Our mother died today, quietly in her sleep, after experiencing several years of declining health.
The beautiful wedding dress she’s wearing in this photograph was made by our grandmother. The post below was written by Susan during our very first month of blogging. It seems fitting to revisit it today.
March 31, 2006
Because watching knitting progress can be as exciting as watching paint dry (oh goodie, another inch!), I have decided to provide some hysterical or historical backdrop to our blog.
Before there were the Rainey Sisters there was the Rainey Mother. Our mom (no longer a Rainey, but that’s a long story in itself) was an extremely talented seamstress, like her mother, and a wonderful knitter. I use the past tense not because she is “no longer with us,”* but because she no longer pursues these activities. She taught me most of what I know about sewing and was quite the perfectionist. She would say things like, “That zipper doesn’t look very good on the inside.” Huh?!? Who is going to be looking there? But it did make ME a perfectionist as well, and I started out as an avid sewer well before the knitting bug bit me hard. I still sew out of necessity and on occasion for the artistry.
As I said, my mom was a knitter. I do not remember when I learned to knit or who taught me (my dad’s mom, I think), but I do remember going to mom for knitting help, “Am I on the knit side or the purl side, Mom?” She would knit beautiful sweaters, and I still have a few of them:
This is a beautiful mohair jacket with 3/4 length sleeves. I don’t remember when she made it, but I think it is gorgeous.
The next is a sweater that Mom made for me when I was in 6th Grade. I absolutely love this sweater. It is a darker tan than it appears here. I’m not sure what the pattern stitch is — it looks like a variation of the Trinity Stitch:
You can tell that even then I was “the Big One.” Here is detail from the buttonbands. You can see the beauty of mom’s workmanship. Notice the machine-made buttonholes and fine handstitching.
Here is a sweater she made me in high school. I wore it often. The color does not show up very well — it is a beautiful, much darker, teal blue out of a very soft yarn. And it was knit in the round (you go, girl!).
And some details:
So you can see that Sally’s and my interest in the needle arts stems from a long line of crafters. I owe a lot to my mom’s instruction and encouragement — thanks, Mom!
*To our great sorrow, the past tense is now all we have.
My thoughts are with you both.
Comment by Chris — May 12, 2009 @ 7:05 pm
I am so sorry for your loss, but happy for all the years you had together.
Comment by kmkat — May 12, 2009 @ 7:12 pm
My deepest condolences. Those are beautiful sweaters. It’s clear that a lot of love went into them. I hope you find that she is still with you in the present and future tenses as well as the past.
Comment by Katie K — May 12, 2009 @ 7:26 pm
Every time you get together or talk, you will feel your mother’s presence in all the years to come. Cherish the memories of good times and the wonderful shared history. I am sure that the closeness of her daughters was one of your mother’s greatest sources of pride and happiness.
My sympathies to the whole family.
Comment by Trudy — May 12, 2009 @ 7:35 pm
I know how painful the grief can be, even when you are prepared for a loved one’s death.
My deepest sympathy to both of you.
Comment by Kay - From the Back Yard — May 12, 2009 @ 7:38 pm
Hugs to you both. So nice that her love for making items by hand lives on in both of you.
Comment by livnletlrn — May 12, 2009 @ 7:46 pm
My deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your mother. My mother died two weeks ago. She was not a knitter, but she loved to receive knitted gifts from me. She was, however, an incredible seamstress. I pray for comfort for you in the coming days. There will be times to laugh and times to cry.
Comment by shirley — May 12, 2009 @ 7:46 pm
I am so sorry to hear about you mother. Losing a parent is unbelievably hard, no matter when, no matter how expected. With nothing but the evidence of the one photograph and the knitted heirlooms, she was lovely, absolutely lovely. All the best.
Comment by anmiryam — May 12, 2009 @ 7:47 pm
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Comment by limedragon :-: Harriet — May 12, 2009 @ 7:54 pm
Oh I am so sorry for your loss! Your mom must certainly have been so very proud of the legacy she passed on to you. It is not many daughters who pick up and love a trade that was once loved by a parent! I hope you find comfort and solace in each and every stitch and know that your mom gave you such a wonderful gift!
