Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Saving a Family Heirloom - Crochet Valance




A couple of weeks ago, a dear customer came with a request for salvaging a crochet valance. I never take up custom orders, but the story was too sweet to turn it down, and it had a sentimental effect on me where I immediately thought of my grandma, and how I finished things she'd started but left off unfinished. 

So this lady's cousin had a valance that was a couple of rows shy of being finished, but her mother died never finishing it.  She already had one made, but this was a twin curtain, so she wanted it finished as to hang it next to the first one. As my customer is a beginner, she didn't feel she will be able to finish her aunt's work, so she brought it to the shop. As it required only one row of mash and three rows of the border, I agreed to finish it. 

It took me a while to get used to the minimalistic hook, which was 0.5 mm by the way, as prior to that I was working with a 5mm hook (pictured together), so it had an enormous strain on my eyes. But the job was done, both ladies were thrilled and happy!

The valance was truly beautiful, but whatever I tried I couldn't snap a good photo as I didn't have the right window to hang it on, and show it in all its beauty.

7 comments:

Anabelia Craft Design said...

This crochet valance is really exquisite, Maya. Great work! Working with minimalistic hook is hard. Our elders did it very often and very carefully. They obtained delicate and exquisite results, just like yours. You can be really happy and proud. Have a nice day, dear!

Stephanie said...

Maya, the crochet valance is beautiful.

MELODY JACOB said...

What a touching story! It's wonderful that you took the time to finish a cherished piece of family history. Your connection to your grandma makes it even more special, and it's heartwarming to know that you helped fulfill your customer’s wish to honor her mother’s work. It sounds like a labor of love, especially with the challenge of using such a small hook! I'm sure the completed valance looks beautiful, and the sentiment behind it makes it even more meaningful for both you and your customer.

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Maya Kuzman said...

Thank you, Anabelia! It blows my mind to think about all those enormous tablecloths my grandma made with this tiny hook. So much effort and love for the craft to indulge into it. Truly impressive!

Maya Kuzman said...

Thank you, Stephanie!

Maya Kuzman said...

Thank you, Melody! It's quite rewarding to feel how one small effort can bring so much happiness!

EL INVENTARIO DE MJ said...

Es difícil ajustar la puntada, por el grosor del hilo y porque igual que ocurre en la escritura , cada una tenemos nuestro sello y tensamos más o menos la labor.
Así que hiciste un buen trabajo maya terminando la cortina de tu amiga.
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