I think it was a few months ago when I reviewed a book and recommended it to book lovers like me. Like I’ve always said before, I don’t make a review by parroting a synopsis or summary of a book like other people do. You can find those lovely summaries online. I’d rather think of how I enjoyed reading it or how it affected me. Believe me, reading one always affects me, be it a good story or not.
I’ve set aside one or two books that I have recently started when I found this lovely book by Helen J. Rolfe. It is my first time to encounter a book by this author and I just love it. The title made me smile and it was not just because the story obviously was about Christmas which is my favorite season of the year. Christmas At The Little Knitting Box – this reminds me of those long ago days when doing crafts were in vogue.
My mum has this sturdy Singer sewing machine which has been with her since I was in grade school. At her age now (she’s 88) she still can sew and repair her dresses with it. You won’t believe this but she still has those pillow cases which she sewed and embroidered a long, long time ago. There was even this center table runner with my name embroidered on it. I learned embroidery and crochet when I was in grade school in our Home Economics class. That was followed by simple projects that I learned during high school. Back in the nineties, my former boss at Bank of the Philippine Islands had set up a craft store in one of the malls here in Metro Manila. She taught us crafts like paper quilling, candle making and cross-stitching. There was a time I got so engrossed in cross-stitching that I even brought my projects to the office and did them during lunch breaks. Some of my office mates were in it too and we exchanged designs, sourced materials. Until now I still have those skein threads in almost all shades and colors.
The book I have just read reminds me of those days. I’ve never done knitting though. Those colorful yarns featured in the book made me remember those nights my eyes would grow heavy with fatigue to finish a corner of a particular cross-stitch design. It’s a beautifully written book that was a joy to read, an uplifting saga about families and beating the odds. It is a story about celebrating Christmas – the snow on the front porch, the Christmas lights and parols, the beautifully decorated Christmas tree, the food, gifts and everything that spells Christmas. It is a feel-good book that I would recommend to everyone to read during the season. I am giving it five stars.
Thank you so much for mentioning this book – I can’t wait to read it. My mom also kept sewing well into her 80’s. Her sister who didn’t sew would drop off pants to be hemmed etc.
Like you, I miss those days of embroidery and crafts. It’s been years, maybe a decade, since I’ve participated. I need to start off with something small.
I’m looking forward to reading this book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do hope you’ll be able to read it too Debbie. it is really nice to remember those days. This is a story set in New York. Thank you so much for visiting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nothing like encountering something that brings back good memories. It’s not always a book. Sometimes it’s a scent or a song. I recently splurged on J’adore perfume because it reminds me of fond childhood memories. My mom used to wear it a lot when I was in kindergarten.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do agree with you. Sometimes, it could be a place or food for that matter. Reminiscing about the good old days. Lovely. T^hanks a lot Alexis.
LikeLike
That’s also true. You’re welcome 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks again 🙂
LikeLike
Oh that book sounds like a good read. Especially at this time of year to help put you into the Christmas spirit even more!
LikeLiked by 1 person
True. I enjoyed reading it. There is nothing like a good book about Christmas to remind us about how beautiful the season is. Thank you so much 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My Mum, now ninety five, has only recently been forced to give up cross stitching because of macular degeneration.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow, she must have enjoyed it so much. It is an addicting hobby Derrick.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice to hear about the book, and your memories of the sewing machine, and learning crafts. I wonder how many Mums do that these days?
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are still some out there who are doing crafts. A friend who works in Saudi is into cross stitching. He has joined exhibit here before.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I used to take my cross stitch to faculty meetings. It made long discussions go by much faster. The book sounds lovely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You did cross stitching too? It’s a good book Elizabeth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did years of counted cross stitch. It decorates many rooms in my home.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I still have about four framed works on display too. the rest I gave as gifts to friends and some are unfinished.
LikeLiked by 1 person