Comment by Michelle — May 12, 2009 @ 7:54 pm
Oh, my heart is with you both. Look what a legacy of beauty and workmanship your mother left you both–I know you will cherish that forever, with all your sweet memories of her.
Comment by aim — May 12, 2009 @ 7:54 pm
I am so sorry for your loss.
Comment by Susan — May 12, 2009 @ 8:02 pm
So sorry for your loss. My father died about ten years ago and I am continually comforted by seeing his habits and traits in me; you will have this with your mother. What lovely sweaters. My condolences.
Comment by Valerie — May 12, 2009 @ 8:03 pm
You two are very lucky sisters to have each other and be so close. Your mother was a very talented person and you both have her gift. I am so sorry for your loss.
Comment by Candace — May 12, 2009 @ 8:25 pm
Hugs and shoulders to cry on for both of you. In the joy of Spring, your mother has moved to a lovelier place than even here. It’s now your time to grow and become the most special mothers for your children. Peace.
Comment by Nancy — May 12, 2009 @ 8:26 pm
My deepest sympathies to you both on the loss of your mother.
Comment by Marina — May 12, 2009 @ 8:32 pm
What a beautiful picture; what an elegant woman. My deepest sympathies, girls. And you will always be her daughters. Always.
Comment by marissa — May 12, 2009 @ 8:47 pm
Sally and Susan, the post is a lovely tribute. My heart hopes you are finding comfort in each other and in family and friends.
Comment by twinsetellen — May 12, 2009 @ 8:54 pm
I’m so very, very sorry. You’ll always be her daughters.
Comment by Jocelyn — May 12, 2009 @ 9:15 pm
My thoughts are with you two.
Comment by jess — May 12, 2009 @ 9:56 pm
My deepest sympathies to you and your families.
Comment by Angie — May 12, 2009 @ 9:58 pm
Wow, she left so much of herself in the two of you. What a legacy. Blessings on both of you.
Comment by Maria — May 12, 2009 @ 9:59 pm
She did lovely work and left a legacy, that’s for sure. I am so sorry for your loss.
Comment by June — May 12, 2009 @ 10:04 pm
I’m sorry for your loss but glad you have so many happy memories (and knits) to hold on to.
Comment by Samantha — May 12, 2009 @ 10:07 pm
My heart goes out to you and your families in this hard time. Peace to you all.
Comment by GeekKnitter — May 12, 2009 @ 10:54 pm
My heart goes out to both of you and your families. Your mother did beautiful work and she was surely very proud of you both for the all the magnificent pieces that you knit. Her legacy lives on in you and there is possibly a certain comfort in knowing that…
Comment by Rosemarie — May 12, 2009 @ 11:09 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a lovely woman in many ways.
Comment by Leslie — May 12, 2009 @ 11:18 pm
After reading your latest post and seeing those beautiful sweaters, I was reminded of my mother, of what she passed on to me. Then, I remembered an essay by Gretchen Thompson on the topic of ‘grief/praise’. The gist of the essay is the depth of our grieving can only be as deep as the expression of love we have felt for the one we have lost. My thoughts are with you and your family. Wishing you peace.
Comment by Nettie — May 12, 2009 @ 11:19 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful legacy she passed on to the two of you. And how lucky you are to have handmade reminders of her love for you. May God bless you and comfort you.
Comment by Smuddpie — May 12, 2009 @ 11:28 pm
You have my heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your beloved mother. She will live on in your hearts.
Comment by Pat — May 12, 2009 @ 11:42 pm
My deepest sympathy and sorrow for your loss. What a lovely tribute to her. Her legacy will live on in both of you.
Comment by Kathleen — May 12, 2009 @ 11:49 pm
My deepest sympathies for this terrible loss.
Comment by Jena — May 12, 2009 @ 11:53 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. Treasure the gifts you have from your mom, including each other.
