snow day

Last weekend it snowed. All day long. Nothing major, just a light snowstorm through the day and evening. It was a good weekend to stay inside. And with sick people here, it was a good day to work on something I could pick up and put down as I needed to. Ainsley joined in with her own crocheted project, and we talked alot about my Mom, and her love of crocheting while we stitched. A childs' hat, scarf, and bag emerged at the end of the weekend; I was surprised at how quickly it worked up. 

I haven't crocheted at all in years. With two busy kids and then two more babies, it just wasn't on my radar screen to sit and crochet, or so I thought. I think I was probably wrong about that. I'd forgotten until last spring, how easy it is to sit and work at a piece of crocheting. Needle in and through and out, pulling yarn. Over and over and over again. A rhythm develops and a calm descends for me.

I crocheted through the spring as a way to cope while I helped take care of my Mom. I could pick it up whenever she fell asleep, and there was nothing else for me to do for a few minutes. It calmed my soul, and brought me peace through such an incredibly difficult time. The wonderful hospice lady who sat with my Mom, would bring her crocheting with her each time she came too. Instead of leaving when she arrived, I found myself staying, and we would sit and crochet together and talk about yarn and projects. I'm sure it would have looked awfully boring to anyone looking in on us, but she knew what I had just discovered: This was a way to cope, and it was healing work. 

I became awfully grateful to have come full circle in my love of this needlecraft. My Mom taught me to crochet when I was only about four. She crocheted beautifully. Pillowcases, doilies, tablerunners, baby buntings, and always a lovely baby blanket for each new grandchild. I took her lead, and crocheted all through my childhood and youth. Starting with those twirly 1970's ponytail holders, then moving onto doll clothes and blankets. Hope chest doilies as a teenager. Snowflakes for my own first Christmas tree...

And then life got so busy with kids and babies. I couldn't imagine how I had had the time to make any of those things. They seemed old fashioned, and a little silly too, as I worked for companies who wanted more "sophisticated craft projects".

I'm so glad that crocheting, and so many other needlecrafts have experienced a revival in the last decade. I'm surprised and delighted to see all the wildly cool, creative crocheted things made by Etsy artists today! It's good to see the next generation pick up the hook and run with it! Moms and Grandmas would approve, I'm sure.

Last month, as I searched Amazon for other crochet books, I ran across: Contemplative Crochet-  a hands on guide for interlocking faith and craft, by Cindy Crandall-Fazier. I was so intrigued by the title, I had to order it. I'm reading it now.

It's a beautifully written book, and Cindy is a wise woman. I'm grateful she got the guts to write a book she said many laughed off. Cindy writes:

 "Sharing crochet, teaching our craft, and giving the fruits of our labor are satisfying, joyful ways of celebrating our work. Helping to keep people and animals warm and comforted by giving bears or snuggles are compassionate ways of putting our contemplation into action. But the act of doing something for someone else can also have a healing effect on us, one fiber, one stitch at a time. Perhaps even more important than the products we create, the process of crocheting can become a spiritual practice of healing our worn or torn spirits that need mending. As we bring stitches and fabrics together, we create something whole and beautiful out of many disjointed pieces. I can think of no better image, and method, for the healing of our souls."

Hope your weekend is lovely, xoxoKelly

 

Comments

[Maria]

My mom taught me how to crochet too and I rarely do it these days. She could crochet the most beautiful "spiderweb" lace tablecloths. I have a couple that people would "kill for" because they are sooo beautiful. (Should take a picture...) Her hands are now useless with age and illness, and I asked her if she misses crafts, and she said yes, but at least she can read. She's 91 and can read without glasses!

[cindy geilmann]

I am so touched by your post. And amazed at your accomplishments.

My mother taught me at a young age also. She's 82 and still going strong. I have a project I'm working on right now for my grandson Max for Christmas. He has loved the blankets I crocheted around so much and he wants one more. He's 4 years old. He always says, "You made this for me didn't you grandma, I say yes, and he says "I love you". What special memories I have of my children and grandchildren and their quilts and blankets.

I can't think of anything nicer then to sit with a friend and crochet. I would love to do it with you.

Beautiful pieces. Their probably for someone special.

cindy@stitches

[Julie]

This post feels so warm, cozy and comforting. I often wish I had someone to teach me how to crochet, or better yet, had someone teach me when I was a child so it would feel like riding a bike now. I'm so happy your mom gave you that to enjoy...Prayed for you this morning, Kelly.

[traci]

so sweet. i wish i would have really learned to crochet from my grandma. i love the red and the snowflakes. so cute!!!

[Deb]

Such a beautiful post Kelly! A dear neighbour taught me how to knit/crochet/sew when I was 11. She was an avid crafter who always had baskets of leftover wool and fabric ~ just perfect for an old soul like me :-) What lovely memories you have of your sweet Mum ♥ You will keep those forever!

[Jeni]

You make it look so easy. I have never understood how to crochet. You are so talented. Love your red and white creations.