Tuesday 6 May 2014

Prized talents

When I was about 13 or 14, doing quite well at all subjects except arithmetic, algebra and geometry, end of term and therefore speech night came inexorably around. Guess what I got? Most Improved in Needlework! My parents were not impressed. Nor was I, but it was certainly memorable. For some years I used to embroider doilies (plural?)  which have long been lost.

The local markets now feature a lot of stalls which sell old linen. Tablecloths, doilies, table runners, etc. There must be a lot of deceased estates where such items can be snatched up. I wonder what the ins and outs of it are. Although I have a beautiful tablecloth crocheted by my grandmother, it fits a six seater table, so is not large enough. A couple of years ago I found a crocheted tablecloth for a 8 seater table, for a mere $25, in perfect condition, so promptly snatched it up. It does not get used very often,  which is a bit sad.

I do crochet garments from time to time, but mostly now I make blankets, which go to refugees. Because of the need to wear a sleeve and glove to treat the lymphoedema, my crocheting output is less. The glove needs to be removed.

At present I am edging a rather lovely blanket, made by most of the group members in a variety of stitches, all in cream wool. They are all knitted, except for the four squares I crocheted. Now I am crochetibg the edges of the completed blanket. The women who joined all the squares used a variegated yarn in creams and pinky-rusty shades, and they gave me the remnants for the borders. But they were insufficient, and too short. Fortunately I was able to find the same yarn and am now placidly crocheting the borders. The glove has to be removed  while I do this. Now I am up to the final row, which uses crabstitch,  a stitch which very efficiently gives you a sore wrist.  But the result will be worth it.  The contemplation of the finished product gives me pleasure.






3 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

The blanket sounds sublime. Photos? Please.
When speech night came round, none of my recognition was for maths or science so it was discounted by my family.
It wasn't for needlework either. And still wouldn't be.
I hope the lymphodema is reducing.

Pam said...

Well, pleasure is good. I'm glad.

Gillie said...

Yes, as EC says, a picture, please! It sound beautiful.