Today’s guest blogger, Kathleen, gets in touch with her inner “crafty” child and shares some fond memories.
A few weeks ago, I started thinking about taking up crocheting again. I’m not a very crafty person, and haven’t done anything like that in years, but I thought it would be a nice stress-reducing thing to do of an evening (and perhaps if my hands were busy I’d be less likely to engage in mindless munching as well). So, earlier this week, I picked up some yarn and the one crochet hook we had in the house (leftover from an earlier, unsuccessful “great idea” to teach my kids how to crochet).
I don’t think I’ve crocheted anything in about 30 years, and the only thing I remembered how to make was slippers, so I started making a pair for my eight year old. She was very excited by the idea and couldn’t wait for me to finish. She didn’t even care that they weren’t in her favorite color because to make that happen I would have had to make a trip to the store, and that would have delayed completion. I think she thought I was going to finish them the same night I started them.
I’ve been amazed at how much I’ve enjoyed making these slippers – even if I couldn’t exactly remember how to do some parts and had to make it up as I went along. And my husband was amazed that after 15 years together, there are still things he didn’t know about me. Had you asked him if I could do something like this, he would have laughed and said, “Um, no.”
I should be working today – countless deadlines to meet – but I just couldn’t concentrate until I finished these slippers.
As I put the finishing touches on them, I was reminded of my Grandma Rakestraw, who taught me how to crochet all those years ago. Together we made slippers, afghans, pillows and more. I loved those times with her working on our crocheting together. And to this day, I still can’t cast on that first loop and remember always handing her my crochet hook to get me started.
Grandma died 11 years ago this holiday season, and she often pops into my mind this time of year. This year, she popped into my hands instead, guiding me as I made a pair of slippers for the great granddaughter she never met but would have definitely loved – and would have taught to crochet if given the chance.
~ Kathleen
12-17-2008 09:45:37
Yeah Kathleen! Now that you’re back to crocheting you should keep going with it. There are so, so many beautiful yarns out there of all textures, colors and price range and, so many updated patterns and tons of free patterns available online. Creating something is very powerful in many ways…you’ll see. Thanks for your story.
12-17-2008 14:59:38
Kathleen (my namesake). I am sewing on this cold snowy day here in Lancaster CA. As I sew my mind goes to Aunt Bea (your great aunt) who loved to sew also and to Gramma Brandon who also died 11 years ago this holiday season as did her friend, your Gramma Rakestraw. The homely acts of sewing, crocheting, cooking and baking always connect me so strongly to those women. They seem to live as my hands manipulate dough or yarn or fabric. My mind drifts to sweet memories and happy times. Teach your girls to crochet or bake or sew…..pass the gift along so they will have the comfort of that connection also.
12-17-2008 20:19:29
Aww.. how sweet , both of you. I never could learn any of that stuff(although I tried- Katie can attest) I did learn to make rosaries, tho’, and those dear sweet ladies( Mom and Anne, and Bea) all were buried with one I made for them entwined in their fingers.
12-17-2008 20:28:21
Kathleen, (my sister), your last paragraph made me cry. I remember crocheting with Grandma fondly too, especially that big wagon wheel afghan we all made together. My neighbor, Tammy, started knitting too for the relaxation. Maybe I will have to get Emma, (my 11 year old) to teach me to knit and crochet again. Still impressed you remembered how. Hope Grandma is looking down on you feeling proud and loved.
12-17-2008 21:40:11
Thanks for including me on this. I curl up in one of grandmas afgans each night on the sofa and think of her. I am so impressed that you still remember how to crochet! Grandma would be so proud. If I close my eyes I can still see her sitting in her rocker, her knee high panty hose rolled down around her ankles, basket of yarn on the floor and those crochet hooks flyin’! Hard to believe it has been 11 years- sure do wish our kids could have known her. Keep it up- teach your girls… what a great gift to pass along to the future. Oh, and by the way, if you are looking for anything else to crochet….. Presley could always use some slippers
Happy Holidays! Love, Lesa
12-17-2008 22:33:50
These are adorable – I loved the sentiments you shared – projects like these certainly thread the generations together. And wasn’t it neat how excited your daughter was to have these?!
12-17-2008 23:54:31
Ah…the advantages of being one of the “older” grandchildren! No slight intended, really. What a great story. I think by the time Jenne and I came along, Gramma was too tired from teaching to teach us any of this stuff. The best I can do is finger crochet, and that’s only good if you need one string and not a pair of slippers. Thanks so much, Kathleen, for sharing this wonderful story. It keeps Gramma alive in spirit and our collective memories. Have a wonderful holiday, and I’m sure that the slippers will be enjoyed and remembered. God bless.