Mom's Visit

It had been two years since her last trip to Connecticut, so this year my mother's visit started with a family gathering.  Since her birthday was the day prior, we decided to give her birthday presents after most of the guests had left. The children, after discovering what a huge Elvis fan she is, decided to present her with a hardcover book on Elvis' life.  They had also spent many hours in the weeks prior to listening to a CD featuring Elvis' greatest hits so they could surprise her in knowing many of his lyrics.  She enjoyed hearing that they too are now big Elvis fans!  It was really cute to listen to the three of them singing "You Ain't Nothing But a Hound Dog" ...

I decided to give my mother the freeform jacket I created & won a blue ribbon for last summer.  When she opened the package she ran her fingers across all the fibers and stitches.  She was quiet for a moment, admiring the directions, the textures, finding the little dragon fly and mirror, and finally trying it on (a great fit!) and declaring over and over that she loved the jacket -- and that she's going to be "one hot (meaning "fine") mamma" when she's out motorcycling riding with her friends. I hope she has a friend take a picture; it would be great to see "crochet on the road!"  (Readers in Florida: keep your eyes open as you just might spot her one day on I-95!) 

I also want to mention that at the party my daughter wore the skirt/top set I designed especially for her to wear last year at the CGOA National Conference.  She spent the day twirling around & around!  I was just delighted that she hadn't outgrown it yet!  :)

On another day during her visit we took a ride to Mystic Seaport. We did get a little lost getting there (found ourselves in Rhode Island!), but once we got ourselves straightened out, all was fine.  It was great seeing all the old ships, and buildings too.  In the General Store there was a lady with a swift winding sock yarn; in one of the homesteads there were looms, half-started knit projects, and a lot of crochet (see picture on right) on display.  At one point my son turned to me and said, "Mom, why is it whenever we're with you we always manage to find something crocheted?"  I told him that I think it's because we have a heightened awareness for it.  Regardless, that mantel shelf scarf was just stunning to look at.  Had there not been a glass barrier, I would have loved to see it up-close & personal!  :)  Tags: crochet, mystic seaport, historical crochet, weaving, knitting