It is bringing back memories of when I used to make twice-a-week visits to the late Margaret ‘Marg’ McLeod’s residence to get an update on local news and view her quilt-making.
It was something else to watch–cutting material up into squares, sewing them together on her reliable modern sewing machine, and then tying up the material to the under sheet for stability.
A blanket a week was no big deal and throughout the years, family members and some friends received these warm light quilts as gifts.
After McLeod passed away last year, it seems my wife, Adelia, now that she’s retired, is picking up the slack and going strong these days.
Pretty well all relatives had gotten one or the other item (just lately her sister-in-law and nephew have been recipients).
And all this besides doing the household chores.
Adelia has gotten into the trade and going strong since 1974. A mother of five grown children and 16 grandchildren, she can still find the time required for her hobby.
If you think you can knit, quilt, and watch television at the same time, you are right–it can be done without a hitch. Come pay us a visit for your coffee break, the pot is always on no problem.
Hour upon hour, it is either cutting squares, tying up ends, or sewing. Knitting colours is a must (it enhances the finished product to perfection).
Adelia’s handicrafts can change into various patterns without notice, depending what is on your mind to make. Handicrafts became expensive to purchase, and since there is a big family to supply with gifts, the idea fitted in quite comfortably.
It is time-consuming but when you look at the finished articles, you’re safisfied it was worth it all and the atmosphere lightens up in the home.
Although you face trials, errors, and time, the effects are more pleasing than ever. Adelia does shop to create a natural look, working at her hobbies is interesting and she enjoys accomplishing the best.
Whenever she travels, watches TV, or just plain visiting, her hobby is near by. She picks up where she had left off the minute/day before–never losing count on the stitching.
Adelia is never idle. You can be rest assured it matters not what the season is coming up, her time will not be wasted.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
