We had a couple of family gatherings on the weekend. On Saturday it was my first great niece’s birthday party. Neve, my oldest brother’s first grandchild, is already, at 2, very stylish, so I bought her a multi-coloured tutu which her mother says she loves. The finding of this tutu was somewhat serendipitous because on the day before the party, my friend (E. from the nursing home, who I wrote about a few posts back), had set up a stall of her crafts, including tutus! And, just before she packed up I found the perfect one for Neve. I am kicking myself for forgetting to take a photo of that tutu – oh well.
Then, on Sunday, we had another family gathering at the home of another crafty person – my mother. One of the purposes of this pizza + cheesecake lunch was for family members from down south, and in-laws from Scotland, to get their first glimpse of my first great nephew, Spencer. And it was a great glimpse as you can see in this photo of my youngest brother with his first great nephew.
Like E. (oh to hell with anonymity – her real name is Ellen) my mother, Meg, is talented in the art of craft, her own speciality being hairpin lace. Here is a picture of Spencer in his Meg-made baby shawl.
And the above scanned picture is a newspaper article from a few years ago that featured my mother’s hairpin lace baby shawls! I thought she was going to get famous (I was going to be her rich agent!) but I guess baby shawls are not in the category of investment, especially if they are burped upon.
There are two more babies-on-the-way in my family now so my mother will be busy with hairpin lace once again. In the last 12 months around eight of the nursing staff have had babies and we gave them all a shawl; I paid for the wool and my mother did the craft.
Okay, I need to bring this to a coherent conclusion but I can’t be bothered with coherent. Prince is still trying to impress the indifferent chooks to no avail….
The last time Anthony came to a family occasion was about two years ago and it was a horrible experience – the wheelchair taxi, my family’s empathy, my tears on his departure. When I look back, I am in awe of how we tried always to include Ants in every family gathering … until it just became impossible.
Martha: She’s forgotten to get the laying pellets again.
Mary: What? I’m starving!
Prince: Will you two just shut up!
Happy birthday, Neve!
Happy arrival, Spencer!
jmgoyder 
Wonderful post and photos!
you are such a creative and talented family, and i love all the babies! poor prince is giving it his all, hopefully it will pay off for him soon )
I haven’t heard of hairpin lace – I will have to do a little research. Clever Meg, Spencer’s shawl looks lovely.
Spring is in the air! What a beautiful bird. Do you ever collect the feathers if they fall out? That would be beautiful to have!
Why does your mom’s article say Canadian Art a Treasure, Julie? Is your mum Canadian? ❤
Diana xo
We lived in Canada for 5 years during my childhood.
You have such a wonderful family and Spencer is adorable! Hugs Jules 😀
lovely!
I’m not familiar with ‘hairpin lace’. Looks a lot like crochet, so it’s likely beyond my skill. I hope your mum has been able to pass on the skill. Seems many things like crochet and needlepoint are slowly dying out. Congratulations as well on all the new additions to your family. Grandbabies are just so wonderful!
A lovely glimpse into some family blessings. Those shawls are so beautiful….(p.s. I got a smile when you said ‘oh to hell with anonymity’ ! Sometimes it is silly isn’t it? Diane
Love these pictures – I see your brother has your smile! And Spencer is so cute; he’s delicious to look at. Thanks for sharing, Julie!
Mrs Tootlepedal knits her shawls. I must ask her about hairpin lace. Give our regards to your mother.
What is a tofus? You look so much like your mum
I would love to be able to either knit or crochet but I can’t and I have tried at times and failed I think hand made things are so damn precious my mum has knitted a few jumpers that have been passed down and around the family.
Prince is very impressive! And so is the new arrival…and your mother’s baby shawls.
Tell Prince I am impressed.