The Afghan

Wrapped in a Afghan

Knitting was a bit part of Mom's life.  I think that it was a functional and comforting part of her weekly routine.  She was a woman that was used to work and being busy.  At the end of the day, a knitting bag sat by her chair.  Mom's traditional high school graduation gift was an afghan.  Her patterns were difficult - she was a gifted knitter. The recipients got to pick the colors (I think) and they often represented the soon-to-attend college colors.  The tradition which began with her ten children was continued with grandchildren:

10 children (Nancy, Mike, Patty, Tom, Jack, Teresa, Paul, David, Peter and Bob) and 20 grandchildren (Kelly, Patrick, Molly, Caitlin, Matthew, Joshua, Benjamin, Nathan, Sarah, Tom, Erin, Mark, Ned, David, Emily, Andrew, Maggie, Kevin, Paul and Mitch) received afghans. One year their were four high school graduates: Caitlin, Andrew, Mark and Nathan.  (I thought that year would be the end to Mom's knitting fun!)  Kevin Hoercher was the last grandchild to receive this gift.  However, 10 additional grandchildren did not enjoy the benefits of this treasure.  Mom taught me to knit, and like her it has become an important piece to my life.  I have always felt that each stitch represents my love -tied together in a beautiful way.  

One day Paul said, Teresa would you do me a favor?"  And I replied, "of course Paul - anything."  He asked that I make Ryan, his youngest, an afghan.   And so I picked up Mom's tradition and to date the following have joined the afghan club: Ryan, Ben, Hannah and John.  To be completed include: John, Emma, Hunter, Colin, Abby and Sean

Tell us your afghan story:

1.  What colors did you pick and why?

2. Do you still have your afghan and if not what happened to it?

3.  Do you have a photo of your afghan?  (Please send!)