Stitches - in Time

One

twist of colored wool

becomes two ~ 

ten ~ 

a thousand...

each turn of the crook

a stitch

in time

enduring warmth

borne of

one

twist of colored wool

Author's Note

A poem for the millions of stitches that have flowed from my grandmothers' hands - and my mother's - and yes, even mine...

Reviews

[Lydia Shutter]

There is something magical about watching someone knit or crochet. It totally mesmerized me to watch my mom crocheting and I still cherish the wonderful gifts she made for me. They are part of her great legacy. Wonderful imagery in this one, Rita. I enjoyed it. Lydi**

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Lydi! I watched my mother and both grandmothers when I was young. They created amazing pieces! I make much more simple things, but love the process.

[Cassie]

This poem has reminded me of the old proverb, a stitch in time saves nine.
The women in your household have taught you a lot and this is a nice tribute to them.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Cassie! Yes, that proverb was in my mind as well...

[Sami Khalil]

An art work indeed how the olden ladies of menial or great statures use to learn this great art work. Even carpet making I think came out of this one. I used to watch my grandma doing all sorts of wonderful products with this art. Like Afghans for the winter and socks and other things...This a a wonderful poem dear poet...:)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Sami! At one time, it was a necessary skill, to make afghans and socks and scarves to keep a family warm. Now it is a dying craft, but so satisfying to know...

[Sami Khalil]

Wow. So true. I love handmade stuff . They were sooo good ...You are welcome...:)

[Jack...]

Very nice tribute Rita. Can't say I've been around much of this activity, but I have seen the fruits of their labor and it is amazing what some people can do with a ball of yarn and two sticks.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Jack. I can't do the "two stick" craft (knitting), though one of my grandmothers was skilled at it. I use a single hook - crochet. A very zen activity... :)

[Angel]

There is something about knitting or crocheting...it is just a such a satisfying feeling of accomplishment, to finish that beautiful afghan, or that sweater...
Nice piece, Hun!!

[Rita L. Sev]

I agree, Angel! Thank you!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

but it is something about life too...and a stitch in time saves nine...each moment a stitch that kind of drives us forward...knits our personalities and our journeys in life...the fabric of our being, the pattern of who we are.

neat piece, Rita.

[Rita L. Sev]

Yes, each moment a stitch, that leads to another, that makes a Life... Thank you, Jacob.

[Sheila Kline]

It is wonderful you know this craft!! I can't sew a stitch - hardly even put on a button so I admire those who can sew! You are blessed to have this passed from one generation to another......carrying on something that is of value to each of you! I am sure your sewing is beautiful!!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Sheila! I can only sew at a basic level, though my mother made my wedding gown. I can crochet, and knowing this craft has given me great pleasure and a connection to generations of women in my family. :)

[Sheila Kline]

I have made sewed one thing in my entire life and that was a clown costume for my son, Jerry when he was a very little boy. Well, he didn't look much like a clown - more of a "scarecrow" with a big bow tie......lol I admire you!

[Rita L. Sev]

LOL! I'm sure he didn't mind the "scarecrow" look! My mother made a clown costume for me when I was about 8 years old... she really could do it all before arthritis reared it's ugly head...

[Sheila Kline]

Now, this is the perfect lead in to ask if you have a picture of you in your wedding gown.....I mean before the clown costume comment.......LOL Do you have a wedding pic to share????

[Rita L. Sev]

Ah - actually, wrote a poem a while back about it - with pic. I'll send an RR... :)

[Pryde Foltz]

It seems we are syncing again. Knit on, you lovely poet.

[Rita L. Sev]

;) Thanks, Pryde!

[redflutterby]

My sister in law crochets...she does caps,scarves and sweaters. I used to cross stitch but its been years...and I doubt I could do it now, my fingers dont work as well anymore. :-)

[Rita L. Sev]

I learned when I was young, but only in recent years have really taken to it. There is a zen to it, and I really can feel the tradition flow through my fingers.. :)

[redflutterby]

I felt the same thing when quilting....a sense of the old quilting bees. A group of women set upon the same task of putting a part of themselves into a hopefully cherished heirloom. ;-)

[Frieda P]

History weaves itself and is passed down from generation to generation, ok, is that knitting or crocheting, asks the no talent fingers of this reader, very cool read, or should I say warming touch Rita!

[Rita L. Sev]

Ha! Thanks, Frieda - that's crochet - knitting is too complicated for me! :)