Thank you for teaching me to knit 34 years ago. Knitting keeps my feet warm, expresses my love for everyone in the family, and keeps me sane. Knitting makes long flights around the country bearable. It has introduced me to many of my dearest friends. It keeps my mind focused during long conference calls and training days. But mostly, it is a lifetime connection with you. I smile and think of you frequently when I pick up my needles.
You may not remember teaching me, but I remember the lessons. You taught me to knit while Mom was in the hospital after J was born. His birthday was yesterday, which makes my knitting anniversary today or tomorrow. You were probably just trying to keep me quiet and occupied so that you could supervise and entertain B, who was not quite 2 at the time.
It surprises my friends to learn how long I've been knitting. Many of them have started in the past 5 years or so as knitting has become a popular hobby once again. I honestly cannot remember not knowing how to knit, which turns out to make me a very bad knitting teacher. I can help experienced knitters through challenging patterns, but I have a very hard time explaining to someone who has never held knitting needles before what to do.
Last Christmas, I did give knitting lessons to M, B, and D. All three of them spent time sitting with me guiding their hands through making stitches. D even completed a headband. I know they all value their handknit gifts. I hope they will all remember their lessons with me as fondly as I remember my lessons with you.
Love,
Rosemary
That is so sweet...I remember my first lessons, too. I hope A will let me teach her :]
Posted by: Amy | 24 October 2008 at 19:40
Awwww. That's a lovely tribute.
Posted by: claudia | 24 October 2008 at 22:03
That is so sweet. My mom taught me to knit when i was young though i can't remember down to the when like you. It was some 34 years ago for me as well and I can't remember a time before knitting either. I'm trying to pass it along to my daughter who is slowly but surely picking it up. It will be perfect for her when she finally does as she shares my lack of ability to sit still and do nothing.
Posted by: Risa | 27 October 2008 at 13:12
That is wonderfully cool. I am envious.
Posted by: Laurie | 25 November 2008 at 19:28