Comment by Pam — May 13, 2009 @ 12:22 am
I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Comment by Emilee — May 13, 2009 @ 12:34 am
I’m so sorry for your loss! But what a lovely gift she gave to both of you….she lives on in your amazing talent, love of detail and quality of work that is just beyond belief….and also in how you have in turn taken what she has given you and used it to inspire others! Blessings and peace to both of you and your families!
Comment by Angela — May 13, 2009 @ 12:50 am
Oh Susan and Sally, I’m so sorry. You have my very sincere condolences. You and your families are in my thoughts.
Comment by Stephanie — May 13, 2009 @ 1:07 am
i will have never known her, but i believe i have developed a sense of who she may have been through the two of you. may she rest peace.
Comment by annie — May 13, 2009 @ 1:12 am
Heartfelt sympathies for you both. I hope the dark hole of loss shrinks quickly in the light of family comfort and warm friendship.
Comment by Naomi — May 13, 2009 @ 1:45 am
My sympathy to you both.
Comment by Penny — May 13, 2009 @ 2:38 am
Condolences to both of you — I am also very impressed by your mother’s craftsmanship and it is obvious that the skills she passed on to you have been a great gift.
Comment by GinkgoKnits — May 13, 2009 @ 3:32 am
So sorry to hear this. Your mother will live on in many ways.
Comment by Cornflower — May 13, 2009 @ 4:15 am
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mother was clearly a very talented woman.
Comment by Sonya — May 13, 2009 @ 7:14 am
Very sorry for both of you for your loss . The sweaters are gorgeous !
You should be very proud – she was very talented .
Kim
Comment by Kim O — May 13, 2009 @ 7:26 am
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Comment by Orinda5 — May 13, 2009 @ 7:32 am
I’m so sorry. What a lovely talented woman your mother was.
Comment by Wendy — May 13, 2009 @ 7:44 am
I am so very sorry for your loss. She was beautiful as was her knitting work. As is yours. She must have been proud of you two…
Comment by KathleenC — May 13, 2009 @ 8:18 am
Sincerest condolences on the loss of your Mom. She was so lovely, and such an excellent knitter. I am so sorry for your loss.
Comment by Sue J. — May 13, 2009 @ 8:22 am
I’m very sorry to hear of your loss.
Comment by Phebe — May 13, 2009 @ 8:24 am
My deepest condolences.
Comment by Maggie — May 13, 2009 @ 8:44 am
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts will be with you both and your families.
Comment by BeRosie — May 13, 2009 @ 8:49 am
What a lovely ode to your mother – I do see now where your perfect knitting comes from. My thoughts are with you both, I lost my mother when I was 21, and hardly a day goes by when I don’t think of her, so I know your mother will be with you, too.
Comment by mary lou — May 13, 2009 @ 8:56 am
I’m so sorry for your loss
Comment by jenny — May 13, 2009 @ 9:13 am
I am so sorry for your loss.
Comment by Lisa — May 13, 2009 @ 9:33 am
I’m very sorry for your loss. I hope your memories of her will be a comfort to you in the days ahead.
Comment by Diane — May 13, 2009 @ 9:42 am
Bless you both! I’m so sorry for your loss, and pray that you and your families will be comforted.
Comment by Lisle — May 13, 2009 @ 9:59 am
My deepest condolences. What a lovely tribute to your mom. She was an amazing knitter.
Comment by Wanda in Ar — May 13, 2009 @ 9:59 am
My sincere condolences to both of you.
Comment by rudee — May 13, 2009 @ 10:01 am
A beautiful and talented Mom, you both have my deepest sympathy.
Comment by Beth P. — May 13, 2009 @ 10:07 am
My sincere condolences on the loss of your Mom, I loved reading about her great knitting.
Comment by Debbie Bourque — May 13, 2009 @ 10:22 am
Tim, Erik and I will see you at your dad’s house on Saturday. Bonnie’s checking on if she can get there from the East Coast. Was so sad to hear about Auntie’s passing. I love the photo of her. I’m going to look for more pictures today — I have some, somewhere of us kids at the “cement pond” … and I will bring them. Kisses and hugs to you both.
