Birthday Crochet

     I have a friend who recently turned 92 years old.  She is a gardener and still plants a huge vegetable plot that she takes care of all  by herself, not to mention picking, canning, and freezing all the produce she grows.  Baking and cooking, another of her many skills, is one of her favorite daily activities.  All things I love to do and we have in common. 
     I wanted to give her a handmade birthday gift, something from my hands to hers... something she could use.  I needed something practical as my friend was raised when times were hard and money was scarce.  Her family farmed and survived on what they raised and created with their own hands and ingenuity.  After some careful consideration  I decided to crochet her some potholders.  Everyone needs potholders right?
     My grandmother was also close to my friend, and being an inveterate crafter would constantly crochet, knit, and embroider gifts for her on every occasion, and yes, a certain potholder pattern was her favorite.  I had also been a recipient of many of those same potholders, but had never gotten the instructions or even tried to crochet my own.  My grandmother passed away several years ago and my friend still misses her company and her crafts.  What better gift than the same potholders that she had loved before and would remind her of my grandmother's friendship.
     After a  short search, I found the pattern that I was looking for here.  Where else would I be able to find it but a crafty gal's blog!   Thank you "Boring Knitter" for sharing.  My friend was very happy with her gift and immediately recognized they were the same as those she had received from my grandmother many years ago.  I'm sure those potholders will be lovingly used.
     I draw so much of my inspiration in daily life from the friends and relatives who have lived before me.  They have so much to teach and share so, I listen and learn and feel privileged to carry on their values and skills in my own life......even in the humblest of birthday gifts.

Crochet Bits

Decided that today I would pick up my "fancy" work. I had started this crocheted Irish Rose Sachet, some time ago, so, after some initial studying of the pattern and determining where I had left off.....why didn't I mark my stopping point?.....I worked a few rows. I enjoy any kind of needlework and find it a creative and soothing way to spend time, not to mention that I end up with a lovely, handmade heirloom to boot!
My Mom and both Grandmothers were avid crocheters. As a child, I would sit and watch their hooks flash through miles of thread and was amazed at the lacy, webbed wonders that grew from their nimble fingers. Finally, after begging her to teach me, Mom showed me the stitches and techniques that make up the crochet repertoire. My awkward, painfully tight stitches were horribly misshapen, the white thread grubby from my sweaty little hands. It took me so long to make even the simplest chain.....I felt certain that I would never be able to coax anything remotely resembling a work of art from my clumsy hook.
Over the years I would try crochet again many times. Slowly, I practiced and became more and more comfortable with the hook and yarn and even turned out a few nice things. My Mom didn't give up on me and she would always be there to answer any questions and help me solve whatever goof I had made. My Mom and my Grandmothers aren't with me anymore. I am fortunate and grateful to have inherited many doilies, afghans and other "pretties" they created during their lifetimes. They grace my home and life with their remembrance and beauty. When I pick up my "fancy" work, I am flooded with memories and a feeling of continuing their legacy. I know that they would approve.