I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the ACT, the Ngunnawal people. I acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Knit on, Nan


My Nanna, that yarn stealing 90 year old, left us today at 5pm.

We were prepared for her going, although we didn't know when.

My mother, her youngest daughter, got to see her and spend time with her just a couple of weeks ago and was content. My brother saw her only yesterday. He is probably the most surprised of all of us.

I was close to Nanna for a very long time.

When Dad was sent to Vietnam, Mum and I lived with them on the farm at Jerilderie. A few years later they sold the farm and came to live in Canberra to be near us and I saw her most weeks after that.

She helped teach me to knit and to do fancy work (embroidery) and for a few years, there, I was her yarn supplier for blanket squares which I sewed together for the Red Cross - she really hated sewing up.

We made dolls' clothes together, first for my dolls and then for hers. When Mum and Dad started going away for the winter, I'd come down from Sydney every couple of weeks to see she was alright.

She was a hard woman and a generous one. Once her mind was fixed on something there was nothing you could do to change it.
She made the best boiled fruit cakes and Christmas puddings and the worst savoury mince.

Her life was a hard one but mine is the richer for having her as a grandmother.

Knit on, Dot.

20 comments:

Leonie said...

What lovely memories you have of your Nan. So wonderful for you to have had so much contact with her as you grew up. So sad that she has moved on. My condolences.

Marg B said...

That's how I want to go - with my eye and hands on the best yarn and knitting right up until the end. Your Nan sounds like a real character and the love and respect you have for her shines through in your writing. Condolences on your loss.

Janette said...

What a lovely Nan to leave you with such wonderful memories.

Hugs to you ...

AMCSviatko said...

Sorry to hear that...

*hugs*

Anonymous said...

We are sad to hear of your nan's death, but what a wonderful person she was, and such a positive influence. She'll be 'stealing' yarn for eternity!!!

gemma said...

Sorry for your sad news.

Olivia said...

I'm so sorry, Taph. That is a lovely eulogy you have written.

Unknown said...

Sorry to hear that your Nan is gone. What a lovely tribute.

Hugs xox

happyspider said...

I am so sorry. I'm here if you need me.

JustJess said...

So sorry to hear your news. Your tribute to her is beautiful.

twitchy fingers said...

I'm so sorry Taph.

Anonymous said...

So very sorry to hear of your loss. My mother would be a similar age, was forced to stop knitting when her eyesight failed in later years. I like to think that they have found a knitting group with an endless supply of beautiful yarn, and they're trading patterns and techniques with each other! And laughing like young girls again.
Peace comes with time.

Anonymous said...

It sounds like she was a beautiful lady - so sorry.

All the best.

TinkingBell said...

So sad to hear you Nan passed away - we are all the richer for our families and the wisdom of ladies like your Nan
Hugs

Denise said...

I'm sorry to hear of your loss - even when someone is elderly and has had a good innings - it's still painful and sad.

You have some wonderful memories of her, and I'm so glad you and your mum got to see her so recently.

Five Ferns Fibreholic said...

What wonderful memories you have of your Nan. It is quite evident that she play a big role in your life.
I am sorry for your loss and envious of the relationship you had with your Nan.

Donna Lee said...

Think of the stash she is accumulating now! I did not have any relatives that could knit and I envy that relationship (even if she was a yarn thief!)

Lynne said...

Oh Taph, my heart cries for you.

My knitting/crocheting/sewing grandmother passed away twenty years ago but I still think of her and keep the bear she made me as a baby [52 years ago] on my bed as a reminder of all four wonderful grandparents!

Vale Dot!

amandaj said...

It is never easy to lose someone you love, even when it is expected.

My thoughts are with you.

Michelle said...

So sorry to hear this Taph. What an amazing woman who was able to enrich your life with teaching you to craft.