Another year, another chance to renew our resolutions – or not! The fact that some of mine have altered little over the years, waste less, re-cycle more, finish what I start, because I have this nasty habit of thinking yes, I’ll do that, just, not now, must mean something. Either that I’m failing miserably to get a grip, or that I grow ever more demanding of these aims?
Still it was with some of this and a bit more in mind that a few of us locally decided a few months back to meet up once a week, with the view of actually finishing some of our projects - all started with good intentions but often laid aside, in deference to washing up, cleaning, ferrying about children, or grandchildren, supporting older relatives - it’s not an exhaustive list, more a flavour.
We’ve not been unsuccessful, and we’ve found a surprising strength in this solidarity. To date we’ve finished various knitting and sewing projects.
This cushion cover, from one of our group, was made from her late father’s jumper. a lovely way to remember and keep someone close.
And a masterclass in creative mending from another…
A previous non-knitter has learned how to knit, continental style, where the wool is held in the left hand instead of the British right handed method.
She is now going onto knit a jumper on circular needles!
Knitting is not all we do. We’ve helped fix a neighbour’s new digital phone, after the engineer failed to. We’ve swapped information about gardens and planting and upcycling… these beautiful shelves were made from scaffolding planks
We’ve shared recipes and resources, cake and tea. We’re currently assembling a playlist, with a ‘dance as if nobody’s watching session’ in mind… and while much of this may not sound much to some for us it’s been a thoughtful and wonderful venture. Not least because of this…
When one of our number, was taken suddenly ill before Christmas and died unexpectedly, she left behind much, a house, a car, a fine vegetable plot, many friends and of course her family. She also left us with an unfinished cardigan for a new great niece. And as part of our new group philosophy, I took on the task of completing it for her.
It took me most of a day but along the way I learned to 'top sew' which is something I had not heard of before, despite having been a knitter for most of my life, I also took time out to watch a u-tube video – on how to buttonhole neatly - which was such a simple thing but was something else I'd never bothered to master before. Apart from the satisfaction of knowing the cardigan would not be consigned to the ‘room of lost and forgotten items’, I consider these new skills as final gifts from our dear friend Dorothy, and I thank her for her grace and patience, a little of which rubbed off on me that day.
And so, as last year I ask you to raise a glass, to friends old and friends new, life-long or fleeting may all their projects… indeed hopes and dreams be complete.
