Thursday, September 17, 2009

Heirloom Party


Today's post is all about heirlooms. A unique party dedicated to
something we consider an heirloom. Something old or something
new we think will one day fit that description. Marie from Emma Calls
Me Mama is the Hostess and you will find all the Heirloom Party
links there.


My heirloom in the making is this loveleigh afghan. It's not very old. It
was a gift at Christmastime several years ago and I hope it will one day
become an heirloom to be passed down through the generations.


This afghan has a very special significance to me. On September 1st,
15 years ago, I lost one of my Grandmothers to breast cancer. It was
unexpected and sudden. We all knew she was battling the disease, but
she kept to herself how far along it had progressed. We were not prepared
for her to leave us so quickly and it was a loss the family never really
recovered from.

About a year after her death, my Grandpa decided it was time to go
through her things. Tucked away in a hallway closet were several
complete knitted panels for afghans. Her original intent was to make one
for each of her Grandchildren. There were 15 at the time. Only the three
oldest had received their afghans. My Mom was the only one of the
daughters/daughters' in law that knitted or even wanted the panels,
so she took them.

There were 8 panels, enough to divide amongst my three siblings and
myself, and there was also extra yarn. My Mom took the two panels
my Grandma had knitted, added them to three panels she knitted and
also had my other Grandmother, my Nana, make two. When they were
finished we each had an afghan comprised of 7 panels made by our
Grandmothers and our Mom. It was one of the most beautiful, special
and meaningful gifts I have even gotten.


I hate to say it, but I rarely use it because I want to keep it looking nice
and don't want it to get ruined. I know I should forget about that and just
enjoy it, maybe someday soon.


Before my Mom finished, she added one extra special touch. She sewed
on labels to the panels so that we would know who knitted which pieces.
A gift of love to wrap around ourselves when we need the warmth or
just a special hug. An HEIRLOOM to treasure!



30 comments:

Alyssa said...

So sweet...thank you for sharing!

alyssa
lifeoflyssie.com

Dusty Devoe said...

I had forgotten about this! It is beautiful, and something you will cherish forever!

Bearly Sane said...

What a wonderful way to remember the women in your life. A lovely gift to treasure always...thanks for sharing your beautiful story Sares.
Hugs,
Sandi

Suzanne said...

I think it is destined to become an heirloom. What a beautiful story...and afghan. Thank you for sharing

Candy said...

Generational afghans, such a sweet story. And I love the idea your mom had for the labels.
A couple years ago I finished a quilt that was started by Aline (my MIL's mother from my story). I wrote a little poem and gave it to my MIL for Christmas. Sounds like that needs to be my next post.
Friday Blessings ;-)

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

This has to be the most awesome heirloom ever Sares! SO special with such sentimental value, totally priceless. I don't think I could use it either...I'd probably frame it.
You are so fortunate to have something hand made "all-in-one" from the most important women in your life :)

everything vintage

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh Sara, honey thank you for sharing this morning. I so love this beautiful afghan. It is gorgeous. Treasure it always, but remember to bring it out every once and awhile to enjoy. It was meant to be loved, as it loves you. We keep things tucked away and they are meant to bring us happiness. Life is to short to be waiting for a special occasion, as every day of life that God gives to us is a special occasion.

Thanks for stopping by. I was sho thrilled when I saw that wonderful box of buttons. $1.99, you can't even buy a card of buttons for $1.99 anymore, let alone a whole box. I was in heaven for sure. I am going to build the box back up a little, tape it down a little more, and then start putting the buttons back in. I have so many crafts in mind. My head was swimming when I saw that box, and I quickly put it straight into my basket under my purse. I was keeping an eye on it for sure.

Have a wonderful blessed day sweetie, and stop by again soon. Country hugs and love, Sherry

blushing rose said...

Now THIS is a real heirloom, Sares. Absolutely filled with warm snuggly memories. How nice for you.

TTFN ~Marydon

LukesLove said...

So sweet - I love all things handmade, especially blankets!

A Southern Rose said...

Sares,
This is beautiful! You are so fortunate to have something made from each grandma. I know that you will cherish it for always. I can just imagine the love that went into each stitch.

I wanted to do an heiloom post but I'm not sure how to link it to her post. I've got the post ready but have not published it yet.

Martha's Favorites said...

What a beautiful gift of love. I don't think I would use it either. I am so sorry about your Grandma, Sares. It is hard enough when you expect it, to not know, I am sorry. How lucky you were to have a lady to love and love you back. That is your treasure! Blessings my dear friend, Martha

Jo said...

What a wonderful remembrance!

Debra@CommonGround said...

This is absolutely a treasure, and how beautiful. Your mom taking that on was a real labor of love.
Debra

Lo said...

very beautiful and special. I would not use it either :)

Miss Mustard Seed said...

Oh my goodness...you brought tears to my eyes. I lost both of my grandmothers to cancer. What a lovely reminder of her for you to treasure. And it's a beautiful piece as well. Thanks for sharing!

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Sares,
Just beautiful! Love the treasures everyone is sharing. Have a wonderful day.

Blessings,
Sandi

The Old Parsonage said...

I have goosebumps, what a truly wonderful "family" heirloom!!

Enjoy it warmth and love!

Leann

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

A beautiful heirloom indeed. I love that each of your Grandmother's & your mom contributed to the afghan. Makes it more special.

Ali said...

What a beautiful afghan and wonderful story behind it. Such a special way to remember your grandma and your mom too. I love how she sewed in labels, that is a great idea.

Brenda Pruitt said...

Oh, yes, what a treasure! It is beautiful, and heartfelt as well!
Brenda

Abatevintage said...

Oh what a sweet Afghan, its gorgeous. I am sorry to hear the story behind the afghan but it's wonderful that you were able to have something of hers to remember her by. What a wonderful air loom.

Blessings,
Heidi

Unknown said...

Thanks for showing your very special gift. I loved what your Mother did with the tags it was very thoughtful of her.
Sandy

Shari @ My Cottage of Bliss said...

Without a doubt, this is one of the most wonderful heirloom stories I have read. So touching and heart-warming. A beautiful afghan collectively knitted by women who are very special to you is a priceless treasure, indeed and I can fully understand why it means so much to you. Enjoy! :)

Michelle Hughes said...

that is precious! I love it, looks so snuggly!

SMiles!
Michelle

June said...

What a treasure...what a gift from 3 very special people in your life. I was so touched by how it came to be and the fact that you and your other two siblings have one is so special.
Smiles,
June

Unknown said...

Oh, Sares, this truly is a treasure! How very special to have something made by the people you love and who love you. I don't blame you for not using it . . . I wouldn't either!

Thanks for sharing!

Blessings,
Teresa

Barbara Jean said...

Sares,
I so glad you came by.
Otherwise i would have missed your 'heirloom to be'.

What a lovely sentiment, and i love the three tags.

blessings

barbara jean

Marie said...

Hello Sares - what a sweet post. I love the story behind your beautiful afghan! And those labels sew in, oh my. So sentimental and precious. I'm so glad you have it to enjoy and pass along some day.

Thank you for joining me for the party!

Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

What a beautiful story. Something you can cherish forever;A wonderful heirloom.
~Myrna

Lisa said...

Very sweet! I know you love it! Thank you for sharing such a lovely story!
Hugs, Lisa