Table Setting with Crocheted Linens

My Mom crocheted this luncheon set during the period she was awaiting my arrival. Despite many forays into antique shops over the years, I’ve never seen another one like it.

 

Here’s one of the few pictures I have of my Mom and me…it was taken right around the time she would have been completing the luncheon set. Unfortunately, I never got to know my Mom very well.  She became sick when I was still very small and never recovered. As you might imagine, that makes this heirloom all the more special.

 

This vintage china with the pink band and the gardenia in the center, is made by International. The pattern is called Glenwood. Homer Laughlin also made this same pattern. I found it at a local antique shop and just loved it.

 

It gives me the chills seeing them together…the crocheted pieces look like they were designed to coordinate with this china. Makes me wonder what china Mom planned to use with these pieces…I’m guessing she had some particular china in mind when she crocheted them.

 

Look at the intricate detail work in these placemats…I love the pretty spring colors of pink and green.

 

 

The gardenias in the center of the table, came from a bush that grows right by the entrance to my garage; I get to enjoy them each day as I enter and leave my home. I love to bring them into the house during their long blooming season. Their fragrance is intoxicating and within just a few hours, it fills each room of my home.

 

Mom also crocheted pieces to go under serving pieces. You can see one of the oval-shaped pieces in the pic below.

 

Front side of the oval serving piece…

 

Each piece is double-sided. Having crocheted a fair amount myself, I know how much work went into making this luncheon set. Since each piece is double-sided, it’s almost like crocheting it twice!

 

I paired the International Glenwood china with another floral Homer Laughlin china I already had. Here you can see a round crocheted serving piece under the bowl.

 

Close-up of front…

And of the back…

 

Cute little doilies or hot pads…

 

I love the little “jackets” Mom created for the glasses…aren’t they adorable?! I have a vision of ladies dining out on the porch, dressed in beautiful sun dresses, wearing big floppy hats, and drinking sweet iced-tea from glasses surrounded by delicate crocheted flowers.

 

My sister, Glenda, who is 10 years older than me, well remembers Mom crocheting this sweet luncheon set. Glenda told me Mom wanted the set to be perfect. As she worked, if she discovered 3/4 of the way through a piece that she had made a mistake, she would finish the piece and then give it away. If she was only a short distance into a piece and noticed a mistake, she would unravel the thread and begin again. Do you think she knew it would one day be an heirloom passed down to her youngest daughter? Wonder if she had any idea how much that daughter would love it?


 

I love the story behind this picture of my Mom. I’ve been told that the reason it looks so worn and creased is because my Dad carried this picture with him everywhere he was stationed during WWII.

 

Hope you enjoyed this heirloom journey back to a time when dining was met with great anticipation and was celebrated in the most enchanting ways.

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Comments

  1. Susan, the luncheon set is indeed a heirloom. Anyone who does handwork can appreciate the time and love that went into making this set. How wonderful that you have this treasure! Thanks for sharing the sweet story of this heirloom.

  2. Andrea at Opulent Cottage says

    That's just incredible, Susan! I learned to crochet last year, and I cannot imagine making something that complicated. Thank you for sharing such a special treasure!

    Cheers, Andrea

  3. Susan, both the story, old pictures, and the set that your mom crocheted are beyond words…what a treasure you have in them!

  4. salmagundi says

    Every time I see this luncheon set I get chills. It is perfection!!! Sally

  5. I can crochet a little bit, so I can really really appreciate how detailed your mom's work is. WOW!

    I usually cringe when I see pink, but the one place I really like it for some reason is on the table. Your 'scape with her handmade pieces and the delicate pink china is so pretty.

  6. Rona's Home Page says

    Wow! What a talented woman. I actually remember my grandmother having something like this in her kitchen.

  7. Jennifer Froh says

    WOW… the crocheted luncheon set is gorgeous and to know all the love and excitement she was feeling as she made them is priceless! Your treasures are beautiful and I'm thrilled I was able to stop by and see them 🙂

  8. Susan,
    What wonderful memories! The time and effort put into the set is amazing.

  9. Susan..what a beautiful gift from your Mother! She seemed like a very compassionate and lovely lady which you can see and feel through her handmade crocheted settings. Your table looks absolutely beautiful, your mother would be very proud, I'm sure!!

