4.17.2008

Legacy

My family went to Arizona recently to clean out my Granner's house (since she passed away in November) and get it ready to sell. My mom came home with a cool bag full of Granner's sewing creations. Granner was always a very stylish lady. In the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s she sewed most of her outfits and they were often elaborate dresses with hat and gloves to match. Check her out:
Totally stylin! My sisters and I had fun oohing and aahing over the clothes my mom pulled from the bag. In fact, Meredith tried on a few and they looked super cute on her!
Among other treasures in the attic they found boxes of fabric, which my mom brought home for me to look through. Sadly, there weren't too many cute ones. But I had a lot fun finding all her little post-its on the fabric noting "pre-washed", etc. Of course all the fabric was dusty enough to warrant another wash. But I did find a few cute fabrics that I brought home with me. And yesterday I decided to make Lucy a dress from one of the fabrics. Here's what I came up with:
The brown fabric is from Granner, the white fabric is from some old curtains we had in our bedroom, and the flower (which I purchased from the FIDM student store - a totally cool place!) reminds me of my Grandma Suman.
While Granner taught me to sew, Grandma Suman taught me to crochet. Rarely did you see her without yarn and hook in hand. She was always busy creating something and I'm sure this flower is something she could have made in 5 minutes.
While this dress isn't too different from the rest of Lucy's wardrobe, it's special to me to know it has part of Granner's creative style sewn in.
I hope I did her fabric the justice she would have wanted. It's cool to think of the legacy of talents we pass on to our later generations. I'll definitely have to teach Lucy to sew when she's 10 or 11....and hopefully she'll enjoy it!
The other fun thing about this dress: it was the first time I've sewn actual clothing and been able to put my label inside. It felt so official.
And seriously, how cute are they? I was trying to take pictures of Lucy but she kept asking for Owen to come sit with her. She sure loves her little brother. She wakes up every morning going, "Owen? Owen...." They are sweet little kids.

20 comments:

Jenn said...

I love that last picture! Definitely worth framing. Someday you'll have to show me how to make that dress. That is SUPER CUTE!!! & the model is pretty darn cute as well.

Camille said...

I love that last pic of them both smiling.

I love the dress! Super Cute!! You did a great job sewing it, and I love that it has some sentimentality. It looks super professional with the label too! Cute combo of fabrics.

I've recently gone to FIDM for some seminars and I've checked out the store through the window. (It's always been closed since the seminars are after hours.) I've wished that I could go in cause it looks like they have some cool things in there.

The Facks of Life said...

That last picture of Owen is so cute. I love his cheeser. You are amazing! When I grow up I'm going to be just like you. Great job with the dress, it's super cute. (I'll have to have you put your mad skills to work soon and make a car seat cover for me.)

Lettie B. said...

totally cute. i want a dress like that ...well, i a more adult variety, but i really like the style of it. and how fun to have a story behind the pieces of fabric used. i love that you used curtains - like the sound of music - only cuter!

Unknown said...

Awesome Dana! You're so talented. I asked for a sewing maching for my bday (how nerdy is that?!?), someday I'll have your mad skills... or I'd be happy if I could just have 1/2!

Suman Family said...

what's up crafty?! nice work. totally love it. love that's granner's fabric and love that the crocheted applique is a little ode to grandma suman. so cute.

great pics of the two of them together. who needs professional portraits!?

The Hunt House said...

Adorable, darling, cute, sweet, and every other adjective related. I really want to learn to sew! How fun to keep a part of your Grma and see it on your children.

danyelly said...

It is wonderful how the skill and talent passes down from one generation to the next. I need to have the patience to sit with my mom and let her teach me a few things.

You have to tell me the next time you go to FIDM scholarship store. I love it there!

Claudia said...

precious. they look like they have a blast together. great job on the dress too. I'm sure your grandma is very proud :o)

megan said...

you hope you did the fabric justice? haha...that makes me laugh....you did a FAB job!! I can't tell you how proud I'd be if I could whip something like that up!

the bates motel said...

cute dress love the meaning behind it too. i'm sure both your gma's would be so proud to see how talented you are in both areas :)!

Cindy Su said...

Okay, so I'm actually leaving my first comment on your blog.
Cute! Cute! Cute! -- that about sums it up for me.
lots of love,
mom

Sara said...

First off, your kids are adorable. I love the last picture where they are both smiling huge! And the dress is absolutely adorable! I love the little white leggings with it!

teresa and the boys said...

You know, Dana, until very recently, I was never sorry I didn't learn how to sew well. I'm pretty certain you're a big part of that. *sigh* Totally cute dress, and great pics, as usual.

Jean said...

GREAT JOB!!! I LOVE the dress! You are so talented, Miss Dana. :-)

Ryan & Holly Willard said...

I LOVE the dress! What a neat way to remember and honor your grandma.

Anne said...

You are so talented, Dana. I'm super impressed. Darling little dress. My girls love to sew, I wish I was better so I could pass it on to them. They'll pass me very soon. Your kids are just adorable!

dietcokegrrl said...

Fabulous dress--and darling kids, as always!

Great post! :)

gunnfam said...

Ok, I decided that we need to hang out way more so some of your chic rubs off on me, and maybe you can teach me how to sew! =) I absolutely love the pictures! I can't believe they are BOTH looking at the camera and BOTH smiling! Who was doing jumping jacks behind you, because that is the hardest thing ever!

Kim said...

Hey Dana-

You have inspired me...I need to/must learn to sew. The dress is adorable and I love that you just whipped it up. I am now on the hunt to find sewing classes. How lucky for you to have been taught, especially by your grandma. Everything's better from Grandma!!!