Monday, November 21, 2011

'Kaffeslabberas': Handmade is Best

Erna Christensen, 86, from Kaffeslabberas in conversation with fashion designer Mads Nørgaard
Photograph Mads Emil Hilmer, Courtesy Guardian.co.uk
I've never re-blogged an entire article, but this one about "Knitting Nanas" by Lars Eriksen of the Guardian, deserves it. A sweet story about how a contemporary fashion designer collaborates with local senior women in Denmark, it reminded me of how my own beloved grandmother (a superb knitter and crafty person herself) was commissioned by the Hudson's Bay Company to knit amazingly dense, and sturdy, comfortable, woolen jackets for them in the late-seventies. If on the market now, my guess is that these beauties would likely go for $700-900, but of course, I'm doubtful they fetched that much then.  My grandmother, who spoke all of two words in English, was a perfectionist when it came to anything she made by hand. From food, to clothing, to crafts, she had the midas touch. One of the coats which she made by hand remained (somewhat miraculously!) in circulation among my five siblings. What a far more important heirloom than something manufactured, or preciously ornate and sans character.

9 comments:

Grace said...

This is amazing.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful touching story. Thank you for sharing!

jessica said...

we need more sustainable clothing, and this is perfect.

Donelle (from the Plateau!) said...

Time true and tested

monica said...

they dont make chucky knits the way women used to

and thats an amazing story about ur grandmother

Cecylia said...

wooh that jumper is adorable!!! It's going to be a lost art soon! I need to learn to knit! :D
xx

Miiicha said...

Aww What a cute story!

maica said...

bonita historia,es una pena que estas tradiciones se vayan perdiendo y sobre todo la alta calidad de estas prendas indestructibles

Deera said...

Quelle belle histoire