Project: Quiet Book Rehabilitation
Last September my Grandma Peterson passed away after a long struggle with COPD and debilitating demensia. Prior to being sick my Grandma had been a powerhouse all her life. She golfed a mean game, could talk to anyone about anything, loved the Cubs, cooked, sewed up a storm, and could organize stuff and people better than anyone I know.
Now that she is gone, reminders of her are everywhere for me. Everyday I see the samplers that she crossed stitched for my birth and for my marriage to Jff. I love the Christmas decorations she both made and gave me every year. I treasure so many other little things that she left behind for me. Thinking of her before her illnesses changed her makes me incredibly happy.
The one thing that I can't help but miss is that I wish she would have lived long enough to have met Benji. She had a such a way with babies and just was always brimming with so much love. I have been thinking a lot about my childhood with her and wishing for the same sort of person in my son's life. Because of this it has prompted me to track down some of the things that she made for me when I was a young girl.
One of the most important things in my memory was the "Quiet Book" Grandma made me. Since I don't think anyone will make one for Benjamin, I would love for him to be able to enjoy it (and take part in one of Grandma's legacies) as well.
This artifact was well loved and unfortunately was hidden in a box in my parents basement for a long time. My mom recently dug it out for me, and I realize that it needs a little TLC before it can be a favorite toddler toy of Benji's. Here is my plan:
Page 1 needs a new purple felt triangle with a small velcro piece sewed on the back. Page 2, the mitten could use some new eyes since the old marks faded when I washed it.
Page 4 needs a stain removed and all of the ladybug's black dots re-attached.
Page 5 and 6 are in good shape.
Page 7 needs a new (two layer) felt balloon with a snap sewn into it. On page 8 the football laces need to be re-washed and bleached to be white again.
Page 9 and 10 need some new beads, a replacement string of four beads, and some strings re-attached.
Then it will be as good as new! Hopefully, then it will endure many more years of love from Benji and any future kids.
Now that she is gone, reminders of her are everywhere for me. Everyday I see the samplers that she crossed stitched for my birth and for my marriage to Jff. I love the Christmas decorations she both made and gave me every year. I treasure so many other little things that she left behind for me. Thinking of her before her illnesses changed her makes me incredibly happy.
The one thing that I can't help but miss is that I wish she would have lived long enough to have met Benji. She had a such a way with babies and just was always brimming with so much love. I have been thinking a lot about my childhood with her and wishing for the same sort of person in my son's life. Because of this it has prompted me to track down some of the things that she made for me when I was a young girl.
One of the most important things in my memory was the "Quiet Book" Grandma made me. Since I don't think anyone will make one for Benjamin, I would love for him to be able to enjoy it (and take part in one of Grandma's legacies) as well.
This artifact was well loved and unfortunately was hidden in a box in my parents basement for a long time. My mom recently dug it out for me, and I realize that it needs a little TLC before it can be a favorite toddler toy of Benji's. Here is my plan:
Page 1 needs a new purple felt triangle with a small velcro piece sewed on the back. Page 2, the mitten could use some new eyes since the old marks faded when I washed it.
Page 4 needs a stain removed and all of the ladybug's black dots re-attached.
Page 9 and 10 need some new beads, a replacement string of four beads, and some strings re-attached.
Then it will be as good as new! Hopefully, then it will endure many more years of love from Benji and any future kids.
posted by KLOU | 7:54 PM
1 Comments:
What an absolutely cute book! How wonderful that you have this handmade treasure from your grandmother to pass to Benji.
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