A gray day that is bringing us some needed rain showers and a perfect time to post the closing of a project of mine. March 
19th of this year I posted a photo of a forgotten project tucked away in a sewing bag in our attic. I am at the age and stage of my life that unfinished projects will become a throw away for those that find in sometime in the future. The busy world of today does not leave much time for the luxury of handmade items to be made in spare time. Do they even make “spare time” anymore?
Visits to several stores in Mankato that carry yarn were less than successful. There is no longer the array of colors that I had chosen for this afghan in the mid 1980s. I was looking for the eight colors that had been used and my visits to the stores brought me the sum total of one color that would match my originals. Hmm! Dennis would have been willing to drive to more towns but a check on the various yarn companies via my computer indicated that what once was for choices is no longer available. More yarns are available for high end fashion than utility afghans.
Each evening I would put the afghan on my lap and try to whip out a few rows. I knew I had a time dead line. I was not going to be looking forward to holding a warm afghan on my lap while the air conditioner was thumping away to keep me comfortable while putting Dennis into hypothermia. Initially the eight colors represented 8 skeins at 4 ounces each. I must have been feeling really enthused in the 1980s as the width of the afghan was wide enough to cover a full sized bed rather than the usual 40 – 45 inch width. With pad and pencil working out the amount of length that a skein produced I knew I had to compromise and do the belly of the afghan in a complementary color to the original.
It may have been out of sight for a time, but now
will be ready and waiting to bring cuddle time.
I did enjoy the project to the extent that the mind wandered here and there and everywhere into the memories of days gone by. We had very little extra resources when Orlin and I farmed and Carrie and Kevin were wee ones. I was never refused to purchase yarn when it produced something that could be used in our home. I have an idea that it was deemed a good thing because Orlin’s mother, Esther, was an avid crocheter and Orlin may have equated me doing something that was a representation of what his mother did and enjoyed. Thinking a bit more in that vain, Orlin’s mother also painted with fabric paints and I too was allowed to buy paints and even take Esther to several events where new ideas were presented. To this day I still enjoy those self same hobbies. Hats off to Esther Schafer, a very talented and thrifty gal.
This last Monday was the day I wanted to finish up the afghan. I couldn’t take being indoors any longer. With the sun shining and the wind being blustery I headed to the back patio and put in one single crochet after another, not daring to think of how many it would take to get to the finish. Usually it does not take 12 skeins of yarn or take one hour to put on one row of stitches, but there was no turning back as to what it would take to put this project to rest. Any good crafter will tell you that what you start you mush finish. Dennis brought out coffee and kept me company for a bit and soon the next door neighbor, Jan, came over and we chatted away until the last stitch was poked in.
Perhaps crocheting in the backyard will encourage
the perennials to make their appearance.
I like the fact that I have the patience for the time consuming crocheting and quilting. I don’t give myself permission to have nothing to show for each day. It didn’t work for my grandmother Laura and it serves me just as well. Some day there may be a smile on the face of a family member when they get to take the colorful afghan home to snuggle up with. Oh yes, there will be a time again when homespun and handmade items will again bring favor and appreciation over the items fresh out of China. Mark my words.
When granddaughter Megan was here earlier in the month she ask me if I knew how to knit. You know, I may just have to check out some YouTube Videos to see if could get the hang of just enough to help Megan out if she decides it might be for her.
In life, please give and have no memory of it, or take and remember it always.
