Granny's Vintage (Bottom Drawer)Lace Pillowslip

"All of my grandparents had passed away by the time I was born in 1963 - I was the shakings of the sack in my family (and of that generation) My maternal Grandmother made this pillowslip as part of her "bottom drawer' (for her betrothal) in 1910. It was the custom in those days to make items to bring to your new house to set yourself up after marriage. The saying "the bottom drawer" referred to the place that you would keep the items until your wedding day. My Grandparents Mary and John are recorded on the 1911 census as being married less than one year. They lived in Rahan, Co Offaly and had 4 girls. My mother Elizabeth was their third child. My Grandfather was born in 1863 - 100 years before I arrived. My grandmother was born 1877 approx. They passed away in 1932 and 1948 respectively. My granny was not around to give me a hug but she made this pillowslip with beautiful crochet edging with her very own hands (as a young woman in preparation for marriage) and I can hold her handiwork in my hands and close my eyes and imagine her presence beside me. Whose head lay upon this pillowslip - my grandparents? My mother? My grand aunts or aunts? Sleeping, thinking, dreaming. This torn and worn (at least 108 years old) pillowslip provides a connection - a link to the grandmother I never met. It's a common household item. But to me it's a very dear heirloom that I will pass on to my children."