I’m one of the lucky ones. Not only do I have a guardian angel, but I even know her name.
Kathie was 9 years older than me. My oldest sister. My second mom. My inspiration. My hero. My friend. So artistic, so tasteful and, in my eyes, so cool! She had it all: a handsome, fun, and kind husband; a beautiful, healthy baby boy; a charming house and we all adored her.
But, she left this world when I was 18.
I thought I’d never see her again.
But, sometimes I look in the rear view mirror and she’s in the backseat of my car, rockin’ out to Rare Earth’s “I Just Want to Celebrate” with me after one of life’s sweet victories. Sometimes, I look up and she’s in the aisle of the plane making me smile when I’m on the way to my mom’s funeral. Sometimes, in the morning, she’s in the bathroom with me letting me know that I CAN make it through another day. Sometimes, she goes and hangs out with one of my children when they need her. But, I always know she’s looking after me, putting in a good word for me, and celebrating with me.
What does all of this have to do with handmade placemats you ask?
Well, just look at those mid-century modern dishes, those chic crystal glasses and that teak handled silverware! All chosen by my sister back in the early seventies for her wedding registry. I was lucky enough to inherit them. She and her dishes help us to celebrate many of life’s victories and holidays.
They deserve custom made placemats. They deserve colorful new table linens. They deserve to be part of a new and creative tablescape. Placemats are super easy and fun to make and you can make a new set in less time than driving to the store and buying some. Make new sets for each new celebration. Use any fabric and be as creative as you’d like.
Click here for the complete “how-to” instructions.
You can watch the YouTube video here:
Or watch the Facebook video here (be sure to unmute the sound, it’s so much better with the music) 🙂 :
And the next time something great happens to you,
I hope your guardian angel is in your back seat singing:
“I just want to celebrate, yeah, yeah
Another day of living, yeah
I just want to celebrate another day of livin’
I just want to celebrate another day of life!”
Happy sewing,
Beth
For more sewing and refashioning inspiration click here.
The Renegade Seamstress 
You lucky, lucky thing!
Thank you Mary!
Such a nice, loving tribute. Thanks for sharing.
Thank YOU for reading, Linda!
Yay for Guardian Angels! T hanks for sharing that part along with the placemat making instructions.
I sure love having a guardian angel for sure!!!
What a beautiful tribute that you’ve shared. I so appreciate what you give to us, your readers. What a delight to find this in my inbox today. Made me tear up…
Your comment means so much and me tear up, too. Thank you for all of the encouragement you give to me.
Well, Beth. I lost a sister, too. She was the best of us. It is incredible how she remains in my heart and moves me to action, making me more adventurous and carefree. How lucky we have been to have loved our sisters. Aside from the wonderful placemat tutorial, I deeply appreciate that you shared your sister’s memories. Makes me ever more thankful!
Love, Sharon P.
On Fri, Feb 8, 2019, 9:33 AM The Renegade Seamstress The Renegade Seamstress posted: “I’m one of the lucky ones. Not only do I > have a guardian angel, but I even know her name. Kathie was 9 years older > than me. My oldest sister. My second mom. My inspiration. My hero. My > friend. So artistic, so tasteful and, in my eyes, so cool! She had it” >
Oh Sharon, I’m so thankful for you and all of the support and encouragement you give me. I love your words, “It is incredible how she remains in my heart and moves me to action, making me more adventurous and carefree.” Perfectly said!! Here’s to our beautiful sisters who left too early. Hugs!!!
What a beautiful tribute!! I’m sure your sister felt just as lucky to have you in her life as you did to have her. She had great taste…I love the place settings that she chose! How wonderful that you get to use them to celebrate special occasions and reflect on all of those fond memories. The placemats compliment them perfectly!
Thank you for your nice comment Susan! Kathie was my parents first born. I have no childhood memories without her, but they are all wonderful and I feel so fortunate to have had her in my life. She is a big part of who I am today. Congratulations on your new grandbaby!!!
I am so glad your angel is with you, now she is with all of us too. Your tribute is very touching, you spread joy everyday. Thank you
Awwwwwwww, your sweet comment brightened my day, Kerry! Thank YOU!
My parents have teak handled silverware, and I love it… and then, I saw the dishes… gasp! They too have the same dishware. My mother once told me that they had been given money as a wedding present to buy silverware and china but bought those pieces instead and I love them all the more. Thank you for cherishing the non-traditional and love to your guardian angel. x
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