2026 #52Ancestors, Week 13: A (Crafty) Family Pattern

One of the most meaningful experiences I've had as a mother is dressing my baby in something my grandmother or great grandmother made for me (or sometimes for the generation before me).  My little girl has slept underneath blankets and worn booties, hats, and sweaters crafted with talent and a whole lot of love. I was lucky enough to descend from two talented women - one a knitter and one a crocheter - whose creations have outlasted them.  

Great Grandma Thelma was the crocheter.  She made blankets, bonnets, and booties, but her specialty seems to have been capes.

This one is just the right size for my 10 year old, and she'll be wearing it with this year's Easter dress.  She has already outgrown a smaller one in a similar shade. I am not certain, but the fact that I have two of the same cape in different sizes makes me think they were originally made for my mother and her older sister.  

My Grandma Marilyn (Great Grandma Thelma's daughter) was a talented seamstress and knitter.  Like her mother, she crafted the typical blankets and hats, but the rose-colored sweater she knit for me has stood the the test of time (unlike my hairstyle).

Me, circa 1984

My daughter, 2018

Before my daughter was born, I had dabbled in the yarn arts, but her impending arrival seemed to spark a desire to create.  I stuck to the comparatively easy projects at first - a baby blanket, some booties, and a couple hats. I don't know what led me to believe that I was capable of making her a sweater, but that's what I decided to do for her baptism/1st Easter.

Worn March 2016

Bolstered by the relative success of that project, I have tried to knit or crochet her an item each year.  She has been the recipient of many hats, but this one from Halloween of 2018 is probably one of my favorites. 

My little pumpkin!

Recently, she has started requesting specific toys.  This porg (a Star Wars creature) was my first attempt at a knitted stuffed animal.

I've also crocheted a worm, a snail, and an elephant

I don't pretend to be anywhere near as talented as my grandmother or great grandmother, but I am pleased to be part of our family pattern of yarn creations!

Per my cousin's request, I have added a shawl I crocheted for myself, but I suppose it is likely to eventually end up in my daughter's hands.