46 years ago When I was four years old I received a gift from my grandparents in NYC, I remember that day as if it was yesterday, it came in a big box from "Saks Fifth Avenue" with lots of tissue paper and a beautiful ribbon, the ultimate gift of luxury for a little girl (of course I knew nothing of the fancy shmansy store at the time, but I loved that box)....inside was the most beautiful thing I ever saw...a handmade sweater with tiny pink roses. Being four in 1962 it didn't really cross my mind that this was actually the ultimate shabby chicness of sweaters....but the fact is that I kept this little treasure of mine my whole life! I could never part with it, I wore until I was 10 which was pretty ridicules, my mom never said a word just curiously stared at me probably asking herself when will I ever get over that sweater...? I never did. As a teenager I thought it would be perfect for my yet-to-be daughters so I kept it for them, of course It turned out that I have 3 boys, then as I grew older I just put it away, forgot all about it until yesterday, when I found it again deep in my closet while looking for my son's soccer shoes...
So here it is,more shabby then chic, with some yellowing stains (does anyone know how to gently remove them?) but still as lovable as ever.
My perfect childhood sweater
and here is a close up in case someone wants to make these little roses
isn't it the cutest?
that is amazing and lovely!
Posted by: amy | January 26, 2008 at 09:39 AM
So sweet! I had to giggle when I read that you wore it until you were 10! Kids are so funny. So nice that you did not ever throw it away. Keep it hung up somewhere where you can enjoy it still. These little reminders of our own carefreeness of childhood are rare, if you are like me anyway. Hugs, Cindy
Posted by: Cindy | January 14, 2008 at 09:50 AM
You can try vintage textile soak. It is at www.vintagetextilesoak.com
That is whaty my mom used on things that belonged to my great grandmother.
By the way cute sweater.
Posted by: Becky | January 11, 2008 at 06:16 PM
It's beautiful. How wonderful that you have kept it all of these years.
Posted by: Danette | January 11, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Oh wow, I can see exactly why you loved it so much. It is absolutely beautiful. How lovely that you have kept it all these years. If I was you I would want to display it in some way now, on a pretty hanger. It's the most perfect object. Actually, I would happily wear something like that myself now!
Posted by: nonnie | January 11, 2008 at 04:50 AM
oh, I understand your love for it! mybe for a granddaughter?
:)
Posted by: macati | January 11, 2008 at 03:47 AM
What a beautiful treasure to rediscover!! I love that it is such a personal piece... something that you have kept all this time! :)
Posted by: Casey | January 10, 2008 at 08:12 PM
A sweet story for this perfect little sweater. Maybe a granddaughter will wear it someday :-)
Posted by: Rosie | January 10, 2008 at 07:51 PM
I can see why it was a favorite. Those little rosettes and the pompom-ish stitches (I think they call them *nupps*)...charming!
There is a product available for gently brightening yellowed linens. I'll see if I can find some info and get back to you.
Posted by: Jan | January 10, 2008 at 07:47 PM