Grandma’s Scarf

My Grandma’s birthday is on Valentines day. This year was no small birthday either, she turned 80. I knew that a trip to Las Vegas had been planned for her birthday, and I knew that my parents were going to surprise her by showing up on the trip.  Since I wasn’t going to make it out to Las Vegas for the trip, I couldn’t let the occasion pass without sending her something hand knit and hand crafted.

My Grandma and I in front of Village Wools in Albuquerque, NM.

Before my Grandma moved to Albuquerque to be closer to her family, I remember being so excited whenever she flew in to visit. She was sure to bring a few goodies in her carry on and her visits always made me feel special.

Then she moved to Albuquerque and it felt great to have another family member in town.   My family is scattered all over the west, I didn’t grow up with grandparents, cousins or aunts and uncles near by.  Her close proximity proved to be incredibly important when I was diagnosed with cancer. As soon as I started feeling better after each chemo therapy treatment she would be sure to bring me my favorite first meal. Egg Drop Soup from Ko Palace, the Chinese restaurant down the street. It always helped me feel stronger and more importantly, ready to eat more substantial food.

My parents moved to Colorado the same year I went to Northern Arizona University for my degree, but staying at Grandma’s as I went through town became essential. It was wonderful for us to have that time together, her all to myself.

I needed to pick something very special to knit her for her 80th birthday. I had red sock yarn and originally had thought socks would be the best thing to make. However, I couldn’t remember seeing my grandma wear socks. Slippers yes, nylons yes, but socks? If she did, they were short and thin, not really something special to knit. Plus, I knew whatever I made her, she would want to show off. I couldn’t imagine her showing off the short anklets she would usually wear.

That’s when I decided on a lace scarf. Something delicate, soft, slightly elegant, but could be worn whenever the inspiration came.

• Pattern: Strangling Vine Lace Scarf by Nicole Hindes (Ravelry links)
• Needles: Knitpicks Options – Size US 6
• Yarn: Knitpicks Essential Sock in Burgundy – 2 skeins
• Started: January 2008
• Finished: February 5th 2008

I was actually extremely monogamous with this knit. Mostly because I was pressed for time. However, it really reminded me that if I had less on the needles I would feel like I got a lot more accomplished.

Even though I started it in January, this may be the only thing for Project Spectrum that I get done for Fire. However, it is my small contribution to the many wonderful PS projects that are being done. If you haven’t yet, check out the Flickr group to see what people are doing.

When deciding what to knit, I tried to imagine my Grandma wearing it and showing her friends. This scarf, the lace, the color all matched my mental image perfectly. Now I just need to get out and visit again so that I can see her in it.