Life in Beta

This is one of the most wonderful projects I’ve ever had the privilege to work on.

You might look at this afghan and be confused because I’m more of a knitter than a crocheter, it’s not a color combination I’d ever put together, and it’s acrylic yarn, which I rarely touch. But all that is completely irrelevant…

This blanket was started by Mike’s paternal grandmother as a gift for Ben. She passed away a few weeks ago, leaving it unfinished. I was honored when I was asked to finish it, so Ben would have something special to remember his great-grandmother.

There’s something really emotional about picking up someone else’s project to finish it. You’re taking on the responsibility to respect the pattern, tension, and gauge set forth by its creator. In some small way, you get to commune with their spirit as your own hands hold the same crochet hook or knitting needle and attempt to replicate their stitches as best you can. I adored Mike’s grandmother and wish I’d gotten to know her better, but in some small way I feel like she and I have gotten to connect through this project, made out of our mutual love for Benny.

There should only be a few more evenings’ worth of work left to complete this blanket; it’s going to be ready just in time for the cold fall nights. Ben will have a very special blanket folded at the foot of his bed so when he has a chill, he can wrap up in the extra warmth and love that his Mammie had for him, and always have her close by.