Oh this thread brought back so many memories. My two sisters had many things that they and our mother made before they got married. I was a much later addition to the family and times had changed but our Mom had not been idle and gifted my DH and me with many handmade household items. I still have many of the beautifully embroidered flour sack tea towels, gingham aprons (never learned how to wear one but I have plenty!) and tablecloths, and lace edged pillow cases. We have moved many many times over the 41 years of our marriage--20 homes, 5 provinces, 4 countries--but my 'hope chest' has always traveled with us.