Dear Friends of The Blue Purl,
Yes, there is virtue in living a rich emotional life, one with people at the center. I think we have all learned just how fragile the material world is and what carried us through these tough times, if not our personal relationships. But there are times when the material world, and the emotional world come together, and that is especially true with handmade items.
We knit for family. We knit for friends. We knit for pets and babies and sometimes even for strangers.
And with each object, we give not only a sweater or a hat, we give a memory.
Some of the most precious items in our homes, are things that belonged to loved ones, long gone. And as beautiful as the item may be, its real value is in the memory, right?
That is especially true of handmade garments. Do you have an afghan your grandmother made? Will your children, or grandchildren, or friend have an item made with your two hands?
There is so much emotional context to our craft. The love and memories flow two ways, because as you are making your project, aren’t you thinking about who the recipient is, imagining them wearing it proudly. So much love is put into these items.
Who is knit-worthy?
Well, anyone we want to express our compassion for, even a stranger who may benefit from a winter hat.
Even though the object itself may outlast its usefulness, the memory is forever.
OK so you have the child who will put the sweater in the wash - make them an afghan instead! The new parent who will stare at the beautiful sweater until the baby grows out of it - they will most likely keep it and pass it down. Many of us have ponchos from the 70's or heirloom baby blankets back from decades ago.
One of our teachers, Carolyn, has a baby blanket that is passed down through the family with each new baby’s initials and birthdate embroidered on it.
Keri was given a beautiful blanket made by two of her friends. She is an amazing knitter, but that blanket is so special to her because of the thought - and yes it's gorgeous.
Ok, so maybe happiness can’t be bought, but we believe it can be knit (or crocheted.)
connect + create
Patty, Wendy & TBP Team
