Last Friday, March 19, when visiting my family in Ohio, I photographed this colorful set of books on top of Charlie’s dresser. I’d not seen them altogether in this format . I know they’ve been read aloud numerous times to Charlie.(5) he always tells me about a grandmother in the books who knits.
Happy Birthday Bonnie. May your special birthday be the beginning of a happy new year. March 24th is the day!
When Bonnie was preschool age, her mother gave her fabric and a needle to work alongside her while she sewed. Various aunts and relatives taught her to crochet and then later to knit. being a crocheter first, she knits Continental, holding the yarn in her left hand. Her skill is exemplary.
Last week I photographed Bonnie and many of her lovely knitted things- I met Bonnie a couple of years ago at an in-person Sunday Afternoon Stitch Group held atMcWalker Yarns store in Millvale Pennsylvania. This past year during the Pandemic we have “met” online a couple times a week on the Zoom Sit and Stitch groups sponsored by McWalker. Some of you from the Pittsburgh area may have shopped for yarn more than a decade ago in her former store – Bonnie Knits in Monroeville. She has a vast knowledge and experience and is always willing to answer questions or help another knitter decipher pattern directions. Need a little math assistance to figure out gauge? Ask Bonnie.
I haven’t been inside anyone’s home for a long time. We spent a couple of happy hours together and she gave me a peek into her knitting life and home. There are drawers, bins and closets filled with beautifully hand knitted sweaters, skirts, dresses,socks shawls, mittens , gloves and hats Handmade rugs from her mother and a gorgeous quilt made by her great grandmother were heirlooms to admire.
Bonnie welcoming me to her home. Knit in Rowan Felted Tweed. Heart Leaf Boxy Jumper by Dee HardwickeFour generations photographs. Bonnie is the baby in the middle photo. And the dark haired mother on the right in the far right photo. What a treasure to cherish. Her daughter Kate framed the three photographs together. Here’s the tile -now look at the rug her mother made below. Bonnie’s mother made this hooked rug, based on the above tile’s design. Bonnie showed me her current project. An Oslo Hat by PetiteKnit -Fibernymphs Grant Avenue colorway Bedazzled Yarn paired with Rowan Kidsilk Haze Mohair from McWalker YarnsBonnie’s Bell Collection
Details of a few of her hand knitted sweaters and a pair of socks top left Her great grandmothers 48 States quilt embroidered with state flowers. Pattern Y-680 Ladies Jacket by Eisaku Noro & Co.,Ltd knit in 2different color-ways of Noro Kuryeon
Sharing family photos- her father on the top left. State Flower Quilt detail Meet one of her cats- Kisa. Loki was in the basement waiting until I left to come out and sniff where I’d sat on the couch. Wonder what pattern Bonnie will knit next? Planted in 1971, her crocus return ever year,
This morning I drove Maura and Jack to school behind I left for Pittsburgh. Maura captured the sunrise in the passenger mirror while we were in our way. A new day.
