Hand-Me-Downs...

Not necessarily clothing, but lessons regarding how to make clothes that are handed down from one generation to another. Today I'll focus on Karen and Missy, clothiers of Plainfield.  Karen learned the importance of making and providing clothing for her family from her Mom. The hand-me-down process led to Karen's teaching her daughter, Missy, who has in turn passed this information down to her two daughters, a 19 year-old, and a 9 year-old. There we have it, once again, old world traits being handed down from one generation to another. I think I know who Karen's Mom learned from and wonder whether Missy's daughters will carry on the tradition by teaching their children.

I met Missy at the craft fairs, and then one day I stopped in to say hello at her home studio and outlet shoppe. There I found Missy instructing her youngest daughter in the use of a hot wax gun. This learning process starts at a very early age. The child knew what she wanted to make, and Missy watched while this project took shape, lovingly guiding and complimenting her as she progressed. The studio was filled with completed works of art, many of which were unique items I had never seen before. This is what happens when a whole family produces their own creations, one idea building upon another.

What strikes me most are the baby clothes: crocheted baby beanies and newborn baby sweater sets which include a sweater, hat and booties. Sooo cute... The newborn baby sweater sets come in a wide choice of colors. These sets are all hand crocheted, made of 100% hypoallergenic acrylic. Now get this, sized 0 to 3 months. Starting life out at size zero! Is that too much, or what?

Jimmy Halloran is Co-Owner of ConnecticutHandiworks.com, an online retailer featuring handcrafted items made in Connecticut.

jimmy130@live.com  /  860.942.7571  / 

PO Box 26 Hampton, CT.

  06247