  10. This is so beautiful and so touching. What a wonderful keepsake for you to treasure. I love every little detail, it is so sweet, and the glass sleeves, what a beautiful way to dress a table. I love doilies, and I have a few similar to your Mom's work that my grandmother had made, (but nothing like a whole luncheon set), but I treasure each and every one of them too.
    You are so Blessed to have this and it must make you so happy.

    I love the picture of you and your Mom and I love the one that your Dad carried with him off to war. Such beautiful, beautiful treasures!
    Wonderful post.
    All the best,
    Eileen

  11. Yellow Rose Arbor says

    This is so pretty, and so special being handmade by your mother. Of all your gorgeous tablescapes, I think this is my favorite!

    Katherine

  12. Frugal Fine Living says

    Susan, this luncheon set is truly a work of art! I can easily see that your mother's talent was passed down to her youngest daughter.

    Your post brought tears to my eyes. I love the photo of your mother with the creases, which your father carried with him everywhere he was stationed during WWII. Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt heirloom post!

    Jane

  13. This is so beautiful, and the story behind it even more so. What a talented lady!

  14. Pink Roses and Teacups says

    What a sweet table set. That must have taken her a long time to make.
    What a nice treasure. Thanks for sharing.

    Debbie

  15. Southerncook says

    Oh my what a gorgeous luncheon set. I know that it is a true treasure. I also loved the china you found to use with it. Your post was lovely and I enjoyed reading every word. There is nothing more special than special things such as this to keep a memory of a loved one alive. We should all keep that in mind.

    Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook

  16. Susan,
    This luncheon set is indeed very special and beautiful. The intricately crocheted flowers are the perfect shade for the china you acquired. I'm sure your mother would be thrilled and honored that her work is so proudly displayed.
    Sharlotte

  17. What a beautiful luncheon set. Those placemats are almost too pretty to cover up with a plate.

  18. The luncheon set is absolutely stunning. I really can imagine a table full of pretty's dolled up ignoring the heat and looking so perfect. I loved the stories and the photos even more and tears welled up thinking about her. And I totally lost it reading about your Dad carrying the photo with him through war. it hit close to home as my Grandma carried my Grandpap's photo in her pocket after he passed. It was discoved when she passed…so worn with love.

    Thank you for sharing.

  19. NicNacManiac says

    WOW…what an incredible story!! This must have taken her forever..it is the most gorgeous set I have ever seen!! I have never seen the little tumbler holders before and all of the detail flower work is exquisite!!
    You are so lucky to have this wonderful keepsake to keep your mother close to you…always!!
    Thanks so much for sharing!
    Have a wonderful weekend!
    Hugs xOxO, Nerina 🙂

  20. Enchanted Rose Studio says

    Susan, I have never seen one as pretty as the one your Mother made. I love that she also made the extras, the tumbler holders, the ovals for serving pieces and the round one for the bowl. How special it is that she made those while awaiting your arrival! So very precious!

    Tina

  21. My goodness girl she must have been pregnant with you for TWO years to get all those beautiful pieces done.
    To have something that your mother made is even more special than just a bought piece handed down.
    It is great that it is something that you actually use and not hidden away in a drawer.

  22. Susan, they are lovely. The time and love that went into making them and while expecting you…makes them even more priceless.
    Thanks so much for sharing with us.
    Tracy

  23. Oh my, how wonderful. I've never seen a whole set like this, crocheted or not. It is so nice that you have it. I'm sorry you didn't get to know your mother well. She must have been a very talentd lady.
    Dawn

  24. Lady Katherine says

    Susan, I do not remember these lovely luncheon set! They are beautiful! I can't believe she even made serving pieces! They are as lovely as your Mother is in the photo! How special you have the photo he carried to war with him. All the china is lovely and looks wonderful with your luncheon set. I adore the glass holders! How sweet this is!

