The person who inspires me the most is my Mum. She has always shown great courage and determination throughout her life and has never let her disability challenge her unless SHE decided it was not practical or possible for her to achieve.
My mum was always crocheting something and as a child I remember being scolded for growing as it meant the latest cardigan sleeve would have to be undone to accomodate the extra inch my arm had decided to add to it’s length. Yet it was always with delight that I would wear the latest creation and it was always a great treat to be able to leaf through the vast array of potential patterns to pick the next addition to my handmade wardrobe.
I recall many of my mother’s jumpers were all crocheted by her but it was the little accents such as flowers and butterflies that she would sometimes add that seemed to make them really stand out for me. I would often sit and watch her work and vow to be ‘just like her’ in one day being able to accomplish such a garment.
However, watching her make the most intricate doilies in bright and vibrant colours was I believe the start of my yearning to learn wool craft. However my first foray into the intricacies of crochet cotton were frustrating to say the least and so my quest was shelved. I transfered my attentions to knitting and after making the inevitable 12 foot scarf began to long for something more challenging.
Again it was mum who inspired me to take up knitting once more. I had wanted to make an unusual birthday gift and after seeing a range of cartoon characters to knit decided to take the plunge and attempt Desperate Dan. This turned out much better than anticipated and produced an unparalelleled feeling of joy that I had created something noteworthy for a special person but also that I had surely inherited some of her skills with wool.
Once more life stepped in and my creative side went into extended hibernation. Although stirring occasionally, it did not fully re-assert itself until the impending birth of my first child. I felt an urge to try and create a handmade wardrobe for my new baby such as I could recall my mother making for me though I never managed to fashion the idea into a tactile garment.
Herald once more my inspirational mother who rose to the fore with the most exquisiste sets of baby clothes and blankets, edged with oodles of lace just perfect for a little girl. And of course she rose to the occasion with the arival of my second daughter and son.
I truly believe that it was my Mum’s creative side as well as her inspirational determination that planted the seed to follow in her footsteps. My childhood photo album is filled not only with memories but also reminders of the loving creations she made for myself and my sister.
Thanks Mum for being an inspiration in so many ways 🙂 x
elegantcraft 