Repurposing my grandmother’s linen. (Provided photo — Diane Chase)

I made a pact that I wouldn’t save stuff I mentioned it to my kids and both shook their heads.

They told me that no one said that. I looked confused. Did I misconstrue what my grandmother had told me? There were so many items off-limits when visiting my grandmother’s house. The linen, dishes, bedding and blankets were only for special occasions. The restrictions seemed endless. Most things remained untouched and unused and were only for good. Good was a Sunday tea, guests, or a formal dinner. Her life was before fast fashion and online delivery. Her closet held a few sets of everyday clothes, aprons, and fancy gowns.

When she passed on, I was given the linen. Hand-embroidered items that she never used but have moth holes from improper storage. Handkerchiefs and napkins that she meticulously monogrammed. I remember her making these things only to store them away to be brought out during a few holidays for people deemed worthy.

Children would not be good while being around any of her precious objects. So she protected her things by storing them away from our grubby hands. Now, I have boxes of special, seldom-used items. I thought the easiest way to deal with them was to also store them away.

I have friends who have managed to turn their precious objects into other things. One woman used embroidered linens to make beautiful children’s dresses, displaying all the beautiful handwork while creating playful, functional clothing. Another person used her linens as a window shade, letting the sun highlight all the handwoven artistry. Someone else created wall hangings.

Seeing those friends create something new from something old has allowed me to search for other ways to reuse and highlight my grandmother’s work.

I see her handiwork as more of a temporary art installation than a permanent exhibit. While she stitched, embroidered, and crocheted to create items for special occasions, she regularly used practical items like tea towels, dress collars, tablecloths, and pillowcases. She chose to embellish everyday objects but hid them away. I hope my grandmother would be pleased that her hard work is getting a facelift. Some things are beyond repair. I’m not sure she could forgive that some of her linen is also my kitchen counter rag. To each their own.