  25. Blondie's Journal says

    This is beautiful, Susan, and very original as you said you have never seen a tableset like this before. Your mother had very creative ideas along with her wonderful talent

    I love everything, but I adore the glass holders. How practical!! No rings on the table and no slipping of the glass out of your hand!

    The pictures of your mother are precious. I wish you had gotten to know her, but at least you have these heirlooms. I love this post Susan.

    xoxo
    Jane

  26. Hi Susan
    What a lovely heirloom to have. I have never seen anything like it either. It is very special that you have something that your mom made.

  27. Country Dreaming says

    Susan—
    Your pictures and story are BEAUTIFUL!

    Have a super weekend!

    Melinda

  28. Susan,

    I have admired this set in pictures I've seen in your blog..and wondered if you or a family member made the little glass crochet covers with the flowers. I love pink flowers and what a beautiful tribute to your Mom and so glad that you have such a precious heirloom! Such a great story! Miss Bloomers/Sonia

  29. Beautiful heirloom. I wish I could crochet like that. My Grandma could. What a treasure for you.

  30. Shari @ My Cottage of Bliss says

    Susan, I never could get the "hang" of crocheting so I am in awe of this exquisite set! The colors are just beautiful and the details of all of those little flowers are amazing. What a lovely reminder of your mother. 🙂

  31. squawmama says

    Hi Susan… Those are all incredible pieces… What time it must have taken and such precise work… Love them!!! And they went so well with your pretty pink plates… Have a great day…

    (((HUGS)))
    Donna

  32. I am in awe with this wonderful luncheon set that your Mom made. It is just amazing and what a treasure for you to have it. Oh my.
    She certainly was tallented and a beautiful looking lady.

  33. Debbie Moore's Slice of Pie Cookbooks says

    What a beautiful table … and a beautiful memory. Your mother's creativity and talents were certainly passed on to you.

  34. The DIY Show Off says

    What a beautiful luncheon set and treasure. 🙂
    Roeshel

  35. blushing rose says

    I particularly love the photos but everything was beautifully presented. The doilies/hot pads add that special touch, I thank you for sharing these special treasures with us. TTFN ~Marydon

  36. What a beautiful set! Wow the time that went into making it, I cannot imagine. I'm so happy you have that heirloom. Thank you for sharing with us.

  37. The Sewing Loft says

    What a beautiful treasure you have in this set your Mother crocheted. So much love and work went into it, don't you feel so fortunate to have it now?

    Barb

  38. What a beautiful memory to have. I love the colors. I wanted to invite you to participate in my giveaway. It started today and it will go on until Monday. Have a wonderful day!

  39. Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend says

    Amazing pictures……I love everyone of them…..Your blog makes me smile.

  40. You are so very blessed to have a heirloom such as this one…beautiful…your mom was a very beautiful lady….Smiles:0)!

  41. Glenda/MidSouth says

    What pretty crochet work. I never learned to crochet or knit. 🙁
    Glenda

  42. Susan,
    Truly, your heirloom pieces are lovely.
    Something to cherish.
    Beautifully made.
    God bless,
    d

  43. Dana and Daisy says

    Susan! My goodness, how beautiful and special! You have officially been promoted from "lucky girl" to "living the charmed life".

    Seriously, how special that you have those wonderful place mats and all the other accoutrements your mother crocheted!

  44. The details on the crochet pieces is wonderful and looks so great with the dishes.

  45. Susan,
    I can't tell you how much you INSPIRE me! I, too, am divorcing late in life (age 53 and married to my high school sweetheart for 29 years) and take comfort from your story of finding the ideal man….Please keep posting those luscious tablescapes for all of us to enjoy!

  46. Susan, that has to be the most exquisite crocheted set I've ever seen! Truly a treasure. I'm so envious!

  47. ♥Itajeff♥ @Something To Share says

    What a wonderful crochet pieces. Thank you for sharing this with us
    Happy PS and have a great weekend

    ♥Ita

  48. Susan, What a wonderful treasure and a heart-warming story to go with it. The pictures of your mother show a beautiful woman and I can understand why your Dad carried that picture.
    I am so happy you have such a wonderful remembrance of her. Thanks for sharing, the luncheon set and the dishes are gorgeous.

