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05/29/2007
Power of Knitting
As promised, some knitting projects...
This afghan grew between Beth and I. Both of us wanted to make an afghan and I'm not sure who suggested it but this is going to a single mom who is trying to move on and grow in her life. With the them of growth, Beth designed this great creation. Block by block we knit the Andinkra (sometimes Adinkra) signs and I sewed them together. Even though it took me since December, 2006 to get it together, here it is in all its finished glory:
The Andinkra Afghan consists of the following squares:
Baobab tree (the brown one) - a symbol of endurance - especially with the hot conditions it thrives in in Africa
Twisting - b.k.a. nkyinkyim; a symbol of initiative, dynamism and versatility
Crocodile - b.k.a. denkyem; a symbol of adaptability . The crocodile lives in the water, yet breathes the air, demonstrating an ability to adapt to circumstances.
Paddles - b.k.a. tabono; a symbol represents strength and preseverence
When my daughter heard why we were knitting this, she started to work on a lanyard keychain to be included for the mom.
The point of choosing these symbols was to encourage the mom toward growth and renewal. I think that we made great choices with the symbols as each one has its strengths - what is needed for a struggling mom and individual.
Knit with acrylic worsted weight yarn from Beth's stash, this afghan has 28 squares using the mosaic pattern of each symbol. I picked up and knitted the border in garter stitch by picking up one stitch at the beginning of each side. I cast on 4 more stitches and went all the way down the sides. Beth is such a great and inspirational knitter - this was her suggestion. Otherwise I would have picked up all 1000+ stitches and tried to knit it this way. Phew!
06:05 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (7) | Email this | Tags: charity knitting, african symbols, scarf exchange, knitting, mosaic knitting, free knitting pattern
Comments
What a lovely and powerful afghan :)
Posted by: Dina | 05/30/2007
That is an amazing afghan you helped to knit. The symbols are really amazing and powerful. I hope the mother appreciates the afghan as well.
Posted by: Erin | 06/01/2007
Hey Sista! You are really working those needles! I like the Adinkra Blanket. I'm working on two crochet hats, and a Knitted Sweater for my DH.
Take Care~
Posted by: Queen | 06/05/2007
That is one of the best afghans and the BEST use of culturally representative symbolism i've seen in a long time. I'm sure the mother will appreciate her gift.
Posted by: sahara | 06/10/2007
Your other post didn't let me comment, but GOOD FOR YOU! And your husband is definitely a "do right brother" for getting you such a gift!
Posted by: sahara | 06/10/2007
That afghan is absolutely gorgeous! I know the recipient will love it. I adore gifts with meaning. :-D
Cute scarf. Always useful, but the design element just makes it "pop" into a gorgeous access. Great job!
Posted by: anna | 06/24/2007
Lovely afghan! What a fantastic and thoughtful gift :
Posted by: amanda cathleen | 06/26/2007
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