Cheryl Stamant recalls her mother's handmade vintage doilies and scarves

Catherine Harrell Lewis

It's human nature to share stories about our families. This morning, I spoke with my maternal first cousin Cheryl. During our conversations, we somehow take a trip down memory lane. My mother Isabell and Cheryl's mother Catherine were sisters.  During our childhood, we spent a great deal of time together. Cheryl and her family lived primarily in New Orleans, Louisiana, while my family lived on my maternal great-grandmother's homestead in Amite, Louisiana. Cheryl and her siblings often visited us during the holidays and summer. Later Cheryl and her family moved back to Amite, La., where her mother grew up.

My  brothers and I would be so happy to see our cousins and play with them. We would pick blackberries  plums, peaches, pears, black walnuts on the homestead.  We enjoyed exploring and hiking in the woods. We spent the whole day together laughing and playing. It was one of the best memories I have of my childhood. Despite the amount of time we spent together, I didn't know her mother enjoyed crocheting lace scarves and doilies. She recalled how her mother crocheted beautiful handmade vintage scarves and doilies. During the 1930s to 1960s the vintage beauties adorned many homes. "Mother used to take the scarves when she was finished making them and dip them in Argo starch and wrap them in a towel and place them in the freezer and then iron them stiff," said Cheryl.  Some of the doilies held beautiful vases that sat on the tables she said. 

Cheryl Stamant

Many women called her to inquire about the handmade beauties.  Cheryl spoke about her mother's talents. Cooking was another of her talents. She mentioned the blackberry dumplings and her cooking. I knew my aunt was a good cook but I was unaware that she enjoyed the art of crocheting. I was surprised to learn that she had a talent for crocheting. I wish I could see the intricate patterns and designs she made. I really enjoyed Cheryl sharing beautiful memories of her mother with me. 

It's not unusual to find vintage handmade crocheted scarves and doilies in antique shops and estate sales across the country. When I see them, I can't help but think about the hands that made them. Cheryl express how she wish she had just one of the vintage beauties made by her mother's hands.

I love hearing stories like these because it helps me to appreciate life more and to remember to cherish the special moments I have with my family and friends. I am grateful for Cheryl's stories and for reminding me of the special people in my life. Sharing beautiful stories of your dear loved one help to keep their memory alive. I wanted to ensure that what she share with me can be shared with others members of our family who was unaware of her crocheting skills.