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Helen Barrell's avatar

Such an extraordinary woman. I've often wondered about the women behind the Make Do and Mend book, and it's great to "meet" at least one of them and find out so much about her too.

And as an aside - that amazing necklace of hers. Onyx or something with big... sunflowers? Stars? She's wearing it in the photo at the top with her husband, and the portrait photo of her at the end too. What a statement piece!

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Sarah Harkness's avatar

Well spotted! Maybe some day I can ask her descendants...

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Fergus Murray's avatar

You posted this on the birthday of one of her daughters - my mum! I've just sent this to her other, my aunt Susie...

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Sarah Harkness's avatar

Oh my goodness, I am really happy to hear from you.. how did you find this? I hope you like what I've done with it. If you look at some of my other posts you will see that I am fascinated by your grandmother and all her generation, particularly those connected with the Wilson Cabinet! It would be lovely to talk to you and your aunt about it!

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Helen Barrell's avatar

Oh, please! That'd be brilliant. I wonder where the necklace ended up?

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Sarah Harkness's avatar

I think it's jet? Which might make it Victorian?

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Helen Barrell's avatar

Ahh yes, jet! Of course. I wonder if it was an heirloom from one of grandmothers?

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Jules's avatar

I've so enjoyed learning about this remarkable woman. What an eventful and useful life. I loved what Tam Dalyell said about her in her obituary. Beautiful.

Thanks Sarah!

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Sewing  Mends The Soul's avatar

Thank you Sarah, what an amazing women Jill Greenwood was & her story so beautifully told.

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Margaret Bennett's avatar

Such a brilliant piece. Thank you I really enjoyed it.

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Rob Devaney's avatar

What a fascinating woman thank you for telling her story so well

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Victoria K. Walker's avatar

What an extraordinary woman with a remarkable life. I really enjoyed reading this. Thank you, Sarah.

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Jeffrey Streeter's avatar

Wonderful, Sarah. That final letter is a perfect way to finish off her remarkable story. And "what, with tweeds?" is such a treat.

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Rod Hirsch's avatar

Thank you for Part 2, Sarah. Whenever I read about a remarkable woman – and Gillian Greenwood was nothing if not remarkable – I'm reminded what an under-achiever I am! Thankfully, most of us are too; it takes a lot of ground cover for the tall poppies to stand out.

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June Girvin's avatar

What a fascinating woman and a fascinating life. Thank you!

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Deborah Cox's avatar

Wonderful article about an awesome woman She had some life.

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Fergus Murray's avatar

I was googling - prompted by Susie (who by the way doesn't work Susanna with an h) - to see if I could find a published source to confirm that she not only wrote Make Do and Mend, but came up with the slogan as well!

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