early works

The weather has been cold here on the Mornington Peninsula and so I have spent quite a lot of time indoors.  Now you might imagine that would provide me with an opportunity to catch up with my housework,  but no,  I have been sorting through boxes of "stuff" that I haven't looked at in quite a while.  

I was surprised to find this little doll's jacket which I made when I was about 8 years old.  We had a dutch family living next door and the daughter of the house took an interest in me and decided I should learn to sew.

Some old calico was produced and some threads, and the lesson began.  I do remember making this and also some other small garments for the two dolls I owned.  The design and the stitching is pretty rough but it always reminds me of the kindness of the young woman next door.  I have no idea how old she was - perhaps 16 or 18 but I do remember spending time in her home which was always spic and span and yet very welcoming.

This next piece of embroidery is something I made for my "hope chest".  I was engaged at 19 and we didn't have much but I was determined to have some pretty things.  It would have been a semco kit I think and I did several of these and also embroidered some pillowcases.  

My stitching was really quite neat in those days: good eyesight helps.


I do like looking through those boxes containing memories and treasures.


It is always hard to decide whether to keep old cards and scraps of wrapping paper - or that flower I pressed when on my visit to the uk. (I know I should not have brought it back with me).  I hardly ever look at them and sometime my children will have to sort through it all.


What do you keep?


For those who are interested in my visit to the Peninsula Hot Springs:  it was sensational!  I had been nervous and a little self-conscious: swimming in the surf is one thing - sitting still in the mineral baths is quite another.  Then there was the thought of taking my clothes off for the massage!


Well, the whole atmosphere was so relaxing that I was comfortable from the moment I arrived and to be honest didn't want to leave.  The mineral baths are soooo relaxing and the massage was just what I needed.  


It is funny how we often we let a lack of confidence spoil something special.  The visit to the springs was a gift from my neighbours (for babysitting) and I really do appreciate it.