Emma Sue Emerson was born in 1930. No, her parents did not give her that rhythmic name. She was born Emma Sue Whittle, marrying Bob Emerson at age 20.
Bob and Emma didnt have any children, but they would have been wonderful parents. They gave of themselves to nieces and nephews and to the community as a whole. Emma never worked outside the home much; in those days women weren’t expected to have a career. Oh, she substituted at the grammar school when they needed her, sold a little Avon, and she sang in the choir at church.
Emma and Bob had seventeen nieces and nephews. Emma spent some time working on items to fill the nieces hope chests. She embroidered linens, tatted edging for pillowcases, made some baby clothes when a new generation came along.
An accident at the canning plant in the early 1970s left Emmas right hand with some nerve damage and she could no longer execute the fine stitches needed for some embroidery. She learned to write with her left hand and didnt miss a beat with other day-to-day activities. Those hope chests of the youngest nieces were filled with unadorned sheets and pillowcases (with neat hems done on the sewing machine), and copies of recipes handed down through the years.
An assortment of treasures from Emma Sues sewing basket came into my possession and I collaged them together to tell Emmas story.
A bit of a stained and unfinished dresser scarf, a remnant of barkcloth (from draperies in the 1950s), some lace, a tab from a linen shirt, and a collection of buttons reveal elements of Emmas life. A corner of one of her pocket hankies is held in place by a belt buckle from her sewing basket. A large hook and eye like those used to fasten coats was included, too.
I wove a base from strips of cotton – some of which were in the basket, others I added from similar fabrics. I attached it all to a bit of an old grain sack to give it a firm base, then used a quilt remnant to provide a backing and frame. The dimensions of the finished piece are 16″ x 26″.
I hope the wall hanging will trigger fond memories of Emma Sue when viewed by those who knew her. I love it when pleasant memories are not packed away in a box.
Gorgeous!
Susan
Thank you!
It’s a beautiful piece that matches the beautiful story of Emma Sue.
I’m glad you like it.
lovely