I have a photograph of my mother wearing this Marks & Spencer nightie. It was taken in 1975; she is sitting up in bed with a baby in her arms, and a blonde-haired girl is under the covers beside her, kissing the baby's forehead.
The little girl is me, aged two.
I don't know if the pattern of this garment is familiar to me because of the photograph or because of my memories, but I do know that this flimsy day-glo nightie hangs on a hook on the back of my bedroom door, where it often catches my eye. I do know that it is very special to me.
For more self portraits and stories, go here.
great self portrait sus. i love that nightie. xo
Posted by: kristen | Aug 01, 2007 at 12:13 AM
beatiful photo of you in the nightie and wonderful story to go with!
Posted by: gay | Aug 01, 2007 at 12:51 AM
very beautiful shot. the colors in the nightie are bright, yet soothing in some way. lovely!
Posted by: Nicole | Aug 01, 2007 at 02:24 AM
Perfect photos and I absolutely love the story. What a great connection between you and your mom.
LC
Posted by: Lucky Candice | Aug 01, 2007 at 03:51 AM
I've just been watching home movie footage of my parents in 1970s London and I am amazed at the beautiful, gauzy, colourful saris my mother is wearing...
Posted by: Planethalder | Aug 01, 2007 at 05:38 AM
gorgeous, dreamy photos and yummy story...
xoxo
Posted by: boho girl | Aug 01, 2007 at 07:58 AM
Love the photo on top. It's so very...Virgin Suicides. Languid and summery.
Posted by: Steph | Aug 01, 2007 at 09:31 AM
Really fun pattern...but what matters the most here, of course, is the lovely story that accompanies it. It brings a sense of warmth and history.
xoxoxo
Posted by: ceanandjen | Aug 01, 2007 at 05:03 PM
I love these kinds of memories and how you keep them present in today's life :)
xo
Posted by: Dreamergirl | Aug 01, 2007 at 08:53 PM
I've been wandering down memory lane lately also. For me, the small things (like you with your mother's nightgown) bring back the strongest memories. Thanks for sharing your beautiful remembrance.
Posted by: Star | Aug 01, 2007 at 10:11 PM
fabric is so special to me...the texture of it, and the smell that adheres to it and won't fade, forever. i understand the magic of that dress for you.
this was beautiful, sus.
xo
Posted by: bee | Aug 02, 2007 at 02:54 AM
That's beautiful, Susannah - the photos and the story.
One of my favorite quilts is one where I included lots of bits of fabric I cut from clothes worn by my family and I can seem them each time I see that quilt.
Posted by: DebR | Aug 02, 2007 at 05:17 AM
GORGEOUS Susannah babanna!
The colours are so vivid and fresh, I love it.
What a lovely photo you speak of... Whether its the photo or nighty that sparks your memory, its a beautiful one and very sweet :-)
Bx
Posted by: Rebecca Geach | Aug 02, 2007 at 10:36 AM
I've been thinking of a memory quilt idea, and I think I have one now. My mothers various gowns, robes and pj's are all very vivid to me, and sadly, still in my mothers house! I wonder if she would let me have them??
Thanks for being an inspiration.
Beautiful pictures.
Posted by: Megan | Aug 02, 2007 at 05:11 PM
What a beautiful and light feeling! I love the colours in the first photo. How they work together in fabric, your skin and background.
Posted by: mia | Aug 02, 2007 at 06:41 PM
how amazing you still have that... great 70s pattern too...x
Posted by: dandelion | Aug 02, 2007 at 06:52 PM
I had sheets with a 70's day day-glo pattern on them growing up--their pattern is still imprinted on my mind's eye. Love that you still have the nightie from then...
Posted by: christina | Aug 03, 2007 at 01:48 AM
ohhhhhhhhhh -
it' s a very pretty pattern and
this post made me feel mushy-happy:)
Posted by: maddie | Aug 03, 2007 at 03:57 PM
It sounds so sweet, that picture of little you!
Hope you are well. OX
:)
Posted by: Amber | Aug 05, 2007 at 06:06 AM
super sweet and super cute you :)
Posted by: daisies | Aug 20, 2007 at 12:18 AM