My nan was one of the thriftiest people I've ever known, she kept things "just in case" and was the absolute queen of make do and mend.
This basket is one that she made for me when I was really little. It's made from a cardboard box, covered in fabric.
I love the authentic 1970's vintage fabric.
The inside is lined too and finished with some quite random large blue wool stitches.
I've been trying to work out how it is made. The base, both inside and out is machine stitched to a long strip of fabric which forms the sides. I assume she then folded the top edge and hand stitched that, then covered the join with the lace.
The big ol' blue stitches must be to keep the lining base attached to the cardboard.
It also has two very handy handles, two long loops of fabric that are hand stitched into place on the base and at the top edge.
When I was little I kept dolls clothes in it, then later on fabric, ribbon and lace.
My daughter used to keep her Barbie's and all their clothes in there when she was small, now as you can see she uses it for her bags.
So today I'm remembering a very thrifty and creative lady who taught me loads.
If you'd like to see more to explain the name Sum of their Stories or see the other makes from those that I grew up with you can find them here.
An heirloom to be treasured and so pretty, love the lace detail.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carolee, the lace it a little bit tatty in a couple of places but not so you'd notice unless you were looking. Best not to look too closely!
DeleteHow lovely that you have kept it for so long, and are still finding it useful.
ReplyDeleteShows how well made it was too - although maybe they don't make cardboard boxes like they used to either!
DeleteSuch a lovely way to remember somebody.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anna, my nan was a "maker and doer" that's for sure.
DeleteIt's amazing how resourceful the older generation used to be, its a shame that we aren't all a little more like that nowadays.
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