calendar ideas

Calendar Blanket Crochet

Kristal

Farmers market knits memories of crochet traditions

I walked in from the back. To my left, Carole Zickau’s table was full of yarn creations. She had square hot holders that had pockets where you put your hand. Itty bitty blankets were tucked around plush animals. These were for kids to hold to keep them occupied while parents looked over the table. Zickau is a veteran of these markets.

Crochet Pattern: Calendar Blanket

Yarn unlocks special memories for me. Maybe it does for all Midwesterners. It could go beyond that, but except for a foray into Idaho, I’ve spent my life in these states, so I don’t know. But, did you know they don’t have Schmidt beer out there — no packs with fish or birds on them, and they don’t put guardrails on their canyons!

Back to the point …

Calendar Blanket Crochet Kit

Every Christmas that I can remember with Grandma Baldus up in Austin, Minnesota, she had a box of crocheted mittens and hats to give out to her grandkids. She also had a fridge full of pop by the back door. Not cans either, bottles. We loved going to grandma’s.

When grandma passed, my mom picked up the mittens tradition and more. She added scarves, doilies, hot holders, boot slippers and scrubber balls, among other things I’m not sure of their purposes.

Crochet Border - Fancy Granny Calendar Blanket - Pattern & Tutorial

She widened into knitting and our home suddenly was no longer child safe. Sure, I was a teenager by then, but those needles are massive, and she raised me on monster movies and Hammer horror films. Nothing pointy is innocent … Crochet is done with dulled hooks. That’s not much better, but they don’t make my eyes twitch.

Anyhoo, crocheting and knitting helped her manage the arthritis in her hands. The movement was important, even more so than the cigarettes, cheese balls and pretzels, but on par with playing hand held casino games or “Dr. Mario” on the Nintendo.

Mighty Mile-A-Minute Crochet Calendar Blanket - May - Big Dot Cookies Stitch

She cranked out gifts for her grandkids even before they arrived. Her inventory grew with little hats that fit on baseballs and then hats with mohawks, ear flaps and tie strings.

When she passed, my sister picked up the tradition. She is a military veteran with a Harley who has since finished and framed a bunch of Mom’s doilies. I’ll have to check in to see what else she has in stock.

As for Zickau’s table at the farmer’s market, it was full when I left, but it was still early. She also had woven key chains and bracelets made by her grandkids for sale. I looked back as I opened my pickup’s door. A mom was looking over the table now.

There will be more farmers markets in the Lyons Four Square Park into next month. The final days of the season will be Nov. 1, 4, 8 and 11.

REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK

• Michelle Robbins Ramirez posted on social media that “Kevin and I are starting a new adventure and we’re opening a Jersey Mike’s in Clinton. We’re hoping for a February 2024 opening.”

• I made my first visit to Eagle Point Park this week. It turns out that because of the fall colors I arrived during prime portrait photographer season.

• Discussions on solar system regulations continue for the Clinton City Council, Council member Gregg Obren recently told the Clinton County Development Association. A big question to answer: In town solar fields, yes or no?

• Redeveloping the Lafayette building downtown is gaining momentum, Obren also said. The roughly $9.2 million project that would include apartments is eligible for historic tax credits.

• Regarding Tailgates and Tallboys, Obren said USA Concerts was expecting high losses for the first year in Clinton and was happy.

• The CCDA plans to vote on grants in November.

• The Clinton High School orchestra trip is back. Orchestra members will have the opportunity to travel to Nashville, Tennessee, during the 2025 spring break. Orchestra director David Rosales is making preparations for, tentatively, March 13-16, 2025.

BAD JOKE OF THE DAY

A skeleton walks into a bar, what does it order?

A drink and a mop.

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