Comment by cousin marti — May 13, 2009 @ 10:27 am
What a beautiful picture of your mom. So sorry to hear of her passing. Wonderful that you have some of her knitted pieces still.
Comment by CatMyers — May 13, 2009 @ 10:39 am
I am so sorry for your loss. I no longer have my Mother and after all these years, still miss her very much.
Comment by Brenda — May 13, 2009 @ 11:01 am
I am so sorry for your loss.
Comment by Kathy W — May 13, 2009 @ 11:06 am
Oh, I am so sorry you have lost your mother. My thoughts are with you. Your post revisit is a beautiful tribute to her.
Comment by Sue — May 13, 2009 @ 11:23 am
I am so sorry for your loss. Obviously your mom got you both off to a great start in life. Keep it going and pass it on! Thanks for sharing her with us.
Comment by Robin — May 13, 2009 @ 11:24 am
I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom – what a lovely bride she was, and a talented lady.
But the “Mom” part is always the most important. Hold your memories close!
(((Hugs)))
Comment by Knitnana — May 13, 2009 @ 11:28 am
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Comment by Jason — May 13, 2009 @ 11:33 am
So, so very sorry for you both… maybe your knitting will offer some comfort, since it ties you to her so closely…
Comment by Deirdre — May 13, 2009 @ 11:36 am
I’m so sory for you both. No matter how old you are, life feels different when your mother has passed. But, you have your memories and actual things that your mom made! I don’t have a single thing that my mother ever made me. I believe your mom is at peace now. Keep strong and hang onto your beautiful thoughts of your mother.
Comment by kellistarr — May 13, 2009 @ 11:52 am
My deepest sympathies for your loss.
Comment by Kathleen — May 13, 2009 @ 12:00 pm
Such a beautiful tribute! My deepest sympathies to you and your families
Comment by Marie — May 13, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
My condolences to you both and your families.
Comment by LaurieM — May 13, 2009 @ 12:18 pm
My condolences to you both and your family. To use a rather corny but honest phrase, ‘she lives in you both’. Your love for crafts and creating exquisitely beautiful handmade items is a great tribute to her.
Your post made me think about my own mother, who is a tailor and dressmaker herself. I can’t wait to get home to Manila next week so that I can give her a hug and let her know today just how much she is loved and how much her handcrafting talents influenced my desire to learn to knit.
Comment by Jocelyn — May 13, 2009 @ 12:39 pm
My thoughts are with you both. Love it all – the picture, the sweaters, the love.
Comment by michelle — May 13, 2009 @ 12:42 pm
My deepest sympathies are with both of you. What wonderful gifts your mother gave you both. My mother also taught me how to sew and knit and she is also gone. She is always with me, however, when I pursue the crafts that she taught me and that I love.
Pat (yochen)
Comment by Pat — May 13, 2009 @ 12:46 pm
I am sorry too for your loss. Your phrase “Our last mother’s day as daughters” was so touching.
Comment by suzanne — May 13, 2009 @ 1:35 pm
Susan and Sally, my deepest condolences to you on your loss. Your mother must have been a wonderful person. What a complement to her that your first blog entry was about her and her wonderful skills! Take care, Vickie.
Comment by Turtleknits — May 13, 2009 @ 2:20 pm
What a beautiful tribute. Sally and Susan, I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Comment by Laura — May 13, 2009 @ 2:23 pm
My deepest condolences to both of you. My mother died two years ago, and I will never get over her loss. A loving mother is the most precious gift for a child, and I give thanks every day for mine. My memories of her are treasures, as I am sure yours are of your mother.
Comment by Luci — May 13, 2009 @ 2:44 pm
I am very sorry for your loss. Hugs and good thoughts to you both, and your families.
Comment by Laura — May 13, 2009 @ 2:45 pm
Myy condolences to both of you and your families.
Comment by Gerrie — May 13, 2009 @ 2:54 pm
So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Your post is a loving tribute. Her photo is stunning.
Comment by Kim — May 13, 2009 @ 2:56 pm
My deepest sympathy to you both.
