In Memory of My Mum

by Tracy
(Barnsley, South Yorkshire)

Before she passed away, my Mum donated a lot of her precious craft stash to Crafting4Good.

She had held onto these for decades as she was an avid crafter - sewing, knitting, tatting, crochet, papercraft, card making. You name it, she did it. These things gave her happiness and comfort. She spent most of her time at home, so crafting was a huge part of her life.

Giving her things away was part of her journey of giving up and our journey of letting go. So desperately sad.

I bundled the car up with bags of assorted ‘stuff’. Adele sorted and handled it with respect, and me with quiet kindness.

Knowing Mum’s things were to be enjoyed by others gave us some comfort.

At this difficult time, I used my new hobby of quilting as a way to handle my distress and sadness.

My sister and I have also made face masks, laundry bags, head coverings and are now sewing scrubs in her memory for the Northern General, who cared for her.

Crafting seems to be in our blood. Our lives are enhanced by the things we make for each other and ourselves.

I’m only just appreciating how much a person invests in their creations, how much skill, patience, love, sadness, frustration and joy are woven into the threads.

I’m so privileged to have crafty parents who have surrounded me with beauty and kindness.