  49. I loved reading the story about your mom crocheting this lovely set while she waited on your arrival. I've also never seen anything like this!

  50. Suzann @ Lavender and Roses says

    Okay, I just don't have the words to express what's in my heart. I've tried, but I cannot. Beautiful.

  51. Susan-What craftmanship! I'm afraid this is going to be a lost art! It is perfect with your china. The silver pitcher with gardenias (my FAVORITE flower) was a perfect centerpiece. This is such a wonderful way to remember and honor your mom. Thanks for sharing it.

  52. Wow, Susan! That is one beautiful set! My grandmother did crochet and I have many of her peices but nothing like this! An indeed heirloom and I can't think of it going to someone who would treasure it more!

  53. Susan @ Not the Good Scissors! says

    The crochet work and the table setting is the most beautiful I have ever seen. This tablesetting should be translated into a painting or at least into art work to hang. It is breathtaking.
    xxoo

  54. Oh Susan, this is so lovely and so sad. I am ever so sorry about your Mom. Such a beautiful woman and what incredible work she did. My Daddy carried a photo of my Mom through WWII also. What a romantic time that was…I love photos from that era. All my love, Deborah

  55. …thank you for sharing your treasures…and your heart…both are lovely…blessings…

  56. Susan, the luncheon set is beyond belief! The workmanship is so beautiful and as you have said-flawless! What a treasure! My mom made simple blue crochet mats for me before she passed away -and even though they no longer matched my dishes-I still use them often. (Now I have the Big Lots white dishes which I love!)
    Thank you for sharing this lovely tablescape!
    Aagain, this would make a beautiful and interesting book…

  57. I am not a blogger yet, but you inspire me so much. Your decorating tastes and mine are similar and I will start my blog sometime in the fall thanks to you. I am a retired antique dealer and have never seen these beautiful pieces before. You are so lucky to have them all. I raised my stepdaughter because of her mother's mental illness and your story touched me. Your blog is always the first one I see after signing on to my special friend of over 12 years, Charlene at My Heart's Ease! Thanks to her I found you!

  58. Anonymous says

    Those crocheted pieces are beautiful. What a beautiful legacy your Mom left you. You do a wonderful job at tablescapes. Connie

  59. you know how i love this set and the awesome memories behind them.a true one of a kind and i am so glad you got them…ann

  60. Hello Susan – this has to be the sweetest crocheted table set I've ever seen. Actually, I've never seen a whole set like this – love, love the colors your Mama chose. So sweet. And the extra pieces that go underneath the serving dishes are spectacular! And my favorite has to be the cup "jackets" – so precious. Love your sweet story.

    Blessings,
    Marie
    http://emmacallsmemama.com

  61. The Apple Hill Adventurer says

    looking at your blog entries always makes me feel so relaxed. i feel like a southern bell, getting ready to attend a dinner party or something 🙂

    your porch looks like a beautiful breezy haven.

    thanks for continuing to provide a calming escape 🙂

  62. How beautiful. And as a person who has crocheted many things over the years, I have to tell you that your mother was very talented. Very! And it is wonderful that you treasure it. How happy it would make her.

  63. Oh, Susan, the crochet work is exquisite! How talented your Mother was and how you must treasure these. Knowing that your Mother was unwell makes it all the more touching. Thank you so much for sharing these with us.

  64. Susan, you know I think these are exquisite. And, this memory made me smile and cry at the same time.

  65. I didn't get a chance to comment yesterday but I wanted to say that the set you have is just incredible. I can only imagine how special it must be for you. And, I can't believe you're 52! You look so young!

  66. Cass @ That Old House says

    Susan, what a beautiful post — both in its pictures, and its sentiments. I, too, smiled and cried. I'm awed by the countless, countless stitches that went into the crocheted luncheon set. One of the doilies I have from my Mom is a similar design, with the pink and voilet pansies around the edge.

