Thank You

These two little words don’t really mean much when they’re said separately, but that all changes when they’re put together. Mom spoke rather infrequently the last few years of her life. But, two words that she never stopped saying were “Thank you.” She said them to her caregivers, to the person who handed her an ice cream cone at Baskin Robbins, and to all of her family. She was truly a kind, thoughtful, and appreciative person throughout her life.

This pattern is extra special for several reasons. Not only are these two words spoken more at our deliveries than anything else, but they’re what I say to our knitters and crocheters, time and time again. Our contributors often thank me for creating Alice’s Embrace because I’ve provided a unique outlet… a comforting place for them to feel like they’re doing something to help in an area where they may have previously felt helpless. We’ve heard that when they see the photos of the recipients enjoying their new gifts, it inspires them to create more of our handmade gifts for these dear folks… dear folks, just like Mom.

When I said that this pattern is extra special for several reasons, one of the most pertinent might be that it is nearly identical to the stitch pattern that I used for Mom’s green blanket… the blanket that I made for her when she was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2005. Of course she thanked me for it when she received it, but she also, unknowingly, showed her gratitude for it countless other times just by using it and cuddling under its warmth and comfort. This “Thank You” pattern will be our final pattern - at least, that is the plan for now. I knew that I wanted to just have 32 patterns total because Mom was born in 1932, and I just think that we truly have a wonderful array of patterns. Those of you who know me, know that I like order, and I love that on our Patterns page there are now eight rows with four patterns in each row.

So, when you’re knitting a prayer shawl or lap blanket using this pattern and someone asks, “What are you knitting?” you can say, “Thank You.” They will say, “No, I asked what you are knitting.” You will then proceed to tell them that “Thank You” is the pattern’s name, and you’ll share how thousands and thousands of people have said those two words throughout every nook and cranny of Alice’s Embrace.

A heartfelt and appreciative thank you goes out to all who have helped make Alice’s Embrace what it has become… something for which Mom would be sincerely thankful.

GALLERY OF ITEMS MADE IN THIS PATTERN