Weaving Around The Memories Of My Matriarch

Weaving Around The Memories Of My Matriarch

n the delicate dance between past and present, I find solace in the continuous thread weaving around my grandmother's memories — memories intricately entwined with the necklaces that adorned her body for decades. Using the leftover yarn from her own knitting, I embark on a journey to create a tangible link between her past and the present. As I spend time with her belongings, each stitch becomes a step toward reconnecting with her. Adding pieces when the moment feels right, I immerse myself in the physical act of mourning, finding refuge in the pure present. The constant hypnotizing movement of knitting allows me to forge a deep connection, as if I'm weaving a bridge between our worlds.

These necklaces, witnesses to the chapters of her life, become tangible remnants of her existence, encapsulated within the fabric of my knit-work. I soak up the memories as if absorbing them directly from the threads, experiencing the life she lived as I create. The knit-work transforms into a continuous timeline, weaving together grief, memories, love, and dedication.

In the broader spectrum of crafting traditions, spool knitting emerges as a poignant symbol in my life. Remembering the smiling face of a worn down spool looking at me from the box of my mothers old toys. It used to be the first tool that introduces young girls to the world of crafting, serving as preparation for a life centered around their craftsmanship as homemakers. This age-old tradition transcends generations, passed down from mother to daughter, woman to woman. The whimsical shapes of the spools, resembling inviting figures like mushrooms, puppets, and cheerful clowns, carry with them the essence of creativity.

As I continue knitting around my grandmother's jewelry, I realize that it is not just an act of creation; it is the embodiment of her. Like the Victorian mourning jewelry, made by weaving hair into intricate patterns, it takes on a new layer of significance. In this delicate fusion of past and present, I honor her legacy, each stitch a silent tribute to a life beautifully lived.

2023
200 x 1
Alma Teer

Alma Teer