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 at McWalker 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.

Knit in Rowan Felted Tweed.
Heart Leaf Boxy Jumper by Dee Hardwicke




An Oslo Hat by PetiteKnit -Fibernymphs Grant Avenue colorway Bedazzled Yarn paired with Rowan Kidsilk Haze Mohair from McWalker Yarns



Y-680 Ladies Jacket by Eisaku Noro & Co.,Ltd knit in 2different color-ways of Noro Kuryeon
Pattern
Macaulay Cardigan by Katie GreenPattern
#02 Short Sleeve Pullover by Rosemary DrysdaleCheck out the crocheted buttons Pattern
#33 Shawl-Collared Motif Cardi by Mari Lynn Patrick




“In the rhythm of the needles, there is music for the soul.” This is a wonderful tribute to a wonderful and talented lady. Happy Birthday, Bonnie!
❤️
Lovely! I believe knitted cardigans are top fashion this year and selling for up to $450 (AU)!
Oh my. Thanks for writing Rainee.
What a beautiful life story! Ring all those bells!!!!!! 🙂
Beautiful!
Remarkable! And inspiring! Happy birthday!
A lovely tribute! And all those beautiful treasured items. Happy Birthday Bonnie!
Happy Birthday, Bonnie!
Hope it’s a wonderful year, happy Birthday, Bonnie.
Happy Birthday Bonnie, it was so nice to see all the beautiful photos of your handknits. You are so talented and are a true artist. Loved seeing the beautiful keepsake rug and quilt from your mother and great grandmother is still displayed. You are a remarkable lady and such an inspiration to all of us. Hope your birthday is a happy one and the year ahead is filled to the brim with wishes that come true!
I adore this photo story. The photos. The knitting. The history. Beautiful Bonnie. And, you, Ruth, the talented storyteller/photographer. Thanks for gifting us with this post today.
Thank you Ruth for the pictures and the montage. It is so touching. Happy birthday Bonnie, and many, many more.
Bonnie has quite a legacy. Her knitting is beautiful. A true artist from an artistic family.
Oh my goodness – SO much history, beauty, and grace in these photos. A true treasure.