My relationship with my very much still kickin' 86-year-old grandmother has been strained ever since my mom died suddenly in May of 2010. It sucks! I wish things could go back to the way they were before, but they haven't yet. I'm still holding out hope.
I have decided to crochet her a lap afghan. I want it to be SUPER special. My hopes are that she will use it often while sitting in her living room chair.
My question: what colors should I use? Should I make it to coordinate with her living room decor--rusts, golds, browns, or to coordinate with her personality and colors I know she loves--corals, lemon yellow, sky blue? I think choosing the colors that are "her colors" would show more thought, but the blanket would not look good draped over the back of her chair.
This is not a big deal as I know she will think a blanket made for her from me is special either way, but I'd love to hear your opinion. Of course, I realize "only I know her", but . . .
What do you think?
Yay!!! Thank you, mamas!! I'm off to JoAnn's to buy "her" colors. I knew in my heart that's what I should use!!
I would use her favorite colors and I would put a lettuce/ruffle edge on it if it were my grandmother. I think choosing her colors WOULD show more thought and who cares if it clashes with the couch?
Okay... it may be hideous, or a terrible idea... but what about 3 sections:
Meaning:
Coral, Lemon, Sky = Grandmother
X, Y, Z = Your Mom's favorite colors
A, B, C = Your favorite colors
?
The 3 of you woven together, continuity. Sort of Irish flag... the colors in 1/3's
Match her personality. If she loves lemons and corals then that is what she should get. PLus in 5 years she may not be in that living room and in a sterile nursing, assisted living type of home. She would want the cheery blanket.
Without any more information than you've given, I think your major gift for your grandmother needs to be a letter saying what you're saying right here. "Grandma, I'm sorry we don't have the relationship we used to have. I miss our closeness, and I want you to know that I love you all to pieces. I've made this lap afghan so that when you use it or look at it you'll remember that I'm so extremely thankful I'm your granddaughter."
Or something like that.
Then decide what colors will go with the note, so to speak. Choose colors she will see and think, "Ahhh!" The colors of walls may change, but there are colors a person automatically responds to positively no matter what.
by 86 i hope i have so many treasures that dont match each other, that it all seems to go together. ;) That's a rich life. Make her the colors she loves. She will be looking at it on her lap everyday.
If I may make a suggestion. Crochet one beautiful gold strand through it to represent your mom.
I don't think blankets have to match furniture when they are made for someone. Sure if you go to Bed Bath and Beyond you are going to look for what matches the furniture. Not when you are making a blanket, then it should match the person. :)
why can't the colors be combined? Leave the rust out. Combine the gold, light brown (tan)...with the coral & lemon. These four colors will work together. Or make it stripes combining all of the colors....make the room decor smaller stripes & her favs the larger stripes.
Go with the colors she loves. She is 86. She is far past impressing people with her home decor. She knows what's important in life and will cherish the blanket.
Is there a solid color that would both be one she loved and one in her home?? If so, I'd shoot for that color. If not, I'd go for "lemon yellow" because while not a perfect match for the colors in her home, it would still be able to work in to the color scheme if it's a solid.
Very thoughtful gift...
I'd also make it in the colors she loves.
I love my purple fleece blanket, it does not match my decor but is my favorite color and warm! :)
I would go with colors that you know she loves and write a note with it as to why you used them. Sorry you lost your mom and feel strain with your grandma. Time really does heal and good for you for stepping out there to come together again.
Maybe you want to include in the note how much you miss what you once had with her. It is almost like losing two people, if she saw that she may step out too.
Good luck.
Hi Jessica-
I just made (may) a beautiful shawl for my mom in her favorite color...a moss green. She can use it on her lap...but has the flexibility to 'wear' it also...
Just a thought...
Best luck!
**My mom is 80 BTW**
michele/cat
