Not Just Your Ordinary Squares

I am so impressed and moved by those who have knitted squares for Jennifer's blanket.  Knitting takes time and sometimes it is very difficult to pull yourself away from projects that need attention to focus on another project.  Yet, many of you have managed to do so. 

I have received several packages of beautifully knitted squares.  Squares that were knit out of love, concern, prayer, and hope for some sort of peace for Jennifer and her family.  I think knitting something for someone else, especially someone in need, gives us a sense of fulfillment.  We feel good when we do things for others -  even if it is simply knitting a square or two.  In fact, I think Monica put it best in her lovely card to me:  "Knitting for others always makes me feel good - it's almost self serving!".  In serving others, we also serve ourselves.  In filling a need for others, we are also filling a need for ourselves. 

I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for being so generous in your time (and lovely stash's) to knit squares for Jennifer.  I can not express how grateful and touched I am by YOUR generosity and kindness.  I don't know any of you personally - yet you all pulled through for a woman I know who lost her son.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

These pretty pink squares were knit by Monica from Fairfield, Ct (the one I referenced above).  I do not have a blog to reference, but Monica, please let me know if you have one and I will put in a link.  She knit two lovely squares and one even has cables or a twisted rib pattern.  Very pretty!

The squares to the right are also from a Monica.  Monica of Rubies n' Purls.  The square that looks purple is actually pink.  She also did some cool patterns on her squares.  I love the creativeness you are all having.  You are doing MUCH better than me!
This lovely pink square is from Keana.  She choose a very bright, pretty and lively color.  She also has pics on her blog as she is knitting this square!  You must go check it out.   I think I will pair this square up with one of the squares below because the faint pink matches Keana's square.

 The multi-colored squares to the left are from Kelly from The Gabby Knitter.  She used her own hand spun and hand dyed yarn to make these squares.  How talented is that?  If only I could spin that evenly someday.   These are made of Blue Faced Leicester and are very , very soft.

Can you count?  YES!  FIVE squares! Amazing.  These are from Jen from Moraga, CA.  She lives just a meer 3 hours from me in the Bay Area!  Monica has three kids and somehow found the time to knit five squares for someone she doesn't know.  After I saw her squares I realized I needed to get my butt in gear and knit more squares!  She used different patterns and fabric for all five squares and  they are all very lovely.

Next up are these lovely PINK squares from Emily of MLE Knits.  The picture is WAY off and I can't figure out why this is happening with this new camera I have!  These squares are a very soft, light pink and are soooo pretty.  The picture does not do them justice!  They will fit into the blanket beautifully.

Last, but not least, these two squares were knit by my lovely nine year old daughter, Camille.  Last year I tried to each Camille how to knit.  She knit about four rows, was bored to death and was on to something else.  Then something remarkable happened.  I got a spinning wheel. I found some roving she would like. I told her that if she started knitting again I would spin up that roving so she could knit herself a scarf.  Next thing I knew she had her knitting bag out (a paper knitting bag), her needles and yarn and had them INSIDE my knitting bag!  A few days later we pulled them out and Camille was off and knitting.  Funny thing is, her best friend Andrea, is totally into my knitting.  She see's me knit at different activities and every time she sees me she can spot when I am wearing a knitted item.   Andrea was actually taught how to knit by her Grandmother but I refreshed her memory as she picked up Camille's scarf.  I Then decided to pull out some needles and left over yarn and cast on a scarf for Andrea.

And then I pulled out my knitting -  a square for Jennifer.  Both girls asked what I was knitting and both girls knew about the little boy who drowned.  They put down their knitting, we searched through my stash and we cast on for squares.  Andrea went home with my original needles and yarn.   That night, Camille picked up her square and we knit and talked for a couple hours.  It was HEAVEN!   I loved it so much I can not even express it.  My daughter finished two squares!  The next morning as she was relaxing and watching cartoons......she picked up her knitting!  And she is knitting squares.  Camille understands what has gone on with this family and she is doing her part.  I am so proud of her on many different levels.

I am proud of Camille's friend too.  Both girls realized that their little squares could make a huge difference in the lives of someone else.  These girls do not understand the magnitude of the loss but the do realize that they can make a difference. 

After all this, I guess this what I have realized....we can all make a difference.  All of you out there in blogland whom I have never met.  You all will make a difference in Jennifer's life.  She may not see it right away....but someday, when she looks back...after the shock has subsided... she will realize that women out there, who do not know her, cared. We made a blanket for her future....her next baby. 

For that....I thank all of you who have knit squares and who have them on the way.  I know I have not received all of them so stay tuned for more posts.

I must also say that the death of the little boy is tragic.  If anything, please pray for forgiveness for those who need it.  I know, and you may know, that accidents happen.  But sometimes, forgiveness is the cure.  So if you pray, please pray that this family will feel the strength of forgiveness.  I would appreciate that.  At this point, forgiveness may be the only thing that heals their hearts.

 

   

 

Comments

[Kristin]

When do you need the squares by?

[Robin]

When do you need the squares by? I can send you one.

[Sarah]

This is such a lovely idea and I am certain the blanket will be just a lovely - can't wait to see it knitted up!

[Christy / Not Hip]

What a cool story about your oldest daughter. It is really awesome to see that

[Adrienne]

Beautiful!! I can't wait to see it all knitted up!!! WHat a wonderful thing you are doing!

[Emily]

You are doing such a wonderful thing for your friend, Lara! I'm glad I was able to help out in a small way. Too bad we can't help with the seaming too ;-) It will be such a gorgeous and unique blanket!

[lisa]

Lovely knitters eh? Your daughter sounds precious and what a wonderful time you had with her! Heaven!

[Keanalee]

They are all lovely squares & I am sure they will make a beautiful blanket, I can't wait to see it knitted up. Good job everyone, give yourselves a pat on the back!