A wonderful group of women in Texas came together to crochet for Mandalas for Marinke. I’m thrilled to share this contribution with you today.
Connie’s Contribution
This sunny, fiery crochet spoke mandala comes from Connie Lee Lynch of CrochEtCetera. She explains about this package:
“I’ve been crocheting for about ten years and teaching crochet classes for almost two now. Some of my wonderful students chose to participate in this project with me, and I couldn’t be more proud!”
Connie adds about herself:
“Creativity has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember – since I was old enough to use a pair of scissors, I expect. So many of us are affected by depression throughout our lives in one way or another. Some people have harder battles than others do, though. I have always used arts and crafts to help get me through the tougher times, so I am a firm believer in the healing power of art. I just wish Wink’s crocheting had been enough for her.”
You can see more from Connie on Instagram, where she notes:
“Sharing my love of all creative things, from the crochet to the etc: nail art, hiking, knitting, and our critters are a few things you’ll find here!”
Freddie’s Contribution
This spoke crochet mandala, worked in a rich variegated yarn, comes to us from Freddie O.
She shares:
“My daughter married a little over a year ago (she is 36) and is planning to have a family in a year or two. She is my only daughter, and I was an only child. I am marking as many baby things as fast and carefully as possible! Crochet is so nice!
And she adds for Wink:
“Wink’s instructions in her book have made it possible for me to learn crocheting. She inspires me to keep on trucking. Thanks Wink!”
Jody’s Contribution
Jody Erickson, who made this rainbow colored spoke crochet mandala, shares that she has been crocheting off and on throughout her lifetime and loves learning new designs.
Margaret’s Contribution
Margaret Stiles contributed this autumnal crochet spoke mandala.
Margaret shares:
“I chose to contribute in honor of “Wink” for all her great work. As a nurse I have seen a lot of depression in my patients, and I know how much a hobby like crochet helps.”
Margaret is a 72-year-old grandmother of 3 small ones who loves crocheting and enjoys working with Wink’s patterns. Margaret is active on Facebook, Pinterest and Ravelry.
Linda’s Contribution
Linda Byrd contributed two crochet mandalas using the same colorway in completely different ways. Love them.
Linda shares:
“I’m originally from Ohio, then I lived in California for over 30 years, and now I’ve lived in Texas for the past nine years. I learned to crochet when I was little, and I also learned jewelry and other crafts.”
She adds:
“I enjoyed making these mandalas in memory of Wink. I was really sorry to hear she lost her battle. She will be missed.”
Dawn’s Contribution
These three lovely crochet mandalas were contributed by Dawn Ramsay. One is the spoke crochet mandala and the other two are Wink’s standard free crochet mandala pattern.
Dawn shares:
In 1971, I learned a few basic crochet stitches. Years later, in 2007, my husband returned to active duty and left for Germany and Afghanistan. After 17 years of marriage, I was alone for the first time. My girlfriends brought out yarn, and we all three began to crochet to “keep me busy” I crocheted several items for my husband and his fellow soldiers. Crocheting has been my therapy for the last seven years of my Army Wife life.”.\
She adds:
“Wink’s work was so free and joyful. Her samples remind me of how she “colored” our world and stitched from the heart.”
“I chose to contribute so her family will see that we as crafters share her life joy as well as her family’s sorrow. Wink inspired others to expand our abilities and learn new things. I am just so saddened that her life is ended, but her talent is left behind in her books and patterns. Her work will linger on. No one is forgotten as long as someone still says and remembers their name.
RIP, Wink, until we get there!”
Brenda’s Contribution
These three terrific mandalas, each a different pattern made in the same colorway, come from Brenda. K. Echols, who made “the colorful designs to show support for a life lost”.
Brenda says,
“I have been crocheting since I was 14 years old. I learned with doily thread and then went on to yarn. Crocheting is a great craft that allows you to try and learn different projects.”
She adds:
“Crafting takes your mind off of your problems and gives you time to relax and recoup your energy.”
“My sister was bipolar and wouldn’t listen to anyone, even doctors. She lost her battle two years ago from alcohol and drug toxicity. I have always been careful after watching her battles.”
“Wink may have battled depression, but she had beauty inside her that came out in her work for others to see.
Take comfort that she is in no more pain. She left a beautiful legacy.”
A huge thanks to every one of these women for contributing. I was originally going to share each of these contributions separately, but then when I went to write this post, I realized that they belonged together. I love the work that went into each of them and I love them all as a set. It was really special to receive them together.
I’ve learned over the years that there is amazing power in the support of a group, whether it’s a class or a group of friends or a therapy group. Some related posts:
- 10 Benefits of a Crochet Group
- Benefits of Local Crochet Groups
- 8 Benefits of Crochet Book Clubs
- Benefits of Crochet in Group Therapy
And did you know that there’s a Crochet Saved My Life Ravelry group?
I cannot describe how incredibly proud I am of my amazing crochet students – seeing their work gathered together here and displayed so beautifully is such a blessing. Reading this brought me to tears!
I am so touched by everyone’s contribution. Thanks so much to all of you!