ALMISKEENAH

 

My dear grandmother would darn, knit, crochet and tat along with a myriad of other talents that define grandmothers. As a child I would love to hide inside the cupboard where she kept all her treasures….tall antique tins, displaying the faded remains of painted Victorian pictures and labels held such intriguing delights…and smells. Smells I can still inhale, conjuring such happiness and memories of her so patiently passing on her nifty thrifty skills to a small avid learner.

The wooden darning mushroom was so smooth to hold and feel as I rubbed it against my cheek. Years of holey socks, having been draped over the convex top by at least two generations before her, were given a new life as deft fingers wove strands of wool into a rich textured pattern, like flowers blossoming on the ragged heal or toe. This intertwining of threads to form a whole has long held a fascination. The fabric of life. Such a wondrous, harmonious weave.

I still have some of these treasures; knitting needles, crochet hooks, threads and examples of her delicate linen embroidery. And that innate desire she so lovingly nurtured in me to create, remains so alive, but is rarely given expression since living in a climate where temperatures for the major part of the year soar near 50 degrees. Wool sticks to hands and refuses to swish and slide along needles, or cottons become so drenched in perspiration its impossible to satin stitch or french knot.

I was thrilled when I saw the following: (click on image)

 

The call for participating came at a time we were blessed with a short ‘cold snap’ here in this City of Light. I extend heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Sister Farhana for her caring efforts with this charitable gesture, and for the motivation for me to rummage through my ‘granny’ box of goodies.    

 

This is the letter I wrote to be sent with the scarf.

“Dear Owner of this rainbow scarf,

This has been made with love, may it be worn with love and bring love.

It has been made by fingers blessed to have been taught how to knit by the dearest Nana, long departed from this world. A Nana who taught me not only to value my time and value the simplest of things, but to value all mankind regardless of race, creed, education or wealth.

It has been made with bamboo needles brought in Germany, wools not only from various countries purchased over the span of decades, but that have also traversed oceans multiple times in cargo holds to be knitted by an Australian living in Saudi Arabia, and finally destined for you in Canada.

 

Some of the remnants remind me of long ago projects also made with love for so many I cherish. Hours of addictive, hypnotic clicking; twisting to and fro, creating the warmth and magic of many rainbows. Colours to inspire contemplation, meditation, reflection and hope.  

A scarf knitted with 33 stitches, symbolic of prayer cycles, intended to not only weave a functional piece for you to wear, but to relay a message of PEACE from one unknown being in this huge Universe to another.  

It has been knitted with two strands of wool, for extra warmth, but also symbolic of how I sense God’s relationship is with us. One strand representing the connection He has established with every human He has ever created, while the other representing our relationship reaching back to Him.

I have woven the loose ends in, but purposefully left them attached. Life is forever throwing us loose ends…sometimes we can meet the challenge of dealing with such circumstances, other times we flounder. All is fine if we embrace the moment with Truth and Trust and do not lose sight of those two connecting threads. May all your loose ends be on the scarf only!

I have also attached some special perfume from this very special City of Radiating Light in Saudi Arabia. It is called the Garden of Paradise. It is my prayer that it and the scarf bring you warmth and joy and that you are lead to the Ultimate Garden of Paradise. Ameen."  

 

and the gloves…another story…another time….

May we all take a little time to make extra Du’a for those less fortunate than ourselves. For those who are yet to be blessed with Hidayah. May we ask Allah Ta’ala to grant us Taufiq in giving Da’wah, to Muslims and non-Muslims alike. All souls, ALL SOULS have made the covenant with Allah Ta’ala asserting He is our Rabb. Let us all make more effort in reaching out, in living according to the Commands that will bring this Ummah to its former glory once again, when love and concern for all of mankind was in the heart. Insha’Allah. Please make Du’a for all the recipients of this project including Sister Farhana and her caring for others. Ameen.

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.