Mangle Moments of Creativity: November 2013

Monday, November 25, 2013

Aria's Ballet Sweater

I absolutely LOVE this sweater but Aria isn't convinced that I haven't made some huge mistakes on it! "Mommy, can you make the sweater longer? And the sleeves should go down..."

Grandma Jo

This wonderfully lady, mother of 7, managed to serve many others with her creative talents in cake decorating, quilting and embroidery for many decades. When she passed away, I spent some time in her craft room looking through the legacy of stitchwork that she left behind. It was obvious that she meant to make many more baby quilts for young single mothers, evidenced by the deep box of completed quilt squares sitting beside her sewing machine, ready to be joined into a loving and warm gift. I was able to keep her embroidery basket and dozens of iron transfers for dish towels. I miss her so much but I am thrilled to carry on with her crafting traditions and with her passion for God's grace. The baby in the picture is my Mom, another extremely talented lady.

Grandma Wilson

Yes, I have TWO creative Grandmothers! I used to spend a week with Grandma Wilson during the summers once I was old enough. I would watch her quilt while I cross stitched. The quiet bond created while crafting is so very special. Grandma Wilson made perhaps 100 quilts in her lifetime and they were all handpieced with fabric from the thrift store. She had a knack for combining some rather bizarre prints and patterns into striking arrangements. (A gift I did not inherit.) She would always tell me how much God loves us and remind me to trust in Him. This is a picture of Grandpa and Grandma with my Aunt Betty in front of their Alabama home. I like the chickens.