Handmade Lap Robes & Pillows

In my shop I have a few handmade treasures to share with Laura fans.  Lap Robes and Pillows are just such examples.  (Lap Robes were a small quilt-type blanket worn on the lap when you would go out in the open buggy during a cold season. You can read about them in Laura's books.) These lap robes and pillows are handmade by Esther Jones.  Esther is now 93 years old.  Up until last year she was still able to make these wonderful works of art.  Now, arthritis and other ailments of the aged artisan, prevent her from completing any more.  She had made them for decades; from her own design.  She did all her work by hand - without the use of a sewing machine!   Now, that is a lost and dying art!

You may ask, "What is her connection to Laura?"  Well, Esther was a friend of Neta Seal.  Neta was a long time, close friend of Laura and Almanzo; having first met during the 1930's.  One notable adventure was when Neta and her husband shared a road trip to California and South Dakota with Laura and Almanzo. But that is another story.
Back to Esther -
As Neta grew older she needed someone to care for her and her house.  It was Esther who did that.  She moved in with her and took over all the necessary duties.  She faithfully cared for Neta till her dying day.

Esther, a good friend of mine, has lived in Mansfield most all of her life.  She wasn't of the same era as Laura and only knew her at a distance, as a nice lady who attended the same church.  But she told me a story of how, as a young girl, she had seen Rose, (Laura & Almanzo's daughter) out, riding on horseback with some girl friends. Esther recalled how she and her friends laughed about it, because not only was Rose wearing britches, (not common for a young lady in those days and almost shameful!) but, they were odd-looking English Equestrian type britches!

Esther also mentioned how, while taking care of Neta, people would come to see where Laura had lived and visit with Neta.  They would ask Neta all kinds of questions about Laura.  Neta did her best to answer them all.  They also were hoping to take something home that had belonged to Laura.  Neta was as obliging as possible, without giving away anything of real value or that which was really treasured.  Esther came up with a solution - she would package up some stones from the yard, explaining that it was ground that both Neta and Laura had walked upon.  The visitors treasured this as much as anything!  And today, I have taken Esther's suggestion and have packaged up stones, twigs, leaves and other things collected off the ground at Rocky Ridge Farm.  I ask only a minimal price to cover the packaging and my efforts.  And visitors are still very appreciative!

You may not need a Lap Robe to go out riding in a buggy, but they are nostalic of Laura and her lifetime.  I have priced the last of Esther's Lap Robes and Pillows far below what is a normal price for anyone's lap robes; so they are quite affordable.  If you hurry, you might still be able to snatch one up before they are all gone!  In the meantime, we'll have to just enjoy this picture of them.   Soon, all we will have is a great memory and this picture.

Esther observed that, "If you give people what they want, they will be happy."  I thoroughly agree!  That's why I have my shop and the treasures in it available to all.
I thank the Lord that I was able to become friends with such a great lady.  And it is nice to think of the connection I have to Laura through Esther.

"Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that is how I will remember you."  Laura Ingalls Wilder