In May 2014, I started a small Rosebud (Pattern by TinCanKnits) Knit-Along with a couple friends. I found the perfect yarn by Swans Island at our local shop. It’s a gorgeous raspberry color with slight variations in the color to add depth. And it’s soft – so, so soft.
As it happens, it took me almost a year to finish. I would squeeze in rows here and there where I could. It’s been a busy and somewhat crazy year, so progress was slow, but in looking back over a year of pictures I realized that this shawl featured was a nice addition to many family memories.
I knew relatively early on that this was not going to live with me when it was done, but with a dear friend that I “met” through our lovely crafting community on Instagram. I’ve known Raquel for over a year and from the start, I was so moved by what a sweet and loving person she was, both online, and through our emails back and forth.
In a shocking turn of events (shocking because I NEVER do this sort of thing), my a close friend from home and I traveled to meet another friend from Boston and the three of us had a short but sweet stay with Raquel in Utah. Truly, it was one of the most special memories in my adult life. For starters, I’ve never flown any where post-children, without children. (That part was mildly traumatic.) Nor have I really ever had a stretch of days devoted exclusively to friends and quilting together. We laughed, we cried, we cried some more, we laughed till we cried, and we had the best memories. I also discovered Utah quilt shops, and I may have broken my bank, but it was worth it.
I chose to give the shawl to Raquel in person – truly the best way to give a special gift. I was so nervous!
I think she loves it. And I love that it was stitched with her in mind… That truly is my favorite way of giving. Making something for someone and knowing all along that that in between all the stitches are little memories incorporated along its journey in to becoming finished.
We took a little drive to have a little photo shoot on our last night in Utah. This was probably my favorite memory of the entire trip. Here’s hoping this is a yearly treat. 🙂
I’m coming to realize that you can’t rush the crafting process. Some projects decide to move along quickly and some need to be savored slowly.
Thank you for popping by!
xo,
Jade
Linking up with Amanda Jean for Finish It Friday.
What a beautiful shawl, and such stunning photos of Utah. So nice that you were able to gift it in person. Nothing better than meeting internet friends in real life, and then doing it regularly.
That is such a beautiful shawl! I love the stitch pattern and the colour. How nice to have had a meet-up, such special memories.