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Have you created a Crochet Heirloom?

March 9, 2007 by jd wolfe

heirloom-pic.jpg

Dictionary.com defines ‘heirloom’ as:

 

1.a family possession handed down from generation to generation.

A crochet heirloom is pictured above.
That got me to thinking about crochet and our heritage. Do you have any crochet items made by your predecessors – mom, grandma, auntie? I have only one. It’s a small doll sweater crocheted by my mother’s mother for my mom when mom was about 5 years old. To my knowledge, my mamaw had no interest in anything domestic. I never saw her sew or crochet or knit. Of course, she cooked every day and kept her huge kitchen garden in her small town in rural Arkansas. She LOVED being outside. The summers I spent there were filled with fishing, picking berries, swimming in the ‘hole’, visiting neighbors, and eating her exquisitely delicious fried pies made with peach peels leftover from making peach pies. No crochet! So, I cherish even more this single item I have inherited from her. My mom is 84 and I am 58. My mamaw has been gone since 1985. The little doll sweater is a soft pink, moth eaten, and attractive to no one but me!

My mother remembered mamaw participating in quilting bees in my mom’s youth. I have some precious quilts composed of fabrics that my mother can readily identify as having come from her brother’s shirt, her sister’s apron, her grandfather’s tie, etc. Some of the patches are signed by women I knew as ancient ‘relics’ – probably the age I am now – when I was a child.

So, I take these messages, few as they are from my own family, and try to assure that my children and other family members have heirlooms from my hands. I have crocheted an afghan for each of my three kids. I routinely crochet baby afghans for all suitable occasions, but especially for my two cherished grandnephews who are now 4 and 6. Since I have no grandchildren as yet, Dominic and Nicholas are my crochet beneficiaries. I just completed a tiny poncho for the 1 year old daughter of my husband’s secretary. My friends and their children now receive baby afghans for each grandchild and something crocheted as a token gift for each birthday. Maybe some day, these will become heirlooms, valued by their owners as the love tokens they are.

So, go make an heirloom!

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Comments

  1. Karen says

    March 9, 2007 at 10:28 pm

    My grandmother had crocheted my mother and each of the granddaughters a sunburst centerpiece doily. Over the years and many moves, my sister lost hers. While it could never totally replace the one Grandma made. I reproduced that doily for her. The look of gratitude and joy when I gave it to her was awesome.

  2. Jennifer says

    March 11, 2007 at 11:11 am

    My husband has an afghan his grandma made, one his mom made, and I’m making one for him. He says they are very special to him and he thinks of the person who made it while he snuggles in them. For some reason, crochet and family go together. Something about making it yourself or home made. We need connections across generations and across distances. I agree, go make an heirloom!

  3. jd wolfe says

    March 12, 2007 at 7:52 pm

    Karen,
    I’m so moved by your brief story! How sweet and thoughtful of you to reproduce that cherished doily for your daughter. It’ll always be a memory of both you and her grandmother.
    jd

  4. jd wolfe says

    March 12, 2007 at 7:54 pm

    Jennifer,
    I agree that crochet and friend go hand in hand, across the generations of families and distance. How well stated! I have a few things, few crocheted however, that I cherish from my grandmother and aunts. Your husband is very special to have three afghans made just for him!
    jd

  5. Sheila Talley says

    March 21, 2007 at 5:50 am

    I loved your story! I guess I am very lucky. My mom and her mother were both avid crocheters. I have a huge pile of their doilies that I inherited after each passed on. I would give anything if I could spend an afternoon with a good cup of coffee spent crocheting doilies with my mom and gramma! Thanks for the smile. Your “crochet beneficiaries” are lucky indeed!

  6. Donna says

    April 9, 2007 at 10:51 am

    I never knew my gradparents, my family moved away from them before I was born. I have this big hole in my life. my mother was a advid crocheter. She taught me to crochet when I was about 8yrs. I have lots of her (and my)stuff. I don’t crochet much now but I do weave and have a trunk full of weaving for my kids and grandkids probably enough for the greats, also. I have a wooden trunk my great great grandfather made in 1859, which is my pride and joy. All my heirlooms are in it. “In case of fire.. grab that first!!”

Have you read?

Cozy Up Your Holidays with This Stunning Christmas Blanket!

If you’re anything like me, you know the best Christmas gifts are the handmade ones that come from the heart. That’s why I’m featuring this gorgeous Christmas blanket nice and early—because it’s the perfect project for anyone wanting to get a head start on their holiday gift list.

This blanket is not just festive; it’s a true work of art. The intricate design is cozy and cheerful, blending classic holiday motifs with a modern touch. Whether you’re planning to drape it over your couch for a warm and welcoming vibe or gift it to someone special, it’s sure to become a cherished seasonal favorite.

The pattern is clear and easy to follow, making it a joy to crochet, even for those of us who like to sneak in a few stitches while sipping cocoa by the fire. Bonus: starting now means you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the process without any last-minute stress.

So, grab your favorite yarn, settle into your comfiest chair, and let’s get a jump on the holidays together. Trust me, this blanket will be the star of your Christmas decor or gift-giving lineup.

Crocheting bobbles can add a beautiful, textured detail to your projects, but mastering them takes a little practice. Here are some handy tips to make your bobble crochet journey smooth and enjoyable:

A bobble stitch typically involves working several partial double crochet (dc) stitches (or other specified stitches) into the same stitch, leaving the last loop of each on the hook.

Once you’ve completed the required number of partial stitches, yarn over and pull through all the loops on the hook to finish the bobble.
Yarn Weight: A smooth yarn helps you see your stitches better. Avoid fuzzy or textured yarns until you’re comfortable with the technique.
Hook Size: Use the recommended hook size for your yarn. A slightly larger hook can make it easier to pull through multiple loops.

Maintain an even tension while making the partial stitches to avoid overly tight or loose bobbles.
If your bobbles don’t “pop,” try crocheting a little more loosely when making the partial stitches.

After completing the stitch, use your finger to gently push the bobble through to the right side of your work, ensuring it sits prominently.

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