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Sunday, November 25, 2012

November 25, 2012


 I was all set to write an upbeat post about these socks, finally finished after years, and I do mean years, on the needles....but I just don't have it in me.  You see, today is two years since my mom died, and even though I've never been one to mark these kinds of anniversaries, it's getting to me.  So many memories have been swimming around my heart and mind.....it is bittersweet to think of them all.
  
The four-day weekend has flown by, and I'm looking forward to getting back to work tomorrow (there's a new one). Ask me again on say, Wednesday, how I feel :) 

There were a lot of starts and stops this weekend, including Christmas decorating, cleaning, shopping and some house hunting (nothing concrete yet, just starting to look around).

Another pair of socks was started.......pink this time. I also just ordered new yarn to start another sweater for my son.  Another sweater because I got all done with the back of the first one and discovered I didn't have enough yarn for the whole sweater.  I'm still so perplexed by this......if you knew me, you'd know that I can be counted on to buy enough yarn.  Somehow I either goofed up with the total purchased or hid it so well that I can't find it (also unlike me).  So, I bucked up and ordered a light gray (the first one was charcoal), and will cast on for it soon.  I had hoped to have it done for him this winter, but that seems like a real pipe dream at this point......he's a 42 tall. Yikes.

To end this choppy little post, I will share a short memory of my mom.  Mom was an accomplished needlewoman, making beautiful crocheted, knitted, embroidered and sewn items. She always had a project (or two or three) going.  One day not long after I was married, Mom was at my house and I was showing her something I was working on.  I could see how delighted she was that I, too, loved to stitch.  Mom told me, "Amy, as long as you have your needlework, you will never feel alone." I think she was right, except maybe for today.....today I feel terribly alone.  I miss you, Mom.



Sunday, November 11, 2012

New Life For An Old Blanket

 

When I was a little girl, this wool blanket was a fixture in our home.  My mom got it some time in the 40's, I think, on one of her many trips to Port Albert in Canada.  The label says "Strathroy Woolen Mills, Ontario Canada."


Her grandma had a sweet little farm there.  I found it while cleaning out Mom's house and discovered that the blanket stitching was coming apart in several places.  The original thread/yarn was very soft and I had a hard time finding something similar.  I settled on size 10 bedspread cotton.  At first I was going to do a blanket stitch by hand, but realized crocheting it matched the original stitching and was much easier than carrying that long thread by hand.  I'm happy with the results.....the blanket still looks good for being so old and loved.


After the repair job.


I made another baby sweater, using a slightly different pattern. I like how the flower turned out : )


We had the garage sale at my mom's in early October.  It was bittersweet.....and a big weight off my shoulders.  Hard to see her home so empty, but I couldn't keep everything.  I have many plastic containers of treasures and so many wonderful memories.  That will have to do for now.  Next is getting the inside spruced up a bit over the winter, planting a few new bushes in the spring and getting it up for sale.  That will mark the end of this journey for me.  As usual, I will keep you posted.

I always say I'm not going to stay away so long....but then well, you know.  So this time I'm not saying it.....just hoping to be here again SOON.
Have a happy week!