There is a man from Andhra who we call 'The Laceman'. The Laceman brings an assortment of crocheted products to my mother's house on his bicycle. He only asks you to take a look at what he has, you needn't buy but you know at the end of the half hour spent on the verandah looking at cushion covers and table cloths you will end up buying.
Over the years my mother has bought for herself and for us beadspreads, tablecloths in assorted sizes, runners and doilies. Each piece is exquisite.
The last time I was visiting my mum The Laceman came calling so I decided to buy a runner to giveaway on my blog in appreciation of the craftmanship and skill of the women of the West Godavari region in Andhra Pradesh.
The handmade ecru coloured crochet runner in the picture is there to be won by one lucky person.
All you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling me what crochet means to you.
The giveaway is open until the 23rd of August.
11 comments:
I love crochet. It is my best needle skill. An example of what it is to me, is when my husband was hospitalized in a ER situation, the first thing I grabbed when I went home to get needed things was a bag of yarn and needles. I crocheted away for 4 days with no pattern, just keeping my mind occupied. I taught myself to crochet when I was in Jr. High School using an intricate doily pattern. Crochet eases my soul.
This is a lovely runner. My mother had one similar on her cedar chest in her bedroom. Its very generous for you to gift it to someone.
Carol
What a beautiful piece of crochet and a marvellous story. Well, for me crochet repesents the meeting of people and the sharing of ideas and dreams. The gathering of folk and the overall fabric of life.
I used to work in a small city museum in Cornwall and during our lunch breaks a few of us began to teach ourselves how to crochet. We had been inspired by one of the staff members' own pieces and she agreed to teach us. Some took to it straight away, others (like me) struggled but battled on. It was such an enjoyable time in my life. That hour during a Friday lunch made me so happy. I felt connected to the people around me as the wool was connected to the loops. Happy times.
Hi Maya- What a beautiful piece! I haven't crocheted in quite a while. I do remember when I first learned to crochet. A friend showed me how to make a hexagonal throw. I decided I would make it to go with the colors of my bedroom (teenage). So I crocheted it in royal blue, spring green and emerald green. I loved that throw though I don't know what happened to it after my parents retired to Savannah. I also have a memory of my son's favorite blanket as a baby and toddler. "Bubba" was its name! It was crocheted by my grandmother's next door neighbor. Bubba went everywhere and there were at least 2 traumatic incidents where Bubba was almost left behind. Bubba still resides in a drawer in my son's room. He is now 22.
I love crochet, I love it so much I gave my self an injury and have had to take a long sabbatical. In the past my self and a band of trusty friends yarnbombed any thing that came in our way. One day, hopefully in the not too distant future I will be back on the hook and covering street furniture with yarn once again!
What a wonderful piece of crochet. I am afraid I dont crochet but appreciate the work that goes into it.
Crocheting means reviving my childhood hobby and remembering those long-ago pleasant afternoons and evenings spent creating bedspreads, tablecloths, doillies, etc. Nowadays I apply my creations on CQs, bags, etc. Always a pleasure.
Dear Maya,
I can't crochet, I've always wanted to learn and have several attempts but my hand has a touch of arthritis and it cramps each time I hold the hook. My sister can crochet beautifully and I have several pieces she has given me over the years. The piece you have bought from The Laceman is lovely and it's a very kind and wonderful gesture of yours to give it away. Good luck with your competition. Cheers Teresa x
HI Maya!
The runner is gorgeous. Crochet to me is the confounding clasping and unclasping of fingers that I saw my mother pour her heart and soul into. Tatting tools and slim shiny needles. The collar on a favourite top she made me while in school, the delicate trim on a first sari. I have to confess, I am not all that into lace. But the very making of it is different. To me its what weaves out of my mother's hand. That and a whole new way of silent expression that she taught me. Without forcing her expertise, by attempting to pass it on to me ..:)
I never met my grandmother but her legacy is her crocheted doilies. I got to pick out some things when I was 6 yrs old and still have them here. I was inspired to crochet doilies and snowflake ornaments for years. The runner is beautiful and imbued with the essence of the maker.
Diane
I wish the crochet man would come to my house. I live in a remote part of Tasmania and so we don't get any door-to-door types, although every few years or so the Mormons brave our rough, unsealed roads hoping to catch a few wayward souls. To my knowledge they have never been very successful
I'm definitely sharing this on my public FB page, Maya.
Lovely crocheted piece . Even if I don't get it may I request you to get things from laceman. It's so sad that the most amazing artisans sell their wares that doesn't do them justice. . I have spent all my working time taking up crafts to reach out to newer markets and keep up with changing times. Crochet in the hills of himachal is something that I love ...Andhra and other southern statues I have just heard of and not really researched!! Someday....
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