Between Naps on the Porch: Welcome to the 6th Tablescape Tuesday! Crocheted with Love

Sep 30, 2008

Welcome to the 6th Tablescape Tuesday! Crocheted with Love

A few months back, I put together a tablescape using a crocheted luncheon set created by my Mom in 1956. Gollum did a wonderful posting about it on her blog, Designs by Gollum. I thought I would post it here on my blog in celebration of this week's Tablescape Tuesday. :-)

My Mom crocheted this luncheon set during the period she was awaiting my arrival. Despite many forays into antique shops over the years, I've never seen another one like it.

Here's a picture of Mom and me taken right around the time she would have been completing the luncheon set. (Sorry about the quality of the pic...the original is this way, too.)

This vintage china with the pink band and the gardenia in the center, is made by International. The pattern is called Glenwood. Homer Laughlin also made this same pattern. I found it at a local antique shop and just loved it.

It gives me the chills seeing them together...the crocheted pieces look like they were designed to coordinate with this china. Makes me wonder what china she used with these pieces...I'm guessing she had some particular china in mind when she crocheted them.

Look at the intricate detail work in these place mats...I love the pretty spring colors of pink and green.

The gardenias in the center of the table, came from a bush that grows right by the entrance to my garage; I get to enjoy them each day as I enter and leave my home. I love to bring them into the house during their long blooming season. Their fragrance is intoxicating and within just a few hours, it fills each room of my home.

Mom also crocheted pieces to go under serving pieces. You can see one of the oval shaped pieces in the pic below.

Front side of the oval serving piece...

Each piece is double-sided. Having crocheted a fair amount myself, I know how much work went into making this luncheon set. Since each piece is double sided, it's almost like crocheting it twice!

I paired the International Glenwood china with another floral Homer Laughlin china I already had. Here you can see a round crocheted serving piece under the bowl.

Close-up of front...

And of the back...

Cute little doilies or hot pads...

I love the little sleeves she created for glasses...aren't they adorable?! Can't you just see it...ladies dining out on the porch, dressed in beautiful sun dresses and big floppy hats, and drinking sweet iced-tea from glasses surrounded by delicate crocheted flowers.

My sister, Glenda, who is 10 years older than me, well remembers our Mother crocheting this luncheon set. Glenda told me she wanted the set to be perfect. As she worked, if she discovered 3/4 of the way through a piece that she had made a mistake, she would finish the piece and then give it away. If she was only a short distance into a piece and noticed a mistake, she would unravel the thread and began again.

I love the story behind this picture of my Mom. I've been told that the reason it looks so worn and creased is because my Dad carried this picture with him everywhere he was stationed during WWII.

Hope you enjoyed this journey back to a time when dining was met with great anticipation and was celebrated in the most enchanting ways.

Please take time to visit the blogs shown below. If you would like to participate in Tablescape Tuesday next week, just click on the pink Tablescape Tuesday logo at the top of my sidebar for all the details.
The following blogs have wonderful tablescapes awaiting your visit:

A Beach Cottage http://www.abeachcottage.typepad.com/

A Santamaker’s Journey http://santamakersjourney.blogspot.com/

Angelic Accents http://angelicaccents.blogspot.com/

Between Naps on the Porch http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

