Today’s topic is an interesting one, an opportunity to talk about a knitter or crocheter who has inspired me in some way. There are many many amazing people out there whose work I admire, and inspire me on a regular basis. However for this assignment, I’d like to talk about someone I’ve never met.
My great grandmother.
I don’t know a lot about her, she was born in the 19th century, had 4 children in a short period of time and was married to a man who believed that she should keep a perfect house, and if she had time to do handwork that wasn’t “productive” there were chores that were being neglected.
In spite of his attitude, my great grandmother was a prolific crocheter. Not just small pieces, either. She crocheted tablecloths – large enough for a dining room table that could seat 10. She also sewed quite a bit, so she made her own aprons. I’m told they were long aprons, with pockets as large as the apron itself. She’d tuck her work into the pocket, and pull it out whenever she had a free moment (without “neglecting her chores.”). I love her ingenuity. I love that she figured out a way to continue to crochet in an environment that wasn’t conducive to her creativity.
Don’t think I’m not horrified by my great grandfather’s attitude. I’m sorry my great grandmother had to be this inventive for this reason, but I admire that she was, and the amazing work she left behind.
I don’t have any pictures of her work, this post should give me the incentive to try and get some pictures.
I knit alone 