Blackbird Mountain Designs was previously known as YarnyBird. Blog posts may contain references to YarnyBird.
The modern art of crochet dates back to somewhere around the 16th century. There were various forms of fiber arts before that, with various names, but crochet as we know it goes back to the 16th century. It’s an oral tradition that’s been passed down from generation to generation to generation, and typically you can look at the family history of any knitter or crocheter and find SOMEONE who also practiced the art.
My Nana passed away a few years ago. She was a knitter and a crocheter. When my uncle was going through her things, he passed on to me the yarn and tools of hers that were left. I’ve looked through them, but mostly they’ve remained in the containers and just been near the rest of my yarn.
We’re moving soon, and with that comes packing. I’ve been trying to do a little purging while packing, because we have a lot of STUFF and we’re moving to a smaller house. I packed my yarn and tools, and then opened up these containers to go through them and potentially purge some of the yarn in there. I knew there were some things in there I wouldn’t use, as it’s just not my taste…but as I started to make a pile to get rid of, I couldn’t. I couldn’t get rid of the yarn. I couldn’t pass them on to someone else who would use them.
There was an unfinished project in there. I have no idea what Nana’s original plan for this piece was. I decided to finish it off and it will go in our kitchen as a hot pad. Every day I’ll see it and be able to think of her. She’s not the one who taught me to knit and crochet, but it’s still part of our family’s tradition that has been passed to the next generation, and I hope one of my daughters or granddaughters wants to keep that tradition going when it’s time.
(But real talk for a second? WHY Nana?! Why the tiniest cotton crochet thread and the tiniest hook I’ve ever used and never wanted to use? I do love this stitch and I’ll be making something of my own with it VERY soon!)
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