. The treasures from the loft are…well, treasures! I LOVE that sort of thing, and I am so glad you shared them! That cookbook is something very special!
Butterfly Blossom said:
Your wreath it gorgeous, I don’t think there is too much fabric at all! It is always really interesting to go back and revisit things from your childhood, so many memories đŸ™‚ X
Jan @ Handcrafted by Picto said:
A lovely post, thank you for sharing your lovely memories and your dads loft.
Well done on the wreath, it looks quite lush, Ros does some lovely things on her blog, Thank you for popping over to my blog.
Jan x
Martha said:
interesting blog note, enjoyed reading and looks at the loft treasures
i envy you that folky embroidery book – fabulous keep!
the wreath is fantastic, love the overall effect and the choice of fabrics đŸ™‚
fatmonica said:
I love everything!What a treasure trove of fabulous stuff,especially the recipe book.
bloomingphysio said:
I love that you found these hidden jems!
I agree with previous commentss, the wreath is amazing,you are vey clever!
Amanda xxx