beyond the scarf

Part I

This is my great grandma Dorothy. She lived to be 100 and lived life to 100%. Born in 1918, she was the first of 8 kids. Life wasn’t easy, but she didn’t let the hard times get in the way of the good times.

She went after things that other women her age just didn’t pursue. She learned to play guitar in her 60s. She took college classes in her 70s. She traveled to all 50 states. When things intrigued her, she studied them, like when she spent a year reading everything possible about the Titanic.

And of course, she knitted. I used to wear a pair of her mittens she had made for my mom. Unfortunately, we never knit together and I’m not sure if she knew I eventually learned how. But I like to imagine her surprise if she saw my creations today.

Part II

The story continues down a generation to my four grandparents. They are all artists and creators in their own way. From bronze-casting to car engine building, from sewing to cooking, I have learned from an early age the wonder of making something with your own hands.

Both of my grandmas know how to knit. (Although here I am learning cross stitch). I actually don’t remember whether Donna or Sue showed me how. Either way, they each have influenced my love for knitting and encouraged my projects. It’s such a joy to call one of them up and share my current #wip.

And beyond crafting, the four of them inspire me to be bigger than myself. To live boldly and push past boundaries. They’ve all traveled the world, cooked interesting meals, redefined what it means to age, donate to causes they care about, to name a few. They have been anything but basic. Anything but ordinary.

Part III

My mom’s favorite quote is “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” - George Eliot.

She completely embodies this intention day in and day out. She is never afraid to be a beginner and try something new. And once she starts, she’s unstoppable. Friends and family often say she’s a complete Renaissance woman.

My earliest memories of her talents include sewing clothes for me - oh the many Halloween costumes. She learned how to fly planes while she earned her PhD (and is now a professor). She plays multiple instruments like the piano and banjo. She can stumble around in Chinese, German, and Spanish and tries to learn more in her spare time. She brews beer and has won awards. She started playing ice hockey in her 30s. She started racing triathlons in her late 40s - and became an Ironman at age 50.

And she’s so generous as well. She volunteers in assisted living homes and helps a local nonprofit focused on bicycle transportation.

She has been my #1 inspiration all of my life. Whenever I doubt myself and where I’m going, she’s the first one to encourage me to just give something a try and be open to what happens.

Final Part

This line of women in my family pushing beyond the basic, beyond boundaries, and beyond expectations is how I came up with Beyond the Scarf. Like a lot of knitters, the first thing I made was a scarf. And I made a lot of scarves. But eventually, I learned more techniques, how to read patterns, and make other garments.

I’m a big believer in everything being connected. Once you can see your progress in one area of life, what’s stopping you from seeing it in others?

I push beyond expectations of myself in many aspects of life. I majored in mathematics. I served in the Peace Corps in Ethiopia for two years. I am driven in my career. I am a yoga teacher. I became an Ironman. I am unstoppable.

While this page is still solely dedicated to crafting, I will sneak in stories and insights that go beyond. And I hope you start seeing yourself this way too. That you can be beyond.

Let’s go Beyond the Scarf together.