Blinks ‘N Winks from Brown-eyes http://blinksnwinksfrombrown-eyes.blogspot.com/

Love From MN http://lovefrommn.blogspot.com/

More Than Heirlooms http://more-than-heirlooms.blogspot.com/

Ribbonwood Cottage http://ribbonwoodcottage.blogspot.com/

Sweet Nothings http://sweetnothingsbj.blogspot.com/

There is Always Thyme for... http://thereisalwaysthymefor.blogspot.com/

Welcome to Southern Lagniappe http://southernlagniappe.blogspot.com/

Labels: International Glenwood, Special Posts and Special People

52 Comments:

At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , santamaker said...: Susan,
I just love this luncheon set... what a special treasure you have there. One can see that there was love in every stitch. She sure was a beautiful woman.
love,
Santa/Rose
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Glenda said...: Enjoyed seeing this post again. The glass jackets, hot pads, and potholders certainly add the perfect finishing touch to an unbelievable luncheon set. Truly a treasure to be cherished.
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...: I have never seen anything like your crochet set, but it is beautiful and so sweet that your mom made it. Can't wait to see the rest of the tablescapes.
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , RetiredAtLast said...: It is amazing how some things endure. Time has not dimmed the beauty of this set. So many memories attached to this challenging endeavor of Mother's.
Her hands were magical, whether she was cooking, sewing a dress, or crocheting. Even occasionally putting pen to paper to draw something whimsical. Wonder how many people remember Alley Oop. I do, because of a drawing she once did.
Thank you Susan for this walk down memory lane.
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , life in red shoes said...: Once again, it's priceless.
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Rhondi said...: Hi Susan
As usual you have a beautiful tablescape. What a treasure to have all those items crocheted by your mother. They really add that extra special touch to the table.
Hugs, Rhondi
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Suzann said...: How special and beautiful. Love the look, the history, and the presentation of it all. Just perfectly lovely in every sense of the word.
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , bj said...: Oh, Susan...the dishes are lovely, the lunchon set is fabulous and together they are MAGNIFICENT.
Such beautiful work your mom did.
And, you set a beautiful table.
love, bj
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Robin @ The Rendered Nest said...: You are so blessed to have something so nice that your mom made. I especially love the glass cozies! I have never seen those before. I have several table runners that my GM crocheted and a tablecloth that she cross-stitched. I'll have to post about them sometime for you to see!
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Tomarie said...: Susan,
I am moved everytime I see this luncheon set, not only because of the sheer artistry and talent that went into making it, but also for the love and anticipation for you that is "seen" in each stitch.
What Glenda said brought tears to my eyes! Your mother had so many crative and wonderful talents!

Both you and your sister write so beautifully! :-)
I'll be reading the post several times just as I did when Gollum featured it! Tomarie
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Anonymous said...: This still makes me cry! What love is shown in each step and the music that accompanies it.... well, you know how I feel! Love you sweet special friend! Carol
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Diana LaMarre said...: I remember seeing this on RMS.

It's even more beautiful as I check every detail the second time around.

What a treasure to have these exquisite heirloom pieces from your Mom.
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Bo said...: Hi Susan...Your tablescapes are always such a pleasure to see and your stories make them all the more enjoyable. I'm off to visit the other tables... ;-) Bo
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Kathysue said...: Susan, What a beautiful set to have and knowing that your own mother made every little thread come into a beautiful crocheted item for her table and now yours. How wonderful that you have it and use it. Your Mother was a very beautiful woman. I think someone resembles her very much!! I love the picture that your Dad carried with him, very touching. Hugs Kathysue
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Anonymous said...: This story has brought tears to my eyes both times I've read it. It is such a lovely story, and such an insight to your life. Thank you for sharing it again. Laurie (bargainhunr)
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Anonymous said...: This story has brought tears to my eyes both times I've read it. It is such a lovely story, and such an insight to your life. Thank you for sharing it again. Laurie (bargainhunr)
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Naz said...: Your mother was a very talented woman. Seeing the entire pieces she created has me in awe of the dedication and time it involved. It's ironic that you have the perfect china for her heirloom pieces.
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Neabear said...: What a beautiful set and tablescape! Very special to have that from your mom. I'm curious now if she knew she was having a daughter while she made that for you. Thank you for sharing.
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Picket said...: Morning friend...oh I do so love seeing this again...it is my favorite...you can't help but get all teary eyed when you look at it...the love and the thoughts put into it...you know she must of had so many thoughts about you as she carried you inside her...her love for you..her dreams for you..oh girl..I believe you have done above her greatest imagination and you have done her proud....great post my friend!
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , ellen b. said...: Oh this is so fabulous. I love old fashioned and what a great table these keepsakes from your mom created. Pink and Green are one of my favorite combinations. I'd love to have tea at a table set like this. happy Tablescape Tuesday to you. I'll be back next week. I was travelling this weekend and am a bit behind in blogging :0)
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Ribbonwood Cottage said...: Susan this is breathtakingly beautiful. Wow, I don't think I have ever seen anything like this, it is so wonderful. Your mother was so talented, and then to make something so lovely shows how gifted her creative side was. I'm sure she passed all that down to you! It is always refreshing to come here and see what you have done.
Come by and see my table, I had such a difficult time posting due to a storm, it didn't happen until almost too late!
Blessings,
Debbie
Thank goodness there is always next week!
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Anonymous said...: Oh dear Susan.I tear up just looking at this set,knowing it's you and Glendas mom.And oh,the memories behind it.I too am so amazed at how well this set has held up.Your MOM was so creative and talented.As you are too my dear.
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Anonymous said...: Oh dear Susan.I tear up just looking at this set,knowing it's you and Glendas mom.And oh,the memories behind it.I too am so amazed at how well this set has held up.Your MOM was so creative and talented.As you are too my dear.
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Anonymous said...: Susan, this just makes me smile. Your mother's work is amazing, and surely you were her inspiration. You would make any mother proud.

