My Mother’s Crochet Legacy

I learned to crochet when I was pretty young, originally from my stepmother. When my real mom discovered I’d learned how, she gave me some of her crochet paraphernalia, including her thread box

and a big pile of 1940′s to 50′s vintage crochet pattern books, only a small sample of which are shown here. I actually have about 30 of them.

The bedspread I made while in high school came from one of these books. They are a very interesting read, to see what women were making ‘way back then before I was born. Some of the items are actually very current, such as the more modern designs for placemats and table items.

My Mom was a Native American, straight off the reservation in Oklahoma. For much of her life she earned her living making silver and turquoise jewelry, and doing hand work such as crochet and fancy embroidery. She led a troubled life and left the family when I was five. I did not get to know her very well as she flitted in and out of my life for the next twenty years. She died in 1996.  Here is her picture as I choose to remember her. She had many fine qualities, and I wish I’d known her better. My own life growing up was less than optimal, but with all her troubles I doubt she would have been able help her kids.