Something about these little sewing projects for Erin's wedding takes me right back to the very beginning. 1978. My firstborn, my first, forever moments of blissful mothering. Her nursery was lovingly stitched and handmade throughout with quilts, bumpers, a trapunto collage, calico butterfly mobile, changing table cover, rocking chair cushions, bench cover for the toy chest. Even a soft lamb toy that I sewed at my desk while my students took their standardized tests. The hours spent making all those things for her arrival were as important for my childbirth preparations as any books about babies.
Sewing literally stitches me into things.
I'm stitched into her wedding now.
The ringbearer pillow did it. Maybe it was the size of it or the ceremonial significance, but as soon as I finished it up, I took a long walk through those delightful years. Our wondrous adventure, small pieces of the heart sewn together bit by bit. One to the other, those to the rest.
I'm ready.
Oh, wonderful post! I'm so pleased that you are really loving the wedding sewing (you do know that you're going to cry buckets, don't you?)
Posted by: Angel Jem | August 15, 2009 at 03:33 PM
So sweet Charlotte! Is that photo of her room? Looks like it could be taken today! Love the macrame hanging basket! Can't wait to hear about the wedding! xo
Posted by: katie runnels | August 15, 2009 at 05:02 PM
Isn't it funny, back then sometimes it seemed like it was forever and now it seems like it was the blink of an eye. Love the little pillow.
Posted by: pam | August 15, 2009 at 06:04 PM
Oh, my...this post really got me.
Her nursery was darling. I am sure the wedding will be as well.
Anxious to hear all about it.
Yeah, you're gonna cry.
mary
p.s.
tell us about the monogrammed bag!
Posted by: mary | August 15, 2009 at 06:42 PM
Beautiful, Charlotte. Thanks for the memories and the reminder of how we get sew ourselves into life.
Posted by: beth p | August 15, 2009 at 06:51 PM
Oops, forgot to delete the word "get" above. It should read "how we sew ourselves into life."
And yes, the nursery is lovely. I know when grandchildren come, they will be blessed by your creativity as Erin and her beau are now with your wedding sewing.
Posted by: beth p | August 15, 2009 at 06:56 PM
All SO lovely and precious, Charlotte. That Jennifer Paganelli fabric is so pretty. I adore that little ringbearer's pillow. I would like to be more like you, sewing and stitching myself into things...
Posted by: Zita - Mlle Magpie | August 16, 2009 at 07:33 AM
What a lovely post Charlotte. I love looking back, walking down memory lane.
(I didn't know you were a teacher!)
What a wonderful and dear mommy you are to your girls. You are woven together of the same thread, with so much tender care and loving attention.
Thank you for letting us peek over your shoulder and enjoy with you, some of the sweetness that will be forever part of the happiness of Erin's wedding day.
Much joy to Erin and John Paul!
Posted by: Sally | August 16, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Hello Charlotte,
This is such a wonderful post!
And I am sure you are making beautiful things for Erin's wedding.
Can't wait to see them...
~ Gabriela ~
Posted by: Gabriela | August 16, 2009 at 08:40 PM
Wonderful post. I am so looking forward to the wedding
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | August 17, 2009 at 06:28 AM
Starting to get teary just reading this lovely post. Maybe you should sew up some "crying towels" for the wedding?! XO
Posted by: barneypark | August 17, 2009 at 10:03 AM
I agree with the previous entry about "crying towels". Thanks for sharing your precious memories. The ring pillow is so pretty & fun.
Posted by: Troy Louise | August 17, 2009 at 02:33 PM
..qué lindo!!!!!!!
Posted by: ale | August 18, 2009 at 10:40 AM
1978 that was just a little before my daughter was born. There was nothing spectacular enough for your first child's nursery in those days. Was there?
I too spent days, weeks, probably months sewing for for her room. I remember even covering the lampshade(after I had torn off the old one). I still have it all. You have given me new ideas!!
Loretta
Posted by: Loretta Reynolds | August 21, 2009 at 08:26 AM