Two Ribbons

Two ribbons from the Indiana State Fair 1967. What was I doing in 1967? I was in southern Indiana while my husband attended a Seminary in Indianapolis. All my relatives were on the east coast of Canada, 2000 miles away--and I was a mother to four little girls. I remember the loneliness. My comfort? Yarn, needles, and knitting were my best friends.

I waited for three months; my daughter was sick, knitting was my only

security. Everyone was sure there was no hope. Then, finally, When I finished her sweater, I believed she would be alive to wear it, and she was.

I learned if I face something I can’t control and it takes me to a worrying place, start a project. Time passes. Something beautiful is the result.

I discovered the more complicated the problem, the more complex the project. For example, one grand-baby required combing Cormo wool, spinning it into lace weight yarn, and knitting a 300-year-old complicated lace pattern. It took me over a year, and we had a beautiful baby girl at the end of that year.

Knitting was my solace when I was in Pennsylvania, 300 miles from twin towers in New York. I felt like Madame De Farge as I watched CBC. The world as I knew it collapsed. Knitting calmed me. I made plans to go back to Canada.

No money for wool, I used my leftover yarn, and knitting saved me as I wrote papers and knit my way to the degree that I was determined to complete in time for my 70th birthday.

Now, as age shows me who’s the boss; My spinning wheel, loom, needles, and yarn, are teaching me more than I ever imagined. Once more, I know fibre creations make my life worth living.