Saturday 1 June 2013

Domestic Therapy

Life is predictably capricious. No one is immune to its challenges and the odd 'left ball' it throws their way. How an individual responds to daily pressures and huge emotional upheavals is as individual as their fingerprint.  Meditation, prayer, exercise and even knitting have all been cited as therapeutic responses to stress.

After  the unexpected death of my father caused by a drunk driver, I have found the rhythmic nature of knitting woollen squares, calming. Like meditation, the movement of the needles focuses my mind, providing respite from unwelcome thoughts and emotions. Knitting also gives my agitated hands something to do and anchors me to a seat.

Rediscovering the benefits and joys of this craft has sent me foraging for old knitting patterns in the attic where I managed to locate an eclectic collection of instruction booklets. Some of them had been purchased during my early twenties when knitting was à la mode,  and others were inherited from my mother and great Aunt, who had impressive knitting skills, which  unfortunately weren't genetic.

One of the gems that has resurfaced may have practical appeal to a lover of tea, but I can't envisage any of its suggested products as items on my tea-tray!
Inherited knitting patterns from the early 20th century, offering some cosy
activities for a cold night.

10 comments:

Lynne said...

Oh...Elizabeth.
I don't think the world realizes the impact of drunk drivers. My younger brother suffered two head injuries, in two separate accidents involving alcohol and marijuana. He died of early onset dementia at 49.

I am so very sorry for your loss.

I love the vintage tea "cosey" pattern book!

My mother's knitting skills helped with her recovery from a stroke last Fall. Her occupational therapists were amazed!

Take care, my new found blog friend!
~Lynne
withLove!

martinealison said...

Bonjour ma chère amie,
Je suis très heureuse de me retrouver à nouveau sur votre blog après mon absence. Un grand merci pour votre gentil commentaire.

Il est juste qu'autrefois nous passions beaucoup de temps à tricoter, crocheter ou broder... Il est bon de revoir ce qu'il se crée à cette époque-ci. Merci pour ce joli partage.

Gros bisous à vous

Meine Dinge Franka said...

Chère Elizabeth,
I always admire the knitted artwork!

♥ Franka

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

So nice to see you back, chère amie... I am sending you an email as our paths have taken a parallel direction of late...

Bises,
Genie

Sea Angels said...

Thank you for your lovely comment xxx
How terrible to loose your dad like that, such a horrid shock, I'm sorry xx.
Your knitting sheet is fabulous and would be lovely printed out and used as greetings cards... when you have finished knitting of course xx
Lovely to meet you
Hugs Lynn xxxx

Annie @ PlumSiena said...

Oh Elizabeth, I am soo sorry. I cannot even imagine what you and your family have been going through.

Sending you strength and courage and healing energy.

-Annie

Anonymous said...

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You also have an amazing blog and from now I discover you!
Have a great sunday.
Bisou, Babi

Burlap Luxe said...

Hi Elizabeth, in reading your post I also read you Vale... Your fathers life tKen with a drunk driver who had no rights to be on the roads. You father sounds like an incredible man one I could have related to. I lost my father many years ago and one is never ready to loose a family member, at a young age I took to crocheting and for some reason it was something I could do for hours letting it take my thoughts to a sort of therapy session. I would make blankets, pot holders, Bennie caps, sweaters, almost anything that inspired me to create.

I can see where knitting is a bit of a lifesaver for you at this time. I want you to know how touched and how I could relate to what you are going through these days.
Your forgiving heart with be what blesses you from here on in.

Praying for you my dear friend, and sending you over a June month of what inspires your heart.
Thank you for sharing your heart, and most of all taking the time to visit me, reminding me how short life is.
You touch our hearts in more ways then you know.
Take comforting knowing your father is in the shelter of his wings.

Lots of love.

Bisous
Xx
Doré

Karena said...

Elizabeth you know how very sorry I am about your loss. I know your father was so special to you! I do believe you have been through enough! ( I can relate my dear friend)

Tell me what you are knitting, I may order something from you!

2013 Designer Series
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Decor To Adore said...

I think of you often and am glad you have found a way to help you through this difficult time. May your dear memories be a comfort to you.