The Crochet Doll
The Crochet Doll
The artistic lady in the house created this cute bundle for the grand daughter. My contribution is very minimal like stuffing, color choice, or removing the knots from yarn bundles. I think some artistic current (streak) still runs in the family. It is very difficult to preserve any sense of art in this modern crass world. Even the famed Dr. Balamuralikrishna (the composer, vocalist) expressed that sentiment in some forum, I think. What is very difficult in this crowded world is this: Just to live for the sake of “austere living”. Everybody else puts demands on our time, interest, and energies.
Our uncle and cousin sister learned and loved music. But sadly towards later life they could not hold to it due to the vagaries of life and health complications. Our dear mother had the talent but she was too busy with us; all her energies were spent on the family. Occasionally she would sing one or two songs at functions, puja, or Savitri Nomu, etc. I try to keep her memory and brilliant musical skills alive through exploring the meanings of Telugu songs. And once in a while I try to compose but I can never match mother’s creativity.
Our cousin sister used to build little stands and castles for the Kanaka Durga Devi at home during the Navaratri Festival (Dussera). She would collect umpteen discarded injection bottles from hospitals and patiently wash them and glue them into fancy tall structures with pillars.
In our native place (Narasapuram) we have a great tradition of embroidery (lace), crochet, and needle work. They used to export to Japan and many merchants from North India routinely buy large consignments of lace articles from the district. Yet the needlework puts strain on the artists’ eyes and you have to make hundred knitted bed sheets to make any sensible profit. The whole gamut of marketing is there – the middleman, exhibitions, etc. There are cooperatives and the state government is trying to promote through Lepakshi. As some one quipped in Hyderabad, “saab, ab to sab chini ka maal!” Copyright 2023 by the author
All Comments
12sooooo cccuuuttee, so cute,
She is indeed talented, together with your writing talent - this is a great post, njoyed v much,
Just to live for the sake of living austere living - is that's indeed the essence of living, to get joy out of these little things - which are actually big things,
Very good for little hand muscles, of course for the brain,
Best ewishes, Kk
Venkateswarlu sir. Still i remember that our mother just with thin thread made dolls and then stiched clothes for them and features on the face were too important. Some dolls were looked like queens with expensive clothes. Later crocht was in fashion.and after
Shettle came small 2 inch box and it gave the wonderful designs. Embroadary came and english designs were heart throabing. I knew few butcopied from bopks like
Woman and home and stich craft. My dolls had enough demand among friends but i never allowed them to touch as they were precious to me. Thanks for making me to remember my childhood. Sabita.
Subhash is very right
Even psychologists say that crafts like needle work is "hand Meditation and Gives peace of mind "when everything else fails. How true !! No wonder women of thos days did a lot of needle work. We three sisters have also done embroidery and quilting !
Ushasuryamani,
They are absolutely right. I've seen the blood pressure readings come down with such hand works. Also, knitting, gardening, and other hand hobbies keep arthritis at a distance.
The mind has to focus on the count and design. At least for those few hours mind is stilled and stops wandering.
Dear Venkateswarlu
Your grand daughter must be treasuring that beautiful hand-made doll by your wife, putting in so much skill and love and aided by you too! Such works of art have become rare these days,
I remember that in school we had Needle-work /Arts Class. I wonder if they are still there in modern schools. Like Subhash says, girls / boys must learn needle work.
Handwork and music give a lot of peace to the mind!! The strains of music in a home relieves stress!!
I am happy to tell you that our Grandson is pursuing Music Main in Duke University ( he did Math Major for three years and music was Minor before he switches over to music !! He did Piano with the Royal College of Music while in School and holds the 8th Grade in it. The path less travelled !! Whether it pays or not does not matter !!He is happy!!
Hope you will show us more of your Home Crafts
Ushasuryamani,
Thank you for the comment with your grandson's venture into music. One Asian kid here pursued piano and ended up as a music teacher at college.
Once I used to fret about scarf, cap, or mittens in the cold winters. You need all those paraphernalia for outdoor walks. Now the house is filled with several sets of caps, mittens, and scarves. Now the problem is how to choose, which color?
Definitely I'll display here the knitted items as they come out of factory!
Venkateswarlu Sir,
Talent in all humans exist in some form and it evolves depending on circumstances and surroundings. It's depth depends on the DNA that runs in the family chain.
As you have said about music which runs in the family it is blessed as a house ringing with music the vicinity bound to be musical and soothing.
Weaving intricacies no less an art and I would just put it in two words
"Blessed family"
Thank you.
Regards,
Suchisree.
Suchisreesreekumar,
Thank you for the comment. You are absolutely right - talent in one form or other exists in everyone. I hope like the earlier generations present day children also get good encouraging teachers. Very much appreciate your compliment.
Venkateswarlu, the art is important in life, both to appreciate and perform. It makes a person whole.
Prasad Ganti,
Thank you very much for the comment. If nothing else art makes human being a little refined, more well rounded personality.