Grandma's Washcloths ~

Long ago, when life was a lot simplier, my Grandma taught me how to crochet (and knit, for that matter).  Every time I pick up a crochet hook I think of her. 

I made many a knotted mess while learning, and she was always so patient with me, and kind, tirelessly undoing my tangles, encouraging me to continue until I figured it out.  I'm a lefty, so it took me a long time to figure it out.

Her wrinkled, soft hands would gently cover mine and guide my hook to wrap the yarn over, push through the little heart on top of the row, catch another loop of yarn, then draw the strand back through. 

Patience of a saint, I am sure.  I loved my Grandma so much.  She made slippers, afghans, doillies and all the things Granny's make, including simple, humble, silky cotton washcloths like these. 

I was home sick today, and so crocheting something simple held great appeal to me.  Apparently the running about like a madwoman the weeks before had caught up with me, and so a slight fever, sore throat and raging headache kept me in bed all day.  All day...

And so I would doze and hook, doze and hook, and eventually had two washcloths...

... then three.  Oh, and before I forget, I had help this time too.

 

Somehow they know, don't they? And so they hovered close by all day.  Tiny, elderly, Binx at my feet, and Star, well, Star wanted on top of the project, but finally agreed to sprawl just off to one side...

... and gave me her most alluring cover girl pose, code for "Mom, please put the crochet hook down and rub my tummy?"  Could you resist?

In spite of the flu, it was a lovely day really.  The sun streamed into my bedroom as I rested.  It was so quiet.  I watched movies, crocheted to my heart's content, petted my dear companions and drank hot tea with honey and lemon.  I felt content and at peace. 

I think Grandma would approve of the washcloths too. 

 

Eileen

 

 

Comments

[Ellen Prinsen]

I'am so inspired by you, everytime I read your blog, I was'nt here for sometime and suddenly I saw the picture of your washcloths on the sidebar and had to read the post. My mother and grandmother teached me knitting and crochet. And this brought back all the precious memory's , Thanks so much for that wonderful feeling !!

[melissa @ the inspired room]

How lovely, such a beautiful art. I love projects like that where you slow down to create something so beautiful. Grandma would definitely approve!

[Diane Knott]

They're beautiful. I'm sure they must make the chore of washing dishes much more homey and pleasant. I think they would make lovely washcloths for the bath also....

Cats know when we don't feel well, don't they. They're such a comfort. And they're SO affectionate. Yours are gorgeous! Of course, they know that, don't they. ;-)

Diane

[Mary Ellen]

Eileen, I just got back from being gone 10 days- playing catch up on my favorite blogs and see I have missed alot!! Your journal is beautiful and I am glad Susan will fill it with lovelies ! I love your washcloths. Bill's Grandmother would crochet so many pretties and I always wanted to get the crochet thing down but it never would quite come to me.
What a lovely way to spend a down day and I am sure with each stitch it helped bring healing and strength.

blessings
mary

[claudie]

Eileen
Absolutely beautiful work. I love coming here and looking at all of your lovely photo's.
I don't think I could wash a dish with them though!! Way to pretty.
Nice memories and BTW I adore all your fur babies. Star looks like our Sheba...our newest addition.
Hope you're having a great weekend.
Love Claudie
xoxo

[kristi]

Hi, Eileen -
My grandmother also taught me to crochet when I was really little. What great memories - she was also VERY patient. I haven't done any in at least 15 years. Would you share your pattern? The washclothes are very pretty. Hope you're feeling better soon!

[Charlene]

I hope you are feeling better. I would feel better just looking at those pretty creations! I learned to knit & I love it & would so love to now learn to crochet. I want to do the thread crochet. You know all those lacy edgings on things look so pretty. But, I would love to do those dishcloths. Would you share your pattern? Feel better soon!

[Lana]

Dear Eileen ~ I pray you are feeling better.

Such sweet company while you weren't feeling well. They aren't spoiled... are they?

And those memories of your grandma ~ how precious! Both my grandmothers had passed away before I was born, and though I wish I had memories like that, I enjoy reading the memories of others who had kind, caring grandmothers.

The washcloths are beautiful! I bought a few honeysuckle hued balls of cotton yarn last week thinking I might try a few washcloth or dishcloths. My crochet skills are very basic, and each time I get ready to crochet again, I have to find my little "how to crochet" booklet!

[Jane @ Beach House]

How beautiful and what lucky kitties

[Ellen]

I can't believe you are using those pretty pieces for washcloths!

My Grandma taught me to crochet, too. She lived with us till she died, when I was five, and she was 79. We would sit in her room in two old rockers with our feet up on the radiator to keep them toasty, and she taught me very simple stitches. I have never learned to make all the fancy intricate things that she did -- granny squares are about it for me. Just last week I pulled the box out of the attic of all her old pieces my mother had saved. I wrapped them in fresh tissue and put them away again, not in the attic...

Hope you feel better soon.

Scribbler (Ellen)

[Tina]

Your wash clothes are beautiful Eileen. Such a loving memory of your grandmother. Is funny - I just started crochet something similar a few weeks ago just wasn´t quite satified with the yarn. Have to find something more soft.
Thank for sharing.
Tina

[Susie Mitchell]

Beautiful washcloths, Eileen. What sweet memories for you...and they conjure up those just as special for me. My Grandmother taught my Sis to crochet...and she taught my Mom and me. Your photos are beautiful...love your kitties. Thank you so much for a lovely blog...I always enjoy the visit.
Blessings, Susie

[Julia @ Hooked on Houses]

Yes, I think Grandma would approve! These are just lovely. And I got a kick out of you being hooked--literally--on crochet. :-)

Thanks for sharing! I always enjoy your photographs so much. Beautiful!

[Tami]

Eileen~
What a precious memory. Sorry you where not feeling well....I have been battling it for a week, it is finally starting to go away. The wash clothes are beautiful!

Hope you are up and feeling well soon!
T