Comment by Julie — May 13, 2009 @ 3:18 pm
Isn’t is amazing how the expected can still be so shocking and devestating? I will pray that God grant you peace and comfort.
Comment by Jennied — May 13, 2009 @ 3:52 pm
Dear Susan and Sally – your mother was so lovely and such an accomplished fiber artist. You took wonderful care of the things she made you which is part of your tribute to her. My mother and grandmother too were amazing seamstresses and crocheters. Susan, you really inspired me with your Oregon Cardigan (we talked on Ravelry) and I just wanted to show you a picture of where I am on it and to thank you again. It’s on my blog at www dot dimsphere dot blogspot dot com /2009/04/trees-of-mystery.html#links I’m sorry for your loss of such a wonderful mentor and mother.
Comment by Linda "K" — May 13, 2009 @ 4:02 pm
Dear Salie and Susan, your mother lives through you both and those beautiful crafts whe has taught you. I often think that when I’ll lose mine (she’s 85), I will still keep all she has given me. And nobody can take that away from you two. A big hug to you both.
Comment by Luisa — May 13, 2009 @ 4:15 pm
Dear Susan and Sally: I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that in the coming days you will find comfort and peace in the love and memories of your mother, and that you always feel her presence. Thank you for sharing your loss and your love for this special person. Toby.
Comment by Toby — May 13, 2009 @ 4:33 pm
My sympathies to you both. May sweet memories sustain you in the days ahead.
Comment by Amy — May 13, 2009 @ 5:01 pm
I am sorry for your loss. My sympathies to you both
Comment by Tulipe67 — May 13, 2009 @ 5:17 pm
Oh, no. I’m so very very sorry. Many hugs and much love to both of you.
Comment by Romi — May 13, 2009 @ 5:55 pm
Susan and Sally, please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your mom.
Comment by Cat — May 13, 2009 @ 7:25 pm
Susan and Sally,
My condolences on the loss of your beautiful mom. What a loving tribute to her. Love and hugs to both of you.
Shelley
Comment by Shelley Hermanson — May 13, 2009 @ 7:49 pm
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. What a great legacy your mother left with you, not only in the things she made for you, but in instilling you with that love of creating. Through you, that creativity will grow even more. Thank you for sharing it all with us.
We lost my mother-in-law, also an accomplished needleworker and also after years of declining health, on May 2. Even though it wasn’t her favorite passtime, she was my biggest advocate when my knitting was concerned. I will never forget that support.
Comment by Maryanne — May 13, 2009 @ 8:21 pm
One of the worst days of a girl’s life, I’m so sorry. You know, I’m sure when she looked at her wedding picture, she thought of her mother the same way you two will continue to think of her, and your daughters will think of you many years from now. What a wonderful tribute to each generation of your family! Treasure each other, treasure your girls.
Comment by kerry — May 13, 2009 @ 8:47 pm
I wish you strength and courage for this difficult time.
Comment by Paula — May 13, 2009 @ 8:48 pm
I am so sorry. Thank you for sharing the photos of her beautiful work. May your sorrow soon be replaced by the peace and gladness of fond memory.
elise/knitinsage
Comment by Elise / knitinsage — May 13, 2009 @ 9:02 pm
I am so sorry you have lost your beautiful mother…from your post about her I can tell you I’d like to be remembered as she is, as a skilled and careful craftswoman.
Comment by Shannon B — May 13, 2009 @ 9:07 pm
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. She is absolutely gorgeous in her wedding photo and of course, the tailoring of her dress, headpiece and glovelets is immaculate. I have had the benefit of your teaching Susan, and have appreciated your patience and gentle insistence on quality work. My daugters are benefitting from my experience with you, so your Mother’s legacy lives on in many peoples’ lives.
Comment by Nancy — May 13, 2009 @ 9:35 pm
Obviously talent is inherited. How wonderful that you have so many beautiful items made by your mother knowing that all those lovely, prefect stitches were done just for you. I’ve heard that you are not really an adult until your mother is no longer with you. I’m sorry that the two of you had to become adults so soon. God bless and keep you.
