For this year’s A to Z Challenge I’m being Julie Andrews and going on about my favorite things. I suppose there are people young enough to have no clue who Julie Andrews is or when she did this. Seriously, you need to watch “The Sound of Music”. It’s part of classic movie knowledge. Remembering your favorite things will keep you from being afraid, and who doesn’t need some of that these days…
A is for my favorite chill busters, afghans. I like the word, to begin with, because it’s just a crazy combination of consonants that I always have to think about before I spell it. I even make it crazier sometimes by spelling it with more consonants – aphghans. I can do that, right?
Here is why these particular knitted or crocheted coverings are favorites for me. They are made by hands that I love (mine or others) and they are making use of scraps instead of wasting them.
My first afghan was a high school graduation gift from my Aunt Helen. She made countless numbers of afghans, quilts and doilies for people and always had something she was working on. She didn’t waste yarn, and she didn’t waste time. I took this afghan off to college with me and everywhere else since then. It is the multi-colored one in the picture with this post. It is still in great shape, and because of all the colors it has something to add to almost any décor. It is bordered in green which is my favorite color. Auntie Helen is no longer alive, but I have this beautiful thing from her that helps me remember her. Partly through her influence I have also loved to knit and crochet and I have hopes of being as productive as she was.
This afghan is an example of how a physical thing can represent more than just the physical. It can stand for values like thriftiness and hard work. It can be a gift of time and effort, showing love.
What gift have you received that has become special to you in this way?
I Just Have to Say... 
Julie Andrews is amazing! Love her. My first memory is of her in The Sound of Music. Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens. Will follow your AtoZChallenge with Joy. Blessings
Hi Joy! Glad to see you on the challenge this year.
Hi Shirley I am not as organised as last year. Easter was early last year and I wrote most of my posts that weekend. I have titles and ideas for this year, but no writen material as yet. How about you?
Scared. I have no posts written ahead, just an alphabetized list of favorite things.
That’s a beautiful afghan! Great work by your aunt. You’re so right – certain things, especially gifts, mean more than just what they are
Afghans are wonderful. All handmade knitted and crocheted items have had a lot of thought, time, and love into them which makes them very special. Thank you for the very heartwarming post 🙂 – Marie The Articulate Image
Thank you for the very heartwarming post!
Your Aunt Helen did beautiful work. That is indeed a treasure. I’ve been fortunate to have many generously artistic people in my life, but I think the hand made gift that impressed me the most was the doll’s bedspread my grandmother crocheted right before my very eyes. It’s not just a rectangle because the bed has guardrails at the head end, but the spread fits it perfectly, including the lacy dust ruffle. ❤
Sounds beautiful! People who can “wing it” and make custom things are truly artists.
I love your theme! Great idea and I love your first selection (Afghan.)
I shall have to follow you just to find out what imponderabilities are. Thanks for coming by.
Well, they are things that are hard to think about and it comes from something my dad used to say when I was a kid. Mostly, I’m writing about local history.
Afghans are vital for true shabby chic, vintage style so you’re very fashionable with yours!
And any time I can’t manage shabby chic, I settle for shabby. It works. Thanks for reading.
I’ve never had an afghan but they look pretty. Nice things to have thrown about in the living room when the cold weather comes. One of my daughters gave my wife and I Snuggies and we use them throughout winter when we’re in the living room watching TV.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I have snuggies too (embarrassing actually).
What a charming post – and lovely afghans. And what a true “chill buster” it is to have the warm heart connection you have with your aunt along with her handiwork. Looking forward to hearing more about your favorite things. Happy A-to-Z-ing.
Thank you Deborah!