At the Farmer’s Market, I saw bunches of Cosmos and my grandmother Hendricks came to mind.
She used to grow them. I bought a bouquet and put them in a vase.
They just look “old fashioned” to me.
This is the grandmother who taught me to knit. My father’s mother.
When I was at Laura and James house, I took this photo of the tag on the afghan they have in their living room.
Her name was Mary Alta but she went by Alta. I have never met anyone else named Alta.
My appreciation for all things handmade and knit was passed down.
Recently I was led to open the back of her Book of Common Prayer and found this list in her hand.
Here is a list of 26 afghans she knit for others when she was in the Nursing Home in Taylorville Illinois.
I’m Ruthie, Mark is my son and Marian is my Mother and “Roy’s Mary” is my sister.
My sister-in-law Bobbie, sent this afghan below (one my grandmother made) to Laura and James. An heirloom gift
The blue one is the one she made for me. Her knitting is just beautiful.
The afghans are lovely. The fact that the list of those she knitted for over that span of time remains is amazing.
So very special!
Marti has one that my grandmother crocheted for me and she is honored to have it. Your grandmother left you quite a legacy.
See! I knew there was a reason to save things. I love the list.
I love cosmos, and how nice to keep and treasure old hand made things.
Wow, Lucky Marian! Three afghans AND a shawl. I wonder what the check marks mean. Are you the Ruthie on the list? Lovely juxtaposition of the
pink cosmos and the pink afghan.
Your Grandma Hendricks was a master knitter. Her afghans are beautiful!
Thanks V
The flowers look very turn-of-the-(19th)-century to me. I adored seeing the script from your grandmother’s hand (as well as the blankets those same hands crafted); wonderful how her memory lives on. (And on, and on…)
Cherished treasures
The Afghan is so beautiful, Ruth. Cosmos grow in South Africa too. Always a sign that winter is on the way. 🙂
Loved this!
Beautiful and special, every photo and memory!!
A wonderful nostalgic post. 🙂
Beautiful memories of the past, and I love Cosmos also.
Thank you Joan