Sleep Tight

On a lovely sunny day we have said our goodbyes to Grace today and I think we did her proud.  About 25 of her friends got together for the service and a few refreshments afterwards and many memories were shared.  It is sad to say goodbye to someone special but we all have lots of happy times to think about and I think Grace would have been pleased with her send off today.  Hopefully she's raising a glass of 'Grouse' and looking back on her long life.  Cheers Grace!

Thank You

I have been very touched by all your words of comfort and friendship since Grace passed away.  Thank you so much everyone for your messages and emails.  This last week has been a difficult one but we have now pretty much organised Grace's funeral which she wants kept 'as short as possible'.  Friends will gather on Thursday to say their Goodbyes and remember happy times.  

We seem to be surrounded by loss just lately.  My sister-in-law lost her father just before Grace died and I heard yesterday that the lady my Mum used to cruise with died suddenly last week.  I told Mum about Grace but I am tempted not to mention her cruising friend unless she does.  Although it does seem that her dementia cushions the emotional impact of such news.

I am having problems blogging at the moment which I suppose is understandable.  I feel overwhelmed by everything and am trying to maintain a sense of proportion.  I'm not saying this for sympathy but because I know many are struggling equally with loss and grief.  This last week I have struggled to think properly and have even been confused as to whether it is my Mum or Grace that had died.  I suppose that is because I am also grieving for the parts of Mum that we have lost.  I am conscious that I have suffered with reactive depression in the past and I don't want to go there again.  

Today I decided I should try and do something positive so that I could feel a sense of achievement and not feel so overwhelmed by all the stuff in my life.  I know housework isn't important at such times but you should see my house!  Well, no you shouldn't, it's a tip! This morning DH and I had an albeit short session tackling the burgeoning growth in the garden and when rain forced us indoors (Hooray for rain!  We need more!) I had a great time ruthlessly throwing out all the fabrics and old garments that I will never use in my textile work (Oh no I won't!).  We have about 7 bags to go to the Charity (Thrift) shop and I now have space in boxes and drawers to put away some of the fabric that's laying around and cluttering up the place.  Hooray for me!

I never did finish telling you about our Cornish holiday or all the wonderful textures we found and I still have to bring you photos of my gorgeous great-nephew at Easter so I will try and get back to being a good blogger soon.  Meanwhile I leave you with a pic of our lovely nephew practising his walking.

Thank you all again for your friendship and I should say welcome to people who have started following recently.   Hopefully normal service will be restored before long.

Our beautiful friend

June 1911 - 09 May 2011

Our very special friend Grace, who has been very unwell for the last 2 weeks, closed her eyes for the last time this morning and is now at peace.  Her constant wish over the last few years was to not reach her 100th birthday, she felt she had lived long enough.  Today her wish was granted and she slipped away before we had time to say 'Goodbye'.  Our hearts are heavy but happy that Grace has her wish.  I have learned so much from this beautiful lady who has shared so many of my adventures from her armchair and always shared a laugh and her lovely smile.  Sleep well Grace xx

Daniel O'Donnell and this particular piece is Grace's favourite.

Vintage Crochet

These are the photographs that I couldn't show you yesterday because of the poor light. I can't tell you how excited I am about this beautiful crochet. The work is so fine and must have taken hours to do.

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This is a detail from the piece below which was probably intended to be a tray cloth or table centre. It is commemorating the coronation of King George V in the year that my friend Grace was born so it is almost 100 years old. How amazing is that? It is in good condition apart from a little discolouration. I am anxious to find out the best way to conserve it and would be grateful for any advice. I'm also thinking about whether I should pass it on to a museum or archive but, again, don't know who would be interested.

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There are a lot of other pieces:

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The piece above is done in a yellowy cotton, probably a bit darker than the photo shows.

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I am so thrilled with these two months which are my birthday month and the birthday month of my mum, my nan and Grace. I really want to make a wallhanging or quilt with these and incorporate some other memorabilia.

There's more

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Aren't these kitties wonderful?

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I love these butterflies but how can I use them as they are not finished?

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Oops! I think the one above may be upside down!

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What a great set of antlers on this stag!

And Finally

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I think most of these above have been hand crocheted.

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Some of these are machine made but they are all lovely.

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