“Learning to MAKE…”SOME THING”… in the 1940’s

Nov 13th “Learning to MAKE…”SOME THING”… in the 1940’s

On Mondays, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, instead of going back to classes at school, we assembled at the tables in the playroom This was for Girls only! Each girl had an assigned seat, and each Monday, you were sitting ready to receive your bundle of “Handiwork” to work on. Each girl was taught by the Nun in charge, Sister M. Colombo. You would learn to do embroidery work, and also to crochet, and she would find out what was best for you to do!

Since, I had not done any of this fancy stitching, had to start with a plain white cloth with a lot of xxx’s on it, and told how to pull the threaded needle up and down across the area . Then told to turn the hoop and start where I had left off and make an “X” a complete “Cross-stitch.”

Now that I think about it – I did make quite a few squares of material with Cross-stitch. Whatever the design, I did not really take notice, ( I was only eight years old) but I’m sure , with enough squares completed, if they are joined together, you could easily have a small quilt?

My eyes were surveying what the older Girls were making, and how fast their fingers and hands were going – like they had a mind of their own!

I, need to continue this by answering – Why? For What? and More! *********

Continuing – When I was eight years old and learning to do Needlework – learning that the more you do it – the better you become with the project! Also, was learning , “Haste makes Waste.” You need to take your time and be careful so that the small stitches produce the look and design intended for the project. Large sloppy stitches and carelessness won’t pass muster, with the Nuns!

One visiting Sunday, I had told my Mother, that I was learning to do “Cross-stitch” and she thought that was “Terrific!” Some time later Mom brought me some threads of various colors, and a small linen hand towel, requiring someone to select the right colors of thread and do the design .

Well, that’s what I did, but I was in a hurry, and when I had completed it – I did not like the finished towel. I could see first hand sloppy work – looks bad no matter how you look at it. All I could do was to now be very careful to undo everything, I had just done?

It was close to “Christmas” – and I made up my mind – this is going to be done right – there’s no other way! This needs to be done and done perfectly, because I will be making this “Towel as a gift for my Mother!”