Memories

Weaving the Past Into the Present

We underestimate the values and memories we carry around

with us and its impact on what we do. Subconsciously records

of the past appear although we sometimes do not realize what

the influence is.

I decided to take part in our school’s Maker Faire this month. I immediately

thought of a weaving station. With the support of a colleague we thought of

a variety of frames.We had a few different ones in mind but I knew exactly

what I wanted. My sister and I had used a particular frame with thick wool

when we were young. We wove colorful woolen table mats. I remember it

took hours or sometimes days to finish them, but the finished product

sometimes a little grubby from too much handling was perfect. That is the frame I
would use. I had them made, trying to remember how it looked, how I could use
fabric and wool at the same time. The possibilities were endless.

Today, being off school, my daughter and I started creating memories. The

impact of my recollection was so great that I know this experience will never be

forgotten. It took us many hours but we worked well as a team. She diligently span

cut, stretched, tied and thought about alternative ways to complete this project. My

colleague suggested I use African cloth. I collected remnants from local seamstresses

and the picture below is what we created. Although it is still a work in progress,

and we had been working on it for hours, when Esi commented,
“I just want to finish this today.”

I noticed her excitement and willingness to keep going, the same feeling my sister and

I had many years ago. We decided to stop and complete it another day.

It suddenly occurred to me were weaving the past into the present. My recollection had

taken Esi and I to the same place my sister and I were many years ago.