Saturday, August 14, 2010

Knitted With Love


 I started working on my first ever cable pattern, Lion Brand's Tree of Life Afghan, last August or September. I was knitting it for my mom -- not just because she's my mom and I love her, but really it's for one main reason.

When I was in the hospital for three months back in 2006, she devoted two of those months of her own life to watch over my baby boy. Granted, she's his grandmother, but this meant being far from her own home and very alone for much of the time. It was exhausting work, and eventually Casey and my dad and I convinced her that she needed a break.

There is nothing you can do to replace that time and effort and love that she gave to Miles in my place. Of course I wish it had been 'the normal way' -- me being home and her helping out where I needed and saying goodbye after a short time. As it was, I could barely care for myself much less my newborn baby. She stepped in without a thought, and so I knew that one day I would do something that took work with my own hands to show her my love.

It doesn't do justice or show enough thanks -- nothing ever will -- but it leaves with her a small piece of myself just as she did those four years ago in giving love to a baby who was waiting on his mama.

Thanks Mom.


6 comments:

andrea said...

That is really neat, Tracey! What a special way to honor your mother. Plus that looks REALLY hard so you must have quite the talent!

tracey said...

Thanks Andrea! Cable knitting looks much harder than it is, in my estimation. Sure, there were times I was struggling, but once I got going I thought, "This is it?" and it was fun!

VmarksTheSpot said...

Tracey, that afghan is simply amazing! I can't imagine how long it must have taken you to knit it (and how many skeins!). It is a piece of art and a lovely tribute to your mother.

tracey said...

Hey Vivi, thanks! I wish I had kept track of the hours, because I did take breaks here and there, so it probably wouldn't have taken that many months. The hardest part was getting used to the cabling but once I got going it was mostly like regular knitting. Skein number: close to eleven. Whew!

Syndi said...

Wow Tracey! That is beautiful! The first picture makes it look a bit small, but it's definitely not. You and your mom look amazing too! I hope you're doing well!

tracey said...

Thanks Syndi! Yeah, it's definitely a big afghan. Those tiles it's lying on are about 16x16 inches. Thanks again1

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