    The little cup holders — so sweet. How you must treasure this.
    Cass

  67. That is the most amazing set ever! I can't even begin to imagine how much you must treasure it!

  68. Hi Susan 🙂

    I remember your beautiful crocheted set very well! You can tell how much love was put into them 🙂

    xo,
    rue

  69. Priceless!

  70. rufflebunnies says

    What an incredible set and the amount of love and work is so inspiring. Your mother surely gave you a love for beautiful things!!
    Sara

  71. Susan, I am sorry to hear of your Mother's illness but it almost makes this even MORE of a treasure for you! How talented she was! Every piece is beautiful, as well as your china! The Homer Laughlin is VERY similiar to the china I gave my Brian that you posted!!!!! Do you see the resemblance? Thanks for sharing this wonderful story and beautiful table. YOU are a treasure too! Love, Pinky PS, I also think you look like your Mother, and she was BEAUTIFUL.

  72. tales from an oc cottage says

    What a story! How amazing!!

    m ^..^

  73. Jan's Blog says

    I follow your blog daily but I don't think I've ever commented. This story and this luncheon set brought me to tears. The story is heartbreaking but it's softened by your joy and having this keepsake from your mother. My mother was also plagued with mental illness. It's a hard life and sweet remembrances are sometimes hard to come by. I'm so glad you have this one.

    Blessings to you and yours!

  74. Hello, Susan. I had seen these beautiful crocheted pieces before, when I first discovered your beautiful blog, and I was inhaling your previous posts as fast as I could click on the links!

    Your mother was as talented as she was beautiful! Yes, you "came by it honest" (OK, I know that's not exactly what you said … but it's true!). You inspire us all, and give so much of yourself. You're a remarkable human being, and it's an honor to call you friend.

    Thank you so much for all that you do!

  75. Crystal Rose Cottage says

    I just love the crocheted set! I noticed the glass holder on your header and was surprised to see a whole set with a different function. I think it is beautiful! It looks lovely with your placesetting. It is a special gift from your mom.
    ~Patti

  76. Simply beautiful!

  77. The Tablescaper says

    Susan, I have always admired this set form your header and am so happy to see it featured again. I have many vintage linens from my grandmother but nothing like this. It is amazing and beautiful. It is wonderful that it has come to you to love and cherish.
    -The Tablescaper

  78. Laura Ingalls Gunn says

    I had to stop and go get a tissue.
    I lost my mother at the age of 5 and treasure the few small things that I have of hers. What a treasure for you.
    As a lover of vintage table linens I am always drawn to the piles featured at flea markets and garage sales and have never seen anything like it.
    Thank you for sharing this.

  79. I almost fell over when I saw the china with the white flower and the pink edging! I have the same china! It belonged to my grandmother, was passed to my uncle and I ended up with it after he passed. I don’t have any full place settings – just odd pieces plus coffee cups and saucers, a gravy boat and a huge serving platter! Do you still have your set? I have never seen it anywhere else except my kitchen. Wow!

  80. My grandmother made the glasses jacket but with verigated purple and yellow thread. I have made more from the one set we have but never seemed to get the flowers correct. Does anyone know where I can find this pattern? My family is wanting them for our family reunion next summer.

  81. I found it on Amazon and got it ordered. Thank you so much.

  82. I love this crocheted set! Maybe I’ll find one at a yard sale….. I found you from Confessions of a Plate Addict because of your 500th Tablescape Thursday. Congratulations!!

  83. Carol Wilson says

    I absolutely just love every beautiful piece of this luncheon set. It is so gorgeous. How special this is for you. I would love to see a pattern similar to this. Crocheting is one of my favorite hobbies. Thank you so much for sharing this lovely handwork made by your mom so long ago. Carol

  84. Joy Grzena says

    The luncheon set that your mother made was out of this world I’ve never seen anything so gorgeous.
    You are one lucky lady to have something like that and the down to you and your family I know you will enjoy it for years to come.
    I can’t begin to imagine how many hours you put into that and how she did it on both sides to have such a pretty pattern. She must have entertained a lot to make so many different parts to it even the details of the glasses and under the other dishes. I can’t say enough about it is just so gorgeous I love the colors that’s in it.
    Thank you so much for sharing it with all of us.
    My husband and I entertained a lot and we had many sets of China and enjoy setting the table when we have guests, I miss all of that.
    Enjoy it while you can God bless.

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