Comment by hope — May 13, 2009 @ 9:40 pm
my deepest condolences to you both.
Comment by vanessa — May 13, 2009 @ 10:31 pm
I am so very sorry about the loss of your mother.
Comment by Joan — May 14, 2009 @ 2:11 am
I am sorry for your loss – my sympathies to you and both of your familys
Comment by Sally B — May 14, 2009 @ 3:24 am
I am sorry for your loss. You Mother looked so beautiful and elegant in her wedding dress.
Comment by Rhonda — May 14, 2009 @ 5:54 am
What a lovely tribute to your mother. What a beautiful and talented woman!
Comment by Carol — May 14, 2009 @ 7:18 am
I am so very sorry to hear about your Mom.
I am going to make an extra effort to go hug mine today. Time left is precious.
Comment by Kathleen — May 14, 2009 @ 8:18 am
My deepest condolences to you and your families.
Comment by Needles — May 14, 2009 @ 8:49 am
I’m very sorry for your loss. Your mother raised two beautiful, intelligent, and talented women.
Comment by Jewel — May 14, 2009 @ 9:41 am
My condolences to you both. May happy memories of your mom bring you comfort.
Comment by Linda in NC — May 14, 2009 @ 9:59 am
I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom.
Comment by ruth — May 14, 2009 @ 10:49 am
I know the pain and loss you are feeling. I lost my MOther last summer and have her last knitting on the needles in my knitting room. She was 97 amnd still knitting and enjoying her many artistic talents. But she passed her talents on and I will continue as you two do as well. cg
Comment by Cathy Goldman — May 14, 2009 @ 10:52 am
My sympathies for your great loss. Hopefully, with time, the good memories will ease the pain.
Comment by Doris — May 14, 2009 @ 11:32 am
I, too, am so sorry for your loss. You both have so much talent that was gifted to you by your mother. I am sure it will give you much comfort during the days ahead.
Comment by Michele with one L — May 14, 2009 @ 3:05 pm
Susan and Sally, I’m so sorry for your loss – thanks so much for sharing this little bit about your mother; she was lovely.
Comment by Donna — May 14, 2009 @ 4:05 pm
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you both, and what lovely knitting she did. No wonder you both do such beautiful work.
Comment by Astrid — May 14, 2009 @ 4:16 pm
My deepest condolences to both of you and your families. Thank you for sharing such a lovely tribute with us.
Comment by Delores — May 14, 2009 @ 4:44 pm
Thank you for sharing that beautiful tribute to your mom. I’m so sorry you’ve lost her, but a good thing she went so peacefully. She will live on in your memories (and in the things she so lovingly made you). Talk about her often, to each other and with others. (I work at our local hospice, and know first-hand how healing this can be…)
Comment by Linda — May 14, 2009 @ 5:03 pm
Dear Sally and Susan, My sincerest condolences to you and your families. What a gal, to have raised such daughters!
Comment by Mike Smith — May 14, 2009 @ 5:25 pm
I am so sorry for your loss.
Comment by Carrie K — May 14, 2009 @ 6:55 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. My deepest condolences to both your families. The post of her work shows that she’ll always be remembered and loved. And now we’ll remember her and her accomplishments also.
Comment by Gayle — May 14, 2009 @ 8:44 pm
Dear Susan and Sally –
My heart is broken for you both. Your mom left a wonderful legacy…her beautiful family…may the love and support of family and friends help to comfort you during this very sad time. Please know you’re all in my thoughts and prayers.
In sympathy and friendship,
Maureen
Comment by Maureen — May 14, 2009 @ 8:55 pm
My deepest sympathies. What a lovely tribute to your Mom. I’m going to go hug my mom and thank her over and over.
Comment by Sigrun — May 14, 2009 @ 9:07 pm
Blessings and Forever Memories – hold them warmly in your hearts. Thank you for sharing some of them with us; I know your mother would approve.
Comment by BJ from Red Bird Ranch — May 14, 2009 @ 11:29 pm
My deepest sympathy.
Comment by AnnF — May 15, 2009 @ 12:41 am
Find peace and comfort with loving memories.
