My dear Grandma, who celebrated her 100th birthday in June, died Friday week ago. We celebrated her life at her funeral on Monday. My Grandma was always one of my biggest fans. She was one who taught me to knit and crochet (others such as my mum and aunt were involved in this too). She was someone who I could always *make* a present for and I knew it would be appreciated and valued. When she moved from independent living into low care a few years ago, I received back some of the things I’d made her. There’s a patchwork hexie cushion I made her when I was a child, sitting just to my right, as I type this. She always thought everything we grandchildren did was wonderful. I loved her and will miss her.
Did you have a generous and encouraging grandmother or someone else older, who taught you needlecrafts? I think that’s a wonderful gift that older women can give girls and younger women: the gift of skills of creativity.
Grandma and me at her 100th birthday party.
White Threads is the blog of Yvette Stanton, the author, designer, publisher behind Vetty Creations' quality needlework books and embroidery products.
My condolences, Yvette. What a beautiful lady your grandmother is. I was taught several needlecrafts by my mother. They were traditions among her aunts and great-aunts, and we have several things our relatives made. I think it’s special to have inherited these interests from women in our families.
Hi Kathryn, We had milliners in the family too, so textile crafts were in the family way back. I am so privileged that some skills have been passed down to me.
I’m sorry to hear about your Grandmom. How wonderful that you got to keep her until 100! And you are so lucky to have been taught by other women in your family. What a fabulous gift they gave you.
Jo
Durham NC USA
Thanks Jo. Yes to all of that!
But my goodness, you were able to have so much wonderful time with her, and show her how much you appreciated her…
That’s right, Rachel. We all consider ourselves immensely fortunate.
What a lovely story Yvette! My grandma was an avid embroideress too. The thing I learned most from her: make do. If the pattern of say Father Christmas states DMC#666 but you only have #321, use it. After all they are both red. And when her eyes and hands started to fail her, she just progressed onto bigger canvas and left out small details. She really only stopt stitching when her mind began to wander. Very valuable lesson too!
I’m sorry for your loss. You were so lucky to have been able to spend so much time with her. I lost both my grandmothers in my teens and they didn’t live to see me learn how to embroider.
Sorry about your grandmother. I’m sure there will be fond memories every time you pick up a crochet hook or needle.
That’s lovely Jessica. My Grandma was primarily a knitter and a crocheter, so they were the skills I learned from her. She made some amazing beautiful lace tablecloths, and some wonderfully comfy bedsocks – the whole gamut!
Thanks Dima. I really was fortunate to have her for so long. She was an amazing woman in so many ways.
Thanks Gail. I have some of her crochet hooks and knitting needles. Very special.
Sincere condolences Yvette.
I am sorry to hear about your grandmother. I lost my mother a month ago, age 90. She taught me how to sew, knit, etc. It’s a wonderful legacy to have.
Thanks Irene.
Thanks Arlene. I’m sorry for your loss too.