Sadly on Monday we said goodbye to a dear friend who lost her long time, hard-fought battle with MS (multiple sclerosis).
Her family had the usual poster boards filled with pictures at her memorial. There was also a table with various personal belongings. Mary liked to hand-sew penny rugs. I bet she made over 30 in the time I knew her. She made one for almost everyone in her family and many friends They aren't actually "rugs" but more of a decorative table topping or wall hanging. They date back to around the 1800s, originally made by thrifty homemakers by using wool scraps. They are named penny rugs, because the round "pennies" were traced by using a penny as a template ( which back in the day was larger - maybe the size of today's half dollar? ) smaller "pennies" were cut out by using nickels, quarters and dimes. They were layered and always hand sewn making beautiful folk art decorative heirlooms. Over the years crafters added stars, squares, flowers, animals, and other shapes. So detailed, and beautful with the elaborate hand stiching.
Her sewing basket was there, and I thought this would be a nice memory photo. I forgot to snap a photo of one of her many penny rugs they had set out.
Always sad to lose good friends. I lots two good friends at the beginning of this year. We still have their memories though and will always be in our hearts.