Your tablescape is as always exquisite. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story.
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Christie said...: Hey! I just love your blog! Your table setting is beautiful and the memories that is holds for you is priceless....what treasures your beautiful mama gave to you. Hope you have a great week!
xoxo,
Queenie
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...: Oh Susan, even tho I have seen this At Gollum and know the story..I still sit here and tears coming down my face..what a beautiful memory of your Mama and for Glenda to remember it for you..You girls Mama had to truly be a remarkable woman..This is not only beautiful girl it is Priceless..thank you so much for sharing this great and warm story again..Hugs and smiles...Gloria
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Anonymous said...: I have seen these in Gollum's blog but I love seeing and reading about them again. Not only are the crocheted pieces the most beautiful and intricate but the story behind them is priceless. You have a beautiful mother, both inside and out. Thanks for sharing again, Susan!....Christine
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Julie said...: What an amazing story and collection of love and work. Nothing could replace that!!

I know it is a long read on my blog - but you will not believe what happened to me yesterday!
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Southern Lady said...: Susan, your mother was a beautiful and very talented lady who not only left you an exquisite and priceless heirloom, but also instilled in you her talent and grace.

Your tablescape is the epitomy of southern elegance and I'm so glad you sharted it with us, because I had not seen it before. I can't wait to show it to my mother and daughter ... they're going to love it as much as I do.

Sincerely,

Janie
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Salmagundi said...: What special memories! I remember seeing this before, but so enjoyed the story again. Take care, Sally
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Anonymous said...: I sit here crying once again... your tablescape is quite breath taking..but the story that surrounds it is even more captivating..you and Glenda are both so fortunate to share in such a wonderful gift that your mother left you... Glenda for the fortitude and memory to be able to share with you..and for you, the true gift of talent and of a beautiful personality. I feel so fortunate to call you both my "friend" hugs ~lynne~
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...: Susan, What a beautiful tablescape. My mom had those same dishes with the pink rose in the center. I always loved them as a little girl. I love the picture of you with your mom. Your mom is beautiful!! I was born in 56. Looks as if you were born in 57.
Hugs, Terrie
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Unknown said...: I love it all! How elegant and just beautiful. And the fact that your mom made it makes it so special. The entire setting looks so tea-party!
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...: Hi Susan! What a gorgeous luncheon set ~ I've never seen anything like it before. My favorite piece are the glass cozies! So delicate & enchanting. Even more special because they were all made by your sweet mother!

This makes my Halloween table look kind of silly today! LOL

Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , Anonymous said...: Hi Susan

wow what a beautiful story, thanks for sharing

all I can say is that I am in awe of your table, I am a true amateur in this fiels, I only hope I can come up with something this awesome in the future, I'm starting to collect bits as I see them, such a good new thing to play with in my life, that may sound a little sad to some, but I love it haha!

