Monday, January 10, 2011

Old pictures


My grandma. Born 1909, two kids, died early. I never met her. Talented painter, spent some time at the academy, ended up as a seamstress and a dress maker. Almost went to New York in 1930s to take an apprenticeship as a milliner at one compatriot lady but it was crisis and fashion changed and hats were out. I thought of her when I climbed out of the train station in Big Apple this summer.

Second: My mum. My dad liked taking pictures of her. I think so, we have many nice ones. She was photogenic (she still is in her late sixties!) and he liked his Flexaret. Necessary to say, I am also intrigued by her hand knitted sweater. If she only knew what I am showing here....

12 comments:

Merruli said...

So now I understand where all your artistic, knitting, sewing etc. skills are coming. Very beautiful ladies both of them.

Francesca said...

It's incredible to think how different trends in style and taste for hats, could have shaped differently your grandma's life. It's nice to trace the history of one's family through old photos.

soisses-dasleben said...

wow, i love old pictures.

your grandma, but especially your mum are beauties!!!! i really understand, that your father wanted to make pics of her. it`s a pity, my husband never makes pictures =(

thank you for showing... like that post a lot!

victoria said...

They are beautiful! I am also intrigued by this sweater. Maybe you could ask her about it? Or even better, she may still have it! :)

Bohemian girl said...

Oh, she does not have it. And I have a feeling that when I was a baby she turned it into a tiny sweater for me, she cut it or something like that.

Late Blooming Bohemian said...

I enjoyed these lovely photos and brief stories. More please!!

at swim-two-birds said...

wow, old pictures make my heart melt! Especially love your mum's sweater; I once have made a similar one-do you remember that post? Anyway, if you like to know how to make that zigzag pattern, I will let you know, it's a supereasy stitch.

Bohemian girl said...

Renilde, yes, I remember the post, it was a pretty piece. I am ready to absorb the pattern If you want to teach mi it.

Talking about your knitting I got inspired by your scarfs in garter stitch and I made a similar one for my husband. It will be here soon.

at swim-two-birds said...

I will make a tutorial on my blog :^)

raining sheep said...

My grandmother was a seamstress as well. She lived in Kobyly na Morave. I used to live with her as a child and loved watching her sew. She made all her own patterns, sewed for the entire village and supported her family in that manner even during the war. She was quite the lady.

alessandra said...

beautiful photos and beautiful stories behind it!

Bohemian girl said...

Raina, so it is very similar to the experience of my granny. She got by through the war sewing for people, too. I guess, it was common.