Mom's Fun

When I was little, mom was an amazing "fairy" to me. Sewing, embroidery, crochet, knitting... she seemed to be able to do anything - anything that made me a "princess" among kids. Mom is especially good in knitting and crochet, she is so fast - to finish a sweater for me, she only took a couple of days' "spare time". And she even does not need to look at what she's doing. Her relaxing time was to watching TV and knitting same time. Until I went to college, I had enough knitted/crochet clothing and accessories to wear for year long - if I wore one piece per week except summer time, no repeat!

After a couple of years in college, my taste went to a "new level" - I thought. Mom's fashion was no longer attractive to me. In fact, it'd be a shame if I wore a "home-made" rather than a brand cloth among my friends. A silly teenager! Then I got a job. I told mom she does not have to spend time on "working" any more - becuase "I can afford them now". Mom looked at me, with a smile on her face, just like before when she was proud of me for every little achievement I made. I saw her smiles, but ignored her lost in her eyes.

Mom still does knitting or crochet once a while, for some cousins' new borns etc. I was surprised her gifts always got lots of compliments nowadays. People tend to buying expensive brand stuff and having them wrapped nicely, or simply giving a "red envelope". I thought mom does that for saving some money, until my little niece was born.

Mom was so excited and made a big project list for almost everything that baby can wear or use... no need to say: all kinds of clothes, booties, hats, scarves; also blankets, pillowcases and even bibs! She was busy, but she was having fun. Suddenly I could understand why she seemed to be a little bit lost when I said "no need" for her. This is not about money, not at all. This is about care and love. I was taught an ancient poem about how a mom is sewing clothes for her son who's leaving for a long trip:

"A thread is in my fond mother's hand moving
For her son to wear the clothes ere leaving
With her whole heart she's sewing and sewing.
For fear I'll e'er be roving and roving
Who says the little soul of grass waving
Could for the warmth repay the sun of spring"

I finally completely understood.

Mom sent over a lot of photos of my niece - wearing those little cute pieces. I encouraged her to knit some baby's shoes/booties in more colors and styles and send over. I told her how great I think she is and her work. I show everybody I know the same thing...

All can be found in my listings...