Hands in Delight

The Thread That Binds Us

June 30, 2010 at 2:25 pm Leave a comment

Courtesy of Wendi D.

I am in the process of starting a needlework group in my community. Years ago, I belonged to a similar group in the Philippines. Gosh, I still cherish the memories of those Thursday mornings when we would gather together at each others’ homes to stitch and chat. It was a unique opportunity – one that enabled me to form lasting friendships while sharing my love of crochet with others. Also, it was in this group that I learned to hand quilt and embroider – two priceless gifts.

So, with that in mind, it has long been a goal of mine to start a another group in my current neighborhood – to provide a comfortable setting where woman can come together on a regular basis to simply stitch and discuss whatever is on their minds.  

As the first meeting quickly approaches, I have been thinking a lot lately about the role that crochet has played in my life over the years. After all, I have been making things with yarn or thread and hook in hand since 1979…..ooh, how scary is that!

I have come to the conclusion that there is an unparalleled connection among needlers that transcends time. When I crochet, not only am I connected to my fellow needlers on Ravelry or those ladies from my stitching group in the Philippines, I feel a unique sisterhood with women from all walks of life and who have graced this Earth throughout the ages.  As I stitch, I feel an incredible bond with…..

• Quaker women from the 17th century who embroidered elaborate tapestries.
• African American slave women who created beautiful quilts out of their masters’ scraps. These were often used to mark the path of the Underground Railroad.
• Civil War heroines who knitted countless numbers of socks for Union and Confederate soldiers alike. 
• Victorian women who perfected the art of lace-making with dignity and poise.
• Irish women who supported their families during the potato famine with the creation of amazing crochet lace.
• Pioneer women who filled their hope chests with handmade creations to decorate their homes and clothe their future children.
• Paraguayan women who grace the nooks and crannies of this hidden oasis selling their colorful nanduti art.
• Indian women who embroider elaborate scenes on their saris, telling stories for generations to come.
• Japanese women who continue to hand sew intricate silk kimonos and pass on the gift of Japanese embroidery.

This list could go on and on. But, I wanted to share my current inspiration. I think of these women with ever stitch that I make. And, I am so thankful that along the way they bothered to share their needle artistry with others so that today a new generation of women can pass the legacy onward.

Entry filed under: Crochet in History, Faith and Family. Tags: .