Oh So Special

I had an inspiration. My neighbor recently celebrated the birth of her very first grandchild. I wanted to make her a very special baby gift. You see, we lived next door to each other when she had her babies over 20 years ago. We've been through a lot together...births, deaths, life... The most significant event of our long time friendship has been the sudden death of her husband when he was just in his 30's. My lovely friend has raised her daughters beautifully all these years, yet nothing could ever possible erase the scars left by this sudden death. I wanted to honor that and somehow bring that amazing husband and father into the gift that would embrace his first grandchild. I asked God to please bless the work of my hands. I asked for some shirts that had belonged to their beloved, and used the fabric to spin into a yarn. I spun three complimentary yarns. I caked the yarn and cast on with a pattern of my own design. (my favorite part of the blankie are the bits with the shirt fabric spun in) I photo-documented the whole project and then had a picture book made to explain my process and who knows, maybe even read to the baby! This little project kept me busy for quite some time. It has been a privilege to accompany my friend on her healing journey all these years. I know firsthand that grief can be a very lonely place. I hope to replace some of that sorrow with joy this afternoon when I present this special gift. Ironically, it's Valentine's Day. What better day than today to make someone feel how much they are loved.