Thursday, June 14, 2012

Bam Bam Babysitting


I owe my love of embroidering to a babysitting assignment the summer of my sixth grade year. My mother volunteered my services to a young family who lived in our Neighborhood with the Hills whose little toe headed boy was named Bam Bam. Need I say more? I didn't possibly know how I would survive the long hours of the day with him.



My very wise mother told me to wear him out in the morning and put him to bed after lunch. To fill the afternoon hours, she gave me a crewel embroidery wall hanging she had begun and told me I could finish it for her. I carefully copied her beautiful stitches and had learned to stitch by the end of the summer.



I have such admiration for Renee, My Vintage Mending, who seems to create magic with fabric and her sewing machine. Doesn't this family of silverware make you smile?  Renee sent me wonderful vintage transfers of kitchen utensils she just knew I would love.


Examining her Heart of Ohio pillow gifted to me as closely as I could without taking it apart, I am so happy with my cute as can be finished pillow!



A Thank You pincushion made to be tucked in with her lunch box tags. My husband called me to our kitchen window the other day to see the summer's return of Chipmunk Sam. I haven't embroidered a heart in such a long time. I couldn't think of a nicer person to make one for!




25 comments:

Debby said...

She is sch a sweetie. I love her work. I sed to do alot of embroidery work and really want to get back into it. It is so much fun. I did sign for an online class to make a sampler this month and I am excited.
Love your work on the silverware.

Pink Roses and Teacups said...

Wow, what a great story! I love the silverware one! I might have to try my hand at this!! Thanks for sharing!

Hugs,
Debbie

Musings from Kim K. said...

I really want to take up sewing and stitching...my glue gun seems safer. I'm always in awe of you and Renee and your beautiful stitches.

Shirley Hatfield said...

The Rubble's Bam Bam used to make me tired...I'm glad I didn't have to babysit him! I love to embroider small projects, but my eyesight can be a challenge when it comes to threading needles...even with readers. =D

My Vintage Mending said...

E...My heart pitter patters with that amazing pillow...could it be true. You made me a heart? I love your sweet creations and you know the hearts are my absolute love. That Ohio pillow remains my all time favorite...The family of silverware a new favorite...smiles...my sweet friend...Renee

annemarie said...

Love the embroidery - your heart is beautiful.

Tammy's in Love said...

Oh my gosh, it made me laugh! Mom's advice is timeless! Wear 'em out in the morning and nap 'em all afternoon! Exactly my philosophy, I put em down to nap and studied all afternoon then worked nights and started it all again the next morning with my little people.

Tammy

Linda Ruthie said...

Your silverware pillow is wonderfully cheery. Did I spy some of the '30s reproduction fabrics framing your embroidery?
Your embroidered hearts, first found on FlickR, are what led me to your blog. That was about 5 years ago!

Unknown said...

I <3 you! You are just too fab!

vivian said...

beautiful handwork elizabeth! you learned so well.
just want to thank you for your prayers and sweet comments regarding baby Jacob and my family. It means so much to me.
love ya lots E.
have a great weekend
xoxo

laurie -magpie ethel said...

Nerding...Mending, still dang cute!

Perfectly Printed said...

Love the silverware family!!! Your stitches are just perfect!! Renee, is so kind to share her transfers!!

chris

Shabby Brocante, Karen said...

I love that story! Bam Bam! Too funny. I am very tempted to learn how to embroider. Your post is very inspiring. I read "Mending" right away....laughing at the nerding!!! I am looking forward to following you! Such a lovely blog!

Erica of Golden Egg Vintage said...

Oh I just love your story about Bam Bam and learning how to stitch! You're right...Renee is so talented! What a perfect person for this heart to go to, and how kind of you! The silverware are darling!!!
I read MENDING, not NERDING!! LOL
But you did make me laugh! haha
Erica :)

vintage grey said...

Hi Elizabeth! Your embroidery is beautiful! Renee is such a sweetie and has the best vintage patterns! The Heart of Ohio pillow is so pretty! Have a lovely day! xo Heather

Diane Mars said...

I love the whimsical stitches, I have not done any needle work in years! Might just have to try it agin, you inspire me. Hugs, Diane

Ina said...

Love it! ;p

Anonymous said...

I read it as mending right away but nerding is pretty funny!

Your silverwear people are too cute!

Wonder where Bam Bam is today... :) I knew a little girl named Pebbles. She LOOKED liked Pebbles, too! Funny!

Cindy said...

Very pretty embroidery! I love your felt hearts.
Thank you for your kind comments on my blog. Have a great weekend! (Are you having a bad drought in Ohio too! We are wondering if we will ever get some rain.)

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Such lovely embroidery! When I was in 6th grade, I babysat for the Swain family. I still remember them well. Jane Swain, the mom, taught me how to fold clothes which I loved doing. I even cleaned out the baby's cloth diapers in the toilet before washing. I'm not sure how much I loved the task, but I enjoyed babysitting. In fact, I think I spent more time at their house than I did my own. Of course we lived right across the street so it wasn't far to go. :) Have a wonderful weekend. Tammy

Pieceful Bits said...

You always have beautiful stitching!
Julie

RetroSandie said...

Delightful story, Elizabeth!! I, too, love the vintage silverware set and would like to give it a try! I always love the beautiful heart pincushions you embroider. They are always gorgeous!!!

Swanky Salvage Decor said...

Your needlework is just beautiful. I love the anthropomorphic silverware people. So cute!

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