thanks for hosting the tablescape event too

sarah
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , imjacobsmom said...: Oh Susan, the crochet pieces are just beautiful. Your Mom put a lot of time and effort into those. The rows look perfect! The little glass cozies are an added touch! It looks like they were made for the china you selected to display with them. (You're lucky you got them instead of your sister....) ~ Robyn
At Tuesday, September 30, 2008 , A Hint of Home said...: That is a most unusual and beautiful set of mats and glass sleeves that I have seen. How special it came from your Mom and that you still have it to enjoy.
At Wednesday, October 01, 2008 , One Shabby Old House said...: What a lovely table. It is nice of you to host this collection of great idea. Everyone is so talented.
Becky
At Wednesday, October 01, 2008 , Anonymous said...: As always....a beautiful table! I was going to sign up this week, and can't believe that I forgot about it......hope to be in by next week :) I absolutely adore your luncheon set and love the story behind it, makes it even more special!!. so perfectly perfect with your beautiful china...love it!
Jannet
At Wednesday, October 01, 2008 , Anonymous said...: Thanks for sharing this wonderful story. When I saw the little things on the glasses, I fell in love! I remember having some similiar when I was a child and hadn't thought about them forever. Thanks for the memories! I KNOW my Mother didn't crochet ours, she didn't do anything like that....maybe because she was a single Mom and worked full time. I love this tablescape. It just makes me wish though that my Mom could have had sweet tea with friends...and not had to work so hard. Hugs, Pinky
At Thursday, October 02, 2008 , Blogger said...: What a sweet, endearingly sweet story, I just love it. Your mom was certainly a talented crocheter, those pieces are gorgeous and I am sure she would smile at how much you love them so...it is like having a little piece of her spirit around with you, probably. I love that.

Bella
At Monday, May 31, 2010 , Johanna Gehrlein said...: Dear Susan, what a wonderful set is this. It is so unbelievable pretty and makes the whole table so cosy. Isn't that like a loving connection to your mom for all the time you have this set? She must have been an artist and I am curious to see more of her works. I am sure, you have inherited not only her set, but also some of her talents. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Greetings, Johanna
At Tuesday, July 06, 2010 , Entertaining Women said...: I think that everytime you use the gorgeous crochet mats, lovingly stitched by your mom, you honor her in the highest way. The china patterns are charming and oh so feminine. I'd also like to see the mats used in a tablescape featuring crystal/glass plates that allow the work and colors on the mats to shine through. You are blessed to have these, and use feature them well.
At Friday, September 03, 2010 , Lizabeth said...: What a wonderful treasure you have there! I Love how you put it together on your table. I'm a March 57" baby!
My Dad also served in World War II...
Your mother sure was gifted and obviously you are too! Liz
At Tuesday, October 26, 2010 , Unknown said...: WOW! This crocheted set is beautiful! What an heirloom you have! And, great memories!
At Monday, November 01, 2010 , FABBY'S LIVING said...: First of all...your mother is beautiful and I can imagin her crocheting this incredible looking place place mats and the other accessories. My mother crocheted me, around 29 yrs. ago a tablecloth for 12 with a runner for the table, a tray matt, a doily for the bread basket, etc. She also made one for my daughter when she got married. I love and treasure this heirlooms and I like you, I often use them. Thank you for posting it. Love U.
At Tuesday, July 12, 2011 , Belle Abner said...: I know this is a crazy question...BUT....do you have any idea how to find the "pattern" book for the lovely luncheon set????? My sweet Mother In Law is looking for it for me.....;-)

Sonya Abner
At Sunday, April 22, 2012 , Kathryn said...: I fell in love with this pattern and had to fine it. I finally found it in "Star Puritan Book No. 100, 1953, 15 pages".
At Sunday, April 22, 2012 , Kathryn said...: I fell in love with this pattern and had to have it. I finally found it in the "Star Puritan Book No. 100, 1953, 15 pages".
At Sunday, April 22, 2012 , Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...: Kathryn, so glad you found it!
At Sunday, April 22, 2012 , Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...: Sonya, see Kathryn's comment below. She found it in this book: Star Puritan Book No. 100, 1953, 15 pages. Wonder if you can find it on eBay?
At Sunday, April 22, 2012 , Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...: Sonya, thanks to Kathryn's info, I just found it on Amazon here: http://amzn.to/Ie2gaR

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Sep 30, 2008

Welcome to the 6th Tablescape Tuesday! Crocheted with Love

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