Comment by Jane — May 15, 2009 @ 8:25 am
My deepest sympathy to you both. The loss of a mother is unlike anything else. May your memories and the things she taught you bring you comfort.
Comment by technikat — May 15, 2009 @ 10:05 am
So sorry for your loss.
Comment by Betsy Watts — May 15, 2009 @ 4:52 pm
just had my second Mother’s Day as an orphan-so sorry you have joined the group.
Comment by pattie — May 15, 2009 @ 9:26 pm
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I lost my mother this month on May 5th after a sudden illness. The picture of your mother is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing this part of your life. May God give you and your family peace at this time.
Comment by Snowbird — May 15, 2009 @ 9:41 pm
I’m so sorry, my thoughts are with both of you.
Comment by Vicki — May 15, 2009 @ 9:59 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with you. The photo of you mother is so gorgeous. She looks so lovely, the dress is just perfect on her.
Comment by Lee Cockrum — May 15, 2009 @ 10:05 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope happy memories help you in through.
How wonderful that you have these lovely items she made for you so long ago. They are exquisite.
Comment by Evie — May 16, 2009 @ 12:51 am
wow. I know I should say, I’m sorry for your loss, but it gets stuck in my throat when I see how much you’ve been given and what a beautiful post you shared in her honor. It’s a blessing on all of us.
Comment by Julie Mackenzie — May 16, 2009 @ 1:47 am
Longtime lurker – I’m so, so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with both of you. What a wonderful legacy your mother has left behind.
Comment by Sarah — May 16, 2009 @ 9:45 am
I’m so sorry for this sad loss in your life, both of you. My thoughts and payers are with the two of you during this sad, sad time. Our mothers are such a vital part of who we are, I can’t imagine what you both are going through right now. How very lucky you both were to have had such a remarkable woman raise and mentor you.
Comment by Alison — May 16, 2009 @ 1:31 pm
Just wanted to add my condolences at this sad time. It is perhaps good to think that she lives on, not just in your memories and in the wonderful work she did, but in your own work which you share with all of us. We all owe a debt of gratitude to your mom.
Comment by Dawn — May 16, 2009 @ 2:36 pm
I’m very sorry.
Your mother’s work was beautiful, and obviously much appreciated.
Comment by Imogen — May 17, 2009 @ 8:32 am
I’m so sorry about your loss. If her FOs were any indication (her sweaters and her daughters), then she must have been a great lady.
Comment by Jen Anderson — May 17, 2009 @ 2:14 pm
May you find peace in your memories.
Comment by Jen — May 17, 2009 @ 7:17 pm
I am so very sorry for your loss. Your mom was a really lovely woman.
Comment by MJ — May 18, 2009 @ 10:55 am
Susan and Sally –
What a loving post and pictures of your Mom. I enjoyed reading and seeing it all. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your families. May the comfort of having each other keep your Mother close in the days and years ahead.
Comment by Jody — May 18, 2009 @ 9:19 pm
Oh, please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I have been away from my computer for the past week while I was on vacation. Sorry to hear of your loss.
Comment by Wanda — May 21, 2009 @ 2:34 pm
I haven’t been going through the list of knitting blogs in a while, and when I did, I saw that your mother had passed. Having lost my mom 3 years ago and my dad last august, I wanted to express my condolences during this very difficult time. It will be difficult, but what helped me immensely and still gives me quite a bit of comfort, is a leather journal that a friend gave me with a cuddly teddy bear. When mom passed away from lung cancer, I just sat and wrote all her favorites down. Food, Neil Diamond, dancing, bailey’s irish cream, everything. When Dad passed I did the same thing. I still write in it and express my feelings and how much I miss them.
Again my thoughts and prayers are with you both!
Comment by Chris — May 28, 2009 @ 8:53 pm
I’m behind on my blogs, so I only just read this beautiful and moving post. Your mother taught you both well, and I will keep you in my thoughts. I’m sure you both make her proud with your impeccable creations. My deepest condolences.
Comment by auntieannknits — May 31, 2009 @ 8:15 pm