Wednesday 3 August 2011

The gift of knitting

Knitting to me is a complete pleasure, the best legacy my beloved Nana ever gave me.
There has always been the means to knit, yarn and needles tucked away somewhere throughout my life, even in my teens when a project was left on the needles for months, years and normally finally finished by my Nana.
I remember my first "go it alone" project, using the brightest colours and the wonkiest of stitches, a pinafore dress.I felt so very grown up, purchasing the yarn from a shop in Portland, Dorset and settling down seriously to a project with someone so special in mind, my new God daughter.I was 17 and the pride on my Nana's face when I showed her my first finished project, stays safely tucked in my heart.
Knitting has helped my through some tough times, given me purpose and healing.
The joy of creating to welcome a new life, a birthday celebrating toddler, a girlfriend, a family in need, friends, family,strangers is a gift, a true gift, one I cherish each and every day.
Recently, I passed on my legacy at The Mother Camp, sharing the knowledge given to me.I passed out Nana's needles to knitters, new and those that just needed reminding how to and together we created a blanket for a lovely couple, who were handfasted at camp.A true community effort, sparked, inspired and enabled by Mrs Ethel Joan Head, my Nana.


Poncho for a new little girl, perfect for baby wearing.


Yet another Pickle pattern.



And a bigger one.




Little socks, in rainbow colours for new little feet.

15 comments:

Unknown said...

Honey, I had a lovely email today from Chiara with photos of her children knitting on the boat back to Italy. She was full of praise for your beautiful self ;-) And quite rightly!

Have a photo of the wedding blanket you initiated at camp, too. Wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a lovely couple of wool shops to take you to when you come to visit. HUGS, my friend, Veronika

Laura said...

Your knitting is a gift to the world Denise. You are such a talented lady. You must have made us those socks three (?) years ago and we are still using them. Phoebe calls them her special welly socks! Thank you xxx

Sandra Ann said...

How wonderful that you were able to pass on such a comforting skill and that, as a result of the joint effort others within the group had a tangible reminder of a special day!

My needles are permanently by my side at the moment... it's the cheapest form of therapy I know!!

Blessings San x

charlotte said...

your knitting looks so lovely. what a wonderful job, I can knit a square and thats about it!!!

Ariad said...

My nanna taught me to knit and crochet and sew. I love this gift she gave me. Love the little poncho and the idea for the wedding blanket.

Jacqui said...

Sorry i wasn't there to sit and knit with you D - but one day... xxx

Ava said...

Love that Poncho ! Now following your inspiring blog xx Ava

Kelly said...

Hello sweet Mama.
I have missed you and missed you when you were in the area too. Another time. Such beautiful knitting as always. You certainly do bring smiles. So sorry to read that you have been unwell and K too. Hope that is all behind you both now. What a wonderful thing to do - sharing the knitting love at the Mother camp. Love to you always

devonmama said...

What lovely things you made, you can see the love them goes into them. My Nan taught me too, and she's so proud when she sees the boys in things I've made xx

me said...

So glad you are back blogging my lovely, have missed you! I am so envious of your knitting talent :) Oh, and those teeny socks look familiar ;) xx

Susan said...

You're such an incredible knitter and I wish I lived close by so could pass the time away chatting as we knit. I think about a verse by Thornton Wilder, "We are most alive when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." You are certainly a treasure to me and I love you, XOXO

Daisy said...

And all the knitting chums you've made too! :-)

arwen_tiw said...

Mama you are so fabulous, and such a blessing to so many. The gifts that your family passed on to you, you pass on without stinting.

Dawn said...

Beautiful xxx

Unknown said...

Wow--what a nice post! And those projects are all beautiful. I found your blog through the 30 Day Vegan class :).

Jaimie